A new live music series in Craig called Barn Sessions will begin this spring at The Luttrell Barn Cultural Center. The series will blend local talent and regional performers into what organizer Emma Attolini hopes will become both a signature event series and a conduit for community growth and unity.
Attolini is the founder and producer of Barn Sessions. For the Denver-trained DJ, who performs as Shere Khan, the series is about creating a space that feels “distinctly Craig” while introducing a broader, more diverse musical experience to Moffat County.
After moving to Moffat County in November 2025, Attolini recognized both the community’s strong identity and what she described as an untapped potential for a larger music culture. Her vision was inspired by years spent in Denver’s thriving electronic music scene, where she saw firsthand how music could unite people.
“Music’s always been a huge part of my life,” Attolini said. “It showed me how powerful music can be, not just entertainment, but as something that brings people together.”
Barn Sessions will debut May 16 at The Luttrell Barn Cultural Center, 411 Emerson St. The performance begins at 6 p.m.
Attolini selected the venue because of its history, character and layout. Rather than offering a traditional one-stage concert setup, she envisions the barn as a layered experience resembling a one-night festival.
The hayloft upstairs will serve as the main stage and primary dance floor, while downstairs will offer a lounge-style secondary space where attendees can still enjoy the music while mingling. That design, she said, allows people to move through the event on their own terms and enjoy a more varied experience.
“The Luttrell Barn is just so iconic,” Attolini said. “It has so much character, history and it also has a layout that really made sense for what I wanted to do.”
Attolini’s approach also reflects an effort to honor Craig’s community roots while broadening its cultural offerings. She said maintaining that balance was essential. Attolini credited Melody Villard as a key partner in helping shape the event into something that feels authentic to the local community.
Villard played a central role in navigating logistics, permitting and community alignment, according to Attolini, who described her as “instrumental” in turning the concept into reality.
The lineup for the inaugural Barn Sessions reflects that same balance between local familiarity and outside influence. Craig guitarist Brian Ghirardelli will open the evening, followed by Steamboat Springs DJ Patty Cakes and Denver artist Benjamin’s Vibe, whose genre-blending style includes hip-hop, funk and EDM.
Attolini will close the night as Shere Khan, bringing a broad-ranging set that spans house, bass, funk and dance music.
“I wanted there to be something for everybody,” Attolini said.
Beyond the music itself, Barn Sessions is also tied to a philanthropic mission to support Craig’s Skate Park Alliance, which is working to bring a skate park to Craig. Attolini said partnering with the organization was an intentional decision to ensure the event contributes to the broader community beyond the performances themselves.
“I think it’s really meaningful to create something new and fun that also gives back,” she said.
Barn Sessions has also drawn broad local business support. Sponsors include Masterworks Mechanical, The Jungle Pet Shop, Colt 45 Productions, The Source H2O, RE/MAX About You, T’s Construction, Schedule 1, King Homes & Land Realty, The Villa at Craig and The Print Shop.
Attolini specifically credited Colt 45 Productions for major support in production and marketing.
“When you’re building something new in a small town, it really takes a village,” she said.
That community-driven mindset is central to Barn Sessions’ larger purpose. While the May event marks the beginning, Attolini envisions future installments later in the summer and in the fall, the latter of which might be a Halloween-themed event. She hopes that the series could eventually grow into a larger regional attraction or even a multi-day festival.
Her broader goal is not simply to host concerts, but to position Craig as a destination for live music in northwest Colorado.
“Craig has so much character, history and potential,” Attolini said. “I want there to be great music here.”
Attolini believes Craig, because of its position between Denver and Salt Lake City, occupies a geographic corridor that could become increasingly relevant for artists and travelers. She hopes Barn Sessions can help tap into that opportunity while boosting local businesses, tourism and community pride.
For now, success will be measured by a packed barn, strong energy and attendees eager for the next event.
“If people leave having a genuinely great time and wanting to be here again, that’s a huge win,” she said.
Pre-sale tickets are available for $7, with door tickets priced at $15. VIP tickets are $30 and include perks such as line-skipping, merchandise discounts and event memorabilia. The event is for those 21 and older.
Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/BarnSessionsCraig.
For updates, future event announcements and community activities, follow Shere Khan (@sherekhanofficial) and Barn Sessions (@barnsessionsco) on Instagram.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.craigdailypress.com ’
