Gratitude remains......

as we settle into the season after a wonderful trip to NYC and the Jersey Shore for the Thanksgiving holiday. We took in some great music in the city - Fred Hersch and Julian Lage at the Blue Note, and The Maria Schneider Orchestra at the Jazz Standard were highlights! Then on to the shore for some sweet family time, good eats, and a beach walk. It was a short trip, but we savored every moment....

Thank you SO MUCH to all who supported the Riley's Roundup benefit! When all was said and done, the event brought in just shy of $20,000 for little Riley. The generosity of this community is truly heartwarming.

One reason I wanted to get this newsletter out today (though I had hoped it would be a BIT earlier) is to let you know that our Hungarian friend and guitarist, Balint Petz, who played with Mark at Jay's last week, is still in town and has agreed to come out again tonight while I'm singing at Jay's! He'll join us around 9 pm. I hope if you don't have plans you can stop by. His guitar melodies last week were magical!

Other fun stuff coming up - Mark and I will be presenting the message at Unity of Fort Collins next Sunday, December 8th, with Johnsmith and Dan Sebranek being our music guests that day!

Then there's another December date at Jay's (so I'll get to sing some jazzy holiday tunes), two Christmas Eve services at Unity, and New Year's Eve at Jays to ring in 2014!

Let the festive times begin! Happy, happy, merry, merry,
Colleen

Come to Riley's Roundup!

Pictured above is a very special boy with his parents, Chris and Stephanie, at Children's Hospital in Denver. Riley Harness has been there since mid-September when doctors discovered he had a serious liver disease. He is now awaiting a liver transplant and a benefit will take place this Sunday afternoon, November 17th, from 4-8 pm to help Riley and his family with their mounting medical costs not covered by insurance. Mark Sloniker and I, along with Julie Hoest and Ellen Audley will be providing music for the event at Hodi's Half Note in Fort Collins. Tickets are just $10. Heavy appetizers will be provided and there will be a cash bar and a silent auction. This family has been through so much already and will have a long haul ahead of them. Your attendance and generous support is much appreciated! If you cannot make it to the event, but are moved to donate, you can do that online at www.COTAforRileyScottH.com

I can't believe November is half over, the holiday lights have been lit throughout Old Town Fort Collins and Santa appearances are not far behind! Time continues to speed up and I just try to keep up! The rest of my 2013 gigs are posted below. Several folks have approached me about giving voice or guitar lessons as Christmas and Hanukkah gifts. I will gladly print up a festive gift certificate for you if that is something you'd like to consider for a loved one as well! As always, I am deeply grateful to have spent another year doing what I love with my music. Thank you to all who have supported me in so many ways. I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family, near or far.

Namaste,
Colleen

Just around the corner
- Concert at Avogadro's with Julie Hoest!

I have been a friend and fan of Julie Hoest (pictured above) for over 25 years, and am excited and honored to be invited as a guest musician at her concert this Sunday, Oct. 13th. It promises to be a great show and I hope you'll join us (all the details below).

Next up is my monthly appearance at Jay's Bistro - always a treat to see who'll be joining Mark and me on stage. This time it's Ian Hutchison, one of my new favorite bass players since Myles moved to NYC! Come see us groove on jazz standards and other eclectic fare.

Saturday, Oct. 26th I'll be part of the inaugural event for "The Umbrella Project", a fund to help artists, musicians, and other creatives who have suffered losses from our recent fire and flood disasters (and for potential future misfortunes). Our community has really rallied around individuals, businesses, and organizations in the wake of these natural disasters and this is one more sweet opportunity to help artists of all kinds, theatre companies, studios, and the like to get back on their feet and again serve our community with their stirring sights, sounds, movement, and beauty. There are many ways you can contribute to this project - attend the event, donate time, talent, or treasure, volunteer, share your stories and make your needs known. Contact info@beetstreet.org to help out! More details below.

We continue to surround those affected by the Colorado floods with love and light and to help out in any way we can. For those that haven't heard, the Bohemian Foundation is matching up to $750,000 in individual donations to the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado's Flood Relief and Recovery Fund, through Oct. 31st! Mark and I took advantage of this opportunity recently and donated proceeds from CD sales (which we matched and then donated to the Foundation - so the money doubled again!). Every little bit helps! www.mycommunityfoundationnc.org/flood

My heart aches.....

for all my friends and fellow Coloradans who have been so deeply affected by our recent floods. Prayers to you for strength and peace amid the chaos as you rebuild your lives. Mark and I will definitely be participating in some benefit concerts, though I don't have any details yet. I have just a couple of definite events on the books - the first is this very Saturday night at Jay's Bistro with my sweetie. The other is the Julie Hoest concert at Avo's, where I'll be singing harmonies (one of my favorite things to do!). Details are below. I am also scheduling guitar and vocal lessons for fall semester - let me know if you'd like to join in on the fun! Stay strong, Colorado.

Love and light, Colleen

This edition of my newsletter features Myles Sloniker!

Mark and I have had the joy and honor of encouraging and watching our son Myles grow into his own as a fine musician and bass player these past 20 years. He is getting ready to embark on a new chapter in his life in New York City, enrolling in The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Before he leaves, he will be holding a concert at Unity of Fort Collins, 1401 W. Vine Dr. on Sunday, August 4th at 7 pm. He has gathered some of the finest musicians in the area to join him, both mentors and peers, and it will be a stellar night, for sure! The line up includes Brad Goode on trumpet, Brianna Carrasquillo on alto saxophone, Jim White on drums, Mark Sloniker on piano, Myles Sloniker on bass (of course), and several other special guests (including me!). We have dubbed this concert "Beyond the Harbor", as Mark has so often quoted Rumi with "we did not build these ships to sail around the harbor". It is time for Myles to really set sail and we are so excited for him! I hope you can join us for this special concert. We will have a potluck dessert and finger food reception following the concert to share stories, memories, and well wishes for Myles. All proceeds (love offering suggested) will go to Unity of Fort Collins.

The month of August is light on gigs for me, as we'll be taking some time off for travel, but I have some really fun things lining up for September that I'll tell you about next time! As always, I am filled with gratitude to make music as a way of life, and to share that gift with you. Best, Colleen

Stay tuned!

I have two exciting shows to tell you about!

This month, I am honored to be sharing the stage with 2 wonderfully diverse and talented musicians for two special shows. The first is with Paul Chet and Friends at the Aggie Theater in Fort Collins on Saturday, June 22nd at 8 pm. Paul is a Colorado native known for his powerful and versatile vocals in all areas of country music, and has been performing along the Front Range for the past 20 years. He continues to record in both Fort Collins and Nashville and will be debuting his new single, "Someone Like You" at this show. I'll be joining Paul and a host of other top notch musicians from Northern CO on harmony vocals. I am delighted that Paul asked me to join him for this show!

A week later, on June 29th, I will be hosting a house concert with the amazing Seattle songwriter, Larry Murante. Larry is known for his beautifully woven stories about every day folks and combines compassionate, socially conscious lyrics with an upbeat, joyful, energetic folk/rock style. He's racked up a string of accolades in recent years, most notably as the Grand Prize Winner in the folk category of the International John Lennon Songwriting Contest. I'll be singing harmony with Larry on several songs throughout the evening, as well as doing a short opening set.

Details for both of these shows are on the schedule below.

I have also confirmed my monthly appearance at Jay's Bistro for Saturday, June 15th - always a pleasure to perform with my talented husband and a double pleasure when our son, Myles can join us (not sure if he's on this gig yet or not...)

Check out my updated schedule (new shows always being added), and as always, I am full of gratitude for being able to share my passion with you. Musically yours, Colleen

Saturday, June 15, 8:30pm to 11:30pm
Vocal Jazz with Mark Sloniker on piano.
Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak. St., Fort Collins, CO
970.482.1876 or www.jaysbistro.net

Saturday, June 22, 8pm
Harmony vocals with Paul Chet and Friends.
Aggie Theater, 204 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO
$10 at the door or online at www.aggietheater.com

Saturday, June 29, 7pm
House Concert in northeast Fort Collins featuring Seattle performing songwriter, Larry Murante. $15 suggested donation.
Reservations required: 970.493.4424 or colleencrosson@gmail.com

Wed, July 10, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Lagoon Concert Series, with Mark Sloniker & band.
Colorado Sate University Campus, Ft. Collins, CO www.lagoonseries.com

Saturday, July 20, 8:30-11:30pm, Solo show in the bar (vocals/guitar)
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. (downstairs)
www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Tuesday, July 30, 11:30am-1:00pm
Noontime Notes Concert with Mark Sloniker
Oak Street Plaza, downtown Fort Collins, CO

I have just added a show for tomorrow!

Due to a last minute cancellation, I will be playing at the French Nest Open Air Market in Fort Collins tomorrow, Saturday, May 18th. I'll do 2 sets, one starting between 10:30 and 11 am, and another one at 1 pm. Peruse 75 vendor booths with artisan, antique, and vintage wares while listening to live music. The Market is held in Civic Center Park, just behind the Larimer County Justice Center.

Later that night, I'll join Mark Sloniker on piano, Braun Kahn on bass, and Derf Green on percussion at Jay's Bistro , 8:30-11:30 pm. A nice full day of music! See schedule below for more opportunities to support live music. Thanks for listening!

Saturday, May 18, 10:30am and 1:00pm,
solo performance, vocals/guitar
French Nest Open Air Market, Civic Center Park, Fort Collins, CO

Saturday, May 18, 8:30pm-11:30pm,
Jazz vocals with Mark Sloniker on piano and bass player TBA.
Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak. St., Fort Collins, CO
970.482.1876 or www.jaysbistro.net

Saturday, June 1, Private Party, Rock and Roll birthday!

Monday June 3 at 6:30pm and Tuesday June 4 at 6:30pm
Opening music with Mark Sloniker for inspirational teacher and author Alan Cohen.
Unity of Fort Collins, CO, 1401 W. Vine Dr.
970.482.1620 or www.unityfc.org

Friday June 21, Private House Concert, Happy Solstice!!

Wed, July 10, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Lagoon Concert Series, with Mark Sloniker & band.
Colorado Sate University Campus, Ft. Collins, CO www.lagoonseries.com

Saturday, July 20, 8:30-11:30pm, Solo show in the bar (vocals/guitar)
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. (downstairs)
www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Tuesday, July 30, 11:30am-1:00pm
Noontime Notes Concert with Mark Sloniker
Oak Street Plaza, downtown Fort Collins, CO

Take a walk on the wild side......

Well, here I am again, writing another spring newsletter as the snow swirls ferociously outside! I think I'm ready for "planting weather" now....I am confident the snow will be long gone in time for my next performance, which is in conjunction with downtown Fort Collins' First Friday Gallery Walk on May 3rd. I'll be performing at The Fine Art and Frame Company, 119 W. Oak St., during their silent auction fundraiser to benefit the Wild Animal Sanctuary located in Keenesburg, CO. The event runs from 6-9 pm and hors d'oeuvres and New Belgium beers will be served. Please come out and support the wild animals in the Sanctuary's care - over 350 of them, including lions and tigers and bears (oh, my!)

The summer bookings are coming in rapidly, including many private concerts and birthday and anniversary celebrations. If you'd like to add live music to your summer celebrations, please get in touch and I'll put something special together for you - from a solo performance to a full band!

See current schedule below:

Friday, May 3, 6pm-9pm, Silent auction event, benefiting The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
The Fine Art and Frame Company, 119 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO
970.490.1001 or www.thefineartandframecompany.com

Saturday, May 18, 8:30-11:30pm,
Jazz vocals with Mark Sloniker on piano and bass player TBA.
Jay's Bistro, 135 W. Oak. St., Fort Collins, CO
970.482.1876 or www.jaysbistro.net

Saturday, June 1, Private Party, Rock and Roll birthday!

Monday June 3 at 6:30pm and Tuesday June 4 at 6:30pm
Opening music with Mark Sloniker for inspirational teacher and author Alan Cohen.
Unity of Fort Collins, CO, 1401 W. Vine Dr.
970.482.1620 or www.unityfc.org

Friday June 21, Private House Concert, Happy Solstice!!

Wed, July 10, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Lagoon Concert Series, with Mark Sloniker & band.
Colorado Sate University Campus, Ft. Collins, CO www.lagoonseries.com

Saturday, July 20, 8:30-11:30pm, Solo show in the bar (vocals/guitar)
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. (downstairs)
www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

What a difference a month makes......

I was beginning to think that spring wasn't really going to come, despite the calendar saying so. Usually, "spring" is making its appearance by early March around our place - creamy white snowdrops, crocuses of all colors, brilliant purple grape hyacinths, the pushing through of daffodils' and tulips' green beginnings. But even a couple of weeks ago, there was not a bulb in sight, and I feared the drought and my negligent winter watering had taken its toll. Oh, ye of little faith! Mother Nature was just taking her time; a little behind, with the stresses of this past season, but nonetheless, determined to delight after all, those with a bit of patience. I am clearing away the detritus of fall and winter and welcoming the new life that was hidden beneath. My faith and wonder is renewed once again....

Now a whopper spring snowstorm is predicted since I began working on this newsletter several days ago that'll cover everything up again, but, oh, well - the moisture will be most welcome!! Ah, spring! My favorite season, no doubt. The music is reawakening, too, after a bit of a winter's sleep. The creative juices are flowing and I'm looking forward to the weeks and months ahead! Coming right up is the "Out of Our Minds and Into Our Hearts" PlayShop that Mark Sloniker and I are facilitating along with artist and intuitive Adriana Paredes at Unity of Fort Collins this coming Saturday, April 13th, from 9 am-4 pm. The day will be filled with music, meditation, art, poetry, and journaling and is sure to be transformational for all participants! Pre-registration is required (see details below). I'll also be participating in THE TASTE again this month (April 18th at the Hilton) and have set another date at Jay's.

Please see schedule below:

Saturday, April 13, 9am-4pm, Out of our Minds and Into Our Hearts Playshop
Unity, 1401 W. Vine Dr., Call 970.493.4424 for info and to register.
$45 includes all art and journaling supplies, Potluck lunch

Saturday, April 13, 8:30-11:30pm,
Vocal Jazz@Jay's Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano and Myles Sloniker on bass

Thursday, April 18, 5-9pm, THE TASTE, benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County,
Mark Sloniker and friends performing jazz for the cause.
The Hilton, 425 W. Prospect Road
Call 970.493.4477 or email tasteinfo@foodbanklarimer.org for info.

Saturday, July 20, 8:30-11:30pm, Solo show in the bar (vocals/guitar)
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse, 115 S. College Ave. (downstairs)
www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Hello friends! I just have one gig to tell you about and really waited till the last minute, so taking a moment to inform you “the old, less complicated way”!

I’m singing at Jay’s Bistro, 135 W. Oak St. in Fort Collins tomorrow night, Sat., March 16th from 8:30-11:30 pm. I like the way Mark described it earlier today:

Well the luck of the Irish is with us this week. Fine jazz (jazz is Irish…kinda) is happening at Jay’s Bistro-Jazz-Lounge-&-Irish-Pub (kinda). BYO Blarney. Or I seem to have plenty for everyone….. Sat. (3/16) Colleen (her b-day IS St. Patty’s Day!) Crosson/voice, Myles (son-of-an-Irishwoman) Sloniker/bass and Mark O’Sloniker/piano (8:30-11:30).

Hope you can come on down and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day AND my birthday with me!
“Kiss Me” Colleen

As I write this morning on Valentine's Day, the snow is swirling outside and starting to collect in corners on the ground. The forecast is for very little accumulation, but miracles do happen. We certainly could use the moisture in this continued season of deep drought, and I just love the white stuff! It goes well with red, the color of the day - of hearts, of roses, of painted lips, and red velvet cake. Got any plans tonight? I'll be stopping by Jay's in downtown Fort Collins to sing some love songs with my sweetie (it's the only way to have a date with him on V Day!). On Sunday night, Mark and I will also host a concert at Unity of Fort Collins, celebrating Love and Joy ( the grand piano's name, incidentally), and featuring the likes of Cory Carroll on bass, Oscar DeZoto on drums, Terry Meyer on harmony vocals, and Judi Lucero (the jazzista flautista!) on flute. See full schedule below with details on all my upcoming music events.

www.colleencrosson.com Thanks for listening!
Happy Heart Day! Colleen

Thursday 2/14, 7:30-9:00pm, Guest set at Jay's Bistro with Mark Sloniker,
135 W. Oak St., 970-482-1876 www.jaysbistro.net

Sunday 2/17, 7:00-9:30pm, Annual JOY Concert at Unity of Fort Collins, Please bring potluck dessert or finger food to share. All $$ love offerings donated to Unity!
1401 W. Vine Drive, 970-482-1620, www.unityfc.org

Saturday 2/23, 8:30-11:30pm, Vocal Jazz@Jay's Bistro with Mark Sloniker on piano,
135 W. Oak St., 970-482-1876 www.jaysbistro.net

Friday 3/1, 8:30-11:30pm, Solo show in the bar at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse,
115 S. College Ave., www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

I actually started this newsletter in mid December, intending to send it out with my holiday gig schedule; however, life and national events grabbed my attention and other things took precedence. I decided to leave the Disney holiday lights picture though, as we still have our Christmas tree and decorations up, and light the lights, inside and out, every night. It feels right to me to keep those lights shining as a reminder to see and be bright lights in the world, amidst the chaos and darkness.

We did have wonderful holiday gatherings and music celebrations, visits with family here in CO, and I am just back from a short visit to the Jersey Shore to see my Dad and good friends. Now it's time to settle in at home in this new year and new era of heightened awareness, with intentions to create beauty and peace everywhere I am.

My club gigs are few and far between these days as I focus more on Mark's and my interim leadership role at Unity of Fort Collins. These past 6 months have been ones of tremendous spiritual and personal growth, and we hope to continue in some form of stewardship there - our sweet spiritual home and community where we have been music directors for almost 12 years now!

This Saturday night (tomorrow!), I'll be singing Jazz@Jay's with my favorite guys - Mark Sloniker on piano and Myles Crosson Sloniker on acoustic bass! Myles is so in demand along the Front Range that I haven't been able to have him on my last few gigs at Jay's, so this is a happy reunion for me! Come join the family in downtown Fort Collins.

Saturday 1/19, 8:30-11:30pm, Jay's Bistro and Jazz Lounge
135 W. Oak St., 970-482-1876 www.jaysbistro.net

Friday 3/1, 8:30-11:30pm, Solo show in the bar at Sonny Lubick Steakhouse,
115 S. College Ave., www.sonnylubicksteakhouse.com