SpokesBUZZ Presents BandSwap Homecoming October 1-5 in Denver, Fort Collins
by Tim Wenger
SpokesBUZZ, Fort Collins’ finest music-oriented non-profit, is hosting its Homecoming Week for their flagship BandSwap program October 1-5. The program sends Colorado bands to perform a well-orchestrated show out of state, while pairing them with a band local to that city, and then bringing both bands to Colorado to perform an equally well-orchestrated gig here. Sarah Slaton, the organization’s Director of Artist Development, filled us in on how the program works, who is involved, and what you can do to catch the action that will be hitting Fort Collins and Denver starting this week.
CMB: You’ve got a solid list of cities participating this year. Are you hoping to keep growing, or are you happy with where it’s at?
SS: There’s certainly room for growth with the BandSwap program. Next year we’ll have returning cities and new markets joining in the movement. Our first priority is to focus on quality, not quantity, so the main concern is executing the events with maximum impact. The visibility and interest in the program grows exponentially each year. In my opinion the sky’s the limit.
CMB: How was the Homecoming Week put together, and how did the organization come into contact with the out of town bands?
SS: Homecoming week is the final chapter of BandSwap. After each Colorado band selected heads to their designated outbound city, we then bring their partner bands back to Colorado for a week of showcases, panels, and industry mixers. The SpokesBUZZ team secures venues and coordinates all elements of Homecoming events. It’s been six months of hard work and planning, but Homecoming Week is the fruition of our labor.
We work with municipalities, industry gatekeepers, and professionals in the outbound cities to help select participating bands from outside Colorado. Each city handles their selection process differently through submissions or contests. Bands selected must have a strong following in their home market since the entire idea is based around swapping fans and making connections in new cities.
CMB: Will there be an all-inclusive pass available for the entire week, or are tickets only available for individual events?
SS: There isn’t an all-inclusive pass. Folks can head to www.bandswap.org for more information, but some of the events are ticketed and some are free to attend. Denver will host a free industry panel, mixer, and showcase at Galvanize on OCT. 02. We will also have free events in Fort Collins at Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Avogadro’s Number, Downtown Artery, and Powerhouse.
CMB: Where is the best spot to pick up tickets and get more info on the bands?
SS: You can find ticket links for all Homecoming shows at www.bandswap.org. You can also buy tickets for club showcases at www.hi-dive.com , www.hodishalfnote.com , www.thewalnutroom.com
PARTIPATING CO BANDS & THEIR PARTNERS
The Yawpers (Boulder) with Jordan Igoe (Charleston) – Hi Dive 10/1
Eldren (Denver) with k i d s (Athens) – Hi Dive 10/1
Winchester Holiday (Fort Collins) with Phin (Nashville) – Galvanize 10/2
Maxwell Hughes (Fort Collins) with Amanda Broadway (Nashville) – Galvanize 10/2
The Gasoline Lollipops (Boulder) with Bonsoir, Catin (Lafayette) – Walnut Room 10/3
The Deadwood Saints (Fort Collins) with Lewi Longmire & The Left Coast Roasters – Walnut Room 10/3
Shatterproof (Fort Collins) with The Lolo’s (Chico,CA) – Hodi’s Halfnote 10/3
Winchester Holiday (Fort Collins) with Phin (Nashville) – Hodi’s Halfnote 10/3
Stella Luce (Fort Collins) with Lords of The Trident (Madison) – Hodi’s Halfnote 10/4 (support from Izcalli and Post Paradise)
Open Jam (w/ all participating bands) – Avogadro’s Number 10/5
Category: Local News
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