I tried to catch The Centennial twice at the Underground Music Showcase this year – once at their “official” gig at the Hi-Dive, and the other during their Saturday backyard BBQ at The Banana Stand (aka Nate Meese’s house near 1st & Broadway). But, as anyone who has attended the UMS can attest to, the best laid plans often go awry. So, when The Centennial announced a Fall Music Showcase at Nate’s place, I was determined to go.
Bethany Kelly
I parked a block away, but I could already hear a clean electric guitar accompanying a lovely female vocal. I was thinking how cool it must be to live in a neighborhood where live music spontaneously emanates. The voice was that of Churchill’s Bethany Kelly – and it took center stage. Her unobtrusive keyboards and the guitar of Joe Richmond (who is much more comfortable behind the drum kit for Churchill) were a canvas on which Kelly’s voice effortlessly spread out. Some songs were better fleshed out than others, but the songwriting and vocal talent is there. Kelly smartly closed her set on a nostalgic note with a cheerful cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Say You Love Me”.
Ending People
Apparently, one resident of the historic Baker neighborhood did not think it was cool to live in a neighborhood where live music spontaneoulsy emanates, and Meese was visited by Denver Police at approximately 8PM. So, the live music moved indoors to the living room/dining room. It’s a shame that such a beautiful Autumn evening in Denver went to waste, but kudos to Meese for rolling with the punches. After some furniture removal, Ending People set up for their set. Featuring Porlolo’s Erin Roberts and Dust on the Breakers’ (and recent Caleb Slade collaborator) Tim Hussman, Ending People may be somewhat guilty of having too many cooks in the kitchen. The quartet frequently rotated instrument duties, with lead vocals split between Roberts and Hussman. While the songs were all enjoyable, the lack of focus was a little jarring. But Hussman’s voice had a pleasant Thom Yorke-like falsetto tone and vibrato, and Robert’s voice was sweet and comforting.
The Centennial
The Centennial closed out the party with the lush instrumentation and harmonies that colors their hook-filled “Second Spring” EP. Singer Patrick Meese also couldn’t help venturing into Thom Yorke territory at times, particularly on a song that he jokingly called “Radiohead the Bends” and a cover song by 90’s Scottish faves Travis. But when he harmonized with wife Tiffany, The Centennial was at their most ethereal. I really enjoyed Patrick’s playfulness and sense of humor. He verbally chastised himself mid-song when he played a bum note (“It’s a ‘G'”). While I never got a chance to see “Meese” the band perform before they disbanded (due to changes in their A&R team at Atlantic Records). But, they have made the best of the opportunity to retool by adapting their pop sensibilities to a more grown-up dream pop sound.
I love the intimacy of house parties like this, although they do tend to run out of beer. The Centennial Summer house party offered catered BBQ food. But while this party also promised free food, it never actually materialized. That being said, anytime the Meese brothers throw another house party, I’ll be there.
Everyday (in the Mile High) 