Local Alliance: Bringing Artists and Musicians Together

by  Mikaela Antonelli
This past month, the Local Alliance Music and Art Collaboration has taken the Fort Collins music scene by storm. The Aggie Theatre has teamed up with Good Gravy percussionist, Kyle VanBuskirk, to create a free event for the Fort Collins community to come and experience live and local music and support local artists.
The Local Alliance combines art, vendors and music. Each week there will be a different local band that will perform at the Aggie. The vendor side of the event is open to all artists that would like to get more exposure in the community. VanBuskirk describes it as “a community event that people can come to and know that it will be unique every time.” VanBuskirk is marketing this event as an outlet for smaller bands and businesses alike, and because it is a free event, it is more accessible to the public and maybe they will discover their new favorite band.
There is something for everyone at the Local Alliance. The bands will vary from bluegrass to funk to electronic. The vendors include glass artists, painters, clothing, jewelry and handmade crafts. The Aggie theatre and VanBuskirk have worked together to make this an event that is all-inclusive for the Fort Collins community. “We created it as an outlet for everyone to come down and see something new and listen to something new,” said VanBuskirk.
VanBuskirk has seen the success of the event and is excited to continue this event throughout the year. The first show was on June 4. “There was a lot of excitement,” said VanBuskirk. “It was a success for everyone involved.” Over 200 people came to the first show and it will only continue to get bigger. VanBuskirk is no stranger to putting together large-scale music events. He also organized the High Park Revival concert to help the victims of the High Park fire. “It feels good for me to put together these events that people can come to and meet other people and get their art out there,” said VanBuskirk. “There is no end in sight. So far it has been a screaming success and it is here to stay.”
The Local Alliance is held at the Aggie Theatre every Wednesday night. The shows are 21+. There are a select few shows that will not be held due to previously booked times by nationally touring bands.