Michael Bettis is a upcoming artist in the form of photography. He has lived on all ends of the country and spent much of his life building towards a career in photography. Born in Iowa Michael is a Gulf war vet and father of two daughters. He currently works as a free lance journalist and photographer for the local student news paper, the Collegian. Michael has worked many jobs in his life but aims to stay within the realm of journalism and photography for the future. The Following chronicals his life and shocases some od his artwork.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mimosa to take stage at Aggie
Dj/producer Mimosa of Los Angeles California is set to play the Aggie here in Fort Collins friday October 8th. Mimosa is a new act to the west coast music scene and has enjoyed rapid success throughout the Los Angeles area and further across the nation preforming break beat and trip hop. His style can be described as influenced by hip hop and greater electronic and produces beats that are irresistible to the dance floor.
Aside from the west coast region Mimosa has played venues across the nation as a whole and has hosted several festivals including Coachella and Burning Man. He is no stranger to Northern Colorado either as he has played Denver several times, most recently this past April. Tickets are being sold through the Aggie's Website and Rockin' Robbin's off Laurel and College.
Aside from the west coast region Mimosa has played venues across the nation as a whole and has hosted several festivals including Coachella and Burning Man. He is no stranger to Northern Colorado either as he has played Denver several times, most recently this past April. Tickets are being sold through the Aggie's Website and Rockin' Robbin's off Laurel and College.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Mishawaka Amphitheater Facing Closure
After nearly 62 years of rickety existence the Mishawaka Amphitheater is facing legal charges that will force the venue to close until new ownership can stabilize owed money on the land.
The venue has been a staple attraction of the Poudre Canyon for decades alongside the winding Poudre river, attracting tourists and locals alike. Over the years the Mishawaka had hosted hundreds of different musical artists -- many of which international acts ranging from Los Lobos to 10,000 Maniacs, according to the Coloradoan.com. While musical acts have been consistent the venue's ability to stay out of trouble has not. With dozens of reports of drunk driving, illegal camping, minors in consumption and vast drug use legal problems are no stranger the area.
However when owner Robin Jones was arrested on cultivation and distribution of hundreds of pounds of marijuana this month the venue has taken a hit that it cannot stomach. With Jones forced to sell the amphitheater new ownership could change the Mishawaka into something other than a musical arena. Jones reportedly claims to have no interest in selling to a buyer with interest in anything other than musical endeavors, but with $ 450,000 owed to private investors finances appear to be a crucial variable in the equation.
This past weekend Colorado based electronic act Eoto played the seasonal closer for the venue, and what could be a final show altogether. Hopes are high that new ownership will continue decades of musical tradition, but only time will tell the fortune of one of Northern Colorado's most beautiful and controversial musical locations.
The venue has been a staple attraction of the Poudre Canyon for decades alongside the winding Poudre river, attracting tourists and locals alike. Over the years the Mishawaka had hosted hundreds of different musical artists -- many of which international acts ranging from Los Lobos to 10,000 Maniacs, according to the Coloradoan.com. While musical acts have been consistent the venue's ability to stay out of trouble has not. With dozens of reports of drunk driving, illegal camping, minors in consumption and vast drug use legal problems are no stranger the area.
However when owner Robin Jones was arrested on cultivation and distribution of hundreds of pounds of marijuana this month the venue has taken a hit that it cannot stomach. With Jones forced to sell the amphitheater new ownership could change the Mishawaka into something other than a musical arena. Jones reportedly claims to have no interest in selling to a buyer with interest in anything other than musical endeavors, but with $ 450,000 owed to private investors finances appear to be a crucial variable in the equation.
This past weekend Colorado based electronic act Eoto played the seasonal closer for the venue, and what could be a final show altogether. Hopes are high that new ownership will continue decades of musical tradition, but only time will tell the fortune of one of Northern Colorado's most beautiful and controversial musical locations.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Good Gravy! A Successful Mesh of Style
For the past two years Fort Collins has indulged in the music and live performances of Good Gravy. The five piece group based out of Foco categorizes their music as "Jam-grass", a mix of jam band and bluegrass, but also dabbles with live electronic mixing, acoustic and funk, according to their myspace page. The band focuses their live performances around dance beats and fast paced bluegrass licks.
What is surprising about Good Gravy is their rapid rise to success; what was a small town band is now a national acclaimed name. The act was first hosted small venues around the Front Range and then further through across the state quickly moved further throughout the country. On the road the band has played a multitude of venues all across the country and even playing the Wakarusa Music Festival, a highly sought out stage for many aspiring musicians.
The summer of 2010 had been a busy one for the band, aside from extensive touring Good Gravy undertook the recording of their first album in Loveland with Backbone Studios. With such a hard work and promotion this band is well on their way to continued success. Visit the band on their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/goodgravygrass or catch a show when they return from Durango for their live experience.
What is surprising about Good Gravy is their rapid rise to success; what was a small town band is now a national acclaimed name. The act was first hosted small venues around the Front Range and then further through across the state quickly moved further throughout the country. On the road the band has played a multitude of venues all across the country and even playing the Wakarusa Music Festival, a highly sought out stage for many aspiring musicians.
The summer of 2010 had been a busy one for the band, aside from extensive touring Good Gravy undertook the recording of their first album in Loveland with Backbone Studios. With such a hard work and promotion this band is well on their way to continued success. Visit the band on their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/goodgravygrass or catch a show when they return from Durango for their live experience.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Everyday Joe's: A Local Coffe House That Rocks
Looking for a more seclusive venue in Fort Collins apart from the more known live music locations such as Hodies Half Note and The Aggie? Everyday Joe's Coffee House might be right up your alley.
Located on North Mason Street just north of Bikram Yoga and past the Rio Grande alley is the coffee shop turned music hall supporting a variety of local acts and musical genres. From a distance the building may appear too large to be a coffee shop because such is the truth; serving beverages an art gallery and a full line up of musical acts the coffee is much more than just a place to get a cup of joe.
What is perhaps most unique about Everyday Joe's is the fact that it is a non-profit coffee, with a over 40 volunteers and only two paid employees the shop makes monthly donations to community minded organizations; initially the company pledged to donate 200 dollars a month, and has continued with generous donations.
With a soothing atmosphere and warming vibrations Everyday Joe's is an ideal place to relax and read, or enjoy some great live local music. Check out their website for more info and ticket bookinghttp://www.everydayjoes.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 and a great preformance of the Denver based band Churchill below
Located on North Mason Street just north of Bikram Yoga and past the Rio Grande alley is the coffee shop turned music hall supporting a variety of local acts and musical genres. From a distance the building may appear too large to be a coffee shop because such is the truth; serving beverages an art gallery and a full line up of musical acts the coffee is much more than just a place to get a cup of joe.
What is perhaps most unique about Everyday Joe's is the fact that it is a non-profit coffee, with a over 40 volunteers and only two paid employees the shop makes monthly donations to community minded organizations; initially the company pledged to donate 200 dollars a month, and has continued with generous donations.
With a soothing atmosphere and warming vibrations Everyday Joe's is an ideal place to relax and read, or enjoy some great live local music. Check out their website for more info and ticket bookinghttp://www.everydayjoes.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 and a great preformance of the Denver based band Churchill below
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Zion I in Fort Collins this month
Oakland based hip hop/electronic duo Zion I is is scheduled to play the Aggie Theater on September 17th on the on the latter half of their extensive tour. The Oakland duo is no stranger to the Aggie Theater, nor Northern Colorado in general as they have engaged in several national tours since the late 90s. Most recently Zion I opened for Fort Collins act Pretty Lights at Red Rocks Amphitheater last month. Check it out below.
The group consists of vocalist/mc "Zumbi"and DJ/producer AmpLive. The two are known for AmpLive's so called "futuristic style" and Zumbi's socially conscious lyrics, according to lastfm.com. For more on Zion I tour dates and addiotional info check out their myspace page at www.myspace.com/zioni
The group consists of vocalist/mc "Zumbi"and DJ/producer AmpLive. The two are known for AmpLive's so called "futuristic style" and Zumbi's socially conscious lyrics, according to lastfm.com. For more on Zion I tour dates and addiotional info check out their myspace page at www.myspace.com/zioni
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