Many people know the Buffalo Rose, in Golden, Colorado, as a restaurant, but did you know that it has been one of the city’s major entertainment venues since 1985? I’ve had many meals there and seen several bands perform at The Rose. I’ve never been disappointed.

This past July, a friend, Tudie Calderon, mentioned that he would be making a guest performer appearance with a Toto tribute band called Hold the Line. I’ve heard the band’s most popular songs in the past. What I didn’t know, however, was the sheer talent I was about to witness.

As I waited for the first set to begin, another tribute band, Sons of Genesis, kickstarted the evening. I swayed to songs from both the Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins eras. These songs set the stage for what was about to come.

As Bill Thode, Shane Russell, Jason Frantz, David Blakely, and Joe Reyes took to the stage, the lights dimmed, and I started to analyze the crowd. Their facial expressions and body language revealed a lot about Hold the Line.

The first bars of music began. Anticipation filled the room as Russell grabbed the mic and led the crowd in what turned out to be a sing-along to one of Toto’s most recognizable songs, “It’s not in the way that you hold me.”

Though members of the band live in other parts of the country, I discovered that Hold the Line is a Denver-founded group. Yet, another reason to include them in my Discover Colorado column. What’s also impressive about this particular band is the background of these talented individuals.

Former member of Steely Dan, Thode is the founder of Hold the Line and a Denver lawyer. Lead vocalist Russell has released radio singles and has television and international performances. Drummer Frantz is another Denver local who has performed in more than 20 countries.

The Ohio native, Blakely, has a career spanning years of recording and live performances after a chance meeting with the late Little Richard. Last is guitarist Joe Reyes, whose music experiences include top 40 classic rock hits, Latin music, prog, and fusion.

I’ve written about music in the past. If you’ve followed me since the beginning of my Discover Colorado journey, you might know that I typically only write about things I’m passionate about. Hold the Line is no exception and has made it into one of my top favorite bands.

Not only was it an evening of live music at one of Golden’s historical sites, but it also turned out to be a memorable performance by two incredible tribute bands.

Since I now have you intrigued by Hold the Line, you can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ holdthelinetribute. You can find some of their videos on YouTube at https://youtu. be/jum5FGk29c4.