KRFC Around Town

Hear a live performance of the songs on the KRFC holiday album, NoCo Sings the Holidays, from the Armory in Old Town Fort Collins

VS brings raw power to the folk rock landscape. With one foot in the Detroit garage rock and another firmly in the cosmic roots rock of the 1970s. TMULE VS Nic Clark explore the world through existential and eye-opening lyrics. With lyrical finesse of storytellers such as Robert Hunter and Neil Young, their songs engage with the listeners own experiences through vast landscapes of love, loss, and life.Blues rock licks and folk sensibilities blend with psychedelia and raw garage rock. Jack White sitting in with The Grateful Dead. Sturgill Simpson getting weird with CCR. Sprawling layers of echoing harmonic beds build behind the raw guitars of riff-driven rock, front-porch acoustic love songs, all topped with awe-inspiring harmonica solos.

You’ll find Taylor Shae at the dusty intersection of anthemic Americana & velvety alt-country. The crossroads between all-out dreamers and desperate outlaws. Having grown up in the shadow of the epic Colorado mountains, Taylor creates experiences and tells stories that make people feel real and alive.

Dial into Morin’s career catalog and discover a musical chameleon whose sonic landscapes fuse together the best of American roots music: blues, folk, soul, bluegrass and the timeless and distinctive sounds of the countryside, from the Western Plains and Rocky Mountains to the rolling Appalachian Piedmont and the rhythmic melting pot of the deep South.   

Northern Colorado's premier manouche trio playing classic hot club sounds of the 30s, 40s and beyond!

Currently featuring Michael Kirkpatrick (vocals and acoustic guitar), Sean Macaulay (drum set and percussion), and Jo Asker (double bass), the quartet released their debut record, Glad We Found You, in 2022. With this record the band was voted “Best Debut Artist 2022” by the Colorado Playlist Listener/Fan Poll. With the new addition of lead guitarist (Daenk), their Sophomore record is in the works as they continue to dazzle audiences with new material through performances at major festivals and venues. 

The Traveling Ones live up to their name, following where their hearts and muses lead them. After releasing two albums, the duo are excited to get back to their roots of songwriting and soulful harmonies, calling Fort Collins home.

Graham Good is hailed as the Messiah of Modern Rock (Nick Stock, jambands.com) due to his infectious energy and classic song writing. Specializing in Feel-Good//Funk-Folk-Rock, this group touches on a plethora of genres that help make them an easy band for any new fan to instantly connect with. The band has played iconic Denver venues such as Red Rocks, The Ogden, The Gothic, and The Bluebird opening up for acts such as Caamp, Andy Frasco, Satsang, and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. The Painters are a band of trained musicians who aim to pull the heartstrings of their audiences to step up and live life fully. This band is the ultimate feel good experience and perfect for any private party or festival lineup

D.J. Williams is an acclaimed guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Denver, CO whose illustrious career has seen him traverse the globe, igniting stages ranging from intimate clubs to renowned festivals with his band’s fiery performances. Described by Premier Guitar as “… a monster… an inventive, effective, and ear-catching soloist, armed with a warm tone and superior chops,” Williams has unleashed his next creative achievement: new album “By Way Of RVA” on his own label Projekt Music Group. 

Looking for a party? Look no further; Frogboat has you covered. Weaving an eclectic mix of stylings from funk, rock, and jazz, the band ties their sonic landscape together with undeniably dancey grooves and explosive energy. Hailing from Northern Colorado, Frogboat is ready and waiting to hit the stage and bring their fans to the dance floor. 

Poudre Valley Playboys, a collaboration of Colorado guitar phenomenon Josh Long and upright bass aficionado Mark Verschoor, is high-octane classic country-rockabilly-surf music that gets any crowd jumping and hollering within the first few bars.  Josh and Mark dig deep into the archives to pull out some overlooked gems of yesteryear in addition to cult classics from the rockabilly, country, and surf music scenes. A typical mixing-it-up medley they’ll do is “Ghost Riders in the Sky” mixed with “El Cumbanchero.” With Mark Vershoor’s powerhouse bass licks and Josh Long’s riveting electric guitar riffs, this duo sounds like a full band on fire.

Looking for a party? Look no further; Frogboat has you covered. Weaving an eclectic mix of stylings from funk, rock, and jazz, the band ties their sonic landscape together with undeniably dancey grooves and explosive energy. Hailing from Northern Colorado, Frogboat is ready and waiting to hit the stage and bring their fans to the dance floor. 

Michael Kirkpatrick, Rocky Mountain-based vocalist and songwriter blends elements of acoustic fingerstyle and folk rock to cradle lush songscapes in a fuzzy paradoxical blanket of sunshine and fog. Obsessed by mandolin, guitar and groomed by bluegrass festival culture, Michael has carved a unique presence in the Colorado singer-songwriter, string band and rock scene. With a voice that ranges from a quiet rumble to powerful mountain-top exclamation, Michael's passionate vocals bring to life lyrics about dreams, sensuality, and reverence for nature.

Fresh Fruit! is a Denver based group engaging listeners in their “smooth soul butter”. After two years of having stirred their groovy spoon in the bowl of fruity loops, the cereal was long past soggy. Through the first two years, each of the boys had experienced enough transformative life experience bullshit to inspire them to completely scrap their first EP attempt, revolutionary. Feeling that their few years of late teen angst, horniness, and poor decision making were better left behind, a new project was born from the ash of the dumpster fire. Now having refreshed the bowl with the far superior crispy fruity pebble beats and a hip splash of almond milk freshness , they have revived the standard of breakfast dining that gets the day moving. No longer living in a world of dorm room smog, cliche catching of feelz, or juvenile dick following behavior, they feel their new material pays homage to their past selves. Better suited to exploring themselves as hip and somewhat educated new musicians, their dad sandals are ready to walk all over god's green earth to groove with whoever will listen. Whether you take your sugary bowl of cereal in the morning to kick start your day, as an afterschool snack to put off the homework, or a midnight delicacy to ensure the sugar nightmares, Fresh Fruit! invigorates the senses to orgasmic release.

Gora Gora Orkestar brings the sounds of the Old World to the Rocky Mountains performing high-energy Balkan and Klezmer music. Formed in 2009, this 11-piece brass band is dedicated to making the audience dance with driving rhythms and innovative approaches to the traditional music of Eastern Europe. Since its formation, Gora Gora has focused on learning this music with attention and authenticity, and its members have had the chance to learn from experts in the field at events such as Balkan Camp and KlezKanada.

Garden District is a Funk and Neo-Soul band from northern Colorado fusing multiple influences of old and new sounds. Great music to nod your head and shake your hips to!

Since 2021 Libélula has captivated audiences across Colorado's Front Range. Their music is both exciting and soulful, blending Funk and Groove with R&B and Jazz.With powerful, soaring vocals and enthralling improvisations, Libélula's exhilarating sound brings audiences to their feet and dancers to the dance floor!

Born in 2017 from the Fort Collins’ Irish scene at Mulligan’s Pub, Once Upon a Tune is a lively, traditional, Celtic group featuring the inspired, creative fiddle musings of Janel Vanderwarf, expressive guitar rhythms of Scott Steidley, and primal bodhran accompaniment of Mary Ellen Watterson.Janel Vanderwarf picked up the fiddle at the age of sixteen and never looked back. Self-taught, Janel “found the soul” of her instrument at Alasdair Fraser’s famous fiddle camp, Valley of the Moon. A consummate musician and beautiful vocalist, Janel is delightful to watch and will “dance her way” into your heart. Scott Steidley brings incredible talent to the group with his driving, rhythmic guitar and melodic, syncopated whistle. Scott’s stylistic playing is reminiscent of some of the biggest names in Irish music today. Mary Ellen Watterson is a classically trained percussionist and has been playing percussion since she was a little girl. From kit to cajon, or djembe to bodhran, Mary rounds out the group with her contemporary take on voicing the bodhran. 

Dusty-altcountry-americana is at the heart of Colorado born and raised singer-songwriter, Taylor Shae’s sound. Having rocked stages at festivals and venues across Colorado since 2016, Taylor brings stories of outlaws & dreamers to life in her songs, with velvety-toned, powerhouse vocals. At 24, the songwriter has independently released 4 albums, a handful of singles, and has earned awards for her craft such as Sustain’s Backyard Songscape Competition in 2020, eTown’s Handmade Songs in 2017, and more. Taylor was also selected as an alternate for the 2024 Planet Bluegrass Telluride Troubadour Songwriting Competition.Currently calling Fort Collins, CO home, you’ll catch Taylor performing as a duo or recently with a full band, amplifying the alt-country/rock energy that many of her songs lean into. Taylor’s opened for Eli Young Band, Caitlyn Smith, AJ Lee & Blues Summit, The Patti Fiasco, & more across venues like Washington’s, Aggie Theatre, and festivals like the WHAT Festival, FoCoMX, the UMS, Bohemian Nights, and many more.Taylor’s latest single “Smoke & Lead” released May 3, an alt-country anthem telling the tale of scorned lovers in small towns where secrets are left to lie in the dirt. The outlaw guitars are a driving force of the shadows while the vocals bleed of country-rock harmonies. This song is best suited for driving down an unmarked road – the story on the rugged edge of truth untold.Learn more and follow Taylor Shae at taylorshaemusic.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as @taylorshaemusic.

An hour-long folk and country concert with Christine Alice & Aubrey Dale. Playing for the KRFC Happy Hour Crowd at The Magic Rat in Fort Collins.

Cloud Nothings is an American indie rock band, founded by Dylan Baldi, based in Cleveland, Ohio. The band's current lineup includes Dylan Baldi (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jayson Gerycz (drums), and Chris Brown (bass). They are known for their energetic, guitar-pop sound, often incorporating elements of punk and indie rock. 

Since their inception in 2011, ATOMGA has continued to be a refreshing staple in the Colorado music circuit. Celebrating 13 years as a band and 13 years of creating a unique brand of afrobeat music infused with elements of jazz, rock, hip hop, and funk. Using this foundation, they are able to build polyrhythms which always get their audience moving!Through the years, ATOMGA has had remixes by artists such as Grant Phabao at Paris DJ's in Paris, France and Craig Welsch at Rear Window Studio in Boston. They also have a gold medal winning beer named after them in Curitiba, Brazil from Bodebrown which is served periodically at Banded Oak Brewing Company in Denver. ATOMGA has supported afrobeat icons Femi Kuti and the Positive Force and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 from Nigeria and many nationally touring bands. ATOMGA is signed onto the roster of Color Red record label.  Thirteen years in and ATOMGA shows no sign of slowing down.ATOMGA has a reputation for live performances which provide a fun filled dance party for all ages and all walks of life.

Internationally acclaimed as a mesmerizing live performer, Cary Morin’s soul-stirring voice and jaw-dropping fingerstyle guitar playing have captivated audiences for decades. Dial into Morin’s career catalog and discover a musical chameleon whose sonic landscapes fuse together the best of American roots music: blues, folk, soul, bluegrass and the timeless and distinctive sounds of the countryside, from the Western Plains and Rocky Mountains to the rolling Appalachian Piedmont and the rhythmic melting pot of the deep South.   “Cary is a unique and brilliant player, songwriter and singer. I have huge respect for his style and technique,” says legendary multi-instrumentalist and songwriter David Bromberg. “If you haven’t heard him yet, you should. Try to remember that it’s only one guitar.” Morin feels at home on the road.  His music has reached millions as he’s traveled the world with prestigious performances at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Paris Jazz Festival, Vancouver Olympics, Copenhagen Blues Festival, Folk Alliance International and has been featured on international television and radio programs hosted by the BBC and NPR. He stays in touch via his ever-growing social media followers, and streaming sites. 

Graham Good is hailed as the Messiah of Modern Rock (Nick Stock, jambands.com) due to his infectious energy and classic song writing. Specializing in Feel-Good//Funk-Folk-Rock, this group touches on a plethora of genres that help make them an easy band for any new fan to instantly connect with. The band has played iconic Denver venues such as Red Rocks, The Ogden, The Gothic, and The Bluebird opening up for acts such as Caamp, Andy Frasco, Satsang, and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. The Painters are a band of trained musicians who aim to pull the heartstrings of their audiences to step up and live life fully. This band is the ultimate feel good experience and perfect for any private party or festival lineup

Friendly Reminders is an indie-folkgrass string quartet, born in an Airstream in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A blend of a multitude of genres, including folk, bluegrass, and jazz --they pick and groove their songs through the air and into the hearts of folks eager for insightful lyricism and beautiful harmonies.The band is made up of songwriter Ian Foster on acoustic guitar and vocal, Meg Rice on stand-up bass, Alex Root on banjo, and Luke Siddens on lead guitar. The unit sings together in a harmonious cacophony of splendor and love! Gather round for a musical back and forth between four talented entertainers met at the crossroads of energetic bluegrass and sultry lyrical indie-folk music that fills the night. At a Friendly Reminders show, you will have a good chance at finding anything your musical heart desires. 

From humble beginnings covering soul standards in their unlikely hometown of Greeley, Colorado, The Burroughs have traversed a decade of growth and reinvention to become a band that defies odds and transcends categorization. Since 2013, the 9-piece act has lit up stages around the country with their trademark brand of “sweaty soul music,” an invitation for audiences to dance, celebrate, and connect under a unifying and infectious groove.Bandleader and frontman Johnny Burroughs sings, dances, and screams audiences into a revival-like frenzy. His dynamite backing band includes sizzling horns and powerhouse rhythm section made up of some of Colorado’s most versatile and in-demand musicians. Since their early days pulling inspiration from artists spanning Stevie Wonder to Beyonce, the group has grown into a formidable creative collective focused on finding an original voice. The band’s undeniable chemistry on stage is built from a decade of real-life relationships and creative partnership. In an industry focused on finding the next big singular artist, The Burroughs have forged their own path that centers on music made in community. 

For Taylor Scott, nothing is black and white. He operates in the grey areas between genres, creating his own colorful hybrid of roots-rock, funk, soul, and troubadour-style Americana. It's a sound that's as diverse as its creator, whipped into sharp shape by a musician who's equal parts guitar hero and singer/songwriter craftsman.

Internationally acclaimed as a mesmerizing live performer, Cary Morin’s soul-stirring voice and jaw-dropping fingerstyle guitar playing have captivated audiences for decades. Dial into Morin’s career catalog and discover a musical chameleon whose sonic landscapes fuse together the best of American roots music: blues, folk, soul, bluegrass and the timeless and distinctive sounds of the countryside, from the Western Plains and Rocky Mountains to the rolling Appalachian Piedmont and the rhythmic melting pot of the deep South.   “Cary is a unique and brilliant player, songwriter and singer. I have huge respect for his style and technique,” says legendary multi-instrumentalist and songwriter David Bromberg. “If you haven’t heard him yet, you should. Try to remember that it’s only one guitar.” Morin feels at home on the road.  His music has reached millions as he’s traveled the world with prestigious performances at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Paris Jazz Festival, Vancouver Olympics, Copenhagen Blues Festival, Folk Alliance International and has been featured on international television and radio programs hosted by the BBC and NPR. He stays in touch via his ever-growing social media followers, and streaming sites. 

Drawing from all corners of the country, Kind Hearted Strangers began in the foothills of Colorado -  where an impromptu open mic performance by songwriter Marc Townes quickly evolved into a dynamic touring band capable of bridging the gap between all out rock n’ roll and their harmony-driven roots. Since the release of the debut record “East // West” in 2021, the band has grown into a road-driven force, hungry for live music, delivering high-energy rock shows across the country.  - Released April 7th, 2023 - the band’s 2nd LP entitled “Now.here” features a collaboration with visual artist/painter Dylan Lynch. This immersive project found the band working in a shared Richmond, VA warehouse space for 5 days. With no prepared material, the artists intentionally put pressure on themselves to create and deliver a Live Concert & Art Exhibition at the end of the week. The resulting album contains brand new material that was recorded live with the same raw energy and passion KHS has been delivering across the country during their busiest year of touring to date.

 soulful and soaring indie folk-pop collective based out of Provo, Utah, National Parks was formed in 2013 around the talents of Brady Parks, Sydney Macfarlane, Megan Taylor, John Hancock, and Cam Brannelly. Employing a stirring mix of classical, folk, rock, and pop with some electronic flourishes, the band issued their independent debut, Young, shortly after coming together. Their 2015 sophomore effort, Until I Live, saw them stepping away from the bucolic indie folk of their debut and heading in a more energetic -- though no less mellifluous -- pop direction, drawing acclaim from both critics and followers. The National Parks third studio long-player, Places, arrived in 2017 via Rock Love Magic Records.

The Charlie Stevens Band aims to challenge the boundaries between genres while keeping a strong connection to the traditions of Bluegrass music. The Charlie Stevens Band draws from the hard-driving sounds of the Bluegrass world to create new, and exciting, acoustic music.  In addition to Bluegrass, they are influenced by various other styles rooted in the American tradition. Most notably, Rock and Roll, and the Blues. Cover songs range widely. Including: traditional Bluegrass, such as Bill Monroe and The Stanley Brothers; progressive Bluegrass, such as David Grisman and John Hartford; Rock and Roll, such as The Grateful Dead, Cream, and The Allman Brothers; and even current artists like Billy Strings. Charlie's original songs attempt to blend all of these influences together in a way that's fresh and fun to listen to. Up-tempo tunes featuring blazing fast solos, and powerhouse vocals, make this an exciting group to see live, regardless of musical preference. Come see the Charlie Stevens Band for yourself!  

Recently relocated to Fort Collins from Las Vegas, NV, The Unwieldies are an alt-country, americana torch band featuring the married couple Danielle Bell on vocals and guitar and Robert Bell on upright bass and vocals. The band has featured a revolving group of musicians behind them, such as Jack Ball on violin, Eric Frommhold on banjo, Jason Edwards on piano,  Willy Farris on guitar and lap steel and Richard Wells on dobro. Started in 2013, we've released four albums and have shared the stage with such talents as Rhonda Vincent, Molly Tuttle, Wayne 'The Train' Hancock and Lydia Loveless to name a few.  We look forward to establishing ourselves as a mainstay in this music community.

Funk and Afrobeat!

Hailing from the Great Plains and Desert Southwest, Kansas Dawson brings their high-energy storytelling to the Front Range.  Influenced by multiple generes, yet rooted in outlaw country, they continue to prove what Johnny Cash's longtime bass player once said of a stripped down three piece.."what's more punk rock than that"!

Gora Gora Orkestar brings the sounds of the Old World to the Rocky Mountains performing high-energy Balkan and Klezmer music. Formed in 2009, this 11-piece brass band is dedicated to making the audience dance with driving rhythms and innovative approaches to the traditional music of Eastern Europe. Since its formation, Gora Gora has focused on learning this music with attention and authenticity, and its members have had the chance to learn from experts in the field at events such as Balkan Camp and KlezKanada. Gora Gora Orkestar has had the opportunity to perform across the country, including festivals in Boston, Austin, and Seattle, and recently at a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. Gora Gora strives to foster building a klezmer and balkan musical community in Denver, hosting a monthly dance and music collaboration called Festo Festo. This event has featured 15 bands and dance troupes from around the region, and has grown into a thriving celebration of community and culture.