Improvisational Live Music at 9,000 Feet Above Sea Level

EOTO performed a string of live shows across the United States with a performance at Ullrs Tavern to cap off the run in Winter Park, Colorado on Sunday, April 8.

EOTO performing at Ullrs Tavern on 04/08/18. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

The duo known as EOTO is made up of Michael Travis and Jason Hann. They perform on percussion with The String Cheese Incident. In addition to working with that band, they also create music with EOTO as a side project. The duo now have been rocking stages for over decade with live improvisational music that has entertained audiences all over the world.

My first time seeing EOTO was in 2009 at the Summer Camp Music Festival. That concert was a single set, and was filled with high energy percussion and live instrumentation on stage. Almost ten years later, the duo continues to perform with a similar intensity. EOTO will be back at Summer Camp this upcoming May.

Guests playing pool at Ullrs Tavern on 04/08/18. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

The crowd warmed up with the opening band MZG on Sunday evening. Colorado beer was flowing at Ullrs Tavern, and my group and I arrived just as EOTO was taking the stage. Attending shows in Winter Park during the winter season can be a challenge.

As we drove to the venue from a nearby house, the roads were covered in snow. The downpour of additional snow made the drive interesting. Altitude also plays a major role in attending live shows in Winter Park. The venue sits 9,000 feet above sea level.

EOTO’s formula of creating all live improvisational music does produce a unique element. After ten years of seeing them perform, they continue to make an effort on developing new material to keep each show fresh.

EOTO performing at Ullrs Tavern on 04/08/18. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

The band performed two sets on Sunday, April 8. The first set was more on the dub side of electronic music. The end of the first set was concluded by a progressive rock beat structure.

The lights for the show were done extremely well. One of the light arrangements produced a smoke like effect within laser beams.

EOTO performing at Ullrs Tavern on 04/08/18. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

During the second set, Michael Travis created a reggae style guitar riff. It was interesting to see how Jason Hann played drums off of that with a hardcore hiphop beat. As an audience member, I am not expecting a certain song to be performed. When Hann adds a drum layer to the live song, the spontaneous moment is engaging to experience.

Check out some of their material with Second Story Garage on YouTube.