Herman’s Hideaway hosted dozens of DU students, alumni and more as they jammed out to The Alley Katz, Typhoon and the Gale Force Winds, and the High Street Joggers Club (HSJC) on Friday, Jan. 26. 

This tune-packed night featured current DU students and DU Alumni. The night started off with a folk-like cover band, The Alley Katz. Members of the audience sang along to familiar songs, feeling out the energy of the room. Others started to fill in as the set continued. The lead singer had an impressive falsetto and the crowd was into the guitarist’s playful chemistry. 

After a short intermission, Tyler Gale, better known as Typhoon, set up a lawn chair center stage as the rest of the band set up their own spot. We all can agree that it was unique to see an entire band fronted by a rapper.

“I really like live instruments on my set because I get the opportunity to really feel that music,” said Gale in a post-show interview. 

Typhoon started the show with a dramatic start to the set. His second song took on a more groovy feel, offering mysterious melodies from Brynn Dale on the violin. 

In between songs, Gale engaged with his crowd, acknowledging his close friends and family who came to see him perform his first album live. 

“Contemplations Upon a Lawn Chair,” hence the on stage prop, is an album that Typhoon created to commemorate his childhood, back when he didn’t have a care in the world. The songs on the set represent him growing up and figuring things out for himself. 

The vibe got heated and emotional but then was taken back a notch when starry-like lighting hit the stage and Camille Crofford performed a jazzy solo in between Typhoons verses. 

Typhoon and the Gale force winds traveled through the newly released set, with playful conversations and acknowledgments throughout. 

Reggae artist Spellbinder came on as a special guest, with some jaw dropping reggae and getting the crowd hyped up with a call and response which carried on throughout the night: “When I say peace, you say love!” There may have been a little pushing Typhoon out of his comfort zone when Spellbinder put him on the spot to freestyle.  

Special guest DJ lard took over on the tracks while Spellbinder, Typhoon and the rest of the band engaged with the crowd and each other. 

Typhoon ended with Sunshine Shop, a song from the album, released as a sneak peak in October. 

“This night was incredible,” said Gale. “It was such a cool experience to stand up on stage and experience what it’s really like to be a performer.” 

The band wrapped up and after another intermission, openers The High Street Joggers Club took the stage. From backyard concerts while attending DU, to being recognized as one of Indie 102.3’s official Local 303 artists of November, HSJC has a unique sound.  

HSJC consists currently of Nate Garrett on drums, Kevin Cincotta on keys/synth, Cole Schneider and Jake Feldman on guitar, Jackson Harkness on bass and vocals and frontman Jack Cote. The group brought a necessary energetic vibe to the stage, playing original Beatles-like indie rock music for those who stuck around. 

HSJC has made their way around Denver and surrounding areas, performing at various venues like Illegal Pete’s, Mercury Cafe and Bluebird, but a return to the DU area to perform at Herman’s Hideaway was surreal. 

“Everyone absolutely killed it,” said Gale. 

They ended the late night show with unique riffs and lively energy, surrounded by University of Denver friends, family and fans.