EB Digital

New for April 2009

2009-04-25T20:03:00.002-06:00

Welcome to one of the new featured artists - Kimberly Bowen!

Now its time to go to FACEBOOK and join the Colorful Colorado GROUP. Also, check out the new artists on Colorful-Colorado.com

What's new with me? I just found out an hour ago that Paul McCartney played the bass guitar (Fender Jazz bass) on James Taylor's song, "Carolina on my Mind." Listen to it, and you can tell. McCartney is a great bass player.

I am selling some stuff on Ebay to raise money to buy some drum microphones...so I can eventually start recording tunes.

Later.

Goodbye Rocky Mountain News!

2009-02-28T21:08:00.003-07:00

It will sink in over time, how time has changed.
This week we said goodbye to the Rocky Mountain News. It was my Rocky. I subscribed and savored each morning reading each page over breakfast. Now it is history.

As a journalist, I covered the closure. I spent time in the newsroom the day it was closed, and of course it was sad. Yet, employees still had one last newspaper to publish. So they kept at work.

It was the next day, Friday, when I returned to take more pictures of the story, when the reality set in, and set in very hard. There was no work left to do. All that was left was for the men and women to pack their belongings, say goodbye, and then walk out the door for the last time. That was emotional. Especially when these people were "the heart" of Rocky Mountain journalism. Perhaps no group of individuals were more in touch with this state then they were. They laughed. They reminisced. They cried. They hugged. They sat and walked in stunned disbelief. And it affected me too. This was a significant loss for Colorado. And it was the loss of their livelihood.

Goodbye to the Rocky and to my friends who worked there. God bless. I hope to see you again (employed) down the road.

Ski Season

2009-01-30T09:48:00.003-07:00

Entering the best ski season now in Colorado. The tourists are gone (until spring break) and the snow is outstanding! Hit the slopes.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-11T13:51:00.002-07:00

Here's to you having a happy new year! Contact us if you are interested in seeing the growth of Colorful-Colorado.com! If you would like to contribute, let us know. Or if you would like to advertise, let us know. Thanks.

My Book on the Denver Art Museum

2008-12-15T15:57:00.001-07:00

Check out this photojournalism book project on the Denver Art Museum's opening day of the new Libeskind wing. For more information, click below.

Almost Every A...

Denver Art Museum ...

By Eric W. Blumer

Book Preview

2008-12-08T20:42:00.002-07:00

"Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord"

- Linus "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

(or the book of Luke)

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

New Features for the website

2008-11-18T09:00:00.003-07:00

Check out the new Gabrielle Louise and Charles Frizzell features.

When I can get around to it I will be posting new vintage items to www.colorful-colorado.com including more postcards, more tourism brochures from the early 1900s, and other interesting items.

Future of Colorful-Colorado.com

2008-10-26T19:56:00.005-06:00

What will the future of Colorful-Colorado.com be? I certainly think it is an enjoyable website...a way to see great artists, musicians and vintage Colorado in one place. I also think there is a lot of potential. Videos could be produced. Programming, interviews, a calendar, reviews, items for sale, and more. But perhaps I will need to look for a business model, or business partner? I think there is potential.

I actually think it would make a great concept for a store - in tourist areas such as the 16th Street Mall, in Aspen, Steamboat, or other places. This store could sell original art work as seen on the website, along with music, furniture, books and vintage items. If any entrenpreneurs are out there, let me know if you are interested in a partnership!

What would you like to see? A store? A calendar? A message board? More artists? Items for sale? Video stories? If you have ideas, please pass them along. Thanks.

New Artist Soon - Charles Frizzell

2008-10-13T20:17:00.005-06:00

I am working on creating more features for www.colorful-colorado.com

You will soon see the work of Charles Frizzell. (That is not a picture of him, however.) Soon after that, I will also feature my first abrstract artist. I am waiting to hear back from an excellent musician as well, so stay tuned!

Here's a bit about Mr. Frizzell...
Born 1944 in western Kentucky, Charles Frizzell has been creating artwork all his life. After graduating from Murray State University in 1967 with a B.S. in Fine Arts, Frizzell headed west, settling in Colorado in 1969. He now lives and works in a small central Colorado town noted for its artistic atmosphere and outdoor activities. His wife, Doris, is an avid hiker and Charles joins her in exploring the many trails through the surrounding mountains. They have out-the-door access to some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado, as well as the Arkansas River and the Bighorn Sheep canyon.

Spectacular Autumn at Maroon Bells Aspen

2008-10-07T07:18:00.002-06:00

It was better than expected. I had never been to Maroon Bells near Aspen. But I had seen the images. When I arrived on a Monday, there were plenty of photographers, both professional and amatures. I was told that the weekends are like a zoo there, so I am glad I did get there on a Monday. Spectacular! Send in your fall color pictures of Colorado if you like.

That Time of Year in Colorado

2008-09-28T18:17:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow I head up to the mountains (for work) to take video of the spectacular fall colors and Rocky mountain backdrop. I will snap a few photographs as well and share them. I am headed to Maroon Bells. I've never been there. It is the quintessential image of Colorful Colorado taken near Aspen. You can see it on my website www.colorful-colorado.com I am going to spend some time to shoot a few pictures and probably stop in at Glenwood Springs as well. A great way to take the mind off of the financial times and election talk!

Beatle's LOVE

2008-09-22T20:00:00.003-06:00

The Beatle's LOVE project is worth listening to. It weaves songs and sounds of the Beatles into new forms. There is a Cirque du Solei production in Las Vegas based on these remixes. If you have seen that, let's hear about it.

Ticketmaster is a master of corporate greed

2008-09-20T14:33:00.006-06:00

I have concluded that corporate America is at the heart of many problems. I intend to speak out against the many instances of corporations not being good for this country, or the people.

Today, I went online to buy tickets for a concert through Ticketmaster. First, I have been quite dissatisfied with Ticketmaster because they charge a large service charge - per ticket - when ordering. And it is not consistant. Some shows they charge more for service charge than other shows. Why is that? Certainly the effort they put into selling me the ticket did not change. I simply go to my computer, sign in, and the computer sells me a ticket. I never talk to a human. It takes less than five minutes. Yet they charge around $20 for this service. That is absurd. I have no choice to what seat I get. None. The computer picks. Then, the seats have already been on sale to fan clubs or early sales... so who actually knows what seats are available. No information is available. None.

The tickets prices are too high. Yet ticketmaster charges more and does not advertise the extra price of their service charge. Now today, when I paid $440 for four tickets (including about $50 in "service charges) they now DONT EVEN SEND YOU A TICKET. None. Not even an electronic print out ticket you can use. None. No tickets. For $440 - and $50 service charge - you get nothing in return.

They tell you you must go to the venue and provide the exact credit card with I.D. the night of the show to receive the tickets. That might work in theory, but when I have friends from out of town coming in the night of the show, we must all be there at the exact same time and enter at the same time to get in. What if they get a flat tire and may arrive late? Then I am not able to go into the show until they arrive... or they do not get in at all. What if we need to sell a ticket due to illness or late breaking plans? We then have nothing in hand to sell. That is wrong, when you spend $440. My friend and I collect ticket stubs. They are too cheap to even sell these anymore.

And Ticketmaster is the only ticket provider. If I wanted to buy the tickets somewhere else, I can't. That is a monopoly. That is wrong.

Ticketmaster is a master of corporate American greed and social irresponsibility.

Financial Crisis!

2008-09-17T20:22:00.004-06:00

There's nothing like tough economic times (which we really are not in - compared to other parts of the world) and a stock market crash (it really hasn't crashed yet) to remind us of what truly holds "value."

Sure, we need money - but do we need all the money we Americans have - to be happy?

The answer is no.

When economies go south, that is when the true value of music, art, photography and Christianity becomes more apparant. Don't you think? That is why I produce Colorful-Colorado.com So you can enjoy and be aware of some of the cool Colorado art, music, photography, vintage postcards, books, etc... Feel free to support this website by participating, writing, sponsoring, linking, and buying.

Thanks to RSVP for their support of the Vintage Postcard pages!

Politics Anyone?

2008-09-15T20:47:00.005-06:00

What should I blog about? Obviously, music is an interest of mine. Yet so is politics. With the campaign in full swing it is tempting to write my views on politics and issues.

Then again, it might be nice to provide a website clear of any political hint.

Right now, I am going to try to see how I can boost the viewership of this website, grow it, improve it, and perhaps develop it into a business model. If there are any Colorado business investors who may want to explore some real possibilities for Colorful-Colorado.com, please contact me.

For now, that's all I have to write about. If you want politics, let me know.

I did enjoy the Saturday Night Live skit on Palin and Clinton. If you missed it, I will put a link to it:

Blumer Blog continued.... after a long hiatus

2008-09-13T14:14:00.013-06:00

North, south, east and west.
Those are four fundamental directions.

Yet there are many other directions.
Think about it.
These are the source of our questions.

My Favorite Albums / CDs

2007-09-27T23:15:00.000-06:00

If I were stranded on a desert island in the middle of Colorado ;) I would take with me:

NUMBER 1
"AJA" by Steely Dan
I never get tired of hearing this album. It's clean. It's perfect. It's musically creative. It's cool, hot, funky and smooth. I remember where I was when I first laid ears on it. Steely Dan is the rock and jazz musicians' music. They are known for perfection and quality. This is their legendary album.

The title song, Aja, is a tapestry. It features one of my favorite drummers, Steve Gadd. I do remember where I was when I first heard this album. I was on vacation in northern Idaho - Coeur d'Alene- in 1978, I believe. (beautiful country) I bought that cassette and put it to listen. I remember where I was - exactly - when I first heard this music.

As a drummer, I also never get tired of playing with this album.

NUMBER 2
"Take Five"
Dave Brubeck Quartet

This album is simply revolutionary. Pure and simply a masterpiece if ever one was recorded. Again, I never get tired of hearing even one of the tracks. Innovative is an understatement. Perfection. Creative. Colorful jazz. Simple yet extremely complex at the same time.

Brubeck had a fun time playing with odd time signatures. Instead of the standard four beats per measure (rock & roll, swing, dixieland, etc...) he went out of bounds...writing tunes with 5 beats per measure "Take Five." He also mixed and matched time signatures. "Three to Get Ready" is based on two bars 3/4 2 bars 4/4. "Blue Rondo a la Turk" is based on 3 bars 2/4 1 bar 3/4 - with a few twists and turns included. Flawlessly performed by his quartet, it includes laid back swing jazz, morphing into multi-time-signature-cross-beats...all while a melodic tune is being played on top. You must listen to this album.

NUMBER 3
"THE BEATLES" White Album
This is where it gets complex. I am not just a fan of this album and The Beatles, but I also took a college course on The Beatles. This is a tough album for a lot of people to listen to - in its entirety. That is because it is the Beatles at their peak of artistic freedom.

To explain this album, requires a set-up and explaination of the Beatles' musical revolution. I will try to do it quickly (agghh.) The Beatles began in the early 1960s playing standard Rock and Roll. They wrote some great standard rock and roll songs, played on the Ed Sullivan Show, and were instantly hugely popular amongst the teenagers. They were cute, and were playing rock and roll with new energy. Their songs were melodic, harmonic, had a good beat, and were easy to dance to.

Then the Beatles started writing some great music, including outstanding love songs and ballads. Some of the compositions (Yesterday, Norwiegan Wood, Eleanor Rigby, In My Life etc...) were getting the attention of the intellegent musical crowd. Those who were studied composers and musically trained, had to take notice of these teen sensations...because they were now writing sophisticated music and lyrics. The Beatles (McCartney, Lennon, Harrison) were each taking rock and roll into new territory. They were not only writing "respectable" songs, but also incredibly unique and beautiful music.

The Beatles then started experimenting with drugs. Alcohol and marijuana in the early years. LSD later on. This led to a new sound. With producer, George Martin, they experimented musically with sounds, lyrics and melodies. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was a brilliantly produced and written album. Never before had anyone written or heard anything like it. George Harrison brought "world" music into U.S. homes. This type of music earned the respect of the "art" or "creative" crowd.

So, the Beatles had earned the repspect and attention of teenagers, intellengent musicians, composers, creative artists. Now what would they do next?

The White Album is the culmination of their journey as revolutionary musicians/popular song writers. On this album, one minute you will hear some of the most beautiful songs (Mother Nature's Son, Julia, Blackbird, I Will) then the next minute hear perhaps the first ever heavy metal song "Helter Skelter," a totally advant guard non melodic piece "Number 9," plus great blues songs, "Yer Blues" "Revolution," great storytelling "Rocky Raccoon," fun songs "Ob-la-di Ob-la-da," and everything in between. McCartney's positive melodic songs "Martha My Dear" were a stark contrast to Lennon's heroin induced songs "Happiness is a Warm Gun." No album before, or since, that I know of, contains such an eclectic mix of songs. But that isn't why it is such a great album.

This album, and the Beatle's catalogue up to this point, had revolutionized popular music. They redefined it. They changed it. Nothing before them had ever sounded like this. They had absolutely no boundaries, for better or for worse. They took rock music and infused country, ballads, blues, heavy metal, world music, symphonic orchestration, and whatever else they desired. If they had been "average" song writers, it would have been one thing. But they were exceptionally talented songwriters. Combined with the history of the time (war, civil rights movement, drug use, psychadelic art) the Beatles were the most influencial musicians of our time. The White Album is so ecletic, it captures multi facets. That is why I appreciate it so much. It's not simple. It's very complex.

"My Aim is True"
Elvis Costello

I hestitate to pick my "favorite" past the first three. The first three are rock solid picks, due to their revolutionary music and perfection as artistic achievments. Now, I am simply going through albums and CDs, listening and deciding which ones are my favorites. There might be no particular order, but I will start listing them anyway.

After recently listening to Elvis Costello's debut album, I realized why that album was Rolling Stone's Album of the Year in 1977.

What makes "My Aim is True" special? The drive. The feel. And the tunes. There are bouncing shuffle tunes, driving rock, reggae, and one stand out ballad. The drummer drives this album from beginning to end. That "drive" can be felt in each song. I do not listen to lyrics so I do not judge an album by the words. (Perhaps I should) I simply listen to the music. These are short, to the point songs that have a strong, upbeat drive to them. Many have a a shuffle, or bouncy feel (Pay It Back) Others a fast drive (Mystery Dance, I'm Not Angry) The reggae "Watching the Detectives" stands out. Then, after one short melodic blast after another, Costello throws you the curve ball change up. "Allison" is one of the most distinct ballads written. If you had to use a sports analogy...this album would be like a great pitcher. It has energy, speed, curves, sliders, and every pitch is a strike.

Once again, this is an album that I can listen to from beginning to end, and still want more. That qualifies it as special. But just because I love this album, does not mean I have not been an Elvis Costello fan since it came out. I am not. So this is odd. This first album is worth listening to.

I did see Elvis Costello play a few tunes, including "Watching the Detectives" from this, his first and best album. It was about the year 2003 at a free record store appearance. He came in, sat down, plugged in his guitar and sang. Unfortunatly, the sound quality was too raw and distorted to really appreciate. I got what I paid for.

Pink Floyd - ANIMALS

Dreamy. Spacey. Driving. Hypnotic. And sounds of pigs and dogs...mixed in. This is a great album. The thing that makes it a great album...is that there is not a spot during it when I want to stop listening. It brings back memories. I again, never have listened to the words...so I have no idea what the lyrics are saying. I am a drummer and listen to the music. This music tells a story. I have no idea what it is, but I like it.

Here are other albums which are on my favorite list: The Doobie Brothers "Toulouse Street" This is vintage 1970s classic rock with a lot of soul. The sound is awesome on this recording. James Taylor "Sweet Baby James" A timeless classic. Van Halen "Van Halen" Their first album is classic, because nobody had ever heard anyone play guitar like Eddie Van Halen before this album. I remember where I was when I first heard it. I had the chance to see the reunion tour with David Lee Roth. They played 9 songs from this album. After 24 years of waiting, the reunion was worth the price of the ticket. It is one of the best rock albums of all time.

Little Feat "Time Loves A Hero" This album is full of laid back funk, rock, blues and fusion. Great musicianship and great songwriting.

My Interview with Jazz Legend Dave Brubeck

2007-09-16T22:23:00.000-06:00

In 1983, I began my career in television news. My musical background kept me interested in concerts. Fortunately, I was able to see the legendary, Dave Brubeck at North Dakota State University, Fargo. Earlier in the afternoon, I interviewed Mr. Brubeck at a small press conference. This is a short edited version I kept on tape. He doesn't say much, but it is worth remembering. I don't think there is a more important (or great) musician I have had the chance to personally chat with.

I remember distinctly meeting Dave after the interview. I reached out to shake his hand. He reached out to shake mine. However, he left his hand limp. He did not shake my hand, but rather allowed me to give him a soft hand shake. I realized later why this was. Dave Brubeck's hands were his livelyhood. They were his money. They were his talent. Without his hands, Dave's talent would not be appreciated. He was not about to have anyone give his hands a hard squeeze. Fortunately, I didn't. But I do remember the concert. Wow. What a phenomenal innovater Dave Brubeck was! His "Take Five" album, to this day, is one of the best recordings in history.

Here is an old video of Take Five - Trust me - Buy this album - It is out of this world!

Come Home to the Blues

2007-09-12T22:07:00.000-06:00

My personal music video project from 1993.

The internet is an amazing tool to communicate to anybody, anywhere, who is also logged on.

A couple weeks ago, I stumbled on an old videotape in a box. In 1991, I recorded a song with some friends called, "Come Home to the Blues." I am playing the drums. Mark Arneson plays guitar. Jim Anton plays the bass. Screaming Marv Moorhead is singing.

My friends Doug Hegle and Denny Craswell wrote the song. I then listened to it, arranged it into the blues progression, and produced the recording session.

Please take a listen. Let me know what you think. You can spread this video around by embedding it on your website if you wish. You can find the video on YouTube as well. Here is the address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvm-MFhRYC4

Two years after we recorded the music, I decided to shoot a music video. I shot this at at Char's Has the Blues in Phoenix. You will see a blues band, however none of the musicians you see playing...are actually playing on the song. Everyone in the video gave me their permission to appear in this video! Enjoy - and spread this around. This is the best blues song - nobody's ever heard. Until now

Spring Break

2007-05-18T09:08:00.000-06:00

Spring Break for me isn't a trip to Mexico.
It's simply not doing anything on this website and blog for a month.
Not much to do, of course. I don't have an ax to grind, or a political motive to further.
But I feel obliged to write something.

So whoever does read this doesn't think I am not doing anything...which I am. Until now.

Vintage Colorado Photographs

2007-03-27T21:06:00.000-06:00

I found a number of great vintage Colorado photographs this week at a sale. I put them up in a slide show on my gallery. Take a look here.

There are pictures taken on the Continental Divide - Independence Pass between Aspen and Buena Vista. There are pictures taken at Red Rocks. There are horseback riders, bicycle riders, and more. One of these photographs had 1945 written on the back, so I assume most of them were circa 1945.

I also have a number of vintage Hi 8 home movies from Colorado that I am working on digitizing. There are already a few up on www.colorful-colorado.com You just need to look for the video link on the main page.

But I am having a bit of trouble transferring the films. If I can only get a decent working projector. The first one ruined an old film. The second one I got seems to run slow, so it is quite jittery. So I will work on those vintage movies.

In the meantime, take a look at the vintage photographs, images, and items. Let me know if you have any to contribute.

Enjoy.

Philosophically Blogging

2007-03-22T23:37:00.000-06:00

Instead of philosophically speaking, I am philosophically blogging.
I was thinking today that it is probably going to be much easier for the younger generation to blog, and create visual and media diaries of their lives. Simply because they are working from point A to point B. Going forward, it will be much easier to upload their favorite moments in life...because they are happening now. By the time they are old, their entire lives may be almost completely digitized for them and anyone to view.

Of course, there will be millions of people having done this. So the novelty will have worn off. Then the question "what does this all mean" may become more relevent. Their digital life will be only one in millions of digital lives. Meaningless? Or meaningful?

At least, it will be a much easier process for the younger generation, because they will live a day, then digitize it. Live another day, then digitize it. But for those of us who have lived half their life already, it is more work to digitize years that have gone by. It is possible. I have a lot of memorabilia that might get passed down. Or it might get lost, stolen, damaged, or forgotten. Now there is another option. I could start digitizing it. While the process of digitizing "new" events, pictures, and experiences is happening, the process of digitizing "old" events, pictures and experiences is also taking place. But only by those doing it. For those not doing it, will their "media" be lost and become irrelevent? Or does it matter anyway? (Philosophically blogging.)

So I might digitize past years of experiences. I do have a few interesting things that could be uploaded and shared. But once again, philosophically blogging, what does it mean? If everyone has their own story, what weight does one have over another? Philosophically blogging....none. Check out Ecclesiastes - and you will better understand what is meaningless....and what is meaningful.

Billy Cobham 1978

2007-03-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Billy Cobham is a great drummer. Yet from the further end of the jazz rock spectrum known as fusion. He became famous for his extremely powerful bursts of energy, his very large drum set, and his ambidextrous abilities to play equally with both left and right limbs. He played fusion with Miles Davis, Chick Corea and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and rock fusion as well

In 1978, I had the chance to see a weekend drum event (see below) that featured a number of greats. Billy Cobham was matched together with legendary drummer, Louis Bellson! Students got the chance to see the rehearsal of the concert, the concert itself, then also a clinic. We met the drummers, and even got to pick up a broken drumstick for a souvenir.

Cobham's playing is special. Unique. Very powerful. The drumstick I have (Promark 808 Billy Cobham signature) has cuts in it from the impact he made on the cymbals. The cymbals slice into the wood.

Cobham plays equally with all limbs, so he may emphasize accents with the right hand first, then switch to the left and lead with the left. All the while, keeping the groove.

To see Cobham switch solos with Louis Bellson, was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I think. Bellson (my favorite jazz drummer) was "melodic" on his drum solos, meaning he was more musical, in a sense. Cobham was more rhythmic in his solos - yet he was able to blow your socks off with his quick bursts of energy and power. Read more about Cobham here.

This video shows Billy's outstanding power, energy and speed.

Here's a 1968 drum solo of Billy Cobham. Check it out.

William F. Ludwig Jr.

2007-03-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the most important drum maker in the past century is Ludwig. Any drummer knows the name and certainly knows the name, William F. Ludwig Jr. This autograph may not seem interesting to the casual viewer, but for drummers, I think it is considered quite an interesting autograph. William F. Ludwig Jr. himself!

I was fortunate to attend a very big event in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1978. Put on by the Percussive Arts Society (of Manitoba?) it featured many great drummers. I will post more about them, and their autographs soon. I thought I would start will William F. Ludwig Jr.

When I first started taking "formal" drum lessons in fifth grade, I learned from the book many dummers leared from. It was a Ludwig "Collection Drum Solos" book containing the thirteen essential rudiments, plus nine contest solos from the W.F.L. Solo Collection.

I learned the "Downfall of Paris" solo, and performed it for the regional and state music contests. So to meet the one and only William F. Ludwig Jr. himself was a once in a lifetime thrill!

Click here to see the Ludwig website!

Buddy Rich

2007-02-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Watch and listen to the video above from 1980!
I found myself digging through memorabilia today. I was looking for a number of autographs and pictures I had of some great jazz, fusion and rock drummers. In the late 70's I was quite focused on drumming. I was planning on moving towards being a professional drummer. Of course, I still have that in the back of my mind, but it took a back seat after I attended college, got a degree (not in music) and then met my wife. My focus changed. I had the offer to go to California and play in Tahoe with a great jazz pianist, but I figured it would not be conducive to my new relationship. I was also headed in another direction (video journalism) which also allowed me to be creative. And it was a steady day job. I still would love to play in the big leagues. Who knows?

I had the chance to see the best drummers, and meet them in person. So I thought I would start sharing some of those experiences. I will start with (some call) the best: Buddy Rich.

Buddy Rich and His Killer Force! I can't remember the year. I will have to look it up. I will guess it was 1978. My mom took me to North Dakota State University to see the show. Somehow, I got a front seat. And fortunately, it was right next to the stage door.

I watched and listened in awe as the legendary Buddy Rich played harder than any drummer I have seen, ever. When you describe a jazz drummer, you might say, "he cooked." Well, Buddy cooked alright. He was boiling hot! Seriously.

Whether it was all "natural" or not, Buddy Rich played so intensely that sweat was dripping off his shirt, and down his face. Wow!

Towards the end of the concert, there was a man standing near the stage door. I don't know how it happened (whether my mom had something to do with it or not) but the man came over to me and said, "Come with me." I was taken backstage and got to meet Buddy seconds after he finished playing. I had this poster for him to sign. It was just me and Buddy. The sweat dripped onto this poster. But I kept it boxed up for more than 25 years. What a blast.

More greats to come!

Colorado Songs and Lyrics

2007-02-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Bob Seger performs tonight at the Pepsi Center. My wife and I saw him at McNichols Arena ten years ago (his last tour.) Tonight on 99.5 The Mountain they played a set of Bob Seger songs. "Get Out of Denver," was one. (I think that is the title.)

That made me think. How many songs about Colorado are there? Of course there is Rocky Mountain High, the John Denver classic (I wish I would have seen him at Red Rocks in 1983.) There is "Rocky Mountain Way," (I did see Joe Walsh perform that last summer at Red Rocks with the James Gang.) I saw the Dead sing, "I Know You Rider," at Red Rocks. That includes a line about Colorado.

What songs can you think of? I will start a thread over on the Message Board, so you can add your song to the list. Let's come up with the definitive list.

My musical background

2007-02-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have a musical background.
I was a drummer from the word go.
I started playing when I was five.

My brother Mark played drums in the high school band. One day, I believe for his birthday, my parents brought him home a spectacular brown Ludwig drumset. I remember how cool they were up close. I was enamoured at a very early age by live music.

After kindergarten, when I was five, I would go to my Grandparents home (Granny and Fred Blumer.) Granny was, by far, the best grandmother in world history. I digress. On spring and fall afternoons, at 3:30 pm, I waited patiently for the high school marching band to start playing. Then, I would march behind them, just as they marched. The drums were nearby. They played a cadence to march in step to. I listened, and I learned it. Then, I would play on my brother's drums every day, that cadence. Until, (I think) I was just as good. I listened to the drummers play whenever and wherever they played, indoors at basketball games, or outdoors at football games. Then I would play and play and play every chance I got. It didn't hurt that my three older siblings and parents were into music. They had every single Beatle record, plus a great variety of classics. Mark soon got an 8-track player. The first three tapes he got were Chicago, Doobie Brothers (Toulouse Street), and Santana. I learned how to play, to that music.

By the time I was nine years old, I was known as a drummer in my home town. In fact, my best friend, Dale and I lived across the street from the local college. The musicians there also knew I played drums. On the night of the college "Variety Show" myself and Dale wondered into the Armory (Auditorium.) The college "rock" band was getting their gear tuned, levels checked, and practicing. They saw me, and asked me to come and sit in on drums! They taught me "Wipe Out" on the spot. It took 10 minutes to teach me. They asked, "Can you be back in one hour to play it LIVE?" I freaked out (as much as a 9 year old could). Then Dale and I went to my house and asked my mom if I could play. I could, and I did.

I played "Wipe Out" (a drum solo song) live with a college band, at age nine.

After we moved to Gwinner, ND in 1971, I went on to play with our high school band (while I was in 5th grade) and in informal rock bands. I got star ratings at state contests and was invited to be an All State musician. I attended the International Music Camp for two summers, then worked there over the next two summers. From 1976 through 1980 I played in two bands,"Flight" with Mark Arneson and then "Creed" with Brian Cross. Combined, we played perhaps 25 gigs; from Lisbon, Forman, Lidgerwood, Frederick, SD, Fort Ransom, Milnor, Rutland, and a few rural parties in between.

It was on to Moorhead State University, (Minnesota State University Moorhead.) There I played four years as the drummer in the outstanding, MSU Stage Band (under the direction of Al Noice.) Jazz, big band, Charlie Parker, Stan Kenton, Ellington, Count Basie, Rob McConnell...this was my music now. I will write more about jazz at a later time, when I can share my autographs and stories.

At the same time as I played big band and jazz, I was playing polkas, waltzes, country, 50's, and that type of music with the local legend, "Albert Mikesh." I will also write more about that later. There is a lot to write about. We played every single weekend, plus most Wednesday nights, for 4-5 years. That works out to about 500 gigs.

Of course, I played many other places too. But for now, I will stop reliving my past, as a drummer. I have not played professionally for decades. Although it is absolutely my first interest. I wanted to be professional drummer. But I knew better. I will try to play more in the future. If anyone needs a drummer - for a recording session - let me know. I can't play regular gigs (I actually am a professional now, with a mortgage etc...) Any style....from marching band...to rock, jazz, country, funk!

Over Grooming the Slopes

2007-01-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

My favorite ski resort has gone wild. Not in a good sense (if that's possible.) But their grooming

operations are out of control. I have to ask Copper Mountain to please stop the madness. You are grooming way too much snow.

First, I will say something good about Copper Mountain. They say they are 100 percent powered by wind power. You can read about it here. That is great. That is the good news. Now for the bad news:

I have been skiing at Copper Mountain pretty much exclusively for 25 years. It is, I think, a great mountain. It used to be "where the locals skied" (if I am not mistaken.) That was because it had GREAT skiing! But over grooming has diminished the quality of many runs. I was amazed looking at how many square inches, feet, miles, have been driven over by groomers. It is out of control. So I thought I would write about it.

I love Copper Mountain. It is my favorite place to ski. I will continue to ski there (as long as my pass runs.) But I will seriously need to consider where I ski from now on.

Of course, I understand that some grooming is fine. I enjoy a few cruisers. But not every single blue run on the front side! Groomers are fine on those easy green runs down the middle by American Flyer and Eagle lifts. That is where a lot of families ski. But take a break. Don't work so hard. Leave some areas un-groomed too.

A few years ago, Copper started over grooming (and making too much artificial snow) on the Bee Line lift. It is consistently icy under the Bee Line. When fresh powder falls, there is still a sheet of ice underneath on runs like Andy's Encore, Collage, and Rosi's Run. So even though the six person chairlift is fast and great...the skiing is like a skating rink much of the time. So, I purposefully only warm up a couple runs there, then quickly traverse across the middle, to the Timberline Express lift, where the skiing once was spectacular.

Now, they have ruined that side of the mountain too! They have groomed those fine runs, Copperfields and Windsong. What used to be great powder skiing (even when they only got a few inches) is now horribly groomed crud. Stop the grooming, please.

In the past, when a ski resort groomed, it was just down the middle. The sides near the trees were left untouched. So if a person wanted to actually "snow" ski, you could still ski the sides. I was astonished at how Copper has groomed every single inch of what appears to be every single blue and green run on the front side. Come on...who is responsible for this decision? It seems that the person deciding to groom every run is someone who does not appreciate what it really means to "ski a mountain." Copper mountain is not a theme park. Man made snow and groomed runs completely take away the natural experience of skiing.

Is there an effort to justify the existence of the grooming tractors and employees? Does the person making the decisions ski? Do they know how to ski natural snow?

So, after finding out that the Timberline Express lift area was completely corporatized by groomers, I quickly made my way to the TOP of Copper, away from the families and groomed runs. I took a right to ski down Timber Ridge. And you guessed it....it was groomed!! That was the straw that broke the camel's back. I went to the back of the mountain, Copper Bowl and it was fine. But I am seriously scared that the management of Copper will approve the destruction of great skiing back there too.

A message to Copper Mountain: Stop the over grooming. Give us back Copperfields and Windsong. Give us back the sides of the runs. You do not have to groom .... just because you have the equipment. Give us back the natural experience of skiing a great hill.

To be fair to Copper Mountain, that is primarily the only place I have been skiing for decades. Perhaps this is going on at other resorts? If so, let me know. If not, we would also like to hear about your favorite ski runs!

A Change in Scenery?

2007-01-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Change is constant. So what does that mean for Colorado? As I look over these vintage Colorado tourism pictures, I think about how Colorado used to be, and what it will become.

There is a new push for renewable energy sources. Colorado will see an increase in wind power generators and solor power as well (San Luis Valley). Ethanol will become more important. What else do you see as the future for energy in Colorado?

What about water? We all know that the snow and rain provide our water supply (along with some underground reserves.) What will the future hold for water supplies?

Air quality is a question mark too. Growth in populations, means growth in air pollution. How is that affecting Colorado? Simple questions with complicated answers. As I look at my vintage Colorado tourism brochures, I see clear blue skies, clean water, and wide open spaces. What will the future hold?

Clapton concerts - Past and Present

2007-01-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

On March 7th, Eric Clapton will perform at the Pepsi Center here in Denver. This time around, I bought tickets for myself and a couple friends. The new CD by Clapton and J.J. Cale is quite decent. I've only given it a few spins, so it hasn't had the chance to grow on me yet. But I'm sure it will. Cale wrote the majority of tunes. I regret missing his concert when he came through town a few years ago.

I make it a habit now not to look ahead (on the internet or newspaper) to know what the songlist will be. I did that for a McCartney concert (two tours ago) and that will be the last time. The suspense and the excitement that comes from not knowing what song will be played next is part of the "value." Once you already know, then you lose that extra excitement. With ticket prices sky high, there's no need to diminish the value. So, I have no idea what Clapton will play, but I look forward to a great show.

Which brings me to the pictures I will post. I saw Eric Clapton at - of all places - Red Rocks, in 1983. It was a memorable day. Well, I take that back. I don't remember that much of it at all. What I do remember is getting to the Rocks somewhere between noon and 2:00 pm, bringing a picnic lunch, and also a few beers. (I think we were allowed to bring them in. I definately remember drinking them.)

As for the concert, I do remember Layla, Wonderful Tonight, and Lay Down Sally. Other than that, it's a fog. Check out the pictures, and send us yours! I am not in any of these...which might be a good thing.

-EB

Greetings from Me and Dave!

2007-01-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am quite sceptical of "blogging." I have no desire to blog. I have nothing of interest to say, or write. Perhaps I can come up with something now and then, just to keep things interesting.

I don't have a political beef to grind on this blog. I am a journalist by nature. So I do not have a proclivity to expound my political beliefs publically. I do have political beliefs, but that's not the purpose of www.colorful-colorado.com. Perhaps others would like to write about their political thoughts. I would be happy to debate, but again, I am not going to build my website on politics.

So what does a person blog about? If he doesn't have a goal, or a debate, or a dog in a fight? As you can see, I will blog about having nothing to blog about. It's sort of like bragging but having nothing to brag about.

The picture I picked for today is one of me and Dave Letterman. This picture was a fun one for me to have taken. So I will introduce myself with this photograph.

Radio Goo Goo, Radio Ga Ga

2007-01-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

"Radio Goo Goo, Radio Ga Ga"

Those have to be the silliest lyrics ever written. They belong to a Queen song I heard on Alice Cooper's radio show tonight driving home. It caught me and I thought, since I now can write whatever I want on this Blog...why not mention how goofy those words seemed to me.

I was heading over to see the Dixie Dregs at the Boulder Theater. It was a last minute thought to see them. But as I began the 40 minute trip, I stopped to get gas. The temperature was 3 degrees above zero. I figured the temperature when I started my trip home might be 5-10 below or so. So I gave up the Dixie Dregs and decided to stay home to digitize the History of Eric Clapton onto my computer instead. Plus a number of vintage Colorado items, which I will post on www.colorful-colorado.com as soon as I get around to it. Here is a sample:

There are a number of very cool vintage items I will post. Take a look above ath the vintage menu from Red Rocks. There was a restaurant there called, "The Pueblo." Go to the website to see more, and then notice the prices!

How C-C.com got started

2007-01-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

It started in December 2005, when there was some clatter around the state about the removal of the state welcome sign, that reads, "Welcome to Colorful Colorado." These were old signs posted on the border. They are classic signs, but some thought out dated. As a matter of fact, the state thought so too, and decided to remove them and replace them with "Advancing Colorado."

The design of "Advancing Colorado" was uninspired at best. Horribly uninspired at worst. Words can't describe actually how uninspired the new signs were. (I'll try to post a picture.) They had absolutely no design, color, creativity, or lasting impression. And why did they have to abandon the state's motto, "Colorful Colorado?"

The outcry began. Stories appeared in newprint. It was then that I simply wondered if anyone had register the domain name, "Colorful Colorado." A real estate firm I believe had done it, so I then put a dash between the words and registered this website. I decided to emphasize the "Colorful" parts of Colorado.

As for the state welcome sign, I believe the old sign won out and will remain! That's a good thing. The corporate feel of "Advancing Colorado" belongs in a board room somewhere...where corporate suits can appreciate it for what its worth (nothing.)

As for the rest of us, let's enjoy and support the true colors of Colorado. The scenery, the arts, music, photography, culture, skiing, hiking, and the rest.

Don't go corporate...Colorado. Let's keep Colorado colorful.

The beginning of something...... Colorful!

2007-01-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

Greetings to visitors to Colorful-Colorado.com! As you can see, I am creating a website dedicated to Colorado, especially to the incredible scenery, art, photography, music, and more.

Vintage Colorful Colorado items are my focus right now. I am looking for those vintage pictures, photographs, souveniers and more. I will display them here. I am also interested in vintage films and home movies featuring this state.

This site could become very interesting if you participated. I am looking for good contributors from Colorado who can cover their neck of the woods, or their side of the mountain. Contributors can post regularily about news, events, cultural happenings, hiking areas, ski outings, concerts, festivals.... you get the idea.

So if you are willing and able, please let me know where you are, and how you might contribute.

Visitors from out of state, or from another country are also invited to participate here. If you want information about Colorado, please ask. If you would like to purchase a souvenier, please ask. Again, you get the idea.

Pictures and video are also welcome. Art, music and vintage images too.

Thanks for visiting.

-Eric B.