Although not really known as a musician himself, we’d like to honor Rob Reiner as the director of one of the greatest “movie musicals” ever made – This is Spinal Tap, coining the term “mockumentary.” While a lot of people “didn’t get it,” all musicians would say, “I’ve met that person, I’ve done that… I know someone who did that… ” and so on. The movie was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2002 as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Reiner and previous stars of the original Spinal Tap appeared in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which came out in October. It was produced by Rob’s wife Michelle Singer. Their murders is an unexplainable tragedy but happens more often than people know. In fact, one of my classmate’s parents were murdered in a similar situation. Saying prayers for Rob’s & Michelle’s remaining children, family, friends, and fans who loved them.
.
A Celebration of Life has been set for Purnell Steen on January 10th at 11:00 a.m. More details in the article below (thanks to Channel 7 News Denver for the info).
.
Before the year ends, we want to thank the publishers of Music Connection Magazine for sending us copies of their magazine this past year to pass out at our meetings and events. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! We truly appreciate it. The magazine is full of information about the “business of music” that all musicians should know! (Besides, it reconnected us with Rob Case, Colorado Springs, who runs Old Pants and New Pants music publishing companies!)
.
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
.
Concert tour notes: Jethro Tull and Def Leppard announce tours. The Rolling Stones cancel theirs due to health concerns for guitarist Keith Richards.
.
This video story is interesting. From Project Nightfall: How record labels systematically exploited artists for decades while stealing billions in royalties (6:54 minutes long):
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/how-record-labels-systematically-exploited-artists-for-decades-while-stealing-billions-in-royalties/vi-AA1RqE48?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=6939ff387fe34634b95af41f528ee7eb&ei=23
.
Poster: Cass Clayton Show TONIGHT!
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
Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame Looking for Awesome Country Genre Talent
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!
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
.
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.
.
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
.
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
.
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.
.
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
.
Western Colorado Songwriter Alliance Facebook Group – Grand Junction area: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1122384432992979/
.
December 2025
TONIGHT! 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?
.
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 – 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. – Laurie D at The Passenger Dickens, 300 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501 | Great menu with tapas and American cuisine. Playing holiday tunes plus more!
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
Sa, 27th – two shows at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. – Ballet Ariel at Parsons Theatre, Northglenn Rec Center, 1 East Memorial Pkwy (just off I-25) | https://www.balletariel.org
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, Northglenn Rec Center, 1 East Memorial Pkwy (just off I-25) | https://www.balletariel.org
Adult tickets $32-42 with discounts for seniors, students, and children and $1.50 ticket fee
January 2026
Sa, 10th – 11:00 a.m. – Celebration of Life for Purnell Steen at Zion Baptist Church, 933 East 24th Avenue, Denver, CO 80205 | The public is invited.
Sa, 17th – Doors 6:30; show at 7:30 – Pop Divas Showcase featuring Marilyn Taylor of P!nk Project, Amanda V’s Material Girl, and Ana Rock’s Metal Gaga at Nissi’s,
Mo, 26th – 7:00 p.m. – COMBO Meeting: How to Sync Your Songs for Movies, Television, Commericals (via Zoom)