Central Rockies Old-Time Music Association (CROMA)

02/06/2026

Need your square dance fix?
Join us Feb 28 in Fort Collins at the Peak Community Church from 7-10PM! $12/$5 - Cash Only. Please visit our event page for more information! See you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1575986633666406

06/05/2024

If you haven’t heard Larry Edelman ‘s fantastic documentary on the Canote twins is now available for free streaming at thecanotetwins.com

11/08/2023

Hey Denver-Area Folks,

The Canote Twins documentary by Larry Edelman will be screened at the Seedlings Film Festival on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 6:35 p.m. And admission is free! The festival describes their mission this way: “The Seedlings Film Festival is an initiative from The Rock Church Denver to plant seeds of love in people’s lives through film screenings in Denver, Colorado. The purpose is to help filmmakers of all ages to feel inspired to make an impact through their work.”

Here are the details:
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 6:35 p.m.
Where: Washington Street Community Center, 809 South Washington Street, Denver, CO 80209
No tickets are required: This is a totally free event and we’ve been told that folks can just show up!

CROMA is a financial contributor to The Canote Twins film project.

For more information on the documentary: https://thecanotetwins.com/

For more information on the festival: https://www.facebook.com/seedlingsfilmfestival

The Canote Twins gives us an intimate look into the remarkable bond of identical twins Greg and Jere Canote.

10/05/2022

Our music community in Fort Collins and beyond is mourning the loss of our dear friend, Gordon Gathright. In addition to his musical talents, Gordon was skilled at just about any task he set his mind to; he was honest, and always eager to help a friend in need. He will be greatly missed.
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25923691/gordon-ray-gathright

07/11/2022

It’s hard to believe this is the third summer that we’ve missed seeing you at the Rocky Mountain Old-time Music Festival. We’ve had to cancel the recent festivals because of the pandemic and we haven’t been able to find an appropriate venue since losing Parrish Ranch after Terry passed. But we haven’t lost faith and hope to one day bring everyone back together.

We were lucky that Greg and Jere Canote were able to join us for the 10th annual festival, in 2019. Their infectious enthusiasm added to the festival vibe. We video recorded their concert set and some workshops and, fortunately, many of those recordings are featured in The Canote Twins, a new documentary being produced by Larry Edelman. We saw some of the superb segments and were so happy to re-experience the festival. As many of you know, Larry also has been a regular in the CROMA line-up, both as a caller and as a player.

A crowdfunding campaign is underway to help fund The Canote Twins. Help is needed to cover a range of expenses. CROMA was delighted to contribute financially, and we hope you’ll join us and make your own donation to the film at any level you can afford. And good news—donations are tax-deductible and donors will receive on-screen credit in the documentary. Plus, donors will receive occasional “sneak peeks” of scenes from the film.

DONATE NOW: [https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/fiscal-sponsorship/the-canote-twins/]

Thanks in advance for supporting the film!

Film Independent's Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help

10/22/2021

Hello Everyone,

We regret to inform you that there will not be a 2022 CROMA festival. After conducting an intensive search for a new venue, we have not identified a place that was available for the range of dates that would work. We came close, but in the end, things did not work out.

What lies beyond 2022 is uncertain. We are currently evaluating our options, and we will keep you informed of decisions as they are made.

Let’s hope that the pandemic will be behind us next year, and that the summer of 2022 will see many festivals and gatherings back up and running.

Best Wishes,
The CROMA Crew

07/07/2021

Hey Everyone, Today would have been the first day of the annual festival, and we are feeling the absence, and missing you all. We haven't said much lately, but we have been quietly working on a new venue for 2022. Nothing is definite yet, but we are cautiously optimistic that we will be back next year. So hang in there. We'll post updates when we know something more certain. In the meantime, take care, and keep the music alive! -The CROMA Crew

03/09/2021

We are all deeply saddened by the news of Vesta’s passing late last week. She was extraordinary to say the least and touched so many interested in MO fiddling. Here is a video produced by Larry Edelman of Vesta and her grandson Steve Hall performing at CROMA 2012.

In honor of Vesta Johnson, who passed away on March 5, 2021. Beloved by her family and friends, Vesta continues to be a treasured source of inspiration to co...

11/16/2020

Dear Friends,

We are saddened to tell you that the CROMA 2021 festival is cancelled.

2020 has been such a difficult year on so many fronts. Since Terry Parrish's passing, the status of Parrish Ranch as a continuing venue for the CROMA festival has been uncertain.
Without going into all the details, our attempts to work things out have come to an unsuccessful end. The result is there simply is no way to continue a financially viable version of the CROMA festival at Parrish Ranch--a venue that we have all so much enjoyed.

Despite this setback, we are not pulling the CROMA plug entirely, and will continue looking for another venue for 2022. We have spent considerable time scouring the Front Range but haven’t found a suitable alternative, yet. We still have hopes that something will pop up on the radar, and that our CROMA hive mind might yield viable possibilities that have eluded us. So please, if you have any ideas for a venue in the Front Range, even extending into Wyoming, let us know. We will chase down any leads that look even remotely viable.

We know this comes as devastating news, and we are equally saddened by how circumstances have played out. But we also know that the CROMA community and festival are worth fighting for. We shall take this extended hiatus to seek a way forward through the uncertainty that is still before us. We truly couldn't do this without all the love, support, and good times you have shared with us through the years.

Stay safe, be well, and keep the music alive,
Bob, Jack, Lori, and the CROMA crew

07/08/2020

Hi Everyone! Today marks what would have been the start of the 11th Annual CROMA festival. Like all of you, we are feeling the absence of our gathering very deeply--the summer just isn't the same. We are missing the music, the dancing, and the great vibe of coming together at Parrish Ranch.

But with that said, let's keep the spirit and the community alive. Starting today, and running through Sunday, please share your CROMA experiences here with a favorite photo, a short video, or a cherished memory. Or maybe a photo, or statement, of what you are doing now, in lieu of this year's festival. After all, it's our shared experience that makes the magic of the CROMA festival.

And don't forget that there will be a special, online CROMA event this Sunday evening, July 12, with live performances and video footage. We will post the event details later today.

Okay, we turn this post over to you now. Please share your CROMA memories and current musical activities with friends and followers.