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Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon

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  • About Us
  • Concert Schedule
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  • Merchandise
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  • Press Kit
Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon
A Tribute to John Denver

 

ABOUT US

 

Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon have toured internationally together delighting audiences with their talent, warmth and humor.  Collins and some of the original artists of Boulder Canyon originally met in Aspen, Colorado at the largest annual celebration of John Denver’s life and music.    Since that first initial meeting, Chris and Boulder Canyon have gone on to tour from coast-to-coast to pay tribute to the music of John Denver.  With similarities between Chris's and John's voices, award-winning singer, songwriter Chris Collins brings amazing energy and the unmistakable enthusiasm to the stage that was a hallmark of a John Denver performance.   The consummate musicians of Boulder Canyon consists of Kevin Delmolino on bass, Paul Swanton on lead guitar, Alexander Mitchell on mandolin/fiddle, Bill Powell on keyboards, and guest band members Mark Nelson on percussion, Joel Tolley on bass and Nigel Newton on keyboards.  Hailed as outstanding tribute artists for their authenticity and musical style, Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon have been receiving much acclaim from audiences in theaters, venues and concert halls everywhere they perform.  From sold-out shows to breaking a theater record for the largest audience ever to attend an event, Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon have emerged as top performers of John Denver's music. 

 

Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon are not an impersonation act, but seek to honor John Denver’s legacy with fresh energy and musical integrity in keeping his timeless music alive.  Through the show's stunning visuals of nature and captivating performance, Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon will take you back to the days reminiscent of the concerts of one of the greatest artists and humanitarians of our time.     

 

CHRIS COLLINS
(guitar, banjo, lead vocals)

Born in the little town Wind Lake, Chris grew up in the rolling hills and hardwood forests of southern Wisconsin.  He didn’t find his musical outlet until he picked up the guitar at the age of 17.  It seldom left his side.  It opened the doors for him that had previously seemed locked.  It brought new friends and a way to express himself beyond his natural shyness.

He soon found himself playing regular shows at Milwaukee area clubs while attending the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Soon his music took him on the road and away from the classroom.  In 2001, Chris recorded his first album, Alberta Skies and was nominated for Producer of the Year and Album of the Year.  It seemed the path was laid to an original music career.

 

It was the exposure from his original music that led to the chance meeting with his current band members.  A path that he could not have anticipated.  He soon found himself producing large shows at major theaters.  John Denver’s music has provided him with an opportunity to play for audiences that he only dreamed of.

 

Chris recently was quoted as saying, “I frequently hear fans tell me what a gift I am to them.  But the truth is, that the audience is a much greater gift to me, and we so appreciate their support.”

 

 

 

KEVIN DELMOLINO
(bass guitar, vocals)

Kevin originated from the hills of western Massachusetts.  Born into a musical family, he soon began singing and playing bass guitar in local bands.  In the early 80’s he founded the pop rock band Strut where he penned several songs making the charts.

In the early 90’s, Kevin moved to Maryland with his wife when he decided to leave professional music for a new career as a commercial pilot.  He continued to be heavily involved with music, making himself available as not only a player and arranger, but also as a mentor for young musicians.  He has been a fixture in the music scene all around the Mid-Atlantic region and continues to be when not traveling with Boulder Canyon.

 

In 2002, Kevin was visiting Aspen when he had a fateful meeting.  While playing guitar at an impromptu jam session, an instant connection with two other players took place.  They continued to play until the wee hours of the morning, and by the end, knew that they would be doing more.  Those two players were Chris Collins and Paul Swanton.

 

With his natural ability to hear arrangements and his past experience in the music business, he soon became the band director and arranger for Boulder Canyon.  His steady bass playing and naturally high voice are just what the band needs.  He covers the top and bottom.

 

 

PAUL SWANTON
(lead guitar, vocals)


Paul, formerly of Massachusetts, is now one of Colorado’s newest residents. One of the most sought after guitarists, Paul is well known for his hot guitar picking and quite personality.  He has spent the better part of the last 35 years perfecting all of the guitar licks in the John Denver canon and has invested several years in completing a personal solo performer John Denver songbook.

Paul’s guitar work is the foundation for the sound of Boulder Canyon.  His playing brings the audience to a familiar place with licks and riffs that bring the music of John Denver to life.  Steve Weisberg, the lead guitarist from John’s band from the 70’s and 80’s, said of Paul, “He knows the songs better than I do.”  However, he has his own recognizable style that weaves perfectly within the context of the music.

 

The band frequently jokes that whenever John needed a refresher course on his own songs, he would go see Paul.  His easy going manner and attention to detail makes Paul the perfect lead guitar player for Boulder Canyon.

 

 

ALEXANDER MITCHELL
(fiddle, mandolin, vocals)

Alexander was born in New York City.  He spent most of his childhood in the beautiful hills of New Jersey and loves to spend time in the pine mountains of Upstate New York.  He is a Berklee graduate and a multi-instrumentalist who plays fiddle, mandolin, guitar and has a distinguished Americana voice.

Alexander started playing fiddle in 1978 after hearing bluegrass music.  Since then he has been cultivating such diverse styles as Appalachian, bluegrass, Klezmer, traditional roots dance music, ballroom, hot swing, and jazz.

 

Now living outside of Frederick, Maryland, he teaches music when not traveling.  He toured nationally with the Missouri Repertory Theatre performing Woody Gutherie’s American Song.  He also appeared in and recorded music for the soundtrack of the Ted Turner movie Gettysburg, along with numerous other stage and theatrical productions.  

 

Alexander has performed at the Millennium Stage, the Kennedy Center, Lisner Auditorium for the “Revels,” the Birchmere, and other prestigious theaters across the country.

 

 

BILL POWELL
(piano, keyboards)

Bill Powell, a native of Frederick, Maryland, began his piano studies at the age of seven.  He continued his musical education at Hood College in Frederick, and then at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA, where he earned a Masters Degree in Music in 2004 and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance in 2012.  “Dr. Bill” is currently the director of music and organist at Glade United Church of Christ in Walkersville, Maryland, the traditional choir director and organist at St. Timothy’s Roman Catholic Church in Walkersville, and the assistant organist at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Frederick.

Bill is an adjunct instructor of piano at Hood College, teaches private piano lessons, and has given organ recitals in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Schifferstadt, Germany.  He has performed several major classical works with choral groups, including Handel’s Messiah, Brahms’ Requiem, Purcell’s Te Deum Laudamus, and Mozart’s Requiem, among others.  While he is deeply immersed in classical and church music, his role as the pianist/keyboardist for Boulder Canyon provides him with a unique opportunity to improvise and experiment with unique musical styles.  As the son of an Angus farmer, the music of John Denver also reconnects him to the music of his youth.  Bill now lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland with his wife and family.

 
Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon all rights reserved

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      Country Roads 3:12
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      Rocky Mountain High 4:49
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      Annie's Song 2:58
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      Sunshine On My Shoulders 5:17
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      Fly Away 4:06
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