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The Shootout 24 hour Filmmaking Festival Oct. 12, 2008 @ Boulder Theater

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A Romantic Valentine's Night at Fox Theater with DEVOTCHKA!

Written by Josha Danaher
Tuesday, 05 February 2008
Photo: Michael Calanan You probably first heard DeVotchKa in the Academy Award winning movie “Little Miss Sunshine.” The Denver based Quartet was asked to do the soundtrack for the movie after the filmmakers Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Farris heard the song “You Love Me” on the radio. They were looking for a sound that would go well with the story about a semi-dysfunctional family, driving their Volkswagon bus across the Arizona desert. When they heard DeVotchKa’s song they knew they had found what they were looking for. Coincidentally the album “How it Ends” was recorded in the Arizona Desert. DeVotchKa consists of a group of eclectic musicians and even more eclectic instruments. Nick Urata is the lead singer and guitar/banjo/bass/mandolin/theramin/bouzouki and songwriter. Tom Hagerman plays the accordion and violin, Jeanie Schroder, upright bass and sousaphone(like a tuba) and Shawn King, plays drums and trumpet. To their credit, DeVotchKa’s music is nearly indescribable. They have been described as “Eastern bloc indie rock,” or "mariachi polka punk," or my favorite, in Nick’s own words, “like Mexican food on a long Russian winter night.” Considered one of the best bands to come out of Denver, their success has been a long time coming and completely unexpected. “When I started this band 10 years ago I was kinda treading water in a sea of unknown musical styles,” Urata said in a recent interview with The Marquee, “I just kind of honed in on what felt natural and what I felt like I could do some justice to. I definitely wanted to do something exotic, use unusual instruments and break away from the drudgery of guitar rock bands.” “We never thought it would get to this level. Earlier this year we sold out the Fillmore in San Francisco, which I never thought would be possible, so we’ve already surpassed our expectations,” he said. Recording since 1999, DeVotchKa has self-released three records, Supermelodrama, Una Volta, How it ends and toured relentlessly. “How it ends” has sold more than 20,000 copies and was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered”. The Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack was also nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack. Live at the Fillmore SF Photo: Mustafa Sayed I stumbled upon Devotchka while filming their Halloween show in Denver. I had heard of them, but did not know what to expect. It was the best show I had seen in years. With their incredibley creative and unique sound aside, Nick’s stage presence and antics are pretty entertaining. DeVotchKa usually tours with a Russian dance troupe, which contributes to some tantalizing visuals. I am sure they have something very special in mind for the Valentine’s show at the Fox. This is their only show in America, before they leave for their European tour. Nicks love of live performances and interaction with his audiences is reflected in how he feels about his shows. “I feel very privileged to connect with total strangers through music, it illuminates the idea that we are all connected and basically we are all in this together. If we can lift some spirits or stimulate some romantic activity, then our existence is briefly justifiable.” “Romantic activity”?? Sounds like a very successful Valentine’s night for any couple.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 10 February 2008 )

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