We're thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited lineup of projects selected for support in 2026. At Howlin' Dog Music Group, we're passionate about supporting independent artists, fostering creativity, and amplifying unique regional voices in our communities. This year, our project committee reviewed 124 amazing applications for support from a wide range of brilliant artists throughout Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
Aaron LaCombe, Kerrville, TX
Cile Steward Memorial Grant
Aaron LaCombe is an Austin-based Americana singer-songwriter. Of his music, he says, "I write songs that come from places of real experience, I spend time with my family and my animals, and I try to play shows in venues where I'm likely to be able to legitimately connect with people. The more of the noise of the world I'm able to filter out, the more I find myself able to listen to the people and the things that matter to me, and to make a difference to those people and things. Family, trees and rivers, dogs and cats, tender hearted people and open minds are all places I feel I can do something meaningful. I try to focus my efforts there."
Visit aaronlacombe.com for more.
Alexa Wildish, Lyons, CO
Alexa Wildish makes “music for walking through an aspen grove.” She shares,
I grew up in a musical family in the horse country of Southern California, where my dad collected vintage guitars and I began studying classical voice at seven years old. Musical theatre shaped my early years. Though I thought I was headed for Broadway, at seventeen, everything shifted when I saw The Wailin’ Jennys open for Nickel Creek. That night ignited something in me. I took a hard left turn into Americana, picked up a guitar and octave mandolin, and began writing songs that were from my personal experience, not just characters I would play. I've never looked back. At the heart of everything I do is a desire to create a refuge through song --spaces where listeners feel seen, steadied, and less alone.
Visit alexawildish.com for more.
Antonio Lopez, Longmont, CO
Antonio Lopez is a weaver of sound, interlacing threads of folk, rock, finger-style guitar, and textures beyond. As a singer-songwriter, Lopez entwines his personal narrative with that of the greater whole. He believes that the common threads that unite us are stronger than the forces that divide us. Lopez and his band serve as your guide on a joyful journey through sonic landscapes. Antonio Lopez is a Colorado native of indigenous Chicano descent. Born and raised in Alamosa, he now resides in Longmont.
Visit antoniolopezmusic.com for more.
Ben Jones, Austin, TX
Carl Hearne Memorial Grant
Ben Jones is an England-born musician who’s fallen in love with Austin.Though he’s far from home, the Austin community has become his lifeline. Ben might be best known as one half of the amazing “Beat Root Revival” duo, yet he is also a formidable talent both as a solo singer-songwriter and a sought-after collaborator with many other artists. Of his music, Ben says, "I do my best to write songs about relatable things, and I try to avoid the self-indulgent. So I hope at the very least my music is relatable and useful in a way that it may touch upon a subject that someone else has experienced, thus making them feel less alone."
Visit facebook.com/BenJonesmusician for more.
Jennifer Foster, Austin, TX
The authentic and electric Jennifer Foster & The Audacity assembles some of Austin's finest musicians to create one powerhouse band. At the helm is Jennifer Foster, vocalist and bassist as well as songwriter, lyricist, and arranger of an all-original catalogue inspired by Motown, funk, R&B, blues and rock greats like Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, The Meters and Chaka Khan and Grand Funk. Featuring Dave Scher, Uncle Roy & Spice, David Jimenez, Dane Farnsworth, Daniel Watson and more, Jennifer Foster & The Audacity is a sweet and spicy spoonful of the good stuff; guaranteed to hook you with the first note and keep you until the last. Of her music, Jennifer says,
I truly believe that my music has a chain reaction across my community, I've seen it in real time, to create a positive impact, improve the compassion and energy between people who would otherwise not interact or meet. My shows draw people from all ages and all walks of life. My music is for everyone, no one is excluded. I invite everyone to be a part of our world, and ask the audience to let us into their hearts- we only want to love them.
Visit jenniferfosterandtheaudacity.com for more.
Kateri Lopez, Albuquerque, NM
Kateri Lopez is a multi-instrumentalist from Albuquerque's South Valley. Of her music, she says she writes “songs that aim to paint an image of life in the southwest, in all its beautiful and complex glory.”
Forever drawing inspiration from my home within the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, I find immense comfort in my attempt to blend traditional New Mexican musical styles with that of country and old time. My interest in music began to root itself while attending polvaderas (dusty dances) and local fiestas with my family in Albuquerque's South Valley, an agricultural community on the outskirts of the city. My musical journey began at a young age while accompanying my grandparents on guitar in their local Spanish choir and learning traditional Spanish folk songs from family members while they gathered around for matanzas and other family gatherings. It is through these experiences that I was introduced to dance and musical styles such as the Polka, Ranchera, y Valse. I deeply wish to pursue and create music that inspires movement and dance and reflects the strong sense of place that New Mexico possesses in my heart.
Visit katerilopezmusic.com for more.
Hana Zara & Pat DeSimeo,
Las Cruces, NM
Hana Zara and Pat DeSimio are a musical team based in Las Cruces, NM. Of their music, they say,
"We want to make music for sharing experiences, ideally transportive experiences that bring people together and change us for the better. Traditional music is a type of ancient virtual reality machine, and by using the principles of traditional music to write contemporary songs, we can let people have the empathy-ballooning experience of finding themselves in other places and times and perspectives, while feeling the transcendent immersion in a larger whole that community singing brings. We try to write songs that do that, pulling people into a sacred experience as if they’d wandered into a fairy ring."
Visit hanazaramusic.bandcamp.com and oldtimepharmaceuticals.com for more.
Ruby Dice, Austin, TX
Ruby Dice is an Austin-based Americana artist, bassist, and bandleader known for blending roots-driven songwriting with a bold, modern edge. Originally from Gunnison, Colorado, her sound pulls equally from mountain grit and Texas soul — equal parts country, rock, and raw honesty. Of her music, she says,
I want my music to make people feel connected — to themselves, to their stories, and to each other. I write songs that live somewhere between mountain solitude and dancehall grit. I want listeners to feel seen-whether they’re navigating heartbreak, chasing a dream, or trying to rebuild after something hard.
Music saved me more than once. If my songs can create even a small sense of belonging or courage for someone else, that’s the impact I’m after. I also hope to inspire younger artists — especially young women — to step into musicianship fully. To play the instrument. To lead the band. To build something sustainable.
Visit rubydice.com for more.
Sara Van Buskirk, Houston, TX
Sara Van Buskirk is a Houston-based singer-songwriter known for raw, commanding vocals, emotional depth, and vivid, lived-in storytelling. With influences ranging from Janis Joplin to Chopin, she creates fearless, soul-stirring music rooted in Americana, blues, and rock'n'roll, with melodies that linger long after the song ends.
Her discography includes The Place Where You Are (2010), Can We Be Friends? (2020), Light Me Up (2024), and JUST WON'T STOP (2025). Her latest single, Comfortable Lie, explores the tension of becoming one's authentic self and will appear on her forthcoming self-titled album.
A sought-after collaborator, Sara has written with Grammy winners Kam Franklin and Kevin Morby, collaborated with Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell among others, and is the founder of Georgia Park Studios.
Visit saravanbuskirk.com for more.
Teresa Suydam, Denver, CO
Teresa's creative essence is fueled by a kaleidoscope of influences, from the epic soundtracks of films & TV shows to the immersive worlds of video games. Their songs, adorned with anthemic choruses and a radiant spectrum of sounds, are like opening a door to a realm where every note holds the power to heal. Teresa’s work blends the roles of songwriter, artist, and producer. Of their music, they say,
The impact I hope my music makes is connection, belonging, and empowerment. As an Indigenous and Filipino artist, I want people who haven’t always seen themselves reflected in this industry to feel seen and valued. There wasn’t a clear path in front of me when I started music school for my undergraduate degree, just a strong feeling that I had something to say. So I started showing up: to open mics, local shows, conferences, and conversations. I learned the business of music as I went and built my career from the ground up. Along the way, I’ve built a community of collaborators, mentors, friends, and fans who believe in both the music and the mission behind my artistry.
Visit teresasuydam.com for more.
Michael Hearne, San Marcos, TX
Legacy Artist
Michael Hearne is one of the most beloved and influential singer-songwriter-guitarists playing in the Southwest today. Although he is currently settled down with his wife Becky Allen just outside of San Marcos, Texas, he will forever be associated with his long-time home of northern New Mexico, and the “Enchanted Circle” of Taos, Red River and Angel Fire. He and his band South By Southwest pretty much invented their own genre of music (sometimes referred to as “Southwest Americana”), taking various elements like the great Texas troubadours, bluegrass, cajun, western swing and even rock and blues, mixing it all with their own great original songs, and lifting it all up in the clear high altitude air and sun of northern New Mexico, where it became something unique and totally their own.
Michael has also influenced and helped countless other artists, both by his example of excellence and his willingness to share his contacts and connections to help others along their way.
Michael's "whiskey-velvet voice", as friend Eliza Gilkyson terms it, as well as his impressive command of the guitar make him one of the most memorable artists performing in the country and Americana arenas. Add in his compelling and evocative songwriting and you have a combination rarely seen anywhere.
Hearne also hosts the 3 day Big Barn Dance Music Festival, held every year the weekend after Labor Day in Taos, New Mexico, which has become one of the premier songwriter-oriented festivals in the country over its 24 years.
Visit michaelhearne.com for more.
Join Us in Supporting our Music Community
At Howlin' Dog Music Group, we believe in the power of music to inspire, unite, and transform lives. By supporting these exceptional projects, we're not only championing the artists behind them but also fostering a thriving community of creativity and mutual support. Join us in celebrating these fantastic artists by following them on social media, attending their live shows, and stay tuned for more on their projects.
Get Involved
Want to be a part of our mission to support artists like these? Consider becoming a patron or donating to Howlin' Dog Music Group. Your support helps us continue our work in nurturing the music we all love. With more support, we can fund more projects. Thank you for joining us on the journey. Here's to more and more great music in 2026!
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