Brendan Forrest (w/ special guest Lily Akers) | EP Release Show

Award-winning songwriter & flatpicker Brendan Forrest joins the radiant Lily Akers for a rare, intimate evening of heartfelt Americana at the historic School House.

Expect to laugh, cry, and feel all the feels as they move from tender ballads to barn-burning instrumentals.

You’ll hear the interplay of Brendan solo, Lily solo, and the two weaving together into powerful, interwoven musical storytelling.

This show is a chance to experience Brendan’s celebrated works like Lowdown Stray Dog Blues, Song for John Prine, and Autumn Child—songs streamed as far away as Australia—alongside brand-new pieces from his forthcoming album Songs from San Miguel, as well as Lily's own originals and reditions of classic folk songs.

Lily’s multi-instrumental brilliance and graceful stage presence elevate the set, moving seamlessly between upright bass, mandolin, guitar, and harmony vocals.

Thank you for supporting independent musicians—especially artists doing this fully DIY. In a room like the School House, every lyric, note, and story resonates exactly as it should.

“Equal parts intricate flatpicking, vivid lyricism, and soulful grit” — [Bluegrass Situation]Brendan Forrest is an award-winning songwriter, guitarist, and mandolinist whose music blends the deep roots of Americana with the spark of modern storytelling.

A two-time Telluride Arts Grant recipient (2024 & 2025), Brendan has toured nationally and internationally, from bluegrass festivals to world music stages. His latest release, Daydreaming Music Fiend, earned praise for its “traditional string band arrangements and stripped-down, heartfelt ballads” — [Americana Highways].

Lily Akers is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose music radiates warmth, precision, and joy. Based in Telluride, she is equally captivating in solo performance or in collaboration, moving effortlessly between upright bass, mandolin, and guitar.

Her musicianship and presence create a space where every listener feels part of the experience—something this intimate setting makes unforgettable.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Salina Schoolhouse, 604 Gold Run Road, Boulder, United States