Gothic Theatre
Hotfoot
The Denver-based rock band Hotfoot, formed in 2002, features Brian Heck on lead vocals and bass, Shawn Cupolo on guitar and Chad Johnson on drums and vocals. Their sound blends high-energy blues-rock with funk and psychedelic influences, earning them shows at top rock and blues venues throughout Colorado, including The Fox Theater and Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom.
The band’s music is heavily influenced by the classic rock and blues of Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Cream, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as modern bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus and Blues Traveler. Hotfoot is comprised of seasoned musicians who have performed professionally throughout the country.
Brian Heck, originally from Los Angeles before moving to the East Coast, is a veteran of the Washington, DC & Colorado music scenes. Inspired to get his first bass after seeing The Who in concert, he later emerged in the Blacksburg, Virginia music community to perform with Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin (former Muddy Waters’ sideman), among others. In Washington DC, Heck worked with the fusion trio Boud Duen and the R&B band Good Foot, before relocating to Denver, where he performed with various bands at LoDo music festivals, area clubs, and in studio session work. He cites John Entwhistle, Jack Bruce, Willie Dixon and J.S. Bach among his main musical influences.
Originally from New Jersey, Shawn Cupolo started out playing in various blues and rock bands on the East Coast. He has been featured on the Blues In The Night television program in New York City, and radio shows on WDHA (NJ’s largest rock station) and WNTI (Northwest NJ Free-Form Radio). Working with a variety of bands and musical projects in Colorado since 1998, he has opened for Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and has been featured in live performance on radio shows at KGNU, KBFR and Clear Creek Radio. He also performs in the acoustic blues duo Dogtooth Canyon with singer/songwriter Matt Meighan.
Born to a musical family in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Chad Johnson began playing drums at age 7, going on to perform in some of Denver’s top rock and jazz bands. He has opened for rock legends such as Joe Walsh, Dr. Hook & Average White Band, among others, while performing in local bands such as Funkiphino, Freak Boy #9, The Garden Weasels, and Tequila Mockingbird. He also teaches drums at one of Colorado’s top music schools, Swallow Hill. For more information visit his website at www.woohanlives.com.
