All photos: Ryan Kelly

The Gypsy-tinged quartet Devotchka were formed in Denver, CO by multi-instrumentalists Nick Urata (vocals, guitar, trumpet; check our interview with him here today), Tom Hagerman (violin, accordion), Jeanie Schroder (sousaphone, bass), and percussionist Shawn King. Supporting musicians rotated in and out of the eclectic group’s lineup, contributing such diverse sounds as strings and bazoukis. While some described Devotchka’s sound as polka-rock or circus music, the band was actually a cross-pollination of numerous influences, including cabaret, spaghetti Westerns, and the immigrant dance music of Eastern Europe.