ThreeShots: The Road to Memphis...

What you should know: An incomplete history of, and ardent plea to assist, ThreeShots

By Emma Sloniker

ThreeShots is on our way to Memphis, Tennessee, for the 2023 International Blues Challenge. We are honored to represent The Mile High Blues Society as their representative at this singular event!

ThreeShots is a roadhouse rhythm and blues band comprised of founder, guitarist, and vocalist Andy Tatro, Jordan Coulter on keys and harp, vocalist (and top-notch tambourine player) Emma Sloniker, bassist Tom Surace, and Ian “the Wild-Man” Webb on drums. This band has existed in various forms for (give or take) twenty years; started by Andy in high school as a three piece- hence the band name which confounds fans to this day when they see five people on stage, but I digress.

As the newest member of ThreeShots you might wonder what I could say about a band that’s existed for more than half my life and that I’ve only been a part of for seven years. I think I’m perfectly poised to see things that might escape the notice of others. When I look at ThreeShots I see five people that on a given day might not have much in common. From our ages to our beliefs, we couldn’t be more diverse. And I know it sounds cliché, but music is what brings us together and has kept us together

through the last crazy decade. I believe this diversity is what makes us so singular and let’s face it, a little strange. Our rhythm section has years of experience and keeps us grounded and grooving,’ while the younger members provide the energy and dynamism that keeps crowds engaged and dancers moving.

And none of us would be here if it wasn’t for Andy Tatro. Time and time again, his tireless pursuit, creative energies, and ability to build this band from the ground up have gotten us to where we are,which is on our way to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge!

This an incredible opportunity to perform at the world’s largest gathering of blues musicians and compete with bands from around the world to win glory, bragging rights, and who knows?!

But we can’t get there without your help! This is a goal we’ve been working toward for many years, and we want to give it our all! We say it all the time, but we truly mean it.

We. Have. The. Best. Fans!

Every time we reach out to ask for your help and participation, you amaze us with your energy and support! Whether helping us get on stage at Taste of Fort Collins, voting for us in NoCo Style Magazine, or simply bringing a friend to a show, you’ve shown up for us, and we are truly grateful.

We just need a little push! It isn't cheap to get 5 musicians and their gear from Colorado the Memphis, not to forget housing for all of us for a week. We hope you’ll consider donating whatever you can spare, to help us get ourselves and our gear out to the land of the Delta Blues! We hope we do Colorado proud!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Andy, Jordan, Emma, Tom, and Ian