Category: Fort Collins Music

Microspirit – Frail Talk

Frail Talk took their evolving sound to Lazybones Audio in Silsbee, Texas, where they teamed up with producers Hannah Read (Lomelda) and Tommy Read to record their sophomore album, Microspirit. Over seven days of intense collaboration, they crafted a new collection of songs that deepened their commitment to emotion and substance. Microspirit is out today on all platforms. 

Advocating for Arts Education: A Call to Support Fiscal Year 2025 Initiatives

“Advocates push for increased funding and policy reforms to bolster arts education in American schools. Urging Congress to support initiatives like the ‘Arts Education for All’ bill, they highlight the transformative impact of arts learning on student engagement and well-being. With a focus on equity and access, these efforts aim to nurture creativity and inclusivity in education.”

American Music Tourism Act to Support and Increase Music Tourism

Hickenlooper, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Music Tourism. Music tourism will reach $11.3 billion in revenue (projected) nationwide by 2032. The United States boasts one of the world’s largest music industries, generating over $43 billion in revenue annually. Recently, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Marsha Blackburn introduced the bipartisan American Music Tourism Act to support and increase music tourism by requiring the Commerce Department to implement a plan to increase and attract domestic and international visitors to venues nationwide.

What do you REALLY know about AMERI’KANA Music?

What do you REALLY know about AMERI’KANA Music?

Making Movies, an international rock band formed in Kansas City in 2009, blends classic rock with Latin American rhythms, incorporating cumbia, psychedelia, and son cubano. Known for their Latino activism, they created Arts as Mentorship, empowering youth to succeed through music. Their AMERI’KANA Arts and Music Festival emerged as a platform for these young talents, celebrating diverse musical heritage. Their documentary, AMERI’KANA, aired on Kansas City PBS, highlights the genre’s evolution. With community-focused initiatives like Rebel Song Academy, they continue to inspire and transform lives through the power of music.

Elephant Revival August 19, 2023 Planet Bluegrass

Elephant Revival, the celebrated folk group from Nederland, Colorado, enchanted the audience at Planet Bluegrass on August 19, 2023. Formed in 2006, the band features Bonnie Paine, Bridget Law, Charlie Rose, Dango Rose, Daniel Sproul, and Darren Garvey. Known for their rich harmonies and eclectic instrumentation, Elephant Revival delivered a mesmerizing performance. Their soulful blend of folk, bluegrass, and indie rock resonated deeply with fans, old and new. The band’s heartfelt lyrics and captivating stage presence created an unforgettable evening under the stars at this iconic venue.

A Return to Unfinished Business

Zachary Williams of The Lone Bellow embarks on a solo tour to promote his album Dirty Camaro. With intimate performances featuring just him and his guitar, Zach reflects on his journey from rural Georgia to New York City. His music, shaped by personal experiences, explores themes of authenticity and connection. Inspired by a conversation with Jim James, he embraces solo artistry while staying true to his roots. The album, released during the pandemic, captures the pursuit of happiness amidst challenges. Discover Zach’s soulful storytelling and musical evolution on his journey of unfinished business.

Programs for youth..everywhere

Youth on Record (YOR) recognizes that education alone can not solve systemic injustice, nor can it alone liberate youth. Art is a powerful tool, but it also cannot bear the sole responsibility of creating more equitable communities. Still, education and art, when integrated under the right framework, are powerful tools for liberation and equity.

The Lilac Hour in Fort Collins

Zoe Berman grew up in Simsbury, Conn., but calls Denver home. Zoe is a singer-songwriter who plays a mix of soul, jazz, and Americana music. Zoe wrote her new release, “Lilac Hour,” on a bike ride through the foothills (over by Reservoir Ridge) when she lived in Fort Collins.

This song will ultimately be part of a seven-song EP released in 2021 entitled “Freezing Heat,” a project Zoe is working on at Third & James Studios in Denver.

Liz Lawrence

Liz Lawrence, a talented designer based in Colorado Springs, channels her passion into her brand, Lizigns. With a focus on graphic and fashion design, Liz creates wearable art by repurposing thrifted finds. Overcoming challenges as a Black female designer, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her work. Liz recently launched Been Thrifty Vintage Mystery Boxes, curating personalized thrifted items. Committed to supporting the Black community, she advocates for genuine connections and inclusive opportunities. Discover her designs and unique approach to creativity at Lizigns.

Start Where You Stand, Support The Cultural Enrichment Center

Jamal Skinner, founder and Executive Director of FoCo Cultural Enrichment Center asks, “Initially, I challenge the community. 170,000 people are living in this community. Probably point zero-zero-2% of that are Black teenagers. So my idea is, can we find 1% of 170,000 people who are willing to contribute $5 a month?”

Stand like an Oak with Compassion and Strength

“Music can be a great equalizer…. bringing folks together across the boundaries of country, language, ideals, religions, rage, gender, politics, and everything else that can separate us. I believe, and have felt in the music that I love, a deepening of my own spirit when in musical spaces. A certain levity as well. Some could call it spiritual. Others may call it celebratory. Either way, art calls us into a very sacred space… outside of our heads and our to do lists. From that space, so many things can be built and reimagined. We need artists at the table of policy and design and education. Artists bring the charisma and magnetism that the world is drawn to. Without that, where is the intrigue?”