NEDERLAND — As many Peak to Peak residents know—as well as people all over the country at this point— last spring, music teacher and live music enthusiast Kirk Kubicek put on one of the best live shows Nederland has seen in a very long time.

“The Helping Friendly Book” musical made its way across news platforms nationwide, even making an appearance in The Rolling Stone. 

Students form a conga line as the band plays.

Photo by Brittney Wagner

Watching a gymnasium full of kids sing along with such joy to the tunes of popular jam band Phish was a powerfully special thing to see. Feelings of happiness and togetherness permeated the space.

It is no surprise that Kubicek has something up his sleeve for the next big show. 

In true music-lover fashion, Kubicek organized an assembly on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Nederland Elementary, bringing Talking Heads cover band Start Making Sense to announce the theme for this year's spring musical.

Kubicek himself contributes percussion to the band, and gigged with them at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver and Fox Theater in Boulder the weekend of October 3 - 4. 

For the first few songs, the kids kind of just sat there and watched in awe as these talented musicians showed off their skills. By the time they got into the set, though, the young audience could not contain themselves. Before you knew it, everyone, including staff, was dancing too. 

Following the show, kids got an opportunity to ask questions of the members of the band. Almost every hand went up. It was clear how closely they were watching when they asked questions like “What’s the hardest bass solo you know?” A young pianist in the crowd commented on the pianist's skills. 

Kubicek instills the love of live music and musical lore into these kids and has created a new tradition for Nederland!

A group of kids bust out in ecstatic dance.

Photo by Brittney Wagner

So, without further ado, introducing the theme for this year’s Nederland area elementary school spring musical: Music of Talking Heads! “Home is where I’d like to be, but I guess I’m already there.”