Hundreds of Fort Collins community members gathered in Old Town on Saturday June 11 for the second day of the Taste of Fort Collins festival, which provided festivalgoers with concerts from multiple acclaimed musicians and food from more than 40 local trucks and vendors.
Day two of Taste of Fort Collins began with a performance from Denver-based alternative country artist Eryn DeSomer. DeSomer has a very refreshing blend of old country and modern alternative music, but the most unique thing about the performance was her voice. It was twangy, but it was also fluid and beautiful, similar to that of country music legend Patsy Cline’s. DeSomer’s show was very laid back and set a perfect vibe for the acts that followed.
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Jazz artist Tera Johnson took the stage next, followed by one-man band Jacob Green. At one point, Green was playing three different instruments and singing at the same time. Green’s style of music was similar to a mix of Bob Dylan and The Black Keys. It was very contemporary, but his use of the banjo and harmonica gave the sound a folk feel. What was really surprising about Green’s performance was his high energy throughout the entire performance, despite the fact he was playing multiple instruments at the same time and entertaining the crowd by himself.
Following Green’s performance was retro influenced rock-pop band The Jekylls, blues band Mojomama and indie pop band POPFILTER. POPFILTER’s music was powerful and similar to popular indie rock bands l
ike The Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes, but their meaningful lyrics and upbeat energy set them apart from their inspirations.
Alternative rock band Medic and soulful rock band A. Tom Collins finished off the lineup of local performers. The festival’s second headliner, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, took the stage at 7 p.m., bringing to the crowd New Orleans funk.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue’s concert was lively, cheerful and joyful. The crowd’s response to the headliner was evidence of the band’s ability to make people feel happy with their music. Everyone was dancing and
enjoying the show. The band’s front man Troy Andrews, also known by his stage name “Trombone Shorty,” brought the concert to life with his energetic personality and
renowned trombone skills.
More than 40 local food trucks and vendors accompanied these musical performances. Attendees had a wide variety of food types to choose from including sweet and savory waffles from The Waffle Lab, spicy creole styled food from the Lost Cajun, and authentic Thai cuisine from Thai Pepper. And that’s just to name a few. Old Town was packed full of different food options and opportunities to support local culinary artisans.
Taste of Fort Collins continues Sunday June 12 with nine more musical performances by Colorado bands and headliner Allen Stone.
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Collegian Arts and Culture Editor Randi Mattox can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @randimattox.
