Sonic Spotlight 2023: Meet The Bands!

Sonic Spotlight Finalist Showcase is coming up on December 13th at Washington’s at 7pm!

Tickets are on sale now

Come check out these young rippers on the rise and cheer on your hometown heroes!

 Learn all about this year’s finalist in the bios below. See you there!

autumnal

autumnal is a fuzz folk band from Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado. They combine the
storytelling of folk songwriting with the tones and pedals of shoegaze to create a unique
sound they’ve dubbed ‘fuzz folk’. autumnal is fronted by childhood best friends Annalee
Knies on guitar and vocals and Geneva Hein on synth and vocals. They are rounded
out by Justice Murray on bass and Nina Dorighi on drums. Their lyrics detail the lives of
twenty-somethings navigating the world; writing about everything from queerness to
climate change. They strive to make the music scene a move inclusive space for
anyone who wants to get involved, starting with their own shows.

clementine

This quintet, freshly squeezed out of Fort Collins, CO, consists of bright guitar riffs
juxtaposed with heavy-hitting drums and lyrics. With an alternative rock, punk, and
soulful grip on the music they write and perform, clementine offers something unique
and diverse. Their energy is over-the-top intense, and their sharp, in-your-face
presentation is something you just have to see.

Stone Jackals

Stone Jackals is a Colorado rock band formed by high school friends in 2018. We play
many types of music from indie rock to heavier garage rock. We have recently played
shows with acts like The Orwells and Zella Day and want to continue to increase our
presence in Colorado and elsewhere.
“Chemical Canopy holds the fort down as part of the new wave of indie
rock-inspired, neo-psychedelic style. It’s steady bouncing bass with simple but
effective guitar riffs and low, smooth vocals that pleasantly reverberate in your head. It’s
funkadelic rock with a dash of dopamine to ease a tired mind after a long week.”
– Andrew Venegas, 303 Magazine

 

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School Day Out Workshops

School Day Out at the Museum! Join us on October 20th and again on November 10th for a series of fun, interactive engineering-based workshops for kids ages 8 and up. Each group will be led by CSU College of Engineering students and will focus on creative problem-solving for some of today’s most fascinating challenges.

 

Participants will discover solutions to engineering challenges by exploring five disciplines: mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and chemical engineering through hands-on activities designed to simulate a collaborative lab environment and spark their imaginations.

 

The groups are limited to 15 people per each 90-minute session. Registration is required and can be accessed HERE

 

October 20

12:00-1:30 Chemical Engineering – Discover the best way to make slime

1:30-3:00 Biomedical Engineering – Build lower limb prosthetics

3:00-4:30 Civil Engineering – Fabricate spaghetti bridges

 

November 10

12:00-1:30 Electrical Engineering – Design and build saltwater circuits

1:30-3:00 Mechanical Engineering – Create “Mars Rover Egg Landers”

 

This is a great opportunity for another adventure in Discovery!

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Sonic Spotlight Applications Now Open (Closed August 31st, 2023)

Sonic Spotlight is back! Now in its fourth year, this musical showcase highlights emerging music and young artists living in Northern Colorado. Musicians 22 and under are encouraged to apply. Sonic Spotlight provides opportunities for musicians looking to level up their craft while making new friends and connections.Selected artists and bands will get a chance to work with industry experts, connect with creative peers, receive radio airplay, create a professional music videos, book live shows, and reach new creative heights. You and/or your friends should apply! 

Applications are open now through August 31st! https://www.sonicspotlight.org/apply

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FCMoD Squad Application Date Extended!!!

Got a passion for music, museums, people and fun? Joining the FCMoD Squad might be just what you’ve been looking for. If you’re between the ages of 15 and 19 – this is an amazing opportunity to meet great people, gain experience and learn about the music and museum industries. The FCMoD Squad provides hands-on experience working with the local music community in a safe, friendly environment. Mod Squaders review and judge entries for local music events where they might even get on stage and emcee. They tour world-class music studios and attend college level discussions while representing the voice and vision of our emerging youth at the museum and beyond. Applications are now closed! Please check back next summer if you missed this year’s application deadline.

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Beyond Discovery Benefit: Teeing Up the Next Ten Years!

Friday, September 8th 2023

6:00pm-9:00pm

Please mark your calendars for Fort Collins Museum of Discovery’s first fundraising event since 2019. This exciting community event will culminate the 10-year Anniversary celebration of the museum while also seeding our vision to inspire inquisitive thinkers and encourage responsible stewardship of the future. Sponsor opportunities are available through July 15. Tickets are on sale now!

Click here to learn more and get your ticket!

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Prepare for the Autism Resource Fair! 

By Scott McKinney and Laura Vilaret-Tuma 
 
Happy Autism Awareness Month! 

Did you know that since 2018, FCMoD hosts the Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair in the month of April? 

We are lucky to welcome more that 300 neurodiverse individuals, their loved ones and caregivers during this yearly event to explore information about local autism services and support in the Northern Colorado area. 

As we continue to welcome folks from the community each year, we learn how important it is to “know before you go” –that’s why we’ve developed a suite of resources to help you prepare for your visit to FCMoD whether you’re coming for Autism Resource Fair or just a regular day of fun at the museum! 

So, what are the options? 

An FCMoD Social Story: A Social Story is a tool used to explain specific occurrences, concepts, and interactions in a digestible manner, as well as develop greater social understanding and safety for people on the Autism spectrum. Download An FCMoD Social Story here

Video Tour of FCMoD: “Walk” through the museum before you visit while learning about our history, exhibits, and more. Available in VR! Check it out here

Ability Pass: If a guest who has a disability is accompanied by a professional aide, the aide is admitted to the museum and OtterBox Digital Dome Theater for free.  

S.P.A.R.K Pack: The S.P.A.R.K. Explorer Pack is a Sensory Processing and Autism Resource Kit that was designed by the Colorado Autism Society and the Autism Community Store in Denver. The items inside can be used to sensory-soothe or sensory-provoke. Each kit includes a wiggle seat, a visor, noise reducing headphones, a ‘seek-and-find’ weighted lap pad, and fidget keychains. It can be used during your gallery visit or during a film in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater! It will be available for check out at the front desk for no additional fee. An ID or membership card will be needed for a deposit. 

Discovery For All: At FCMoD, we believe discovery belongs to everyone! There are multiple ways to access the museum, from partnerships with local libraries to special discounts for qualifying visitors. Read more about these resources here.  

Accommodations at the Fair: Each year, FCMoD strives to improve our offerings for sensory-friendly accommodations during the Autism Resource Fair. This year, we’ll have the following: 

  • Sensory Bags containing sunglasses and earplugs, available at the museum. 
  • Sensory Advisory Warnings on all loud exhibits. 
  • Quiet space located in The Archive. 
  • Low lighting in our Woodward Special Exhibition Gallery. 
  • Volume adjustments in our Soundscapes exhibit. 
  • Students from Colorado State University Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) department to help navigate the fair events. 
  • Visual markers (balloons!) at all fair areas. 

If you ever want to know about FCMoD’s latest accessibility resources, please visit our Accessibility page. Prefer to chat over the phone? You can always give us a call at (970) 221-6738. 

Join us for the FREE 2023 Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair on April 23rd 2023 from 12 PM – 4 PM, generously sponsored by Larimer County Behavioral Health Services Impact Fund Grant Program. See you there! 

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Being “Me” In Fort Collins/ Siendo “yo” en Fort Collins

As of 2/25 registration has reached capacity.
Thank you for the interest!

Sunday, February 26, 2023 | 2:00-5:00 PM* program starts right at 2
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
408 Mason Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

Typical libraries offer print books and digital eBooks for check out, but the Human Library® allows participants – or Readers – to borrow a human Book and engage in conversations about their unique stories, particularly their experiences in Fort Collins regarding their identity/identities. The Human Library program creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for curious and often taboo conversations that will challenge prejudices and promote understanding of differences. The program encourages all participants to “unjudge” a human Book by its cover.

As a Reader, you will have the opportunity to check out four human Books, community volunteers who have been subjected to bias, stereotyping, or intolerance due to their lifestyle, race, beliefs, disability, etc.  For example, a Reader may wish to converse with a Book who identifies as gay, Black, body artist, wheelchair user, etc. and explore their experiences in our community. The hope is that everyone, Readers and Books, gain new understandings that advance acceptance and inclusion among diverse groups.

Please join us for the Human Library – a safe and non-judgmental forum for people to engage in difficult conversations and gain a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences.

There is no charge for this program. For more information about the Human Library, please visit www.humanlibrary.org.

The Human Library program is sponsored by the City of Fort Collins Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Poudre River Public Library District. This program is presented as part of the 2023 Fort Collins BookFest.


“Siendo yo en Fort Collins”

Las bibliotecas tradicionales ofrecen libros, tanto impresos como electrónicos, pero la Biblioteca Humana® permite a sus participantes, o lectores, tomar prestado un libro humano para entablar conversaciones sobre sus historias, particularmente sus experiencias en Fort Collins con respecto a su identidad. El programa de la Biblioteca Humana crea un entorno seguro y sin prejuicios para mantener conversaciones curiosas y, a menudo, tabú que desafiarán los prejuicios y promoverán la comprensión de las diferencias. El programa alienta a todos los participantes a “desjuzgar” un libro humano.

Como lector tendrá la oportunidad de consultar cuatro libros humanos, voluntarios de la comunidad que han sido objeto de prejuicios, estereotipos o intolerancia debido a su estilo de vida, raza, creencias, discapacidad, etc. Por ejemplo, un lector puede conversar con un libro que se identifique como gay, negro, artista del cuerpo, usuario de silla de ruedas, etc. y explorar sus experiencias en nuestra comunidad. El objetivo es que todos, tanto lectores como libros, obtengan nuevos conocimientos que promuevan la aceptación y la inclusión entre diversos grupos.

Acompáñenos en la Biblioteca Humana: un foro seguro y sin prejuicios para que las personas participen en conversaciones difíciles y obtengan una comprensión más profunda de las diversas experiencias humanas.

Domingo, 26 de febrero de 2023
2:00-5:00 PM
Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins
408 Mason Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

Admisión gratuita. Para registrarse, haga clic aquí 

Para obtener más información sobre la Biblioteca Humana, visite www.humanlibrary.org.

La Biblioteca Humana está patrocinada por la Oficina de Equidad e Inclusión de la ciudad de Fort Collins, el Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins y el Distrito Bibliotecario Público Poudre River. Se presenta como parte del Festival del Libro de Fort Collins 2023.

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Celebrating 1 Million Visitors with a Free Day!

Join us on Saturday, January 7th as we celebrate 1 million visitors at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery! That’s right, the museum has welcomed 1 MILLION people of all ages since opening its doors on November 10, 2012.

That’s a lot of discovery!!

Admission is free all day long, thanks to generous support from the City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department – Sustainability Services Area. Interact with the team on the 7th and learn more about climate, waste reduction, and air quality!

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., visitors can enter their name for a grand prize to be drawn at NOON on the 7th:

Grand Prize includes:

  • Free lifetime membership
  • 30 guest passes
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • Prize package from The Museum Store!

(Winner must be present to win)

As a reminder, please plan for limited parking!

This weekend also marks visitors’ last chance to experience the special Earth Matters traveling exhibition, an immersive, bilingual experience that explores climate and the changing world around us. Dive even more deeply into these locally relevant themes by participating in activities and experiences planned by City of Fort Collins Sustainability Services on the 7th or registering for a Earth Matters Poetry Workshop on the 8th hosted by local poet Jodie Hollander and State Historian and CSU Professor Jared Orsi.

We are so excited to celebrate this special milestone as part of our year-long 10th Anniversary Celebrations. Plan your visit to Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on the 7th to share in the fun with everyone!

Click to read the recent Coloradoan article about this wonderful milestone!

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Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa’s coming to FCMoD!

Create special holiday memories at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on Saturday, December 17th! There’s fun planned for everyone, no matter your age!

Enjoy taking photos with Santa Claus, holiday-themed activities, balloon creations, and more. Photos will be on a first come, first-serve basis from 10 am – 1 pm, so we hope you’ll join us! Please bring your smartphone device or camera for photos (FCMoD staff available to take pictures).

This special event is free with museum admission purchase. And don’t forget, members are always free!

NOTE: This may be a high volume event!

Schedule of Events:

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Photos with Santa Claus in the Main Gallery

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ornament Crafting with FCMoD

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Balloon Creations with Alpaca Globo

Special Events for Museum Members! 

10:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Members receive* FREE hot chocolate available in the Museum Café

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Members-only viewing of “Let It Snow” in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater

While you’re at the museum, don’t forget to explore our latest traveling exhibition Earth Matters: Rethink the Future or check out the newest addition in our Animal Encounters Zone (hint: they’re very green and very froggy).

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Sonic Spotlight Finals Set for December 8th!

The second and final showcase, the SPOTLIGHT ROUND, will feature the three winning artists from the Sonic Round: Fiona Sofia, Hospital Socks, and HYGEIA. This in-person, live music showcase at Washington’s on Thursday, December 8, 2022 will premiere music videos from each finalist created during the program plus live performances, interviews, and surprises in an exciting night of fresh sounds. Also featuring sets from year 2 semi-finalist Forrest Nelson and Listener’s Choice winner: Clementine!

A panel of music industry judges will be present during this event and will announce which finalist is the winner of Sonic Spotlight 2022.

Find out much more at www.sonicspotlight.org.

FIND TICKETS

This music showcase and competition brought to you by Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 105.5 The Colorado Sound, and Bohemian Foundation supports our all-ages music scene by giving emerging artists the opportunity to showcase original music on a large platform, connect with peers and industry professionals, win prizes, and level up their music.

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