Why Music Matters: Three Northern Colorado Artists Share Their Stories
Music has a way of bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and leaving a lasting impact. For many of us, our earliest experiences with the arts help shape who we become.
At Artspire NoCo, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience that same power of artistic expression. And we're fortunate to have a community of talented local artists who share that belief.
Ahead of our FREE Arts Inspire Fundraiser on Saturday, October 24, at Avogadro's Number in Fort Collins, we caught up with three of the featured musical acts—Jim Kristoff, Elyse Miller, and Violet Wild—to learn more about their creative journeys, what inspires them, and why expanding access to the arts matters.
Here's what they had to say.
Q: Tell us a bit about you/your group and what inspires your creativity. What keeps you making music and art? What do you love about it?
Violet Wild:
I started playing out in cover bands on the Front Range around 2017, as a vocalist and playing bass and guitar. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting fired from one of those bands… the drummer and bass player came with me and encouraged me to front my own project.
The name Violet Wild came out of nowhere and stuck. I love it because the color violet is tied to understanding, enlightenment, and the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds — all territory I love for songwriting.
These days the Violet Wild Trio is me, Rob Myers on bass and harmony vocals since 2023, and Bill Aspinwall on lead guitar since last year.
Jim Kristoff:
I’ve been playing guitar and singing since college days. I’ve been in love with performing ever since I noticed people enjoyed listening. I played occasionally for my high school students during 35+ years of teaching. I continue to perform in solo, duo, trio, and full band configurations.
Elyse Miller:
I’m a Colorado singer-songwriter, musician, visual artist, and music educator. My original music is soulful and blues-influenced, with elements of rock, folk, jazz, and a little theatrical flair. I’ve been writing and performing my original music since around 2009, and I can’t imagine not doing it. Creating songs and sharing them is part of who I am. Songwriting is my time to reflect and make sense of the world. Singing is when I feel most myself.
Photo: Violet Wild courtesy of Violet Wild
Q: When did you first become interested in music and arts? Was there a person or performance that inspired you?
Violet Wild:
I was lucky enough to have piano lessons early and to start playing violin in fourth grade, but I was a terrible music student. I wasn’t organized enough to practice. But I loved music and played and sang in every group I could through high school and college and after college: pep band, marching band, youth choir, gospel choir, a cappella groups, playing out in coffee shops. Then life got hard and busy for a long time and I really only played guitar and sang in church for many years. Now that life is easier again, with kids all grown, elders all gone, and my career settled into a manageable groove, I enjoy playing music everywhere I can.
Jim Kristoff:
As a young boy, I was inspired by my grandfather and great uncle who played and sang for family and friends. I’ve been playing my grampas mandolin for years now. I learned to sing harmony through practicing with a college roommate.
Elyse Miller:
I first became interested in music and the arts as a small child. My dad played in a band, and I was inspired by going to his gigs and watching him perform. I wanted to be a singer from about as soon as I could talk.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about the power of music and arts?
Jim Kristoff:
I wish more folks understood how attitude altering the arts in our world can be.
Elyse Miller:
I wish people knew that the arts are worth engaging in even if you don’t plan to do them professionally and even if you don’t think you’re great at it. Just trying something creative can be meaningful. The arts give us space to express ourselves, to connect with others, and to experience something valuable no matter what our skill level. I’m also fascinated by the way the arts affect the brain. Learning an instrument, for example, builds and coordinates so many skills at once, and practicing those skills can actually change and strengthen neural connections. The process is beneficial in itself, not just the end product.
Photo: Elyse Miller courtesy of Elyse Miller
Q: At Artspire NoCo, our mission is to "excite, enlighten, and educate young people through the arts by supporting educational programs, cultural experiences, and community partnerships that expand access to the arts throughout Northern Colorado." What about this speaks to you? Why does this matter to you personally?
Violet Wild:
I've seen how giving a young person tools for creative expression lets them say something true and beautiful about themselves before they even have the words for it. It’s believing every kid deserves a way to make something.
Jim Kristoff:
I know how much of a difference being exposed to the arts made in my life, and how that exposure keeps me inspired, active in the music community, and continually setting goals.
Exposing youth to the arts is life changing. I am performing proof of that.
Elyse Miller:
I spend a good deal of my time providing music lessons because I enjoy teaching and because I believe arts education is important. I place a high value on making the arts accessible to young people, and to adults too. Not everyone has the same opportunities or resources to explore their creativity, so opening doors for people who might not otherwise have access is something I really believe in. I’m deeply grateful to be in a community where so many people value making the arts accessible. I’m glad to support a program doing that here in Northern Colorado.
Join Us for an Afternoon of Music That Makes a Difference!
We're grateful to Jim Kristoff, Elyse Miller, and Violet Wild for sharing their stories and supporting our mission to bring meaningful arts experiences to children throughout Northern Colorado.
Their experiences are a reminder that access to the arts can spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for artistic expression.
Come hear these talented local musicians perform live on Saturday, October 24, from 12–4 PM at Avogadro's Number in Fort Collins!
This FREE, all-ages event will feature live music, locally brewed beer generously donated by Zwei Brewing, and a raffle benefiting Artspire NoCo.
Learn more and join us on Facebook!
Together, we can help inspire the next generation through the arts.