Serenaded by smooth jazz standards by Troy Schuh (piano), Austin Hein (bass) and Eric Thomas (drums), we walked into the large and luxuriously appointed playhouse for a dinner with about 40 people, most of whom we’d never met before entering, but many of whom we would count as friends before the final delicious course was consumed.

We knew it first taste of the Gazpacho (a cool, fresh taste, accented with Ahi Tuna Tartar tossed with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette) that this meal was going to be a delightful experience, and not at all what you might expect from a young chef in your average dinner theatre. Of course, the Candlelight is not an average dinner theatre, so there’s your first hint! This first course was complemented by a rather crisp and clean tasting Sauvignon Blanc, which I found to be surprisingly good as I’m not usually a big fan of most white wines.

The second course consisted of Mango Lobster Spring Rolls, and I love Spring Rolls, so I excited to try them, and they didn’t disappoint a bit. With a hint of fresh mint and drizzled with Agave Nectar, these were delicious, and we were fortunate to have quickly made friends with the lovely woman across the table who couldn’t eat lobster, so my husband happily ate hers too! The Conundrum blend of white wines was a perfect match for these wonderful rolls.

The wine selection for each course was chosen and described by Sommelier Brian Cook, and Chef Josh Thompson shared some insights from his kitchen as well. Thompson is a very talented and surprisingly young man with creative ideas and exceptional execution – each course was delivered at the perfect temperature and freshness with beautiful presentation. As I am personally something of a klutz in the kitchen, I’m amazed at how anyone can so smoothly deliver such a superb meal for so many people!

Meanwhile, the jazz played on quietly in the background (I absolutely love Troy Schuh on the piano), and the conversations around the table got more and more interesting as we all learned more about each other and shared our stories. The Roasted Duck Confit Empanadas (served with a wonderful Broquel Malbec) and the main course of Sausage encrusted New Zealand Lamb Chops (accompanied by a lovely Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon) were almost comfort food, if you can describe a gourmet meal in those terms. The warm, hearty textures of the meats combined with the rich spices and balanced by the brightly flavored sauces relaxed us into a comfort zone that one usually finds only with the oldest of friends. Ok, the wine probably played a role there as well!

While we were sorry to see the evening end, the Chocolate Soup was so divine it cheered us even as we departed from our newly found friends. I look forward to future opportunities to Wine and Dine by Candlelight, and encourage anyone who loves great wine, food, conversation and music to give it a try. It’s a wonderful and delicious evening.

Featuring Post Paradise at 7:30 pm

If you’re in the northern Colorado area, here’s a great chance to catch the new and upcoming band, Post Paradise - tonight!

Hosted by Scene Magazine

Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 3:30pm – 11:30pm

Venue: Hamilton’s at 214 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO

Only a $2 cover charge for this amazing line up of new artists – all proceeds go to Colorado Contemporary Music College (http://www.coloradomusiccollege.org) tuition reduction program.

Post Paradise playing the FoCoMA Experiment - Aggie Theatre (Courtesy http://hudetzphotography.com)

Schedule:

• 3:30 GG Herman – Rock
• 4:45 Matt Leeke – Acoustic singer/songwriter
• 5:30 Otem Rellik – Experimental Hip Hop
• 6:15 Uri Hoffman – Piano singer/songwriter (taken ill)
• 6:30 Livest Vibe – Hip Hop
• 7:30 Post Paradise – Alt Rock
• 9:00 Killing the Messenger- Deaf Metal
• 10:15 After the Shock – Alt Metalcore

Also featuring ceramic artist Sherise Palvott

If you’re planning to attend the Lincoln Center event, you can pre-order the CD here on SavvantMusic.com and pick it up via the “express” line at Mark and Colleen’s merchandise table. Fort Collins locals can also pick up the CD from Mark at Jay’s Bistro any Wednesday through Saturday evening (7-10 pm).

For more information about Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson, check out these sites:

Amy Morgan - Post Paradise at the Aggie

Sorry, but the free download period has expired.

But don’t despair! You can still download Post Paradise latest songs and album,  From Here to Anywhere on iTunes:  

Or you can purchase From Here to Anywhere at Amazon:

Either way, less than $7.00 — Great deal!

Post Paradise are Nick Duarte (guitar/vocals), Josh Freed (bass), Amy Morgan (cello) and Craig Babineau (drums)

As you may know, at Savvant Music we search for music that is polished, with great live shows, awesome original music, well performed musically and ready for discerning listeners, and yet still under the radar of the major labels and major indies.  As such, we don’t usually write up bands that are just forming, but we’re making an exception with Post Paradise, because we’re so impressed with their fantastic song writing, arrangements and musicality of their performance.

Starting off at Hodi’s with Better Off Post Paradise immediately caught us with their full sound and very energetic and professional stage show.  Working through failing microphones and lack of monitor support, front man and composer Nick Duarte handled the challenging situation without batting an eye, pushing through the problems and delivering a great show through it all.

Post Paradise live

Duarte’s compositions use chord progressions and voicings you might not be used to in many rock bands, yet even with a cello instead of a guitar on the instrumental leads, this is unabashed rock music.  The rock steady groove set down by bassist Josh Freed and drummer Craig Babineau provides a rock and roll canvas for the lyrical counterpoint of Duarte’s well sung vocal melodies and the rocking riffs ripping out from the lovely Amy Morgan on the cello.

Another favorite song of mine on Post Pardise‘s playlist is the hard hitting irony in A Way With Words in which Duarte rocks back and forth between “A face that screams sincerity” and “The kind of fake that you adore” underlined with an intense and driving counter melody played by Morgan on the cello.

Post Paradise doesn’t yet have any formally released albums, but if you’re lucky you can pick up a free demo CD at one of their upcoming gigs. They’ll be playing on Saturday, April 11th at 6:00pm as part of the Fort Collins Music Experiment (FoCoMX) at the Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins, Colorado on the bill with The Heyday, The Piggies, Common Anomaly, Roe and more. FoCoMX will feature over 100 bands from northern Colorado and is being put on by the Fort Collins Musicians Association (FoCoMa.org).

Note: Post Paradise recordings, songs and lyrics are copyright Post Paradise and are streamed here with permission.