Rebecca Folsom Trio
Colorado singer-songwriter, Rebecca Folsom believes every lyric, every note, every musical collaboration carries the potency to change the world. With her new recording, Sanctuary, Rebecca is on a mission to do that one listener at a time. Moving with ease through her four-octave range she plucks the instrument of the heart with tender fearlessness and fiery passion all meant to awaken unfettered aliveness.
Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, Rebecca’s formative years were inspired by the alternative pulse that beats in a town nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. She grew up running trails and writing songs amongst the pines and aspens, capturing inspiration from the plethora of spiritual teachings along with the sanctuary of the natural world.
Seasoned in a 20-year Zen Buddhism study, Rebecca meets these changing times with an equanimity centered in relaxing into the Wisdom Of Uncertainty. It’s in this open spirit of being teachable that Rebecca has traversed the many bridges that have led to her latest album, Sanctuary. With Sanctuary, Rebecca uses her platform to serve the underprivileged, to inspire collective change, and to create an international movement of peace.
Her new album Sanctuary, rooted in folk and gospel, moves from lilting, deeply touching folk ballads to unbridled, sing-along anthems. The album is a tapestry of sonic landscapes written with or for marginalized communities with songs produced by 3-time Grammy winning producer Tom Wasinger and 5-time Grammy winning producer Shaun Martin. Americana Highways calls Sanctuary, “…simply impressive” and “…worthy of awe.” Westword Magazine says, "Her songs hit like little earthquakes."
In the spirit of collaboration, Rebecca wrote the songs for Sanctuary with activists, Zen masters, NYT Best Selling authors, Forbes America’s 100 Self-Made Women, social justice organizations, and those impacted in compromised, disempowered situations. Prisoners, refugees, veterans, homeless, elderly, and many others came together into creative circles with Rebecca. There, they shared in authentic conversations, found tears and laughter, and the natural inclination to share common human values.
Rebecca has played on BBC television/radio for an audience of 1.5 million, Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, The Bluebird and Opryland in Nashville, TN, and numerous festivals nationwide. The song Sanctuary was a semi-finalist in the “2021 International Songwriting Competition.” Sanctuary the song and album hit Number 1 on the National Roots Folk Radio Chart, top 10 on the National College Radio chart and has been top 40 for the entire year of 2023.
Rebecca laughs and says, “I tend to live in extremes. I decided a long time ago that I would channel my intensity into the positive power of creativity. From my personal past history, I’m not afraid to walk with others through some dark places. Sometimes we have to face into the shadows of life to free ourselves into a brighter future.”
For more than 30 years, she has been a transformational teacher and leadership coach. Nicknamed “the Creativity Shaman” by her clients of all ages and backgrounds, Rebecca has inspired thousands of individuals, large and small groups, and leadership teams of national and international corporations. She helps all seekers break down limitations, open more creative flow, and embrace more amazing life experiences. Her vocal empowerment workshops galvanize individual freedom and the creation of conscious communities. Her philanthropy includes serving with Blue Sky Bridge (a child advocacy organization), The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, Onetreeplanted.org, and IRC International Rescue Committee, to name just a few.
In addition to her 11 released albums and vibrant coaching career, Rebecca has written and published two books of poetry and created numerous paintings of fine art.