Catch the 2008 Lagoon Summer Concert Series Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm, under the trees at lagoon on the west lawn of Colorado State University's Lory Student Center. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets!

Admission is free.

July 9 - Lindsey O'Brien Band



Nothing compares to that moment, that energizing split second when you are blindsided by something completely thrilling and unexpected, a feeling shared when hearing the Lindsey O'Brien Band for the first time.  After bouncing between her hometown of Chicago and the northern Colorado music scene, Lindsey O'Brien began assembling and playing with the big bottomed and knee-deep ensemble that is the Lindsey O'Brien Band.

The talent and chemistry of LOB is profusely shown through their musical mastery and confident stage presence.  O'Brien's voice will stop you dead in your tracks as her soulful voice belts melodies that grab and hold you. Drummer - Pete Knudson, percussionist - Jake VanVonderen, and bassist - Ben Hockett lock in with each other to create a quintessential rhythmic pocket. Lead guitarist, P-Mann handcrafts the rock with his soaring leads and edgy sound.  On top of an already super solid quintet is a bombshell horn section consisting of Dave Clapsaddle on saxophone and Chris Nicholas on trombone.  These guys produce beautiful and powerful horn lines, which really brings the energy of the music to another level. 

The Lindsey O'Brien Band is as startlingly versatile and cohesive a band that has come along in the national scene in years.  LOB doesn't just meld dance, folk, jazz, funk, soul and rock, it superglues it. 

July 16 - Poudre River Band



The Poudre River Band is a five piece country rock band based in Fort Collins, Colorado. We enjoy artists like Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Buffalo Springfield, Poco, the Eagles and so on. We also write and perform music about Colorado’s rich western heritage. In our music, you will hear about the Overland Trail, the Bellvue Dome, Virginia Dale, Jack Slade, Sand Creek, and many other stories and tales about the great state of Colorado. All the band members sing and include Kristi Krings on guitar; John Snyder on keyboards; Jack Wisbon on bass; John Parker on drums; and Tom Barbour on guitar.

If you enjoy vocal harmonies, smokin’ instrument solos and danceable tempos, you’ll have fun with the Poudre River Band.

July 23 - FortJazz



The FortJazz Big Band directed by Mark Manges performs an exciting variety of great music from classic Big Band Era swing to popular Las Vegas show arrangements. Our full-size Big Band creates that exciting sound that you rarely hear anymore. Voted one of the best local bands in the Coloradoan’s Best of Fort Collins.

We feature the area's top musical talent including great vocalists. We play a variety of styles with arrangements featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, Les Brown, George & Ira Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Rogers & Heart, Cole Porter, Patsy Cline, Buddy Rich, Gordon Goodwin, Brian Setzer, and many others.

July 30 - Swing Essence



Swing Essence has been a favorite of Colorado dance fans since 2004. Based on the idea that people of all ages love to dance to the classics, this group selects material from the 1930's to the 1990's, based on popularity, choosing those that really swing, groove, or rock at the top of their class. Just as important, the music is always arranged specifically for their 7-piece format.

The instrumentation includes guitar, keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, drums, and bass, and features two vocalists. Swing Essence is led by veteran guitarist/vocalist Kevin Karrick, with accomplished saxophonist and educator Andrew Vogt, and a member list that bands everywhere admire. From swing and ballroom dancing, to motown and good old rock and roll, this group will keep your toes tapping and couples dancing through the evening.

August 6- Hollyfelds


Once there was a grown man who lived in a closet. Well, it wasn’t a real closet. He only used the closet as a secret entrance to his underground lair of steam tunnels where he was able to pursue his interests no interruption from the outside world. This character from the 1980s film “Real Genius” sparked a Denver based band to name themselves after this memorable fictional man. His name was Hollyfeld... Lazlo Hollyfeld.

Lazlo’s Denver descendants, The Hollyfelds, a band whose formation came 20 years after the film in May of 2006 departed from the musical style of the 80’s film they took their name from and instead went for a more neo-traditional country sound. A sound tempered with a hefty dose of folk and Americana and just a touch of bluegrass, all anchored by solid pop hooks.

The Hollyfelds most recent album, Saratoga, is an amalgamation of country, folk and pop with just a touch of bluegrass to keep your toes tapping and your spirits soaring.

'The Hollyfelds' boisterous set at the Meadowlark on Saturday satisfied completely. . . mining a vein of traditional country-folk that invigorated the crowd. . . that helped the subterranean Meadowlark feel like a summery back porch.'
- The Denver Post

August 13- Mark Sloniker Group



Mark Sloniker has made music in many diverse settings over the course of his life. From solo piano performances to jazz trios/quartets, to symphony orchestra concerts, Mark has played and recorded in the U.S. and abroad.

As a producer, composer, and recording artist, Mark has made five recordings of his own and has contributed to many recordings as a “side man” or composer. His own recordings have reached the “top six” of three national radio airplay charts as well as spending time on Billboard Magazine’s national sales charts. His music has received extensive air play outside of the U.S. as well as in Spain, Germany, Japan, Canada and the Philippines.

Mark’s CD “Do Whatcha Love” was voted best jazz recording of the year by KUNC’s Classics in 1995. His music has also been featured on such nationally aired radio shows as Jazz Tracks, Musical Starstreams and has appeared in Jazziz Magazine’s top national radio air play charts.

Mark’s self described best co-production is that of his two children, Myles and Emma. With co producer and wife Colleen, he has the honor and privilege of co-creating a wonderful symphony of harmonies in the most beautiful of all unfold