The Local Link

Finding new fans can be a challenge for even the most seasoned bands. On the flip side, discovering new music can also be a difficult task for concertgoers especially those who aren’t willing to endure the latenight club scene in the middle of the week. In an effort to solve both problems at once in Fort Collins, SpokesBUZZ and The Lincoln Center have introduced The Local Link, a live music series featuring emerging Colorado bands throughout 2015 and early 2016.

Set in The Lincoln Center’s state of the art performance facilities, The Local Link is intended to satisfy the need for “an earlier set time in a sophisticated environment, with the best regional alternative bands,” said Dani Grant, SpokesBUZZ executive director. “The Local Link is a tailored music set geared toward a cocktail party environment: a bit softer, more acoustic in nature a performance that allows for dancing, listening, and a conversation in the room,” Grant said. “I’m 45 years old, have three kids and a fulltime job. Both my husband and I enjoy live music; we have always been concertgoers and keep up as best we can with new music and local music. It is a rare occasion that we get to see live music before our bedtime, 10-11 pm. More often, we attend a city festival in the heat of summer on a steaming asphalt parking lot, or force ourselves to attend a show in a sticky dark room at midnight. We will still do that on occasion, but having this event is exciting.”

The Local Link kicked off with an outdoor acoustic set on August 1 featuring members of SpokesBUZZ band Wiredogs performing on the Lincoln Center Terrace. The next five shows are coordinated to coincide roughly with various upcoming holidays, starting with Fort Collins classical fusion rock band

Aspen Hourglass and their preHalloween performance on Thursday, October 29 from 7-9 pm. “We are excited to take the stage at The Lincoln Center and be part of this new program,” Aspen Hourglass lead singer and guitarist Grayson Erhard said. “We are proud of the thriving music community we call home and as we expand our national reach and fan base, this type of opportunity helps us stay connected on the regional front.”

Tickets are $12 for each individual show or $50 for the 5-show season package. Ticket holders at each show will also receive one complimentary Odell Brewing Company beverage to enjoy. Tapas from El Monte Grill & Lounge will be offered for purchase, and a full service cash bar will also be available at all shows. The affordable ticket price, beverages and appetizers are all designed to provide a comfortable and approachable introduction to emerging local bands, Grant said. Season sponsor KUNC Radio will help set the scene for an expanded concertgoing audience.

“Patrons can bring friends who aren’t sure about local and unfamiliar music to join them and fall in love with these bands,” Grant said. “Small businesses may choose to bring the office team and spouses to the December show to host a holiday gathering there, rather than reserving restaurant meeting space or planning a party.”

• Aspen Hourglass : Thursday, October 29, 7-9 pm

• The Shaley Scott Band : Thursday, December 17, 7-9 pm

• Shatterproof : Sunday, February 14, 7-9 pm

• Grim&Darling : Thursday, March 17, 7-9 pm

• iZCALLi : Thursday, May 5, 6-8 pm

Discounted season tickets for The Local Link series are currently on sale via The Lincoln Center at

www.lctix.com.