Following another Facebook discussion, would y’all please tell me the name(s) of any current venues in the Front Range area who want “original” bands to play? I’m thinking along the lines of the “good ol’ days” when original bands were invited to play at Bangles on Sundays & Mondays (cover bands Tu thru Sa), The Broadway, Cricket on the Hill, Iliff Park & Eck’s Saloon, and so many more.
Responses: Larimer Lounge, Hi-Dive, The Black Box, The Mercury Café (n/k/a The Pearl), Dirty Dogs Road House, Lot 46, Misfits Sports Bar, Jake’s Roadhouse (Arvada), Terrain Brewery (Golden), HQ (on Broadway) (used to be 3 Kings), Mutiny Café, Lions Lair, Englewood Tavern,
Bar 404, Nissi’s, Moe’s BBQ, Black Sky Brewery, Roxy’s, Globe Hall, Crypt, Lost Lake, Cheers, Trailside Saloon, 7th Circle, D3, Federal Theater, The End (Lafayette).
According to their website, the Lakewood Grill is now a restaurant only. Here’s what the Black Box says on their website: At The Black Box, it’s all about the music. Denver’s devoted home for underground music is designed to encompass the total sound system experience. The dual-room venue is fully equipped with powerful custom built sound. A haven for artists, audiophiles, and partygoers alike, The Black Box is headquarters for Colorado’s underground music community. (18+)
Mercury gives conflicting info: Apparently it is now The Pearl but does offer some nights of live music. Lot 46 looks like they have a nice variety of live music. Misfits offer cover bands on Fr & Sa. And Dirty Dogs has a specific roster of bands although they will take applications on their website.
Other places suggested were Senior Centers, nursing homes and rehab centers, the airport, busking in Denver, and house concerts!
Be aware that many venues think that by sticking to “Originals Only,” they can by-pass or skirt paying the artists because they do not want to purchase a “blanket license” through ASCAP, BMI, SESAC or another organization that collects royalties. Venues that try to do this may be subject to a $25,000 fine per the copyright laws of the U.S. This is a touchy subject but the law is very clear.