Seasons greetings and blessed holidays to all!

It’s that time of year again! This Saturday and Sunday night, Dec. 4th and 5th, I’ll appear with Johnsmith for our annual 2 day extravaganza at Avo’s! I have been privileged to sing harmonies with John for many years now, each time he comes to Fort Collins to perform. We’re on our fourth year of 2 consecutive (SRO!) nights of singer/songwriter bliss at Avo’s. This year, by popular demand, Mark Sloniker will be joining us on keyboard for BOTH nights, 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, available at Avo’s (605 S. Mason St.), Genoa Coffee and Wine (Timberline and Drake), or at www.quantumarts.net

I’ll return to Jay’s Bistro for some festive holiday frivolity on Sat., Dec. 18th and again on New Year’s Eve. Make your reservations early!

Friday 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), and me (vocals/guitar), as well as other special guests to be announced! 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.

And remember, as you do your holiday shopping, about the gift of music – all my CDs are available on my website www.colleencrosson.com and also at CDBaby www.cdbaby.com . I am offering a buy 2, get one free sale for the holidays on my website only!! Just tell me which extra CD you want in the “instructions to merchant” section and I’ll send them out to you pronto!

Whatever you’re up to this holiday season, make it fun! Best, Colleen

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Hi all – the recent snow here in CO has me thinking of the coming winter and the start of the “holiday season”. Hot, spicy tea, wood burning fires, and a good, thick book beckon me. I am steeped in gratitude for all this past year has offered me. You - my friends, family and fans – are a big part of that thankful feeling! I truly appreciate all your support!

I have only 2 (public) gigs this month, so I thought I’d better tell you about them!

Sunday night, Nov. 14th, 7-9 pm at Unity of Fort Collins, I’ll join “Sloniker and Sloniker” (Mark and Myles) on piano and bass, along with Shilo Stroman on drums for our annual “Gratitude Concert”. This will be mostly a sweet jazz trio concert, but I’ll intersperse a few vocal tunes throughout the evening. We will adjourn to the “Rumi Room” for potluck finger foods and desserts afterwards, so please bring a dish to share. A love offering will be taken to benefit our Unity Community.

Saturday, Nov. 20th, 8:30-11:30 pm, I’ll sing Jazz@Jay’s (135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins), with Mark Sloniker on piano and a bass player TBA (Myles will be playing bass for the Poudre High School production of “CATS” that weekend – they asked him back to lend a hand!).

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! And remember, as you do your holiday shopping, about the gift of music – all my CDs are available on my website www.colleencrosson.com and also at CDBaby www.cdbaby.com . I am offering a buy 2, get one free sale for the holidays on my website only!! Just tell me which extra CD you want in the “instructions to merchant” section and I’ll send them out to you pronto!

Coming up in December:

Dec. 4th and 5th – Mark Sloniker and I join Johnsmith for two nights of frivolity at Avo’s! Ticket information at www.quantumarts.net.

Enjoy! Colleen

Visit me at these sites:
www.colleencrosson.com
www.myspace.com/colleencrosson
www.facebook.com/colleencrossonmusic
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Check it out! Hope you can join us! Colleen

After a 20 year run as “Our Mothers’ Daughters”, they said they were done………
”JUST KIDDING!”

On the heels of a successful Avo’s patio concert this summer, the gals move indoors for an encore performance!

See “Just Kidding!” Sunday, October 24th, 7 pm,
at Avogadro’s, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, CO.

970-493-5555. Tickets are $12.00 at the door.

A little background….
The year was 2006. After a successful 20 year run as the Fort Collins based a cappella group, “Our Mothers’ Daughters”, its members (Colleen Crosson, Barb Pons, Joanne Taylor, and Krisann Corcoran) decided it was probably time to “let it go.” Over the last few years, performances had dwindled down to just one or two a year. Joanne had moved to Golden, Barb was in Breckenridge, and it had become more and more challenging for the group to get together for rehearsals. When Barb announced she’d be moving to Roatan, Honduras at the end of the year, it was acknowledged that that really was just too far of a commute! The last farewell concert was planned for December of that year, and it was quite a send off, with several tables filled with memorabilia of the group’s evolution over those fun-filled (and occasionally tumultuous!) twenty years……

Fast forward to 2009….Colleen was busy nurturing her solo career, as well as with pianist husband, Mark Sloniker. She had released her first solo album, “Singing into Being”, followed by a collaborative CD, “Miracles…and other works of heart” with Mark. Missing the women singers in her life, she’d also teamed up with recent Seattle transplant and singer/songwriter, Kathryn Mostow, for several concerts, and formed another gal group, “Three of a Kind”, with fellow musicians Julie Hoest and Cheri Nichols. Krisann had taken up guitar playing and was honing her harmonica and songwriting skills. Joanne was busily reinventing her career as a LEED and sustainability consultant while enjoying playing piano and guitar in her leisure, and Barb was reveling in the island life, deep sea diving as well as joining the popular band, “Luz” in Roatan and recording a CD with them.

Late that year, Colleen was given free tickets (thank you Dan!) to see “the Manhattan Transfer” at the Lincoln Center, a wonderful, harmony driven vocal group from NYC that “Our Mothers’ Daughters” had followed “back in the day”. As she listened to the familiar songs, the memories flooded back to those special years and the “Daughters” renditions of so many of those same songs. In the days that followed, serendipitous word arrived that Barb was heading back to the States, as the political and social unrest in Honduras had gotten just a bit too uncomfortable for her and her husband John. Colleen told the gals of her nostalgic evening, and jokingly asked, “How about a reunion, you guys?”, and that is how “Just Kidding!” was born! Since they are still quite spread out along the Front Range, day long rehearsals are held a couple times a month, incorporating music, yakking, much laughter and delightful meals. They have added multiple instruments to their show (it’s not just a cappella anymore!), with members playing guitar, piano, mandolin, bass, harmonica and percussion, and many of the songs are the band’s originals.

We hope you will come out and experience the evolution of “Our Mothers’ Daughters” into “Just Kidding!” It’s a boatload of fun – and we’re NOT kidding about that!

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Howdy folks! Beet Street’s Streetmosphere performances are winding down for the season, and I’ll be performing my last two stints this and next Friday afternoon/night. I hope you can stop by. It’s been a great experience singing for the passers by and interacting with the crowds. I’m looking forward to next summer’s edition!

Friday, Oct. 8th – solo performance outside of Mugs (Olive & College, Fort Collins), 4-8 pm

Friday, Oct. 15th – solo performance outside of Austin’s Restaurant (Mountain and College, Fort Collins), 4-8 pm

We may end these a bit earlier depending on lighting constraints, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, it’s getting dark a lot earlier now!

I’m so excited to announce that “Just Kidding!” will be performing again at Avo’s! We had a blast with you all on the patio this summer, so we are moving indoors for a fall encore. That doesn’t mean it will be just a repeat of our summer show – we are busy working on new songs and arrangements to share with you, including some Halloween favorites!
Save the date: Sunday, Oct. 24th, 7 pm, $12.00 at the door.

Saturday, Oct. 30th, 8:30 pm I’ll join Mark Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro for some fall frivolity in the jazz vein. I expect we’ll see some ghouls, goblins, and quirky characters that night – maybe you’ll be one of them?

Enjoy this lovely fall! Colleen

Visit me at these sites:
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Greetings! It’s been a few weeks since I had any public gigs, though I had some fun private ones, including a 35th CSU class reunion of veterinarians (thanks again, Erick!) and a 70th birthday party – festive occasions all! I am getting back into the groove of a regular teaching schedule, and enjoying the cool mornings and evenings with the approaching onset of autumn, my second favorite month (after spring). The garden harvest still delights, and I planted a second crop of spinach and lettuce that we’ll be eating in a few weeks. I trust you are all enjoying the season in your own unique ways.

Here are the “musical haps” for the next few weeks:

This coming Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19th, 1-5 pm, the Crosson/Sloniker Trio (Mark, Myles, and I) will be entertaining folks in Old Town Square (Fort Collins) as Beet Street’s “Streetmosphere” continues (through mid Oct.). These weekend outdoor performances have been wildly successful and we are so glad to be a part of the diverse artistic atmosphere around downtown this summer/fall.

Friday, Sept. 24th, 4-8 pm – solo Streetmosphere performance outside of Mugs (Olive and College).

Saturday, Sept. 25th, 8:30-11:30 pm – I’ll sing jazz at Jay’s Bistro (135 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins) with Mark Sloniker on piano and a bass player TBA (I hope it’s Myles ).

And in the weeks/months ahead (for your penciling in pleasure):

Oct. 8th – solo Streetmosphere
Oct. 15th – solo Streetmosphere
Oct. 24th –encore performance of “Just Kidding” (formerly Our Mothers’ Daughters) at Avo’s. If you missed us this summer, here’s another chance. If you saw us this summer and didn’t get enough, come back for more!
Dec. 4th and 5th – Mark Sloniker and I join Johnsmith for two nights of frivolity at Avo’s! Ticket information at www.quantumarts.net

Thanks for supporting live music! Colleen

Visit me at these sites:
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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

Visit me at these sites:
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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

Visit me at these sites:
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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

Visit me at these sites:
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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

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