SWALLOW HILL MUSIC ASSOCIATION
Denver's Home for Folk, Roots & Acoustic Music
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Contacts:Rodolfo Betancourt, rudy@swallowhillmusic.org
Laura McGaughey, laura@swallowhillmusic.org
303.765.2488
Explore the roots of funk at Swallow Hill with U.S. Pipe
WHAT: U.S. Pipe Unplugged Performance and Roots of Funk Interactive Workshop
WHEN: Performance is Friday, June 13 at 8 p.m. Workshop is Saturday, June 14 at noon
WHERE: 71 East Yale Avenue, Denver, CO 80210
PERFORMANCE TICKETS: Advance $15; Day of $18
WORKSHOP TICKETS: Advance $23; Day of $25
INFO & BOX OFFICE: http://www.swallowhillmusic.org/, (303) 777-1003
PHOTO: http://www.swallowhillmusic.org/images/artists/highrez/USPipe001.jpg
DENVER, COLO. (5/20/08) -- Swallow Hill is pleased to present Colorado's premier funk band, U.S. Pipe, as they take the Daniels Hall stage for a special unplugged performance on Friday, June 13 at 8 p.m. In addition, U.S. Pipe leader and Swallow Hill faculty member Chris "Citrus" Sauthoff, along with Swallow Hill School Director Michael Schenkelberg and other members of the band, will conduct a special interactive Roots of Funk workshop the next day, Saturday, June 14 at noon.
U.S. Pipe's unique blend of funk, hip hop and rock has received acclaim from fans and critics alike. The band's makeup hearkens back to bands like Sly and the Family Stone—a real diverse set of colorful characters whose combined energies make for a live performance unlike any other. Able to play four hours straight without stopping, they've set a standard for the music scene in which they are a part.
U.S. Pipe began in 2005 as Chris "Citrus" Sauthoff, a then-stage manager and guitarist for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic (P-Funk), sought out to start his own project within his home state of Colorado. Since those beginnings, U.S. Pipe has performed at many prominent Colorado venues and events, such as Boulder's Fox Theatre, Aspen's Belly Up, Denver's Bluebird Theater, and the Capitol Hill People's Fair. They've toured throughout the Rocky Mountain region, Midwest and Southwest, from Idaho to Oklahoma and New Mexico, winning fans and critics alike regionally.
In 2007, they performed at Diversafest, the Midwest's largest and most comprehensive music festival, alongside celebrated headlining acts The Flaming Lips and Leon Russell. That same year they also opened for George Clinton, who, when asked about Citrus, U.S. Pipe and the future of funk said, "It's getting funky again. Citrus will get some people in here tonight. He's opened for us before and every time we come here, (U.S. Pipe will) probably open for us. He's funky."
Later that year, the Pipe was recognized by Denver's 1 alternative weekly, Westword, as one of the top funk bands in their annual Music Showcase. 2008 yielded a second nomination from Westword as well as two opening slots for P-Funk, one at Aspen's Belly Up club and one at the beautiful Mishawaka Amphitheatre in the Poudre Canyon. They're currently finishing their full-length release, United Sound Pipe.
This performance will be unlike any other previous U.S. Pipe show. An acoustic funk hootenanny, of sorts, there will be special guests from the extended Swallow Hill community to explore the roots of funk. Early funk songs with gospel, country and R&B influences will be performed, as well as U.S. Pipe's original material.
The following day, Saturday, June 14 at noon there will be an interactive Roots of Funk workshop and jam, headed by Citrus and Swallow Hill School Director, Michael Schenkelberg. Go on a sentimental journey that will take you from funk music's early doo-wop barbershop beginnings through the landing of the Mothership, from the social and political statements during funk's high point in the 1970s to today's state of the funk. A multimedia lecture, coupled with performance, will enlighten participants about what the mystery of what funk is all about, with an informal jam afterwards. Participants should bring instruments and/or voices to take part in the jam.
For tickets visit http://www.swallowhillmusic.org/ or call (303) 777-1003. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members.
About Swallow Hill Music Association:
Helping people make and enjoy music since 1979, Swallow Hill Music Association is one of the largest nonprofit institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. With more than 2,300 members, Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 200 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. Swallow Hill's Julie Davis School of Music offers classes for every interest, skill level and member of the family. Each year, a faculty of 60 instructors provides training to more than 4,000 students. A Tier II member of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Swallow Hill has won both the Mayor's and Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, countless "Best of Denver" awards, has been recognized by the the North American Folk Alliance, and is one of the most sought-after venues by folk and roots performers in the country.
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