Club Notes: Gregory Alan Isakov's 'Suitcase' of song (VIDEO)

Gregory Alan Isakov had a great 2009 with his CD This Empty Northern Atmosphere.

Last year, the local singer-songwriter shared concert stages with Ani DiFranco and Brandi Carlile, and his record was touted by Triple A radio stations around the nation.

Isakov's gearing up for a busy 2010, so he's kicking off the year with a Colorado mini-tour. Friday, the show stops at the Fox Theatre and it features the musician's new Suitcase Town songwriters' collective.

"I've been on tour a lot," Isakov said. "I've been touring on and off with Brandi Carlile, and we're now talking about making a children's record. I also toured with Ani DiFranco last summer -- I'm such a fan of hers."

Isakov's emotive songs and storytelling skills have propelled his career beyond Boulder's city limits.

"Storytelling has always come very naturally to me," Isakov said. "I just take pieces of experiences and paste them together as musical collages. People call my music post-punk, even though its played on traditional instruments."

Isakov is one very busy musician, so he's already thinking about his next project.

"It's been very hectic

on the road, but I started doing some writing," Isakov said. "I have little seeds and recipes of songs, and I'll put them together when I'm home. For my next record, I'm putting together a smaller EP.

"There are a lot of songs I've been wanting to record. They're more old-time bass songs that are more lo-fi, and I might do a more pared-down sound."

Isakov is ready to expand his musical horizons.

The performer just returned from the Cayamo music cruise. The floating concert took place at the end of February, and it featured Iskaov, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, Rachael Yamagata and others.

Friday, Isakov gears up for another musical experience, as he debuts the Suitcase Town songwriters' collective. The local players performing at the Fox include Reed Foehl, Clay Rose, Bela Karoli and Ramaya Soskin.

"There's this great community of singer-songwriters that are just under the musical radar," Isakov said. "I've wanted to put together a show like this. It showcases some friends of mine that are really great.

"Hopefully this evening will be really fun for everybody."

The closing of several local venues has affected the troubadour community, and Iskaov hopes Friday's show will shine a light on Colorado's singer-songwriters.

"We've lost so many venues that it's a travesty," Isakov said. "We've lost some great rooms like the b.side. I wanted to host this collective music night so everybody will get to see these artists in one show.

"Everybody will play their own sets and we'll do some stuff together. I'm also going to perform some new songs that I'm excited to play for Boulder."

Isakov wants to see how Friday's concert pans out, but he's interested in hosting additional collective music nights.

"There are so many killer writers in town, so I'd love to do more shows like this," Isakov said. "We'll see how it goes. As for the rest of 2010, I'll just keep on writing, hitting the road and playing my hometown."