Andy Palmer has made gritty folk music as a solo artist and with the band Grub Street Writer, while also maintaining a career as a public defender. The Denver singer-songwriter in May released his latest album, "The Switch." The record explores themes of religion and social justice. ​Andy Palmer and his band played four songs from "The Switch" in the CPR Performance Studio. Palmer also spoke with Alicia Bruce Mitchell about how his career has shaped his music, his success in a recent songwriter's competition and his ode to abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

Head For The Hills has become one of the biggest names in Colorado bluegrass since forming in 2003. The Fort Collins quartet in May released its fourth album, "Potions And Poisons." It features songs about addiction and heartache, but with upbeat folk and country energy. Head For The Hills last month stopped into the CPR Performance Studio to play three songs from the new album. Stream that performance and check out bassist Matt Loewen and fiddle player Joe Lessard's interview with CPR News for more on the new album.

The Patti Fiasco recently won a contest to open for Bon Jovi at the Pepsi Center in April. That gig unfortunately fell through, but the Fort Collins band has taken it in stride. The band has released three albums of Americana-influenced rock and performs regularly around Colorado and beyond. The Patti Fiasco stopped into the CPR Performance Studio to play a few songs from its discography, as well as a brand new track. The members also spoke with Alisha Sweeney about the collaboration between Denver and Fort Collins artists, how the Bon Jovi gig fell through and the story behind its latest single.

Joe Sampson has been a mainstay in the Denver music scene for years. He's played in bands like Bad Weather California and Wentworth Kersey and also releases music under his own name. His latest release is last year's "Chansons De Parade" album. Sampson stopped by the CPR Performance Studio with a few backing musicians -- including singer-songwriter Esmé Patterson on vocals. He performed four songs and spoke with Jeremy Petersen about his various musical projects over the years, writing short songs and a memorable review from an Italian blog.