Formula 151

FORMULA 151
Down On The Beaten Road
Review by: Todd Thompson
Inside/Outside Southwest Jan/Feb 2005

Formula 151 is an anomaly in the Four Corners regional music scene. There are many bands that play out for years, gain a local following, and eventually record. Then there are the recluse producers who release great CDs but you’ll never see them play. Formula 151 comes on like a fully-realized pop star dream, a lucid package of professional musicians, professional production, extensive tour plans and great promo. The band is less than 3 years old and they haven’t played in public very much, but to hear their debut CD is to be thrust into the buzz that is F151.
Our regional music has no shortage of passion, but it is often a passion of obscurity. There are great performers in bluegrass, folk, punk, jazz, metal, and numerous sub-genres. The surprise with F151 is that they excel in the category known as “American pop music.” The only difference from what you hear on the radio is that the lyrics are more interesting, the music is more beautiful and complex, and the performance is more passionate than a pop star’s.
Down On The Beaten Road is an arc of travail, hope and redemption, as perhaps mirrored in the recent life of singer/songwriter David Mensch. “These songs are about relationships, friendships, and searching,” says Mensch. “It’s about the search to better ourselves and better the lives we lead. The song ‘Rise’ for example. Is about waking up to see what’s in front of you. Sometimes we are so close to our own lives that it takes something to make you step back and look at the good things you have.”
The music is alternately dark and uplifting. The lyrics are emotional but without the syrup of schlock. The band is tight but not stifling. The song structure progresses in pretty patterns, but there is an underlying complexity that demands another listen.
The title track is about life in a beaten–down world. “The lyrics ‘while faded I’ve waited for someone…’ describe where I’ve been,” says Mensch. “Everybody goes through all kinds of things. I’ve been in that intoxicated world, but that is the old road for me now.”
“The Coffee Was Good” is an upbeat pop song with a lot of humor. The singer executes a number of wooing maneuvers in a coffee shop and is repeatedly rebuked by the women he meets. He is shot down for obvious desperate reasons, but at least the coffee’s good. “Not As Strong” is a more intense love song about a relationship ending. The singer knows it is ending and that he still loves her, but it can never be what it was.
Formula 151 is at it’s core a trio of two guitars and percussion. The CD includes a cello player and an electric bass player. The strength of each musician are highlighted in the song “Don’t Touch Her,” an extended space-like piece that is an elaborate mix of collaborated solos.
“That song is a way for each of the musicians to tell their own story,” says Mensch. “Katherine Tischhauser is a classically trained cellist who teaches at FLC. She can get more emotion out of one note on her cello than a guitar could play in a whole song. She brings an Arabian flavor to this song. Richard White is an accomplished guitar player in jazz, blues, rock and classical guitar. He graduated from Berkley School of Music. Peter Pheteplace is an extraordinary jazz bassist who also has a degree in music. And Jason Uhl is an amazing percussionist with a lot of experience. I probably have the least credentials of anyone in this band, except I’ve been writing songs and singing since I was young, I’m just very thankful for the people coming together for this record.”
Mensch cites his influences as John Denver (the only thing I listened to the first 15 years of my life) to Dave Matthews to Counting Crow, Alice in Chains, Tool and even Garth Brooks. “I’m a trendy listener. I love what’s popular now. I really connect with intelligent music that has a folk feel and a rock voice.”
Formula 151 will debut Down On The Beaten Road at an all ages concert at the Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall in Durango on Friday February 4th. This is not only a CD release party but a coming out of sorts.
“We’d like people to see that we’re no just a bar band with great music. We’re taking this very seriously. We like to draw people in and make them part of the performance,” says Mensch. “This is not just music to listen to, but a story to engage with.”
- Inside/Outside Southwest Jan/Feb '05

PULLING OFF THE PERFECT CONCERT
Formula 151 to debut CD at Community Concert Hall by Todd Thompson


David Mensch has a vision of the perfect concert. There is a lush tapestry of music and a complex mood. The sound is excellent, the lighting is profound, and there is a story, an amazing story, delivered in powerful cadences and rich vocal depth. The people are attentive and responsive. This vision does not take place in a bar.
When Mensch started pulling together the main players of Formula 151 two years ago, he could sense the band had something special. When they started recording a CD with some additional performers last year, he could tell it was going to be a great production. When it was time to plan the CD release party for the band's new release, "Down on the Beaten Road," he knew it wasn't going to be easy. "There aren't a lot of great venues in Durango if you want a real performance space," says Mensch. "We've enjoyed playing in the bars and it's great we at least have that, but I felt like Formula 151 deserved a real performance to debut our CD. We want to show people that we're more than just a bar band. We are committed to this music and to our vision." After protracted negotiations with the Abbey Theatre didn't work out, Mensch decided to take a chance and rent the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The Community Concert Hall does not often feature local bands, especially of the rock and pop genres, but Gary Penington, concert hall director, says he was glad to rent out the hall to provide a venue for the show.
Mensch has been playing music his entire life, but he has always been most interested in lyrics and song structure. He has an admitted fondness for good old pop music which comes out in his own compositions. Some of his songs play out like a five act play, some follow the verse-chorus formula, and a few wander like lucid dreams. Mensch's catchy hooks rival the best pop music, but the lyrics make the songs worth listening to again and again. There are nuanced tales of tenderness, bravado, fragile love and impish flirtation. The stories are sometimes nervous with genuine despair and sometimes unflappable with determined hopefulness.
Mensch has had an interesting music career. He has, perhaps miraculously, opened for Kansas, .38 Special, The Lovin' Spoonfuls, Badfinger, Dan Fogelberg, Tanya Tucker and Charlie Daniels. He has also headlined in various combos at nearly every venue in the region. With that kind of experience, it wasn't difficult for him to assemble the perfect cast of characters to fulfill his vision of the perfect concert. A few of the band members are well known local session musicians and instructors. The others are sort of hidden gems that were persuaded to join

Formula 151 for the quality of the material. Katherine Tischhauser is of the latter group. She started playing cello at age 11 and has been classically trained at some of the most prestigious musical institutions in the country. She graduated from Florida State University with a doctorate of music in cello performance, which opened the door for her to tour with several renowned classical orchestras. As associate professor of music at Fort Lewis College, she teaches cello and bass. She is a member of the college's Red Shoe Piano Trio, which performs locally and across the Southwest. Tischhauser joined Formula 151 last November. "This is a different side of me that not everyone knows about," says Tischhauser. "It's an unusual ensemble and a different type of music for a cello, but we seem to complement each other pretty well." Jason Uhl started playing percussion when he was 14 years old. He studied under the former drummer of the Chuck Mangione Band but is largely self-taught. In concert, he is often seen banging on a box with a hole in it, the traditional Caribbean cajon. He also gets on the rock drum kit and has been known to go at it fairly vigorously. Uhl provides much of the sonic texture in the music, with tribal instruments such as the wind whistle and chimes. He helped found Formula 151 in 2001.
Mensch has had an interesting music career. He has, perhaps miraculously, opened for Kansas, .38 Special, The Lovin' Spoonfuls, Badfinger, Dan Fogelberg, Tanya Tucker and Charlie Daniels. He has also headlined in various combos at nearly every venue in the region. With that kind of experience, it wasn't difficult for him to assemble the perfect cast of characters to fulfill his vision of the perfect concert. A few of the band members are well known local session musicians and instructors. The others are sort of hidden gems that were persuaded to join Formula 151 for the quality of the material. Katherine Tischhauser is of the latter group. She started playing cello at age 11 and has been classically trained at some of the most prestigious musical institutions in the country. She graduated from Florida State University with a doctorate of music in cello performance, which opened the door for her - The Durango Telegraph - Todd Thompson

DURANGO BAND FINDS FORMULA FOR BODOG BATTLE
Thursday, January 24th 2008
BY STEPHANIE PAIGE OGBURN | JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A Durango band with a strong Montezuma County following recently made it to the semifinals of the Bodog Battle of the Bands regional competition. The band, Formula 151, went to Las Vegas for the regional competition after winning two rounds at the state competition in Denver. Formula 151 didn’t win the regional semifinals, but is still in contention for a wild card spot based on the number of online votes they get over the next week.
The band entered the competition almost on a whim, after bass player Mike Kornelson watched last year’s battle, which takes the form of a reality TV show with the top 10 bands battling it out in front of a camera. Dave Mensch, lead vocalist, filledout the forms for this year’s competition, didn’t mention his application to anyone else in the band, and promptly forgot about it. “I filled it (the application) out and I didn’t tell anybody about it, not even the other members of the band. ... And September we got an e-mail from Bodog being invited into the competition,” said Mensch.
Local fans say Formula 151’s success in its live shows and in the Bodog competition stems from its unique sound and audience-interactive performances. “They talk to the crowd, they interact, they ... tell you a little bit about the song, how it came about, what it means. They just go up there and have a good time and make everyone else have a good time as well,” said Jarvis Dees, a local fan of the band who works in sales at Cortez Diesel. Dees also mentioned the band’s unique sound and skillful playing as major draws. “The quality of the musicianship is what I really like,” he said.
The four-member band includes Mensch as lead vocals and guitar, Kornelson on bass, Steve Dejka on drums and, adding to the unique sound, Katherine Tischhauser on cello and electric cello. Band leader Mensch has played solo shows at Blondie’s Pub and Grub, and the band plays frequently at the Columbine Bar in Mancos and has also played at the Dolores River Brewery.
Patty Simmons, owner and manager at Blondie’s, loves the band’s sound and is happy to have them booked for a Feb. 23 performance at the bar’s new location, 45 E. Main St., Cortez. “I don’t know, I just love his music,” said Simmons, who first saw Mensch and Formula 151 in Durango. Immediately after the show she went up to them to see if she could book the band at her establishment. She thinks they’ll be a big draw, particularly after more Cortez residents learn about Formula 151.
Columbine owner/manager Betsy Harrison has been having the band over for gigs for about six to eight months. “They’re just a really special band, we think,” she said. “I would just want to say that people love them. And they have a following. So there are people that come from Dolores and Durango to see them that wouldn’t necessarily come to a bar in Mancos.”
In an interview before the Las Vegas battle, Mensch said that regardless of the outcome, the experience of battling other bands has been good. “All in all it’s definitely helped us push ourselves to the next level,” he said. “We’re really having to push ourselves, to get to all of these battles first off. ... So regardless of what happens on Bodog, we’ve gotten this much further.”
Mensch added he’d like to thank fans from around the region for their support. “The local and regional support has been amazing. The fans coming out of the woodwork has been absolutely amazing. We are just absolutely so appreciative of everybody who’s stepped up for us along the way,” he said.

Reach Stephanie Paige Ogburn at stephanieo@ cortezjournal.com
- Cortez Journal - Stephanie Paige Ogburn

DURANGO BAND PLACES FIRST
By Indiana Reed
- November 2nd, 2007 PAGOSA DAILY POST


Popular Durango-based rock band Formula 151 took a second step toward winning a $1 million recording contract, by placing first during the Denver auditions for the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands, held Oct. 27 at The Marquis Theater.
Results were posted today on the Bodog show website. The win propels Formula 151, honored initially by being chosen to audition, to the next round scheduled Dec. 5, again in Denver.

Bodog Music is an international, independent record label featuring a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians. Focusing on unique marketing opportunities, Bodog Music is behind the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands – the search for the best unsigned bands in the country. Grand prize includes $1 million recording and marketing contract with Bodog Music, live shows in multiple major cities across the globe and a reality TV show.

Formula 151’s win was based on fan voting on-line (voting instructions follow this news release) and in-person at the show, including influence by record executives. The 24 bands in the Denver auditions each performed three songs, and Formula 151 selected three originals, “Bittersweet,” “Three Wise Men” and “Your Picture.”

Dave Mensch, Formula 151 lead singer/songwriter/guitarist, noted, “Bodog is all about rock, so we hit it hard with ‘Bittersweet’ from the get-go. But I think the Bodog representatives were judging more than our performance, and looking at the whole package – how we presented ourselves, our marketing, personality, everything we did the whole time we were there.”

As a band, Formula 151, launched by Mensch in 2004, is known for offering a unique sound among today’s contemporary bands. Heavily influenced by the long heritage of singer/songwriters, as well as the cutting-edge rock bands, Formula 151 takes its listeners on a melodic and lyrical journey while incorporating dynamic musical arrangements performed by Mensch, Katherine Jetter Tischhauser (electric cello), Mike Kornelson (bass), and Steve Dejka (drums/percussion).

“The inclusion of Katherine and the cello is something that definitely set us apart from other bands in the competition. Plus we had the biggest crowd,” said Mensch, expressing his appreciation to fans who traveled to Denver for the show. “It made a difference. No other band brought any people. Our people went crazy when we performed and the rest of the room followed. It was awesome. Without our fans there we wouldn’t have had as big of an effect. We hope we can have an even bigger following on Dec. 5.”

Formula 151 is currently looking into sponsorship for fan transportation and lodging. Mensch hopes to secure enough underwriting that, for the price of a ticket to the show in Denver, $10, local Durango fans will be able to attend.

“Even though us being number one right now is pretty fantastic,” said Mensch. “The whole experience is pushing us to do our best again in Denver and go on to the semi-regionals in Las Vegas next February.”

During last year’s competition more than 7,000 bands registered and performed at 350 battle showcases throughout the U.S. The field was then narrowed down to 10 lucky semi-finalists that competed in the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands reality TV series. Over four weeks, the 10 bands traveled across the U.S., performing showcases for local fans and completing a series of hardcore challenges designed to test their abilities as a rock band. Eliminating one band each episode, the show featured live performances from the competing artists and criticisms as well as praises brought to them by the panel of expert judges.

For further information about Formula 151, and to sample the music, visit the band’s web site, www.myspace.com/f151. Explore the Bodog Music world at http://battle.bodoglife.net/home/.
On-line Bodog Battle of the Bands voting continues through the Dec. 5 show, with fans allowed to vote once every 24 hours.
- Pagosa Daily Post - By Indiana Reed

DURANGO’S FORMULA 151 WINS 2nd ROUND of Battle of the Bands
December 11, 2007
Herald Staff Report

Durango band Formula 151 placed first in the second round of the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands held Wednesday at the Cervantes Masterpiece Theater in Denver.
Dave Mensch and Katherine Jetter Tischhauser with the Durango band Formula 151 play their winning set in the second round of the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands in Denver on Wednesday. Their next round of competition will be in Las Vegas on Jan. 20.
Courtesy of Formula 151
Dave Mensch and Katherine Jetter Tischhauser with the Durango band Formula 151 play their winning set in the second round of the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands in Denver on Wednesday. Their next round of competition will be in Las Vegas on Jan. 20.

With the win, the band - featuring Dave Mensch (singer/songwriter and guitarist), Katherine Jetter Tischhauser (electric cello), Mike Kornelson (bass), and Steve Dejka (drums/percussion) - moves to the semiregionals.

That competition is scheduled for Jan. 20 at Jillian's in Las Vegas. It's a step closer to winning a $1 million recording contract. Previously, Formula 151 had placed first during the first round of Denver auditions Oct. 27.

"This round took the field of about 500 (bands) down to around 125," said Mensch, who returned from the competition to perform his Thursday night show at The Office Spiritorium. "They will select 10 bands for the final competition and reality television show. Our odds are definitely improving."

Bodog Music, an independent record label, is behind the Battle of the Bands, a search for the best unsigned bands in the country. The grand prize includes a $1 million recording contract, live shows in cities around the world and a reality TV show.
Luxurious home available near Durango Colorado

For Wednesday's round, bands were allotted 30 minutes to perform. Formula 151 took the opportunity to demonstrate the band's stage presence, besides performing such rock-oriented numbers as "Bittersweet," "Your Picture," "What I'd Do to You" and "Tap Water."

"We talked to the audience between songs," said Mensch, lauding drummer Steve Dejka for his impromptu comedy. "The quality of the competing bands was higher this round, for sure, but so many of them just got up and played their songs and left the stage. I think the judges are looking for bands with personality, and we tried to show them ours."

Formula 151 was launched by Mensch in 2004, the band has recorded two CDs, "Down on the Beaten Road" and "Yesterday's Tomorrow."

"We need to thank our fans," said Mensch. "They continue to vote online, and we had the largest following at this competition in Denver. We hope even more of our fans will plan on coming to Las Vegas in January."

During last year's Bodog competition, more than 7,000 bands registered and performed at 350 preliminary rounds throughout the U.S. The field was then narrowed down to 10 semi-finalists that competed in the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands reality TV series over four weeks.

Online voting continues, with fans allowed to vote once every 24 hours. To vote, log on to battle.bodoglife.net/bandsandmusic/182754/Formula%20151/.
- The Durango Herald - Staff Report

Formula 151 Celebrates New CD On Stage
LIVE Jan. 19th at The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College
BY Indiana Reed
DURANGO, Colo. – The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College welcomes to the stage the Durango-based and award-winning band, Formula 151, Fri., Jan.19, at 7:30 p.m.

Led by singer/songwriter and guitarist Dave Mensch, Formula 151 will debut its second CD of all new and original music, Yesterday's Tomorrow, with the Concert Hall performance. Copies of the new release will be offered for first-time sale during the event.

Launched by Mensch in 2004, Formula 151 offers a sound unique in today's contemporary music. Heavily influenced by the long heritage of singer/songwriters, as well as the cutting-edge rock bands of today, Formula 151 takes its listeners on a melodic and lyrical journey, incorporating dynamic arrangements performed by Mensch, Katherine Tischhauser (cello, electric cello), Mike Kornelson (bass), and Steve Dejka (percussion) and Ross Martin (lead guitar).

A more atypical aspect of Formula 151, setting the band apart from most other contemporary groups, is the inclusion of cellist Tischhauser. Mensch has a strong affinity for stringed instruments and the resonance, passion and depth they bring to a song, so he requested that Tischhauser, who was more readily known locally for her classical work, to join the band.

"And she said yes," said Mensch, a former member of the band Prima Facia. "She definitely is an attraction. People come into the local venues where we're playing, sometimes just to see her play. Her playing is definitely a foundation sound in the originality of Formula 151 music…not to mention her electric cello looks like something from Star Trek. I feel that Katherine's involvement in Formula 151 accents the emotions that I'm trying to portray with my lyrics. You pluck a guitar, it just doesn't have that stress or laughter that a stringed instrument does."

Yesterday's Tomorrow, a two-disc - 21 song CD set, accommodates the sister music styles performed by Formula 151, according to Mensch. "I love Friday night music, but I also love Sunday brunch music," he said of the more driving rock as opposed to mellow acoustic tunes. "So, 'Yesterday's' and 'Tomorrow'…are the names of the two CDs."

"Yesterday's," the more mellow of the two, recounts many of the struggles Mensch and Formula 151 endured to arrive at this point in time. "Tomorrow" is the more commercial, radio-friendly effort. Overall, the new CD release promises to be more highly energized than the group's first offering, Down on the Beaten Road.

Of the title track, Mensch explains, "Literally, Yesterday's Tomorrow is Today…but that is the illusion. When you base tomorrow off of yesterday you're missing out on today!"

The Community Concert Hall show will be staged to allow fans to "experience" the music as recorded on the actual Yesterday's Tomorrow CD. Though guitarist Ross Martin has relocated to New York since recording, he will return for the one-time show. A DVD of the performance will also be created.

"We're pleased that Formula 151 has selected the Community Concert Hall as the venue for this CD release event," said Gary Penington, Concert Hall managing director. "We have enjoyed working with Dave ever since Formula 151 was a winner during our first Spotlight to Stardom competition. If anyone is not familiar with the group, they should certainly take this opportunity to come out for an evening of great music."

Tickets for Formula 151 – $15 for Balcony and Orchestra and $20 for Plaza – are available on the web at www.durangoconcerts.com or by calling 970.247.7657, or visit the Ticketing Services Office in Downtown Durango at 7th and Main Ave. ??Doors to the Concert Hall and concessions, serving beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, open at 6:30 p.m.

The Community Concert Hall is located in the growing arts complex of Fort Lewis College. It operates through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, as well as the city of Durango, and with financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community
- The Durango Telegraph - Indiana Reed

Formula 151 Makes it to the Big Stage
CD Release Jan. 19th “Yesterday’s Tomorrow”
January 19th, 2007
By Bryant Liggett

Let's hear it for our local bands keeping busy. At least three Durango groups are writing and recording music for CDs that they will release this year.?Formula 151 is one of those bands.

They've completed the writing and recording of their second CD, and they will release "Yesterday's Tomorrow" tonight at the Community Concert Hall.

Formula 151 was founded in 2004 by local guitarist and singer/songwriter Dave Mensch. Soon after forming, the band recorded "Down on the Beaten Road," which is a collection of mellow rock songs by Mensch. The band is different now,?boasting a new lineup with the exception of Mensch and cello player Katherine Tischauser.

The new members include bass player Mike Kornelson, drummer Steve Dejka and guitarist Ross Martin. Kornelson has played locally with Mensch's former band Prima Facia, and Dejka played drums for the former local jazz/groove/rock band Goodfoot. Martin is a regional and national wonder. He was brought in at the recommendation of album producer Scott Smith, who worked with Martin when he lived and played on the Front Range. Martin has ripped through this town many times playing with Tony Furtado, Theory of Everything, Dave Watts and Drew Emmit. He now lives and plays professionally in New York.

The new CD finds Formula 151 treading familiar ground, in addition to taking the band in a new direction. For starters, this is a double CD. CD 1 ("Yesterday's") is more reminiscent of their first release, which is melodic rock 'n' roll on a more mellow side. CD 2 (Tomorrow) is Formula 151 being a rock band, which is turned up, electric and rock.

Tonight's concert will, of course, feature loads of new music, as well as a second?percussionist, and numerous stringed instruments and the cello. The second percussionist will be Cory Sheridan, who may be best known as the drummer for the now broken up Durango jazz/funk/electro-groove band The Frank Trio. Tennille Taylor and Teresa Lundgren both will play the violin, and JJ Bader will add a second cello. Taylor, Lundgren and Bader were all recruited from the Fort?Lewis College Music Department.

Formula 151 is planning for a big night of music. The band is filming the show and will release a DVD. This will be the start of an active year for our local music scene.

Liggettb@fortlewis.edu
Bryant Liggett is a freelance?writer and program director?of KDUR.
- The Durango Herald - Bryant Liggett

01-19-07
The Independent - Fort Lewis College
CD REVIEW – FORMULA 151
"Yesterday's Tomorrow" - Acoustic Rock

Second albums can oftentimes spell disaster for the careers of any number of emerging artists. After Formula 151's first collection, "Down on the Beaten Road," they prove this new recording is more than just average with their unique sound and professional-level talents making for a solid CD.

This two-disc set offers an excellent balance of easy listening and edgy tracks, with the artistic blend of folk and rock elements that have become the signature style of this group emerging through each song. The first disc, "Yesterday's," provides a mellow, laidback groove, with stripped-down versions of some tracks found on the second disc. "Tomorrow" delivers a more unbound style, with the band shaking off the relaxing sounds of songs like "Walk Back" and "Dream Up a Way" for tunes that pack some more drive, such as "Bittersweet" and "Broken Broom." It is the combination of these different styles that makes "Yesterday's Tomorrow" a fresh, engaging album.

Formula 151 will hold a CD-release performance at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 in the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. For tickets, visit www.durangoconcerts.com.?

— Robert Chrisman
- FLC Independent - Robert Chrisman

Formula 151 conjures up a new “Formula”

DURANGO, Colo. – Most fledgling bands launched by a single singer/songwriter undergo a series of “evolutions” when priorities, personalities and lives change. Dave Mensch, founder of the acoustic rock band Formula 151, defines this as “finding a new formula.”
While the essence of Formula 151’s music isn’t changing (it is, after all, primarily birthed from the mind of Mensch), 2009 has brought a new incarnation of the band as it matures into an edgier version of the original acoustic group that first appeared on Durango, Colorado’s live music scene in 2004. Known for offering a sound unique among today’s contemporary bands, Formula 151 has successfully merged influences from the long heritage of singer/songwriters and cutting-edge rockers.
“It’s time for a new Formula,” said Mensch, whose distinctive vocals and love affair with the acoustic guitar has set him apart in a sea of talented local musicians. “With F-One-Five-One, we have a lot more edge to us, that’s for sure. I’m still using the acoustic base sound, but adding an electric amp behind me with distortion to overtake that acoustic sound during the high points of the choruses. The choruses are definitely electric sounding. When I back off the effects, the acoustic sound returns. The effects thicken up our sound.”
The “new” formula is a “power trio,” featuring the return of Mike Kornelson on bass and new drummer Ben Simpson, though Mensch anticipates guest string performers (i.e. cello, violin) will sit in from time to time.
“Formula 151 is a dynamic, exciting and musically complex band that has won over countless fans at every event,” said Simpson, most recently part of Ralph Dinosaur and the Fabulous Volcanoes. “My goal is to contribute musically and artistically, and position the band for greater exposure at prominent musical venues.”



Indeed, Mensch’s friends and associates have encouraged him for years to heed the adage “you can’t be a prophet in your own town,” and to take his show on the road. Formula 151 enjoyed an initial taste of this in late 2007, when they rode the Bodog Battle of the Bands reality television show competition to the semi-finals in Las Vegas. Mensch also opened doors in Hawaii in 2008, now enjoying a standing invitation for the band’s return.
“We have to get serious, and we are,” said Mensch, who has been called the hardest working musician in Durango. “While I love playing Durango and venues in the region – and I especially love all my fans who come out – it’s time. Unfortunately that means folks here won’t be seeing as much of Formula 151, but when we’re home, I’ll do my best to perform some of my regular solo gigs, and we’ll continue to support events for those non-profits we believe in, such the up-coming Spotlight to Stardom and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.”
Mensch, whose elegance on stage and warm, personal rapport with audiences, has made him a favorite performer in Durango, looks to record his first solo CD during 2009. His songs, most with introspective lyrics enhanced by intricate guitar arrangements, also adroitly make the jump to the unique acoustic rock sound of the full Formula 151 band. Formula 151 has released two CDs, 2005’s Down on the Beaten Road and 2007’s Yesterday’s Tomorrow – a two disc offering.
“Dave’s songs are refreshing and easy to listen to,” said Dina Davis, of 99.7 The Point radio. “I remember when I first heard Dave perform, I thought his voice had a similarity to Creed’s lead singer Scott Stapp, but Dave has the ability to take his vocals to a level that surpasses most.”
Learn more about Dave Mensch and Formula 151, and view a live performance video, on www.myspace.com/f151 and www.myspace.com/davemenschmusic. For booking information, call 970.247.4151.
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- The Durango Herald - Indiana Reed