Ballads of freedom, stories of modern-day gentrification, and yodels that could echo across the Rockies, Nick Shoulders puts on far more than a show. Hailing from the deep woods of Arkansas, he shares lessons from history, calls for societal reform, and sprinkles in hilarious recollections of his past run-ins with Colorado. A self-described punk cowboy, Shoulders has been crafting hymns of struggle since his 2018 debut album "Loneley Like Me." With his upcoming release "Refugia Blues," set to drop on Halloween, he continues to expand his legacy of blending wit, activism, and raw country grit.
The evening opened with Jude Brothers, a soft-soul artist born in Arkansas and shaped by New Mexico. With her harp, “Schmendrick,” at her side, Brothers delivered songs of grief and lost love that immediately stilled the crowd. Her remarkable voice pirouetted through melodies with a delicacy that left the room breathless. The highlight came with her single "Practicing Silence/Looking for Water!", a performance so striking it silenced the packed theatre.
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By the time Shoulders and his band stepped onto the Gothic Theatre stage, anticipation had reached its peak. His 21-song set stretched nearly an hour and a half, keeping fans two-stepping from wall to wall. Beyond the music, his willingness to tackle uncomfortable truths set the night apart. Few country artists speak so openly about history and social reform, but Shoulders does so with ease, folding commentary seamlessly into his show.
The setlist offered both fan favorites and new work. Songs like "Too Old to Dream," "Rather Low," and "Snakes and Waterfalls" riled the audience, while his brand-new single "Dixie Be Damned," released less than a week earlier, already had fans singing along word for word. The moment showcased the deep connection between Shoulders and his listeners, a relationship built not only on catchy melodies but shared conviction.
Musically, Shoulders is as versatile as he is defiant. Balancing a bass drum under one foot, a snare under the other, and a guitar strapped across his chest, he performs with an effortlessness that borders on athletic. His soaring yodels and boot-stomping rhythms blend dazzling musicianship with punk swagger, carving out a space in country music that is distinctly his own.
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As the final notes faded, it was clear this night was more than another tour stop. Shoulders’ ability to weave history, humor, and humanity into a single performance is rare, and it’s why his concerts feel more like community gatherings than entertainment. With "Refugia Blues" on the horizon, Nick Shoulders is proving that country music can still be radical, joyful, and unshakably alive.
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Keep up with The Nick Shoulders on social media and streaming:
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Keep up with Jude Brothers on social media and streaming:
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify / Apple Music
