Exmag Celebrated A Special Show In Denver w/ Recess, Alex Bowman, And Hu - Take A Look Back

It’s no question that Denver is full of legendary live music venues. It’s even started to become full of unconventional spaces for live tunes, as countless bars and dives have installed stages in an attempt to stay relevant. Some venues, don’t struggle for relevance at all, and one in particular always has me excited a little more than its rivalry theatres - and that’s The Bluebird Theater on East Colfax. Maybe it’s the fact that I grew up and went to high school nearby, or maybe it’s the historical Colfax charm. Perhaps it’s knowing icons like Jack Karuak used to romp around that district, or the fact that it’s been on the big screen with some of my favorite actors such as Christopher Walken and Andy Garcia [Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead]. Whatever it is, you can imagine my excitement when I learned Exmag would be coming through The Bluebird Theatre last Friday.

There was more to be excited about than just Exmag, as the night was full of talented supporting acts as well. Hu Music got the evening started and built up the crowd for the multi-talented Alex Bowman. Bowman, who worked very hard for the success of this event, threw down a set as if to tell Denver, “Get ready, you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.” He looked ultra-cool with six giant LED panels on full display behind him. His track selection was heavy and even a bit dark at times, bringing more of a bassy sound than one might expect before an Exmag show. This might have been partially why he was selected for the supporting role. I wouldn’t be surprised if a third of the crowd was there to see him play. One thing’s for sure, he didn’t let his friends, his fans, or his city down in any way

Recess is a name that’s been picking up a lot of steam lately. After seeing their name pop up left and right, I was excited to see them provide direct support for the night and more excited to see what they’d bring to the table. They delivered a set worthy of the hype and no one looked very surprised. Their set made for a total dance party, as Drew Birch and Ian Gilley brought that funky goodness all night long. They touch just about every genre, combining swanky bass lines with glitchy sounds on the synth. It seems to me that it’s simply a matter of time before these two are headlining one of Denver’s legendary venues themselves.

The evening had a certain undertone the entire time, perhaps because it was made known that this would be Exmag member, Dave Carls’ last performance with the band. A heavy decision, no doubt, and one that always carries a certain vibe when bands decide to go separate ways. Bands create so much magic and so many memories for others, as well as themselves. Their decisions affect themselves, as well as their fans, and often the team working for them, so it’s no surprise there seemed to be so much emotion flowing from the stage.

Their set was as smooth as ever, and I think I can speak for all of Denver when I say, thank you, Exmag, for sharing that wonderful evening with all of us. We’ll be here to support you and we can’t wait to see what your next chapter brings!