With so many bands to see at FoCoMX you can’t catch them all. So here are five more acts that will blow your mind and fill out your festival schedule.
Bitchflower
FOR THE FREAKS
Friday 10:00 p.m. @ Aggie Theatre
Fort Collins psych punk outfit Bitchflower takes the Aggie Theatre stage for FocoMx this year, slated for Friday night at 10:00. Comprised of scene mainstays Brooke Van Buiten, Zack Michael Hill, Steven Davis, Nick Perich, and Miles Mercer, the band has released two solid albums over the past couple of years. Last year’s “Aghast, Aroused, Appalled” ranges from low, growly vocals to high-energy, fast-paced screams, all backed by massive riffs and rhythms. While both albums are excellent listens for psych and punk heads, you really can’t fully grasp Bitchflower until you’ve seen them live, as Van Buiten’s erratic vocal delivery and stage presence are both highly engaging and, at times, downright scary.
Cherokee Social
SMOOTH, HOOKY INDIE POP
Saturday 7:30 p.m. @ Washington’s
Cherokee Social is back at Washington’s for FocoMx, performing at 7:30 on Saturday night. The indie-pop duo opened for Macy Gray at the same venue last July, and the two are set to release their debut full-length album, “Pretty Boy Modeling School” in May. Formed by longtime musician Julian Navarro and guitarist Alex Creighton in Denver, the band has been pushing out clean, melodic love songs since its inception. The naming convention highlights Navarro’s own Indigenous, specifically Cherokee, roots, and he enthusiastically invites others to celebrate with him, highlighted in part by the use of the word social. The band has also been known to host traditional pow-wow-style drumming moments in their live set, delivering vibrant pop performances that are sure to keep audience members moving their feet.
Ducki
OTHERWORLDLY YET ORGANIC
Saturday 5:00 p.m. @ Aggie Theatre
Fort Collins five-piece Ducki has a haunting indie folk sound, and they’re bringing it to The Aggie at 5:00 on Saturday for FocoMx 2026. The band released its debut album, “The Duck,” last summer, sporting a highly ethereal, well-paced sound fronted by the vocal stylings of vocalist Signey Bowling and guitarist-vocalist Brooke Apana. Joined by drummer Will Erhart, guitarist Brian Zitti, and bassist Andy Poitras on the release, Ducki explores tender, thoughtfully arranged folk with moments of weighty slowcore and rising rock sensibilities. Expect a mesmerizing, contemplative atmosphere in a room full of chillers for this one, as you let the vocal stylings of Bowling and Apana take you away to another realm.
The Mañanas
ON THE BEACH, OR IN THE CLUB?
Friday 11:00 p.m. @ Aggie Theatre
I had the pleasure of catching a set from the surfy garage rock outfit The Mañanas at Denver’s Outside Festival last summer, and I was an instant fan. This year, they take the stage at Aggie Theatre for FoCoMX, scheduled for Friday night at 11:00. The Denver-based band is comprised of guitarist and songwriter Brandon L. Unpingco, drummer and producer Danny Pauta, bassist Jessica Pulido, and more recently, guitarist Eliza Newman-Golden of Tiny Tomboy notoriety. Overall, the Mañanas encompass a fun, easygoing surf sound that takes itself just seriously enough. Expect to shimmy, strut, and head-bob to the rich “oohs” and “ahhs” of this project, and be transported to the imaginary shorelines of beautiful Denver, Colorado.
shadow work
LET THE ART ROCK GUIDE YOU INWARD
Saturday 7:00 p.m. @ Aggie Theatre
The Denver-based psychedelic art rock trio known as shadow work plays the fest at The Aggie at 7:00 on Saturday night. Formed by frontman Rafael Nava, bassist Joseph Szlanic, and drummer Ben Zickau, the band has released a pair of EPs and a number of singles since 2021. The band has also stopped through Fort Collins several times and has toured extensively over the past few years in both the U.S. and Europe. Ranging from pensive, soulful melodies to explosive, driving rhythms, the band’s live set should be a top FocoMx pick for art rock heads. Showgoers can expect a tight, polished set from the outfit, as led by Nava’s brooding, mystical aura on stage.
FoCoMX 2026 will take place April 25-26 in Old Town Ft. Collins, Colorado. Advanced tickets are $60.
