Born in 2017 from the Fort Collins’ Irish scene at Mulligan’s Pub, Once Upon a Tune is a lively, traditional, Celtic group featuring the inspired, creative fiddle musings of Janel Vanderwarf, expressive guitar rhythms of Scott Steidley, and primal bodhran accompaniment of Mary Ellen Watterson.

Janel Vanderwarf picked up the fiddle at the age of sixteen and never looked back. Self-taught, Janel “found the soul” of her instrument at Alasdair Fraser’s famous fiddle camp, Valley of the Moon. A consummate musician and beautiful vocalist, Janel is delightful to watch and will “dance her way” into your heart.

Scott Steidley brings incredible talent to the group with his driving, rhythmic guitar and melodic, syncopated whistle. Scott’s stylistic playing is reminiscent of some of the biggest names in Irish music today.

Mary Ellen Watterson is a classically trained percussionist and has been playing percussion since she was a little girl. From kit to cajon, or djembe to bodhran, Mary rounds out the group with her contemporary take on voicing the bodhran.

Dusty-altcountry-americana is at the heart of Colorado born and raised singer-songwriter, Taylor Shae’s sound. Having rocked stages at festivals and venues across Colorado since 2016, Taylor brings stories of outlaws & dreamers to life in her songs, with velvety-toned, powerhouse vocals.

At 24, the songwriter has independently released 4 albums, a handful of singles, and has earned awards for her craft such as Sustain’s Backyard Songscape Competition in 2020, eTown’s Handmade Songs in 2017, and more. Taylor was also selected as an alternate for the 2024 Planet Bluegrass Telluride Troubadour Songwriting Competition.

Currently calling Fort Collins, CO home, you’ll catch Taylor performing as a duo or recently with a full band, amplifying the alt-country/rock energy that many of her songs lean into. Taylor’s opened for Eli Young Band, Caitlyn Smith, AJ Lee & Blues Summit, The Patti Fiasco, & more across venues like Washington’s, Aggie Theatre, and festivals like the WHAT Festival, FoCoMX, the UMS, Bohemian Nights, and many more.

Taylor’s latest single “Smoke & Lead” released May 3, an alt-country anthem telling the tale of scorned lovers in small towns where secrets are left to lie in the dirt. The outlaw guitars are a driving force of the shadows while the vocals bleed of country-rock harmonies. This song is best suited for driving down an unmarked road – the story on the rugged edge of truth untold.

Learn more and follow Taylor Shae at taylorshaemusic.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as @taylorshaemusic.

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

Cloud Nothings is an American indie rock band, founded by Dylan Baldi, based in Cleveland, Ohio. The band's current lineup includes Dylan Baldi (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jayson Gerycz (drums), and Chris Brown (bass).

They are known for their energetic, guitar-pop sound, often incorporating elements of punk and indie rock.

Since their inception in 2011, ATOMGA has continued to be a refreshing staple in the Colorado music circuit. Celebrating 13 years as a band and 13 years of creating a unique brand of afrobeat music infused with elements of jazz, rock, hip hop, and funk. Using this foundation, they are able to build polyrhythms which always get their audience moving!

Through the years, ATOMGA has had remixes by artists such as Grant Phabao at Paris DJ's in Paris, France and Craig Welsch at Rear Window Studio in Boston. They also have a gold medal winning beer named after them in Curitiba, Brazil from Bodebrown which is served periodically at Banded Oak Brewing Company in Denver. ATOMGA has supported afrobeat icons Femi Kuti and the Positive Force and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 from Nigeria and many nationally touring bands. ATOMGA is signed onto the roster of Color Red record label. Thirteen years in and ATOMGA shows no sign of slowing down.

ATOMGA has a reputation for live performances which provide a fun filled dance party for all ages and all walks of life.

Internationally acclaimed as a mesmerizing live performer, Cary Morin’s soul-stirring voice and jaw-dropping fingerstyle guitar playing have captivated audiences for decades.

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

“Cary is a unique and brilliant player, songwriter and singer. I have huge respect for his style and technique,” says legendary multi-instrumentalist and songwriter David Bromberg. “If you haven’t heard him yet, you should. Try to remember that it’s only one guitar.”

Morin feels at home on the road. His music has reached millions as he’s traveled the world with prestigious performances at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Paris Jazz Festival, Vancouver Olympics, Copenhagen Blues Festival, Folk Alliance International and has been featured on international television and radio programs hosted by the BBC and NPR. He stays in touch via his ever-growing social media followers, and streaming sites.

Graham Good is hailed as the Messiah of Modern Rock (Nick Stock, jambands.com) due to his infectious energy and classic song writing. Specializing in Feel-Good//Funk-Folk-Rock, this group touches on a plethora of genres that help make them an easy band for any new fan to instantly connect with.

The band has played iconic Denver venues such as Red Rocks, The Ogden, The Gothic, and The Bluebird opening up for acts such as Caamp, Andy Frasco, Satsang, and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.

The Painters are a band of trained musicians who aim to pull the heartstrings of their audiences to step up and live life fully. This band is the ultimate feel good experience and perfect for any private party or festival lineup

Friendly Reminders is an indie-folkgrass string quartet, born in an Airstream in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A blend of a multitude of genres, including folk, bluegrass, and jazz --they pick and groove their songs through the air and into the hearts of folks eager for insightful lyricism and beautiful harmonies.

The band is made up of songwriter Ian Foster on acoustic guitar and vocal, Meg Rice on stand-up bass, Alex Root on banjo, and Luke Siddens on lead guitar. The unit sings together in a harmonious cacophony of splendor and love! Gather round for a musical back and forth between four talented entertainers met at the crossroads of energetic bluegrass and sultry lyrical indie-folk music that fills the night. At a Friendly Reminders show, you will have a good chance at finding anything your musical heart desires.