ALO & Cris Jacobs Band 4.4.25
- Kaitlin Kunkler
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
Denver, CO Words & Photos by Kaitlin Krunk
You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time and it just sticks in your brain and you have to go on a deep dive into that band to learn every song they have ever released? Well, that’s the feeling I got when I first heard ALO 10 years ago. I fell in love with their unique style of storytelling offering a joyful escape into a world of positivity and love.
I was so excited to hear that they were going to be playing in Denver and releasing a new album called Frames on the same day. Normally when a new album is released by a band I love, I spend a few days listening to it on repeat. But since this album dropped the day of the show, I decided to forego the obsessive Spotify listening and instead I put on some fuzzy animal ears and headed to the show to hear the new songs live. I trekked through the snow and made it to Cervantes to find myself surrounded by dancing fans in furry animal hats and sparkling outfits, happiness exuded through giant smiles on faces and fun positive energy.
Cris Jacobs Band started the evening off with his soulful acoustic guitar and his bluesy cigar box slide guitar. Backed by only a bassist and drummer, he shared his emotionally beautiful lyrics with the vibrant crowd. Playing a new song that was just released that day, "The Lights of St. James," as well as songs from his latest album One of These Days, which features a house band made up of The Infamous Stringdusters plus various musical guests including Billy Strings, and finished his set with a crowd favorite "Jack the Whistle and The Hammer."
Next, ALO took the stage and began their set with the first song off the new album, "Blank Canvas." Also known as Animal Liberation Orchestra, you can tell the band doesn’t take themselves too seriously as the keyboardist donned a giant blue furry buffalo head complete with horns. The band alternated between members singing each song and guitarist Dan Lebowitz “Lebo” brought the high energy vibes. Playing a few songs off the new record and mixing in some classic favorites, they even brought out some horn players from the band Cool Cool Cool to round out the first set.
The atmosphere of the crowd was energetic when ALO returned for the second set, diving into more of the band's repertoire and bringing out Cris Jacobs to perform a Michael McDonald and Warren G mashup together. It was such a fun show! I love the band’s authentic feel and it was a great way to spend a snowy Friday night in Denver. I can’t wait to obsessively listen to the new album all weekend to relive the magic of the show.
ALO Setlist:
Set One: Blank Canvas, Blew Out The Walls, Separated, Come Together, Rescue our Demons, Try*, Undertow*, Lady Loop*
Set Two: The Party (I’m Sorry I Missed), Sparrow, Hot Damn, I Keep Forgettin’ > Regulators (ft. Cris Jacobs), Baby Blind Spot, Plastic Bubble, Barbeque
Notes: *w/ Horns
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