Backyard Hero: Adam Ranes
by Tim Wenger
Casselman’s Bar and Venue is located in the heart of one of the Mile High City’s fastest growing neighborhoods, and has become one of the fastest growing venues by becoming a home not only for bands to perform, but for special events and a stiff drink. Colorado Music Buzz caught up with the man and the legend down there, Adam Ranes, to get the lowdown on how he got this all going for our community and why you might just want to head on down to no-do this weekend and catch some of the action.
CMB: First things first. Let’s hear about how you got into the music scene here in Denver, and how did the idea for Casselman’s come to fruition?
AR: Casselman’s happened by accident…funny thing. I have zero background in music or entertainment. I was a commercial real estate developer in a former life before Casselman’s. When the real estate market collapsed in October 2008, my former pool hall tenant went bust and left us with the space. I was forced into the bar business as there were no active tenant prospects in the worst economy since the great depression. My development career evaporated overnight and at the same time my brother was coming out of his line of work, so the opportunity presented itself by default. I originally built the space out for my former tenant and I always thought the space had so much character and lent itself as an alternative use venue in a new and emerging growth area of downtown Denver known as NoDo (North Downtown). So with a little bit of day dreaming, a vision, the space in hand, an existing liquor license and two ambitious brothers, Casselman’s was born.
CMB: What role do you think Casselman’s plays in the music scene here, and why do you feel it is so important?
AR: To me, Casselman’s is very communal place……Casselman’s is place for the fans, the artist, my staff and the community……each one having a huge party that contributes to the ever changing and natural progression of the music scene. Trends, ideas, culture and a general movements change so fast. Casselman’s is a place dedicated to them and their movement! Without all of them, Casselman’s would not exist.
CMB: Anything that you are doing that isn’t being done at the million other venues around town? It seems like you guys are carving a pretty good niche down there. . .
AR: Casselman’s is about innovating and accentuating all of the elements that make shows great….the venue, the music, the talent, the production and other elements all combined into a formula to make the best possible experience for the fan….the WOW factor! The fan-base is our niche! Instead of just turning and burning shows and taking numbers where the talent is the limiting factor to the overall excitement of any given show, we build off of that to really highlight the talent and their ability and the over show experience with well built production, side-show entertainment, live artist, awesome staff and the venue itself to make a memorable experience and long-lasting impressions for the fan…….fans want to remember the good times that had a show and we create that formula to achieve that!
CMB: What bands/artists have really impressed you lately?
AR: The electronic music movement has really impressed me because it is so dynamic and the best producers (I call them producers and not DJ’s) have the ability to take control of a crowd and make the entire crowd move in sync for hours. For example, Michael Menert from Pretty Lights Music created an energy that hasn’t compare to anything else I’ve seen…..on the other side of the spectrum….artists like Barrington Levy and Hieroglyphics have captured the energy of crowds and really taken them to a whole other level….in essence, it is the quality of the talent and their entertainment ability that matters and impresses me. You know quality when you see it…it’s the difference between McDonalds and Whole Foods.
CMB: What takes a live performance to the next level, making it great and not just another band playing another show?
AR: Professionalism and Production, Production, Production!! Amateurs practice until they get it right….Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong. When you have true professionals on stage that are musically gifted or that have the ability to entertain…..they kill it all of the time! Just ask the fans and their demand of an artist will show you who is great and who is second best. Second best is just that, second best!
CMB: What’s playing in your car right now?
AR: I live across the street and my Lamborfeeties don’t have a system…
CMB: What are your goals in the music scene? Is there anything you haven’t accomplished that you want to?
AR: My goal is to have Casselman’s throw shows and parties that people talk about for months after….bringing in top talent and accentuating on that for the overall fan experience. I want to do an exclusive, one-of-a-kind, intimate special event with Pretty Lights at Casselman’s……then I will be satisfied. That would be dope!
CMB: Where do you eat after a show?
AR: Pork Chop Dinner!! – Pete’s Kitchen…..I take the whole crew out after long nights….it’s some serious pig.
CMB: What trends are dominating Denver music right now?
AR: Event-based shows for sure!!……not just shows themselves..…anyone can go to any show….and there are 100 shows in any given week in Denver. People want the overall experience, the party, the excitement, and the talent…..it’s the perfect formula and we cook it up the best!
CMB: Any shout outs?
AR: Casselman’s fans, supporters, all of my peeps & promoters that have supported for years and affiliates are on the top of the list for sure…….My staff and Art (He steals all my Black Label out of my liquor room…)
Online: casselmans.com
Category: Buzzworthy
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