Lindsey O'Brien Band

With an edge of daring and a tinge of heartbreak, Lindsey O’Brien Band (LOB)’s singular brand of soulful, high-energy rock & roll has been a staple of the Colorado music scene for more than six years.Their sound unites the drive of rock, the depth of folk, and the groove of soul—and throws in the get-up-and-dance of funk, a touch of jazz sophistication, and just enough pop to party to. It’s a full, layered sound that achieves no small feat: crowds both want to shout along and listen close—which is why they keep coming back for more. You couldn’t ask for more from a front woman—O’Brien has remarkable emotional and musical range, powerhouse vocals, and undeniable magnetism. Her voice easily brings crowds to their feet, but also has a singular lilt that gives the music a depth beyond its dance-ability. Scene Magazine describes O’Brien’s style as “sweet but not sugary… there’s a piquant, bluesy undertone in her voice….” Songs range from rowdy to slow burn, blending the attitude of O’Brien’s native Chicago with compelling emotional authenticity. This outfit has attitude in spades—and the chops to back it up. Articulate City describes them as "super fun and funky… featuring some of the finest talent in town." Indeed, this is a super group formed by members of some of the most accomplished and well known bands in the area’s recent history—including The Atoll, Motorhome, and—yes—the Colorado State University Marching Band. Marching Band Director Dr. Christopher Nicholas, on trombone, and Dave Clapsaddle, on sax, inject songs with big-band energy and enthusiasm. With roots in the CSU music program himself, Matthew Mahern ups the rock quotient, adding a bold melodic layer on lead guitar. On bass, Craig Fowler anchors the LOB sound with deeply soulful, danceable grooves. Seasoned drummer Peter Knudson empowers the group’s compositions with driving rhythms tempered by a sophistication that draws from the jazz, blues, world groove, and other influences of his numerous musical projects. LOB has played some of the most acclaimed venues in Northern Colorado and has opened for internationally renowned bands The Fray and Heartless Bastards. A staple of the regional festival scene, they ignited FoCoMX 2011, bringing the entire standing-room-only crowd to its feet with their finale cover of Gloria. Also in 2011, they were featured on the main stage at Fort Collins’ Bohemian Nights at New West Fest, and were selected by Spokesbuzz to represent the best of the Fort Collins music scene on a compilation CD. In 2008, LOB released As Long As it Matters—a showcase of their outstanding range and musicianship. They’ve performed at Congress Theatre in Chicago; Soiled Dove Underground and Walnut Room in Denver; and The Budweiser Events Center, Mishawaka, and Aggie Theater in Northern Colorado, in addition to many more stage and radio performances.