Our Story
About Collin Cope and Friends
Collin Cope & Friends is a collective of Vermont's premier professional musicians, bringing together some of the region's most accomplished performers in an ever-evolving lineup. Rather than being a fixed band, Collin Cope and Friends is built around a community of artists who perform in a variety of configurations—from intimate acoustic duos and trios to full bands with horns, strings, and rhythm sections—tailored to each venue, event, and audience.
The musicians behind Collin Cope & Friends are respected veterans of the Vermont music scene, each actively performing with multiple bands and musical projects. Their combined experience spans Americana, soul, blues, rock, funk, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and beyond, allowing every performance to be both deeply rooted and refreshingly unique. While the personnel may change between each band, the commitment to exceptional musicianship, dynamic performances, and authentic connection remains constant.
Whether performing at festivals, clubs, concert series, breweries, weddings, corporate events, or other private celebrations, Collin Cope & Friends delivers a polished, high-caliber musical experience. Every lineup is thoughtfully assembled from a network of top-tier Vermont professionals, ensuring the right sound and energy for every occasion. Audiences can expect inspired collaborations, tasteful improvisation, and performances that celebrate the depth and diversity of Vermont's vibrant musical community.
No matter which lineup Collin takes to the stage, every performance promises exceptional musicianship, unforgettable moments, and a reason to catch the next show. Explore the upcoming schedule on the Collin Cope & Friends website—and make plans to experience the music yourself for a musical journey you will never forget.
About Collin
Collin Cope has been playing music since before he could talk. Influenced by Ray Charles, Randy Newman, and the Blind Boys of Alabama, Collin has been active on the Vermont music scene for over 20 years playing harmonica and singing lead vocals with The Tenderbellies, Soul Porpoise, Rumblecat, Ponyhustle, Brothers and Sisters, The Sugarsnap Trio, Something with Strings, Funkwagon, and many other groups spanning the Americana song book and beyond. His bluesy voice and soulful tones invite the audience in with familiar melodies and original music. Collin Cope & Friends is a network of all-star musicians whose eclectic mix keeps the audience engaged and wanting more.
Collin has won multiple awards with different bands including; best bluegrass band in Vermont for the Seven Daisies awards for seven years, New England Music Award (Best in VT 2016 with Rumblecat), and has been nominated for best funk/soul band as well as best band in Vermont for the Seven Daisies with Soul Porpoise. Collin has shared bills with such diverse acts as Allen Stone, Mos Def, Fuel, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Bernie Worrell Orchestra, Chadwick Stokes (Dispatch,State Radio), Ryan Miller (Guster), Zach Deputy and played harmonica and sung with with New York City blues legend Popa Chubby, members of Trey Anastasio Band, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and The Wood Brothers. He’s proud to be a member of Vermont’s vibrant community of musicians and music lovers.
Throughout his career, Collin Cope has performed at many of the region's most respected and iconic venues and events, including the historic Olympia Theatre in Montreal, Higher Ground in South Burlington, the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe, the legendary Nectar's in Burlington, VT, the Waterfront Main Stage at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, notable venues in Colorado, California, and many other venues throughout the Midwest and East Coast, reflecting a diverse performance history at well-known stages and festivals across the United States and Canada.
”Cope's delivery is strained in all the right ways.... His bombastic blues howl has just the right balance of grit and tone. He's also a gifted harmonica player whose searing lines add depth and character.” - Dan Bolles, Seven Days