It's this weekend! Our "Martini Alice" house concert is THIS Friday night, Nov. 30th, at 7:30 pm. In case you haven't heard, "Martini Alice" is the most recent reincarnation of "Our Mothers' Daughters". We are having a blast in this band, playing a variety of instruments and creating new tunes for you. Advanced reservations are required, as space is limited, so email me at ccrosson@peakpeak.com or give a call at 970-493-4424 to reserve your spot. Address and directions will be given after reservations are made. We are having an awesome opening act - singer/songwriter Britton Deuel. Britton is a former voice student of mine that impressed me from the start. Here is an excerpt from http://www.reverbnation.com/BrittonDeuel: "His raw yet simple lyrical and musical compilations reveal his passion for the art while always remaining true to his childhood roots of Nebraska. Influences of nineties rock mixed with ballads of his most personal self, create something original and genuine; something in which listeners can relate to and feel a sense of connection." I whole heartedly suggest you check out this talented young artist! We are asking a donation of $10-15 to attend this concert presented in an intimate, totally acoustic venue. We sure hope you can make it - this will likely be the last "Martini Alice" concert for several months at least. Expect to hear some of your old favorites, some brand new tunes, as well as a few holiday favorites of ours.

Saturday night, Dec. 1st (can you believe we're heading into December??), I'll be performing solo (vocals/guitar) at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, in the bar area. I really love this friendly venue - great folks and Happy Hour specials from 9-midnight!

See detailed schedule below for other upcoming events, and Happy Holidays to you all! May you find magic, joy, tranquility, and beauty in the weeks ahead, and celebrate it all with gusto!

Thank you for your presence in my life, Colleen

Friday 11/30, 7:30pm, House Concert with "Martini Alice" (formerly "Our Mothers' Daughters"). Special Guest, Britton Deuel. Reservations required - ccrosson@peakpeak.com or 970-493-4424. Suggested donation: $10-15

Saturday 12/1, 8:30-11:30pm, solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse,
115 S. College Ave., www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Saturday 12/15, 8:30-11:30pm, Holiday Jazz and more at Jay's Bisto and Jazz Lounge,
135 W. Oak St., 970-482-1876 www.jaysbistro.net

Christmas Eve, 6pm & 8pm, Candlelight Services at Unity of Fort Collins,
1401 W. Vine Drive, 970-482-1620, www.unityfc.org

New Year's Eve, 9:00pm-1:00am, Ring in the New Year at Jay's Bistro with Mark Sloniker, Colleen Crosson, and more! Make your reservations early!
135 W. Oak St., 970-482-1876 www.jaysbistro.net

I'm back this week from a life affirming trip to Durango, CO where I had the honor of officiating a wedding for my dear friend Arden's daughter, Sierra, and her fiance' Sean. A more common scenario would have been for me to perform the music during the ceremony, but I accepted this sacred request without hesitation and with a sense of adventure, purpose, and glee! It couldn't have been more perfect, and I hope I am invited to do this kind of thing more often! I did get some music in, singing and playing around an open fire with friends new and old. Many were from my college days, so this grand gathering was a 35th year reunion as well, filled to the brim with sweet memories, family updates, and an abundance of uncontrollable laughter! I am still basking in the splendor of it all....

Back on the Front Range, I am pleased to be singing jazz with my hubby, Mark Sloniker this Saturday night at Jay's Bistro, and next Saturday, performing a solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse. Thanks to all who came out to the "Martini Alice" concert at Avo's a couple weeks ago - we had so much fun and had such great feedback that we have scheduled another show before the end of the year - a house concert set for November 30th in Fort Collins. Save the date if you missed out at Avo's or yearn for another dose of fun with the gals!

My latest schedule is below. Thanks for supporting live music! Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

Saturday 10/13, 8:30-11:30pm, Jay's Bistro and Jazz Lounge,
135 W. Oak St., 970-482-1876, www.jaysbistro.net

Saturday 10/20, 8:30-11:30pm, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse,
115 S. College Ave., www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Sunday 11/11, (tentative), Unity of Fort Collins
1401 W. Vine Drive, 970-482-1620, Gratitude Concert, www.unityfc.org

Saturday 11/17, 6-8pm, Jay's Bistro,
solo happy hour show, guest appearance with band later in the evening

Friday 11/30, 7:30pm, House Concert with "Martini Alice" and special guest TBA!
Call 970-493-4424 or email ccrosson@peakpeak.com for reservations/directions

Saturday 12/1, 8:30pm, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, solo show
115 S. College Ave. www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

It's finally here! "Martini Alice" has not had a public performance since last December and we are rarin' to sing for you this very Saturday night at Avogadro's Number (more fondly referred to as Avo's). Who IS "Martini Alice" you may ask? It is the latest (re)incarnation of our group "Our Mothers' Daughters", who several years ago, as you may recall, said they were "done" after a successful 20 year run. Turns out they were just kidding. So they renamed the group "Just Kidding!", but no one got the joke it seems.... Our latest name is a keeper (we think) - come to the concert to hear the story of its serendipitous beginnings (and our theme song, written by member, Joanne Taylor!). Oh, and we're not just a cappella anymore! You'll hear a variety of instruments, including guitar, mandolin, bass, and harmonica, as well as many new original tunes along with our own arrangements of some very cool covers. One more important note is that we've decided to hold the concert inside instead of on the patio, as previously advertised. When we booked the gig several months ago, we couldn't imagine it wouldn't be HOT, even in late September, after our record breaking heatwave this summer. But, it has been cooling down considerably these last few evenings, and we want us all to be comfortable.

I've also added a Friday afternoon (4-6 pm) solo performance this weekend at Ingredient Restaurant, to help them celebrate their second anniversary in downtown Fort Collins, and a jazz vocal appearance at Jay's Bistro in October. Please see my updated schedule below and, as always, thanks for supporting live music in this lively music town!

Best, Colleen

Friday 9/28, 4-6pm, Ingredient Restaurant, 101 S. College Ave.

Saturday 9/29, 7:30pm, Avogadro's Number, 605 S. Mason, with Martini Alice!
www.avogadros.com

Saturday 10/6, private event in Durango, CO.

Saturday 10/13, 8:30pm, Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St. with Mark Sloniker, www.jaysbistro.net

Saturday 12/1, 8:30pm, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

After our Unity church choir sang Jan Garrett's song "I Dreamed of Rain" this Sunday, and then I finally got my car washed on Tuesday, the rain we've so desparately needed came tumbling down here on the Front Range of Colorado. How glorious! It was a nice gentle rain that lasted through the night and into the next day, and I got to sleep in, instead of waking at the crack of dawn to begin my garden watering routine. Big gratitude for the reprieve! I'm excited about several special performances coming right up that I wanted you to know about ( a couple are outdoors, so I guess I'd prefer no rain during those....ha!) The first is the 13th annual Sustainable Living Fair, a 2 day event this weekend in Fort Collins featuring 10,000+ attendees, acclaimed keynote speakers, 250 exhibitors, 75 workshops, lots of live music, and awesome food choices! I'll perform a solo set on the main stage this Sat. from 1-1:50 pm. Next weekend I'll be singing harmony vocals with Moab performing songwriter Cosy Sheridan at her Fort Collins Avo's show! The third event is my concert at Avo's on Sept. 29th with "Martini Alice", the most recent reincarnation of "Our Mothers' Daughters". We are having a blast in this band, playing a variety of instruments and creating new tunes for you. Wait'll you hear our new "theme song"! Hope you can join us. My full performance schedule is below:

Saturday 9/15, 1-1:50pm, Sustainable Living Fair at Legacy Park in Fort Collins www.sustainablelivingassociation.org

Friday 9/21, 8:30-11:30pm, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. in Fort Collins www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Saturday 9/22, 7:30pm, Avogadro's Number, 605 S. Mason, with Cosy Sheridan!
www.avogadros.com

Saturday 9/29, 7:30pm, Avogadro's Number, 605 S. Mason, with Martini Alice!
www.avogadros.com

Saturday 10/6, private event in Durango, CO.

Aaahhh….some cool weather here in Fort Collins, CO! Reminds me of the upcoming season change, the back to school bustle, and all the rich and burgeoning sensory experiences and memories that accompany them. I love this time of year. It always brings a heightened sense of change for me; the Fall in particular has consistently been a time of transition in my life, and boy have we been experiencing change…. personally, locally… globally! Some pleasant, some not so pleasant, but all here to enhance our growth as human beings and stewards of this beautiful planet.

Mark and I are settling in to our new roles as interim spiritual leaders at Unity of Fort Collins, after our dear Lynn Kendall’s retirement in June. Now we’re “jazz talkers”, too, as we continue to weave our music into the universal messages of love, kindness, and community. We’ll have more guest musicians in the coming months to mix it up a bit, as well as guest speakers. A most wonderful adventure! www.unityfc.org

And the music plays on, with this weekend’s offerings being:

Sat., Aug. 18th – solo Streetmosphere performance at Front Range Village (Harmony and Ziegler, Fort Collins), near Northeast Round About/Pablo's Pizza, 1-4 pm

Sunday, Aug. 19th - Crosson Sloniker Consort (Mark and Myles Sloniker, Colleen Crosson), Streetmosphere performance, Front Range Village Lawn, 1:30-4:30 pm

The rest of the summer and into the fall looks like this (new dates added regularly):

Tuesday, Aug. 21st – Mark Sloniker and I are participating in Music for MS, a benefit concert for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, at Avogadro’s Number (Avo’s), 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins. The event starts at 6 pm and will also include performances by fiddler Vi Wickam, Nashville/Fort Collins songwriter Sarah Beth Taite, Opera Fort Collins Apprentice Artists, Poudre HS a cappella group, “Forte 101”, Midtown Arts Center “Hairspray” cast members, and more! Our set is scheduled for around 8:15. Tickets are just $5.00 (suggested donation).

Friday, Aug. 24th - solo Streetmosphere performance outside Ingredient Restaurant (SW corner of Mountain and College, Fort Collins), 5:30-8:30 pm

Sat., Aug. 25th - I’ll sing jazz and more with Mark (piano) and Myles (bass) Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. Downbeat is 8:30 pm (till 11:30)

Sat., Sept. 1st - solo Streetmosphere performance outside Moe’s BBQ, 1:30-4:30 pm

Sat., Sept. 8th – *CANCELLED solo performance for Wellington Community Ride CANCELLED* (bummer!)

Sat., Sept. 15th – solo performance on the Main Stage at Fort Collins Sustainable Living Fair, Legacy Park, 1 – 1:50 pm

Friday, Sept. 21st – solo performance, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 8:30-11:30 pm

Sat., Sept. 29th – We have FINALLY scheduled a concert for “Martini Alice” (aka “Our Mothers’ Daughters”, aka “Just Kidding!”…I swear this NEW name is “for reals”!!). It’ll be at Avo’s (in the backyard, weather permitting), 7:30 pm, $10 at the door. We are having a blast practicing – lots of new, original tunes and fresh arrangements of our favorite covers!

“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
― Aldous Huxley, Music At Night: And Other Essays

Change in all things is sweet.
Aristotle
Lives can change through music….Colleen
www.colleencrosson.com

Howdy friends and fans! Catching up this week after the previous glorious week on the Jersey shore with my family! It was great to see my Dad and to meet up with friends for early morning walks on the beach (followed by lazy afternoons on the beach…) and to share fabulous meals (I had lobster 3 times!). Writing you a quick update of this weekend’s performances, right before the “Martini Alice” gals show up for an all-day rehearsal/hang in preparation for our Sept. show at Avo’s. We’re excited about that one, as we haven’t done a show together since last December – YIKES!

This weekend I “go south” with Streetmosphere, and do my first performances in Front Range Village (where our Council Tree Library is located). Here’s the scoop:

Today, Friday, Aug. 3rd – solo Streetmosphere performance, (south Fort Collins location) outside of Charming Charlie’s in Front Range Village, 5:30-8:30 pm

Sat., Aug. 4th – replica of above, but 1:30-4:30!

On Sunday, the Crosson Sloniker Consort has a Streetmosphere performance in Old Town Fort Collins, although bassist Myles will not be with us, as he will be performing at the Telluride Jazz Festival with his UNC cohorts! In his stead will be Kenny Jones, who I played with last at “The Taste” last spring. Will be fun to do it again!

Sunday, Aug. 5th – Crosson Sloniker Consort Streetmosphere performance in Old Town Square (south end), 1:30-4:30 pm

Check out the rest of this summer’s schedule on my website www.colleencrosson.com Thanks for supporting live music in our awesome town! Colleen

Howdy Music Pals! I have enjoyed these last couple of weeks listening to others’ music while supporting the fundraising efforts of our community for those affected by the High Park Fire. Way to go, Fort Collins – you have shown what big hearts (and pockets!) you have to help those in need!

Here’s what I’m up to musically this weekend, followed by an updated schedule for the rest of the summer:

Tonight, July 6th, I’ll do a solo Streetmosphere performance from 5:30-8:30, outside of Ingredient Restaurant in downtown Fort Collins. I’ll be on the Mountain side of the SW corner of Mt. and College. I am curious about these monsoon rains the weather forecasters are predicting…..maybe they’ll wait till after my performance? I DO so hope we get some much needed moisture, though…..This evening coincides with the First Friday Art Gallery Walk. I hope to see many of you out and about our lovely town! Go to www.beetstreet.org for the full Streetmosphere schedule for this weekend.

Sunday, July 8th, 4-8 pm – I’ll be participating in a worthy fundraiser at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. “Looking Forward, Giving Back” is a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association. Your $50 ticket includes music, fun, beer, wine, and a selection of delectable international street fare on which to munch! The Crosson Sloniker Consort (Mark, Myles, and I) will do a set starting around 7 pm. Other music acts include Fierce Bad Rabbit and Rosewood DeVine. 970-482-1876 for reservations and more information. www.jaysbistro.net

Wednesday, July 11th, 6:30-8:30 pm – I am delighted to be singing with the Mark Sloniker Group (Mark Sloniker, keyboard; Myles Sloniker, bass; Mark Raynes, drums) at the Summer Lagoon Concert Series on the CO State University Campus. Sit yourself down on a patch of green with a picnic dinner and enjoy the tunes!

And the rest of the summer (so far – more dates always being added!):

Sunday, July 15th – solo Streetmosphere in front of Moe’s BBQ, 1:30-4:30

Saturday, July 21st, 8:30-11:30 pm – solo performance at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse (bar side) www.sonnylubisksteakhouse.com

Sunday, July 22nd – solo Streetmosphere, south end Old Town Square, 1:30-4:30

Friday, Aug. 3rd – solo Streetmosphere performance, (south Fort Collins location) outside of Charming Charlie’s in Front Range Village, 5:30-8:30 pm

Sat., Aug. 4th – replica of above, but 1:30-4:30!

Sunday, Aug. 5th – Crosson Sloniker Consort (Mark, Myles, and me) Streetmosphere performance in Old Town Square (south end), 1:30-4:30 pm

Sat., Aug. 18th – solo Streetmosphere performance outside Pablo’s Pizza, Front Range Village, 1-4 pm

Sunday, Aug. 19th - Crosson Sloniker Consort, Streetmosphere performance, Front Range Village Lawn, 1:30-4:30 pm

Friday, Aug. 24th - solo Streetmosphere performance outside Ingredient Restaurant, 5:30-8:30 pm

Sat., Sept. 1st - solo Streetmosphere performance outside Moe’s BBQ, 1:30-4:30 pm

Sat., Sept. 8th – solo performance for Wellington Community Ride (tentative)

Sat., Sept. 15th – solo performance at Fort Collins Sustainable Living Fair, 3 pm

Friday, Sept. 21st – solo performance, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 8:30-11:30 pm

Sat., Sept. 29th – We have FINALLY scheduled a concert for “Martini Alice” (aka “Our Mothers’ Daughters”, aka “Just Kidding!”…I swear this NEW name is “for reals”!!). It’ll be at Avo’s (in the backyard, weather permitting), 7:30 pm, $10 at the door.

Stay cool everyone and thanks for listening! Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

Hi all – just a quick update that we’ve decided to change the start time for music to 8:30 at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse. Hopefully, that’ll entice some of you early birds to catch at least the first set before it’s “lights out”! I’ll be there TONIGHT, Sat. June 23rd, from 8:30-11:30. There are happy hour specials all night long! www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

My set for the John Kefalas Fundraiser today at Avo’s will start around 2:45 (event runs 1-4). www.avogadros.com

And remember that Mark and Myles Sloniker and I, otherwise known as the “Crosson-Sloniker Consort” will play on Sunday, June 24th, from 1:30-4:30 at Oak Street Plaza, a Streetmosphere performance presented by Beet Street. We all may have to jump in the fountains to stay cool! www.beetstreet.org

Our thoughts and prayers continue for all those affected by the High Park Fire, which has shown increased and alarming activity with our increasing temperatures and low humidity. Mountains of gratitude to our amazing firefighters! Please show your support and be as generous as you can with the various organizations and events that are helping to ease the burden…..

Thanks and hope to see ya out there! Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

Hello friends – it has been one heck of a week and then some for our foothills communities just west of Fort Collins, as the High Park wildfire continues to rage. Nearly 200 homes have been lost that we know of to date, and our hearts go out to all those affected in so many ways…..

I have 4 gigs this week, and music is always a healing force for me, so if it feels that way to you, too, I invite you to join me in the process. Let’s do a rain dance, too!

First one up is today, Tues. June 19th on Oak Street Plaza. Mark Sloniker and I will be doing our Noontime Notes Concert from 11:30 am – 1 pm. Bring a lunch and bask in the sun (or shade) with some hot jazz and more. We’ll be cookin’ (possibly bakin’) for sure!

Next up is a Saturday afternoon fundraiser for my favorite public servant, John Kefalas, at Avo’s! June 23rd , from 1-4 pm, Lloyd Drust and I will be providing music in Avo’s backyard to help kick off the next phase of John’s Senate Campaign and to celebrate the start of summer and this amazing community. Refreshments will be provided and the suggested donation is $15.

Later that night, I’ll be playing from 9-midnight at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse in downtown Fort Collins. Sonny’s has great food and drink specials and a friendly atmosphere. Check it out and enjoy some tunes!

Sunday, June 24th, it’s another Streetmosphere presentation with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza.

Looking ahead to next week, I’ll be at Jay’s Bistro with Mark and Myles Sloniker on Sat., June 30th, from 8:30-11:30 pm.

You can always find my current schedule of events on my website, www.colleencrosson.com

Thanks for your support and please join me in sending light, safety, and love to all the firefighters and home owners in the High Park burn area.

Yea Summer! I know it’s not official, but with the last of the kids in this part of CO off from school this week, it sure feels like the start of it. And what a kick-off it is for me, with 5 gigs in the next 5 days! Here’s the line-up:

Friday, June 1st – solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse in downtown Fort Collins, 9-midnight. This was a rather late add on – if you missed my performance there last Friday, here’s your next chance! Stop by after your “First Friday” activities…. www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Sat., June 2nd – Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant). www.beetstreet.org

Sunday, June 3rd – Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza. Myles Sloniker, back from his CA trip, will join Mark and me on his “new” 100 year old German bass. It’s a beauty, and you should hear it, too!

Mon. and Tues.. June 4th and 5th, Mark Sloniker and I have the privilege of “opening” for inspirational teacher & author, Alan Cohen, at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr.. We will do a short music set at 6:30 each night, before his program, which begins at 7 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. These events were nearly sold out, last I heard, so if you still need tickets, check with Unity. $35 at the door, if available. Tickets and info: www.unityfc.org or 970-482-1620.

And the rest of the summer, so far (dates being added regularly):

Tuesday, June 19th, 11:30 a.m. – 1 pm – Noontime Notes Concert with Mark Sloniker, Oak Street Plaza

Sat., June 23rd, 9-midnight – solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse

Sunday, June 24th - Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza

Sat., June 30th – Jazz@Jay’s with yours truly and Mark and Myles Sloniker. We start at 8:30 and go till 11:30.

Friday, July 6th - Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant)

Wed., July 11th – Lagoon Concert Series with the Mark Sloniker Group. Yes, we’re back! And it will not rain.

Sunday, July 15th – solo Streetmosphere in front of Moe’s BBQ, 1:30-4:30

Sunday, July 22nd – solo Streetmosphere, south end Old Town Square, 1:30-4:30

Friday, July 27th –Please note! I will no longer be doing my solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse this night. This is the one that was switched to June 1st

Thanks, as always, for supporting live music! Colleen

Greetings music lovers! We are so grateful here in Fort Collins, CO for the significant rains we had last night and through this morning, which are hopefully helping our firefighters beat back the Hewlett Fire just northwest of us. It’s been quite a week up there, with over 7,500 acres burned in our beautiful Poudre Canyon. I am also grateful for the rain on my newly planted vegetable garden, the plentiful flowers that are emerging daily, and my greening lawn. I took in an excellent yoga class this morning, then went on to a heavenly massage, and just finished a nice, light lunch of soup and salad with my daughter, Emma. Life is GOOD!

The fun and adventure continues tonight, when I sing up a storm of jazz in the lounge at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St. in downtown Fort Collins (sorry for the late notice, but our internet’s been down!) Joining me from 8:30-11:30 pm will be Mark Sloniker on piano and Marty Kenny on bass. This very trio got a chance to warm up for tonight’s show at “Streetmosphere” last Sunday afternoon – thanks to all who came out (AND searched us out, after our location was changed!).

Next weekend I’ll play Friday night, May 25th, at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. (downstairs), 9-midnight. This will be a solo acoustic/folk show (vocals/guitar).
www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

The rest of the summer, so far:

Sat., June 2nd – Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant)

Sunday, June 3rd – Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza

Mon. and Tues.. June 4th and 5th, Mark Sloniker and I have the privilege of “opening” for inspirational teacher & author, Alan Cohen, at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr.. We will do a short music set each night, before his program, which begins at 7 pm. Advance ticket sales (thru 6/3) are $40 for both nights or $25 for one. $35 at the door, if available. Tickets and info: www.unityfc.org or 970-482-1620.

Tuesday, June 19th, 11:30 a.m. – 1 pm – Noontime Notes Concert with Mark Sloniker, Oak Street Plaza

Sat., June 23rd, 9-midnight – solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse

Sunday, June 24th - Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza

Friday, July 6th - Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant)

Wed., July 11th – Lagoon Concert Series with the Mark Sloniker Group. Yes, we’re back! And it will not rain.

Sunday, July 15th – solo Streetmosphere in front of Moe’s BBQ, 1:30-4:30

Sunday, July 22nd – solo Streetmosphere, south end Old Town Square, 1:30-4:30

Friday, July 27th – solo show, Sonny Lubick’s, 9-midnight

Thanks, as always, for supporting live music! Colleen

Is it summer yet?? Sure feels like it here in Colorado! Three straight days in the 80’s? In April? Gets me in the mood for all the upcoming outdoor concerts! In my last note I mentioned I’d be singing at Jay’s this month, but wasn’t sure of the date. Well, it’s this very Saturday night, 4/28, from 8:30-11:30 pm, featuring Mark Sloniker on piano and Myles Sloniker on bass. Myles hasn’t played on my last couple of gigs, as he’s been busy elsewhere, most notably at UNC Greeley’s 42nd Annual Jazz Festival, where he played with several jazz legends from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and wowed us on his set with the Vanguard Jazz Combo. Can you tell I’m a proud mama? Can’t wait to hear how his playing has changed just from that one fabulous weekend! And his new bass sounds amazing, too – you gotta hear it! Come on down to Jay’s – it’ll probably be warm enough to sit on the patio….

The rest of the spring/summer is filling in nicely – I’ve added a few dates and have several pending, so check my website www.colleencrosson.com for up to date info. Here’s what it looks like so far (all venues in Fort Collins, CO unless otherwise noted):

Saturday, April 28th , 8:30-11:30 pm – Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., with Mark and Myles Sloniker

Sunday, May 13th, 1:30-4:30 – the Crosson-Sloniker Consort was chosen for the 3rd year in a row to be part of the ever growing "Streetmosphere" by Beet Street! This is the kick-off weekend, and we’re excited to "take to the streets" of Fort Collins again to entertain the passersby....Please note, our site for this date has been changed from Oak Street Plaza to outside of Ingredient Restaurant (Mountain and College Ave.). For more information on the whole "Streetmosphere" concept, visit www.BeetStreet.org/Streetmosphere

Friday, May 25th – solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. (downstairs), 9-midnight

Saturday, June 2nd – Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant)

Sunday, June 3rd – Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza

Tuesday, June 19th, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Noontime Notes Concert with Mark Sloniker, Oak Street Plaza

Saturday, June 23rd, 9-midnight – solo show at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse

Sunday, June 24th - Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza

Friday, July 6th - Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant)

Wednesday, July 11th – Lagoon Concert Series with the Mark Sloniker Group. Yes, we’re back! And it will not rain.

Sunday, July 15th – solo Streetmosphere in front of Moe’s BBQ, 1:30-4:30

Sunday, July 22nd – solo Streetmosphere, south end Old Town Square, 1:30-4:30

Friday, July 27th – solo show, Sonny Lubick’s, 9-midnight

Thanks, as always for supporting live music! Colleen

Hi everyone and happy spring! I haven’t sent an update in over a month – yikes! I’m enjoying life as always and keeping quite busy, even when I’m not out and about playing music. After a bit of advertising, I suddenly have 11 new students in guitar and/or voice and am enjoying the enthusiasm these new souls bring with them to their lessons. I still have some spots open, so if you know of anyone wanting to begin a new musical adventure, feel free to send them my way - I love teaching!

The glorious spring (summer?) weather had me out in the yard a bunch, uncovering all kinds of green from beneath the mulch in the gardens. The crocuses are long gone, but the daffodils are still bright and the tulips are starting to open. We spent a week in Nashville over spring break and had a fabulous time with friends – eating out, listening to music, touring a particularly cool studio, and…buying instruments! Who knew? It was not our initial intention, but when an instrument speaks to you…. J. I am now the delighted owner of another fine Santa Cruz guitar, and our son, Myles, found an incredible 100 year old German bass that followed him home. The summer shows are starting to line up and my club gigs, too. Come out and meet my new “Santa”! I was supposed to play at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse this Sat., but it’s been switched to Friday now, so I hope if you’re out on the First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Fort Collins, you can stop by. Here are the details and what’s in store in the weeks/months ahead:

Friday, April 6th, 9-midnight – I’ll do a solo show at Sonny’s, 115 S. College Ave. (downstairs, where Nico’s Catacombs used to be). Sonny’s has happy hour the whole time I play, with great drink and food specials. Check out their website for more details: www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com No cover!

Thursday, April 12th – private event with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort. My first gig with Myles on his new (old!) bass! Can’t wait!

Thursday, April 19th – I’ll join Mark Sloniker and a host of other jazz cats at The Taste, an annual benefit for neighbor to neighbor and the Food Bank for Larimer County at the Fort Collins Hilton. Come and enjoy an evening of exceptional food, beverages and music. Your participation will help to provide housing stability and reduce hunger in Larimer County. Details at http://www.tastebenefit.org/

There will be a Sat. night Jay’s Bistro gig somewhere in the 3rd or 4th week of April, though we haven’t decided on the date yet – stay tuned!

May 13th, 1:30-4:30 – the Crosson-Sloniker Consort was chosen for the 3rd year in a row to be part of the ever growing “Streetmosphere” by Beet Street! This is the kick-off weekend, and we’re excited to “take to the streets” of Fort Collins again to entertain the passersby....We’ll be set up at Oak Street plaza this time. For more information on the whole “Streetmosphere” concept, visit www.BeetStreet.org/Streetmosphere

May 25th – another Sonny’s show, 9-midnight

June 2nd – Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant)

June 3rd – Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza

June 24th – Streetmosphere with the Crosson-Sloniker Consort, 1:30-4:30, Oak Street Plaza

July 6th – Streetmosphere solo gig, 5:30-8:30, SW corner of Mountain and College (outside Ingredient Restaurant)

July 11th – Lagoon Concert Series with Mark Sloniker. Yes, we’re back! And it will not rain.

July 15th – solo Streetmosphere in front of Moe’s BBQ, 1:30-4:30

Whew! That’s probably plenty to list for now. There are many more Streetmosphere gigs scheduled throughout the summer, with several at Front Range Village in south Fort Collins, as well as Downtown. I am also working on other spring/summer concerts with Mark Sloniker and my “chick” band, Martini Alice, so I’ll keep ya posted!

Thanks for being in my world, Colleen

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