Branden Sipes

I'm in Nashville for a few days and had a great time performing at The Bluebird Cafe last night.  This was my first time playing at the Sunday Writers Night after passing the audition in 2011.  The room was full of guests from all over who had waited in line for a seat at the prestigious venue, and for a chance to hear some great songs in Nashville.  It was an honor to sing my songs on that stage, and I hope to be back again soon.  I have a couple more shows left here before heading back to Colorado.  More to come... 

My cover of "Hallelujah" written by Leonard Cohen, as recorded by Jeff Buckley.  Watch more and subscribe at  YouTube.

Here is my latest cover song video for "Lucky Now" by Ryan Adams.  Check out my YouTube channel and subscribe at www.youtube.com/brandensipes.

I posted a new video of my cover of "Come On Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson.  I have lots more on my YouTube channel, so please click over and subscribe!  www.youtube.com/brandensipes

I finally got around to some overdue video editing.  Here is a description of my latest project:

A sequential collection of highlights from my Midwest Tour in the spring of 2011.

I drove 3500 miles from Colorado through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee performing shows along the way to support the release of my album "That Side of Me." The adventure lasted about 3 weeks, in which time I played 17 gigs in 12 cities, and included days of driving, abundant scenery, and a lot of music. I met some great people in Nashville and Chicago, and visited family in Indiana before circling back to Colorado, making it home just in time to start a busy summer season of performing.

The song "Everything's Right" is the first track on the album "That Side of Me." Available on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody... and right here on BrandenSipes.com!

Here is a photo from Mary's Lake Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado by the talented musician & photographer Dick Orleans.  His impressive collection of fine art nature photography can be found at RareMoment.com. 

I am looking forward to joining him as the special guest for the "Friends of Folk" show at Marys Lake Lodge on Friday, December 16th, 2011 and again on Friday, January 13th, 2012.  I'll start the evening with a set from 7:00-8:00pm followed by an open mic until 10:00pm.  Friday nights are always fun in the Tavern at Marys Lake Lodge!             

I had a great gig last week in Tempe, Arizona.  I flew to Phoenix and performed at Arizona State University on a beautiful evening outside on the patio of the Memorial Union Engrained Cafe.  With a little extra time to spend, I explored the campus and surrounding area, and even took a run up "A" Mountain by the stadium.  The giant letter, "A" sat boldy on the hill and tempted me to come take a closer look.  It reminded me so much of my alma matter CSU in Fort Collins which sports the "A" for aggies up on the foothills above town. 

It was fun to see the interesting arcitecture (and palm trees!) on the ASU campus.  I was particularly looking forward to seeing the Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, renouned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's final design for an opera house, and it didn't dissapoint.  Though I would have liked to catch a performance inside the giant building, that will have to wait for another trip.  I had a great time and hope to return to ASU again soon.  Thanks for hospitality, Sun Devils!  

 

Since I haven't written here for a while I decided it is time for an update.  The summer has been winding down with cooler weather and shorter evenings here in Colorado.  The pumpkin spice latte is back, so you know Fall is fast approaching and will be here within a few days.  

I've spent most of my time these past few months performing at all sorts of various venues all along the Colorado Front Range.  I am developing a taste some new favorite regular gigs and enjoying exploring the unknown when I find myself walking into a place I've never played.  These new gigs usually turn out very well, but part of the excitement is not knowing how well it might go.  

Since I have been so busy performing, I've managed to create a long list of things to do next... so now that my summer gigs are winding down I have to get back to booking to create new performance opportunities for the winter.  I'm also hoping to find time for working on new songs and new recording projects.  It is true, a musician's work is never done.  With a change in season comes a change in objectives.  

I'm looking forward to the next season and to continuing this adventure with music.  As for right now, I need to prepare for the next set of gigs and get packed up for a beautiful drive up to Estes Park for the show at Marys Lake Lodge tonight.         

I had a wonderful time recording this podcast in Chicago on my spring tour in the Midwest.  Thanks to Michael Teach and Ashley Wolf for bringing me into the studio.  The podcast is available here!  Check it out at ChicagoAcousticUnderground.net.

One of my favorite things about being a musician is the getting opportunity to play music for a crowd of people at a city park on a beautiful summer day.  ...and s'mores, I love s'mores. 

I've already had the pleasure of performing this summer at Berthoud Days, and the Capitol Hill People's Fair in Denver.
I'm still looking forward to several more large outdoor shows.  You can join me at the following:

July 10th - Summerfest in the Rockies, Loveland
July 24th - Lions West Park, Golden
July 30th - Greeley Arts Picnic, Greeley
August 13th - Canyon Fire Days, Big Thompson Canyon Fire Dept.
August 14th - Bohemian Nights at New West Fest, Fort Collins
August 28th - Rocky Mountain Music Festival, Littleton

I have so many more performances in addition to these, so head over to the Gigs page to see where all I'll be playing for the rest of the summer.