John Spengler

John Spengler joins The Black Rose Acoustic Society this Friday, October 23, for a special all-originals show with some new tunes. A Black Rose favorite, John says, this is "not our usual 'Frenemies' show, which has covers," and "everyone should look forward to something new." Whatever it is, you know with John, "You Can't Beat Fun!"

John Spengler is a longtime guitarist, songwriter, and former educator whose music career spans more than five decades.

He began guitar with teacher Charlie Bird, moved from jazz into rock in middle school with The Electric Spinach, and later played in several Colorado bands after relocating from Lahore, Pakistan. While studying biology at the University of Colorado Boulder, he continued performing with friends before forming the Colorado Springs acoustic duo Sage, where he developed his stage skills.

Two years later, Spengler founded Lip Service, a regional band that performed for seven years across Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona. He remained its frontman through personnel changes until the group ended in 1989. Afterward, he spent 31 years as a high school science teacher while continuing to play occasionally.

In retirement, he returned his focus to songwriting and public performance, releasing original-music projects: Workin' On It (2017), What Would You Change? (2019), and the full-length album You Can't Beat Fun! (2024).

Opening Acts: Annette & Doug Conlon, Emily Hicks

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