DeVotchKa at New West Fest
by Hannah Lintner
DeVotchKa, based out of Denver, played the Mountain stage on Sunday afternoon. The four piece multi-instrumental ensemble has quite a following in Fort Collins; the entire area was packed before the band had even sound checked. DeVotchKa, a name taken from the Russian word meaning ‘girl,’ is made up of a group of multitalented musicians. Nick Urata sings and plays the theremin (an electronic music instrument created in Russia), piano, trumpet, and bouzouki (an instrument similar to the lute with a Greek orgin). Tom Hagerman plays violin, accordion, and piano. Jeanie Schroder sings and plays the double bass, flute, and sousaphone (a type of tuba typically used un marching bands). Shawn King adds percussion and trumpet. The band has been featured in an array of media, including the trailer for the film “Everything is Illuminated”, a “Gears of War 2” trailer, and the score for “Little Miss Sunshine”, which was later nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack. The band also played at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in 2006.
DeVotchKa combines a gypsy punk feel with an indie cabaret folk vibe. Their music takes a simple, melodic approach that allows the listener to get lost in the complex combinations that DeVotchKa creates with their great instrumental variety. Urata’s graceful croon combines elegantly with the band’s tribal-orchestral sound. The group has an uncanny ability to connect with the audience from stage. It was apparent that the audience was entranced in listening to the eloquently orchestrated songs by the wide range of connected movements in the crowd. The audience was filled with a wide range of ages; families, couples, and dedicated followers gathered together to experience the Colorado band.
Category: Noco Music Scene
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