March 28, 2025

Organ Fairchild and Simple Syrup at Roots Music Project

On Saturday, March 22nd, Roots Music Project hosted Organ Fairchild with support from Simple Syrup for a night of funk, rock, and much in between. It was my first time experiencing Roots, and I will definitely be coming back. I’m a sucker for 1. an intimate venue with 2. stadium-worthy music. Saturday night filled both of those criteria.

The Venue

Roots Music Project is a non-profit focused on preserving the power of music and is dedicated to the growth and development of musicians and artists in the Boulder community. Read the “about” section on their website – they are definitely an organization worth supporting. Independent of their honorable mission, it really was a cool venue. The intimate feel of Roots offered spaces to sit down, a single bar, a couple bathrooms, and a petite stage. If I can get a good spot in a venue without navigating through a sea of a thousand people AND see what’s happening on stage (I’m short) that is a tough experience to beat. This is exactly what Roots provided. Also, I was offered pizza when I walked in, and didn’t have to wait for a drink. The sound and lights at Roots also did not disappoint. Pure heaven.

Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup is a local, seven-piece band based out of Denver. I’ve gone from seeing them perform before they had chosen a band name to headlining the Fox Theatre in Boulder. They are definitely on the up-and-up. The band features singer Camille Crofford, Dave Klug on lead guitar, Connor McNulty on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jake Silverman on sax and keys, Bennett Salvesen on bass, with Ryan Strzepa and Danny Wall on drums/percussion. They also featured Max Wellins on sax. On Saturday, their covers ranged from Doja Cat (see below) to Frank Sinatra. When you go to a Simple Syrup show you’re not sure what you’re gonna get, but it always ends up being a fun time. They manage to provide spunky, upbeat rhythms that transition into a moody atmosphere, with consistent soulful vocals. I see prosperous things in Simple Syrup’s future.

Organ Fairchild

This three-piece band from Buffalo, New York packed a punch! The self-described groove funk jam band was that and more. Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, and Dave Ruch complemented each other so well on stage. Not just in terms of music, but also in terms of vibes. At one point I could not stop smiling because the joy on their faces was infectious. The set featured originals from their album “Leisure Suit” and they covered icons from the Grateful Dead to Stevie Wonder (see below). They are currently on tour, with their next stops in Illinois, ending the summer at Borderlands Music Festival in New York, with many stops in between. If you happen to read this and you’re anywhere on their tour list GO SEE THEM. You will have no regrets.