The Patti Fiasco perform at Washington’s on April 25 during FoCoMX festival. Photo by Kat Valdez/Diverse Fort Collins
The annual Fort Collins Music Experiment (FoCoMX) April 24-25 was balm for our weary hearts
by Kat Valdez/Diverse Fort Collins
It happened over and over again at FoCoMX this past weekend.
A friend or coworker or acquaintance spotted me, and the reaction was the same: an exclamation of delighted surprise.
And a hug. Or a fist bump. Or simply a wide smile.
Then we went back to bopping our heads and swaying to the music of one of the 450 bands playing at 40+ venues throughout downtown, the River District, and North College Avenue.
More than one musician alluded to, or outright referred to, the turmoil our country is experiencing right now due to an administration fomenting a culture of cruelty.
The most vulnerable among us are the targets.
But love, kindness and music were the antidotes, at least for two days, at this annual festival celebrating and showcasing Colorado musicians.
Some attended mostly outdoor shows at Old Town Square, or The Lyric, or local microbreweries and froze their butts off Friday night during unexpectedly cold and windy weather, then went home early at 7 or 8 p.m. to warm up.
Others stayed out until nearly 1:00 a.m. cheering for coworkers and friends in bands playing at The Atrium (Wicked Vixen and Spliff Tank…you rocked), Wobble Hifi, Surfside 7, The Neighbor, the Aggie Theatre, or many other late night spots.
And don’t you love bands that remind you life can be beautiful in the small moments between big challenges?
“My life has been serious lately, y’all, so I decided to wear my underpants on the outside,” Alysia Kraft said with a grin while showing off her leopard print panties over black tights, as the audience roared their approval during The Patti Fiasco‘s joyful, high energy set at Washington’s on Saturday night.
But you don’t need a big theater to produce a quality show.
A few of the most delightful experiences happened at the smallest venues:
#1 The clever and campy video for “Born in the Snow” by VCO is a must-see. Watch their parody of “The Shining” right now. Seeing them play live at 5:15 p.m. at The Gilded Goat was an unexpected treat. Solid musicianship, songwriting, and lead vocals.
#2 I stopped for a few minutes to listen to the awesome brass-driven band playing at Little Horse Vintage on Pine Street around 9 p.m. Friday night. The crowd was really into it, dancing and apparently having the time of their lives. Someone, please tell me which band it was.* It must’ve been an unofficial performance because it wasn’t on the published FoCoMX lineup. [*The Book Club, a Boston-based cover band. Thanks for the lightning-quick reply, Little Horse!]
#3 Guitarist and singer-songwriter Miguel Aviña, accompanied by Josh Lee on violin, thanked the audience (mostly white) at Wobble Hifi for listening to his songs (mostly in Spanish).
The lead singer of iZCALLIi sang moving and heartfelt songs in his solo set. The crowd’s vibe was positive and welcoming.
The duo exchanged repartee in between tunes, with Aviña encouraging Lee at one point to say something in Korean, which he did enthusiastically.
After, I approached Aviña with compliments; he was kind and gracious. “What’s your name?” he asked with a smile.
“Mi nombre es Katarina Valdez pero no hablo español muy bien,” I rattled off in a comically rehearsed manner.
I laughed while he looked impressed at my accent, which may sound auténtico but I’m not fluent.
I wish my dad had taught me and my sister Spanish when we were growing up.
“But it was the 1970s and 80s, so assimilation was the thing,” I told Aviño, thinking, “Qué lástima” as I often do about that topic.
“Ah, it was a different time,” he replied with sympathy.
Music. Joy. Connection. What a special and beautiful community experience.
And it happened right here in Fort Collins.
May Community Events
Looking for inclusive gathering spaces and community events? You’ve come to the right place.
May 1-9 FC Mural Project
May 1-16 The Odyssey presented by Debut Theatre Company at The Lincoln Center
May 2 Free Comic Book Day at participating stores.
May 2 CSU’s Creative Writing Program celebrates new books by Camille Dungy and Dan Beachy-Quick, 5 to 7 p.m. at Bas Bleu Theatre, 401 Pine St. Free
May 2 & May 20 Cinematic Storytelling at The Magic Rat
From DowntownFortCollins.com:
Experience the raw power of independent filmmaking right here in the heart of Downtown Fort Collins. The Magic Rat Music Showcase provides a stage for local creators to share authentic, human experiences through film.
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 12 – 2 p.m
- Discover work created through the Boys & Girls Club Youth Filmmaking Program.
- Details and tickets
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6 – 9 p.m.
- The Story: Follow the journey of Iris in this gripping work from Northern Colorado filmmaker Benjamin Hess. This deeply moving exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the path toward recovery.
- Behind-the-Lens: Attendees will enjoy a pitch video for the upcoming feature film, “About a Fix,” followed by a live dialogue with the creative team.
- Details and tickets
May 3 Grief Cookies & Other Comforting Things by Katie Huey. Book Birthday Party. 1 to 3 p.m. at Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center, 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100. Books available for purchase. Author reading, book signing, cookies. Free.
May 5-6 Art Week Tours
We’re excited to partner with the Fort Collins Mural Project for Art Week Fort Collins, May 1–9!
Explore with guided tours, participate in workshops, attend shows, and celebrate the arts downtown.
Art in Public Places will lead two tours:
May 5 | 10:30 a.m.| Public Art Walking Tour | ages 12+
May 6 | 10 a.m.| Super Tour! History, Murals and Public Art Downtown | age 12+
Reserve your free spot now!
Ending May 6 Hatton Gallery’s Embodied Art & Technology Program presents Quickening: Aesthetic Encounters and the Ecological Imagination, an immersive video exhibition featuring three leading artists create powerful perceptual environments that awaken ecological consciousness. Free. Donations welcome.
May 8 The Bright Side Opening Reception. Free
The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins, CO 80521
The Art Gallery Hours: Wednesday and Friday, 1 – 6 p.m. and before most performances
“The Lincoln Center Art Gallery celebrates the power of bright color and uplifting energy through a dynamic mix of artistic styles with our next exhibit, The Bright Side. Featuring floral paintings byAnnie O’Brien Gonzales (above right), an interactive installation by Laura Merage, abstract works by Tricia Soderberg, and a selection of portraits by Randy Steinke (above left); the collection invites viewers to experience art that can’t help but lift your spirits. The art in this exhibit draws people in through bright colors, interesting shapes and unexpected materials that offer an immersive environment designed to inspire positivity, and curiosity.”
Nonprofit Spotlight
“Heart and Sol is made up of BILPOC (Black, Indigenous, Latiné, People of Color) and LGBTQ+ community members and allies who welcome and promote diversity and cultural appreciation in Loveland. With dynamic partnerships throughout Northern Colorado, we believe we are ALL the Heart and Sol (soul) of our community.
“Our goal is to support, celebrate, and embrace the cultural richness surrounding us and to influence change in our local community. We do this through allyship and by hosting events and community conversations. We “Party With a Purpose.”
“Heart and Sol is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization.”
From the slow-simmered richness of our Beef Bulalo to the soul-warming tang of our Sinigang, every bowl is crafted using guarded family secrets passed down through generations.”
Business Spotlight
Marcuz Boba Tea Shop, Filipino & International Cuisine, 130 W Laurel St. (in the former The Boot Grill)
“At Marcuz Boba, we take pride in offering a delightful fusion of classic Filipino and international cuisine, all prepared with love and care.
“Every dish is crafted to celebrate the culinary traditions we experienced throughout the years. Our chefs pour their passion into each recipe, using fresh, local ingredients to create memorable dining experiences that evoke a sense of home and togetherness.
“Join us for a meal that not only satisfies your palate but also nourishes the soul, where every bite tells a story.”
Looking Ahead
Fort Collins Reads. Tickets are on sale now for Nov. 8
Event Calendars
https://www.rbarfc.com/
https://oldfirehousebooks.com/events/calendar/2025
https://artmuseum.colostate.edu/programs/
https://moafc.org/moafc-events/
https://www.lyriccinema.com/upcoming
https://bandwagmag.com/
https://downtownfortcollins.com/
https://focoma.org/directory/media-resources
https://www.fortcollins.gov/Events/Event-Calendar
https://www.larimer.gov/events
https://www.visitftcollins.com/
https://www.wolverinefarm.org/events/
https://poudrelibraries.librarycalendar.com/events/month
https://www.culturecurrentmag.com/
Diverse Fort Collins 