Denver & MHO Bio

“WOW! This is one of the freshest bands around. Their performance was energetic,
fun, and God focused…this is one bunch of talented musicians.” 

-- Bill Darpino, Creation East Festival-Administrator.

When Denver & the Mile High Orchestra take the stage, the audience is taken to a place where big band of the 1930’s meets the music of modern day radio. But this is not your typical garage rock with horns masquerading as a retro band. This is the real deal—well-educated, highly skilled musicians fill the stage and deliver a massive sound unlike anything previously recorded in the contemporary Christian industry. 

As a backing musician on Christafari's studio recordings and their "Valley of Decision" tour, Denver Bierman realized his calling to pioneer a style of music indescribable to Christian music. This genre’s recipe calls for Denver singing smooth vocals backed by a powerful horn section. Mix in a rockin’ rhythm section and the result is a matchless big band sound that thrives in the new millennium. DMHO was formed at Belmont University in Nashville, TN (former stomping grounds for the likes of Steven Curtis Chapman and Trisha Yearwood). Although they began during the resurgence of swing, their multi-genre musical presentation exceeds far beyond a mere passing fad. It is a BIG band—12-15 on stage—that has a musical style encompassing Swing and Rockabilly, Rock and Roll with a little R&B, Gospel, a touch of Dixieland, and even some Latin influence. This high-energy big band wails syncopated horn lines with complex harmonies and features the element of true improvisation.

A tremendous horn section screaming notes a mile high leads this unique big band. With trumpet in hand, reminiscent of the great Christian artist Phil Driscoll, Denver sings unadorned vocals, influenced by such artists as Harry Connick Jr., Brian Setzer, and Frank Sinatra. His music defies standard age demographics reaching both the old and young alike. For some, Denver's sound is a step into the past, while for others it is an introduction to a new musical dimension of this millennia.


The Mile High Orchestra band members have collectively played for some of the biggest names in music including: Carman, Truth, Jaqi Velasquez, Sandi Patty, Debby Boone, Chet Atkins, Ron Kenoly, Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra, Phil Driscoll, Lulu Roman, Donna Summer, Dan Akroyd, Tower of Power, Guy Lombardo, Ralph Carmichael, Ben Peterson, Jonathan Pierce, Wes Montgomery, Greg Long, and Christafari.

Over the past five years, DMHO has created quite a buzz in the industry by playing festivals, showcases, and conferences. Performances have included the "Best of the Best Showcase" at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, the Billy Graham pre-crusade rallies in Nashville, and Gary Chapman’s marriage conference in Pensacola, Florida. DMHO gained worldwide attention playing five shows in Salt Lake City, Utah during the 2002 Winter Olympics, and is scheduled to play for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece. In 2003 the group performed on the main stages of some of the largest Christian music festivals in the country, including Creation East, Kingdom Bound, Alive, and Bill Gaither’s “The Praise Gathering.” The band has earned standing ovations and rave reviews for their powerful stage show and profound Christian lyrics.

With their freshmen release Act the Scat, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra launched onto the scene with a sound larger than life and the message of eternal life through Christ. Then, with the release of their sophomore album Stand, they have challenged audiences all over the nation to take a stand for their risen Savior. 

Be looking for two new albums from DMHO in 2004! Their third album entitled Good to Go will be released this coming spring. And, at the request of fans, a full Christmas CD will be available in late fall.
Debut music video “Act the Scat” spent five weeks in Christian Music Video Magazine’s top ten in the nation and a total of nine weeks in the top 20.

In 2003 DMHO played the main stage at the following Christian music festivals: Creation East, Pulsefest, Alive, Kingdom Bound, Inside Out Soul Fest, and Lifest.

DMHO has played as the backing band for artists such as Jonathan Pierce. They also have performed at the pre-rally for Nashville’s Billy Graham Crusade.

In October 2003, DMHO performed at Bill Gaither’s “The Praise Gathering” held at the Indiana Convention Center - Indianapolis, IN.

DMHO appeared in prime time at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

In August of 2004, DMHO will embark on a European tour ending in Athens Greece, where the band will perform at the Summer Olympics.

The band has performed and been interviewed on numerous national and worldwide broadcasts including Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries, Lester Sumerall’s New Harvest Show, and Lesea Broadcasting’s “Live from Studio B.” The audience reaches more than 100 million people in more than 30 countries. In 2003 DMHO also appeared on the INSP network, hosted by Greg Long.

DMHO band members have collectively played for some of the biggest names in music including: Carman, Truth, Jaqi Velasquez, Sandi Patty, Debby Boone, Chet Atkins, Ron Kenoly, Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra, Phil Driscoll, Lulu Roman, Donna Summer, Dan Akroyd, Tower of Power, Guy Lombardo, Ralph Carmichael, Ben Peterson, Jonathan Pierce, Wes Montgomery, Greg Long, and Christafari.
The Stand CD includes guest player Javier Solis on Percussion. Credits include Kenny Loggins and Jaqi Velasquez. The BGV’s have sung for artists such as Billy Joel, CeCe Winans, DC Talk, Amy Grant and Vince Gill. Over 50 members of the Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra played on the title track.