FoCoMX Artist Spotlight – Meet Jaiel

FoCoMX is finally here! Over twenty incredible acts are taking the stage here at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. This year, FCMoD is home to three unique stages: The Learning Labs, The Launchpad, and the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. We had the pleasure to speak with some of artists performing at FCMoD, diving into what inspires their music and what you can expect from their performances. 

Are you looking for the perfect mix of pop and soul to add to your FoCoMX schedule? Denver artist, Jaiel, will not disappoint. Jaiel has been surrounded by music and creativity her whole life. In 2022, she decided to start pursuing music professionally and released her first project, ‘The Magical World of Black Girlhood’. Jaiel describes her music as a reflection on the space between girlhood and womanhood and hopes it serves as a tool for empowerment and inspiration. Her music explores the complexities of adolescence and the growing pains associated with becoming a woman. 

Inspired by artists like Beyonce, Tori Kelly, and Ariana Grande, Jaiel is busy creating new music that is sure to earn a spot on your “Summer 2024” Playlist. Catch Jaiel at The Launch Pad at FCMoD, tomorrow, April 20th at 7:00PM. See you there! 

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FoCoMX Artist Spotlight – Meet Zealot

FoCoMX is right around the corner and over twenty incredible acts are taking the stage here at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. This year, FCMoD is home to three unique stages: The Learning Labs, The Launchpad, and the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. We had the pleasure to speak with some of artists performing at FCMoD, diving into what inspires their music and what you can expect from their performances. 

From a whimsical stage presence to sci-fi inspired lyrics, Denver band, Zealot, is sure to leave the crowds at FoCoMX enchanted. Formed in 2016, Zealot is a four-piece indie/alternative band creating captivating tunes that have a much deeper meaning. Lead singer, Luke Hunter James-Erickson pulls songwriting inspiration from sci-fi and fantasy novels written by authors like Terry Pratchett. Though the inspiration for their songs come from imaginary worlds, Zealot hopes their lyrics can inspire positive change in their local community and beyond. The band pairs these complex and introspective stories with upbeat and energetic instrumentals, making for an unforgettable show. 

Zealot is currently in the process of recording their second full length album, ‘The January King,’ and plans to release it early 2025. They are making their Fort Collins debut at FoCoMX this weekend and are ready to take you on a journey into their world.  

You can find Zealot at The Launchpad at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery this Saturday, April 20th at 3:00PM. See you there!



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FoCoMX Artist Spotlight – Meet D.W. Doucet

FoCoMX is right around the corner and over twenty incredible acts are taking the stage here at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. This year, FCMoD is home to three unique stages: The Learning Labs, The Launchpad, and the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. We had the pleasure to speak with some of artists performing at FCMoD, diving into what inspires their music and what you can expect from their performances.  

D.W. Doucet’s unique approach to live shows is sure to make his set stand out at this year’s FoCoMX. Doucet describes his one-man band as “an individualistic blend of blues and folk,” met with “howling, growling, hooting and hollering.” He blends narrative based songwriting with nontraditional instruments like chains and rotary telephones. These unexpected elements give Doucet’s music a sound like no one else, adding a layer of depth to his honest, raw storytelling. His songwriting is inspired by a variety of life experiences, whether it be a personal reflection, or stories heard from friends and relatives. 

Doucet is a seasoned FoCoMX artist, with his first festival appearance back in 2016. He is currently in the process of recording his full-length album “American Dust” at More Door studios with engineer, Johnny Alonzo, and plans to release it later this year.  

You can find D.W. Doucet at the Fort Collins Digital Dome Theater on Friday, April 19th at 8:15PM.

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FoCoMX @ FCMoD

We are days away from Fort Collins’ favorite local music festival, FoCoMX! With over 350 Colorado bands performing on 30 stages, it is impossible not to wonder what goes on behind the scenes. This year, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery has the support of the youth advisory board known as the FCMoD Squad to help run three unique stages: The Launchpad, The Learning Labs, and The Otterbox Digital Dome Theater.

The MoD Squad consists of individuals ages 15-19 from across the Front Range. Squad members meet twice a month at the museum for a one-year period. During that time, they actively engage the community in a variety of ways, including reviewing applications for the Sonic Spotlight Showcase, participating in college level presentations and discussions, emceeing concerts, and much more. This year, MoD Squad members will also be helping out behind the scenes of FoCoMX at the museum.

Months ago, Squad members got a sneak peek into the FoCoMX application process. After intently looking over applications from a variety of different bands, MoD Squad had the opportunity to weigh in on which bands would thrive on FCMoD stages. Now, after becoming these bands’ newest fans, Squad members will help ensure the success of the festival by supporting backstage.

Want to see the MoD Squad in action? We’ve got you covered. Thanks to Visit Fort Collins, admission to the museum is FREE on Saturday, April 20th. Add Fort Collins Museum of Discovery to your 2024 FoCoMX schedule and don’t forget to say hello to the Squad!

Poster Design by: Elijah Brady

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