Writer and photographer Alan Crandall submitted the following guest blog, originally published on Timescall.com:
David Gans
Formed in 2007, Moonalice, a self described “band of hippies” from California played it’s second of three Colorado shows at the historic Stage Stop in Rollinsville, Saturday as the latest installment in the newly renovated restaurant/dance hall’s plan to revive the venue’s rich musical heritage. The list of previous performances in the dance hall reads like a who’s who of classic rock including musicians Stephen Stills, Dan Fogelberg, Dr. John, Joe Walsh, Chicago, Supertramp, America, Dave Matthews Band, Robert Plant, Carol King, Hall and Oates, Frank Zappa and many more.
Constructed in 1868, the Stage Stop was originally the Toll Gate Barn for the Butterfield Stage Coach Company providing service from Denver to Estes Park. Recently renovated and restored by artists Patrick and Carol Schuchard the upstairs dance hall is set to host a wide variety of acts while serving comfort food in the restaurant below.
Saturday’s performance opened with the musical stylings of David Gans who many would recognize more for his Rolling Stone articles, books or as the host of The Grateful Dead Hour syndicated radio show. Watch a video of Gans’ songs, “For Everyman,” below.
Moonalice's Roger McNamee and Pete Sears.
A quick look at the Moonalice Facebook page reveals a fan base of nearly 60,000 on FB alone. This is may not be a surprise for a band comprised of seasoned music veterans Pete Sears, John Molo, Barry Sless, Ann and Roger McNamee. Sears alone has played with many artists including Jefferson Starship and Hot Tuna. Experience is not the only element driving their recent success. Moonalice has embraced Facebook and Twitter style of social networking to promote their music in style. According to their web site Moonalice invented Twitter cast concerts, which are free broadcasts to fans over social networks. Every show is simulcast to a broad fan base of web enabled fans. Several digital video cameras, sound boards and multiple laptops
Ann & Roger McNamee with John Molo on drums.
are combined to offer fans a live video of the bands performances viewed at www.moonalicetv.com. In addition to the web promotions, participants of the live performances receive free stickers and a special event poster created for each show. The band will highlight their Colorado tour dates tonight at Quixote’s True Blue with JGB & David Gans.