Triple threat

 

This show is notable for spawning two more—the venue was apparently so impressed with the playing that they booked two additional nights. Like the preceding show, Brandon Keller a/k/a DJ BKellZ opened—this time without the Dogs joining alongside.

 

OTP is an iconic venue in the CO jam space. It’s nestled in the mountain town of Steamboat Springs about 3 hours northwest of Denver, and has developed a reputation for snagging hot up-and-comers—Goose played a legendary show there in 2019 that still gets cited among rocky mountain heads. The venue serves as a church-like experience for locals, who will gladly wax eloquent on the shows of yesteryear hosted by the city’s most recognizable music space. It’s hard not to see why: good beer, good sound, and good company. The owner was apparently so ecstatic with this one-set heater that he booked the band for two more nights of two sets each for two weeks later. All three shows are worthy of your time.

 

The preceding night got me hooked on the Dogs, and I nearly made the trip up to Steamboat to see this one. Lacking reliable snow transportation, I skipped out (to my detriment—12 shows later and I’m still chasing some of these tunes) and a huge storm hit the mountains, which resulted in the canceling of the following show at Crested Butte. This night clicks in at just shade over two hours, but the band made every minute count.

 

One Set. Stevie>4MD is a great start. Despite the Colorado reference, the band doesn’t seem willing to play the latter in the Rockies often. To date, it’s the only rendition in the 17 Dogs shows in the state. TD2 is paired perfectly with Feel Like A Stranger, and Brian gets dirty on LJ2. This isn’t the best era for Applesauce (check Spring ‘24), but things quickly pick up again with a near-20 min Craig&Pat that goes deep into a mind-melting space. The Steamboat Whistle Blues debut (to date, the only time played) is an apropos moment for the occasion, but the main course of the show—Jack&Coke>Spun>Tillie>Trunk Rum—makes it clear why the venue wanted them back. The encore might be the best Jellyfish Jam of the year.

 

Set: 8/10.

Overall: 4 stars

 

Highlights:

Four More Days - CO rarity

Thomas Duncan, Pt. 2 - with two distinct jams

Craig and Pat - no left turn unstoned 

Jack & Coke>Spun>Tillie>Trunk Rum - esp. spun

Stadium Rave - one of the best to date