What is an open-air festival without an a cappella group? Being able to hear a vocal group that makes all the music they need without instrument accompaniment is always a fun experience, if for no other reason than to watch and hear how all the voices come together to make a musical soundscape.

Curious Gage is an a cappella group of notoriety in Fort Collins, as the group itself started in 2003 and is doing quite well for itself. Even though the group has had member changes throughout the years, and the sound subtly changes with each change, there is no denying that the music they make is unequivocally good. In 2006, they won the Rocky Mountain Harmony Sweepstakes; the year after, they hosted it. They have written a few original songs, made CDs and it is obvious that all the members have fun being in the group and love to perform.

Currently, Curious Gage is made up of Carleen Widhalm, Lindsay Rom, Nic Widhalm and Tom Miles. When sent a questionnaire by Beet Street about Streetmosphere, they sent back a transcription of comedic answers. They have a natural inclination towards hilarity in their interactions with people, and an ability to laugh at themselves and the inherent goofiness needed when entertaining an ever-changing crowd of passers-by.

Listening to their sound, it is apparent that Curious Gage was, is, and will continue to be a great installment in the Fort Collins music scene, and that Streetmosphere just wouldn't be the same without them. It is important for artists to remember that music and performing is fun, and it is obvious when you watch them perform that the members of Curious Gage never forgot this particular lesson.

If you'd like to learn more about the group, or listen to some of their music, you can visit their website at www.curiousgage.com, their Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Curious-Gage/138241411935, or their MySpace page  www.myspace.com/curiousgagemusic. 

Curious Gage will be performing as part of Streetmosphere on Sunday June 3rd from 1:30pm-4:30pm at the South end of Old Town Square.

-Alice Weaver, Beet Street Intern