Last week I wrote that music, musicians and protest songs have been around for centuries but it is getting harder to walk a very, very, very fine line between politics, music, and freedom of speech – our First Amendment Right. IRS Rules state that “Licensed Not-for-Profits cannot be politically involved” but how can that rule be followed when politics interferes with music? We’re doing our best here but there is too much going on where politics butt-in on music or where politicians are violating laws made specifically to protect musicians and their creation of music (see Copyright Laws). We need to stick together on our “Freedom of Speech.”
So I’ve put together a list of well-known protest songs that use that “Freedom” to send a message to those who need to hear it. Have you got a song to add to this list?
Imagine – John Lennon
Land of Confusion – Genesis
Rockin’ in the Free World – Neil Young
Born in the U.S.A. and The Wall – Bruce Springsteen
Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd
Blowing in the Wind – Bob Dylan
Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye
Fight the Power – The Isley Brothers
Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday (writer Abel Meeropol, under the pseudonym Lewis Allan)
Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant
War (What is it good for?) – Edwin Starr
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COMBO’s Songwriting Contest has ended! The judges are hard at work listening to the songs and hoping to have their winners decided by June 29th. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ve experienced a “hitch” which has delayed the final results.
Looking for an “Angie’s List” for Musicians? Try Indie Music Alliance! COMBO member Saam Golgoon has started a new venture! Https://www.IndieMusicAlliance.com.
From COMBO board member and sound engineer Clark Hagan: Rick Derringer’s record “All American Boy” was recorded at Caribou Ranch [near Boulder] which featured “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo.” Local musician Kenny Passarelli played bass on the songs “Teenage Queen” and “Uncomplicated”, with Joe Walsh and Joe Vitale of Barnstorm. ~ Thanks, Clark, for that tidbit of information. Always fun to hear that “the local boys did well!” [Note: CBS Sunday Morning’s news In Memoriam segment played “Hang On, Sloopy”, sung by Rick, behind the memorials including that of Loretta Swit who also passed away recently.]
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Cracked me up!!! Heavy metal long-haired rock band Girish and the Chronicles from India playing Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” (converted quite nicely to metal) on America’s Got Talent!!! They were very good and got through to the next round! Who would have ever thought that India had a heavy metal band!!!
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COMBO is about the LOVE of Music and the musicians who create and play songs. We do our best to educate and offer an exchange of information, guidance and advice to help musicians advance their careers no matter what genre they play. Our articles and programs represent some phase of the music business that could affect musicians – all musicians, all genres – everywhere. Our motto: Elevate Your Musical State! (Courtesy of Andy Ard!)
Please “Like” us on Facebook! Helps our “standing” in the web world!
http://www.Facebook.com/ColoradoMusicBusinessOrganization
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CALENDAR
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ANNOUNCED – We won’t list all of their shows here but here are their websites if you want to go:
Botanic Gardens (two locations): https://www.botanicgardens.org
Castle Rock Summer Concert Series:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/castle-rock-announces-summer-concert-series-lineup/
City Park Jazz: https://www.cityparkjazz.org
Denver Arts Complex events: https://www.artscomplex.com
Downtown Denver Artist on the Rise Concerts:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/schedule-released-for-free-downtown-denver-concert-series-artist-on-the-rise/
First Friday Jazz Hop in Five Points: https://www.milehighfestivals.com
Film on the Rocks: https://www.axs.com/events … film-on-the-rocks
Five Points Jazz Fest: https://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com
Levitt Pavillion: https://www.levittpavillion.com
Old Town Arvada fests – Third Saturdays of the Month
Red Rocks: https://www.redrocksonline.com
Sofar Sounds (“house” / small venue concerts): https://www.sofarsounds.com
The Tank’s Summer Fests (Rangely, Colorado): https://www.tanksounds.org
Undreground Music Showcases: July 25-27: https://www.undergroundmusicshowcases.com
Events That Repeat Each Month:
First Friday Jazz Hops: Honor the roots and enjoy the fruits! Our partners at the Five Points Business Improvement District are hosting First Friday Jazz Hops! Enjoy a night of live jazz featuring local musicians and artists performing at venues along Welton Street in Denver’s historic jazz district. Check out their schedule at https://www.milehighfestivals.com
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Denver’s NSAI Chapter: 2nd Monday of the month. Contact Lauren Brombert for details on the next meeting – LIVE this month! https://www.facebook.com/groups/denvernsai/ | If you’d like to present a song to the group for feedback, please click on the link to the Denver NSAI submission page below, and follow the instructions BEFORE the meeting:
https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/form/song-submission-consent-denver-co
Please make sure to upload both the mp3 and the lyric sheet!
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Black Rose Arts Society sponsors an Open Mic on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month in CO Springs. Check it out at https://www.blackroseacoustic.org/openmic!
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The TBRAS (The Black Rose Arts Society) offers twice-monthly shows on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at the Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908. Doors at 6:15; All ages. Tickets at https://www.tbras.org
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Front Range Songwriters – Colorado Springs: 1st Wednesday of the month. 7:00 p.m. John Nelson, contact. Location: Covenant Church, 4965 Barnes Road. This is at the SW corner of Barnes Rd. and Iron Horse Trail – one block East of Barnes Rd and Oro Blanco.
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Southern Colorado NSAI – Castle Rock: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Meeting via Zoom | Call
Wayne Hanson to be added to the Zoom call and for more info: 720-989-5185
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Western Colorado Songwriter Alliance Facebook Group – Grand Junction area: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1122384432992979/
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June 2025
Fr, 6th – ALL DAY! BandCamp Day! Full royalties to musicians. Buy their music now and help your favorite musician make their rent this month! https://www.isitbandcampfriday.com
Fr, 6th – 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Rudy Grant & Branded at the Gran Jardin Restaurant & Lounge, 597 South Clinton Street, Denver (Windsor Gardens) | Dinner Show & Dance
Fr, 6th – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Ironwood Bar & Grille. Flatirons Golf Course, 5706 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80303 https://www.facebook.com/share/1A9H4Mis7F/
Fr & Sa, 6th & 7th – Greeley Blues Jam at Island Grove Park | https://greeleybluesjam.org
Fr, 7th – 2:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Summer Fest on the Rio, Cole Park, San Luis Valley https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ba331y9dz/
Fr, 7th – 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Dune Valley Distillery
https://www.facebook.com/share/16hzxWy6Di/
Fr, 7th – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Downtown Denver Artist on the Rise Concert, Dairy Block Alley, 16th Street | Artist Emelise Munoz | Free; Seating first-come, first served or RSVP (above)
Sa, 8th – Noon – Youth on Record at La Alma Park Ampitheater, 11th & Oswego St., Denver, CO
Tu, 10th – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Songwriting Circle presented by Performance High’s Justin Long, Broomfield location | Register at https://performancehigh.opus1.io/w/free-events/
Questions? Need help? Contact Kristen at 720-772-7505 or admin@performancehigh.net
Th, 12th – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – White Fence Farm Grand Jam at American Legion, 1655 Simms Street, Lakewood, CO (CCMHOF event)
Th, 12th – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Kick Off for Lafayette’s Music Fest – RSVP to Attend!
https://www.lafayettemusicfest.com/events/kickoff-party-for-lafayette-music-fest-2025-1
Fr, 13th – 8:00 p.m. – Honeybunches of Death, Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre, Psychostick at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California | All ages | Tickets $27.50 on line or buy through a band member for $22
Sa, 15th – Juneteenth Festival in Denver’s Five Points Neighborhood. The festival will feature live music, a showcase of Black-owned businesses and spaces for the community to connect. See Events!
Sa, 15th – 9:00 a.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at South Pearl Market, 1527 South Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210 | https://www.facebook.com/share/1AX6GTYwpi/
Sa, 15th – 3:40 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Boulder Pride Festival, 1236 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302 | https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUSdUkSk9/
Mo, 16th – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – COMBO Schmoozer at Illegal Pete’s, Colfax & Race | Come meet the COMBO board members and have dinner!
Th, 19th – 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Joe Willy’s on Broadway, 1310 South Broadway Denver, CO 80210 | We are excited to kick off new Thursday Ladies Night at Joe Willy’s on Broadway! Your corner bar with a clean, urban vibe and a new twist on your American bar favorites! | https://www.facebook.com/share/1AcT4r7SEK/
Sa, 21st – 2:00 p.m. – Michelle Castillo’s EP Release Party! At the Goosetown Station, 514 9th Street, Golden, CO | Featuring all the incredible artists on the album!
Sa, 21st – 5:15 p.m. – Cass Clayton Band at The Highlands Live Music Fest, 32nd Street, from Irving to Perry, Denver | Free Family Fest!
Sa, 21st – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Beau Jo’s Pizza, 7525 West 53rd Avenue, Arvada, CO 80002 | https://www.facebook.com/share/16HcP53h8T/
Sa, 21st – 8:00 p.m. – Raven Chacon & Friends at The Tank, Rangely, Colorado
Fr, 27th – Su, 29th – Various Times – Blues from the Top Music Festival at Rendezvous Event Center (78821 US Hwy 40, Winter Park, CO 80482) in downtown Winter Park | Check out their great lineup! —tickets on sale at https://www.bluesfromthetop.org
Sa, 28th – 6:00 p.m. – More details TBA | Laurie D. at the Lavender Festival
Su, 29th – 9:00 a.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Highlands Square Market, West 32nd Ave & Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80211
Su, 29th – 5:00 p.m. – Celebrity Sidekick finale at the Buffalo Rose, 1116 Washington Street, Golden, CO
Su, 29th – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Gold Hill Inn, 401 Main St., Gold Hill 80302 https://www.facebook.com/share/1CSriruSw2/
July 2025
Fr, 4th – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Cass Clayton Band at Thornton Fest, Carpenter Park Fields, 108th Avenue & Colorado Blvd., Thornton (Northglenn).
Fr, 4th – 10:00 p.m. – Cass Clayton Band (double-duty today!) at The Woodcellar, 1552 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen, CO | Post fireworks show! Free Show. Family Friendly.
Fr, 5th – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Downtown Denver Artist on the Rise Concert, Dairy Block Alley, 16th Street | Artist Wrenn Van | Free; Seating first-come, first served or RSVP (above)
Su, 6th – 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. – Cass Clayton Band at Cherry Creeks Arts Festival, 2 Steele Street, Denver, CO | Come and plan on checking out all the art work at the fest, too.
Fr, 11th – 6:30 p.m. – Cass Clayton Band at Arts Night Out, Festival Place, 311 South Public Road, Lafayette, CO. With Lit Society + special guest Datrian Johnson
Sa, 12th – All day! Black Arts Festival: The Adam Hawley Unstoppable 2025 Tour is bringing him to the festival Saturday, July 12 at 7 p.m. in Denver City Park!! Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends and come enjoy this free concert in the park with us! Denver, let’s show Adam a great time!
Check out https://www.adamhawley.com/ to learn more!
August 2025
Fr, 2nd – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Downtown Denver Artist on the Rise Concert, Dairy Block Alley, 16th Street | Artist TBA | Free; Seating first-come, first served or RSVP (above)
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TALENT NEEDED:
The 2025 American Songwriter Road Ready Talent Contest is Open Now https://bit.ly/41f1JHv | Deadline: August 25, 2025