DMHO take first Dove Award

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

NASHVILLE, TN - Christian music has handed out it's version of the Grammy's - known as the Dove Awards - and a Plymouth High School graduate walked away from the event with his first honor.

Denver Bierman and the Mile High Orchestra took their first Dove Award in the category of 'Best Children's Album of the Year' won by the bands latest offering entitled "Groovy". The project is a collection of kids songs written and performed in the bands distinct style that is as popular with parents as it is their children.

"We worked with 'Go Fish' on this album and they're really the rock stars of kids music these days," said Denver from his home in Nashville. "It was a lot of fun and I think it really helped us."

The songs are personal for Denver and come from experience.

"Having kids changes you and I think being a Dad made me realize I wanted to have a musical opportunity of encouraging the next generation," said Denver. "I remember the artists and songs I used to sing when I was five or six years old and I still sing them. I wanted to do some kids songs that were inspired by our band, that the lyrics were definitely for kids but had some musical maturity that their parents could enjoy too."

It also gave the band a chance to put their stamp on a song by a music icon - putting their unique take on an old Bob Dylan song 'Man Gave Names to all the Animals'.

"That was a really cool thing to be able to take a song from a legend like Bob Dylan and put our stamp on it," said Denver. "I think we had a really jazzy, cool feel to it. I was really happy with it I think it came our really well."

The Dove Award is the first industry award for DMHO that has garnered critical praise and a devoted fan base over the years.

"First of all I'm just delighted that they would consider us," said Denver. "We've been at this a long time and it really is a chance to be confirmed in what we're doing. We've never really been a mainstream, pop radio band we've just tried to be a band that everybody could enjoy - a band for the American family. What could be better than being a band for the American family?"

Listen to "Groovy" at http://www.denvermho.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=137.