Drum Roll Please!! Announcing the winners of our Songwriting Contest! The Top 10 are 1) (I’m Going to Swim) The Muddy River – JD Droddy; 2 – tie) Hard Pass – Jason Abbott, and I Wonder What She Saw in Me – JD Droddy; tied for 3) Chocolate Flies – Toni Negus, Why Old Men Cry – Rabbi Joe Black; 4 way tie for 4th) Long Way Home – Mark Henry Ham and Robert Ham, How It’s Spent – Emily Barnes, What You Water Grows – Karen Current, and Tonight’s Love – Mike Abbass. More in the article below.
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Congratulations to Steve Weeks, Colorado Springs, who is the winner of the 2026 Durango Songwriters Expo entry worth $450. Steve entered our Songwriting Contest and his name was drawn from all the entrants into the Contest. He will be able to attend the Expo October 8th thru 10th at the Omni Interlocken Hotel & Resort in Broomfield. He is really excited about the opportunity to learn more about the “business of song writing” and to meet all the great professionals who will be there to guide and mentor the aspiring songwriters, as well as to meet other song writers!
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Great news! Nine of our music-related businesses stepped up to donate prizes to the winner(s) of our Songwriting Contest: Durango Songwriters Expo, Celebrity Sidekick / Local Sounds Online, Tranquility Salon, Performance High, and a VIP package donated by Levitt Pavilion, KUVO Jazz, The Drop 104.7, and Rocky Mountain Public Media! See the article below for details.
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Don’t forget! Early Registration for the Durango Songwriters Expo is now open! Closes NEXT WEEK! Being held in Broomfield October 8th thru 10th at the Omni Interlocken Hotel & Resort. For more info, go to https://www.durangosong.com
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COMBO Board member T-Loop writes that he has uploaded new music to the COMBO playlists. Please give these lists a follow and listen. We have some great and talented artists. If anyone would like to submit more music please email T-Loop at the Spotify Artist music link. https://open.spotify.com/artist/7q8PHyyKqhlxw36jabsRc9?si=OAeiqs5aQuiEVi3ER8ebGw
Tony of TLooP Artist Entertainment Group | https://www.tloopartist.com | 310.889.4673
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Along with DJs Bret Saunders and Gregg Stone (Uncle Nasty), iHeart Radio also let Denise Plante go in cutbacks for the network. Boo.
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From Madison Lucas on Facebook: Hey friends: Bob Rupp has fallen again and broken his T12 in his back. Surgery was scheduled for [earlier this week]. He’s at UCHealth hospital, at 1500 Park Central Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. 720-516-1000 | Send a card!
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Laurie Dameron’s Green Tip of the Month: Don’t idle your car unless absolutely necessary! [Think about it – wasting gas, polluting the air – you don’t want these things! ~ Barb]
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Concert tour notes: Lionel Richie postponed his concert in Chicago at the United Center and his concert in Columbus, OH at the Schottenstein Center after experiencing a dizzy spell on stage. He has since recovered and resumed his “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour. || Sending get well-wishes to country icon Clint Black. The 64-year-old singer abruptly canceled his show due to a medical emergency. He was slated to return to the stage on July 3 at the Pearl River Resort Casino in Choctaw, Mississippi. Clint was admitted to the hospital with infected tonsils requiring emergency intravenous treatment.
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To join COMBO, go to our website at https://www.coloradomusic.org and hit the “Join COMBO” button. If you’d prefer to not use a credit card, you may send a check for the proper amount to COMBO, PO Box 18186, Denver CO 80218 instead. (Actually this helps us out even more as we don’t have to pay fees to Paypal!)
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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. Our articles and programs represent some phase of the music business that could affect musicians – all musicians, all genres – everywhere.
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Our motto: Elevate Your Musical State! (Courtesy of former COMBO VP Andy Ard!)
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Please “Like” us on Facebook! Helps our “standing” in the web world!
http://www.Facebook.com/ColoradoMusicBusinessOrganization
TALENT NEEDED:
LAST WEEK! Durango Songwriters Expo’s Broomfield 2026 Early Bird Registration is Open Thru July 10th We hope you can join us in Broomfield, CO on October 8-10. https://www.durangosong.com
Performance High offering special showcase to their students! Https://performancehigh.net
Applications now being accepted for the Texas Troubadour Songwriters Contest – deadline September 3rd | https://www.BosqueArtsCenter.org | email Music@BosqueArtsCenter.org
CALENDAR
Summer Concerts:
Arvada Center concerts: Tickets: call 720-898-7200 or at https://www.ArvadaCenter.org
Botanic Gardens: https://concerts.botanicgardens.org
Summer Sunday Festivals – Brunner Farmhouse and Gardens: 640 Main St., Broomfield 80020
Castle Rock Concerts: https://www.meadowscastlerock.com/blog/summer-concert-series/
Central City Opera: https://www.centralcityopera.org
City Park Jazz: https://www.facebook.com/cityparkjazz
Levitt Pavillion: https://www.levittdenver.org
Sofar Sounds House Concerts: https://www.sofarsounds.com
Swallow Hill Music: Saturdays at Four Mile Historic Park – https://www.swallowhillmusic.org
July 2026
Th, 2nd – 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Small Favors opening for Chris Daniels & The Kings with Freddi Gowdy at Rock & Rails, Niwot, CO
Fr, 3rd – First Friday Five Points: https://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/grants-cultural-investments/five-points-jazz
Fr, 3rd – 6:00 to 8:30 pm – Laurie & Lorrie at Johnson’s Station, Longmont, CO
Fr, 3rd – 8:00 p.m. – James Barrs. Accompanied by Ben Bentele (bowed banjo) and Rai Omri (guitar) at The Tank, 233 Country Road 46, Rangely, CO | The concert is FREE!
Sa, 4th – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Boulder Farmer’s Market, Boulder, CO
Sa, 4th – Doors at 4:00, show starts at 6:00 p.m. – Small Town Strong Freedom Fest, Tickets at https://www.SmallTownStrongFoundation.com | Children 12 and under are admitted FREE, making it even easier for families to attend this exciting event. See full article/details below. Featuring Joe Wren & The Roadies, Biff Gore, Ronnie Davis, Melinda Hagan & Clark Hagan.
Su, 5th – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Central Park Market, Denver
Su, 5th – 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. – Rachel Alena on the Main Stage at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO | https://www.rachelalenamusic.com
We, 8th – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Laurie D at Trident Booksellars, Boulder, CO
Fr-Su, 10th thru 12th – Colorado Black Arts Festival – This free annual celebration honors African American art and culture in the historic City Park West neighborhood. Enjoy live music, art shows, a marketplace and a food court. The event is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Sa, 11th – Noon ‘til 8:00 p.m. – Featuring Jack Keith, Kevin Cumesty, Kara O’Kelly, Michelle Castillo, Joy Iwancio and Valerie Bhat at Infinitus Pie, 145 Nickel Street, Broomfield CO 80020
Sa, 11th – 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. – The Riverfront Park Summer Sessions is a free, family-friendly open-air concert and community event held in Commons Park (1610 Little Raven St) along the South Platte River in Lower Downtown (LoDo) Denver. The event features live main stage bands, an MCA Intermixed DJ Stage, food trucks, pop-up bars, and a family zone.
https://www.riverfrontparkevents.com/
Sa, 11th – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at DANG Soft Serve Ice Cream, Denver, CO
Su, 12th – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Loveland Market, Loveland, CO
Su, 12th – 4:00 p.m. – Broomfield Arts & Humanities presents The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra at Brunner Farmhouse and Gardens, 640 Main Street, Broomfield 80020 | Free but a $5 donation is welcomed! Featuring the acclaimed Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra!
Fr, 17th – 5:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Festival in the Clouds, Alma, CO
Sa, 18th – 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Laurie D at Windsor Market, Windsor, CO
Sa, 18th – 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Funkology is the ultimate dance party and entertainment band consisting of professional, highly trained musicians with years of experience. At Gold Hill Mesa, 142 South Raven Mine Drive, Colorado Springs 80805
Sa, 18th – 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. – Wendy Clark Band at Western Sky Bar & Tap, 4361 South Broadway, Englewood
Su, 19th – 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Beau Jo’s Pizza, Arvada, CO
We, 22nd – Doors at 8:00; Show at 8:15 – Mile High Homecoming with Seth Beamer, Josh Scheer (Pandas and People) and Kevin Johnson (of The Bright Silence) with Laurie Dameron opening at Goosetown Tavern, 3242 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206 | Ph: (303) 399-9703 | https://www.goosetowntavern.com | 21+ unless you have your parents with you! Tickets at:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/63243281/mile-high-homecoming-featseth-beamer-wpatrick-armould-kevin-johnston-denver-goosetown-tavern?clickref=1101lDpwBew8
Fr, 24th – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Snowy Peaks Winery, Estes Park, CO
Fr-Su, 24th – 26th – Underground Music Showcase in RiNo – The UMS returns in a new home, moving from South Broadway to the River North Art District. Long known for spotlighting emerging and independent artists, the festival will present more than 200 performances across outdoor stages and venues throughout RiNo. https://www.ums.com
Su, 26th – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Basalt Market, Basalt, CO
Tu, 28th – 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Arbol Market, Paonia, CO
Tu, 28th – AC/DC at Empower Field at Mile High – The legendary rock outfit is set to continue their “Power Up Tour.” With a band of their caliber and the race against time and age, this very well could be the last time Denver gets a chance to see the “Hells Bells” group in their current form.
We, 29th – 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Laurie D at Carbondale Market, Carbondale, CO
We, 29th – 6:00 p.m. – Rachel Alena at St. Julien Hotel, Boulder, CO | https://www.rachelalenamusic.com
We-Su, 29th thru the 2nd ‘- The Sound of Music – This vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “16 Going on 17” and “Edelweiss.”
August 2026
Sa, 1st – 5:30 pm – Laurie D Jazz Duo w/ Jeff Fournier on bass at Beaver Creek, CO
Sa, 1st – 7:30 p.m. – Rachel Alena at Oskar Blues, Longmont, CO
https://www.rachelalenamusic.com
Su, 2nd – 4:00 p.m. – Broomfield Arts & Humanities presents the Colorado Junction String Band at Brunner Farmhouse and Gardens, 640 Main Street, Broomfield 80020 | Free but a $5 donation is welcomed! Featuring the Colorado Junction String Band!
Fr, 7th – ALL DAY – Bandcamp Day! Buy a song from your favorite artist and they get full pay!
Https://www.isitbandcampday.com
Sa, 8th – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Flights Wine Café, Arvada, CO
Su, 9th – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Laurie D at The Old Mine, Erie, CO
Sa, 11th – 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. – The Riverfront Park Summer Sessions is a free, family-friendly open-air concert and community event held in Commons Park (1610 Little Raven St) along the South Platte River in Lower Downtown (LoDo) Denver. The event features live main stage bands, an MCA Intermixed DJ Stage, food trucks, pop-up bars, and a family zone.
https://www.riverfrontparkevents.com/
Th, 13th – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Flights Wine Café, 7714 Grandview Avenue, Arvada, CO 80002 | One of Colorado’s most beautiful venues in the backyard with superb wine and tapas! We’ll be playing a variety of genres including some jazz, Bossa Nova and blues. It’s right on the RTD Light Rail! https://www.facebook.com/share/1C69iEFiXb/
Sa, 15th – 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Post Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO
Sa, 15th – 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Peak Big Band, under the direction of Dan Bell, at Gold Hill Mesa Summer Festivals, 142 South Raven Mine Drive, Colorado Springs 80805 | This 18 piece Big Band blends classic swing with modern jazz energy with dynamic charts, tight grooves, and powerhouse performances. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great music under the warm sun!
Su,16th – 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. – Laurie & Lorrie at Sweetheart Wine, Loveland
Th, 20th – 5:30 – 7:30 pm – Laurie & Lorrie at The Yard Summer Patio Sessions, 107 South Public Road, Lafayette, CO 80026 | Free!
Fr, 21st – 4:30 to 6:30 pm – Laurie D at Edwards Art Battle, Edwards, CO
Su, 23rd – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Loveland Market, Loveland, CO
Su, 23rd – 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. – CCMHOF’s Annual Awards Festival at The Stampede, 2430 South Havana Street, Aurora, CO | Cost: $15.00 cover. Advanced tickets available soon.
Fr-Su, 27th thru 30th – Boulder Roots Music Fest, downtown Boulder, CO | This event transforms downtown Boulder for four days! The Cass Clayton Band will be playing. More info later.
Aug 29th – Sept 9th – Laurie D on a Southern Music Tour (if you know any venues or friends where I can spend the night, please let me know!) At Kerrville, TX, Galveston, TX, New Orleans, Tallahassee, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Hilton Head, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC and somewhere near Charlotte, NC
Mo, 31st – Calling all golfers! The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is thrilled to be back at Denver’s Wellshire Golf Course for our third annual golf tournament. Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. Funds raised support the programs of CMHoF and our mission to celebrate, promote and support Colorado’s music community. | https://cmhof.org/events/3rd-annual-golf-tournament
Recurring Events:
The Windsor Ladies of Country Music “Good Time Hour Club,” every 2nd Wednesday of the month | 2:00 p.m. at Windsor Gardens
Open Mic / Jam Nights:
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First Tuesdays of the month: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. – Roots Music Project – Sober Open Mic, 4747 Pearl Street, Suite V3A, Boulder, CO | FREE! Keep in mind the entrance for the open mic is in the east room so enter through the door to the right of the main entrance.
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Second & Third Tuesdays of the month: Songwriters Round at the Speakeasy (Roxy on Broadway), 554 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209. This series takes place at 7:00 p.m. in the listening-room basement. Shows feature top songwriters – from upstarts to pros – performing solo. Hosted by Baggs Patrick and Marty Jones
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Acoustic Open Mic Night – 4th Tuesday of the month at the Doghouse Studios, 525 Courtney Way, Lafayette, CO | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Sponsored by Rock for the People | RSVP at https://www.rockforthepeople.org/events
ON HOLD UNTIL SEPTEMBER: 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. Host: Todd Allen
