The Last Bison at Larimer Lounge Denver

Ben Hardesty of The Last Bison

The Last Bison a rising young seven-piece band from Chesapeake VA made their Denver debut at the Larimer Lounge on Tuesday. Combining elements of alternative indie and mountain top chamber music they have created a sound very similar to bands like Mumford and Sons and the Decemberists.  The modest crowd most of which was there to see headliner Kishi Bashi was pleasantly surprised as The Last Bison took the stage performing songs from their debut album “Quill”. Before their set the band told me it was very important for them to translate the joy of making music onstage to their audience and they successfully did just that. The group’s intricate arrangements topped with catchy melodies and lyrics quickly won the awe of the audience.

With an average age of 23 the young septet played with finesse and maturity beyond their years. There was purity to the group’s performance especially on songs like “Iscariot” one of the few songs without percussion. At the forefront lead singer Ben Hardesty showed an intense connection to the music as he played through broken guitar strings and some early sound system issues without skipping a beat. On the song “Switzerland” his uniquely expressive voice moved from soft melodic highs to emotional growls.  The standalone bass drum center stage added to the performance with Hardesty moving from guitar to drums with ease. Beautifully blended vocal harmonies, perfect syncopation, and powerful percussions made for a solid performance.

The Last Bison started soon after Ben Hardesty finished high school and began writing music.  His father Dan helped him book shows and performed with him along with sister Anna Hardesty. Joined by brothers Jay and Andrew Benfante and friends Teresa Totheroh and Amos Housworth The Last Bison started roaming the cities of Virginia to perform.

If you haven’t caught a Bison show live I suggest you do it soon. The band recently signed with the Universal Republic Label and will release a new 4 song digital only EP “Inheritance” on October 23^rd. With plans for a national tour early next year this may be your last chance to catch the band in a more intimate setting.  Information on the groups schedule can be found at www.thelastbison.com or by following the band’s Facebook page.

The Last Bison performing at Larimer Lounge, Denver CO

Reflections...

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty". Mahatma Gandhi

The morning of July 20, 2012 I woke up to find a tragedy had occurred a mere 16 miles from my home. A gunman entered a movie theater during a midnight showing of The Dark Knight. Thankfully my family and friends were all safe and sound but my heart ached for all of the victims . I have gone to so many midnight movie openings. It's fun to think that you are the first one to see a movie before anyone else and a theater is the last place you would ever feel unsafe. That all changed on that dark morning.

Watching this tragedy unfold on the news, one thing stood out for me. It wasn't this sick individual but the way the victims and law enforcement pulled together to save others. It took the Aurora Police Department less than a minute and half to respond.  This isn't the first tragedy to hit Colorado and because of the Columbine shootings in 1999 police procedures were much more efficient. Instead of waiting for SWAT the PD entered the building and I believe were quick to save lives.

Stories began circulating of other victims who saved others lives by getting them safely out of the building.  19 year old Jarrell Brooks saved a mother and her two kids. When interviewed on television Brooks said "I was at the wrong place at the right time."  Matthew McQuinn was only 27 when he lost his life shielding his girlfriend from the bullets. When something horrific like this happens we sometimes focus on the shooter. I don't believe he deserves our attention I'm choosing to focus on the courage that these people showed even in the face of danger.

I don't know any of the victims but I feel sadness and anger knowing this happened in a suburb of my city.  It could have easily been any of us my brother and cousins live near the theater and I've been there myself.  I refuse to let this sick individual dictate the way I live. I am going to appreciate every minute and I'm so very grateful to have so many beautiful people in my life.  Today I am going to the theater to watch a movie because I will not live in fear.

I know the reality is that there will always be people out there that want to cause harm to others but I'm holding on to the hope that one day that will change. So I will conclude this post by sending one message. Take a moment to look around and thank god for all of your blessings. For me I have a loving family, wonderful friends, and an all around happy life.  When the small things start to wear me down I need to take moment to remember I have the biggest blessing of all....Life. Enjoy every moment.

Livin la Vida Solo

I’m going to keep this blog going by writing about what I know, and that is what it’s like to be a single woman in her thirties in Denver. My personal experiences include working a full time job, going to school, singing in a band and still trying to fit in fun times with friends and family. It may sound like quite a bit to take on, but I don’t know how to live any other way. I would be bored senseless if I didn’t have enough to do with my time. So my friends, this blog will be based on a plethora, yes I said plethora, of topics that occur in my life. Some may be less interesting than others but I hope they will entertain you and maybe even inspire you.
A blog isn’t complete without followers and of course great comments. As a newbie writer, I respond well to criticism, in fact I embrace it, so please don’t hesitate to post your thoughts. If you have some ideas or topics you would like me to write about please send them my way. I’ve learned that some of the best topics are based on conversations with friends. It’s amazing how close friends can have such diverse opinions on certain subjects. I am proud to say that I know some very intelligent and interesting people so I’m hoping you’ll give me some good writing material.
Until next time, I am Just a Girl in Denver ready to venture out into the world.