Howdy folks! Here’s what I’ve got coming right up on the music scene:
Saturday, July 5th – I’ll be jazzin’ it up with Mark Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. Feel free to stop on in and I hope you have a great Independence Day celebration on Friday!
Saturday, July 12th – SPECIAL EVENT!! I will be hosting a house concert with Scott and Michelle Dalziel, two wonderful musicians from Iowa. I haven’t put on a house concert for about a year and a half now, so I hope you can come! They call their style of music “schizophrenic folk”, and it really is quite an eclectic and mesmerizing experience. Here’s how Johnsmith describes them: “These guys have the total package – tight harmonies, solid songs, and a groove that won’t stop. All dished out with loads of fun, great energy and big, open hearts!” I’ll do an opening set, starting at 7:30 pm, and I’ll bet we’ll do some jamming together later on in the evening. Advance reservations are required, so please reply soon by e-mail ccrosson@peakpeak.com or 970.493.4424 if you plan on attending. Directions to the house will be given at that time. There is a $15 suggested donation at the door. Check out the Dalziels at www.dalziel.net
In other news, I am thrilled to report that my CD “Singing Into Being” is being played on WXPN radio, Philadelphia, PA. Folk DJ Gene Shay says my version of “Rooty Toot Toot for the Moon” is “one of the best I have heard.” Warms my heart……
Happy (official) Summer to everyone! I finally have more detailed info on Niwot’s “Lobster Bash 2008”, (June 28th, 3-9 pm), so I wanted to pass that on to you as quickly as possible. Apparently, a press release sent to me 2 weeks ago was lost in the internet ethers, so I apologize for the late notice! Advance reservations are required for this event, as they special order the lobsters based on the reservation numbers. Following is the press release and I have also attached the very cool poster for the event, which details the seafood feast offerings (my mouth is watering!) and music schedule. The number to call for reservations is 303.652.2587
Ni-wot Prairie Productions (Mike Anfinson, Andrew Jones, Liz Darling) is joining with the The Ladies Club of Niwot and The Maine Connection to sponsor a non-profit fund raising event on Saturday, June 28th (see attached flyer). The funds raised go towards our tree carving and Native American cultural events (see niwotprairieproductions.com) and to a scholarship fund established by the Ladies Club.
The entertainers for this event are top notch starting with Otis Taylor (incredible Blues artist), followed by Mark Sloniker & Colleen Crosson (a husband and wife duo that performs original songs and eclectic cover tunes in a jazz and contemporary acoustic vein), and wrapped by our head liner band Spring Creek (2007 winners of Best New Bluegrass band at both the Telluride and Lyons Bluegrass Festivals).
Hope to see you there.....
If you have any other questions about the event, please feel free to e-mail me.
Enjoy the warm weather and the brilliant flowers! Colleen
June 6, 2008
Hi all – so sorry to intrude again, but I forgot to include one very important date, and that is my July 12th House Concert with Michelle and Scott Dalziel!! This dynamic husband/wife duo hails from Maquoketa, IA and they are simply a delight to experience! I will open the show for them, and hopefully we’ll work up some material to do together also. Check out their website at www.dalziel.net to find out more about them and sample their music. The concert will be held in NE Fort Collins and you’ll need to reserve your space ahead of time, as space is limited. Suggested donation is $15 and the concert will start at 7:30 pm. Please e-mail ccrosson@peakpeak.com to be put on the list, or call 970.493.4424. We will then give you more specific directions to the concert. Thanks again! Colleen
June 5, 2008
Aaahhh, glorious rain! I am always grateful when we are graced with wetness in this arid zone we live in. It also gives me a reprieve from the sometimes overwhelming duty of watering all my gardens – summer brings an endless rotation of hauling hoses around our huge yard and doing lots of hand watering (no sprinkler system here!). I never seem to give the plants all they want, and I can just FEEL them soaking up and sucking down this pleasurable moisture.
I’ve just returned from an unplanned trip to NJ, where my mom is having some pretty significant health challenges. Soon, we’ll be off to OH to celebrate Mark’s mom’s life in an intimate memorial service (she passed last November, but we thought a summer celebration would be nicer). So, I’m sending you my summer schedule as it stands now, while I have some “downtime”.
First up, Saturday, June 14th, I’ll be singing at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins. Bassist Marty Kenney will join Mark Sloniker and me from 8:30-11:30 pm.
Sunday, June 15th – private party with Swing Essence
Tuesday, June 17th – Noontime Notes outdoor concert with Mark Sloniker, Oak Street Plaza, Ft. Collins, 11:30 am-1 pm. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy the show!
Saturday, June 21st – private wedding ceremony
Friday, June 27th – private party
Saturday, June 28th – Niwot’s Lobster Fest! I am still waiting on specifics of this event (exact address, cost, etc.), but I know Mark Sloniker and I are scheduled to perform from 5-6:30 pm.
Saturday, July 26th – “Strawberry Jam” Kid Concert at Northside Aztlan Center, Ft. Collins (outdoors), with Mark Sloniker, Gene Libbea, and Oscar De Zoto. 6-8 pm, $2.00 admission.
Wednesday, July 30th – CSU Lagoon Concert with Swing Essence. 6-8 pm. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and dinner if you wish, and enjoy our 7 piece band playing jazz and rock favorites!
Sunday, August 3rd – Mark Sloniker and I will be on the very cool, outdoor stage at Avo’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins for a summer concert that starts at 7 pm. Admission is $10 at the door.
I’m sure there’ll be some additions in the months ahead (my usual monthly Jay’s appearances, and some other surprises), but I hope you put some of these events on your calendars now, and that I see you out and about this summer! You can always go to my website www.colleencrosson.com for more details and other updates. Thanks for perusing this newsletter! Colleen
May 12, 2008
*Note* - this email was supposed to go out last Wed., but was delayed due to internet connection failure….turns out our modem was fried, and we have just gotten it up and running again. It’s rather distressing to realize how dependent we are on the Internet, both for business and pleasure! That being said, I am REALLY glad to be connected again! Hope you all had a great Mother’s Day weekend – you either are a mother or you have one, so it’s a cause for celebration for us all! Here’s that “old” e-mail (at least some of the events haven’t happened yet!).
May Day! May Day! Well, that was a week ago, but I do seem to be in some sort of crisis with my computer and may need help! I think it might have something to do with the killer thunderstorm that passed overhead earlier tonight. I hope all in our area got to experience some of that – the lightning show was quite spectacular and I hear there was an awesome double rainbow (I missed that part!). The rain accentuated the fragrances of the flowering trees to the point of swooning and has washed everything clean (well, I’m hoping not my computer files, as this machine really is not acting right….)
Anyway, my May gigs (particularly my public performances) are especially light this month. I could lament about that, but I am instead seizing the opportunity to play in my gardens as much as I can in this wonderful month of May when everything is greening up and the tulips are brilliant and showy. “Plays in the Dirt” is my Native American name this time of year.
I WILL be singing this Saturday night, May 10th with Mark Sloniker on piano and Marty Kenney on acoustic bass at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. Show time is 8:30-11:30 pm. It might even be nice enough to sit out on their patio!
On Sunday, May 18th, Mark Sloniker and I have the pleasure and honor of leading Sunday services (9 and 10:30 am) at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. We’ve done this a few times before, and it is always fun to create a theme for the day and express it entirely through music, poetry, and prose. We will be joined by Cory Carroll on bass and a (as yet unnamed) drummer. Maybe even some other special guests……Come join us for some spiritual frivolity!
I’ve also added one more outdoor summer concert:
June 17th, 11:30 am-1 pm - Noontime Notes Concert on the Oak Street Plaza, downtown Fort Collins, with Mark Sloniker, in our “jazz/folk” mode.
As always, you can check the schedule page on my website www.colleencrosson.com for a full list of events.
Remember to stop and smell the flowers! Colleen
April 17, 2008
Aahhh…springtime in Colorado – ya gotta love it. Mother Nature just can’t seem to settle on what kind of weather to grace us with. In the high 70’s one day; snow and 36 degrees the next. Keeps you on your toes (and in and out of your Tevas….). For myself, I’m looking forward to the next stretch of warmth, which I hear will be with us again within the next couple of days. Just thought I’d send a quick note about some events right around the corner, as well as some added attractions for the summer months!
Coming RIGHT up – TONIGHT! – I will again be donating my time (and voice) to the 14th Annual “The Taste” event (formerly “Taste of the Nation”). I’ve copied detailed information below. If you’ve never been to this event, it is simply stupendous – a feast for ALL senses and a great cause! The food, the drink, the music, and the silent auction items are all top-notch and it is always a memorable evening.
It’s not just the delectable food, sparkling music and talented artists that make The TASTE such a success. It’s the people. The people who care enough about their communities to make ending hunger and homelessness a goal. The TASTE raises funds for the Food Bank for Larimer County and Neighbor to Neighbor, two of the area’s largest non-profit organizations designed to provide resources for the hungry and homeless. This year, The TASTE celebrates its 14th year on Thursday, April 17, at the Fort Collins Hilton from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a VIP reception at 4:30 p.m. From the planners, the chefs, musicians, artists and, especially, those who donate money to this endeavor, The TASTE is the place to make a difference in Larimer County. ALL proceeds of this year’s event will benefit The Food Bank for Larimer County and Neighbor to Neighbor. The TASTE - The premier event to end homelessness and hunger in Larimer County
When: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Where: Fort Collins Hilton 425
West Prospect Road
Fort Collins, Colorado
Times: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m., VIP Admission
5:30 - 8:30 p.m., General Admission
Cost: $60.00, general admission pre-sale
$70.00, general admission at the door
$85.00, VIP admission
(New for 2008) Special prices for Hilton hotel rooms with purchase of event tickets
Ticket Sales and information: www.tastebenefit.org
Next up this weekend is my concert with singer/songwriter Barbara Clark on Saturday, April 19th, at Avogadro’s Number (Avo’s), 605 S. Mason St., Ft. Collins. This promises to be a magical night of heartfelt song sharing, with special guests Derf Green (drums and percussion) and Roger Barnhart (acoustic bass) adding to the music mix. If you couldn’t get tickets to Barbara’s sold out CD release show at Bas Bleu last winter (or if you DID, but were left wanting MORE!), please join us for this “encore performance” (of sorts). I’ll be singing some selections from my “Singing Into Being” CD, too, as well as some other cool tunes that maybe you’ve never heard before. Admission is $15 at the door and the show starts at 7:30 pm.
And lastly, here are a couple more things I’ve added to the summer schedule:
HOUSE CONCERT, July 12th, with Iowa performing songwriters, Michelle and Scott Dalziel. I met this husband and wife duo just briefly last summer, when they stopped into Jay’s (where I was singing) after their performance at Avo’s earlier that same night. The connection (both personal and musical) was instantaneous! We traded CDs that night and subsequently corresponded several times through e-mail. Their last name is SO fitting, as I have never met anyone with so much ZEAL for life and sharing music as these two! Wouldn’t you know that Michelle also sings with Johnsmith (as I do) whenever the two find themselves in the same area! I am SO excited to be hosting this house concert and doing an opening set for them – it’s been WAY too long since we did a show in our “new” (5 years old now!) music space, and I am delighted to introduce these fine musicians to you all! Check out their website at www.dalziel.net
July 26th, 6-8 pm – I will head up THE STRAWBERRY JAM CONCERT for Kids at the Northside Aztlan Community Center. Shake your sillies out at this outdoor kid’s concert! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic. The whole family can dance, jump, sing, laugh and play rockin’ air guitar solos! There’ll be strawberry shortcake and other strawberry treats for sale. Admission is $2.00 per person
Hope to see you a BUNCH this spring and summer! All the best, Colleen
March 28, 2008
Post “Spring Break” Greetings! What a delightful time our family had in Steamboat last week – always great to get some down time, relax and rejuvenate – good for the soul (not to mention the jazz, rock, and folk… )! I hope everyone else who had a “spring break” enjoyed theirs, too! Here’s my latest update on the music:
I have joined the hip generation and now have a myspace music site! My son, Myles, helped me get it going. I’d been resisting it for awhile, thinking it was more a younger generation thing, but most musicians these days are utilizing it, and it’s actually quite a fascinating phenomenon. I’ve had fun creating my page. You can find me at www.myspace.com/colleencrosson . I’d love for you all to be on my “friends” list, so please visit when you get a chance!
Upcoming performances:
Friday, April 4th – I’ll be doing a “mini-set” (around 7:30 pm) with Julie Hoest and Cheri Nichols for a “Betsy Markey for Congress” fundraiser at the Sunset Events Center, 242 Linden St., Fort Collins. I’ve pasted some more detailed info below, as there’s a lot going on at this event!
Here's what the evening will look like:
Doors open at 7. There will be introductory music during seating by some wonderful local artists - Barb Solow & Tom Barbour (http://www.thepoudreriverband.com) and the acoustic trio of Colleen Crosson, Cheri Nichols & Julie Hoest.
The next set, from 8:00-9:00 will be John Magnie and Friends. Ever since the last Magnie and Friends at Everyday Joes several years ago, people have been commenting on how great it was to see John and Mark Sloniker ( http://marksloniker.com/index2.htm ) play together, so..... Comin’ at ya.. Mark will play hooky from his Jay's gig, and come by for a couple numbers. This will be very shortly after 8:00, so don't be late if you want to catch the fun! Other musicians stepping up during the set will be Bluegrass Patriots' Glenn Zankey ( http://bluegrasspatriots.com ) and his crystal voice, our distinctive Nashville expatriate, Jeff Finlin ( http://jefffinlinonline.co.uk ), Tom Donlinger, the wonderfully inventive drummer formerly with Van Morrison (see Tom Donlinger at Myspace.com), and local bassist Marty Rein, to name a few.
And don’t forget your dancing shoes! The final set, 9:30 - till, will be the 3 Twins with Jay Clear and, how can we be so lucky, Nicole Zentveld.
You’re crazy if you miss it.
Tickets come in two sizes. General admission is $20, advanced reserved seating, $35, and there are still some good seats available. The easiest way to purchase tickets is by going to www.markeyforcongress.com . Or you could also stop by the campaign office at 419 Canyon, Suite 315. Also, general admission tickets are available at the Finest CDs and Tapes. A silent auction will also be included in this event, and if you’d like to donate goods or services, please contact Barb at 970-221-1149. Thank you!
Whew! Got all that?? It will surely be a memorable night, so I hope you can join all of us!
Saturday, April 12th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing jazz and the like at Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart on acoustic bass. Jay’s was recently closed for about a week for some spectacular remodeling, painting, carpeting, etc. so come check out the new digs!!
Saturday, April 19th, 7:30 pm – concert at Avogadro’s Number (“Avo’s”), 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, with Barbara Clark, Derf Green and Roger Barnhart. We will perform selections from Barbara’s new CD, “She Won’t Wait” as well as my CD, “Singing Into Being”, and other favorites. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Enjoy the spring weather (as soon as it returns! ). Happy Trails, Colleen www.colleencrosson.com
March 7, 2008
Hello again – I usually don’t send out another notice so soon, but I was in a bit of a time crunch last Saturday, so had to leave out a few things. I thought this would also be a good time to remind everyone about my upcoming show with Kathryn Mostow at Avo’s (605 S. Mason, F.C.) tomorrow night, Saturday, March 8th at 7:30 pm. We have a BUNCH of new songs for you, including several to go along with our “International Women’s Day” theme, and we are very excited to be doing another show together after our very successful one last fall! Hope you can join us! Admission is $10 at the door.
Saturday, March 15th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker on piano and Marty Rein on bass at Jay’s Bistro (135 W. Oak St., F.C.). Marty is back from a stint overseas and is familiar to many as the bass player in the Liz Barnez Band for many years. I’m very much looking forward to Marty’s talents to compliment my jazz repertoire.
Looking ahead, I will be back at Avo’s for a show with Barbara Clark, Derf Green, Roger Barnhart (and maybe others!) on April 19th at 7:30 pm. Barbara’s sell-out CD release concert at Bas Bleu Theatre in Dec. ’07 had fans begging for more, so we’re gonna give it to ‘em! We will also be doing many selections off my CD, “Singing Into Being”, and it will be a joy to have these other players joining me on those songs!
Something else to put “on the calendar” – Mark Sloniker and I will perform for the town of Niwot’s “Lobster Fest” on Saturday, June 28th. Our set will run from 5:00-6:30, with more fun music to follow. I’ll give you more details and directions as this event draws closer. Niwot is the coolest little town and I hear this festival is a blast!
Oh, by the way - last Saturday’s performance with our jazz quintet and the symphony was fantastic!! Thanks for your support, Colleen
March 1, 2008
(Soon to be) Spring Greetings! Yes!! Can’t you just feel it in the air, and see it in the emerging flower bulbs and in the tiny green sprigs of grass poking their way through the mass of brown? This is indeed my favorite time of year – a time of transformation, of “greening up my world anew” (a phrase from a long-unfinished song that perhaps WILL give birth this spring!).
Today is an exciting day for me. About 6 months ago, Mark and I were asked to head up the musical portion of the “(give) 10 Grand Gala Celebration” for the Bohemian Foundation, an affair recognizing and honoring Larimer County’s “philanthropic champions” at an annual black tie dinner. It is an “encore performance” (of sorts) of a gig we did at New West Fest a couple of years ago, with our jazz quintet and the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra. In this performance, we have added to our New West Fest repertoire, to include several of Mark’s original jazz compositions, as well as a couple of vocal jazz standards and a beautifully orchestrated arrangement of the themes from the movie “Cinema Paradiso”. Mark and his co-orchestrator, Terry Stanfill, have been working diligently over these many months, creating the orchestral arrangements and scores for all these pieces. Tonight’s the night when it all comes together! I can’t tell you how thrilling it is, as a singer, to be backed by a jazz quintet AND a symphony at the same time! I had a bit of a scare a week and a half ago when I came down with that dreadful flu that seems to be wreaking havoc amongst many of us. Yikes! It took me down for many days, but I am happy to report that I am well again and in full voice for tonight’s joyfully anticipated performance. Wish me luck!
Here’s a list of my next few public performances:
Sunday, March 2nd – join me and a host of other talented performers at the “No Glow” concert for C.A.R.D. (Coloradoans Against Resource Destruction) at Avo’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins. The event runs from 10 am-7 pm. The list of participating musicians includes: • Joe Kissell • Acoustic Truckers • Jerry Palmer • TVS and Two Fingers • The T-Band • The Trio of Kevin Jones, Pamela A. Robinson and J Woodward • The McDailey Trio (A Reunion Performance) • Lloyd Drust • The Bluegrass Patriots • Colleen Crosson • Marcus Noah • Steve Murray • Russ Hopkins (5 pm) • Shelley and the Shackles
For more information call Lloyd Drust at 970-222-2581 or Avo's at 970-439-5555.
Suggested donation is $10, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the cause - to prevent uranium mining in our neighborhood!
Saturday, March 8th, 7:30 pm – “Dia de las Divas”, a Women’s Day Concert – Kathryn Mostow and I return to Avo’s for a concert coinciding with International Women’s Day! We will celebrate the power of women around the world by weaving in some cool “women songs” into our set lists that night. But if you’re a guy or a child, please come, too, as our music will please all audiences! There is a $10 cover at the door.
Oops! Gotta get movin’ and run to tonight’s gig! Thanks for all your support! Colleen www.colleencrosson.com
February 13, 2008
Heartfelt greetings on this Valentine’s eve! I know this “holiday” comes with it’s baggage for some folks, and I myself don’t buy into the commercialism so long associated with it; yet, it is still nice to think fondly about the ones we love, and to be grateful for all the relationships we’ve drawn into our lives along the way. I think each one has taught us something about ourselves and we are always wiser for it. Valentine’s Day happens to be an anniversary, of sorts, for my husband Mark and I, though we rarely have the opportunity to “celebrate” it, since we typically work (play) on that night, so that others may celebrate! For the past several years, we have at least played together on Valentine’s Day, so that’s been fun, but, alas, this year we’re at different establishments, so I will be crooning love songs across the miles to my sweetie tomorrow night…..
I will sing with Mark, along with bassist Gene Libbea at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, on Saturday night, Feb. 16th, from 8:30-11:30 pm. Hope you can join us then – there’ll still be plenty of love and romantic songs to go around!
In other musical news, I am pleased to announce that KUNC (91.5 FM) is now playing cuts from my CD, “Singing Into Being” on a regular basis! Thanks to all who have enthusiastically let me know what songs they’ve been hearing - in person, by e-mail and with phone calls. It’s great to hear from you! KRFC (88.9 FM) is also a great supporter of my music, and I so appreciate my fans there at the station. You can call either radio station to request my songs, if you’d like. KUNC can be reached at 970.378.2589 and KRFC at 970.221.5065. The DJs always love to hear from their listening audience!
Other upcoming public performances of mine include:
Sat., Feb. 23rd, 5:30-7:30 pm – I’ll perform solo (guitar/vocals) at Cache la Poudre Elementary School in La Porte for their annual Family and Community Chili Supper and Benefit Silent Auction. Funny, I was never able to do this while my kids attended there, as I always had other music commitments on the same date. Now my kids are in jr. high and high school, and the date is available! I look forward to finally being able to serve the school on this fun night, and hope you can join us. There will be games and door prizes for the kids, and you can enter your favorite recipe in the chili cook-off. Call Wendy at 482-3568 for more info.
Sunday, March 2nd at Avogadro’s Number (aka Avo’s), 605 S. Mason St., Ft. Collins – I will participate in the NoGlow Concert for C.A.R.D. (Coloradoans Against Resource Destruction). These are the hard working folks spearheading the opposition against uranium mining in Northern Colorado. All proceeds from this concert will support their efforts to end this threat to our community! The event runs from 10 am-7 pm and feature some of the area’s finest musicians, including Jerry Palmer, the Bluegrass Patriots, the McDailey Trio, Russ Hopkins, Pamela Robinson, Kevin Jones, Jim Woodward, TVS and Two Fingers, Lloyd Drust…the list goes on and on and I’m sorry I can’t name them all! My set will be from 3:45-4:15 (approx.). There will also be brief presentations throughout the day on the proposed uranium mining and its inherent risks. The suggested donation for admission to this full day of music is only $10. Call Lloyd Drust at 970.222.2581 or visit www.nunnglow.com for more info.
Sat., March 8th, Avo’s – concert with Kathryn Mostow, details TBA
Sat., April 19th , Avo’s – concert with Barbara Clark and Derf Green
Wed., July 30th – CSU Lagoon Concert with Swing Essence
Hi all - Just back from a (too) short, but very sweet visit with my folks on the Jersey Shore, and gearing up for my concert tomorrow night! Here are the details:
Friday, Jan. 25th, 8 pm at Avo’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins – Pamela Robinson, Kevin Jones, and I will have a hoot of a time trading and sharing songs in a “songwriters in the round” kind of night. Be prepared for silliness and frivolity, audience participation, and stirring renditions of some of your favorite songs. We know there are lots of musical choices out there on this particular night, and we hope a bunch of you will choose us! Admission is $10 at the door and the T-Band will play before us from 5:30 – 7:30 (free!) if you want to get there early and grab a choice seat. Avo’s has great food, too!
Coming up:
Mark Sloniker and I will facilitate our “Write With Your Heart” playshop from 10 am - 3 pm on Sat., Feb. 2nd at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. It’s a day of soulful, heartfelt music, meditation, journaling, art, visioning…really, whatever you want to make of it! It’s YOUR day to create in whatever way moves you, and we’re just there to set the mood and encourage you in a safe and inspiring environment! Pre-registration is suggested (forms are available at Unity, and $10 reserves your spot). Otherwise, it’s on a love offering basis, with net proceeds going to various Unity projects. Feel free to e-mail me for more detailed info.
Sat., Feb. 16th, Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker and a bass player TBA!
Hey Everybody! I so hope you all had wonderful holiday adventures. I am slowly (and gratefully) re-entering the world of teaching and gigging after many days off with my family – sweet bliss, lots of sleeping in, many movies, and friendly gatherings….Both worlds are equally delightful in their own unique ways….
Here’s what’s on the books for the coming weeks:
Saturday, Jan. 19th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll croon at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins, with Mark Sloniker on the ivories (well, I guess they’re plastic these days…no elephants were harmed in the making of this piano!) and Marty Kenney on bass. Boy, did we have a great time there on New Year’s Eve - thanks to all who celebrated with us!
Friday, Jan. 25th, 8 pm – Pamela Robinson, Kevin Jones, and I will share the bill for a fine, improvisational concert at Avogadro’s Number (aka Avo’s), 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins. I have had the pleasure of making music with these two characters several times in the last few months, and they are a blast to create with! Those of you who attended Pamela’s and my concert at Avo’s last summer know how wonderfully spontaneous our sets can be! Please join us on this very special night. General admission is a mere $10 at the door, and the T-Band will also be on stage before us (5:30-7:30) for your listening pleasure!
February 2nd, 10 am-3 pm – Mark Sloniker and I will again present our “Write with Your Heart” playshop at Unity of Fort Collins – a day of music, meditation, art, and journaling to nurture our hearts and souls as we create 2008! Cost is on a love offering basis, with net proceeds benefiting our Unity Community. More details to follow….
On a side note (pun intended!), one of my dear musical buddies, Kathryn Mostow, has created a house concert series at Greyrock Commons Co-housing Community in northwest Fort Collins. The inaugural concert is this Sat. night at 7:30 pm with Justin Roth, an amazing guitar player and performing songwriter. I hosted Justin last year at one of our house concerts, and he will also be playing at Unity on Sunday morning following the Greyrock concert. I highly recommend seeing Justin in action! Suggested donation for the concert is $10-15. Because there is limited seating, Kathryn is asking folks to kindly RSVP kathryn@butterflysound.com or call 484-1544. Maybe I’ll see ya there!
Thanks for supporting live music! Best, Colleen
December 20, 2007
Happy, Merry Peace to you! I’ll be singing sweetly o’er the plains - I mean, o’er at Jay’s (Bistro and Lounge, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins) – this coming Saturday night, Dec. 22nd, from 8:30-11:30 pm. Santa Mark (Sloniker) will play the piano and his elf helper Roger Barnhart will accompany us on acoustic bass. Come on down for some Christmas cheer! I’ll actually be playing my guitar on this gig, too, doing some of my favorite “alternative” holiday tunes, and other fine, folkish fare, as well as our usual jazzy classics, Christmas and otherwise. Oh, come all ye weary shoppers - it’d be wise to take a break with us!
Monday, Christmas Eve, noon - 1 pm, Mark and I will join a cast of carolers, including Kevin Jones, Tim Cook (of the Subdudes), Deni LaRue, Scott Allen, Pamela Robinson, and Dave Zekman on KRFC’s Live@Lunch program, to celebrate the season in song. Sing along with us at 88.9 FM on air or online at www.krfcfm.org !! We’ll be there with bells on – jingle, jingle!
Later that night, Mark and I will participate in 2 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. The first one is at 6 pm, and will have child care available; the second service starts at 8 pm. We will be joined by Cory Carroll on bass and Shilo Stroman on drums, and will likely have other surprise cameo appearances!
A mere week later, what do you know, it’ll be New Year’s Eve, and I’ll be back at Jay’s with Mark Sloniker and a whole band to ring in 2008!! The band plays from 9 till 1 am. It’s always a fun and festive event at Jay’s – make your reservations now, if you haven’t done so already.
Blessings and Light to one and all, and to all a Good Night! Colleen www.colleencrosson.com
December 6, 2007
Greetings! I am so looking forward to this weekend and my 2 concerts with Johnsmith at Avo’s in Fort Collins!
Saturday’s show starts at 7:30 pm, and Moab singer/songwriter Cosy Sheridan will open for us. I love Cosy’s humor and wit, and her songs really speak to me. In fact, I recorded her song, “I’d Fall For You” on my latest CD, “Singing Into Being”.
Sunday’s show starts at 7 pm, and features Mark Sloniker on piano! I am thrilled that Mark will be joining us and adding a new dimension to John’s live show. Tickets are $17 general admission each night.
I spoke with John this week and he is planning a totally different song list for each night, so both concerts will definitely be unique and hold their own special magic. You might want to consider the “double-header”, as several folks I know are doing! I was just reminded that the “Be Local” Coupon Book has a $5.00 off coupon for any musical event at Avo’s, so that could be an incentive, if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet.
I had such a great time last weekend at all my gigs – many thanks to those who came out to Monroe’s, the HalfMoon Arts Fundraiser, and to Barbara Clark’s CD release concert. Your support means the world to us!
Upcoming dates include:
Sat., Dec. 22nd – Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker and Roger Barnhart
Mon., Dec. 31st – New Year’s Eve at Jay’s Bistro!
Fri., Jan. 25th – concert with Pamela Robinson at Avo’s
Sat., March 8th – concert with Kathryn Mostow at Avo’s
Sat., April 19th – concert with Barbara Clark at Avo’s
Enjoy the season! Peace and light, Colleen
November 28, 2007
Bbbrrrr! The recent cold and snow was a BIT of a rude awaking for this gal, just stepping off a plane from a week in Mazatlan! NOT appreciated. Oh, darn – that was a complaint, wasn’t it? Now I’ll have to start over (again!) in my endeavor to cease complaining, criticizing, or gossiping for 21 days straight. It’s quite the challenge and a real eye opener…. If you are intrigued by this concept, check out www.acomplaintfreeworld.org to learn more. SO, I’ll start again….My! What a refreshing change this brisk winter weather is! Contrast is beautiful….
Well, the holiday season is surely upon us and I am happily busy with lots of events, both private and public. Here are the latest I’d like to invite you to:
This Friday night, Nov. 30th, I’ll debut a new club gig – A solo show at Monroe’s Restaurant and Lounge, located inside the Loveland Best Western Inn, just off the Route 34 exit ramp at I-25. The room has been totally remodeled and is quite comfy and classy. I play from 8-11 pm and would love to have a crowd show up in support of live, local music. I appreciate having a new place to do my “solo thang”!
Saturday night, Dec. 1st, I will perform solo from 6-7 pm at a Fine Art Auction to benefit Halfmoon Arts, an art apprenticeship program for at-risk youth and youth with addictions. The event will take place at Whole Life Center for Spiritual Living, 2020 S. College Ave., Fort Collins and runs from 6-9 pm, with a live auction beginning at 7 pm. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. Come support a great organization and bid on a lovely and diverse selection of art by local artists! More info: 970.412.4998
Sunday night, Dec. 2nd, I am pleased to be part of a stellar line-up of musicians supporting Barbara Clark at her (ironically, long awaited) CD release concert, “She Won’t Wait” at Bas Bleu Theatre, 401 Pine St., Fort Collins. The show starts at 7 pm, with special guests Dave Beegle, Derf Green, Brent Hawley, Mark Sloniker, Chris Kennison, Eric Levine, Roger Barnhart, and Our Mothers’ Daughters (which includes me!). What did I tell you about the line-up, eh??? I was informed just tonight that this show is almost sold out, so if you want tickets ($15), call 970.498.8949 pronto!
Saturday night, Dec. 8th, and Sunday night, Dec. 9th – Yippee! TWO SHOWS at Avo’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, with one of my all time favorite performing songwriters, Johnsmith! The first night, Cosy Sheridan will open for John and me, and on Sunday we will be joined by Mark Sloniker on piano, performing as a trio. How cool is that?? Saturday’s show starts at 7:30 pm; Sunday’s show a tad earlier at 7 pm. Tickets are $17 general admission and are available at the Finest CDs in Campus West (now) and at Avo’s a week before the show. More info at Quantum Arts, 970.493.3080
Well, that’s enough for now. Steep yourself in the comfort and joy and peace of the season….aaahhh….Colleen
November Greetings to everyone – Yikes! 2008 is right around the corner! I continue to be amazed (and slightly bewildered…) by how fast the weeks and months fly by….
Sunday and beyond:
I trust you are enjoying this gorgeous fall weather, and hope your weekend plans may include my concert with Kathryn Mostow at Avo’s this Sunday, November 4th, at 7 pm. We will be celebrating the harvest, gratitude, and simply being in the delightful presence of friends and family as we enter this magical season. Avo’s is located at 605 S. Mason St. in Fort Collins, 493-5555. Tickets are $10 at the door. Do remember that it’s the end of daylight savings time (though if you forget to set those clocks back, you’ll be sure to get a great seat at the concert!).
Next Saturday night, Nov. 10th, 6-8 pm, I will be the featured musician for the Windsor-Severance Library District’s Celebration of the Arts, entitled “Connections”, at the library in Windsor, 720 Third St, 970.686.5603. The event will also feature readings by local author Blair Oliver and poet, Maria Dunn, as well as a juried art show with visual works of many media and styles. I am scheduled to play from about 6:30 – 8 pm. Light refreshments will be served.
Coming up:
Sat., Nov. 24th – Jay’s Bistro, with Mark Sloniker and Roger Barnhart
Fri., Nov. 30th – solo performance at the newly remodeled Monroe’s Restaurant (inside the Loveland Best Western at Hwy 34 and I-25)
Sun., Dec. 2nd – Bas Bleu Theatre, Barbara Clark’s CD release concert!
Sat. and Sun., Dec. 8th and 9th – 2 nights with Johnsmith at Avo’s (Mark Sloniker joins us Sunday night!)
Howdy again - Here’s a (very) last minute reminder about tomorrow night’s concert!
Friday, Oct. 26th, 8 pm – I’m pleased to be sitting in with singer/songwriter Kevin Jones, as he kicks off the rebirth of Lloyd Drust’s Campfire Concert series at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St., in Fort Collins. This will also be a CD release celebration of Kevin Jones:Collection, a compilation CD of many of Kevin’s best recordings over the years. Other special guests that evening will include Pamela Robinson and Dave Zekman. Lloyd Drust opens the show. Admission is just $7.00 at the door – what a bargain!
Other additions since I last wrote:
Saturday, Oct. 27th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing at Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker on keys and Gene Libbea on bass (vocalist Mary Buirgy was originally booked for this gig, but was called out of town, so I’m the pinch hitter!)
Monday, Oct. 29th, noon -1 pm – Kathryn Mostow and I will perform on “Live at Lunch” on KRFC Community Radio, 88.9 on your FM “dial”. You can also listen to us via the web, streaming live at http://www.krfcfm.org. We’ll be talking about our upcoming show at Avo’s on Nov. 4th, singing songs from our latest CDs, and harmonizing on some new tunes as well!
Check out my website www.colleencrosson.com for more info on the Avo’s show, as well as other upcoming events.
Thanks for listenin’ and hope to see you out there! Colleen
October 19, 2007
Hi Folks! Just a quick reminder of this weekend’s happenings:
Saturday, Oct. 20th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing jazz and other tasty tunes at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Ft Collins, with Mark Sloniker on piano and Gene Libbea on acoustic bass. Sloniker does a solo set from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Sunday, Oct. 21st, 7:00-9:30 pm – Mark Sloniker and I will perform a “Fall Harvest/Gratitude” concert at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. Our special guests will include Cory Carroll on bass, Gerald Gates on drums, and Myles Sloniker on guitar. We will share potluck chocolate desserts following the concert. Make your favorite recipe or pick up something luscious from the bakery! Admission is on a love offering basis, with proceeds going to Unity, and we will have our CDs available at a special sale price the night of the concert. Please join us!
Dazzling autumn greetings to everyone! I’ve got some cool news - my CD “Singing Into Being” is now available on iTunes, as well as CDBaby! Follow the links on my website www.colleencrosson.com discography page to get directly to my CD on those sites, or you can search “Colleen Crosson” from the iTunes Store or the CDBaby home page. People have been asking me for months when I’d get my CD on iTunes, so I’m pleased that it’s finally done! You can also buy the CD directly from my website through PayPal. Thanks to all who have bought “Singing Into Being” already – I so appreciate your support and all the positive feedback! If any of you would like to write a review of it for CDBaby, and/or iTunes, please do! Just click the "write a review" links on my CDBaby and iTunes pages. Thank you!
Here are some October/November events you might want to put on your calendar:
This Friday evening, Oct. 5th, 6:30-8:30 pm – I’ll join Mark Sloniker on piano and Forest Greenough on bass, singing jazz standards for “A Vintage Affair” – an exclusive wine tasting event at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, 417 W. Magnolia Ave., benefiting Hospice of Larimer County’s patient care and grief programs. The event runs from 6:30-10 pm, and features live entertainment in three venues, wine and cooking presentations, and live and silent auctions. Cost is $50 per ticket, and black and/or white cocktail attire is suggested. 970.663.3500 for more information
Sunday Oct., 14th, Mark Sloniker and I will participate in a “Friendship Fest” Benefit for a friend who’s been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Many of you may be familiar with the local band FUBAR II, featuring Jim Kristoff and Daryl Ray. This benefit is for Daryl’s wife, Cheryl, and will run from 11 am-8 pm at the New Plantation in Evans (Greeley). There will be music all day long, including many local favorites – Scott Allen, Kevin Jones, Rob Solomon, Cornerstone, John Shaffer, Scot Von, FUBAR II – the list goes on and on!! Mark’s and my set will be from (approximately) 1:30-2 pm. There will be a poker run, kid’s games, a silent auction, food, and other festivities. Whether you know Cheryl or not, come support community, hope, love, service, and gratitude with a bunch of fine folks! For more information, email Sharon, Lawoffsharon@aol.com.
Saturday, Oct. 20th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker (piano) and Grammy award winning bassist, Gene Libbea in the lounge at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins
Sunday, Oct. 21st, 7-9:30 pm – Mark Sloniker and I will have a fall gratitude concert at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. Special guests to be announced! A chocolate dessert potluck will be held at intermission (and we’ll play twice as fast during the second half of the show!). Admission is on a love offering basis, with proceeds to benefit our wonderful Unity community.
Friday, Oct. 26th, 8 pm – I’m pleased to be sitting in with singer/songwriter Kevin Jones, as he kicks off the rebirth of Lloyd Drust’s Campfire Concert series at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St., in Fort Collins. This will also be a CD release celebration of Kevin Jones:Collection, a compilation CD of many of Kevin’s best recordings over the years. Other special guests that evening will include Pamela Robinson and Dave Zekman. Lloyd Drust opens the show. Admission is $7.00 at the door – quite the deal for a night of music, I must say!
Sunday, Nov. 4th, 7 pm – I’ll be back at Avo’s to do a show with singer/songwriter Kathryn Mostow, a very talented musician who I’ve been enjoying singing/playing with since she moved here from the Seattle area last year. I bet we’ll have some new songs to play for ya! Admission is $10 at the door.
Saturday, Nov. 10th – I will be the featured musician for the Windsor-Severance Library District’s Celebration of the Arts, entitled “connections”, at the library in Windsor, 720 Third St, 970.686.5603. The event will also feature readings by local authors, and a juried art show with visual works of many media and styles. I’m not sure of the time of this event yet, but I’ll let you know as it draws nearer.
And farther in the distance (but here before we know it!) –
solo show, Nov. 30th, at Monroe’s in Loveland, 8:30-11:30 pm
2 shows with Johnsmith at Avo’s, December 8th (Cozy Sheridan opens) and Dec. 9th (Mark Sloniker joins us on piano!)
Another Avo’s show with Pamela Robinson, Jan. 25th, 2008!
Whew! That was a lot of information…. Thanks for hangin’ with me! Colleen
September 16, 2007
Greetings all – here’s what’s coming right up in my music world…..
Tomorrow morning, Sunday, Sept. 16th, Mark Sloniker and I will lead Sunday services at Unity of Fort Collins, CO, 1401 W. Vine Dr. at 9 and 10:30 am. Our subject is “Spiritual Alchemy”, and there’ll be lots of music from the Unitics as well as sharing of sweet poetry and wisdom from Hafiz, Rumi, Ram Dass, Jesus, Buddha, and many other master teachers. We always love this opportunity when it comes up and we’re honored to fill in for our spiritual tipster Lynn Kendall!
I’ll lead the Wednesday night, Sept. 19th service as well, with a similar topic and extra musical selections. Service starts at 7 pm.
Next Thursday, Sept. 20th, I’ll do a guest set at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St. in downtown Fort Collins, from 8-10 pm, with Mark Sloniker on keys from 6:30-10:30 pm.
I’ll again join Mark at Jay’s on Saturday night, Sept. 22nd from 8:30-11:30 pm with Gene Libbea on acoustic bass. Mark also plays a solo set from 6-8 pm.
Hello! I can’t believe it’s been over a month since I last sent out a newsletter….I’ve spent at least half that time vacationing on the Jersey Shore and on the Rhode Island coast. My, my, my – what a time I’ve had! Soaking up the sun, boogie boarding and body surfing, kayaking, doing yoga, and taking luxurious walks in the salty, moist air!! Not to mention all the fabulous meals and hang time with family and friends – it’s a good thing I did stay ACTIVE! It was a truly magical time that will be a treasured memory. In between trips I’ve played a few scattered private functions – weddings and such. Now, the kids are back in school, and I guess it’s time to settle down and get to work (which fortunately for me is also PLAY!). So here’s what’s coming up for this weekend:
I’ll play another private party on Friday, and then Saturday, August, 25th, I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker on keys and Roger Barnhart on bass, in the lounge at Jay’s Bistro, 135 West Oak St, Fort Collins. Show time is 8:30-11:30 pm.
I’m looking into some new venues in which to do some solo shows, so I’ll keep you posted on that. I intend for the fall to hold some new surprises!
As always, I play music at Unity of Fort Collins services on Wednesday nights at 7 pm, and on Sundays with Mark Sloniker and other various band members at 9 and 10:30 am. 1401 W. Vine Dr., FC 482-1620. Feel free to check out the website at www.unityfc.org
Hope you’re treasuring these last sweet days of summer! Best, Colleen www.colleencrosson.com
July 17, 2007
Hey there! Hope everyone’s summer is going well and you’re getting lots of “down time” to relax, visit family and friends, and enjoy the outdoors. We’ve been doing just that, amidst playing for quite a few summer weddings (‘tis the season!), and other private events. Two public events coming right up that I’d like to tell you about are:
Tuesday, July 24th, 7-10 pm, Mark Sloniker and I will perform at the Stonehouse Grille, 125 S. College Ave. in downtown Fort Collins, 970-498-0873. We are excited about playing this new (to us!) music venue and hope you can join us. The Stonehouse has great food and a lovely atmosphere in which to hear live music. We’d love to get a great crowd and have more opportunities to play here! Come on down if you can.
Wednesday, July 25th, 6:30-8:30 pm, Mark Sloniker and I will be joined by a stellar band - Eric Thorin (acoustic and electric bass), Mark Raynes (drums) and Andrew Vogt (saxophone and clarinet) – for the outdoor Lagoon Concert Series on the CSU campus in Fort Collins. You can get further information and a detailed map at www.mantoothcompany.com. This is one of the nicest outdoor concert venues (in my humble opinion J), with a large, grassy area to sit and listen, and outlying fields for playing Frisbee, hackysack, or letting the kids run. Bring a picnic dinner, a blanket or lawn chair, a gaggle of friends, and join us for some inspired tunes!
Keep enjoying the summer - it seems to be flying by! Colleen
June 24 , 2007
Happy (official) summer everyone!
There’s no question it’s here, with the dry heat we’ve been experiencing this last week…..
I am delighted to tell you about TWO great concerts I’m involved with this coming weekend.
The first is Friday night, June 29th, at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr., with award winning singer/songwriters Jan Garrett and JD Martin. I will be singing harmony vocals on their inspiring, uplifting tunes. The show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance (email JD@JDMartin.ws or call 970-927-4428) and $18 at the door.
On Saturday night, June 30th, I am excited to be performing a concert with local fave and multi-instrumentalist Pamela Robinson at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St., in Fort Collins. This will be an outdoor concert on the back patio which has a new stage area. Pamela and I will be improvising on one another’s songs as well as doing some solo tunes. Be ready for some “in the moment” frivolity and magical music, with Pamela trading off on ukulele, guitar, saxophone, penny whistle, and percussion! Our show starts at 8 pm and admission is $10 at the door.
Other upcoming public performances:
I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro on Saturday, July 14th, from 8:30 -11:30 pm Mark and I will perform with a full band at the CSU Lagoon Concert Series on Wed., July 25th
Enjoy your summer! Take in some live music, wherever and whoever! Colleen
June 19 , 2007
Good morning!
Just a quick reminder – if anyone’s got the noon hour off today, Tuesday, Kathryn Mostow and I will be playing a “Noontime Notes” concert at Oak Street Plaza in downtown Fort Collins. Show time is 11:30 am -1 pm. Pack a lunch and come on down!
Colleen
June 4 , 2007
Hello! Just a quick note to tell you my Jay’s Bistro date has been changed to this coming Saturday, June 9th (instead of the 16th).
Roger Barnhart will join Mark and me on bass. Performance time remains the same, from 8:30-11:30 pm.
Hope to see you this Saturday! Thanks, Colleen
May 18, 2007
Hi everyone! I know this is a busy time of year, so wanted to give you a bit of advance notice on some upcoming events.
One coming right up is the annual Houska/Houska 5K to benefit the Bone Marrow Donor Program at Poudre Valley Hospital. This takes place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th, 9 am at Houska’s Automotive, 899 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins. This is no ordinary 5K and we’re proud of it! It’s a huge amount of fun with a different theme each year and a big party and live music following the “race”. This year it’s a circus theme (“Help us save a life – it’s the Greatest Gift on Earth!”) and there will be prizes awarded for best circus costume – adult, child, and dog. Trophies are awarded to the fastest runners (for those that take this seriously!) and there will be a Carnival and other activities for kids and adults alike, as well as food and drink (ya gotta try the “bloody marrows”!!)
The Crosson-Sloniker Group will start playing between 9:30 and 10 am and go till 12:30 or so. The band will feature Mark AND Myles Sloniker, Colleen Crosson, Oscar DeZoto (drums), Roger Barnhart (bass) and Dave Lunn (saxophone).
Pre-register in person by Friday, May 25th at Houska’s or Runner’s Roost (902 W. Drake) OR register race day starting at 8 am. Minimum donation is $25, with larger donations welcome to benefit this worthy program! Call 970.482.0156 for more information. You’re welcome to just come to the party, too, as long as you donate to the cause…..
Other June events:
Saturday, June 16th, 8:30-11:30 pm: I’ll sing jazz and more with Mark Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. 970.482.1876
Tuesday, June 19th, 11:30 am-1 pm: I’ll join Kathryn Mostow for an Oak Street Plaza (Fort Collins) “Noontime Notes” outdoor concert. We’ll be performing songs from Kathryn’s 2 recordings, some brand new tunes she’s written since moving to Fort Collins from Seattle several months ago, and a few of my songs as well.
Friday, June 29th, I’ll join Jan Garrett and JD Martin in a concert at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr, Fort Collins
Saturday, June 30th, Local favorite Pamela Robinson and I will perform a very eclectic concert together at Avo’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins
This Saturday night, April 21st, I'll sing with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart on acoustic bass at Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO, 970.482-1876. Celebrate successfully finishing your tax return (or filing an extension?), celebrate Earth Day, celebrate the return of spring-like weather, celebrate SOMETHING - God knows we need that positive, healing energy.....Hope to see you!
A warm thank you to all who came out to the house concert at Greyrock last weekend. Kathryn Mostow and I had a great time trading songs and harmonies on stage, getting silly and improvisational, and you all added to the fun and lightheartedness of it all! We plan to do many more shows together. In fact....
Friday, May 4th, I'll join Kathryn at Avo's in an opening set for Texas songwriter Tish Hinojosa. I'll be adding harmonies and percussion to Kathryn's poignant and soulful songs. If you've never seen Tish, she is a wonderful songwriter who has garnered critical praise from, as she puts it "the White House to el barrio". She is a bilingual performer (English/Spanish), who has recorded with such songwriting greats as Lucinda Williams, Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson, and Nancy Griffith. To learn more about Tish, you can visit: http://www.mundotish.com
Looking further into May, I'll sing at Jay's again on Mothers' Day weekend, May 12th, and the Crosson-Sloniker Group will perform at the annual Houska/Houska fun run to benefit PVH Bone Marrow Donor Program on Memorial Day, May 28th. Call Houska's Automotive at 970.482.0156 to sign up or for more information.
Thanks for listening! Be the Light, Colleen
April 9, 2007
My apologies to those who may receive this twice. It appears there are still glitches in my new e-mailing system, so I sent this message from my personal e-mail address, as well as my website address, in hopes that everyone would get this notice at least once! We'll figure it out eventually.....
Greetings Everyone! I wanted to remind you that my “house concert” with Kathryn Mostow is this Saturday night, April 14th, starting at 7:30 pm, in the Common House of Greyrock Commons Co-housing Community, 2265 Shooting Star Lane, in northwest Fort Collins (more detailed directions below*). Kathryn is a mighty fine singer/songwriter who recently moved here from the Seattle area, and is rapidly acquiring a strong local following, with her beautiful voice, warm heart, and life-affirming lyrics. Our styles fit perfectly together and we are enjoying learning one another’s songs to perform Saturday night. We have named our concert “Singing Into Being – A Spring Concert”, and it will be a “CD release celebration” of sorts for me, as I didn’t end up doing any major performances when it was first released, this past snowy and cold winter (December/January). We sure hope you can join us for this very special evening of music! There wi ll be a potluck dessert intermission, so bring some sweets to share if you can. The suggested donation for the concert is $10-15 at the door, and I will be offering my CDs for $12.00 (regularly $15) the night of the concert.
*directions to Greyrock: from the intersection of North Taft Hill Rd and West Vine Dr., proceed north on Taft Hill Rd and take your first LEFT onto Liberty Dr. (there has been lots of construction going on near this intersection, but things are at a lull now, and you shouldn’t have any trouble getting through, even if there are still signs that say “no thru traffic”!). Then, take your first RIGHT onto Briarwood, which dead ends into the Greyrock community. Turning right and following the road around will lead you to the Common House. Please observe the “Visitor Parking” signs and park only in those designated spaces. There is also parking just before you enter Greyrock, on Briarwood. The phone number at the Common House is 970-221-9846, if you get lost, or have questions about parking.
See ya Saturday! Colleen
April 3, 2007
Hi all
I just wanted to let you know about a last minute gig: I'll be joining Mark Sloniker at Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St in Ft. Collins, this Thursday night, April 5th, from 7:30-9:30 pm. Hope you can stop by!
My webmaster has reconfigured some settings in the e-mail set up and we sure hope this message will get to everyone that is subscribed to my music list this time. I'll check in with some of you to see if anything's changed....
Thanks for your patience! Colleen
March 21, 2007
Joyous Spring blessings to everyone! Did you ever think it would get here? I've had a bit of luscious "down time", including a lovely week with friends and family in the mountains near Steamboat Springs over spring break, as well as a festive birthday celebration. I am certainly rejuvinated and happy to tell you about my next musical happenings:
This coming Saturday night, March 24th, I'll sing jazz and more with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart (recently returned from the cruiseline music scene!) on acoustic bass, at Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak St. in downtown Fort Collins, 970-482-1876. Our trio plays from 8:30-11:30 pm. We'd be pleased if you joined us!
On Saturday, April 14th, I will be performing a special show with fellow singer/songwriter Kathryn Mostow. Kathryn is a wonderful artist who recently moved here with her husband and young son from Seattle. Our concert will be in the Common House of the Greyrock Co-Housing Community in northwest Fort Collins. We will be joining one another on many of our songs, as well as performing solo. The concert starts at 7:30 pm with a suggested donation of $10-15. We will have a potluck dessert extravaganza at intermission, so bring on the chocolate (or whatever else "suites" your fancy!). I'll send more exact directions to the venue soon.
A collaborative concert with performing songwriter Pamela Robinson is also in the works for early summer. Stay tuned for details......
Thanks for listenin'! Colleen
February 22 , 2007
Greetings from my new website!
That's my big news for the day - www.colleencrosson.com is up and running! My newsletters are now generated from my website, and you may notice a new e-mail address, colleen@colleencrosson.com. Feel free to use this one; however my other address, ccrosson@peakpeak.com also remains valid. I would love for you to check out the site and give me feedback about your experience there - speed, content, ease of navigation, etc. I will continue to send out my newsletters every week or so, or whenever new gigs come up. You can also check the schedule page on the website in between mailings and find all the events there. A reminder that I'll be at the Raptor Center's annual dinner and benefit auction this Saturday night, Feb. 24th, at the Lincoln Center. Check the website for details.
Enjoy! Colleen
February 16 , 2007
Greetings everyone! A huge thank you to all who attended our “JOY” concert at Unity of Fort Collins this past Sunday evening. What a night! The music set, created largely “in the moment” ranged from J.S. Bach to Death Cab for Cutie, and everything in between! Myles Crosson Sloniker joined us on several tunes on acoustic and electric guitar and is building a strong fan base of his own. The funds are still being counted, but your generosity contributed thousands to our building expansion fund, and we thank you from the center of our hearts…..
This Saturday night, February 17th, I’ll join Mark Sloniker on piano and Gene Libbea on acoustic bass in the lounge at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, from 8:30-11:30 pm (that is, if the hurricane force winds predicted for today don’t blow me into Kansas first…)
Next Saturday night, February 24th, I’ll play my usual “dessert set” at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s 14th annual “A Second Chance At Freedom” Gala Dinner and Benefit Auction. This year’s event, “A Reason to Believe”, celebrates and raises funds for the Raptor Program’s move into their new facility on Vine Drive in Fort Collins. The event includes dinner, entertainment, a live auction and (always incredible) silent auction. Tickets are $35 at the door, and the event runs from 5-9 pm at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins. Call 970-484-7756 for additional information.
Stay grounded….Colleen
February 9 , 2007
Howdy all – no gigs for me on Friday or Saturday (I’ll be out and about catching other acts!), but I did want to let you know about a listening concert at Unity of Fort Collins this Sunday evening, February 11th. We will be having our 3rd annual “JOY” concert, celebrating our beautiful, donated grand piano which continues to bring us so much joy! The concert will feature Mark Sloniker on “Joy” (the piano), with special guest appearances by Cory Carroll (bass), Gerald Gates and Rob Wojtowick (drums), and myself (vocals). The concert starts at 7 pm and is on a “love offering” basis, with all proceeds going to Unity’s expansion fund. We will have a potluck dessert intermission, so bring along something yummy if you plan to attend (chocolate is always a favorite!J). Some people like to dress up fancy for this annual Valentine affair, but, of course, anything goes here at Unity!
Coming up:
Feb. 17th, 8:30-11:30 pm, I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro.
Feb. 24th, I’ll once more be a part of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s “A Second Chance at Freedom” Gala Dinner and Benefit Auction (14th annual!) at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins. More details to follow…..
Thanks always for sharing in the music! Colleen
January 15, 2007
Happy New Year! And my gosh, January’s half over. Hope everyone is fairing the cold and snow well enough….. Here’s what’s on the docket for the next few weeks:
This Thursday, January 18th, I’ll be doing a solo gig (guitar/vocals) at Somi’s Restaurant, in the “Red Door Lounge”, from 7-10 pm. Somi’s is located on Oakridge Dr. (corner of Harmony and McMurray) in SW Fort Collins. Many of you have been asking when I’ll do some solo performances, as they’ve been few and far between these days. This is the only one I’ve got scheduled so far, so hope you can make it!
This Saturday, January 20th, from 9 am to 3 pm, Mark Sloniker and I will be facilitating a “playshop” called “Write With Your Heart” at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. It is a great way to envision the new year through journaling, art, meditation, and contemplation, set to periods of music and extended silence. We will share a potluck lunch. Cost is on a “love offering” basis, with proceeds to benefit Unity’s expansion fund. Call the Unity office at 482-1620 for more information, or feel free to e-mail me with any questions.
Saturday, January 27th, I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker on piano and Gene Libbea on bass, in the jazz lounge at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, from 8:30-11:30 pm
On another tangent…My friend and yoga “guru”, Jim Vassallo and I have decided to team up and offer music/yoga “playshops” and parties! These can be individually tailored to meet your specific desires, and can be held at your home or any other designated location. They would include short sets of inspirational music interspersed with yoga. Give me a call (970-493-4424) or e-mail me if this kind of thing piques your interest and you want to explore the possibilities!
Looking forward to another fun and music-filled year with all of you - Colleen
)! I hope everyone else who had a “spring break” enjoyed theirs, too! Here’s my latest update on the music: