The Wheeler Opera House is proud to announce the return of Roaring Fork Rising, a vetted performance series dedicated to showcasing the diverse creative talent of the Roaring Fork Valley. Spanning weekends throughout May, the second annual series features a curated lineup of local singer-songwriters, storytellers, and comedians
Mike Harrington, Executive Director of the Wheeler Opera House says: “We are thrilled to announce the second season of Roaring Fork Rising. The selection committee was pleased with the resulting lineup that is a mix of new artists, alongside returning artists from the inaugural season in 2025. This series is an affordable and accessible way to discover and support local talent; we hope to see a lot of people spending time with us at the Wheeler this May.”
All performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18, Insiders tickets are $8.
The 2026 Roaring Fork Rising schedule includes:
Friday, May 15: Aggie Flores & the Wildflowers
Singer-songwriter Aggie Flores opens the series with original works blending South American rhythms with indie and folk elements. Her music is deeply influenced by her multicultural background in Buenos Aires, Aspen, and Charleston.
Saturday, May 16: Rai Omri with Abigail Benning
Headliner Rai Omri presents folk-rooted songs shaped by field recordings and open tunings that explore natural and spiritual themes. Special guest Abigail Benning, a third-generation valley voice, opens the night with Americana-inspired reflections on river seasons and small-town memory.
Friday, May 22: Emery Major with Hannah Koivu
Emery Major brings a professional folk-pop sound refined at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Nashville’s Bluebird Café. He is joined by Hannah Koivu, whose indie-pop storytelling offers a modern, genre-blended style.
Saturday, May 23: Alya Howe, WRIT LARGE presents Women’s Voices
Under the direction of Alya Howe—a performer with roots in the José Limón Dance Company—this installment of WRIT LARGE focuses on community narrative. The evening highlights collective meaning and lived experience through the lens of local women’s voices.
Thursday, May 28: Local Comedy Showcase
Six comics take the stage for a night of stand-up. The lineup features David Uhlfelder (The Comedy Store), southern storyteller Julie Gillespie, and local producer Sarah Sanders. Joining them are Brian Tauber, Second City-educated Beth Brandon, and Miller Ford, founder of Consensual Improv and a recent Cultural Vibrancy Grant recipient.
Friday, May 29: The Sopris Sisters with Mark Nussmeier
Harper Powell and Emma Kieran, known as The Sopris Sisters, bring their signature Rocky Mountain harmonies to the Wheeler stage. They are joined by Aspen multi-instrumentalist Mark Nussmeier, who specializes in genre-spanning, loop-based performances.
Saturday, May 30: Wild Flight with Hugh Phillips
The series concludes with Wild Flight, a roots-rock trio featuring Emily Jurick, Eric Gross, and Bill Ritchen. They are joined by country songwriter Hugh Phillips, whose narrative-driven Americana has earned him a dedicated following across the Mountain West.
TICKETS:
Tickets for all shows are $18; Insiderz tickets are $8
Tickets available at www.wheeleroperahouse.com, by phone at 970-920-5770, or in person at the box office, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO, Tuesday through Saturday, noon–5 p.m.
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