Photo: Ivory Sykes | SIGN THE PETITION NOW! Allow Music Amplification on Denver’s 16th Street Mall. By Ivory Sykes: I am a local musician, an electric violinist who has been living off my music for five years in Denver, Colorado. The 16th Street Mall was the last fort standing that supported my music and that of many others like me. Now, Downtown Denver Partnership has decided to deny us our stage by banning the amplification of music.
Denver has always been the town where music meets the mountains; it’s a place of harmonious coexistence of culture, arts, and natural beauty. However, lately, it seems like music, one of the very things that define our city, is losing its space.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Denver as of 2020 was about 715,522, and many moved here precisely because of the vibrant outdoor music scene and cultural activities available. Our city’s public spaces should encourage community involvement, and street performances are one way to achieve this.
The restriction on amplifying music deprives local musicians from displaying their talent, and it robs the audience of a complete musical experience. Furthermore, this decision can impact the income from the 86.9 million tourists who visited Colorado in 2017, contributing to $20.9 billion in revenue. The Denver Tourism Office reported that 15% of these tourists were specifically interested in cultural activities such as music festivals and art exhibitions.
By introducing this ban, the city is not only curtailing artists’ earnings, but it’s also impacting the economic and cultural growth of Denver. We, the artists and patrons of music at 16th Street Mall, request that this rule be reconsidered. Allow us to sustain our musical traditions and enrich the culture of our beloved city.
Please sign this petition to support local artists and keep music alive on Denver’s 16th Street Mall.
https://www.change.org/p/allow-music-amplification-on-denver-s-16th-street-mall
Photo: Ivory Sykes