When others didn't believe, KTCL 93.3-FM did. It was one of the first stations to give The Fray prime-time radio exposure, playing the demo version of Cable Car (Over My Head) long before the 2005 release of How to Save a Life.

They've shown the same love to local bands Single File and Meese, resulting in this triumph: The opening night of The Fray's three-show Red Rocks run will feature all three bands, an unprecedented local musical breakthrough.

But because of the band's success, KTCL doesn't get to sponsor the show. It's just another radio station booth set up in the parking lot.

"It's unbelievable. It's such a slap in the face," said Nerf, KTCL program director who helped get The Fray and the other bands on the air. "We're happy for those guys and happy for the music scene too, because it has come so far . . . "

But with Epic Records not wanting to offend bigger stations that play The Fray, KTCL gets no official bragging rights.

"They have to look out for their interests," Nerf said with resignation. "It's kind of an ironic slap, but it's to be expected."