DEL NORTE— The Wildwood Sounds dance floor sparkled on Saturday, Feb. 9 when Shower Me Blue stretched the limits of blues and rhythm. The three-piece band traveled from Boulder County for their first show at Wildwood Sounds in Del Norte.
Led by singer-guitarist Gilles Palmarini, Shower Me Blue has roots in the blues, but the sound includes jazz and jam grooves with lyrics hinting at Colorado life. Before introducing one of the first songs of the show, Palmarini recounted the story of a trail runner near his home in Lyons as proof of Colorado’s grit. Faced with a threatening mountain lion, the runner suffered from the battle but saved his life.
Faced with financial pressure, Wildwood Sounds is fighting a similar fight to continue providing concerts in Del Norte. The performance on Saturday was show number 610, starting with the first concert in 2002. The venue holds 70 people comfortably, an intimate environment unlike other music establishments. The facility does not serve liquor, and owners Stephen Crawford and Konnie Kennon do not cook food to draw crowds. Wildwood Sounds is all about the music, and regular audiences bring sweet or savory snacks to contribute to the potluck.
Another song Palmarini introduced was entitled “Leadville Blues,” although the band leader had to clarify that the song was written in Leadville, Colo., but it’s more about “heavy things.” Judging by the heavy beat, the most likely explanation for the song title echoes the drumming of Dingo Holtz, a touring and studio musician with years of heavy-metal experience.
On bass, Colorado native Bill Teags has performed with Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Styx and a long list of bands from Colorado and the midwest. Palmarini was drawn to the blues from his native home of Paris, France, and Teags got his chops in the gritty Chicago music scene.
As a nonprofit organization with a board of directors, Wildwood Sounds is keeping a vision alive. Without liquor and other attractions, the venue draws listeners and dancers who can cover the admission price. The musicians and venue operators “split the door,” which doesn’t add up to much considering ticket prices and the room’s capacity.
Although the Shower Me Blue ticket price was $15, many listeners paid $20 to help support the scene. Seeking tax-deductible contributions, Wildwood Sounds defines six levels of sponsorship from $20 to $2,000 (and higher, if offered). In addition to receiving donations throughout the year, Wildwood Sounds hosts a “Mini Music Festival” every summer. The 10th annual festival will take place on Saturday, May 25. Local multi-instrumentalist Don Richmond has committed to perform, along with Jess Wayne, Antonio Lopez and Michale Kirkpatrick and Bone Orchard.
In the meantime, audiences can catch six shows in March at Wildwood Sounds before the season expands through the Mini Music Festival and throughout the summer.