See you on Saturday (and Sunday).

Espresso Sessions° 13 kicked off 2026 at Town Pump on the coldest day of the year. But the sun was out and Matt Wing, Lady Fly, and Kobe Café were rinsing. Après no ski. I love it when a memory comes with momentum.

Then came our most unique gathering yet—behind a hidden door with Olympian Yul Moldauer and GABRL. We embraced the darkness, bet on ourselves by keeping the capacity very limited. The community still showed up. Testing new experiences in new venues while keeping the core intact—that's how you stay ahead. It's more proof.

I also got behind the decks for the first time in Boulder at our second (p.m.) collaboration with Da Noi. It was quite the rush being up there. I might do a few more.

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The Process

I set out to build Espresso Sessions° a very particular way—with patience, intentionality, and a constant willingness to learn and adapt. What I didn’t anticipate was finding a tool that actually keeps me honest about that.

Claude understands the goal and why it’s different from what’s out there. With parameters set, it pushes back. It doesn’t suggest something without telling you the tradeoffs. It keeps me thinking from the perspective of a creator, a venue, a brand, a subscriber, a newcomer who’s never heard of us. Instagram insights tell us most of our views are from non-followers, so it’s best to keep that mindset.

Claude helped me build a system for all of it. Outreach, captions, templates, the playbook behind the scenes. The brand DNA is embedded. I taught it how to meet a new audience where they are. A different door to the same room.

Behind all of this is a playbook. Documented, repeatable, built for scale. The people who get the most out of Espresso Sessions° aren't just here for the music, they're building something. Creators, brands, DJs, photographers. When they show up, they don't just attend. They amplify. That's the room we're building. The goal is to take an in-demand experience to new cities, highlight cool venues, and work with emerging brands that resonate with our demographic—and share how it's done.

The logic here is simple: if creators are the new currency, then the social club is the clearinghouse. It’s the most efficient way to organize that collective influence and scale the entire ecosystem—the talent, pop-ups, venues, and the community—all at once. We’re not just building a guest list; we’re building a scalable network that leaves every local market better than we found it.

It may look like I’m doom scrolling. In reality, I’m calculating what’s working for others and how to make it resourceful. The opportunities are everywhere; Claude just helps me capitalize on them.

Merch

Did my first photoshoot. Grace McHugh came through as always behind the lens. Mika Ohno played our very first gathering. Bing was in the crowd that day and months later, he was on the lineup. That’s the shoot right there. That’s Espresso Sessions°.

The exclusive french terry hoodies will be available at the next session. Don’t miss out on the after-afters a.m. essential.

On the Horizon

Soon, we’ll be back in one of our favorite spots in Cherry Creek for a 3-part spring and summer series. Expect some crowd favorite brands and pop-ups, community partners who get it. People who want to be part of something ongoing, not just a one-off. A season, not a transaction.

Our first liquor sponsor is on board. Conversations are happening with brands I couldn’t have imagined a year ago. Some will close. Some won’t. That’s life.

Looking for a Morning Person

The title speaks for itself. I know there’s someone out there who loves house music, coffee, and the idea of building a casual-yet-elevated social series that brings real people together in their city. Someone who understands the culture.

I once wrote that I wanted to meet Steve Cardigan and eventually I did. I hope to meet Ryan Robinson when she comes to Denver. Some things you just put out there.

If that’s you or your friend is that person, reach out. Let’s build, together.

-Ryan

Want the next invite before the public? Subscribe for free. Paid subscribers get discounted tickets, 15% off merch, and a front row seat to how this gets built.

Thank you for the friendships.

Thank you, DJs.

Twelve months ago I started teasing Espresso Sessions° in search of house music lovers with entrepreneurial spirit. I knew zero people in the scene. I was eager to get my vision out to the world and invest in each other to create memories. I wanted to build a creator-led and community-driven morning-coffee-house music social—Denver’s first.

Fast-forward to now: we capped off an amazing year with Espresso Sessions° 12 in collaboration with Gravity Haus, Colorado’s award-winning adventure-lifestyle hotel group and membership club. We’re heading into 2026 with real momentum.

In Case You Missed It

Espresso Sessions° 09 at C Bar | JVXN + XØ

This was a special one: our first city outside Denver, our first evening session, our first collaboration with Da Noi.

Espresso Sessions° 10 at Moxy | VIAZA + UNMUTE + BING

Our biggest gathering yet, with a wellness focus. Après Sauna, Mile High Sweat Club, WNRR, Epsilon Unlimited, and Babes an Bros all popped-up.

Espresso Sessions° 11 at Town Pump Provisions | RYDZIE + MBMA + VIBEWISE

My personal favorite considering the venue, crowd, and weather. This was probably Earth’s first morning DJ set at a bodega, with affogatos. Pop-up by Elite Brands.

Espresso Sessions° 12 at Gravity Haus | MATRACHILL + GUYGER B2B MOOSE & BEAR

Another first for us: a B2B set. This one was underground vibes, with the lights off. Pop-up by Mountain Weekend.

Shout-out Maddy B, Grace, and MaKayla for A1 photos. Seriously, follow them ASAP.

For the Creators and Brands

Collaboration has always been the heartbeat of this project and still is. Joanie Loves Music is a platform for exactly that: co-hosting vibrant, casual yet elevated gatherings in non-traditional spaces.

I’ve always been told “surround yourself with good people.” Espresso Sessions° is proof that actually works. It’s where creators and brands converge, turning spaces into moments we love.

Together, let’s continue to maximize our talents, follow our passions, and spotlight cool venues, ultimately elevating the Denver social scene for the better, and who knows where else this takes us. Espresso Sessions° should be a staple for the “new to Denver” crowd.

Does a friend of yours own a brand? Let’s celebrate them. Are you looking to sponsor Espresso Sessions°? Let’s talk. It really is all about who you know, the connections of a connection. Espresso Sessions° already feels like the social club it was meant to be. Half come for the music and coffee; the other half are attracted by the connections that await.

Proof of Concept

Ahhh this makes me so happy! I can’t tell you how pumped I was when I stumbled upon your page and concept. Denver needs this.

Espresso Sessions° was my first official DJ gig in Denver. I met new people with similar interests in a fun, laidback environment and the community built from these events has been great.

It helped me expand into the Denver house music scene outside nightclubs and build an entire network of people who love early house music.

Loved your photographer, definitely helped with views, and made some new DJ friends. Cool experience.

Definitely worth my time. Got me a lot of new followers and directed tons of traffic to my IG. Fun putting together a set in a style I love but don’t usually play out.

Loved being part of it and would do it again out of love for music. Met Grace, she’s an incredible photographer who perfectly matches what I want.

My most viewed post is with you guys! A connection led to getting my friends on lineups, got amazing photos, met great people, and had opportunities like producer meetups I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Absolutely worth it, perfect example of “you never know who’s watching.” Connected with other DJs, which opened the door to playing at a new venue. Love the integration of local vendors for real collaboration.

Espresso Sessions° brings together great music, great people, and a strong sense of community. I’ve made meaningful connections and always leave having had an incredible time. Truly one of Denver’s standout event experiences.

I’ve had a great experience every time. You’ve created something truly unique that fosters local talent and brings the community together. Keep at it.

I owe you a discount or a free session for all the connections you’ve made for me. Truly grateful.

Support the Community in Style

Get yourself a corduroy hat and heavyweight french terry hoodie (DM to preorder).

2026 Goals

Keep some of these gatherings free. The top priority right now is to land a sponsor. If you know someone or someone who knows a brand that resonates with Espresso Sessions°, please reach out. This is how we keep the freeness alive.

Go on a podcast. People like a face to the brand, I haven’t put myself out there too much. Talking to other creators would be fun and insightful.

Grow paid subscribers. Interact with the community more, or view it as a donation. For the price of a cup of coffee, your support helps fund more gatherings.

Keep most gatherings monthly. Occasionally we might squeeze in an extra when it feels right. Think intimate or nighttime.

Grow the Joanie Loves Music YouTube channel. People prefer visuals and it’s more valuable for the DJs. I need a better camera though.

Coming Soon

We’ll be back at our favorite venues and some of this year’s pop-ups have already committed to join us in 2026. I’ll finally be getting behind the decks. Joanie Loves will open some Espresso Sessions°. I’m still learning how to DJ and quite nervous, so be nice to me.

Know someone who would love Espresso Sessions°? Invite them to grab a coffee—and a set.

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On a personal note, I became one of the 13k people laid off at Verizon this month. Honestly, I’m hoping this is a blessing in disguise. Building Espresso Sessions° has shown me, without question, my heart is in the marketing, creativity, and people side of things. If you have a connection in the hospitality, travel, music, or events space, I’d be so grateful for an introduction.

See you next year.

Atautchikun

-Ryan

Seeing so many familiar faces at Hot Shot Coffee and Moxy Cherry Creek has meant the world to me. I’m a simple guy who loves creating spaces for connection, and Espresso Sessions° has done just that. It’s a casual scene where creators meet, friendships form, ideas spark, and people enjoy their coffee while discovering local talent. Our social club-like approach is working because it’s about doing what we love, together.

Early on, I wasn’t interested in making a couple of bucks from tickets—connections were my priority. I wanted the experience and content to speak for itself, while word of mouth spread. By practicing patience, the phrase “life is all about timing” couldn’t ring more true. Again, we’re more than a DJ in a coffee shop (or hotel for that matter). It’s been fun to obsess over the little things revolving around the storytelling aspect during our growth. We took the less is more approach for a reason. The greatest TV show of all time, The Wire, told us, all the pieces matter.

In Case You Missed It

Espresso Sessions° 03 | VASK + ASHISH + GANO

Espresso Sessions° 04 | ONE TEN SOUNDS + MOUMOU + VVILL

Espresso Sessions° 05 | MOONSAUCE + MIKA OHNO + SHMOE

Espresso Sessions° 06 | PLANET BLOOP + OKIE + LIAM DEVER

Espresso Sessions° 07 | P!NTO + BBKATES + JAXON

Espresso Sessions° 08 | GIANNA + BERJEE + DARTH

Pop-ups included Rancher Hat Bar, LINK x LOU, RSKF, Mile High Sweat Club, RADO, Tethered Jewelry, Little Sunday Vintage, and Epsilon Unlimited.

I had the pleasure to showcase the amazing talent of Brie, Robert, Grace, Instagramless Taylor, and MaKayla. Talk about certified shooters and even better people. Below are some of my favorite shots.

Phase 2

Next week, subscribers will get a special invite as we kick off an exciting new chapter. To everyone who’s been with us since the lead-up to our first gathering in April, your support means everything, and I’m excited for you to join us as we grow. Expect the same great music, people, and hospitality—plus some cool collaborations and wellness—in new, non-traditional spaces.

Are you a creator or brand looking to collaborate? Interested in sponsoring? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank You

Do you like corduroy? Support the community, buy a hat. I believe hoodies are on the horizon and boy do they look and feel fantastic.

Follow the Espresso Sessions° playlist on Spotify to hear some of the tracks everyone has been vibing to.

Know someone who would love sips&beats? Invite them to grab a coffee—and a set.

See you in September. Atautchikun.

-Ryan

At the start of the day, views, shares, and RSVPs were all up for Denver’s original morning coffee DJ social. Secret(ish) LINEUP.02 consisted of Großeats at 10 AM, Matty G at 11 AM, and Devlyn at 12 PM. These guys didn’t miss. I loved seeing a lot of familiar faces and first-timers. It was clear that pretty much everyone was enjoying the music, coffee, cocktails, company, and space in a way that was best for them. Espresso Sessions° can be as casual as you want it to be. It’ll always be damn good music, coffee, and people. The ideal Saturday morning.

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I’m lucky to work with such a great team at Hot Shot. They temporarily had to whip out a second POS system to help the flow, but the guys and gals behind the bar didn’t skip a beat.

SNAG was onsite selling some of the best custom hats in the Mile High City. One funny thing: a girl asked me where Joanie was. I’m mad that I didn’t get to pet every single dog.

I’ve been preaching about spreading the word among friends. I created this monthly social gathering to bring people together, make new friends, and let the not-so-average Joe showcase their creative talents. I’ve had numerous people ask me if they could contribute content. Please do. This is a passion project and I’ll gladly highlight you.

Missed a track you didn’t Shazam? Follow the Espresso Sessions° playlist on Spotify.

Good news is you don’t have to wait five weeks between gatherings for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on your inbox—the next RSVP drops this week. See you in June.

-Ryan

Nearly 1,000 people viewed the RSVP to see when Espresso Sessions° was happening. It was a rough start with the signage company shipping me only one banner when I paid for two. Luckily it didn’t have much of an effect on the attendee experience. The second banner’s ready, so things are already looking up.

At 10 AM, BBKATES owned her first live set, setting the tone for the day with ease—major props. At 11 AM, MIKA OHNO picked up the pace and had people making stank faces. At 12 PM, JVXN began his closing set and the dopamine levels were through the roof. I couldn’t have found a better trio to start this journey with.

Moments were @capturedbybrie, that friend with the camera. She’s all in on this vibe and I can’t wait to grow this community in Denver and beyond with her.

Espresso Sessions° 01 featured a pop-up by Mountain Weekend, a lifestyle brand all about good vibes and good people. The founder, also named Ryan, attended AM.RADIO’s Vail takeover and let’s just say you’ll see MTNWKND at another gathering down the road. Be sure to check out their new summer performance line.

Espresso was flowing and mango mimosas sold out. Hot Shot Coffee said it was a hit and we’re already working on adding more summer gatherings. The branded coffee sleeves were a nice touch and the QR code led to more subscribers.

More content from LINEUP.01 will be rolling out shortly. Eager to listen to what you missed? Follow the Espresso Sessions° playlist on Spotify.

Want to know what the good vibes really feel like? Don’t miss the RSVP for Espresso Sessions° 02, dropping soon.

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Deanna, who has helped big-time with graphics, wasn’t able to make it due to travel. Extra eyeballs and lenses at future gatherings will allow us to capture the best moments and be ready for any curveballs.

I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up and believes in Espresso Sessions°. Your continued support will lead us to some really cool places, whether that’s in Denver or the mountains. Saturday mornings at Hot Shot is the new social scene—Afro, Deep and Melodic beats in the perfect airy, minimalistic space.

See you in May.

-Ryan

Along the way, I’ve met some really cool people who want to be involved with the Joanie Loves Music community—growing Espresso Sessions° and their own talents. Interestingly, one of them feels like a clone version of myself.

Who am I? I realize I skipped over that. Hey, I’m Ryan. I’m a sucker for good bops and good vibes.

I miss NYC, but Denver is full of opportunity at the right time. Life is funny. Out of all the places in the world, the first AM.RADIO event outside of L.A. landed in one of the most perfect places possible—Vail. It was everything and then some. Naturally, a bunch of people in attendance were from Denver. I hope I can make them proud and put Denver coffee shop house sets on the map. We’re in this together. I’m here to create added value for the entire ecosystem—the venue, the creators, and the regular folks who simply love a good vibe set.

For now, LINEUP.01 will be secret(ish) to build anticipation and promote discovery. Joanie Loves and the coffee shop won’t outright announce the lineup leading up to the gathering. But DJs can share their involvement through their own channels—staying true to the Joanie Loves Music platform. If you’re tapped into the community, you’ll see it. If not, you’ll just have to pull up and find out. At the end of the first gathering, we hope friends and followers of all the creators will come together as one—fueling plenty of hype for LINEUP.02. The weight of word of mouth is powerful.

Everything that’s led me to right here, right now, feels meant to be. What are the odds that a ski gondola was turned into a mobile coffee shop? I’m not going to put a DJ in a booth. I’m going to put a DJ in a gondola—inside of a coffee shop.1 House music in non-traditional spaces.

You’re probably wondering when’s the gathering actually going to happen. Yesterday, I received an exciting email that said, “We are open to hosting this event series on a trial basis.” With some minor tweaks to the proposal, I’m hoping to announce a definitive date very soon. Join the SIPS&BEATS CLUB to find out first when and where the next Espresso Sessions° gathering is.

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We’re so close. Expect the next email to have the RSVP—don’t miss it. In the meantime, I’m working with a great team to finalize details on timing, setup, RSVPs, the lineup, equipment, marketing, revenue share, photography, videography, insurance, and all the small details.

If you or anyone you know would like to sponsor Denver’s newest concept, please email joanielovesinfo@gmail.com—we’d love to work together.

-Ryan

Since we’re in Daniel’s (Lane 8) city, it’d be foolish to not include This Never Happened vibes. What a way to start your weekend and gather with friends (and make new friends). But the Joanie Loves Music community goes beyond that—it’s more than just one sound, one vibe.

To make it easy to spread the word about Espresso Sessions°, I introduced the idea as a series of house music gatherings. So what the hell does that even mean? Check out the “In No Particular Order” playlist on SoundCloud and the “Joanie Loves Is Loving” playlist on Spotify to get a sense of what I’m going for.

Beatport, Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud each categorize songs slightly differently. At a high level, I’m all about Melodic, Deep, and Afro House—and some particular Progressive House, Organic House, Dance/Electro Pop, Electronica, Indie Dance, Minimal/Downtempo, with a mild touch of Techno and Tech House. Picture bopping from Mykonos in the summer to Aspen in the winter. If the tracks in my playlists resonate with you, then you're in the right place.

Are you a creator looking to showcase your skills through numerous social channels? Are you a DJ looking to mix in a coffee shop? Are you a pop-up looking to pop-up? Reach out—let’s talk about how we can collaborate and build this community together.

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What they didn’t realize is how much this idea has resonated. Since that post, 556 reads have led to 50+ new Joanie Loves Music community members. I’ve generated 10,000+ views with 100+ positive interactions—upvotes, likes, shares, and messages—across social media, sparking thoughtful excitement, questions, and connections. It may not seem huge at first, but every new connection, like, and subscriber is a crucial step toward building something lasting and meaningful over time. This is all part of laying the foundation—building a solid community before the first event even happens. As we continue to grow this network, the more momentum we gain, the more likely Espresso Sessions° is to succeed. This is how we create buzz: by starting from the ground up.

JOIN THE SIPS&BEATS CLUB

And speaking of momentum, one of my favorite interactions so far was a simple but meaningful DM from Jerro: 'tell me more.'

That small moment sparked the kind of excitement I’m hoping to build across the community—curiosity, interest, and people eager to learn more. One funny thing that happened: someone asked me to send a picture just to prove I wasn’t a scam bot. Hey, good due diligence—but I’m human and looking to bop.

In just 3 days, Espresso Sessions° has grown from an idea to a concept sparking conversations across Denver—and beyond. The incredible initial response shows that the combination of house music, coffee shops, and community might be onto something special.

This isn’t just about throwing together a DJ set in a coffee shop. It’s about creating a space where music, creativity, and connection can thrive. Conversations with DJs, coffee shop owners, house music and coffee lovers have shown there’s a real hunger for fresh, meaningful experiences like this.

The next step is about turning interest into action. I’m meeting with creators—videographers, photographers, DJs, and social media strategists—to build a plan that will wow both the community and potential partner venues. This means:

• Crafting a polished pitch for coffee shops and other unique, good vibe spaces

• Highlighting the potential buzz and new customers they’ll attract

• Ensuring that the first Espresso Sessions° event sets the tone for future gatherings

Want to see Espresso Sessions° become a reality? Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Subscribe to Joanie Loves Music for first access to hear the next location details.

2. Follow @joanielovesmusic and @espresso.sessions on Instagram.

3. Calling all DJs, videographers, photographers, and pop-up brands: Want to be part of the first-ever Espresso Sessions°? Contact us.

4. Spread the Word: Help us grow by spreading the word—whether you're a creator or just here for the vibes, every share, post, or invite brings us closer to making Espresso Sessions° a reality.

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Your support helps build the community, giving us more validity—and with that, more coffee shop DJ sets! It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and I’m committed to doing this the right way—building a strong foundation and staying relentless.

See you at the coffee shop.

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Hopefully by now you’ve read Atautchikun and understand how, when we come together as one, the sky’s the limit. I’m in search of everyday people who love a good melodic, deep, and afro house vibe. If that’s you, is there any chance you happen to be skilled with a camera, social media, or DJing? If so, welcome aboard.

A few months ago, this was a hobby—kind of still is, honestly. I’ve realized that hobbies can quickly turn into something much bigger when you’re intentional about them. I figured there had to be a better way to help people take their ideas and aspirations from concept to reality. Unfortunately, a lot of us have ideas, but far too often we don’t act on them because they seem too big, too risky, or maybe just too unreasonable. That’s where this platform comes in. I’m willing to be the one who helps take that leap, working with you to turn your vision into action.

While I could take on this challenge alone, I know the journey is richer when we grow and collaborate together. If there’s a like-minded individual within my community who wants to create content but for whatever reason feels they’re not ready, let’s capitalize on that. It’s mutually beneficial for all.

This brings me to one of the reasons I moved to Denver—my best friend, Andy. Later in 2025, I hope to work with her fitness brand to create a new sense of anticipation, build community, attract new customers, and make lasting memories. I have a long list of intriguing ideas on paper, but I don’t want to experience them alone. Instead, I want to meet people and unlock the untapped potential that lies within all of us.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, let’s take a leap together and build off each other. Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones together. Doing what you love—hopefully with people you love—sounds like a good time to me.

If you’ve got skills behind the camera, on social media, or behind the decks as a DJ, let’s showcase your talents at Espresso Sessions° and wherever else the journey takes us. No matter your expertise, there’s room for everyone to grow, collaborate, and make something unforgettable.

Let’s bop.

My goal is to collaborate and co-host vibrant, unique gatherings in non-traditional spaces.

One of my favorite and most productive things to do is to search Google Maps. It’s how I separate the good from the bad and uncover opportunities. You search something, apply filters, zoom in, click and drag around, and then search another area. Don’t settle—embrace the search. You will discover hidden gems that weren’t initially visible. That’s how I found the business I’m excited to partner with in launching a new event series for Denver and all who pass through.

If you don’t know already, I’m a vibes guy. So why this place? The opportunity to bring vibrant house music that complements the relaxed, cozy atmosphere of this business was a no-brainer. The airy, minimalistic design of the space, along with the patio, provides the perfect backdrop for a subtle yet energizing DJ set that enhances the unique vibe. I believe these events can create a new sense of anticipation, build community, attract new customers, and leave lasting memories.

My background in supply chain project management, paired with my passion for hospitality, gives me the confidence to attract other talented local DJs who share the same goal—to be seen and heard in non-traditional places.

So, what’s next? The first of many Espresso Sessions° is on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share the full experience with you. Expect vibrant beats, lots of smiles, delicious coffee, and other bevies (Espresso Martinis included), all in a space as dynamic and unique as the people who will be there. This is merely the foundation of what’s to come.

Subscribe now to be the first to hear about upcoming events, special collaborations, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Don’t miss out—join the journey and be part of something that’s redefining how we experience house music and community.

Let’s bop.