Spell and '57 Lesbian due at Pure Sunshine II at the Bluebird

Michael Lavine

Spell Mississippi, if you dare.

​Do you know what you're doing yet on Friday, March 2? Have plans? If so, you might consider canceling them. That night, Spell and '57 Lesbian, a couple of iconic Denver bands are getting together at the Bluebird Theater for Pure Sunshine II to pay tribute to their fallen bandmate, brother and friend, Rick Kulwicki, in addition to helping raise some money for the twin boys he left behind.

Both bands are offshoots of the Fluid that reigned supreme during the mid '90s. Spell, a power trio signed to Island Records, featured drummer Garrett Shavlik, bassist Chanin Floyd and guitarist Tim Beckman, who later went on to form the Geds. Spell, of course, is best remembered for its excellent 1994 album, Mississippi. The record, recorded at Time Capsule Studios, is a bona fied Colorado classic that features "Dixie" and "Superstar," some unbelievably catchy tunes that have withstood the test of time.

Led by Fluid bassist Matt Bischoff, '57 Lesbian, meanwhile, was an equally as compelling, super-charged, guitar-driven act that also counted Floyd among its members, along with Dave Stewart, Andy Johnson, Jenae Pleau and April Froschheuser.

As if this weren't already enough to entice you out on that night -- paying homage to Ricky, raising money for the Kulwicki boys and seeing two legendary Denver bands -- the Pure Sunshine II bill also includes the Buckingham Squares, the Knew and another band to be announced the Purple Fluid.

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