The Ft. Collins celebration of Colorado music known as FoCoMX is back on April 25-26 and to help you navigate this 400-plus band festival we are highlighting just a few of our northern Colorado favorites. With so many acts across so many genres looking at the schedule can be overwhelming so here a few hidden gems.
Rayonism
Experimental/Noise/Visual
Friday 8:00 PM @ Wobble Hi-Fi
Experimental electronic artist Rayonism (real name Matt Loewen) may be couched in the “noise” category, this modular synthesist, clarinetist, visual artist, operates on a deeper level than that label. Zoomed out, yes is looks like sonic chaos with his mess of patch cables, blinking lights and wizards beard. But up close, Rayonism weaves an expansive kaleidoscope of sound moving between tones and pitch chasing essence instead of melody. Operating on a highly technical level, it is almost impossible to determine what is planned or a happy accident. When not experimenting with tape machines and modulating clarinet sounds, Loewen plays upright base with the bluegrass band Head for the Hills. On a sonic level, Loewen is like an avant-garde painter who, if he wanted to, could paint you a perfect picture of a bird, but chooses not to.
The Crooked Rugs
Psychedelic Post-Rock
Friday 8 PM @ Aggie Theater
The Crooked Rugs are the Ft. Collins band to watch ahead of next year. Blending nostalgic psychedelic rock into a modern landscape, this band has been road-tested and battle-hardened with several extensive tours. With a sound like worn leather, their live shows are a journey through the idea of the American west. With expansive movements and sweeping sonic moments, The Crooked Rugs have transformed themselves into a powerhouse with chops ready for a national stage.
Eva Rose King
Acoustic/Folk
Friday 4 PM @ The Magic Rat
Soulful, rich, and heartfelt, Eva Rose King has been a mainstay in the northern Colorado folk scene for several years. With her subtle, smokey voice and lyrical depth, King brings poise to all her performances. Returning to FoCoMX, King stands as the perfect pallet cleanser from some of the more intense artists playing that day and a nice surprise for those looking for a more contemplative FoCoMX experience.
iluvnandi
DJ/Techno/Club
Saturday 7 PM @ The Exchange
Wyoming-based DJ and producer ilunandi didn’t come to mess around. Pushing intense BPMs and redlining the bass, iluvnandi is sonic disrupter in a world of club DJs. Bringing hard-hitting club music to rural Wyoming, iluvnandi somehow brings rural Wyoming to club music and every DJ in Colorado should take notes. Being at a iluvnandi show leads you to ask the question, “With bangers like this coming out of Wyoming, why do I care what people thing about me?”
Satellite Pilot
Indie/Alternative
Saturday 8:30 PM @ Tony’s Rooftop Patio
Psychedelic pop band Satellite Pilot is not going bury in pretense. Fun and energetic, band leader Alex Moore and gang tosses a dose of dark whimsy onto an uplifting good time. Charming and somewhat unserious on a surface level, a closer look shows a well-orchestrated infectious depth of emotion that is undeniable. This feeling plays out over their growing catalog into shows up front and center to their vibrant live show. With poignant bedroom pop crafted into catchy, light-hearted ditties, Satellite Pilot is going to put the gem into your FoCoMX doughnut.
FoCoMX 2026 will take place April 25-26 in Old Town Ft. Collins, Colorado. Advanced tickets are $60.
