World Cafe, the daily music and interview program distributed by NPR, is excited to announce the latest edition of its Sense of Place series, bringing listeners into the heart of Colorado’s diverse and vibrant music scene. This 6-part series launches on October 11, exploring the unique sounds and stories from Colorado’s top artists, iconic venues, and rich musical traditions, all led by World Cafe host Raina Douris.
“Colorado is known for its boundless wilderness, but that boundlessness can be found in its music scene, too,” says Raina. “From bluegrass to Latin-influenced hip hop, from raspy Americana to fuzzy desert rock, the artists spotlighted in our Colorado Sense of Place series are as diverse and exciting as the nature that surrounds them. And the fact that they can all sing so well at high altitude is pretty impressive, too!”
The Sense of Place: Colorado series will feature exclusive performances and interviews from various artists across the state, recorded at iconic Colorado venues. Listeners can expect to hear from rising stars and local legends, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Colorado’s music scene.
While World Cafe airs nationally, listeners in Colorado can catch the show every Monday through Friday evening starting at 10pm MT on The Colorado Sound, which proudly broadcasts the program.
Sense of Place: Colorado Series Lineup:
Friday, 10/11 – Nathaniel Rateliff at The Skylark Lounge, Denver
Kicking off the series is a session with Nathaniel Rateliff, recorded live at the Skylark Lounge in Denver. Rateliff, a staple in the Denver music scene since the early 2000s, is known for his soulful blend of folk and rock. In this episode, Rateliff discusses his deep ties to the city’s music community (including his decision to become a co-owner of the Skylark to help preserve the venue) and shares solo performances of songs from his latest album with his band the Night Sweats, South of Here.
Monday, 10/14 – 2MX2 at Washington’s, Fort Collins
2MX2, a band with members from Mexico, Chile, and Colorado, brings a fresh take on hip-hop with a Latin flair. In this special session recorded at Washington’s in Fort Collins, the group performs a mini-concert and talks about tackling big issues like immigration and mental health, focusing on unity and positivity.
Tuesday, 10/15 – Big Richard at Washington’s, Fort Collins
Big Richard, a powerhouse all-female bluegrass band, performs live and shares stories about what makes their group stand out in the bluegrass world. Recorded at Washington’s, the quartet discusses their musical journey, the magic of collaboration, and what it’s like to represent women in the traditionally male-dominated genre.
Wednesday, 10/16 – The Lumineers Encore from 2016
In an encore presentation from 2016, hear The Lumineers shortly after the release of their second album, Cleopatra. The band reflects on the pressures of following up their debut success while staying grounded in Denver, plus a set of intimate live performances.
Thursday, 10/17 – Pink Fuzz at The Skylark Lounge, Denver
Pink Fuzz, led by sibling duo John and Lulu Demitro, brings their catchy, loud rock sound to the Skylark Lounge in Denver. In this episode, the band talks about how their family dynamic drives their music and what it was like to work on their new material with legendary mixer Alain Johannes who has also mixed for Queens of the Stone Age. Catch live performances showcasing their new material, brimming with energy and grit.
Friday, 10/18 – The Red Rocks Story
Concluding the series is a deep dive into the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Known as one of the most famous outdoor concert venues in the world, Red Rocks has hosted legendary acts such as The Beatles, U2, and Neil Young. This episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the venue’s most memorable moments and challenges, from unpredictable weather to high-altitude performances.
Join World Cafe for this unforgettable exploration of Colorado’s music, landscapes, and culture as part of the Sense of Place series. Tune in on your local station or listen online at XPN.org.
For more information on the series and exclusive content, visit XPN.org.
