EmmyJean Jenkins
About EmmyJean
EmmyJean Jenkins (she/her) is a queer country artist based in Boulder, Colorado. Her comedic country cabaret DETECTIVE CONVENTION, a true story of murder, intrigue, romance and comedy, premiered at Gaudeamus Muziek Week in Utrecht, The Netherlands and has seen additional performances at MassMoca and The University of Colorado. Described as “rich and soulful” (Americana UK), her first album, Gay All This Time, is an EP of original songs with San Francisco’s Friction Quartet, which will be released on Adhyâropa Records in April 2026.
Jenkins’ band is made up of queers and allies from across Colorado’s Front Range, including Trace Hybertson (fiddle), isele phoenix harper (keys), Ilan Blanck (guitars), and nicole patrick (drums).
EmmyJean Jenkins is the queer country alter-ego of classical composer-vocalist Annika Socolofsky, whose work has been described as “grotesquely gorgeous” (Chicago Tribune) and “unbearably moving” (Gramophone). The EJJ name is a compilation of her family’s matriarchs’ names and maiden names. Socolofsky is Associate Professor of Composition at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Gay All This Time EP
Colorado-based queer country artist EmmyJean Jenkins collaborates with San Francisco’s Friction Quartet on her debut EP, Gay All This Time, to be released on Adhyâropa Records on April 24, 2026. The release features original songs that combine country-folk songwriting with string quartet arrangements, delving into themes of queer discovery, hope, and love. The EP is produced by Jeff Snyder (Owen Lake and The Tragic Loves) and features Snyder on Pedal Steel and Morgan Harris on guitar. EmmyJean Jenkins is the queer country alter-ego of classical composer-vocalist Annika Socolofsky, whose work has been described as “grotesquely gorgeous” (Chicago Tribune) and “unbearably moving” (Gramophone). This EP marks the first release under the EmmyJean Jenkins name. Friction Quartet is a contemporary string quartet focused on expanding the chamber music repertoire through commissioning cutting-edge composers, curating imaginative concert programs, collaborating with diverse artists, and engaging in interactive educational outreach.
“The melody is infectious, the narrative almost anthemic, which makes you want to stand up and punch the air, regardless of whether you are queer or straight. Rarely does one come across a song this powerful, sung with such pride… its message and the quality of the delivery deserve the widest audience.” - Americana UK
Upcoming Shows
June 4 - 7, 2026 // Denver Fringe Festival // Denver, CO
June 9, 2026 @ 7pm // eTown Hall // Boulder, CO
June 11, 2026 @ 7pm // JeffCo Pride @ The Arvada Center // Arvada, CO
Past Shows
September 8, 2024 // Gaudeamus Muziekweek with HIIIT // Utrecht, The Netherlands
August 4, 2025 // Bang on a Can LOUD Weekend // North Adams, MA
November 11, 2025 // University of Colorado Boulder // Boulder, CO