Locals create space for EDM at Steamboat’s entertainment venue

John Fransella believes Steamboat Springs is approaching a tipping point. He doesn’t think the town’s entertainment lineup can keep up with Steamboat Springs’ demand for electronic dance music, but he thinks there are good reasons to think things are changing.

“In inaccessible environments, there’s a new generation of promoters and creatives who want to put their stuff out there,” Fransella said. “So, it spawned all these little parties, and I think that’s what’s happening with Steamboat.”

On Friday, February 17th, three EDM bashes will take place within a six-block radius of downtown Steamboat Springs at the Old Town Pub, Schmiggity’s and Trail’s End.

Fransella herself will be spinning Trail’s End under the moniker TEAK, named after his favorite type of wood. He recently founded Feels Right, an event production company and record label that hosts events. His vision is to formalize Steamboat’s EDM scene, which he says is currently in its early stages.

“These one-off parties are pretty cool right now,” says Fransella. “But I do think there can be something bigger.”

He says EDM is different from other genres because of how much extra production and talent—whether it’s lasers or TV screens—is required to create an authentic EDM experience.

“I wanted to create some shows where you were there, but you were also there for the event, the overall vibe and the other people,” Fransella said. “So, in a place where people can relax.”

Fransella recently retired from a career in graphic design, branding and organizational design. His career has always been tied to music, but he is excited to commit to a business where he can work directly with music and other musicians.

Whoski was one of the first DJs in town to work with him, and Fransella describes Whoski as one of Steamboat’s most recognized local DJs. Even though Fransella grew up in Miami and Whoski grew up in Chicago, their musical timelines are similar and they experience similar scenes.

“So it’s just a shorthand there,” Francella said. “I think it’s natural between us.”

While Steamboat does have a few local DJs, Fransella says it’s difficult to book talent from outside the region, saying it’s difficult for promoters to recoup travel costs, but he believes that developing a consistent local EDM scene can attract talent from all over.

DJ Antoinette Van Dewark from Los Angeles, CA will headline the Feels Right dance party on Friday night at 8pm. Bastion, TEAK and Whoski will be the opening acts. Fransella says performers gravitate toward the “house” genre of EDM, which emphasizes repetitive, ambient-inducing beats, and “tech-house,” which combines house and techno styles.

Meanwhile, the Old Town Pub will host Labrat and Elevated Mind, G-ON and Rg3 on Friday nights starting at 9:30pm. Also starting at 9:30, Schmiggity’s will play Poldore and Late Night Radio. All three performances are expected to take place later.

To contact Spencer Powell, call 970-871-4229 or email at spowell@SteamboatPilot.com