5 Boulder Musicians You Should Know

Josephine Antoine

Josephine Antoine. Photo Credit: Carnegie Branch Library for Local History, Boulder Historical Society Collection

This fair Boulderite was beloved for her incredible rise to fame as a Metropolitan Opera star. After completing her education in Boulder, Antoine went on to earn a Master’s at the Julliard School of Music in NYC. Before her first national appearance, she received a telegram from the mayor of Boulder reading: “Every citizen sends you love and good wishes for your performance tomorrow.” She was a success, and sang the lead in 14 Metropolitan Opera productions. Her singing was featured on national radio stations, and she returned to Boulder to perform at the Colorado Chautauqua, as well as CU’s Macky Auditorium. She ended up settling down and teaching at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music.

Wendy Woo

Wendy Woo (left) and her lovely band (right). Photo Credit: wendywoo.com

Wendy Woo is one of the few to win the Westword Music Awards fives times. She is now in the Westword Hall of Fame. Woo plays both electric and acoustic guitar, often utilizing the acoustic version as a percussion instrument in her music. She has recorded over 100 original songs in multiple genres, including: folk, blues, funk, jazz, rock, and pop. She studied music at the University of New Mexico, until transferring to good ol’ CU Boulder. She got her start while working/bartending at the Fox Theatre. Her band was even featured in the Boulder episode of FoodNation with Bobby Flay. She is popular across the state, and once recorded/filmed the theme song for Denver Fox 31’s Good Day Colorado morning show. If that doesn’t prove her local appeal, Oskar Blues Brewery has even named a beer after her: Woo Woo Wheat.

Cassie Taylor

Cassie Taylor was born and raised in Boulder, and got her start playing bass for her father’s band. Her dad, Otis Taylor, is a musician in his own right, and trusted Cassie not to get drunk or crazy on tour, unlike the other members of Otis’s band. She plays on 8 of Otis Taylor’s albums, but also works in Delta Blues, electronica, indie rock, and psychedelia on her own. Like many musicians she is multi-talented, designing clothing and working as a fashion model too.

3OH!3

3OH!3 ca. 2008. Photo Credit: Ashley Rehnblom

Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte make up the electronica group 3OH!3, which received national success with their song “Don’t Trust Me”. Both of the men are natives of Boulder, CO. The band is actually named after the city’s area code. They gained serious national attention when they collaborated with Ke$ha on their song “My First Kiss”. 3OH!3 was created right here in Boulder, and has been playing since it’s debut in 2004.

Jesse Carmichael

Jesse Carmichael ca. 2007. Photo Credit: Alexa Rose

Jesse Carmichael was born in Boulder, and is best known as the keyboardist for Maroon 5. He also plays guitar and provides backup vocals. Until attending Five Points College, with his friend Adam Levine, Carmichael only played guitar. He picked up the keyboard before dropping out with Adam and going to California to form Maroon 5. And, as they say, the rest is history.