Live Music - Once Upon A Tune

  • Thursday, June 11, 2026
  • 7:00pm
 Born in 2017 from the solid bedrock of Fort Collins’ thriving Irish scene at Mulligan’s Pub, Once Upon a Tune is a lively, traditional, Celtic trio featuring the inspired, creative fiddle musings of Janel Vanderwarf, expressive guitar rhythms of Scott Steidley, and primal bodhran accompaniment of Mary Ellen Watterson.
Janel Vanderwarf picked up the fiddle at the age of sixteen and never looked back. Self-taught, Janel “found the soul” of her instrument at Alasdair Fraser’s world-renowned fiddle camp, Valley of the Moon. A consummate musician and beautiful vocalist, Janel is delightful to watch and will “dance her way” into your heart.
Scott Steidley brings incredible talent to the group with his driving, rhythmic guitar and melodic tenor banjo and mandolin. Scott’s stylistic playing is reminiscent of some of the biggest names in Irish music today.
Mary Ellen Watterson is a classically trained percussionist and has been playing percussion since she was a little girl. From kit to cajon, or djembe to bodhran, Mary rounds out the group with her contemporary take on voicing the bodhran.
Come kick up your heels and clap your hands to this exciting Celtic folk group, Once Upon A Tune!
A close-up of three smiling musicians, a woman holding a banjo and a man with a cello.

Upcoming Events

See What’s Happening

Catch live music, community events, and unique hotel happenings created to connect guests and locals all year long.

  • Live Music - Christine Alice

    Fri, May 29, 2026|8 - 10pm

    Award-winning singer-songwriter, Christine Alice delivers a powerful blend of soulful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, spins on your favorite covers, and electrifying live energy with her acoustic guitar. Proud to claim Fort Collins as her hometown, she can bring the audience to a hush or a roar. 

  • Live Music - Dori Freeman

    Sat, May 30, 2026|8 - 10pm

    “The purity of Dori Freeman’s voice and the directness of her songwriting reflect not only her Appalachian hometown — Galax, Va. — but also a determined classicism, a rejection of the ways modern country punches itself up for radio and arenas.” – Jon Pareles, The New York Times

  • Bearded man in a blue sweater playing an acoustic guitar in a small, blue-tiled bathroom between two white sinks cabinets

    Live Music - Heligoats with Jake Mckelvie

    Thu, Jun 04, 2026|7 - 9pm

    Heligoats: He may be a lone guy with an acoustic guitar, but Chris Otepka gives fans a lot of ideas to unpack.

    Jake McKelvie: Jake McKelvie has traveled the DIY touring circuit in the US and UK for over a decade, carving out a niche for himself as a songwriter and performer.

  • Downtown First Friday Art Walk

    Fri, Jun 05, 2026|6 - 9pm

    The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presents Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™, a community fave of its series of signature business promotions.