You’d think a band yet to celebrate its first birthday would be bickering over whose basement is best for practice sessions. At least that’s the visual a stereotypical inauguration tends to suggest. But there’s nothing conventional about Rachel & The Kings, and the dynamo-style start the band boasts is no exception. Consider: with less than two months of official togetherdom, Rachel & The Kings won Ford’s national “Gimme the Gig II” competition, earning huge accolades from legendary producer (and head judge) Don Was. Not to mention becoming the de facto stars of “Gimme the Gig II,” set to air on KTLA in late July, 2012.

What explains such immediate and extraordinary success is a confluence of talent culled from piles of musical endowment accumulating around Denver these days. Rachel James, already an established singer / songwriter, initially teamed up with friend and producer Joey Barba (lead guitarist of former band Tickle Me Pink). As production on her first full-length album progressed, the need for formidable players to complement the music’s intense construction became clear, and Barba called upon Stefan Runstrom, also of Tickle Me Pink fame, to track drums. With the eventual addition of two other notable Colorado players – Ian Short, violin player and long-time collaborator alongside Rachel, with former status playing violin for Hello Kavita and Noah Matthews, former bass player on the Alan Baird Project – the proverbial circle was complete.

And as often occurs in these charmed circumstances, the group chemistry was simply something too potent for anyone to ignore. James, Barba, Runstrom, Short and Matthews all agreed that they had to take their talents outside the studio and due justice to the dynamic sound already found behind its walls. And thus began Rachel & The Kings, a young person’s super-group who proves worthy of that superlative moniker. Their live shows make fun feel justified, a sort of mature approach to having a rather rockin’ good time. Their songwriting finesse and musical artistry set the band on a playing field that’s really all their own. But what separates Rachel & The Kings the most from other bands is the real joy onstage they seem to experience themselves. It’s a relief to see the band is in on what you already know: that this is great stuff.

Rachel & The Kings’ debut album is set for release late 2012/early 2013, with nationwide performances to follow.

Rebel Tongue seamlessly weaves Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz and Soul music into a live and intense array of powerful songwriting that leaves you eager for more. Comprised of versatile artists they easily respond to the call of any venue and set the stage ablaze!!!

The band has recently released their debut album titled “Movin' On".The album blends conscious rapid fire lyrics with funk, jazz and a twist of soul. On this seven track album, which took a little over a year to complete, they are honored to have such special guests as, LIGE CURRY (Parliament-Funkadelic), RICK GARDNER (RubberHorn/Bootsy's Rubber Band/Marvin Gaye), and DANNY BEDROSIAN (Parliament -Funkadelic/Secret Army). The band is also debuting their first music video from the song, "Tell Them Why", which stems from a war laden politically driven atmosphere. Rebel Tongue is a refreshing, high intensity band that will bring the fire at any time! The new album “Movin' On" will definitely earn a permanent place in your favorite play list!

Various members have performed at such premier Colorado venues as Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Fillmore Auditorium, The Fox Theater, The Belly Up Aspen, The Ogden Theater, The Bluebird Theater, and have opened for the likes of George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Guru of Gangstarr, Immortal Technique, Tech N9ne, Saul Williams, The Nappy Roots, Jedi Mindtricks, Non Phixion, Too Short, Fishbone, The English Beat, Breakestra, Bonerama, and played festivals with headliners The Flaming Lips, Leon Russell, Taj Mahal, and Otis Taylor.

Liberation the goal, longevity the key, Rebel Tongue is on the rise to musical success!!!!

Often described as an angry cousin of The White Stripes, In The Whale are turning heads in the Denver music scene with their brand of bluesy indie rock. In 2009, Eric Riley and Nate Valdez got together after each others respective bands (What About Pluto? and Trailer 77) had dissolved. Wanting to try something stress free and more creative, the two friends began hashing out what would become In The Whale. With a wide spectrum of influences from Son House to Tom Morello, In The Whale's show is heavy, passionate, and energetic. Don't be fooled by their small numbers either. This band packs quite a wallop on stage. For fans of: The Black Keys, Queens Of The Stone Age, Cage The Elephant.

Playing as a six-piece group, Dakar brings a healthy dose of rhythm and rhyme inspired by every generation of American pop. The group owes an obvious debt to jazz-infused acts like Dave Matthews Band, but they are equally interested in hip hop sounds like The Roots, with dual front men frequently trading melodic and rapping vocal licks. It all comes together with surprising cohesion for a new and welcome sound, like a funk band turned loose on an unsuspecting symphony audience.