Music
Press
There’s little doubt that a musical gene exists, even if the offspring of famous musicians don’t usually approach the achievements of the first generation. Just among those who have performed in Aspen recently are the children of Carlos Santana, Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, and too many of Bob Marley’s kids to count. Apart from the genetic factor, there is the environment — kids who grow up watching their moms and dads jamming onstage, or strumming in the living room, tend to soak up the desire and ability to play music. The evidence is present on a small scale in the Roaring Fork Valley, which makes the Musical Genes show such a good idea. The concert — Friday, Nov. 30, at Steve’s Guitars in Carbondale — features a handful of two-generation local musical dynasties in the making. Among those set to perform are the Dasaros (father Rob, a longtime fixture on keyboards, and 10-year-old Sophie, who has a CD to her credit); Steve and Riley Skinner; and Bernie and Vincent Mysior (dad Bernie played bass in the famed ’70s Aspen band Starwood). Also making an appearance at Steve’s is Steve himself — the guitar-playing Mr. Standiford, joined by his daughter Shannon. - Aspen Times
Battle of the Bands
The Basalt Battle of the Bands on May 19 hosted 36 bands of new recruits and veteran musicians. Trophies were awarded in the following categories:
Middle School Garage Band
1. Slightly White (Aspen Community School); 2. The Resistance (Basalt Middle School); judge's choice award for middle school garage band: Ethan Griggs (Carbondale Community School); and honorable mention: Sophie Dasaro (Aspen Community School).
Middle School Band
1. Common Cents (Aspen Country Day School); and 2. ACS Chorus and Band (Aspen Community School).
High School Garage Band
First place tie: Common House (Aspen High School) and Murdered by a Blank (Yampah Mountain High School; 2. Carlos has Two Options (Aspen High School); judge's choice award for high school garage band: Brady Smith Band (Colorado Rocky Mountain School); honorable mention: Jimi's Stone (Roaring Fork High School/Aspen High School).
High School Band
1. Ram Jam Band (Roaring Fork High School); and 2. BHS Guitar Class (Basalt High School).
A 40-year anniversary model Fender Stratocaster was awarded to the most deserving guitarist of show, Dustin Tapin (Yampah Mountain High School).
All participating music departments received cash grants from the National Jam Foundation. Deserving schools also received two complete drum kits, three guitar amps and four acoustic/electric guitars.
The grand prize for best high school garage band was 13 hours of recording time at Great Divide Studios and a fully produced rock video by Access Roaring Fork, and will be split by Common House and Murdered by a Blank.
To date, The National Jam Foundation has disbursed more than $23,000 to music departments in schools from Aspen to Rifle.
- Post Independent
Discography
"Songs for the Goddess" - Rob Dasaro and the Camaro, 2003
"10" - Sophie Dasaro, 2006
"Live on KDNK" - Sophie Dasaro, 2007
Photos
Bio
From an early age, Sophie begged for the center stage. Once there, she never faltered. Quickly her performances changed from Barbie-doll dance routines to singing "The First Cut is the Deepest" while playing her guitar. Sophie has joined the stage with her father's band Funky Monkey and the Thunder Love at Marblefest, played with her dad as the opening act for Shakedown Street, and won honorable mention at the 2007 Basalt Battle of the Bands.
If asked, Sophie will tell you she loves music by Sheryl Crow and Miley Cyrus. But you can tell her musically tastes goes well beyond, including The Beatles, Cat Stevens, Dixie Chicks, KT Tunstall, The Band, Trey Anastasio, and much more.
Sophie balences her love of music with her love of skiing. At school Sophie participates in "Rock Band", Songwriting class, Celebrate the Beat performances, and the yearly all-school musical. After school, Sophie races with the Aspen Valley Ski Club and skis Highland Bowl.
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