Since its founding in 2014 by Libby Anschutz and her band, Tracksuit Wedding, Sing It To Me Santa has become an annual Denver holiday tradition.
The bands
Firmly a phenomenon in their home country of Iceland, the four-piece band Kaleo brings a blend of folk, blues, country, and rock as this year’s Sing It To Me Santa headliner. Their isolated heritage inspires a unique take on familiar sonic elements, resulting in diversity and freedom on each and every breathtaking track. Best friends since attending elementary school in the small town of Mosfellsbaer outside of Reykjavik, bandleader JJ Juliusson, drummer David Antonsson Crivello, and bassist Danny Jones began playing together at the age of 17.
Anchoring the line-up, each year Tracksuit Wedding, also founded by childhood friends, brings its unique vintage rock/funk/blues sound of originals, covers and even a few holiday tunes to get the sold-out audience in the holiday spirit. Tracksuit Wedding, released their first self-titled EP in 2015 and in 2017 their first full length album titled “Now Or Never”. They followed that release up with national and international performances stretching across the United States and beyond. In early 2019, Tracksuit Wedding released “Coming Home,” a bold anthemic collaboration with Ugandan rap superstar NAVIO. This new single heralds a swampy, groove-based return to their rock roots, and is the backbone of the band’s upcoming new album, scheduled for release Fall of 2019.
Our very own Santa, Ryan Chrys (& the Roughcuts), performs original modern outlaw country tunes and holiday favorites with a twist. Awarded 2019 Band of the Year and 2018 Entertainer of the Year by Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryan Chrys & the Roughcuts was founded in Denver in 2013 and tours steadily throughout the Southwest, Midwest and northern US.
The concert
Special musical guest appearances are always part of Sing It To Me Santa’s fun and have included acclaimed artists such as: Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd & the Monsters; Bill Nershi of String Cheese Incident, and his wife Jilian; Isaac Slade of The Fray, and his wife, Anna; Kenny Passarelli, bassist/producer/songwriter; Neyla Pekarek, formerly of the Lumineers. Colorado’s talented government officials and music aficionados, John & Robin Hickenlooper and First Lady of Denver Mary Louise Lee, have also been among our guest performers. While local country outlaw musician, Ryan Chrys (& the Rough Cuts), makes magic as our very own Santa.
Staying true to Take Note Colorado’s mission, Colorado youth musicians are granted an opportunity to take the stage and are featured in the performance line-up. Emceed by Bret Saunders of 97.3 KBCO, Sing It To Me Santa is a celebration of Colorado’s cultural spirit.
The VIP and sponsor experience
Upstairs at the Ogden, a private VIP pre-event with delicious local eats and hosted bar provides for a fun, intimate party experience. Enjoy the concert from the vantage point of the balcony, and enjoy the hosted bar throughout the show!
