Sure, it's still known for its agricultural heritage, high concentration of craft breweries and lightning-fast NextLight broadband service, but our (not-so-little-anymore) Front Range town is buzzing with some new artistic energy. In recent years, artists, musicians and makers have been staking their claim in Longmont's ever-growing cultural scene, turning it into a locus of innovation and artistry (especially with the help of that speedy internet service). Amidst the creative hubbub is Soundpost Sessions, a concert series that's as intimate as it is ambitious.
As it gears up for its second year in 2025, Soundpost Sessions is building on the momentum of an extraordinary 2024 -- a year marked by exciting musical debuts and innovative creative collaborations.
The series' two signature formats -- Mixtape, a songwriter-in-the-round experience, and Spotlight, featuring two full-length sets by complementary artists -- have become fixtures in Longmont's music calendar. Both events take place at The Times Collaborative, an intimate downtown venue that has been instrumental in Soundpost's growth.
According to Monica LaBonte, the creative director of Mixtape, 2024 was nothing short of transformative for Soundpost. "This year felt like a relaunch," she said. "Mixtape kicked off in February, and we received a pop-up grant from Longmont Creates, which helped bring our vision for the series to life. Now, at the end of the year, it feels like things are really starting to grow and gain traction. We've become more embedded in the local music community, which is deeply rewarding," she said.
"At first, Mixtape was about bringing in people I knew -- friends and musicians from my immediate circle. But over the course of the year, it's grown. We're now expanding into Denver and Fort Collins, reaching beyond to bring new artists into the area. That's part of our mission: to introduce fresh voices to this community while celebrating the incredible local talent we already have," she added.
Highlights of the 2024 season included a nearly sold-out Spotlight concert with Viv and Riley, touring artists who happened to have a gap in their schedule while supporting founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, Willie Watson. Another standout was Mixtape's August collaboration with Planet Bluegrass, featuring Song School instructors in an exceptional evening of storytelling and song.
"Planet Bluegrass is such a respected organization, especially here in Colorado, and they're known for treating their artists and community with so much care. Collaborating with them felt like a major highlight -- and it's definitely inspired us to seek out more partnerships with organizations like theirs," LaBonte said.
She continued, "It's incredible to see how our vision for these series has gained traction. We're embedded in the community now, and that's deeply rewarding."
Soundpost Sessions is poised to continue its growth in 2025 with a lineup that mixes local favorites with rising stars and singular voices. The year kicks off with Mixtape performances by Joe Kuckla and Ryan Chiachiere in January, and a Spotlight show featuring Heavy Diamond Ring with Caroline Cotter. Other highlights include February's Mixtape with Danny Shafer and Jeremy Dion, Spotlight's March appearance by Hannah Connolly with King Orchard, and an April Mixtape featuring Mike Lamitola and Dechen Hawk. The season wraps up with May's Spotlight featuring Birds of Play with Micki Balder.
Labonte describes this year as a whirlwind celebration of Colorado's music scene, with Mixtape shining a spotlight on an impressive lineup of talent from Denver to Boulder and everywhere in between. They've been busy crafting a stage where musicians can thrive and audiences can discover their next favorite artist, whether they're local favorites or national talent. While they've got touring friends in places like Nashville on the radar, the timing hasn't clicked -- yet. For now, Soundpost is relishing the homegrown magic of Colorado's music.
For Courtlyn Carpenter, artistic director of Spotlight, the series has been just as much about fostering connections as it is about the music itself.
"For the Spotlight series, we are pairing a nationally touring artist with someone from the Front Range. And we're doing that so these people can meet who might not have otherwise met. Then, when Front Range artists are touring other places, they'll have that connection with the artists that came in from elsewhere. That has been pretty successful so far, with artists connecting and staying in touch," Carpenter said.
She added that the size and acoustics of the venue play a key role in shaping the type of performances Spotlight offers. "We're booking for the room we are in right now. It's a smaller stage setup, so we can't book overly loud acts. For now, we're mostly in the indie folk songwriter realm, helping audiences get in touch with their emotions and their Longmont community. It's about creating a safe space to go and feel things."
Spotlight had its challenges in 2024 but has seen remarkable growth.
"We had kind of a slow start because we're booking out-of-town artists who aren't necessarily names the Longmont community knows," Carpenter said. "But the longer we've been doing them, the more the audience has trusted that we're going to bring in great music. Audiences have been growing, and our little four-pack punch cards -- which let you come to any four shows, either Spotlight or Mixtape -- have been really popular. It's catching on."
The Spotlight series has brought in talent from as far as California, keeping things fresh and unexpected. "I've heard from audience members that they love seeing lineups with artists they don't know -- it sparks curiosity and creates this wonderful sense of discovery," LaBonte says.
And that's exactly the kind of musical mischief us front-rangers live for.
As Soundpost grows, so does its mission. LaBonte and the Soundpost team are already brainstorming ways to expand the series' reach -- perhaps by leaning into outdoor events.
"We'd love to explore something like a summer concert series or a block party," she said. "It's all still in the dreaming stage, but we're excited about the possibilities and want to make sure it fits seamlessly into Longmont's vibrant summer schedule."
For artistic director Courtlyn Carpenter, who curates the Spotlight series, the magic of Soundpost lies in its ability to connect audiences with music they might not otherwise encounter.
"We're bringing in musicians from across Colorado and beyond to create these unforgettable listening experiences," Carpenter said. "It's about creating a space where stories and songs can truly shine."
At its core, Soundpost Sessions reflects the heart of Longmont's burgeoning creative community. From its humble beginnings in 2019 to its exciting growth in 2024 and beyond, the series has become a vital part of the town's artistic identity.
The 2025 season kicks off in January, and tickets for all events are available now. Here's the lineup, with a couple of quotes from LaBonte and Carpenter to help you decide which concerts (hint: you'll want to go to them all) tickle your fancy.
Joe Kuckla is a Rocky Mountain Country Soul artist whose music, including his latest single "Something About a Horse," reflects his adventurous spirit and knack for energizing audiences.
Ryan Chiachiere is a Lyons-based musician and member of The Elbow Brothers, crafting songs inspired by the history and landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.
"January is going to be so much fun because we have these two Lyons guys -- both of them play in these really rocking bands. But in Mixtape, it's just you, your instrument, and the song -- it's all about the storytelling. It's going to be amazing to see these rockin' Americana dudes stripped down, stepping into a space of vulnerability and intimacy with their music. I'm really excited to see that side of them." - LaBonte
Heavy Diamond Ring is a folk-rock band led by Sarah Anderson's honeyed vocals and Paul DeHaven's rugged guitar, delivering harmony-rich, open-road anthems. Their latest album, All Out of Angels, features production by members of The Fray and a duet with Nathaniel Rateliff.
Caroline Cotter is a Maine-based singer-songwriter whose warm, introspective folk songs explore themes of connection, nostalgia, and wanderlust, inspired by her travels across 45 states and 16 countries.
"Heavy Diamond Ring is based right here on the Front Range, while Caroline Cotter is the touring artist coming to us all the way from Maine. Heavy Diamond Ring is one of those bands that everyone seems to fall in love with -- they have incredible music, a captivating stage presence, and they're genuinely hilarious. Caroline Cotter, on the other hand, brings a warm and calming energy to her performances, as seen in the videos I've watched. I think this pairing will create a beautifully dynamic experience for the audience." - Carpenter
Danny Shafer is a cornerstone of Boulder's music scene, blending gentle Americana songwriting with over three decades of performance and community involvement.
Jeremy Dion is an award-winning folk artist and therapist who combines heart-opening lyrics with technical guitar work, offering musical optimism from Boulder to Edinburgh's Fringe Festival.
"February we've got Danny Shafer and Jeremy Dion. Danny is a true local legend -- he's been rooted in the Boulder music scene for decades, playing, booking, hosting, and shaping the community. I've known him since I moved to Boulder around 2010, and I've even had the privilege of singing on his records. Jeremy brings this fresh, heart-centered energy with his introspective songwriting and magnetic performances, and I'm so excited to have them both." - LaBonte
Zoe Berman is a genre-defying singer-songwriter whose sultry vocals and poetic lyricism blend soul, jazz, and Americana into an intimate, autobiographical sonic experience. Now living in Spain, she frequently performs as a one-woman band, using piano, guitar, and a hand-built suitcase drum.
Nina de Freitas is a Denver-based singer-songwriter with Brazilian roots, known for her rich voice, evocative lyrics, and intimate melodies influenced by artists like Nina Simone and Radiohead. She is currently working on her next release.
"Zoe used to live in Colorado and has been traveling a lot since, most recently living in Spain, so this feels like a bit of a homecoming show for her. Both Zoe and Nina have absolutely gorgeous voices and write their own songs -- Zoe's music is a bit more upbeat, while Nina's is hauntingly beautiful. They're slightly different, but both are incredible songwriters, and I think it'll be a really fun night." - Carpenter
Holly Lovell is a Denver-based alternative folk artist whose perceptive storytelling and strong melodies have earned her acclaim, including opening for The Fray and Phillip Phillips, with a new album set for release in early 2025.
David Burchfield is an Americana singer-songwriter whose raw, literate lyrics and dynamic performances -- both solo and with his 5-piece band, the Fire Guild -- have drawn comparisons to Jason Isbell and Lucinda Williams.
"My friend Holly Lovell will be performing in March, and she's been releasing some incredible new music. She has two young children, and as a mom myself, I really admire the way she balances motherhood and her creative work. It's inspiring to connect with women who are not only writing and creating but also navigating the challenges of being both mothers and musicians -- it's no easy feat. As for David Burchfield, he brings such a dynamic energy to his performances. Whether he's playing solo or with the Fire Guild, his music is so full of heart and storytelling." - LaBonte
Hannah Connolly is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, whose thoughtful, image-rich folk music explores themes of loss, resilience, and self-discovery. Her forthcoming album Shadowboxing follows her acclaimed debut, From Where You Are, with a lighter yet equally introspective sound.
King Orchard is a storyteller and musician with a love for vintage treasures and Waffle House, gearing up to release his new album on March 21.
"Hannah Connolly, coming in from Los Angeles, is a talented indie-leaning songwriter with a really beautiful voice. I haven't seen her live yet, but her music is thoughtful and moving. King Orchard, who's based in Longmont, just changed his musician name and will be celebrating the release of his new album the day after this show. Both have stunningly high voices, and I think their music will pair really well together." - Carpenter
Redd and the Paper Flowers is a Knoxville-based band led by former American Idol contestant Redd Daugherty, whose solo project during the pandemic evolved into a collaborative group now releasing their first album together.
Angel Corsi is a Colorado-based BIPOC folk/soul artist whose heartfelt performances and raw, evocative songwriting explore themes of belonging, trauma, love, and resilience, earning him the nickname "Chicano Bruce Springsteen."
"Redd and the Paper Flowers are coming in from Tennessee. I saw them at the Focalis International conference for folk artists, and I really loved their sound. They might look like a bluegrass band, but Redd has this gorgeous, raspy voice, and their music leans more into the folk side despite their instrumentation. It'll be fun to have that full band sound at the show. Angel Corsi, based in Longmont, writes incredibly heartfelt songs, and I think this will be a great 'getting in touch with your emotions' kind of night." - Carpenter
Dechen Hawk is an Indie Soul Balladeer blending Stevie Wonder-inspired funk with heartfelt ballads, creating conscious music aimed at healing and transformation.
Mike Lamitola is a soulful folk and Americana artist whose introspective songwriting explores themes of love, grief, and healing, earning him a spot in the 2024 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase.
"April's concert is one I'm really excited about because we're bringing back Dechen Hawk and Mike Lamitola after having to reschedule in September. Dechen's music is this amazing mix of soul and funk that just makes you feel something. Mike's songs are raw and personal -- they touch on love, grief, and healing in a way that just connects with people. They're a good combo." - LaBonte
"I'm especially excited for May's concert with Clare and Eva Rose -- it's an all-female lineup, which feels so special. Clare is based in Denver, and Eva comes from Fort Collins, and I just love the idea of women supporting women in this way. There's something really powerful about showcasing talented female artists together, and I think it's going to be such a beautiful, inspiring show." - LaBonte
Clare Elich leads the Clare Elich Trio with her buttery vocals and clawhammer banjo, creating a playful mix of old-time, folk, and acoustic charm that invites listeners into a cozy, welcoming space.
Eva Rose King is a singer-songwriter and environmental scientist whose soulful music explores themes of connection and resilience, with her second album, After Tale, set to release soon.
"Birds of Play are from Durango, and they're a fantastic band that leans toward traditional bluegrass but also explores the softer side of the genre. They even took second place at the Telluride Bluegrass Band competition a few years ago and tour the Front Range pretty often. Micki Balder, a Denver-based songwriter, creates beautiful, heartfelt songs, and this show will actually be a birthday celebration for her since it falls on her birthday! I think the two acts will pair really well, and it'll be a great way to end the season with two amazing Colorado-based groups." - Carpenter
Birds of Play is a Southwestern Colorado-based Americana Roots quartet whose imaginative compositions and multi-instrumental talents reflect their deep connection to the land and themes of love, connection, and wonder.
Micki Balder is a Denver singer-songwriter whose tender vocals and heartfelt lyrics transform bittersweet stories and budding love into musical tales reminiscent of First Aid Kit and The Weepies.
If more than one concert indeed catches your eye, that's a-okay: Soundpost is a variety of ticket packages designed to accommodate a range of concertgoers, whether you want to see every single show, or just catch a couple of up and coming stars.
The Full Season Pass provides access to all 18 Spotlight and Mixtape concerts scheduled between September 2024 and May 2025, with reserved seating included. At $260, this option offers a 20% discount compared to individual ticket purchases, appealing to those planning to attend the entire season.
For those looking to attend on a more limited basis, the Half Season Pass includes admission to one Spotlight or Mixtape show per month during the same period. Priced at $145, it includes a 10% discount and allows attendees to select their shows, with reserved seating available if they RSVP in advance.
The 4-Pack, $68, offers a flexible alternative with admission to any four Spotlight or Mixtape concerts during the season. While reserved seating is not guaranteed, this option provides more casual access to the series.