Hello fine friends and fans! What a concert “Just Kidding!” had at Avo’s on Sunday. It had everything – a great crowd, thrilling harmonies….the token torrential downpour, and of course, trains! Thanks to all who joined in the fun. Have you ever seen such a squall?? Yikes, it was quite unbelievable, but after it passed, it was music as usual and the show continued without missing a beat (well, maybe we dropped one or two during the course of the evening….). One never knows what to expect in the season of outdoor venues. I was dismayed to find that not a drop of rain had fallen at my house, after the deluge we experienced at the concert. Bummer. Anyway, stay tuned for what’s up next for our new group. We’ll definitely be continuing the frivolity!

I wanted to share this weekend’s music offerings:

Saturday, Aug. 14th, 4-8 pm – Solo (vocals/guitar) “Streetmosphere” performance outside of Mugs (College and Olive in Fort Collins). I had originally thought this was on Friday – my bad! Glad I hadn’t double booked!

Sunday, Aug. 15th, 1-5 pm - trio “Streetmosphere” performance with Mark Sloniker (piano, melodica), Myles Sloniker (acoustic bass), and me (vocals/guitar), outside of Cache Bank (Mountain and College, Fort Collins).

My web guru, Mike Barry of Fort Collins Web Works took some fun shots at one of my last “Streetmosphere” gigs – check out the new pictures on my website www.colleencrosson.com

Coming up:

Sat., 8/28 - Jay’s Bistro
Sun., 8/29 – Crosson/Sloniker Trio “Streetmosphere” performance

Thanks for being on my list. As always, pass it on to anyone you think might enjoy it, and also let me know if it’s ever time to unsubscribe. I know how clogged our inboxes can get…..

Best, Colleen

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Hi everyone – sorry for the short notice. I just found out my Streetmosphere location for this afternoon (Friday, July 30th), so thought I’d pass it along for any of you FACers downtown today. I’ll be at Tenney Court again (kinda feels like my home now!) from 4-8 pm. Hope you can swing by and listen to a few tunes.

Tomorrow night, Sat., July 31st, I will be doing a “make-up” gig at Jay’s Bistro! Mark was kind enough to offer me another date, as I missed my gig two weeks ago due to a nasty case of heat exhaustion that came on quite suddenly just a couple hours before I was to perform. That is nothing to mess with! Thanks for all the well wishes, by the way. The band (Mark Sloniker on piano, Gene Libbea on bass, and I) will start at 8:30 and play till 11:30 pm. Thank goodness for second chances!

And a little reminder:

Sunday, August 8th, 7 pm – Avo’s Backyard Concert with “Just Kidding!” (formerly Our Mothers’ Daughters!!). The gals (Barb Pons, Joanne Taylor, Krisann Meyer-Corcoran, and I) have regrouped and are singing AND playing up a storm for your listening pleasure! We will do some of our old a cappella favorites, and also expect a slew of new tunes with accompaniment on guitar, bass, keyboards, mandolin, harmonica, and percussion! We are excited! Admission is $12 at the door.

And lastly, thanks to all who came out to the Crosson/Sloniker concert at the Lagoon on Wednesday. We actually DID get to play, despite the downpour that occurred just 10 minutes before our scheduled start time! The band, the sound guys, and our fabulous fans stuck it out and low and behold, the skies cleared and the show went on. We were treated to a cool breeze and a beautiful rainbow to boot. Thanks for sticking around. What a great time we had playing for you all!

Enjoy this last leg of summer – school starts in a little over 2 weeks. Yikes! Where did it go? Best, Colleen

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Howdy friends – I wanted to give a heartfelt thanks to all who attended our Avo’s concert this past Sunday. Wow… what a magical night it was for us and each of you helped make it so! It was one of those truly “in the moment” experiences that still gives me chills when I think about it. And that Myles…..

Here’s this weekend’s musical mischief:

Saturday, July 17th is my monthly (or so) appearance at Jay’s Bistro, with Mark Sloniker on piano, Myles Sloniker on acoustic bass, and Derf Green on percussion (‘cuz we had SO much fun last time!). The band plays from 8:30-11:30 pm, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins.

Sunday, July 18th, I’ll do a solo “Streetmosphere” performance from 1-5 pm on the corner of E. Oak and College (across the street from Oak St. Plaza). I think I’ll really be there this time (we switched spots at the last minute last Sat. because of the Jazz Experience – sorry to those who were looking and couldn’t find me!). If I HAD been there, you wouldn’t have been able to hear me….Incidentally (for those of you with great memories), this was previously scheduled as a trio gig with Mark and Myles, but they will now be playing at the Longmont Jazz Festival that day.

Upcoming events:

Wednesday, July 28th, 6:30-8:30 pm – “Live at the Lagoon” Concert (on the CSU Campus) with the Crosson/Sloniker Group. Bring picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets! www.lagoonseries.com

Friday, July 30th, 4-8 pm – solo “Streetmosphere” performance

Sunday, August 8th, 7 pm – Avo’s Backyard Concert with “Just Kidding!” (formerly Our Mothers’ Daughters!!). The gals (Barb Pons, Joanne Taylor, Krisann Meyer-Corcoran, and I) have regrouped and are singing AND playing up a storm for your listening pleasure! We will do some of our old a cappella favorites, but expect a slew of new tunes with accompaniment on guitar, bass, keyboards, mandolin, harmonica, and percussion! Derf Green (a former member of the group in its later years) will sit in on several tunes during the first set. We are excited! Admission is $12 at the door.

Enjoy the heat of summer! Best, Colleen

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Howdy fine friends and fans! Hope you’re all gearing up for a celebratory Independence Day weekend! I’ll be spending Saturday at the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur with 7 teenage girls (yikes!), and off to several parties and then the fireworks on Sunday after our 2 church services at Unity (that’ll be a long day!). But first, on Friday, from 4-8 pm, I will again be on Tenney Ct. (the spruced up alleyway off Mountain Ave., between College and Mason Streets, next to Enzio’s) for another Beet Street “Streetmosphere” stint. I’m lovin’ these all acoustic, chattin’ it up with the passers by performances! And this site is definitely quieter for street musicians. Come on down and bring a chair if you plan on staying awhile! I don’t think it’ll be as HOT (temperature-wise, but the music might be… ) as it was last Friday.

I also wanted to give you another “heads up” on two upcoming performances:

Tuesday, July 6th, 11:30-1 pm – a jazzy Noontime Notes performance with Mark and Myles Sloniker and me at Oak Street Plaza, downtown Fort Collins (to get you in the mood for the upcoming “Fort Collins Jazz Experience” on the weekend!) Bring a picnic lunch and relax in the sunshine (or shade, if you’d rather).

Sunday, July 11th, 7 pm - Avo’s Backyard Concert with the Crosson/Sloniker Trio (the same wacky characters stated above). We’ll add tunes and heartsongs from our latest CDs to compliment the jazz fare on this night. Avo’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, has got to have the coolest backyard in town. No better way to spend a Sunday evening…. $10 cover at the door.

Have a great weekend, whatever you’re up to! Colleen

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Hi again – I just found out my Streetmosphere location for tomorrow night (Friday), 4-8 pm, will be on Tenney Ct., which is the cute little alleyway off Mountain Ave., between College and Mason Streets. They’ve really fancied it up back there over the last couple of years with pavers, artwork and gorgeous planters, and there should be less traffic noise than some of the other locations, so hope you can stop by!

I also learned that there IS still space available for the James Twyman event at Unity tonight, 7 pm, so come on down if you’re interested in meeting James and hearing about his new book, The Barn Dance. Doors open at 6:30 pm, I play a short set at 6:45, James comes on at 7.

Happy Trails! Colleen

Howdy again – lots more music this week, so thought I’d send you the detailed line up:

Thursday night, I am honored to be doing a short opening set for musician and author James Twyman, the “Peace Troubadour”, as he visits Fort Collins to discuss his newest book, “The Barn Dance” (to be released in September), and video tape a live discussion with participants who have read an advance copy. This free event is already at capacity, but I wanted to share my joy in participating!

Friday night, June 25th, I will be doing a solo, acoustic “Streetmosphere” performance from 4-8 pm in downtown Fort Collins. For more information on this way cool “busker’s extravaganza” featuring artists of all types performing on Fort Collins downtown street corners every weekend through Oct., visit www.beetstreet.org. I will know by Thursday at which location I’ll be, and I’ll try to shoot you a quick e-mail – otherwise, come explore 5 different shows throughout downtown!

Saturday, June 26th, I’ll be doing a private “teaser” event in the afternoon for the piano soiree being held on Sunday (see below), and later that night, I’m on at Jay’s from 8:30-11:30 pm with Mark Sloniker on piano, Myles Sloniker on bass (he’s back from L.A.!), and Derf Green on hand drums and percussion. We’re so excited to have Derf playing with us – he’s always felt like part of the family, so it’s only natural….

Sunday, June 27th, 5:30-8:30 pm – Abby’s Signature Concert Series - 6th Annual Piano Soiree at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. This worthy benefit for Respite Care and Pathways Hospice will feature Mark Sloniker, Myles Sloniker, and me, as well as a host of other musicians, including Christi French, Lexi Glossi, Mims Harris, Janet Landreth and Vladimir Ostromensky, Ryan Marvel, Shauna Southwick, and American Idol contestant Haeley Vaughn! Our set will be the last one of the evening, from about 7:45-8:30. Tickets are $50 each and available online at www.pathways-care.org or by calling 970-207-9435. Great food, great music, great cause!

Enjoy this lovely summer weather! Colleen

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Hi all – back from a fabulous trip back east with Emma. Other than the east coast traffic (especially around D.C. where they say it is “rush hour” 24/7, and I can confirm that!), we had a grand time. We developed a love-hate relationship with our new GPS, whom Emma named Doris. She was at times a real blessing, but at others a total curse – I’m sure there’s a learning curve there….We have so many stories of serendipitous and “coincidental” happy events on our trip – I hope I see you sometime soon so I can share a few! Here’s what’s happening on the music front this weekend:

Friday, June 18th, 7:30-10 pm – “Positive Music Jam” Concert at Creative Living Church, 928 15th St., Greeley, CO (NE corner of 15th St. and 10th Ave.). Join Barb Pons (former Our Mothers’ Daughters member), Laura Evans and me for a fine night of positive, thought provoking music! Barb and I will pull out some of our favorites from past groups we’ve been in together, as well as feature songs from both of our CD recordings. Laura is a multi-instrumentalist and in our one short rehearsal we had, I was amazed and thrilled at her solos on violin, oboe, and flute. They add a whole new dimension to our songs. She also plays djembe and cajon, 2 really cool types of drums. I hope you’ll join us for this spontaneous night of music in the moment. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 970-351-8122 and leave a message for Brooke.

Sunday, June 20th, 1-5 pm – The Crosson/Sloniker trio (featuring Mark, Myles and me) will do the first of our “Streetmosphere” gigs put on by Beet Street. We’ll be out and about downtown Fort Collins playing 20 minute acoustic sets throughout the afternoon. Mark will have his melodica and a battery powered keyboard for these impromptu, interactive performances. Myles will be on acoustic bass and I’ll have my guitar handy to do a variety of music, including jazz, folk, and kids’ songs – something for the whole family! I’m not exactly sure what street corner we’ll be hanging out on, but there will be a variety of other performers throughout downtown (artists, jugglers, magicians, improve troupes, musicians, and more!), so I’d suggest taking a stroll all around so you can take it all in!

Now it’s back out to the garden for me – with all that rain you had while we were gone, I’ve got more than a bit of weeding to do….Best, Colleen

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Hi all – It’s shaping up to be a great summer! Our son Myles graduated from high school this past weekend and we had an awesome time celebrating with friends and family at the numerous parties about town (congratulations all!!). He lost no time hopping on a plane to Los Angeles this morning to be with his girlfriend in her final days of high school – he’ll catch her last performance in her leading role as Sandy in “Grease”, attend her senior prom and then “grad night” at Disneyland where they stay overnight in the park. Fun times! I’m going to miss my “bass player” for my next gig at Jay’s, but he’ll be back in just under 3 weeks to resume his position in the family band! Here’s what’s happening around the corner and for the rest of the summer….

This Saturday night, May 29th, I’ll sing at Jay’s with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart (a killer bass player also!). The band starts at 8:30 pm, with Mark playing a solo set from 6-8 pm. Come celebrate the “unofficial” start of summer with us this Memorial Day weekend!

The following week, my daughter Emma and I will embark on a 10 day road trip adventure on the east coast, visiting friends and family in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area, driving to a wedding in W VA and then heading up to PA and finally the Jersey shore to be with my Dad for about a week. My sister Holly will also be there for a few days. I’m so looking forward to this sweet time with Emma and some fun on the beach. When we get back, I’ll jump into a pretty full summer schedule of club gigs and concerts as follows:

Friday, June 18th, 7:30-10 pm – “Positive Music Jam” Concert at Creative Living Church, 928 15th St., Greeley, CO (NE corner of 15th St. and 10th Ave.). Join Barb Pons (former Our Mothers’ Daughters member), Laura Evans and me for a fine night of positive, thought provoking music! Barb and I will pull out some of our favorites from past groups we’ve been in together, as well as feature songs from both of our CD recordings. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 970-351-8122 and leave a message for Brooke.

Sunday, June 20th, 1-5 pm – The Crosson/Sloniker trio (featuring Mark, Myles and me) will do the first of our “Streetmosphere” gigs put on by Beet Street. We’ll be out and about downtown Fort Collins playing 20 minute acoustic sets throughout the afternoon. Mark will have his melodica and a battery powered keyboard for these impromptu, interactive performances. Myles will be on acoustic bass and I’ll have my guitar handy to do a variety of music, including jazz, folk, and kids’ songs – something for the whole family! I’m not exactly sure what street corners we’ll be hanging out on, but I should be able to give you a better idea as the date approaches.

Friday, June 25th, 4-8 pm – a solo “Streetmosphere” performance (see above) – me and my guitar, doing the troubadour thing…..

Saturday, June 26th, 8:30-11:30 pm – Jay’s Bistro performance with Mark Sloniker on piano and (hopefully!) Myles Sloniker on bass.

Sunday, June 27th, 5:30-8:30 pm – Abby’s Signature Concert Series - 6th Annual Piano Soiree at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. This worthy benefit for Respite Care and Pathways Hospice will feature Mark Sloniker and me, as well as a host of other musicians, including Christi French, Lexi Glossi, Mims Harris, Janet Landreth and Vladimir Ostromensky, Ryan Marvel, Shauna Southwick, and American Idol contestant Haeley Vaughn! Mark’s and my set will be the last one of the evening, from about 7:45-8:30. Tickets are $50 each and available online at www.pathways-care.org or by calling 970-207-9435. Great food, great music, great cause!

Friday, July 2nd, 4-8 pm – solo “Streetmosphere” performance, Old Town Fort Collins

Tuesday, July 6th, 11:30-1 pm – a jazzy Noontime Notes performance with Mark and Myles Sloniker at Oak Street Plaza, downtown Fort Collins.

Sunday, July 11th, 7 pm - Avo’s Backyard Concert with the Crosson/Sloniker Trio. Admission is $10 at the door.

Sunday, July 18th, 1-5 pm, “Streetmosphere” performance with the Crosson/Sloniker trio in Old Town Fort Collins

Wednesday, July 28th, 6-8 pm – CSU Lagoon Concert (on the CSU Campus) with the Crosson/Sloniker Consort

Friday, July 30th, 4-8 pm – solo “Streetmosphere” performance

Sunday, August 8th, 7 pm – Avo’s Backyard Concert with “Just Kidding!” (formerly Our Mothers’ Daughters!!). The gals (Barb Pons, Joanne Taylor, Krisann Meyer-Corcoran, and I) have regrouped and are singing AND playing up a storm for your listening pleasure! We will do some of our old a cappella favorites, but expect a slew of new tunes with accompaniment on guitar, bass, keyboards, mandolin, harmonica, and percussion! We are excited! Admission is $12 at the door.

Friday, August 13th, 4-8 pm – solo “Streetmosphere” performance

Sunday, August 15th, 1-5 pm – Crosson/Sloniker trio “Streetmosphere” performance

Sunday, August 29th, 1-5 pm - Crosson/Sloniker trio “Streetmosphere” performance

I hope you put some of these dates on your summer calendar and I see you out there enjoying the music! Best, Colleen

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Hello everyone! We’re heading into a busy time of year with Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, graduation celebrations galore and the anticipation of summer on the horizon! I wanted to let you know of a few events I have added to my musical calendar in case you wanted to add them to your “To Do” list.

This very Friday I will perform at a “Betsy Markey for Congress” benefit concert at the Sunset Events Center, Fort Collins. Sharing the stage will be The Three Twins Broadband and Liz Barnez! See attached poster for more info – it’ll be a fun night! Put on your dancin’ shoes and come on down!

I have added 2 more summer concerts to the list I sent out last time (also copied below):

Friday, June 18th I’ll perform a concert in Greeley, CO with my buddy Barb Pons from Our Mothers’ Daughters. More details to follow, but wanted to give you a heads up on the date.

Tuesday, July 6th, 11:30-1 pm – a jazzy Noontime Notes performance with Mark and Myles Sloniker at Oak Street Plaza, downtown Fort Collins.

More summer dates
May 29th - Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker
June 27th - Abby’s Signature Concert Series (with Mark Sloniker)
July 11th - Avo’s Backyard Concert with the Crosson/Sloniker Trio
July 28th – CSU Lagoon Concert with the Crosson/Sloniker Consort
August 8th – Avo’s Backyard Concert with “Just Kidding!” (formerly known as Our Mothers’ Daughters!!)

I also hope to be part of Beet Street’s “Streetmosphere” performances throughout the summer in Old Town Fort Collins. I auditioned last month and should hear sometime this week. They’ll be acoustic performances on street corners Friday nights, Sat. afternoon and evenings and Sunday afternoons – what a cool thing! Speaking of Beet Street, check out the interview Mark and I did with them a few months ago! I’ve posted it on my homepage at www.colleencrosson.com. I also added a bunch of new photos, so if you haven’t visited in awhile, please do! There are free downloads there, too….

Hope to see you around town, Colleen

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Greetings to my friends, family, and fans – I hope you all have been enjoying the wonderful spring weather of late (I can only assume you out-of-towners are having some lovely days, too…). Boy, do I have a gaggle of great gigs to tell you about! Where to begin…. I guess with the ones coming up first! Get your calendars out…..

Saturday, April 24th, I’ll sing at Jay’s Bistro from 8:30-11:30 pm with Mark Sloniker on piano and probably Myles Sloniker on bass. I hate to slight all my other bass players, but with Myles graduating from high school next month, who knows how long he’ll be sticking around?? Gotta grab him while I can!

Sunday, April 25th, 4:30 pm, our same family trio mentioned above will be playing for a very worthy benefit at the Lory Student Center Theatre. The Colors of Mongolia Concert will support the Sisi Scholarship at Global Reach. Your tax deductible donation will directly benefit outstanding, low income Mongolian high school students seeking higher education in Mongolia and the USA. The scholarship is an enduring legacy to honor Urangua “Sisi” Mijiddorj, whose brilliant light and life was tragically cut short in August 2009 when she was struck by a car while riding her bicycle to school. The concert event will feature traditional Mongolian folk dancing, a Mongolian contortionist, our performance set, and much more. For tickets and more information, go to www.tinyURL.com/SisiFund or visit the CSU Box Office. Tickets are just $10 (children 3 and under are free).

Tuesday, April 27th, 7-9 pm, the SAME Crosson/Sloniker trio (love it!) will be performing at the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, WY, as part of the Laramie County Community College Cultural Events Series. The hotel is located at 1600 Central Ave. I hope all our Wyoming friends can come!

Thursday, April 29th, 6-9 pm, I will join Mark Sloniker and friends at “The Taste 2010”, an annual benefit for the Food Bank for Larimer County and Neighbor to Neighbor. The event takes place at the Hilton Fort Collins and features food and libations from more than 30 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries; a silent auction featuring Palette of Plates by local artists; and fine live music with many of Fort Collins top jazz performers. General admission is $65/person, $75 at the door. VIP admission $95/person, $105 at the door (early entry at 5 pm, plus champagne reception and special offers!). 100% of your ticket purchase supports local hunger and homelessness relief efforts! Tickets at (970)488-2368 or www.tastebenefit.org

Two other private events round out this jam-packed musical week! I hope I’ll see many of you at the public events. See below for a list of future upcoming shows:

May 29th - Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker
June 27th - Abby’s Signature Concert Series (with Mark Sloniker)
July 11th - Avo’s Backyard Concert with the Crosson/Sloniker Trio
July 28th – CSU Lagoon Concert with the Crosson/Sloniker Consort
August 8th – Avo’s Backyard Concert with “Just Kidding!” (formerly known as Our Mothers’ Daughters!!)

It’s shaping up to be a fun spring and summer! Best to you all, Colleen
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Happy spring! I have just returned from a fabulous week with my family in and around San Francisco where it truly looked like my favorite season – emerald green hills and a myriad of flowers and shrubs to delight the eyes and nose! Besides the excitement of the city and catching the musical, “Wicked”, we explored Half Moon Bay, Sonoma, and Pt. Reyes National Seashore. We had glorious weather all week, so it was a bit of a shock to return to blowing snow, but that’s a Colorado spring for you….

I meant to send this reminder out before I left, but with my long list of things to do, it slipped my mind.

TONIGHT, Sat. March 20th, I’ll be at the Tap Room @ the Catalyst, 3501 S. Shields St., Fort Collins, from 8 -10 pm. My friend from Denver, Greg Bryant (from the old Bob Hollister days), says he’ll definitely be coming up to join me on lead guitar and harmony vocals! We even practiced a bit a couple of weeks ago! I’ve also asked him to do some of his originals. Come on down to hear choice folk songs from the 60’s to the present. Cover charge is $5.00 at the door.

Next Sat. night, March 27th, 8:30 -11:30 pm, I’ll sing jazz, etc. with Mark Sloniker on piano and my new favorite bass player, Myles Crosson Sloniker, at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. What a joy to be performing with my son AND husband. Life doesn’t get much sweeter (until Emma agrees to grace us with her beautiful voice….). Hope you can join us!

Enjoy the longer and (surely to come) warmer days! Colleen
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I feel LOVE in the air! I’m headed back to the NJ shore tomorrow to share some love with my Dad this Valentine’s Day. I will be greeted by his smiling face and a couple feet of snow – seems like we’ve traded weather patterns with the east coast! The night of my arrival, we are going to see “The Hot Club of San Francisco” in a small venue in our small town. They are a great band – check ‘em out if you get a chance. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I wanted to give you my latest music dates before I took off for the better part of a week:

Saturday, Feb. 20th, I’ll sing jazz, etc. at Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano and most likely Myles Sloniker on bass (though I guess I should ask him first!). We had such a great time last month, doing the “family thing”! We’ll play from 8:30-11:30 pm (Mark plays a solo set from 6-8). Jay’s is located at 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. 970-482-1876

Sunday, Feb. 21st, Mark and I will host our annual “JOY” concert at Unity of Fort Collins (Joy is our piano there – yes, she has a name, and what better name is there to express what she brings us?). The list of guest musicians is still formulating, so I’ll give you an update when I get back from my trip. The concert will start at 7 pm. We’ll play for about an hour and a half and then we will convene to the “Rumi Room” to enjoy potluck desserts and light appetizers. Chocolate always abounds at this affair. We will collect a love offering, with all proceeds going to Unity, our home away from home. For those of you who like a quieter environment than some of the other places we play, this night is for you! 1401 W. Vine Dr., Fort Collins. 970-482-1620

And to put on the calendar:
March 20th – solo show at the Catalyst (but most likely with some special guests!). 8-10 pm
March 27th – Jay’s Bistro, 8:30-11:30 pm

I will leave you with a poem:

Trading in Loves Currency

Reason said, “We live in a world
of six directions – and that’s it!”

Love replied, “There is a path beyond,
and I have traveled it many times.”

Reason saw a market and set up shop,
but love trades in another currency altogether.

-Rumi

Happy New “You” Everyone! May we all create and experience more love, more peace, and more blessings for ourselves and one another in this New Year. I hope you enjoyed your holidays! I had a rather fabulous time with family and friends – great music, savory foods, a little travel, feet up with a good book near the fire, fun games, and much laughter. And Santa was very good to me, too! My favorite (material) present was a new (to me) 4WD pickup to get me through the snowdrifts in this banner year of shiny, white flakes. 2010 has also started out well, with 4 new students (guitar and voice) and a few fine gigs lined up. Here’s where I’ll be in the next couple of weeks:

Next Saturday, Jan. 16th, I return to “The Catalyst”, 3501 S. Shields St., Fort Collins, for a solo performance in their Tap Room. This is a cozy listening room with great beers on tap and a fine selection of ever changing wines, as well as food items. There is a $5.00 cover, with all proceeds going to the musicians (aka our kids’ college funds…. or maybe the mortgage… or our health insurance…). I’ll play from 8-10 pm. Hope you can join me!

The following Saturday, Jan. 23rd, I’ll be back at Jay’s, 135 Oak St., Fort Collins, with Mark Sloniker on piano, and I’m sure a very fine bass player, though I forgot to ask Mark who that will be! We play from 8:30-11:30 pm. Jay’s also has a great bar menu with very affordable prices.

I sincerely apologize to all the folks that came out to hear me at the Harmony Grill on Dec. 22nd, when there was a “double-booking” and I ended up not playing that night. From all the e-mails I got, sounds like it would have been quite a night for me! And Jim Kristoff, from FUBAR II, was finally able to make it down with his mandolin to jam with me, so I’m REALLY bummed about that! Thanks for coming out! I’m sure most of you have heard that 2 days later, the Harmony Grill closed its doors for good – sad news in the restaurant and music venue world. I know it’s a challenging time for many of us, and I appreciate your efforts to keep arts and music alive in our town.

I do have a few more fun things cooking, and when I have the details, I’ll let you know! Stay warm and safe and give someone a hug today, ok? Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com/colleencrossonmusic
www.reverbnation.com/colleencrosson
www.twitter.com/colleensings
www.linkedin.com/colleencrosson

Happy Holidays to everyone! I hope the next few weeks will be a peaceful and enjoyable time for you, with lots of free time to spend with family, friends, and loved ones. I wanted to take a moment to whole heartedly thank you all for your support of my music and your attendance at my shows this past year. You make it all worth while!

I have several seasonal music opportunities to round out the year, if you’re looking for some frivolity amidst the bustle:

This Friday night, December 18th, I will be singing at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. I usually sing on Saturday nights, so I’m looking forward to this opportunity to perform with a bigger band, including Mark Sloniker on piano, Forest Greenough on bass, and Mark Raynes on drums. We’ll mix jazz with your favorite holiday tunes. I hope you can join us – show time is 8:30-11:30 pm.

Saturday, December 19th, from 10 am-3 pm, our whole family will be performing music and leading Christmas carols for the teens at Turning Point at a farm east of Fort Collins (Severance/Windsor area). We have been doing this for many years now, providing some holiday joy to these teens who might otherwise not get a chance to celebrate. If any of you out there would like to volunteer for this event – bring food, presents, or just help in the celebration, please contact me!

Tuesday, December 22nd I return to the Harmony Grill, 1544 Oakridge Dr., Fort Collins for a solo show from 5:30-8:30 pm. This restaurant has great food and ambience, and is on the south end of town for all you South Fort Collins folks and Lovelanders. Check it out!

Thursday night, December 24th, Christmas Eve, I will participate in 2 candlelight services at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. at 6 and 8 pm. Soul stirring music will be provided by Mark Sloniker (piano), Cory Carroll (bass/vocals), Myles Sloniker (double bass), Gerald Gates (drums), other special guests, and me (vocals/guitar). Lynn Kendall leads the services and always provides a thought provoking and fresh view of life and spirituality! Come celebrate the season with us! Childcare is provided at the 6 pm service.

New Year’s Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31st, I’ll be singing at Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano and a host of other musicians. The band starts at 9 pm. Help us ring in the New Year!

Thanks again for making it a great year! Best to you and yours, Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com/colleencrossonmusic
www.reverbnation.com/colleencrosson
www.twitter.com/colleensings
www.linkedin.com/colleencrosson

BBBrrrrrr! It’s a chilly one in Fort Collins, CO - but that will only encourage us to heat up the town this weekend with some awesome live music!

This Friday night, I’ll appear with my old country band, “Rounder” to support our local, community radio station KRFC! I sang with Rounder for about 12 years in the 80’s and early 90’s and it’s great to see they’re still going strong. I can’t wait to croon with them again! Put those dancin’ shoes on and come join us! See details below:

KRFC Dance Friday evening 12-4! The fundraiser continues with a dance at the Bar SS in LaPorte, Colorado. (It’s what used to be called the Swing Station). Music and dancing starts at 8pm, and the $5 door charge will be donated to KRFC. The band for the evening is "Rounder". Some very special guests who are also KRFC DJ's and local musicians who have been members of "Rounder" throughout its 25+ year history in Fort Collins will join the band for the evening's entertainment!

THEN, on Saturday and Sunday night, I’ll appear with Johnsmith for our annual 2 day extravaganza at Avo’s! I have been privileged to sing harmonies with Johnsmith for many years now, each time he comes to Fort Collins to perform. We’re on our third year of 2 consecutive (SRO!) nights of singer/songwriter bliss at Avo’s. As in the past, Mark Sloniker will be joining us on keyboard on Sunday night, adding another layer to John’s great songs. Saturday’s show starts at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday’s show a tad earlier at 7. Tickets are $17 general admission each night. Get your tix before these shows sell out! www.quantumarts.net

Hope to see you at one or more of these events! Stay warm! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com/colleencrossonmusic
www.reverbnation.com/colleencrosson
www.twitter.com/colleensings
www.linkedin.com/colleencrosson

November Greetings to everyone! Here in Colorado we are delighting in the fact that we can have record snow falls in October one week, and record high temps exactly one week later! I’ve never considered myself an extremist, but I guess I live in a state that is…..Never a dull moment!

The music biz has been a bit slow for me lately, and I could get overly concerned about that, but I instead have taken these “free” weekends (and weekdays for that matter), and turned them into marvelous opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Emma and I are going to see “the Crucible” tonight, if there are still tickets available; it’s a “Weekend for Strings” concert with Myles (he’s in it!) on Saturday afternoon, and a birthday party on Saturday night, and then I’m off to see “Wicked” in Denver on Sunday! Tuesdays are reserved for horseback riding with Jeanne in Glacier View Meadows, and I had a 3 hour lunch with some old vet hospital buddies yesterday! Lovin’ it!

I do have some great musical fun planned for these last 2 months of the year (can you believe we’re fast approaching 2010??). I’ll give you the “save the date” short version first and you can read the details for each further on. And remember, music is always a great gift for the upcoming holidays! You can purchase all my CDs from my website www.colleencrosson.com. I also offer gift certificates for guitar or voice lessons, if you’re looking for a unique gift! Happy Gratitude Month! Colleen

Saturday, Nov. 14th, 6-10 p.m. - 1st Anniversary Benefit “Duncan’s Dinner” at Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Sunday, Nov. 15th, 7 p.m. – Annual Gratitude Concert with “the Unitics” at Unity of Fort Collins

Friday, Nov. 20th, 8-10 p.m. – solo show at The Tap Room @ the Catalyst

Saturday, Nov. 21st – solo performance, private birthday party (always fun!)

Saturday, Nov. 28th, 8:30-11:30 p.m. – Jay’s Bistro

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5th and 6th – concerts with Johnsmith at Avo’s!

Now for the details…

Duncan’s Dinner is a benefit for Duncan’s Place, a cat sanctuary in Loveland. Biaggi’s is located in the Promenade Shops at Centerra, Loveland, CO. I will play a set during the “social cat-tail hour” from 6-7 p.m. The celebration includes a fine Italian dinner, cocktails and ‘Italian Champagne’ toast, a silent auction, lively mystery game and a slide presentation by Founder/Director, Cathy Campbell. Tickets are $50pp or the 'Alley Cat Gang special price is 4 tickets for $180. Available on duncansplace.org or call 970-214-2233.

Our annual Gratitude concert at Unity is something Mark Sloniker and I always look forward to each year. It is one way we say thanks to our spiritual home and all the folks in our community who support our musical adventures throughout the year. Everyone is welcome! We will take a “love offering” with all proceeds donated to Unity and will share potluck apps and desserts after the show. We are sure to have several guests, including Oscar deZoto (aka Rob Wojtowick), Dr. Cory Carroll, Myles Sloniker and more.

The Tap Room is located at 3501 S. Shields St., Fort Collins. There is a $5 cover at the door. This is a great, cozy venue for intimate listening and gathering with friends. They always have a fine collection of new beers and wines to try.

Jay’s Bistro is located at 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. I’ll join Mark Sloniker on piano and Erik Applegate on bass. I am excited that Erik will be joining us, as it’s been some time since I’ve had the pleasure of gigging with him. Erik is one of the finest acoustic bass players around!

Quantum Arts presents Johnsmith at Avo’s for 2 nights the first weekend in December! I have been privileged to sing harmonies with Johnsmith for many years now, each time he comes to Fort Collins to perform. We’re on our third year of 2 consecutive (SRO!) nights of singer/songwriter bliss at Avo’s. As in the past, Mark Sloniker will be joining us on keyboard on Sunday night - always a special treat. Saturday’s show starts at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday’s show a tad earlier at 7. Tickets are $17 general admission each night. Get your tix before these shows sell out! www.quantumarts.net

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com/colleencrossonmusic
www.reverbnation.com/colleencrosson
www.twitter.com/colleensings
www.linkedin.com/colleencrosson

Chilly greetings to you! I am ready for some warmer weather – how about you? My Dad is here visiting, and though we’ve kept quite busy with plays, music, crossword puzzles, good meals and conversation, we are hankering for some typical Colorado sunshine to fully enjoy more outdoor activities! I’ve spent the last couple of weekends attending other musicians’ shows, and now I’m ready for a few of my own! Here’s what public performances are coming right up:

Kathryn Mostow described our upcoming show so beautifully in her recent newsletter, that I have copied it here. Hope you can join us this Friday night at Avo’s, for a show chock full of talent and surprises! Avo’s is located at 605 S. Mason St. in Fort Collins.

Kathryn and Colleen's Annual Harvest Show
This Friday Oct. 16 at 8 PM
Avogadro's Number, FoCo

Colleen and I always have fun getting ready for our annual Harvest show, and this year is no exception. We like to try something new with each concert we do, and this time, we are thrilled to have several special guests sharing the night with us.

First off, we'll be joined by the talented Derf Green on percussion (Derf played in my band at the Tuna Fish and PB show in August). We'll also be graced by the harmony gifts of Our Mothers' Daughters alumna Krisann Meyer-Corcoran. Finally, we are lucky to have Bob Montgomery (also from my PB and Tuna Fish gig) sitting in with us on Hammond organ and piano.

So, what's not to like about this show, I ask you?! Come on out and treat yourself to a night of good ol' acoustic music, fried foods (Avo's secret weapon), and local brews.

Showtime is 8 PM, and there is a $10 cover. For more info: http://www.avogadros.com

We sure hope to see you there. Stay warm!

Next Saturday night, October 24th, I’ll sing “jazz, etc.” with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart on bass at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St. in Fort Collins. Show time is 8:30-11:30 pm.

Thanks a bunch! Feel free to visit me on the following sites to chat, get more performance details, or to listen to music from my recordings, Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com/colleencrossonmusic
www.reverbnation.com/colleencrosson
www.twitter.com/colleensings
www.linkedin.com/colleencrosson

I was on facebook yesterday and read a friend’s status that really made me chuckle:

I am reading other statuses, but your status is important to me. Please stay online and your status will be read in priority sequence. Approximate wait time 28 min...

I suppose what made it especially pertinent is that I had done (more than) my share of waiting on the phone this week trying to take care of business in several arenas, and getting similar messages each time. I thought technology was supposed to save us time, but, in the end, I’m finding it just eats more of it. Oh well, at least Carrie helped me find the humor in it all – thanks!

Mark and I have been working on getting the new CD, “Miracles” out to radio stations locally and around the country. It always helps to have fans call in and request songs from the new record, so if you have a favorite and would like to hear it over the radio airwaves, please feel free to encourage your favorite stations to play it! Locally, you can call KRFC 88.9 FM at 970-221-5065 and KUNC 91.5 FM at 1-800-443-5862 or 970-378-2579. If there is a radio station you’d like us to send a copy to, let us know. Thanks for helping us to spread the music!

A few gigs coming up:

This Saturday, Sept. 19th, I’ll be at Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano and Marty Rein (from the Liz Barnez Band!) on bass. The band plays from 8:30-11:30 pm, with Mark doing a solo set from 6-8 pm.

Monday, Sept. 28th, Mark Sloniker and I will do a concert at Evangelical Covenant Church, 4825 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins, as part of their monthly “Grace Notes” concert series. This series features local artists in a relaxed, informal venue, with no admission charged and no offering requested. It is their (and our) gift to the community! Performance time is 7-8 pm. Call 970-223-6507 for more information.

Friday, Oct. 16th, Kathryn Mostow and I will do our annual “Harvest” concert at Avo’s! Stay tuned for more details on this, but mark your calendars now! Derf Green will join us on percussion and Krisann Meyer-Corcoran (Our Mothers’ Daughters) will make a guest appearance on a few tunes with her harmony vocals. Sure to be a sweet show to celebrate fall and our bountiful harvests of all kinds!

Thanks for listenin’ and supporting live, local music! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com
www.reverbnation.com
www.twitter.com
www.linkedin.com

Summer’s winding down and there’s been a noticeable chill in the early morning air– I know, since the alarm now goes off before 6 a.m. with the kids back in school. It’s a bit of a shock to the system (the alarm AND the chilly air!), but I do so like the transitional seasons, so I’m actually looking forward to more fall-ish weather. There are a few more summer musical events to celebrate, however, and here they are, in brief, with details below:

Saturday, Aug. 22nd, 4-7 pm – Larimer Dems Annual picnic with “Three of a Kind” (Colleen Crosson, Julie Hoest, Cheri Nichols)

Friday, Aug. 28, 8:00 pm – Avo’s concert on the back patio with “Three of a Kind”

Saturday, Sept. 5th, 7:30 pm – house concert with Judith Avers and Colleen Crosson

And the colorful details:

Sat, Aug 22: LARIMER DEMS ANNUAL PICNIC
Join Congresswoman Betsy Markey, Governor Bill Ritter, Colorado Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, State Senator Bob Bacon, Representative Randy Fischer & Representative John Kefalas at the Larimer County Democratic Party's Annual Picnic!
This year we will be featuring a Colorado menu (including vegetarian options). If you've never picnicked in Dian Sparling’s backyard, you don't want to miss this opportunity! We'll hear from a variety of special guests, followed by home-grown music from dedicated Larimer Dems Cheri Nichols, Julie Hoest and Colleen Crosson, known as “Three of a Kind”. Don’t miss the fun!
Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Fort Collins
For more info, and to sign up: www.LarimerDems.org

Three of a Kind’s Avo’s show on Friday, August 28th, 8 pm – That’s Julie Hoest, Cheri Nichols, and me, returning for an outdoor concert of fabulous harmonies on their famous patio. It’ll have been almost a year since our last show, and we have lots of new tunes for you! Admission is $12 at the door.

Judith Avers used to live in Colorado, but now hails from West Virginia. While in CO, she created (with the help of harmonica man Dan Barerras and guitar wizard, Billy Varn) the band I Know Jack, which played all originals by Judith and were often compared to bands like "Blues Traveler" or other popular jam bands. After a fairly successful 6 year run with IKJ, 3 studio albums, hundreds of songs written, lots of crazy fun shows, a few wedding proposals, several human teeth and some solid friendships still in place, Judith decided to quit the band and explore a solo career as a singer/songwriter.

While in Colorado, Judith was fortunate enough to share the stage or appear on albums with such great talents as The Fray, Born in The Flood, Yonder Mountain String Band, Hazel Miller, Gregory Alan Isakov, Holly Near, Glen Phillips, John Sebastian, Devotchka, John Magnie from the Subdudes, Liz Barnez, and Nina Storey.

Judith’s voice is described as one that “can melt the coldest hearts and souls… able to touch your soul in such a way that you can’t forget it for weeks. The songs on her latest release “Mountain and Shore,” her second CD in 4 years, are without exception breathtaking, musically as well as textually.” Check out her website at www.judithavers.com to hear for yourself!

And something else to put on your calendars for October – Kathryn Mostow and I will be doing a show at Avo’s on Oct. 16th. I LOVE singing with Kathryn – a sweet and soulful singer and songwriter! More details in the coming weeks…

Thanks for supporting live music! Colleen

Also visit me on these music and social sites:
www.colleencrosson.com (where you can purchase the new CD, “Miracles…and other works of heart”)
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com
www.reverbnation.com
www.twitter.com
www.linkedin.com

Merry mid-summer to all! For some of us, the summer will be winding down pretty quickly here as kids return to school in 2 weeks – yikes!! Did that just fly by, or what?? I have just returned from my annual family sojourn to the Jersey shore. This year, we rented a house right on the beachfront which was absolutely delightful! While there, we celebrated my mom’s life with many friends and family from all over the eastern seaboard. It was great to gather with cousins and their families, some that I have not seen in many years. What a sweet, memory filled time it was in honoring our mom. We continue to miss her dearly…..

Now that I’m back, I have a few gigs to report –

One is this very morrow, Tuesday, Aug. 4th at the Harmony Grill, 1544 Oakridge Dr. (near the corner of Harmony and McMurray). I’ll do a solo show from 6-9 pm in the lounge. I played there for the first time a few weeks ago, and it’s a very nice room with a great menu and a wonderful in-house sound system. I hope you can make it down!

I’ll also be at Jay’s Bistro on Sat., Aug. 15th with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart on bass. The band plays from 8:30-11:30 pm.

And please mark your calendars for Three of a Kind’s Avo’s show on Friday, August 28th, 7:30 pm – That’s Julie Hoest, Cheri Nichols, and me, returning for an outdoor concert of fabulous harmonies on their famous patio. It’ll have been almost a year since our last show, and we have lots of new tunes for you! Admission is $12 at the door.

That’s all for now! Colleen

Visit me at:
www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com
www.reverbnation.com
www.twitter.com
www.linkedin.com

Happy Friday! Just a quick reminder of the 2 performances I have this weekend:

TONIGHT - Friday, July 10th, 8 -10 pm – I’ll do a solo show in the Tap Room @ Catalyst, 3501 S. Shields St., Fort Collins. I love this place! Dru and Cindy are doing a fine job with the music scene here and you gotta check it out! $5.00 cover at the door. I will have the new CD with me, but will probably not perform anything from it, as Mark’s the main instrumentalist on those songs – I only play guitar on one. However, you will have a chance to hear all those songs and more on….

Sunday, 7/12, 7 pm - when Mark Sloniker and I have our CD release concert at Avo’s! We’ll be on the backyard stage - an intimate setting featuring songs from our new release “Miracles…and other works of heart”. Special guests will include Cory Carroll on bass and Oscar DeZoto on drums. $10 cover at the door for the full band! This will be the only event planned for this summer where we will feature most, if not all the songs from the CD “live” on one night. Come celebrate with us if you can!

Next week’s reminders….

Tuesday, July 14th, 6-9 pm, I debut at Harmony Grill, 1544 Oakridge Dr., Fort Collins. This place has been many incarnations in recent years (Mulligans, Somi’s, the Savvoy…) and we really hope this one sticks around! You can help by coming out to enjoy live music in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Wednesday 7/15, 6:30-8:30 pm - CSU Lagoon concert featuring Colleen Crosson and Mark Sloniker with Mark Raynes on drums and Marty Kenny on bass.
**Please note time change! I had it wrong in my last e-mail**

Saturday, July 18th, 8:30-11:30 pm – Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker

Thanks, and have a great weekend, whatever your plans! Colleen

Visit me at:
www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com
www.reverbnation.com
www.twitter.com
www.linkedin.com

It’s me again! A REALLY short note to let you know my NEW website is up and running! You can now order the new CD “Miracles…and other works of heart” straight from the website, and also these really cool, removable/reusable stickers called DolphinFeet. Check ‘em out! www.colleencrosson.com Thanks! Colleen

Hi again – I hope I’m not overloading you with the recent barrage of e-mails! I forgot to mention one fun event, and also, I was told some folks did not get the second half of the e-mail I sent with all the Deepak Chopra info (which contained all my gigs for July!). There are a veritable slew of them, but all have their own unique twist on several different styles of music, so I’m sure you’ll find something just right for you on a day that works best in your schedule!

So, the one thing I forgot to mention was that Mark and I will perform on KRFC’s “Live @ Lunch” on Tuesday afternoon, June 30th, from noon-1 pm. We will be highlighting songs from our new CD, “Miracles…and other works of heart” (of course!). You can tune into KRFC at 88.9 FM or stream it live at www.krfcfm.org We have appeared several times on “Live @ Lunch” and always had a blast! Hope you can join us.

And here’s the rest of my July calendar (with a couple more additions) :

July 4th, Avo’s, 2-8 pm “Help a Local Hero July 4th Celebration” - A full afternoon of music with all admission proceeds being contributed to “Homes for Our Troops”. We will be specifically helping SSgt John Jones, a Fort Collins Marine who was severely injured in a mine explosion in Iraq in 2005. Help us build a home for him, his wife, Amber, and their 3 children that will accommodate his needs and enable him and his family to concentrate on recovery and their future! Admission is just $10, with an a la carte BBQ available for your dining pleasure. Mark Sloniker and I will perform from 4-5:30. Lauren Joy starts out the afternoon and Neargrass Junction closes out the evening from 6-7:30 pm. All this, and you can still get to City Park for the Fireworks that night!

Tuesday, 7/7, Oak Street Plaza, 11:30-1pm - Noon Time Notes - Colleen Crosson & Mark Sloniker. We’ll perform mostly jazz in anticipation of the upcoming Fort Collins Jazz Experience that weekend. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the tunes!

Friday, July 10th, 8-10 pm – I’ll do a solo show in the Tap Room @ Catalyst, 3501 S. Shields St., Fort Collins. I love this place! Dru and Cindy are doing a fine job with the music scene here and you gotta check it out! $5.00 cover at the door

Sunday, 7/12, 7 pm - Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson CD release concert at Avo’s! We’ll be on the backyard stage - an intimate setting featuring songs from our new release “Miracles…and other works of heart”! $10 at the door. This will be the only event planned for this summer where you can enjoy most, if not all the songs from the CD “live” on one night! We are bound to have some very talented and special guests….

Tuesday, July 14th, 6-9 pm, I debut at Harmony Grill, 1544 Oakridge Dr., Fort Collins. This place has been many incarnations in recent years (Mulligans, Somi’s, the Savvoy…) and we really hope this one sticks around! You can help by coming out to enjoy live music in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Wednesday 7/15, 6:00-8:00 pm - CSU Lagoon concert featuring Colleen Crosson, Mark Sloniker and Mark Raynes (so far!).

Saturday, July 18th, 8:30-11:30 pm – Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker

Thanks, once again, for all your support in these last few weeks, and always! Colleen

Visit me at:
www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com
www.reverbnation.com
www.twitter.com
www.linkedin.com

Just a short news flash - the CDs have arrived! Our friends at Savvant Music have created a link to pre-order CDs specifically for those folks going to the Deepak Chopra event this Tuesday. This will expedite things with such a large crowd, as there will be a quick “pick up” line for pre-paid orders. This site is not set up for orders to be mailed, but you can still place your order here if you are not going to the show, but are willing to pick up your order from Mark or me at our house, Jay’s Bistro, or Unity. We are in the process of getting the CD onto our websites for regular ordering with shipping options. Thanks so much for your enthusiastic support of this project! Cheers! Colleen

Here’s the link: http://savvantmusic.com/miracles.html

Hi all – I am just back from another sweet (though still steeped in sadness) visit with my Dad and brother in NJ, following the death of my Mom on June 9th. It’s a very unsettling feeling to lose a parent and I have been on a roller coaster of emotions in these past weeks. My mom was a very dear soul who loved us all so beautifully and well, and we will miss her deeply on this plane. My sister and I, along with my Dad and a dear family friend were at her bedside in her final hours. What a life-changing experience… Thanks to all who have been offering their prayers, best thoughts and wonderful service to our family during this time of transition. You are truly amazing.

Music has always been a healing force in my life, and I continued to keep most of my musical engagements while going through this process. I could be a sobbing mess beforehand, but once I started singing, something took over and the sweet memories of my Mom strengthened me and carried me through. I could feel her presence particularly at my house concert with David Roth on June 11th, at the Happy Heart Farm Solstice Celebration on June 12th, and at Unity the next morning – so soon after her passing. Thanks to those of you sharing in these events and thanks, Mom, for all that I am and continue to become because of you.

The Music News:

The new Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson CD “Miracles…and other works of heart” has been shipped (I think!) and should arrive on our porch sometime late this week. We could have it in time for my appearance with Mark at Jay’s Bistro this coming Saturday night, June 27th. Roger Barnhart will join us on bass for an 8:30-11:30 pm show. Come on down to hear great jazz, savor tasty food, enjoy a glass of wine, and hopefully get a peak at this new CD!

Next up!! Courtesy of BellaSpark Productions -

Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson to debut their new CD
"Miracles... and other works of heart"
at the Deepak Chopra event on Tues. June 30th

Mark and Colleen, two of Fort Collins' most celebrated musicians
bring their inspiring music to the community once again.
The pair will open for Deepak Chopra at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center beginning at 6:45.
Be sure to come early so you don't miss the debut of their newest creation.

From Mark: I have great respect and admiration for Deepak Chopra. I have enjoyed his books and have greatly appreciated his intellect and his insight, his humility and his humanity.

This night marks the debut of our new CD "Miracles...and other works of heart" which sort of chronicles our journey on what Carlos Casteneda called the "Paths of Heart". This is a CD of songs (68 minutes of songs) we wrote; I would call them "Heart Songs" (I will be saying more later regarding this recording...but we are very happy to have completed this CD for the June 30 celebration).

Duke Ellington once said, "Don't give me time - give me a deadline!" That quote happily applies to this occasion. This could be the event of the season.

AND coming up in the next few weeks:

July 4th, Avo’s, 2-8 pm “Help a Local Hero July 4th Celebration” - A full afternoon of music with all admission proceeds being contributed to “Homes for Our Troops”. We will be specifically helping SSgt John Jones, a Fort Collins Marine who was severely injured in a mine explosion in Iraq in 2005. Help us build a home for him, his wife, Amber, and their 3 children that will accommodate his needs and enable him and his family to concentrate on recovery and their future! Admission is just $10, with an a la carte BBQ available for your dining pleasure. Mark Sloniker and I will perform from 4-5:30. Lauren Joy starts out the afternoon and Neargrass Junction closes out the evening from 6-7:30 pm. All this, and you can still get to City Park for the Fireworks that night!

Tuesday, 7/7, Oak Street Plaza, 11:30-1pm - Noon Time Notes - Colleen Crosson & Mark Sloniker. We’ll perform mostly jazz in anticipation of the upcoming Fort Collins Jazz Experience that weekend. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the tunes!

Sunday, 7/12, 7 pm - Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson CD release concert at Avo’s! We’ll be on the backyard stage - an intimate setting featuring songs from our new release “Miracles…and other works of heart”! $10 at the door. This will be the only event planned for this summer where you can enjoy most, if not all the songs from the CD “live” on one night! We are bound to have some very talented and special guests….

Wednesday 7/15, 6:30 pm - CSU Lagoon concert featuring Colleen Crosson, Mark Sloniker and Mark Raynes (so far!).

Thanks, once again, for all your support in these last few weeks, and always! Colleen

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Howdy All! I know my last newsletter contained LOTS of info, so I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss that I am hosting a house concert with Wind River recording artist David Roth this coming Thursday night. It’s been quite some time since we did a house concert here, and it is always a fun and intimate music experience! I have attached a flyer with more detailed information on David, who hails from Cape Cod these days. I have performed several of David’s songs through the years – “Rising in Love” is a favorite at weddings, “Earth” has been performed at many Earth Day and Hour for Peace events, “May the Light of Love” is my favorite Thanksgiving song, and “Looking in for Number One” just might top the list! I’ll be opening for David, and I hope to join him on some or all of these tunes during his set! We will attempt an outdoor potluck snack time during intermission, if the rain and the gathering mosquitoes don’t beat us out! Here are the details (and also take a look at the flyer):

Thursday, June 11th, 7:30 pm – House concert with David Roth. Reservations are required, as space is limited. Suggested donation is $15. Bring a snack item and beverage to share, if you’d like. I will e-mail all concert goers a day or two before the concert with directions, as needed.

Another fun event next weekend:

Saturday, June 13th, 5:30 -11 pm - Happy Heart Farm Summer Celebration. Festivities will include a “Meet & Greet”, Farm Tour, Potluck Dinner (bring your own plates, cups, & silverware), music by Happy Heart Farm members Colleen Crosson and Kathryn Mostow, (who are delighted to be joined by Cheri Nichols!) and a bonfire. This event is free for farm members and $9 for non-members. I’d encourage all folks contemplating joining a CSA (Community Supporting Agriculture) to join us in the frivolity to see what this wonderful, loving community is all about! Happy Heart Farm is located at 2820 W. Elizabeth St., though to enter the farm, you’ll turn north on Kimball Rd. and take your first left on W. Plum St. Go thru the gate and park along the fence or where the parking guide directs.

Update on the new Mark Sloniker/Colleen Crosson CD “Miracles…and other works of heart” – the final mixes have been shipped off to Nashville for mastering and manufacturing, and we do intend to have them here by the end of June!

That’s all for now. Hope to see you soon! Best, Colleen

I know I’ve been silent for a while, and here’s why - Mark Sloniker and I have been working “feverishly” (in a good way) on our new CD, “Miracles….and other works of heart”!! Especially in these last couple of weeks, we’ve spent A LOT of time in the studio, and have had little time for much else. Our kids have been very forgiving – as I was apologizing again for being gone so much, Emma said, “It’s ok, Mom. You’ve only been talking about this CD since I was six!” (she just turned 14 last week…). And she’s right…so it’s about time these songs got recorded and released to the world! We have one more day of tracking, and then we start the mixing process on Sunday. We have a friend/producer that Mark has known since his Hollywood record label days that is flying in from Nashville tomorrow with his invaluable pair of ears to help with the mix. We’re very excited that this project is almost finished and we thank all of you who provided the encouragement we needed to get it going. I don’t know how Mark has the energy to do all his gigs AND the recording - I’ve been laying low - but I do have several public performances coming up and some fun concerts this summer, so I’ll just give you the whole line-up so far and you can mark your favorites on the calendar, eh?

Saturday, May 23rd, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart on bass at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. Always love my monthly performances at Jay’s. If you’ve never been, come on down and see what you’ve been missing!

Monday, May 25th, 9:30 am- noon (approximately) – I’ll sing with “Swing Essence” for the annual Houska Houska 5K (a spoof on the BolderBOULDER!). This very worthwhile event is a benefit for the Bone Marrow Donor Program and the Cancer Center at Poudre Valley Hospital. Get all the details on the “race” (no ordinary 5K, and we’re proud of it!) at www.houskaautomotive.com I think they’ll even let you just join the party afterwards (behind Houska Automotive, 899 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, 970-482-0156) as long as you give a donation to the cause! It’s quite a hoot – lots of folks in costumes and much frivolity. Check it out!

Thursday, June 11th – House concert with Wind River recording artist David Roth (no, not David LEE Roth!). David hails from Cape Cod, MA these days and is a brilliant songwriter. His song “Rocket Science” just went up on the Space Shuttle Atlantis this week! His latest (and 10th) CD “Practice Makes Progress” was released in 2008. It’s been quite awhile since we had a house concert at our place, and we’d love to have you join us. I will do an opening set and also join David with some harmonies on my personal favorites! Call 970-493-4424 or email me at ccrosson@peakpeak.com for reservations. $15 suggested donation.

Tuesday, June 30th, 6:30 pm (or so) – Mark and I are thrilled to be opening for Deepak Chopra at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center. Chopra is one of the most dynamic and influential personalities in the spiritual and holistic health arenas, and this is his first Fort Collins appearance. He will speak on “The Nature of Consciousness”. The program will officially start at 7 pm, but Mark and I will be playing some beforehand, too. We will debut some of our songs from the new “Miracles…” CD and fully intend to have them available for sale that night, too! Tickets are $50 and $75 and are going fast. Purchase at www.lctix.com or visit www.bellaspark.com for more info.

Tuesday, July 7th, 11:30 am-1 pm – Mark Sloniker and I will do a “Noontime Notes” concert on Oak St. Plaza, Fort Collins. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some tunes in the summer air!

Friday, July 10th, 8-10 pm – I’ll do a solo show in the Tap Room @ Catalyst, 3501 S. Shields St., Fort Collins. I love this place! Dru and Cindy are doing a fine job with the music scene here and you gotta check it out! $5.00 cover at the door

Tuesday, July 14th, 6-9 pm, I debut at Harmony Grill, 1544 Oakridge Dr., Fort Collins. This place has been many incarnations in recent years (Mulligans, Somi’s, the Savvoy…) and we really hope this one sticks around! You can help by coming out to enjoy live music in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Wednesday, July 15th, 6-8 pm – I’ll join the Mark Sloniker Group at a “Lagoon Concert” at CSU. This is one of my favorite outdoor concert series – big green lawn, good friends, and a picnic dinner – what more could you ask for?

Friday, August 28th, 7:30 pm – “Three of a Kind” (Julie Hoest, Cheri Nichols, and me) returns to Avo’s (605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins) for an outdoor concert on their famous patio. It’ll have been almost a year since our last show, so don’t miss it! $12 at the door.

Well, I hope my taking you through August doesn’t make you feel like summer is already over! Sometimes it moves that fast. But really, it hasn’t even begun yet, so relax, kick off your shoes, take a deep breath, and enjoy the music!

Colleen
www.colleencrosson.com
Also visit me on myspace, facebook, reverbnation, linkedin. and twitter! I am becoming quite the computer girl…..

Hi all – here’s what’s “on tap” for me musically in the next couple of weeks:

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 11th, I’ll be back at Jay’s Bistro singing jazz with Mark Sloniker on piano and acoustic bass player Roger Barnhart. *Please note the change in performance time: We’ll start at 8:00 pm and end at10:30 pm, so Jay’s staff has plenty of time to set up for their magnificent Easter Brunch on Sunday! Mark plays a solo set from 6-8 pm.

Saturday, April 18th, 7-9 pm, I’ll do a solo show in the Taproom @ the Catalyst, 3501 S. Shields St. (just north of Horsetooth Rd.), in Fort Collins. This is a cozy venue that has reopened after a (very short) closure, and the new management is even more dedicated to featuring a plethora of talented local musicians for your listening pleasure. The one change is that the musicians now count solely on your generous donations to support their shows, so there is a cover charge. The suggested cover this night will be $5. I hope you find this a reasonable cost for a relaxing night out, listening to fine folk music.

Have a great weekend and for those who are visited by the Easter Bunny, I hope he is good to you!

www.colleencrosson.com
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Greetings on this snowy afternoon! For all those looking for some kind of adventure tonight, I have a last minute suggestion! I will be joining Mark Sloniker tonight at Jay’s Bistro, since his originally scheduled guest musician will not be venturing up from south Denver in this weather. We will be joined by Roger Barnhart on bass, and play from 8:30-11:30 pm.

While I’m here, I’ll remind you about Mark’s and my concert at Unity of Fort Collins tomorrow night, Sunday, April 5th. We’ll be featuring some of the songs we are in the process of recording, with a new CD scheduled for release early summer! Admission is on a love offering basis, with proceeds benefiting Unity, as well as the aforementioned recording project. We’ll start at 7 pm, do about an hour and a half show and then convene in the Rumi Room for potluck appetizers and desserts. You can still be in bed by 9:30, if you so choose!

Hope to see you sometime this weekend! Cheers! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
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Hi everyone – For those of you who got an e-mail from “me” earlier today, I trust you realize that was really from Mark, who inadvertently sent out HIS music news under MY alias. He has certainly had his share of e-mail mistakes lately…. We could normally blame it on lack of sleep; however I would think he’d feel well rested, as we are just back from an awesome spring break with the family in Grants Pass, OR, where my sister recently moved. She now lives on an organic medicinal herb farm, where we fell asleep every night to a chorus of frogs that was both soothing and magical, and slept in late while the early morning mists cleared into mostly sunny days. We also spent some time on the OR coast and in the CA Redwoods – spectacular scenery! I brought back lots of ocean rocks (distributing them amongst ALL our carry-ons!) – the colors and shapes are amazing! I incidentally also celebrated my 50th birthday while there! At least I am feeling fully rejuvenated and ready for:

My “Bloom” spring concert this Friday night, March 27th, with Kathryn Mostow at Avo’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins. We are excited that Cheri Nichols will be joining us for some 3 part harmony sprinkled liberally throughout the night! She is an awesome vocalist and adds a delightful, new dimension to Kathryn’s and my songs. I hope you can join us for this very special show. The show starts at 8 pm and tickets are just $10 at the door. For those arriving early, you will be treated to the T Band Bluegrass Show, from 5:30-7:30!

Also on the horizon:

Sunday, April 5th, 7 pm – Mark Sloniker and I will be having our semi-annual concert at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. We usually do this one around Valentine’s Day, but February just got away from us somehow, so we thought April would be a fine month to celebrate, too! Admission is on a love offering basis, with half the proceeds going to our Unity, and the other half to Mark’s and my “Heartsongs” CD project, which is well underway now, thanks to your continuous encouragement! We are thrilled to be sharing these songs with you, with the finished recording scheduled for a June release date. We intend to have several guests joining us – they just don’t know it yet! And, as usual, we will share some potluck munchies afterwards, so bring an appetizer or dessert to share, if you please.

Saturday, April 11th, I’ll be back at Jay’s Bistro singing jazz with Mark Sloniker on piano and an acoustic bass player TBA. Showtime is 8:30-11:30 pm, with Mark doing a solo set from 6-8 pm.

Saturday, April 18th, 7-9 pm, I’ll do a solo show in the Taproom @ the Catalyst, 3501 S. Shields St. (just north of Horsetooth Rd.), in Fort Collins. Those of us who had enjoyed this cozy venue are happy to report it has reopened after a (very short) closure, and is even more dedicated to featuring a plethora of talented local musicians for your listening pleasure. The one change is that the musicians now count solely on your generous donations to support their shows, so there is now a cover charge. The suggested cover this night will be $5. I hope you find this reasonable for a relaxing night out, listening to fine folk songs.

I guess that’s all I’ll report for now. Stay tuned for the weather report, and intend that it doesn’t get in the way of our upcoming musical fun! Thanks a bunch! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
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Well, hello there! Remember me? I do believe it’s been well over a month since I sent out an update on my whereabouts! There hasn’t been that much gigging going on in the public sector, though I did spend the majority of last month gearing up for a private engagement where Mark and I (along with 4 other hep jazz cats) shared the bill with “KC and the Sunshine Band”. What a hoot! KC is still “struttin’ his stuff” and singin’ the hits, though his accompanying dancers are almost a third his age now!

So, it’s a new month, spring is in sight (if not already here, with these crazy warm temps!) and I do have some fun events to tell you about.

Coming up this very Saturday night, March 7th, at 7:30 pm, I will be sharing an opening set with Kathryn Mostow, as part of the Greyrock Commons House Concert Series. Headlining the night will be Rebecca Folsom. Rebecca has been writing and performing professionally for over 10 years, and has played on BBC television/radio, at Red Rocks Amphitheater in CO, The Bluebird and Opryland in Nashville, TN, Kerrville Folks Festival, TX, and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, CO. A true renaissance woman, she has released 6 CD’s, 2 books of poetry, and numerous paintings of fine art. She currently lives in both Boulder, CO and Nashville, TN. For more information, directions, and reservations please contact kathryn@butterflysound.com or call 970-484-1544 and leave a message with the number of people to attend. Suggested Donation: $10 – $15/person.

You will have another chance to see Kathryn and me again, headlining our own concert at Avogadro’s Number (Avo’s) on Friday, March 27th, at 8 pm. We are SO looking forward to doing this concert together, as it’s been about a year since our last concert. Tickets are $10. We will have new songs to share and mellifluous harmonies to spare!

Saturday, March 14th I’ll sing jazz with Mark Sloniker on piano and Roger Barnhart on bass at Jay’s Bistro. The band plays from 8:30-11:30 pm. Jay has been cookin’ up some fine specials and tantalizing treats for the lounge, for a truly affordable night out.

I am delighted to report that Catalyst Coffee has reopened under new ownership/management, and will be showcasing its “Tap Room” with special events and live music galore! I will be booking some dates there soon and will keep you posted.

Enjoy the spring weather and see you soon! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
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Always ready to see the blessing in every circumstance, since I haven’t had any gigs these past 2 weekends, I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure to be in the listening audience at a house concert both weekends. The first was with Kathryn Mostow and Justin Roth and was a real treat! I did sing a few songs with Kathryn, renewing the joy I feel when I sing with her. It had been awhile (she’s been on the pregnancy and birthing circuit ), but she’s back in the singing saddle now and we have planned a concert together at Avo’s for Friday, March 27th, which I am wholeheartedly looking forward to. I’ll be reminding you of that date in the weeks ahead, but feel free to put it on your calendars!

The other concert was with Krisann Meyer Corcoran (from Our Mothers’ Daughters) and Jeff Hoffman (Mountain Music). What an enjoyable night! I miss singing with Kris, too - she’s written some really great songs lately and accompanies herself admirably on her awesome, custom made K2 guitar. I’m trying to come up with some good reasons to have our friend Karen make one for me, too….

So, what musical adventures are out there for me to enjoy this coming weekend? You can send me your suggestions. In the meantime, there are 2 things right around the corner I thought I’d tell you about:

Tomorrow (Thursday), Mark Sloniker and I will be on KRFC’s “Interfaith Dialogue” with host Richard Thompson, from 6-6:30 pm MST. We actually taped the interview (on music and spirituality) live at our home studio a couple of weeks ago, as Mark’s and my schedules conflicted with the actual showtime. You can listen in at 88.9 FM or on the web at www.krfcfm.org . It’s a great discussion, and Mark and our son, Myles, also laid down a jazzy version of Amazing Grace for the show’s lead-in!

Saturday, Jan. 31st, from 9 am - 3 pm, Mark and I will again be facilitating our “Write With Your Heart” Playshop at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. We’ll be communing with the muse in a simple, sweet day of community, creating space for inner exploration through music, journaling, art, and meditation. Bring a potluck dish to share. Pre-registration is highly encouraged - call 970-493-4424 for more info on what the format will be and what to bring.

On Sunday, I’m off to the Jersey shore for a few days with my folks – always a joy!

Coming up in February:

Thursday, Feb. 12th, 7 pm - Symphony Soiree with Mark Sloniker on piano and Colleen Crosson on vocals at the home of Joe and Sherrie Frye. Proceeds benefit the Fort Collins Symphony. Call the Symphony office 970.482-4823 to reserve tickets or e-mail pnewman@fcsymphony.org

Saturday, Feb. 14th, (Valentine’s Day!) 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing your favorite love songs at Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano.

Hope to see you somewhere, sometime! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
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“The Holidays” are supposedly over, but I always resist taking down the tree and other decorations – I so love the sparkle and lights and bright colors. It brings me peace to sit quietly and stare. So our tree still stands, with presents still under it that beg to be put away, and I still turn on the outside lights at night. Maybe next week…..

Though I’m back to a full teaching schedule this week, my public performances are few and far between so far.

This Saturday night, January 10th, I’ll sing with Mark Sloniker (piano) and Roger Barnhart (bass) at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins. The band plays from 8:30 -11:30 pm.

For those that like to plan ahead, I’ll be back at Jay’s on Valentine’s Day, Sat., Feb. 14th, crooning love songs in various styles from several different eras. Treat your sweetie to a night on the town at Fort Collins’ favorite special occasion restaurant!

I think that’s it so far….I guess I’ll spend those other weekend nights working on our taxes…

Happy New Year everyone! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
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Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you are enjoying the season with friends and family in whatever tradition you embrace.

I had a slight change in schedule that I wanted to let you know about. My Dec. 26th Catalyst Coffee appearance has been changed to Saturday, Dec. 27th instead. Perhaps this will fit better in the “after Christmas” scheme of things. I hope to see you there! I play solo (vocals/guitar) from 7-9 pm. Catalyst is located just north of the Horsetooth and Shields intersection on the west side of the road. They offer the regular coffee house fare, as well as a fine selection of beer and wine and some food items (salads, pizza, etc.). Check out their website www.catalystcoffee.com for more details and money saving offers!

Tonight I’ll be at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr., participating in their 2 Christmas Eve Candle Lighting services at 6 and 8 pm. Soul stirring music will be provided by Mark Sloniker (piano), Cory Carroll (bass/vocals), Oscar deZoto (drums), Greg Churchman (vocals), Rachel Ladasky (flute), and me (vocals/guitar). Lynn Kendall leads the services and always provides a thought provoking and fresh view of life and spirituality! Come celebrate the season with us! Childcare is provided at the 6 pm service.

New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31st, I’ll be singing at Jay’s Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano, Erik Applegate (bass), Shilo Stroman (drums) and a mystery guest horn player! The band starts at 9 pm. Help us ring in the New Year!

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2009, Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

It’s here! The week many of us have been eagerly awaiting! Johnsmith will be in town for 2 concerts at Avo’s - on Saturday, Dec. 6th and again on Sunday, Dec. 7th. I’ll join him both nights on harmony vocals, and Mark Sloniker, on keyboards, will join us on Sunday night. Tickets for each night are $17 (a bargain, particularly for Sunday night!). Saturday’s show starts at 7:30 pm, while Sunday’s show starts a bit earlier at 7 pm (we understand it’s a school/work night). Tickets are available at Avo’s, the Finest, and now Catalyst Coffee, as well. Both shows sold out last year, so grab your tickets as soon as you can or you might miss out. See ya there!

On a side note, John will also be joining Mark and I as the featured guest artist for Sunday morning services at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr., Fort Collins, 9 and 10:30 am.

In other news, I am disappointed to tell you that Wildrock Café has closed indefinitely, so I will not be doing my scheduled Dec. 20th gig there. I was sorry to hear the news, as it was a really cool place with great food, and I hope that they’ll be able to reopen at some point, as is their intention.

The rest of December is dotted with private holiday parties, but here are my other public performances:

Wednesday, Dec. 24th, 6 and 8 pm – Christmas Eve Services at Unity of Fort Collins. Mark Sloniker and I will be joined by Cory Carroll on bass, Oscar deZoto on drums, and several other special guests, for an evening of magical music and sweet celebration of the season. Childcare is provided at the early service.

I will now sing with Mark Sloniker at Jay’s on Dec. 20th instead of the 27th, as originally scheduled. The band plays from 8:30-11:30 pm, bass player TBA.

Friday, Dec. 26th, 8-10 pm – I’ll do a solo performance (vocals/guitar) at Catalyst Espresso Bar and Tasting Lounge, (Catalyst Coffee, for short) 3501 S. Shields St. (just north of Horsetooth Rd.), in Fort Collins. Catalyst has a very casual, “neighborhood” atmosphere and is on the south side of town, which many of my fans have appreciated. Bring the visiting relatives and sample some unique wines and beers or a hot, frothy latte! The owners have recently started suggesting a $5 -10 cover at the door, with all proceeds going to the performing artists. Thank you (in advance) for your generosity!

Wednesday, Dec. 31st – Mark Sloniker and I will celebrate New Year’s Eve at our annual Jay’s Bistro gig. More details to come, but it’ll be a great band and we’ll start around 8:30 or 9 pm. Make those reservations early by calling Jay’s at 970-482-1876.

Happy Holidays to all, however and whatever you choose to celebrate! Light, love, and peace, Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

Blowing into your e-mailbox (nice wind, eh?) to let you know about this week’s (and beyond) musical “haps”:

This Saturday, November 15th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’m at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, with Mark Sloniker on piano and Marty Kenny on acoustic bass, singing a variety of jazzy tunes for your listening pleasure. Mark and I have been adding some new songs into the mix, so come on down and see “What’s New” (how is the world treating you?....No, that’s not one of the songs, but it’s a good one. Might have to add that one .

Sunday, November 16th, 7 pm, Mark Sloniker and I will play our annual Harvest/Gratitude Concert at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. We’ll feature several guest artists in the mix, including Cory Carroll on bass, Myles Sloniker on….any number of instruments…., Gerald Gates and Oscar deZoto (aka Rob Wojtowick) on drums, and Terry Meyer on vocals. We will share a dessert potluck immediately following the concert (chocolate is a perennial favorite!). Kids are welcome, as we plan on making it an early evening (9ish?), since it’s a school/work night. Admission is a love offering, with all proceeds going to Unity.

Saturday, November 22nd, 8-10 pm, I’m back at Wildrock Café, 2631 S. College (across from the Moot House), for a solo (vocals/guitar) performance. I’m really enjoying my once a month stint at this new venue, with its soothing ambience and wonderful food. Check it out!

The following week, I am looking forward, with gratitude, to lots of relaxing, hangtime with my family as we celebrate Thanksgiving. See you in December! Can you believe it??

Thanks for your support of local, live music during this past year. You make it all worthwhile! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

Well, what a difference a day makes…

Yesterday, many of us heard the news that Barack Obama will be coming to CSU Campus in Fort Collins this Sunday afternoon! This is indeed an exciting time, though the timing does not bode so well for the fundraiser event Mark Sloniker and I had committed to for Roger Hoffmann and his campaign for Larimer County Commissioner.

The concert was slated for 3 pm, and the general conclusion of all involved was that our attendance numbers would be greatly influenced by this momentous presidential event. The concert has therefore been moved to later in the evening, starting at 6:30 pm. Unfortunately, Mark and I will now not be able to be a part of the performance, due to a prior commitment. Guitarist Dave Beegle is still scheduled to play, as well as another terrific band (TBA soon!).

We certainly hope that after Obama’s appearance, many of you (with your buzzing energy!) will continue down South College to Crazy Jack’s Saloon, 6520 S. College Ave., to support Roger Hoffmann. As we all know, our work starts right here at home, and Roger is a clear choice to serve our county well, with intelligence, commitment, and understanding. More information is available at www.hoffmann2008.com.

Thank you for your consideration and have fun Sunday, whatever you do! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

This weekend’s musical opportunities…

Saturday, Oct. 25th, 8-10 pm – I’m back at the Wildrock Café, 2631 S. College Ave., Ft. Collins (across from the Moot House), for a solo performance (guitar/vocals) up in the mezzanine. We had a great group of folks joining us last month in this intimate setting. We continue to tweak the sound placement so more folks throughout the restaurant can enjoy the music! Please note, I’ll be there every fourth Saturday of the month, so you can plan ahead!

Sunday, Oct. 26th, 3-6 pm – Mark Sloniker and I will join guitarist extraordinaire Dave Beegle in a concert to benefit Roger Hoffmann’s campaign for Larimer County Commissioner. Mark and I will do a set, Dave will do a set, and then we’ll join together for a spontaneous jam! Roger is a great friend of ours and a top-notch choice to serve our county! Come support him at our concert at Crazy Jack’s Saloon, 6520 S. College Ave., Fort Collins. Tickets are $20 in advance (available at Crazy Jack’s, 4-7 pm daily, or at www.hoffmann2008.com ), and $25 at the door. Seating is limited, so get your tickets early! A cash bar will be available and light appetizers will be served.

And something to put on your calendar:

Johnsmith will be back in town on Sat. and Sun., December 6th and 7th for 2 shows at Avo’s and I will again be singing harmony with him on both nights! Mark Sloniker will again join us on Sunday night, too. We had a blast last year and fully intend to do so this year, as well! Help us repeat sell out shows on both nights! Go to www.quantumarts.net for more info.

Have a great weekend! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

Hi All – Well, fall is definitely in the air after that beautiful, long streak of delightfully warm weather. The trees are gorgeous and I’m relishing the transitions of this season. Hope you are enjoying them, too, and letting that bliss carry you through these uncertain times. I keep thinking of the David Wilcox song that says, “Prosperity will have its seasons…….” Yet, he reminds us that “all the roots grow deeper when it’s dry.” May we all grow deep roots that will nourish us in the days (and years!) ahead!

Here’s where I’ll be nourishing my soul with music in the weeks to come:

Saturday, Oct. 11th, 7-9 pm – I’m back at Catalyst Espresso Bar and Tasting Lounge, 3501 S. Shields St. (just north of Horsetooth Rd.), Ft. Collins. This was a fun gig last time I played, in a very casual, “neighborhood” atmosphere on the south side of town. Come join in the fun and sample some unique wines and beers or a hot, frothy latte!

Saturday, Oct. 18th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll be singing jazz, etc. at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak. St, Ft. Collins, with Mark Sloniker on piano and Marty Kenny on acoustic bass. This is always a favorite monthly happening!

Sunday, Oct. 19th, 10 am – I will be the guest musician at Living Life Church, a new, progressive spiritual community, based on the 12 Steps and focused on recovery, in Louisville, CO. Services are at the Louisville Recreation Center, 900 Via Appia. Visit their website to learn more about this loving community at www.livinglifechurch.org.

Saturday, Oct. 25th, 8-10 pm – I’m back at the Wildrock Café, 2631 S. College Ave., Ft. Collins (across from the Moot House), for a solo performance up in the mezzanine. We had a great group of folks joining us last month in this intimate setting. I’ll be there every fourth Saturday of the month, so you can plan ahead!

Sunday, Oct. 26th, 3-6 pm – Mark Sloniker and I will join guitarist extraordinaire Dave Beegle in a concert to benefit Roger Hoffmann’s campaign for Larimer County Commissioner. Roger is a great friend of ours and a top-notch choice to serve our county! Come support him at our concert at Crazy Jack’s Saloon, 6520 S. College Ave., Fort Collins. Tickets are $20 in advance (available at Crazy Jack’s, 4-7 pm daily, or at www.hoffmann2008.com ), and $25 at the door. Seating is limited, so get your tickets early! A cash bar will be available and light appetizers will be served.

That’s all for now, folks! As always, thank you for supporting live, local music! Colleen
www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

Hi all – just a quick reminder that I’ll be at Wildrock Café, 2631 S. College Ave., Ft. Collins (across from the Moot House), tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 27th, from 8-10 pm, for a solo performance up in their cozy mezzanine. For the folks that really want to hear the music and join me up there, it’ll be like a private concert! The downstairs patrons will also be able to hear, as I’ll have a small sound system this time. The food is quite good and you can print coupons and learn about special offers (like 2 for one meals!) on their website www.wildrockcafe.com . Hope to see you there!

I also wanted to mention that I realized there was a typo in my last newsletter, about the Happy Heart Fundraiser at Avo’s. It is SATURDAY, Oct. 4th (not Sunday, as I wrote). You can get all the details (as well as purchase tickets) on their website www.happyheartfarmcsa.com . It’ll be a fun afternoon (2-5 pm) of fine musical entertainment, fresh, locally grown food, and a chance to win many tempting items and services at the silent auction.

Have a great weekend, whatever you’re up to! Colleen
www.colleencrosson.com

Aaaahhh – glorious rain!! Now, I know the folks on the Gulf Coast aren’t seeing it quite the same way, and I am indeed keeping them in my thoughts and prayers that they remain out of harms way. However, in these “high desert plains” it is nearly always a welcome sight! I am confident that it will (as forecasted) wane by tomorrow, and turn sunny and dry, when Unity’s Fall Retreat up at the Buckhorn Camp (up Rist Canyon way) is in full swing. I will be there most of this weekend, relaxing in the cool mountain air and participating in many a songfest around a (soggy?) campfire and/or in the camp’s main lodge. It’s not too late to sign up! Go to www.unityfc.org for more info.

The coming weeks will also be full of musical fun. Here’s where I’ll be and I hope you may be, too!

Thursday, Sept. 18th, 7-10 pm – I’ll perform solo (guitar/vocals) at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins, subbing for Mark Sloniker (who will be doing 2 concerts at “Dazzle” in Denver that same night). This will be something “a little bit different” at Jay’s, so come on down and show them we like ALL kinds of music in the “jazz lounge”, eh?? I might even have some special guests sitting in…

Friday, Sept 19th, 8 pm – my debut concert with “Three of a Kind” – a women’s vocal trio (harmonies galore!) featuring Julie Hoest, Cheri Nichols and me, at Avogadro’s Number (Avo’s), 605 S. Mason St., Ft. Collins. We are planning to be on the back patio, weather permitting, for one last summer celebration outdoors! It might get a bit nippy, though, as the night progresses, so dress accordingly. We will be inside if the weather doesn’t happen to cooperate. Admission is $12 at the door. See attached FUN POSTER!

Saturday, Sept. 20th, 8:30 -11:30 pm – I’ll join pianist Mark Sloniker (back from smashingly successful concerts at Dazzle!), and bass player TBA back at Jay’s Bistro for our “regularly scheduled programming” of jazz (and more – I just can’t help myself….).

Saturday, Sept. 27th, 8-10 pm – I’m back at the Wildrock Café, 2631 S. College Ave., Ft. Collins (across from the Moot House) for a solo performance up in the mezzanine. I WILL bring a small sound system this time, so more folks can enjoy the tunes. We are still working out the best placement for music in the restaurant, so we may tweak it a bit, but the owners are committed to having live music in their fine establishment, so come out and let them know you support their efforts. Our family ate there the other night and the food is amazing! You can print coupons and learn about special offers on their website www.wildrockcafe.com

Saturday, Oct. 4th, 2-5 pm – I’ll participate in Happy Heart Farm’s fundraiser at Avogadro’s Number for their greenhouse project. If you don’t know about this CSA (Community Supporting Agriculture), go to their website and find out all they do for our community and how to become a member. www.happyheartfarmcsa.com The afternoon will include lots of farm fresh food, music, and a silent auction. Other performers will be Liz Barnez and local band “Handpicked” (including members from “Wildwood Holler!”). My set is at 2 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 11th, 7-9 pm – I’m back at Catalyst Espresso Bar and Tasting Lounge, 3501 S. Shields St., Ft. Collins. This was a fun gig last time I played, in a very casual, “neighborhood” atmosphere on the south side of town. Come join in the fun!

Whew! Hope you can put some of these on your calendars in the coming weeks. See you out and about and enjoy the cooler, fall weather! Best, Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

New Live Music Venue - Last minute gig!

This Saturday night, Aug. 30th, I’ll be performing at the Wildrock Café, 2631 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, from 8:30-10:30 pm. This is the old “Hooters” restaurant, and I’m so glad it’s been totally transformed! It’s really beautiful, inside and out – lots of natural stone and wood. I’ll be in the cozy upstairs balcony, where the acoustics are great. I’m not even bringing a sound system, so it will be a truly acoustic night. Check out their website at www.wildrockcafe.com and come on out for a relaxing evening in a soothing setting.

Just a note that the start time for my Avo’s concert on Sept. 19th with Julie Hoest and Cheri Nichols has been changed from 7:30 to 8 pm. The Just Jazz Quintet (JJQ) is on before us from 5-7 pm, so this will give Avo’s more time to transition between bands. We’ll be on the outside stage if weather permits, so join us for a fine (almost) fall evening.

Other upcoming dates:

Sept. 6th – private wedding and reception, Red Feather Lakes

Sept. 7th – another “mostly music Sunday” at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. 482-1620. Mark and I have once again been invited to lead Sunday services (both the message and the special music), so we will be sharing more than the usual number of spiritually inspiring songs, as well as ecstatic poetry from a variety of mystics. We will be joined by Cory Carroll on bass and Gerald Gates on drums. Services are 9 and 10:30 am.

Sept. 12th-14th – I’ll be sharing music at various times throughout the weekend at Unity of Fort Collins’ Annual Retreat at Buckhorn Camp, Rist Canyon, Bellvue. This weekend is a great time for folks to rejuvenate their creative souls each year. Lots of time for relaxation, connecting with friends, hiking, horseback riding, meditating and more. This year’s theme is “Humor in Spirituality” so we will be experiencing lots of laughter and frivolity! See Unity’s website www.unityfc.org for more information.

Sept. 20th - Jazz @Jay’s, 8:30-11:30 pm

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone! Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com

Greetings! Seems like a while since I last wrote. I’ve been taking in the last of summer’s riches before the “fall schedule” and kids in school resumed. Last week our family spent several lovely days up Poudre Canyon at a friend’s cabin on the river – our last hoorah before the ‘all too early’ first day back to school this past Mon. Amidst several private events (weddings, birthday parties, retreats), I have these public appearances to tell you about:

Saturday, Aug. 23rd, 8:30-11:30 pm, I return to Jay’s Bistro (135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins), with Mark Sloniker on keys and Marty Kenny on acoustic bass. Come celebrate (or lament) “back to school days”! Music helps either way

Friday, Sept 19th I will join with 2 other fabulous vocalists, Julie Hoest and Cheri Nichols, for an outdoor concert at Avo’s. We have been compiling quite a sweet song list for our performance, with lots of goose-bump producing harmonies with which to delight you! We are so excited about our debut concert and intend for this to be the first of many. Our rehearsals are a hoot, let me tell you! Showtime is 7:30 pm and admission is $12 at the door. Join us on Avo’s splendid patio for one of the last official days of summer!

More gigs and some new venues in the works – I’ll keep ya posted!
Thanks for supporting live music, Colleen

www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson

Hi Everyone! I’ve just landed back in Denver after a week long trip on the Jersey Shore, which included a wonderful Crosson family reunion, as well as Mark and I performing at “Unity Church by the Shore” for their Sunday service. What a sweet week it was, with awesome weather and much frivolity, and it passed all too quickly!

As usual, I am hitting the ground running and will perform solo tonight Friday, July 25th, from 8-10 pm at Catalyst Espresso Bar and Tasting Lounge, 3501 S. Shields, Fort Collins, CO, 970.223.9035. I am really excited about this awesome new music venue which serves espresso, craft beers, and fine wine. Check out their website at www.catalystcoffee.com and come on down if you can! I think this will become a favorite hangout!

Tomorrow, Saturday, July 26th – I will be performing at the “Strawberry Jam” Kids’ Concert at Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., Ft. Collins (outdoors), with Mark Sloniker, Gene Libbea, and Oscar De Zoto. The show runs from 6-8 pm and there is a $2.00 admission. Bring the kids down for a dancin’ good time! There will also be a magic show and strawberry shortcake will be served. Call 221-6655 for more info.

Other fun events coming right up:

Wednesday, July 30th – I will sing with Swing Essence at this week’s CSU Lagoon Concert, 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. We will be mixing it up with jazz, contemporary folk, and original Sloniker “heartsongs” that perhaps few of you on this list have heard before! The concert starts at 7 pm (it’s a “work night” for some folks and we respect that), and admission is $10 at the door. Come out and “play” with us – it’s all ages, kid friendly with a tree house and everything!

Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

Here’s one last blast for my house concert this Saturday night, July 12th at 7:30 pm! For those who still haven’t decided (and for those who have!), I wanted to let you know that Scott and Michelle Dalziel will be playing live on the radio, KRFC 88.9 FM, on Sat. morning from about 9:15-10 am with host Deni LaRue. You can also stream the show on www.krfcfm.org Hope you can tune in! Please let me know ahead of time if you’ll be coming to the show. Suggested donation is $15 at the door, with all proceeds going to the musicians. I will e-mail directions for those that need them. Also, we plan on sharing some light munchies and drinks outside on the break, so bring your favorite beverage and some snacks to share if you are so inclined. Thanks!

New show added in July – I will be playing at Catalyst Espresso Bar and Tasting Lounge, 3501 S. Shields, Fort Collins, CO, 970.223.9035 on Friday, July 25th, from 8-10 pm. I am really excited about this awesome new music venue which serves espresso, craft beers, and fine wine! Check out their website at www.catalystcoffee.com and come hear me in their new spot on the 25th! I think this will become a favorite hangout!

Thank you for supporting live music
Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

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……

Have a safe and fun holiday!
Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

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

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

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

*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

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

As always, you can see my full schedule of events on my website www.colleencrosson.com

Hope to see you a BUNCH this spring and summer! All the best, Colleen

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

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!

You can always check my website for a schedule of events: www.colleencrosson.com

Oh, by the way - last Saturday’s performance with our jazz quintet and the symphony was fantastic!! Thanks for your support, Colleen

(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

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

Love and Light to you all, Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

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!

Thanks for listenin’! Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

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. 19^th, 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. 25^th, 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 2^nd, 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

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

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

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

www.colleencrosson.com

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!)

Thanks for supporting live, local music!  Colleen 

www.colleencrosson.com

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

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!

Enjoy the blustery day! Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

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

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.

Hope to see you around town! Thanks for listening, Colleen
www.colleencrosson.com

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

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, 6:00-8:30 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

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at these summer events!

Thanks for supporting live music in Fort Collins

— Colleen www.colleencrosson.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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