A BIG THANK YOU to all who have heeded the call. We will do our best to help you out in any way we can! So what does COMBO do for YOU when you join? 1) For one thing, every week the newsletter comes out with articles that pertain to the business of music – things you should know. And the articles are condensed into one place for you. No searching all over the internet! 2) If you send us your shows, and a “poster”, we’ll list the show in our calendar and maybe even run an “Event” listing for you. 3) As a dues-paying member, you’ll get a free entry into our songwriting contest which could get you noticed by someone who might be able to advance your musical career. 4) You’ll get private access to our YouTube channel to watch videos of previous programs. And 5) there are more “bennies” to being a dues-paying member (not just a newsletter sign-up-ee). So – Please! Won’t you consider buying COMBO a Christmas present by re-upping your membership – or by joining?! Although all of our board and committee members are volunteers, we still have a ton of expenses that need to be paid. The cost of sending out the newsletters each week, maintaining the website, phone, and post office box and domain names are just some of the things we have to pay for in order for you to stay up on all the changes in the “business” of music! We look forward with glee toward unwrapping your “gift” to us!!! (Of all the pleas for donations this past week that we received, we were the only group that actually gave you something in return for your money. Although I hope to god that you never have to “use” some of the benefits other organizations offer, like medical help).
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There were so many articles on artificial intelligence (AI) taking over the music business this week that we just basically posted the headline and the URL. This topic is VERY important to musicians and songwriters everywhere and of all genres. Read those that you can. You might find something to warn you about your future.
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Just another reminder: The Durango Songwriters Expo in Ventura, CA will be held February 19-21st. Registration is open right now! Https://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com
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We hate to report on events like this but “Fire Engulfs India’s Goa Superclub”. While firecodes may be better in the U.S., mainly due to the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire that killed almost 200 people, we still have venues here that are not safe. I put these stories in to remind you to look for fire escapes when you go clubbing or are playing at a club to make sure you have a way out should something terrible happen. Just ask Great White. | This article shows several photos and a video of the fire breaking thru while the band is playing: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/moment-fire-engulfs-goa-superclub/
This article adds more information as to what happened:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/tourists-among-25-dead-after-fire-tears-through-packed-nightclub/
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Iceland Pulls Out of Eurovision 2026—Here’s the Official Statement:
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/10/iceland-eurovision-exit-2026/
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Concert tour notes: So many tours have been announced this past week: Elvis Costello; Neko Case (4 dates in Colorado but none in Denver) with opener Destroyer; Rilo Kiley; Joe Satriani and Steve Vai; Devo; ZZ Top; David Byrne; Bob Dylan; Triumph; Toto, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics (Sat., August 22nd); Guns ‘n Roses; Bon Jovi; Creed and Limp Bizkit, and my favorite – Cher with Cyndi Lauper!
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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 former COMBO VP Andy Ard!)
Please “Like” us on Facebook! Helps our “standing” in the web world!
http://www.Facebook.com/ColoradoMusicBusinessOrganization
CALENDAR
TALENT NEEDED:
Durango Songwriters Extended deadline: https://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com
Innervision FM Launches Viral Video Song & Comedy Contest to Raise $1,000 for Blind/Disabled Media Training Programs – Ends December 17th | To sign up, performers simply upload their one-minute video to YouTube, send Innervision the link, and pay the $10 entry fee at https://InnervisionRecords.org.
Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame Looking for Awesome Country Genre Talent – See article
Open Mic / Jam Nights:
From Todd Allen: The Open Jam Night at Mega Music in Sterling is the perfect place for musicians of all ages & levels to get together, hang out, play & learn. Always a good time. Even if you’re not a musician, come hang out & watch. Call 970-521-9020 to sign up. We’ll have some Holiday munchies, too!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=25486796420956991&set=a.318287298234584&comment_id=4435737163321768¬if_id=1765237386916695¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif
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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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The Denver Chapter of NSAI meets the second Monday of every month — either virtually or in person — at 7:00 p.m. MT. For more information, please go to https://nashvillesongwriters.com or email lauren@laurenbrombert.com or lawdanj@gmail.com.
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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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December 2025
Th, 11th – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – CCMHOF’s White Fence Farm Christmas Party & Grand Jam Reunion at the American Legion Hall, 1655 Simms Street, Lakewood.
Th, 11th – Colorado Music Hall of Fame inducts Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats live during the band’s 20th Anniversary Holiday Show & 10th Anniversary Album Release Concert at Mission Ballroom https://cmhof.org/events/nathaniel-rateliff-and-night-sweats-induction-2/
Fr, 12th – 2:30 p.m. – Hugh Phillips at Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Village, CO
https://coloradocountry.com/
Fr, 12th – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Young Heart Dance Band at the Lakewood Elks, 1455 Newland Street, Lakewood, CO | $10 cover
Fr, 12th – 7:00 p.m. – Ballet Ariel at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226 | Adult tickets $32-42 with discounts for seniors, students and children and $5 ticket fee
Sa, 13th – 2:00 p.m. – Ballet Ariel at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226 | Adult tickets $32-42 with discounts for seniors, students and children and $5 ticket fee
Sa, 13th – 5:30 p.m. – COMBO’s Holiday Dinner at the Downtown Aquarium – RSVP Required to president@coloradomusic.org | Dinner is individual
Su, 14th – 2:00 p.m. – Ballet Ariel at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226 | Adult tickets $32-42 with discounts for seniors, students and children and $5 ticket fee
We, 17th – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Laurie D at the Old Mine, 500 Briggs Street, Erie, CO | The Old Mine has hard ciders, great appetizers, sandwiches, tacos, salads & Pizza!
We, 17th – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Nevan Castaneda as Elvis at Waldo’s Chicken, 24153 East Prospect Ave., Aurora
Th, 18th – Doors 6:30, show 7:30 – Cass Clayton Band with Christmas of Soul at the Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl Street, Suite V3A, Boulder, CO |Tickets available at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cass-clayton-band-a-christmas-of-soul-tickets-1968264765899?
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Fr, 19th – Doors 6:30, Show 7:30 – Santa’s Guitar Show featuring Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts with Brian Hornbuckle and Dear Marsha at the Wild Goose Saloon, 11160 South Pikes Peak Drive, Parker, CO 80138 | Ages: 21 & under with parent or guardian
Sa, 20th – 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. – This is a private birthday party for Lee Sims! If you want to attend, please e-mail Rudy Grant at rodellgrant@gmail.com or Rocky Hoery at rockyhoery@aol.com for an invite and location!
Sa, 20th – 7:00 p.m. – Chris Daniels & The Kings with friends Freddi Gowdy, Hazel Miller, Kenny Passarelli, Clay Kirkland, Robert Johnson, Mark Oblinger, Linda Lawson, Jake Opie Schroeder, Harry Tuft, and so many more at SWALLOW HILL, 90 East Yale, Denver, CO (just east of Broadway on Yale) Ya’ll come on over … gonna be a “ wham bam at the ashram!”
Su, 21st – 7:00 p.m. – Jinx Jones & The Poudre Valley Playboys at the Oriental Theatre, 44th & Tennyson, Denver | Tickets at:
https://theorientaltheater.holdmyticket.com/tickets/452752?_ga=2.88247071.562974166.1760909433-2022403640.1760909433
Sa, 27th – 2:00 p.m. AND 7:00 p.m. – Ballet Ariel at Parsons Theatre at the Northglenn Recreation Center, 1 East Memorial Parkway, Northglenn, CO (off I-25) Adult tickets $32-42 with discounts for seniors, students, and children and $1.50 ticket fee
Su, 28th – 2:00 p.m. only – Ballet Ariel at Parsons Theatre at the Northglenn Recreation Center, 1 East Memorial Parkway, Northglenn, CO (off I-25) Adult tickets $32-42 with discounts for seniors, students, and children and $1.50 ticket fee