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An extremely versatile musician, Ernie plays just about
every instrument that has strings, and more. He started
out in the late 1960's playing guitar and drums. Then,
when Foggy Mountain Breakdown and The Dueling Banjos
came out, he was inspired to learn 5-string banjo. Soon
afterwards, he took up the mandolin, resophonic guitar,
and pedal steel. He started his first bluegrass band in 1971, while he was in high school. He also plays fiddle, piano, and bass.
He has played in numerous bluegrass bands since high school and is one of the leading go-to sidemen in Colorado. In 2013, he performed with Camptown, winning third in the RockyGrass Band contest.
He has played on over 150 albums as a studio musician in both Colorado and Nashville, including those of Tom Paxton, John McEuen, Jimmy Ibbotsen and many more. He is in demand as an album producer, song-arranger, and co-writer.
Ernie is a brilliant musician, inspiring teacher,
recording artist, songwriter, and producer. He teaches
private lessons at Swallow Hill Music Association and
Olde Town Pickin' Parlor, where his specialties are
bluegrass and country, beginning through advanced
levels. In addition, he teaches various classes at
Swallow Hill, including bluegrass singing. He has taught at Pete Wernick's banjo camps.
In November, 2017 he performed with the San Louis Valley Co-Op at the Western Music Association Annual Festival in Albuquerque, with his long-time friends Bill and Fred Lovato and Carol Mayberry.
After many years as a finalist for the International Western Music Association Instrumentalist of the Year, he won in 2018! And was nominated again in 2019.
He plays regularly with  Steve Pierce  , Jon
Chandler, Dakota Blonde, Last Sheets on the Roll, Mark Cormican & Starwood, The Stocking Stuffers, and now, Second Gear Bluegrass.
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Ernie, Annie Lavinski, Steve Pierce at Sheabeen's Pub in Aurora, early 2025 |
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At a new venue: Foothills Event Space
at Foothills Golf Course
3901 S Carr St, Denver
(photos by Diana Raven and Pat Chandler) |
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with 3 Trails West
Colorado Cowboy Gathering Nov 2024
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Second Gear Bluegrass
(photo by Bailey Kreutzer) |
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with Mark Cormican & Starwood
at Nissi's
Lafayette CO
Sept 9, 2024
with Tony Ortega, Ed Contreras,
Robin Jo Leady, and Karen
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Ernie on pedal steel
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with Carlos Washington & Steel Horse Swing
Day of the Cowboy
International Western Music Associaion
New Mexico Chapter show
July 27, 2024
(photos by Diana Raven) |
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with Mark Cormican & Starwood
at Four Mile Park
Denver CO
June 12, 2024
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Western Slope Cowboy Gathering
This week we are spotlighting one of the premier guitarists in the country. Whetherhe's backing up or leading a number, you're going to be entrhallled with his picking skills.
Ernie Martinez has been a part of the Colorado music scene for over 40 years. His outstanding and versitile style has been used on over 150 albums as well as playing with Jon Chandler, Gary McMahan, Patty Clayton, Barry Ward, Dakota Blonde, and Reckless Abandon.
In 2023 Ernie was presented with the Curly Musgrave Silver Buckle Award from the International Western Music Association. In 2018, he was the IWMA Instrumentalist of the Year. Back in 2011, Ernie was inducted into the Colorado Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor.
He has recorded two albums. The latest, "Blue Range" combines his love of Western and bluegrass music.
Come see him and over a dozeh other performers at the Western Slope Cowboy Gathering in Grand Junction on November 1-2. |
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Celebrating 45 Years of Teaching at Swallow Hill: A Conversation with Ernie Martinez
Ernie has been a part of Swallow Hill Music since before its beginning in 1979. Starting at the Denver Folklore Center in 1977, Ernie took over teaching banjo lessons, and since then he's become a key part of the Swallow Hill music school, teaching guitar, mandolin, bass, dobro and pedal steel guitar!
When asked what makes Swallow Hill Music so special? Ernie says, it's the variety! "The variety of instruments and the variety of genres that are offered, all rooted in the folk music tradition, is so unique. From jazz to blues to bluegrass. From guitar to fiddle to didgeridoo. Swallow Hill offers a variety of instruction and focuses on teaching the folk approach."
Over the years, Ernie has seen his students grow. But what matters most to Ernie is seeing his students come back. Whether for workshops or jam sessions, students keep returning to play or to practice or to learn more. He knows he's done his job well when his students join a workshop or a jam or an ensemble group, and they demonstrate their joy of sharing music with others.
As Ernie reflects on his 45 years with Swallow Hill, he appreciates the organization's dedication to bringing people together, to celebrate the diverse world of folk music. It continues to inspire teachers and students alike. He states, “I just love the community. I see a lot of positive stuff happen here and it keeps me coming back.”
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Photo and interview used with permission
from Swallow Hill. |
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with Dakota Blonde
at the Little Bear
Evergreen CO
April 13, 2023
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with New West
at Black Rose
Colorado Springs CO
Apr 12, 2024
(photos by Sandy Reay) |
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with Tom Gould and June McHugh
at the The Garage A Sports Bar-BBQ
Green Valley AZ
Feb 25, 2024
(photos by Diana Raven) |
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with Dakota Blonde
at the Newall Farm Concert
Berthoud CO
August 27, 2023
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dustin Devine and the Real Deal
at the Platte River Grill
Littleton CO
August 17, 2023
(photos by Diana Raven) |
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(photo by Stacy McClure) |
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with Brian McClure
(photo by Stacy McClure) |
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America's Soul Live!
The Stagedoor Theatre
Conifer CO
May 21, 2023
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Last Sheets on the Roll
Nissi's
Littleton CO
May 3, 2023
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Mark Cormican & Starwood
Nissi's
Lafayette CO
Apr 16, 2023
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dakota Blonde
Swallow Hill Valentine's Day Show
Denver CO
Feb 10, 2023
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Doug Figgs
Western Slope Cowboy Gathering
Grand Junction CO
Nov, 2022
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Last Sheets on the Roll
Alibi's Bar
Littleton CO
Oct 6, 2022
(photos by Sandy Reay) |
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with Mary (a fan)
The Stagecoach
Franktown CO
Sept 30, 2022
(photo by Sandy Reay) |
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with Dakota Blonde
Littleton Historical Museum
Littleton CO
Aug 3, 2022
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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(photo by Cindy Davis)
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with JJ Fraser and The Pynedrops
(L to R): Mike Edmondson, Spencer Pyne, Ernie, Brian McClure, JJ Fraser, (Ed Skibbe sound), Stacy McClure |
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Jon Chandler
Lakewood Cultural Center Amphetheater
Lakewood CO
June 15, 2022 |
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Mark Cormican & Friends
Anthem 55
Broomfield CO
June 14, 2022
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Dakota Blonde
Pink House Concert
Colorado Springs CO
June 12, 2022
(photos by Sandy Reay) |
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At Swallow Hill in Denver CO
with Dakota Blonde
Feb 12, 2022
(photos by Sandy Reay) |
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With Dustin Devine and the Real Deal
At Alibi's in Littleton CO
Feb 9, 2022
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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With Dustin Devine and the Real Deal
At Dougie G's in Thornton CO
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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With Dustin Devine and the Real Deal
At Lulu's Inn in Watkins CO
Jan 15 2022
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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With Jon
Chandler at Swallow Hill
Denver CO
Oct. 9, 2021 |
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with Brian McClure on drums, Spencer Pyne  , Eddy Roswell / Ed Skibbe  , and  Dan Navarro
(photo by Terry Georgia) |
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with Dakota Blonde
in Georgetown CO
July 2021
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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With Mark Cormican & Starwood at a house concert
Oct 2020
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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With Mark Cormican & Starwood in Cheyenne
Aug 2020
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dakota Blonde
Swallow Hill
Demnver CO
Feb 14, 2020
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Golden, CO
Jan 16-19, 2020
with Carlos Washington
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Carlos Washington and The High Country Cowboys
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Memories:
Trigger Finger
L to R Back: Tom Gould, Ed Church, Ernie Martinez
Middle: Suzy Lewis, June McHugh
Front: Chris Whitebread, David Rodriguez
(photo courtesy of June McHugh) |
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Timothy P and the Stocking Stuffers
Nissi's, Lafayette CO
Dec. 2019
L to R: Jerry Mills, Jon Chandler, Timothy P Irvin, Mary Huckins,
Ernie (as Elvis), Pat Rossiter, Dana Vernon
(photo by Farmer Streisand) |
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Chuck Pyle Tribute Concert
Swallow Hill
with
Jerry Faires, Molly Watson, Jim Ratts, Jon
Chandler, Jack Williams,
Tom Munch, Jeff Troxel, Don Richmand, Gordon Burt
October 12 2019
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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with Butch Hause and Trinity Seely
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering
October 2019
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Georgetown Cultural Heritage Center
with Dakota Blonde
September 21, 2019
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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High Peaks Music Festival
September 14, 2019
with Dakota Blonde,
Runaway Express,
Harry Tuft and Jack Stanesco,
Butch Hause,
Gordon Burt
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Swallow Hill
Teacher Feature
Summer, 2019
"Come Learn With Ern"
click on image to see larger image |
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4 Mile Park
July 24, 2019
with Dakota Blonde
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dan Navarro
Swallow Hill
June 22, 2019 |
watch video of Ernie Martinez with Dan Navarro
(photos below by Sandy Reay) |
(photo by Ann Schmechel) |
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Dakota Blonde">
with Dakota Blonde
Clement Park
Littleton CO
June 6, 2019
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dakota Blonde, John Erlandson
Boogie at the Barn
May 12, 2019
Evergreen CO
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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Check out the interview with Ernie Martinez 
in The Western Way, "In the Crosshairs," page 6. |
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with Steve Pierce
at Sheabeen
Irish Pub
Aurora CO
March, 2019
(photo by Joanne DiBenedetto)
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The 2019 Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering
January 17-20, 2019
Golden Colorado
(photos by Bill Patterson)
With: Barry Ward, Jon Chandler, Kristyn Harris, New West (Raul Reynoso, Mike Fleming, Dave Jackson) |
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An article about the Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering |
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The 2018 Western Music Association Awards Show and Festival
Albuquerque, NM, Nov 8-11, 2018
< < < Winner of the Instrumentalist of the Year
V V V With Johnny Neill and 3 Trails West |
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Chuck Pyle Tribute Concert
Swallow Hill
Denver CO
Oct 6, 2018
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Quickdraw Homegrown Music
Sept 2018 |
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High Peaks Music Festival
Westcliffe CO
Sept 7, 2018
with Dakota Blonde, Molly O'Brien, Rich Moore
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Farm Concert
Berthoud CO
August 27, 2018
with Runaway Express & Acoustic Eidolon
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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with Dakota Blonde
Pink House Concerts
Aug 19, 2018, Colorado Springs
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Reckless Abandon
August, 2018
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Stage Door Theater, Conifer, August 10, 2018
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with The Incontinentals
including Gavin Maurer (guitar) |
with Jon Chandler and The Slingers
including George Lourkouliotus (drums), Lindsay Brown (bass) |
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with Jerry Grannell and Robin Jo Leady
Gunnison July 2018 |
with Jim Jones at The Crystola
Woodland Park Aug 2018 |
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with Dakota Blonde at Buffalo Bill Days
Golden CO July 2018
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dakota Blonde and the Broomfield Children's chorus
March 16, 2018
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dakota Blonde, Swallow Hill, annual Valentines Day show
Denver, Feb. 11, 2018
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dakota Blonde, Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts
Palmer Lake, Nov. 17, 2017
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with a reunion of the San Louis Valley Coop
Western Music Association, Albuquerque, Nov. 2017
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with cast of Chuck Pyle Tribute Concert
Swallow Hill, Oct, 2017 |
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At High Peaks Music Festival, Westcliffe, Sept 2017
with Harry Tuft and Dakota Blonde
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Country Road 1, August 2017
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Junction 5-12 at America's Soul Live!
June 20, 2017
with Bob Cooke, Mary Gifford, and Johnny Neill
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Valentines Concert at Swallow Hill, Denver
with
Dakota Blonde
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Concert at Miners Alley, Golden
with
Dakota Blonde
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Concert at Swallow Hill October 29, 2016
with Jon
Chandler, Mary Huckins, Dana Vernon
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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2016 High Peak Music Festival
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dakota Blonde |
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with Smythe & Taylor |
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with Dakota Blonde, Littleton Historic Musieum, August 2016
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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with Dakota Blonde at Roxborough Park
August 20, 2016
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Mountain Melodies,
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave,
Golden CO, August 7, 2016, with Dakota Blonde
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Solomon Cook CD release party at Swallow Hill, Denver CO
April 15 2016
with Jim Ratts, John Magnie, Jock Bartley
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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Junction 5-12 with Mary Gifford "San Miguel" CD release party
March 26, 2016, Aurora CO
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Junction 5-12 with Mary Gifford |
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Buffalo Bill's 170th Birthday Party
The Rock Rest Lodge, Golden
with Dana Vernon, Timothy P Irvin, Jon Chandler, others
(photo by Bill Patterson)
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Dakota Blonde at Swallow Hill
Feb. 13, 2016
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Dana Vernon, Jon
Chandler, Ernie Martinez, Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Golden CO, Jan 24, 2017 (photo by Bill Patterson) |
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Dusty Devine and the Real Deal January 2016
(photo by Kent Meireis) |
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Dusty Devine and the Real Deal |
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America's Soul Live! November 17, 2015
with Kit Simon and Johnny Neill
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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with Dakota Blonde
Acoustic Alley at Miner's Alley
Oct. 24, 2015
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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with Jon Chandler and Dana Vernon
Swallow Hill Music Association
Oct 2, 2015
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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High Peaks Music Festival, Sept. 2015
with Dakota Blonde, Smythe & Taylor,
Kit Simon & Drew Horton
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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With Dakota Blonde
The Briarwood, Golden CO
August 19, 2015
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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at the Olde Town Pickin' Parlor, Arvada CO, August 18, 2015
see America's Soul Live! August 2015
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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Pikes Peak Cowboy Gathering
ProRodeo Hall of Fame
Colorado Springs CO
July 9, 2015 |
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singing "El Paso"
with Lee Patterson (left) and Jimmy Lee Robbins
(photos by Sandy Reay)
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Ernie with Sandy Reay and Mary Gifford
at the WMA Colorado Chapter Showcase in Greeley, April 18, 2015 |
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Ernie Martinez at the Briarwood, April 9, 2015, with Dakota Blonde
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| Dakota Blonde, St. James, February, 2015
(photos by Bill Patterson) |
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America's Soul Live!, Feb. 17, 2015
(photos by Bill Patterson)
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with Dakota Blonde at Swallow Hill, Feb. 14, 2015
(photo by Bill Patterson) |
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with Dusty Devine and the Real Deal at the Little Bear, Jan, 2015:
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America's Soul Live! Jan. 20, 2015
(photo by Bill Patterson)
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Ernie Martinez
