Meet Matt Cottle | Event Producer, Musician, & Non-Profit Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Cottle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, why did you pursue a creative career?
We didn’t choose creative careers because it was the easy path, we chose them because it’s who we are. This isn’t something we’re just trying out. It’s what we’ve always done, what we’re driven to do, and what connects us to the world around us. Music and art have been at the center of our lives for as long as we can remember. In fact, the three of us met at a local concert where Matt was performing, and Liz was live painting. That shared love for creativity is what brought us together as friends, and it’s been the foundation of our collaboration.

We create because we simply can’t imagine doing anything else. And just as important, we want to help other creatives thrive too. We believe in the power of music and art to inspire, connect, and uplift people. We’re committed to bringing that energy to our community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The 2025 Pagosa Springs Summer Concert Series is a collaborative project launched by NFA Productions and Elevated Productions, led by three artists and entrepreneurs united by a shared mission: to bring more live music to the heart of Pagosa Springs. We’re creating inclusive, high-quality events that showcase both emerging talent and well-known acts, because we believe music builds community and creates lasting connections.

NFA Productions was founded by Matt Cottle, a lifelong musician who began producing concerts at small local venues in 2020. When Matt started it was a grassroots production company. Now Matt has produced over 1,000 events across Colorado. His partner, Liz Compos, brings a strategic and creative lens to the work. After earning her MBA with a focus on high-growth ventures, she now leads marketing at NFA and brings years of experience supporting arts organizations and scaling creative projects.

Jared Omas, founder of Elevated Productions, brings deep roots in the Pagosa Springs arts scene. In 2022, he launched Reggae in the Park, drawing more than 2,000 attendees last year. As both an artist and gallery owner, Jared brings a community-first mindset and a passion for spotlighting local talent.

This year, with fewer music festivals on the calendar, we saw an opportunity. We knew we had the right team, the right community, and the right timing to create something special. It is our goal to make these events accessible, joyful, and rooted in local culture.

What sets us apart is that we’re artists and entrepreneurs at heart. We’re not just here to put on shows, we’re here to build something meaningful. We care deeply about creating events that are accessible and welcoming. For us, it’s about putting quality first, creating real opportunities for artists, and building lasting connections through music.

Our path hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance the creative side with the business side. As artists, it’s easy to get caught up in the vision, but if the structure isn’t there, things fall apart fast. We’ve had to lean into each other’s strengths, communicate clearly, and stay organized so that we can bring our ideas to life without burning out.

There’s also the reality of logistics. Planning outdoor events in small mountain towns means being ready for just about anything. We’ve dealt with everything from last-minute equipment issues to unpredictable weather. It keeps us on our toes, but we’ve learned to roll with it and make it work.

And like most grassroots efforts, funding can be a challenge. We want to keep our events affordable for the local community, and that means finding creative ways to cover costs without cutting corners. We’re incredibly thankful to the City of Pagosa Springs Tourism Board for providing the initial grant funding that helped us get this series off the ground. Their support has made a huge difference and allowed us to launch something we believe will grow into a vital part of the community.

We’re not a big company or a touring festival brand. We’re local artists and organizers building something meaningful in a community we care about. We believe that live music and shared in community, has the power to create a sense of place. And this is just the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If our best friend came to town, we’d make sure they got the full Pagosa experience. Mornings starting with good coffee and good food. Mornings would kick off with a latte from The Lift Coffee House or a pastry (or let’s be honest, a few) from Pagosa Baking Company. If they’re into savory, those focaccia pockets are a must.

We’d definitely carve out time for the hot springs. You can’t come to Pagosa without spending time in the springs. With three local options, everyone can find their vibe. The Springs is expansive and scenic, The Overlook is a little more private and low-key, and Healing Waters has that classic retro charm. And for the more adventurous, there are hidden hot springs in the backcountry that we’re not going to name. some local treasures are best discovered.

During the day, we’d spend as much time outside as possible. Tubing or rafting the San Juan River is the perfect way to cool off and have some fun. Pagosa Outside makes it super easy with rentals and a shuttle service. Floating through town with a cold drink in hand is about as Pagosa as it gets. For a change of pace, we’d also spend a day hiking along the Piedra River. The trails there wind through the Ponderosa forest and along dramatic canyon walls. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a favorite local escape.

After all that hiking and time on the river, we’d head to Kip’s Grill and Cantina. They’ve got the best margaritas in town, legendary nachos, and the kind of laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay a while. If we time if right, we might even catch a local band playing on the patio! Then maybe a dinner later in the week at Meander Riverside Eatery. It’s farm-to-table, relaxed but elevated, and the view from the patio right on the river is hard to beat. It’s no surprise it made the New York Times list of top 50 restaurants in the country.

If our friends were looking for a little adrenaline, we’d book a hot air balloon ride to take in the San Juan Mountains from above. It’s a totally unforgettable experience!

And since we’re artists ourselves, we’d definitely carve out time for a visit to Passage Gallery. They’ve always got new exhibits, offer hands-on art and glassblowing classes, and it’s a great way to connect with the art and creativity that thrives in Pagosa.

By the end of the week, we’d be sun-kissed, well-fed, relaxed, and maybe a little more inspired, and that’s really what Pagosa is all about.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, we’d like to thank the City of Pagosa Springs and Visit Pagosa for their support and collaboration in launching this concert series. We’re also deeply grateful to Four Corners Flyers, our nonprofit partner, for their role in making this vision a reality. And of course, none of this would be possible without the continued support of our friends, families, and the local community who show up for music and art.

Matt Cottle, founder of NFA Productions, extends his thanks to the many local Colorado music venues that gave him early opportunities to promote shows and build community through live music. A special shoutout goes to Roots Music Project, where he has further developed his production skills and passion for creating live experiences.

Liz Compos would like to thank the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder, and in particular the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, for helping her grow as a business leader. She also credits NoBo Art District and Street Wise Arts for providing meaningful opportunities in event production, community organizing, and the arts in Colorado.

Jared Omas wishes to thank his wife, Miranda Omas, for her unwavering support and creative partnership in running Passage Gallery. He also extends heartfelt thanks to the Pagosa Springs community for uplifting the local arts scene and helping projects like this one thrive.

Website: https://www.pagosaspringsconcertseries.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagosa.concerts.series/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PagosaConcertSeries/

Image Credits
Infocus Photography Co