Explore every episode of the podcast KRFC Live@Lunch

Front man, Clay Rose was raised between an outlaw, truck-driving father in the mountains of Colorado and a country song-writing mama in the sticks outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Clay’s penchant for open roads and trouble making are the backbone of the Gas Pops’ sound. The rest of the band consists of Don Ambory, Scott Coulter, “Bad” Brad Morse, and Kevin Matthews who all come equipped with music degrees from Chicago, Boston, Jacksonville, and Denver, respectively. They each add flavors of their own background and heritage, further diversifying the band’s signature sound.

Fresh out of the legendary Dockside Studio in Lafayette, Louisiana, Gasoline Lollipops are promoting their new album, All The Misery Money Can Buy, which pursues happiness and the American Dream to the end of the rainbow and chokes on a pot of gold.  Gas Pops collaborated with Clay’s song-writing Mama, Donna Farar (“Last Thing I Needed” recorded by Willie Nelson and Chris Stapleton) to create this politically-charged union of soul music and Southern rock. 

Gasoline Lollipops are three-time winners of Colorado Daily’s “Best Local Band” award, and two-time winners of Denver Westword’s “Best Country Band” award. Over the last four years, they have toured throughout the U.S., Belgium, the Netherlands, and Belize. In 2018 they made Billboard’s top 10 Spotify chart, as well as Pandora’s top 10 Trend Setters list. Today, the Gas Pops continue to bend genres and electrify live audiences with ferocious sincerity.

The growl and purr of motorcycle engines. The patter of rain on a tin roof. The twinkle of chimes on a porch in February. The steady, insistent thrum of heartbeats. Maxwell Hughes' playing evokes all of this, and much more. At a time when too many musicians treat their instruments as simple props, he's a total original (and maybe a freedom fighter, too): an artist determined to explore the entire expressive latitude of his acoustic guitar, and to coax as many different sounds and moods from it as he can. In his hands, the guitar is a magic wand, a lightning rod, a stick to conjure the storm.

It was the chase for that distinctive, personal sound that compelled Hughes to leave the Lumineers -- and he's never looked back since.  Under his own name, he's put out three collections of his distinctive songwriting -- and a fourth is on the way. He's been busy with other projects, too: his guitar and bass are the bedrock of Edison's acclaimed album Familiar Spirit. And in 2013, he was officially sponsored by Larrivee, the company that manufactures the acoustic guitars he plays. They know what the rest of the country is finding out: there's no better advertisement for guitars, and musicianship, and artistic innovation than the music that Maxwell Hughes has already made. As for the music he's going to make next?, well, watch out.

“Bristling with vocal, instrumental and songwriting talent with hard-driving live shows that are just plain danceable fun, High Lonesome is the latest breath of fresh music to spring from Colorado’s legendary bluegrass scene," this is how Veteran Bluegrass journalist, John Lehndorff described the band in his review of High Lonesome's debut self-titled album. Named in Denver Westword's - "Ten of the Top Colorado Bluegrass Bands” list, by Nick Hutchinson, this Front Range band combines a pleasing mash of dobro, fiddle, guitar, bass, and mandolin. 

High Lonesome seeks to put a new spin on good old hard-driving bluegrass by way of tight harmonies, melodic original material, and an expansive reach that takes in music from various realms, including jazz and jam influences as well as traditional bluegrass

Elise Wunder is a Colorado born songstress blessed with a truly rare voice that distills emotion into song. She has spent years investing, studying, and crafting this instrument. It's a cannon and a paintbrush; a voice of oak and leather with a tone that’s at once comforting, dynamic, and built on a solid stone foundation with a range that listeners don’t forget.

Her songwriting and style are rich and heavy in a way that does not suggest world weariness, so much as it does wisdom and an old soul. Elise is a world traveler who is inspired by experience and culture.  She has traveled to Haiti, Bahamas, Peru, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, etc., and also lived in New Orleans for two years. She steeps all of these ventures into her music. Currently based in Fort Collins, CO, with an entirely new appreciation of home and her community, Elise uses her rich experiences to take listeners on a journey. Through the passionate embrace of love and the hollow ache of solitude, she makes the bitter drink sweet by finding magic in the small moments of day to day living.

Slow Caves is a rock band from Colorado, consisting of Danish-American brothers, Jakob and Oliver Mueller, and their childhood friend David Dugan. After signing with Old Flame Records in 2016, they released their debut EP, Desert Minded, in early 2017. The following year they released a double A side picture disc, Poser/Rover. 

The band spent the next three years touring extensively opening for bands like Third Eye Blind, Cold War Kids, Modest Mouse, Matt & Kim, Cake, Rooney, DIIV, The Kills, and performing at festivals like SXSW, Velorama, The Underground Music Showcase, and Treefort Music Fest. 

In 2019, they released their first full length record, Falling, which was recorded and produced by Chris “Frenchie” Smith at The Bubble in Austin, TX. From 2020-2023 the band released two singles, Walk In The Park and Before I Leave, and took some time off from live performances. In 2024, Slow Caves will release a series of singles, starting with, The Run, in March, and a return to live performances nationwide. 

Honest, soulful, and bearing a sound all their own, Wood Belly sprouted from the roots of bluegrass to notch a unique home in the broader Americana scene and continues to captivate audiences across the country en route. With an unrelenting dedication to original songwriting, harmony singing, and artful arrangements, the quintet is forging a sound that is based in newgrass and flavored with alt-country, rock, and just enough jam to glue it all together. 

Wood Belly established themselves as a staple of the Colorado and national acoustic music scene by winning the 2018 Telluride Bluegrass festival band competition and being nominated for an IBMA award. Bluegrass Today said “Even now, it’s safe to determine that they’re ones to watch...the freshness and vitality they bear elevates their standing and assures their status as instant contenders”. That freshness continues today as the band takes on a new shape. With a restructuring of the rhythm section, Wood Belly has opened up a world of dynamic range and dimension to be explored.

The Wild Elderberries are a band based along the Front Range of Colorado. The band plays all originals and was founded by Bill Aspinwall and Jack Lainson. Genres include Americana, Folk, Rock, Country, Blues, and Jazz.

The members include:
Bill Aspinwall – Guitars and Vocals
Bob Jefferies – Mandolin and Vocals
Sam Fuqua – Bass
Jack Lainson – Guitar, Harmonica, and vocals
Steven Jackson – Percussion

All the band members have extensive experience in a variety of other bands, performing live in Colorado and other states. More bio material available at https://wildelderberriesband.com

Much of what David Michael Boyd has been doing the past ten years in Colorado has been with the non-profit, Blues Behind Bars, which plays live blues and rock music in prisons across Colorado.

Blue Hideaway is a Jazz, Blues, and rock trio from Northern Colorado highlighting their early influences from Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

From his belting whiskey-soaked vocals to the bent notes of a slide guitar, Hunter Stone brings his unique approach songwriting to the stage.

Whether playing solo or with the band, Stone transports his audience through moving lyrics, powerful grooves, and his unique voice.

Stone's freshman album "Portaits of the New/Old West, Vol. 1 & 2" features vignettes of characters and stories of the western frontier, now and then.

"...a sonically eclectic batch of offerings that highlight his instrumental prowess as well as his outstanding vocal and tune-penning abilities." — Nick Hutchinson, Westword Magazine

In a live setting, Stone knows when to let the song do the work and when to let the band do the rocking.  His band features a cast of phenomenal Front Range musicians including guitarist Jonah Wisneski (King Cardinal), bassist Kevin Johnson, and drummer Forrest Raup.

Musketeer Gripweed has been a blues/rock fusion fixture in Colorado and beyond for over 18 years.  With their music in the top 10 of Colorado artists on state radio stations,  Gripweed continues to perform and tour regularly.

Musketeer Gripweed is honored to have shared the stage with prominent acts such as:

Los Lobos, Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled By Turtles, North Mississippi All-Stars, The Revivalists, Aquarium Rescue Unit featuring Col Bruce Hampton, JJ Grey and Mofro, Lucas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, Marcus King Band, John Brown’s Body, The Big Wu, Dumpstaphunk, Anders Osborne, Pimps Of Joytime, Steve Kimock Band, Dead Floyd, The Grant Farm with Keith Moseley (SCI), Garaj Mahal

and music festivals including:
 Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest, South By Southwest (Austin, TX), FoCoMX, YarmonyGrass, Oregon Country Fair (Eugene, OR) , BandSwap – Portland (Portland, OR), Joshua Tree (CA) Music Festival,  Lander Brewfest (Lander, WY), Bark and Bluegrass, Westword Music Showcase, O’Dells Small Batch Festival, What Fest

A Fort Collins, Colorado based indie folk collective with a passion for compassion, Heart Tribe is here to envelope the senses with powerful, dynamic lyrics that illustrate the value of human connection and healing. 

Originally formed in 2017, the group consists of Stephanie Heart Powers on guitar and vocals, Simon Cabrera on percussion, Jester Goldman on lead guitar, Destin Muller on bass guitar, and newest addition Sarah Melby, a founding member back in 2017, is back on flute. 

They hope to spread the message of love and acceptance beyond our differences through the influence of their sounds.

Sqwerv is a nationally touring indie/jam quartet that brings elements of classic rock, psychedelic music, funk, and jam fusion for an experience like no other. The band explores rich sonic realms with a depth of improvisational virtuosity. Sqwerv focuses on songwriting with soulful melodies, and thought provoking lyrics. The band has released 2 new full length albums in 2024, and toured across the United States extensively. Sqwerv has shared the stage with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Spafford, Eggy, Lespecial, Big Something, Squeaky Feet and many more.

Born in 2017 from the solid bedrock of Fort Collins’ thriving Irish scene at Mulligan’s Pub, Once Upon a Tune is a lively, traditional, Celtic trio 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 world-renowned 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.

Come kick up your heels and clap your hands to this exciting Celtic folk group, Once Upon A Tune!

Jack Broadbent is no ordinary singer songwriter. He can break your heart and then turn around and set the world on fire. Combining elements of Blues, Folk, Rock n Roll and Jazz, Broadbent carries a lineage of true artistry into the 2000s that sets him apart from the rest.

His initial rise to fame was for his unique and explosive slide guitar playing. This notoriety was quickly solidified by his superb songwriting. Broadbent went from busking the streets of Europe to smashing the world stage alongside some of the biggest names in rock n roll.

In 2018, Broadbent performed as a guest at the launch party for the Rolling Stones curated blues compilation, “Confessin’ the Blues” in London. This lead to a tour opening for Ronnie Wood across the UK, with Wood crediting Broadbent with “keeping the flag flying”.

Legendary southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd simply call him “badass” after he wowed audiences across America on a full stadium tour.

His most recent shows opening for Peter Frampton on his farewell tour in Europe were met with rave reviews. Frampton himself praising Broadbent as “a wonderful player”.

Broadbent has single handedly thrilled audiences on the international festival circuit, including Montreux Jazz Festival where he was hailed as “the new master of the slide guitar”.

After six album releases Broadbent’s range is impressive. Stylistically, it’s a perfect blend of raw emotion and yet controlled chaos, best described by Bill Payne of Little Feat and The Doobie Brothers following a recent tour.

Electronic Glam meets Krautrock, Bowie meets awesome. This is WhiteCatPink, musician extraordinaire. WhiteCatPink was sent to this planet by the Great I AM Supercomputer XIX to help spread a message of truth, simplicity and love in a world riddled with greed, war and insanity.

Drawing inspiration from a rich blend of the iconic French superstar, Serge Gainsbourg, the decidedly Teutonic sounds of NEU!, Kraftwerk, and Einstürzende Neubauten, the downtempo sounds of Mark Farina, and the rich harmonic structures of 70's English Progressive Rock, WhiteCatPink takes these into a suite of lush electronics informed in part by pioneer ambient musician, Brian Eno. Combine this with a visual spectacle that is one part animal-object, one part Glam rock, and a bit of edge, and the result is an unforgettable performance.

WhiteCatPink plays live drums and sings over original compositions and music written digitally in Ableton Live. With subjects ranging from catfights to his famous teddy bear, Paisley, to flowers from outer space, the milieu remains fresh and unusual. His most recent offering, ‘The LoveBalletGirl EP‘, sees WhiteCatPink in top chic form with vocals sung in both English and French over a smooth, glossy blend of electronic music and hard-hitting drums.

A one-man act, WhiteCatPink consistently stuns audiences all over the world with his command of the stage and memorable presence. WhiteCatPink proudly plays DW Drums, Paiste Cymbals, M-Audio midi equipment, and Ableton Live DAW.

Pennies on the Track leans into harmonies and heartfelt songwriting, playing their unique mix of Americana, Folk, and Bluegrass from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Lakes and beyond. At home on Colorado's Front Range, this acoustic band fits nicely around campfires and amphitheaters alike.

Pennies on the Track brings sweet vocal harmonies and versatile acoustic instruments to a variety of styles from folk and bluegrass to country and rock n' roll. With original music and covers of some Americana's greatest, the band brings something for everybody.

Eric Halborg has been writing songs and performing live in Colorado for over 20 years. He’s played Red Rocks, Telluride Blues Festival and Electric Forest with his current band Dragondeer.

Before Dragondeer, Eric was the bassist and vocalist for the punk/indie band The Swayback that recorded at Capitol Studios with Andy Johns, the producer behind Led Zepplin, The Rolling Stones, and Television .

Halborg is currently in the electronic music duo Wabi.  Eric has a degree in visual arts and worked for years as a graphic designer. Outside of music Eric loves standing sideways and carving on snowboards, one wheels, ocean surfing and surfing the many river waves in CO and around the country

Christine Alice is a multifaceted artist whose talent spans singing, songwriting, performing, acting, & music production. With a voice that captivates and lyrics that resonate, Christine has established herself as a dynamic presence in the music industry. Born and raised in the mountains just west of Fort Collins, CO she grew up listening to a diverse musical collection ranging from pop, country, rock, classical, to world music & beyond. The original music she crafts is both deeply personal and universally relatable. As a performer, she brings an electrifying energy to the stage, leaving audiences spellbound with her powerful vocal delivery and emotive performances. Her unique blend of musicality and charisma has garnered her a loyal fan base and critical acclaim, making her live shows a must-see experience.

Renowned for her exceptional songwriting skills, Christine Alice has an ability to blend catchy melodies with profound lyrics that sets her apart as a true songwriting talent. Christine’s original music has been placed in multiple films and documentaries, awarding her titles of Best Original Score and Best Original Music in film festivals around the world. Christine is also celebrated for her remarkable ability to cover songs, infusing them with her own unique twist that breathes new life into familiar tunes. Christine continues to push the boundaries of her creativity, solidifying her reputation as a visionary artist and a true force in the world of music.

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 Records.

Previous endeavors saw Williams tour with eclectic Richmond funk outfit DJ Williams Projekt and handle guitar for San Diego's legendary tour-de-force, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. Since launching onto the scene, Williams has also had the honor of performing with some of live music's greatest names including John Legend, Dave Matthews Band, Warren Haynes, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, John Oates, Hannibal Buress, Robert Randolph, Soulive, Slighty Stoopid, & many, many others!

iZCALLi (iːs kæ liː)

Is a genre-bending rock band pushing the sonic envelope of conventional Latin sounds. Miguel Aviña (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Brenda Aviña (Bass) and Luiggy Ramírez (Drums) supported by a cast of some of Denver’s premier musicians, combine to create music for the relentless, the determined…the immigrant song. Inherently authentic and undeniably refreshing.

iZCALLi swigs its evolving sound from all wells of tradition, from Latin-tinged echoes to fuzz rock anthems saturated with rebellious spirit in English and in Español; creating the perfect molotov of nostalgia and euphoria, equal parts sweet and intoxicating. iZCALLi’s music ignites a sonic space to reconnect yourself with the present, to join what you’ve left behind with what you will recover, discover your heart, so you know you are home.

Dave Beegle is one of the most talented, respected, and creative musicians in the state of Colorado. Whether as sideman for various big-name musical acts (Liz Barnez and Taylor Scott among them), head honcho in the eclectic Dave Beegle Acoustic Band, or just letting his classic rock flag fly in the Dave Beegle Blues Band, Dave's incredible command of his guitar is somewhat at odds with his approachable, humble nature. 

In 2019 RADO formed and took up the cause in Denver’s prolific music scene. The band melds together ferocious psychedelic rock music with syncopated dance grooves and stylistic melodies while mixing in thoughtfully crafted lyrical & vocal hooks. The music of RADO is heavily centered around building improvisational jams that reach soaring and everlasting peaks.

With 3-part harmonies and hot guitar licks, d’Lovelies bring upbeat, danceable tunes to venues around the Front Range. Based in Lyons, Colorado, we play traditional blues, jazz, Western swing, and original Americana. Led by guitarist and songwriter Rob Pate alongside vocalist Erin Friedman and bassist/vocalist Duane Webster, this musical phenomenon serves up rocking live performances that are De-lightful, De-licious, and De-Lovely.

When you experience Teresa Storch Band, you first feel the solid, rhythmic energy: the pulse of a meditative ballad or the infectious groove of a jam-rock tune. Next, you notice the catchy, guitar-laden melodies. As your ears dig deeper you’ll find the lyrics pulling at your heart and soul. This is what happens when a singer/songwriter from the Boston area creates music with an electric guitarist from the New Jersey jam scene.

Teresa Storch Band grew organically from the meeting of (now husband and wife) Teresa  Storch and Peter Lacis. Storch’s soulful voice and lyrics combine with Lacis’ soaring and complex guitar arrangements, creating an original, genre-pushing rock sound with jam and roots origins. As the Teresa Storch Duo, Storch and Lacis have toured internationally, performing at festivals in Scotland and Ireland.

From Backroads Ballads to Boot Stompin' Beats: The Raw Grit and Glory of Damien Gunn Band

They ain't your average Nashville darlings, these rough-and-tumble troubadours hailing from the heartland. Damien Gunn Band bleeds red, white, and blue through every sweat-soaked chord and whiskey-soaked lyric. Their music? Forget neatly polished pop-country or radio-friendly ballads. This is American grit distilled into six-string anthems and foot-stompin' rhythms, a sonic tapestry woven from the threads of classic rock and modern country, with a generous splash of outlaw spirit thrown in for good measure.

Think Springsteen jamming with Skynyrd in a honky-tonk after midnight, fueled by moonshine and a shared love for the open road. Damien Gunn, the band's namesake, leads the charge with a gravelly voice that's weathered like his worn leather boots. His songwriting paints vivid portraits of small-town heroes and blue-collar dreams, tales of heartache and hard work set against the backdrop of dusty highways and starlit skies.

These ain't no studio-sculpted boys. The Damien Gunn Band thrives on the raw energy of the live show. They've shared stages with some of the biggest names in the biz, from Aaron Lewis to Puddle of Mudd, but their true magic unfolds in the sweaty confines of dive bars and dusty county fairs. Here, the music becomes a primal force, a call to arms that unites strangers in a shared roar of guitars and boots stomping the hardwood floor.

And if you think their patriotism is just lip service, think again. These boys put their money where their hearts are. Their "Operation: Fill the Boot" initiative has raised over $90,000 for veteran support organizations and first responders, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the folks who keep America running.

So next time you're hankering for some honest-to-goodness rock 'n' roll with a country twang and a whole lot of heart, seek out the Damien Gunn Band. They'll leave you hoarse from singin' along, boots scuffed from dancin', and with a renewed appreciation for the raw power of American music. Just remember, bring your own boots, 'cause these boys are gonna fill 'em up.

This ain't no ordinary country band, folks. This is the Damien Gunn Band, and they're here to remind you what American music sounds like when it's played with soul, sweat, and a whole lot of heart.

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

Heart Medicine is a soulful reggae-pop woman-led band from Fort Collins, Colorado. The band focuses on making music about positivity, celebrating life even when life is hard, and smiling till your cheeks hurt. Don’t be surprised when Amy’s heartfelt lyrics and captivating vocals leave you wanting more. Heart Medicine was initially formed as Amy in the Peace Pipes in the winter of 2014 in Amy Russell’s effort to expand her solo piano/vocals into something that could encapsulate the energy and passion of her vulnerable lyrics. Music has been a powerful outlet for Amy that has given her a voice for the pain she has endured through abuse and betrayal, channeling it into a message of hope, triumph, and love. When reviewing the 2015 self-titled album, Scene Magazine wrote, “The lyrics are often personal and are seemingly always accompanied with a message of optimism.” Heart Medicine established itself throughout northern Colorado, playing over 100 shows across the front range. In addition to releasing several singles in 2023, including Watch Me, Special K, and Take Me Back, Heart Medicine also re-recorded several tracks from their Amy and the Peace Pipes, released in a compilation called Echoes of Peace. The band is preparing to return to the studio to finish a new album for a 2025 release. Heart Medicine continues to promote the realization of inner beauty and self-worth, conquering adversity, and embracing the optimism that lies in the unknown through its unique piano-rock/reggae/alternative sound.

Steep Canyon Rangers is made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums and vocals, and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals.

Over the band’s esteemed career, the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums, three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages. In 2013, Nobody Knows You won the GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album, while 2012’s Rare Bird and 2020’s North Carolina Songbook garnered nominations in the same category.

John Craigie

John Craigie rallies a closeness around music anchored by his expressive and stirring songcraft, emotionally charged vocals, lively soundscapes, and uncontainable spirit. The Portland, OR-based singer, songwriter, and producer invites everyone into this space on his 2024 full-length album, Pagan Church. Following tens of millions of streams, sold out shows everywhere, and praise from Rolling Stone and more, he continues to captivate.

Madeline Hawthorne

Obsessed with music since her childhood on the East Coast, Madeline planted roots in Bozeman, MT during college and never turned back. She honed her talents through countless backup and band gigs before going solo amid the Global Pandemic. Balancing Americana, roots, folk, and rock, she introduced herself on the 2021 LP, Boots, co-produced by Brad Parsons and Tyler Thompson in Pittsburgh. In between, she shared the stage with everyone from Jason Isbell, Lukas Nelson, Josh Turner, and Kip Moore to Sierra Hull, John Craigie, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Plus, she wowed audiences at festivals such as Treefort Music Festival (ID), Americanafest (TN), WinterWonderGrass (CO), Pak City Song Summit (UT), Roseberry Music Festival, (ID), and more. Earning acclaim for tracks like 2023’s “Neon Wasteland,” Relix applauded her “vibrant and buzzing.” Hawthorne has also caught the eye of CMT, who featured her “Neon Wasteland” video at CMT.com and she has received praise from tastemakers such as No Depression who says, “She’s been crushing rootsy tunes.”

The Deborah Solo Trio is a Denver-based indie band that features hooking melodies, guitar, cello, and a percussionist who plays drums, bass, and keys simultaneously. Their lyrics are raw and honest, and often explore belonging in all senses of the word. Since their start in 2014, the trio has performed at many highly regarded Colorado venues, including The Cherry Arts Festival, First Friday Art Walk, Evenings Al Fresco at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Stone Cottage Studios, and Swallow Hill.

Founded by Jimmy Adame and Elliott Miller, Denver-based rock band HOLLOW HEAD first introduced themselves with alternative folk-rock album ‘A Spark of Madness’, drawing comparisons to Radiohead, Bon Iver, and Bear’s Den. The album’s lyrical intimacy and truly alternative musical stylings first made ripples in the Colorado music scene and first put eyes on this newly-formed band.

After performing the debut record as a duo for a couple years, the duo expanded their live performance by adding multi-instrumentalists Ian Gerrard and John Baldwin to the lineup. Hollow Head took inspiration from other influences, like Soundgarden and Foo Fighters, and completed their 2024 self-titled record.

The Peter Knudson Quartet is a new project consisting of seasoned musicians who have played together in a number of different settings. Peter Knudson will be debuting his original music in a variety of genres. Peter has spent decades playing drums and percussion with many different groups along the Front Range since 1996 as well as touring in Europe. Peter Knudson on drums and vocals, Dawson O'Dowd on keys, Jo Asker on bass, Dave Lunn on saxophone.

The 14ers is an adventure-inspired music project led by outdoor travel guide and songwriter Ryan Kirkpatrick, based out of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Refining their own signature style of Mountaintop Folk-Pop, The 14ers are preparing to release a full-length album stocked with radiant passion, endearing melodies, and refreshingly authentic songs. Ryan draws songwriting inspiration from the places and the people surrounding him as he travels around the globe sharing his love for the outdoors leading skiing, photography, and hiking trips from Colorado to Mount Kilimanjaro. Over time, these special moments and experiences become the songs that document not only Ryan’s own journey in life and music, but of those around him.

Some of us live in big cities or spend our days among buildings, cars, and screens. Some of us get so busy and stressed that we forget to enjoy ourselves, each other, or to explore our own backyards. It’s easy to forget that we’re all in this world together and we don’t know how long we’ll even be here. With their new album, The 14ers have managed to punch your ticket for an auditory vacation meant only to make you smile and enjoy all of those very things.

Ryan is entirely grateful for the opportunity to make music with such extraordinarily talented, unique, and expressive players; they’ve become more than friends, they’re a growing family. They're kind-hearted musicians and like-minded, humble, down-to-earth people. The magic of the music grows with friends joining along for the journey in the studio and live in concert. (see figure to the right for Mountaintop Folk-Pop album credits/players).

For information and behind-the-scenes access to new music, please join the Stars Above The Peaks family at www.StarsAboveThePeaks.com

Aquiles is a 5 piece latin rock fusion band with metal influences. The lead vocalist Aquiles started the band over 10 years ago after growing up in the Ecuador music scene. Over the years the band has went through many iderations from salsa to rock and roll switching out band members along the way. In this weeks episode the band is performing songs from there upcoming Rock N’ Roll debut album that will be releasing sometime later in 2024.

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.

GREEN BUDDHA is Colorado's original NoCoast Reggae Rockers. GREEN BUDDHA’s unique original sound mixes influences from reggae, funk, ska, and New Orleans soul. GREEN BUDDHA is made up of vocalist & guitarist Seth Strickland, bassist & percussionist Matt Grundstad (Euforquestra, Dubskin), Drummer Jonny Jyemo (Jyemo Club, Garret Sayers Trio), keyboardist Matthew Wright (EUF/Dubskin) and keyboardist Wylie Jones (Itals, DRSC).

Soviet Mothers is a three piece indie alt rock band out of Fort Collins Colorado that was formed late in 2015. They describe there sound as Desert Rock, but with strong influences of Goth and New Wave that lend it a unique and often dark quality. Riff heavy guitar work gives way to powerful vocal parts that seek to convey the emotion and gravity of their songs without the need for lines of dense lyrical content.

Pi Jacobs draws inspiration from her unconventional upbringing in “The Land of Weed and Wine” aka Northern California. Blending roots-rock swagger and storytelling soul, her music has drawn comparisons to Tom Waits, Dolly Parton, and Lucinda Williams. Armed with an old Gibson, a “sultry” (Claremont Courier) “explosive” (Glide Magazine) voice, and a thumping homemade stomp box, Pi creates a show that is a fun, high energy, affair. Glen Starkey (New Times SLO),writes: "you'll forget your problems for a few hours”

Heather Anne Lomax has spent the greater part of the past decade putting her own spin on the Americana and Country-Rock/Blues genre. She has won awards and radio play across radio stations both locally and internationally. Originally hailing from Kansas City, the now LA-based artist has opened for Wynonna and The Big Noise, Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Bridges, John Hiatt, Richie Furay, Don McLean, Judy Collins, Marshall Tucker Band, Joan Osborne, Melanie and Blood Sweat & Tears.

Heather conjures raw emotion from her soul that allows others to step into a deeply personal form of catharsis. Above all, she hopes that her music can further inspire others to express themselves, “a vehicle of catharsis,'' as she calls it.

Named one of the Top 10 "Best Local 303 Acts of 2023" by Indie 102.3, Sour Magic is a five-piece band from Denver, CO, known for their unique blend of indie and psychedelic rock and energetic live performances.

Formed in 2021 and comprised of musicians from different cities, their diverse perspectives come together to tap into the supernatural to create infectious grooves that transport listeners to far-flung locations.

In 2023, Sour Magic released their debut album, “Forbidden Fruit”, including their three singles "Indigo", "Means to an End", and "High Tide" which had previously gained traction in both the Denver music scene and on streaming services. The band has since become a staple at popular local venues and music festivals across the state and has been featured on numerous Colorado radio stations and magazines.

Sour Magic is Eliseo Salinas, Mauro Hernandez, Jonny Nasi, Drew Morse and Jay Waldrop.

Armed only with a mandolin, guitar, bass, drums, and their mighty voice, they roam Colorado's front range sweeping aside mistrust and grief with their anti-establishment melodies and tear-down-the-patriarchy harmonies. Not all heroes wear capes.

Al’s Hwy50 is a project of Al Laughlin, original member of Colorado band, The Samples. Al’s Hwy50 incorporates Reggae, Ska, Rock and Jazz voicings with melodic vocals and introspective lyrics. Live shows are notoriously lively and danceable.

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.

Blue Recluse is a five piece power blues band. They play a wide range of blues, rhythm and blues, and country blues from the ‘40s to the present day. Powerful, sultry vocals in combination with a hard-groovin’ rhythm section and classic electric blues guitar and keys makes this band a blues lover’s dream. Put on your dancing shoes, because Blue Recluse will rock your soul with its unique brand of rare and classic songs by the likes of Koko Taylor, Etta James, Big Maybelle, Susan Tedeschi, Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, as well as original songs like Close My Windows, Run Me Ragged and South Austin Blues, with a traditional Chicago blues feel.

A.M. Pleasure Assassins is hiding in the dishwater plans for world domination that slap your ass awake at four in the morning and leave you in a cold sweat, wondering if there’s anything to be done about the whole mess. With a new album out May 18, this Northern Colorado quartet is incensing audiences with their No Wave Post Rock a la Yo La Tengo meets Sunny Day Real Estate.

Papamo and The Vipers are a band based out of Boulder, Colorado. Papamo and The Vipers put on an electric and entertaining performance sure to get you moving.

Meet Mystee, the indie pop band that rose from the ashes in 2023 and quickly became a Fort Collins staple. Boston-Born and Cardiff-Bred, the band’s founder, Ilana Held, weaves tales of triumph and tribulation, beckoning you into a world where whimsy meets raw emotion.

Join Mystee as they embark on a journey of nostalgia, heartbreak, and rock and roll.