Dick Orleans Legacy -  
We celebrate Dick Orleans’ legacy with music and community. All proceeds from this free music festival go to fund scholarships for local creatives and supports future Friends of Folk Festivals.  

Did we say FREE ADMISSION? Yes, we did! Claim your spot early.  Be sure to bring chairs or blankets to sit and watch the entertainment. Share the news and encourage all your friends to join us for this wonderful community music festival.

​The Estes Arts District strives to carry the torch forward with Dick's goals in mind of encouraging new artists to perform. He brought a spotlight to new talents and encouraged ever evolving musical influences into the Friends of Folk style of entertainment. This style, encompassing both classic well-loved music with fresh new voices, creates an exciting night of entertainment. 

A scholarship fund has been established with Dick’s passions in mind. Dick Orleans was always supporting others to pursue their art, whether music or photography ­or anything! He inspired so many, and we want to keep that energy going. 
​SCHOLARSHIPS
​To apply for the Dick Orleans Scholarship, fill out our simple application and submit for review.
Deadline June 20th...Submit your application Now.

LOCAL PERFORMERS
​Please follow the guidelines to schedule an audition. Music submissions are now closed for 2025.  

​SPONSORS, VENDORS, VOLUNTEER
If you would like to be a Sponsor, book a vendor table or Volunteer to help at the Friends of Folk ­Festival, please contact us.

SHARE YOUR STORY
Submit your story by June 15th
*This schedule and performers are subject to change.
Alleged Schedule - 2025
3:30 Jason Lenz
4:00 SnowBelt
4:30 Salomé Songbird
5:00 River Mann
6:00 Stepmother Nature
7:00 The Burroughs
8:30 Shinyribs

Musical Headliners - 2025

PicturePhoto:WYATT MCSPADDEN FOR SHINYRIBS, WITH PERMISSION

Shinyribs:
R&B, Blues, Swamp Funk, Country Soul
Shinyribs defies genres as a sonic melting pot of Texas Blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn- driven Memphis Soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock.
The Austin-based nine-piece (sometimes 10-piece) supergroup is led by Kevin Russell, the charismatic frontman with colorful suits and extravagant shoes who continuously swaps out an electric guitar for a ukulele and never falls short of creating a cinematic experience with on- stage antics that often include him donning a light-up cloak or leading a conga line through the crowd.
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The Burroughs:
Sweaty Soul Music
From humble beginnings covering soul standards in their unlikely hometown of Greeley, Colorado, The Burroughs have traversed a decade of growth and reinvention to become a band that defies odds and transcends categorization. Since 2013, the 9-piece act has lit up stages around the country with their trademark brand of “sweaty soul music,” an invitation for audiences to dance, celebrate, and connect under a unifying and infectious groove.

Bandleader and frontman Johnny Burroughs sings, dances, and screams audiences into a revival-like frenzy. His dynamite backing band includes sizzling horns and powerhouse rhythm section made up of some of Colorado’s most versatile and in-demand musicians. 
The Burroughs are:
Alec Bell - Trumpet
Briana Harris - Alto Saxophone
Hayden Farr - Baritone Saxophone
Jeremy Fallis - Trombone
Brian Claxton - Bass
Mary Claxton - Drums/Vocals
Spencer Zweifel - Keys
Jack McManaman - Guitar
Johnny Burroughs  - Vocals​

Stepmother Nature:
Funk & Rockin' it
Stepmother Nature has been buzzing around Estes Park the last couple of years. Chances are you've heard this electric soul music around town. All local musicians, Stepmother Nature brings the heat to every performance. Get ready to rock! 
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River Mann

River Mann:
​American roots music, contemporary folk, progressive rock, and classical music
Whether you are a boat lost at sea or a soul in need of warmth, River Mann is here to ferry you across the waters. Led by singer songwriter William Thomas, this exciting new project out of Colorado’s vibrant music scene will move you through sound, story, and the subconscious.
Taking inspiration from American roots music, contemporary folk, progressive rock, and classical music, River Mann’s transcendent and energetic live performances promise a journey of dancing, swooning, smiling, and moments of introspection. Full of heart and spirit, this music delves into the human condition with sincerity and compassion. 
River Mann’s sound is defined not only by Will’s songwriting prowess but also by exceptional musicianship and genuine camaraderie, with the soulful playing Madalyn McCoy’s violin and Gabriel Anthony’s slide guitar. James Davis brings the thunder and the groove on bass, while on the kit—sporting one of the finest mustaches west of the Mississippi—is one of Colorado’s most explosive young drummers, Mr. Benjamin Waterson. The members of River Mann beckon you to the unknown—the beautiful and the dark—with revelry and happen stance, to a distant land of your own exploration and love.

Salomé Songbird:
Contemporary folk to scathing lullabies
At a glance another string band, Salomé Songbird has been honing their distinct take on acoustic music – self described as scathing lullabies – for live audiences around Colorado. Band Members Ariele Macadangdang, Joy Adams, and Bryan Dubrow originally met in the mid 2010’s and reunited in 2022 with ambitions to push themselves – and audiences – musically and emotionally. 

As an “eclectic, free spirited acoustic trio” Salomé Songbird’s sound “comes from each individual’s musical background blending together in sync.” Their professional histories span old time and bluegrass, to jazz, pop, and death metal; members have performed with artists including Darol Anger, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Flobots, Kygo, Ben Folds, and Dave Liebman. As a trio they channel this variety of influences into original music inspired by mental health, religious trauma, and cartoons. 

Salomé Songbird released their debut single “Jellyfish” in January of 2025.
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SnowBelt:
Toe tapping Bluegrass
SnowBelt Bluegrass is a duo from Estes Park, Colorado, blending bluegrass, old-time, folk, and improvisational jams. Their sound features original songs, fiddle-tune standards, and creative exploration.

Originally from Michigan, Max brings influences from Ralph Stanley and Doc Watson, playing guitar, fiddle, banjo, and handling most vocals and songwriting. Ann, from Brown County, Indiana, is a classically trained violinist with expertise in Old-Time, Bluegrass, and Irish fiddle. She also ensures Max plays in tune and on time - not a task for the lighthearted.

Jason Lenz:
​Live Looping
Jason Lenz is a local Estes Park musician specializing in Live-Looping. During his 13 years of service with the 43rd Army Band, Jason was awarded the highest award for military musicians - the Colonel Finley Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award. Jason currently has a Kickstarter Campaign to raise money for his first Solo Album, "Dimples and Diastema" You can pre-order his album at the merchandise table through the QR code. His acrylic pour paintings are also for sale. ​

VENDORS:

Good nosh by gosh, it's gonna be good!
​​Tasty Adult Beverages from our local Craft Beverage Establishments are available for purchase.
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​​Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
Rock Cut Brewing Co.
Estes Park Brewery
Snowy Peaks Winery
Elkins Distillery
Avant Garde Aleworks
Estes Park Distilling Co
All proceeds from this event benefit the Estes Arts District. No outside alcoholic beverages will be allowed in this public park and festival grounds.

We are honored to receive support from:
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​​We send a big THANK YOU out to our local sponsors who continue to support making this event possible:
2025 SPONSORS:
Town of Estes Park
Northern Colorado Foundation
Kind Coffee
Estes Arts District
Visit Estes Park
Twin Owls Steakhouse
Tom Thomas Realtor First Colorado Realty
Green Jeep Tours
Earthwoood Collections
Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies
Aspen and Evergreen Gallery
Art Studio Tour
​Estes Valley Library
Susan Fereday State Farm
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company
Mary Murphy First Colorado Realty
Avant Garde Aleworks
Rations - Mobile Provisions
Estes Park Brewery
Rocky Mountain Channel
Rock Cut Brewing Company
Estes Park Rent-All
Estes Park News
Elkins Distilling Company
SnowyGrass Music Festival

You can view the 2020 Friend of Folk CoVid Edition fall concert series.

The 2020 CoVid edition concert series can be viewed on YouTube TV. The Live stream was recorded by The Rocky Mountain Channel/Nick Molle Productions. 
This event is created and planned by the Estes Arts District. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer to help out.
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