Rebecca Folsom brings her new album "Sanctuary" to Rock & Rails

In a world where music has the power to touch hearts and ignite souls, singer-songwriter Rebecca Folsom stands as a true luminary. A Rock & Rails favorite since 2006, Folsom and her band return to Niwot's favorite event, July 20.

"Niwot is a home away from home," the Boulder native shared. "There's something special about the Niwot community and the strong sense of celebration in that community."

This year, Folsom takes the stage propelled by the momentum of "Sanctuary," her newly released album of national acclaim, and the Sanctuary project, a solutions-based humanitarian movement.

Within weeks of its February release, "Sanctuary" and three of its singles soared to the top of the national Roots Music Report's charts. "Sanctuary" hit number one on the Folk Album Chart. Three of the singles from the album shot to numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the Folk Song Chart. The album and singles have maintained top 10 honors for four months running.

"Sanctuary" marks Folsom's third album to land on the national charts, an achievement that delights her. "I feel very happy that the world is hearing the depth of what this album is about," she said.

Produced with three-time Grammy winner Tom Wasinger, "Sanctuary" boasts a lineup of Grammy winners and nominees, as well as celebrated co-writers who have earned Gold and Platinum honors. The result is a masterpiece that resonates with sonic brilliance, deep truths, and rallying solutions.

While the success of the album alone is cause for celebration, at the heart is the Sanctuary project, which pulses with the courage of those who shared personal stories and the power of music as a unifying force for good.

Describing the process, Folsom said, "To write these songs, I knew I needed to get in there and truly listen and to give in return." She uses her platform to be a bridge of transformation.

Several of the songs were co-written with or inspired by individuals in marginalized situations. To do this, Folsom collaborated with nonprofit groups to create outreach programs and workshops. With more than three decades of teaching vocal freedom and drawing from personal triumph over trauma, Folsom served as a trusted guide. She shines light into dark places and offers a safe refuge for participants to rise, be seen, and share their voices.

"There's huge possibility for growth and liberation," she explained, "when someone is really given room to express their real voice."

Collaborations include the International Rescue Committee (IRC). With IRC, Folsom facilitated workshops and performances with refugee teenagers. Through their different languages and creative expressions, they found the courage to share personal stories. This collaboration sparked the song "Power of Love," co-written with Raqaya Alfaris and Mireille Bakos.

Likewise, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Realness Project, Folsom co-facilitated workshops with incarcerated men in the Colorado State Penitentiary, leading to the inspiration for the song "Brothers." The song features the voices of some of the men she worked with.

"It's so empowering when people express their stories," Folsom said. "They change when the weight of untold stories is lifted. They claim themselves. They become leaders."

Bob Lecy, a veteran who served as a medic in Vietnam, agrees. He and Folsom met during a fundraising concert Folsom played for The Warrior Storyfield. Folsom's music touched Lecy, and Folsom was touched by Lecy's story, particularly when he described the thousand-yard stare, a condition that afflicts many who experience PTSD from combat.

Lecy said they agreed to meet at the Warrior Storyfield where they stoked the fire of the wood stove and autumn snow fell faintly against their faces. "She listened intently," Lecy recalled, "and she shared her story. We shared our pain. Our tears. I always felt safe with Rebecca."

From that poignant afternoon, Folsom wrote the song "Thousand Yard Stare." Though inspired by Lecy's story, the song shines light on the dark scars endured by those who serve. "In war, no soldier comes home unwounded," Lecy reflected.

Joining Folsom Thursday evening is her band, made up of Sandra Wong (fiddle), Christian Teele (drums), Eric Thorin (bass), Eric Moon (keys), Robert Johnson (backup vocals), and Mark Oblinger (backup vocals).

Mark Oblinger opens for Folsom. Oblinger is a five-time Emmy winner and a Grammy nominated composer/producer. Local to Boulder, he received national attention during stints with Pure Prairie League and Firefall. He has new songs to share, including a newly released, emotive version of "Amie," the popular song by Pure Prairie League.