Have you always wanted to see the “Back Stage” area of venues? Now’s your chance to see the inner workings of the Mission Ballroom! The GM, Kevin Anderson, has agreed to show us around on a tour on Sunday, July 26th. This is an RSVP only event so be sure to sign up. Tour is limited to 15 people.
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Congratulations to Kelly McGinness for winning the VIP Pass to the Block Party on August 28th at the Levitt Pavilion featuring the Butcher Brown Band and sponsored by the Levitt Pavilion, KUVO Jazz, The Drop 104.7, and Rocky Mountain Public Media (RMPM), which they donated to one of the contestants in our Songwriting Contest! Have fun, Kelly and Mary Beth!
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Our Vice-President Dr. Annette Cannon reminded us that this is Disability Awareness Month. Not all “disabled” people have mobility issues but that also does not mean their brain isn’t working. Board Member Johnnie Johnson who runs Innervision works with “disabled” musicians and is constantly looking for places for them to perform. If your venue would like to put on a show of some great musicians, let him know! Innervision3@msn.com
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The not-for-profit organization Guitars for Vets writes that this past six months they have provided over 11,000 free guitar lessons, given away countless guitars, and helped 901 Veterans to “graduate” which is made possible by a community that believes in the healing power of music. If you’d like to help out, go to https://www.guitarsforvets.org to learn more. There are over 2,000 Veterans waiting to join their program. If you have a guitar you’d like to donate or would like to donate money, you can donate at:
https://guitars4vets.org/?form=EmailCampaign&syclid=d9cfafodcesc73bvbgng
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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 Levitt Pavilion with KUVO and The Drop 107.7 and Rocky Mountain Public Media! See the article below for details.
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Durango Songwriters Expo! Sign up NOW. The DSE is 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 Sponsor Music-Go-Round Aurora announces a BIG CLEARANCE SALE going on through July 19th. Save huge on specially marked clearance items! Find your next favorite new-to-you gear when you shop our markdowns. PLUS: Deep discounts on Closeout and Scratch & Dent items IN STORE ONLY thru Sunday, July 19. Tell them COMBO sent you! And don’t forget: They’ll also buy your used gear. Someone is wanting your left-overs!
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COMBO Board Member Larry Thompson has shared a set of new rules regarding the writing of songs by Artificial Intelligence (AI) which we’ll explore more of in the coming months. Take note of these as we’ll probably incorporate them into our rules for our Songwriting Contest in the near future. A publisher who represents songs for sync licensing shared their policy re: AI. In my experience, these guidelines are typical for sync licensing agencies.
Based on the current copyright office report, we can only represent songs that have entirely human-created lyrics and human-created melodies!
When pitching songs to our company, you must disclose any use of AI in the creation of a song (lyrics or melody), or if you used AI in the production of the recording, vocals, etc.
1.) If you wrote both the lyrics and the melody but used AI for demo purposes, you may present it for song review purposes only.
If we are interested in pitching the song for sync licensing, it must be professionally re-recorded for broadcast and sent back to us for final approval.
2.) If a song is being pitched for another artist to record, and we think the AI demo is appropriate, we can pitch it as is.
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COMBO Board Member T-Loop asks that you send him your songs if you want them on the COMBO Spotify Playlist. If anyone would like to submit music, please email him at the Spotify Artist music link or email him at tlooplooperlive@gmail.com for more info or to send you song. Please give these playlists a follow and listen. We have some great and talented artists.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7q8PHyyKqhlxw36jabsRc9?si=OAeiqs5aQuiEVi3ER8ebGw
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If you haven’t done so, please consider donating to Daniel Bishop’s GoFundMe. Daniel had a horrible accident while working on an outbuilding at Bishop Castle, Rye, CO and, while he was recovering and not being able to run his business, the Aspen Acres Fire threatened the Castle so they had to evacuate. Just one thing after another.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-daniel-bishop-bishop-castle?cdn-cache=0
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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:
Deadline Monday, July 20th at 5:00 p.m. Calling All Talent! Benefit Variety Show — Seeking Performers! Email submission to TxCoProductions@gmail.com | See detailed article below.
Durango Songwriters Expo’s Broomfield 2026 Registration is open now. We hope you can join us in Broomfield, CO on October 8-10. https://www.durangosong.com
Performance High offering specials to new students! Https://performancehigh.net
Deadline September 3rd – Applications now being accepted for the Texas Troubadour Songwriters Contest | 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
Fr, Sa – 17th & 18th – Festival in the Clouds, Alma, Colorado (above Salida) – T-Loop playing at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday | https://www.tloopartist.com
Fr, 17th – 5:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Festival in the Clouds, Alma, CO
Fr, 17th – 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. – The Young Heart Dance Band at the Elks Club, 1455 Newland Street, Lakewood, CO | All ages. $10 cover charge.
Fr, 17th – 6:00 p.m. – Las Cafeteras with Ritmo Cascabel at the Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 West Florida Avenue, Denver, CO 80223 (Off South Platte River Drive and Florida Avenue; map available on the Levitt website) | RSVP for Free Tickets or to upgrade! | https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/high-fade-2026-07-17-levitt-pavilion-denver-denver-2f1a51
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 – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Mad Dog Blues Trio at SomePlace Else Brewery, 2360 East 120th Avenue, Thornton | Mark Kaczorowski & Mad Dog Friedman wiil be bringing their own brand of originals and covers to SomePlace Else Brewery. Join us for some great beer and tunes
Sa, 18th – 8:00 p.m. – T-Loop at the Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO | https://www.tloopartist.com
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
Mo, 20th – 5:00 p.m. – Deadline to enter Benefit Variety Show — Seeking Performers! Email submission to TxCoProductions@gmail.com | See detailed article below. All talent.
We, 22nd – 3:30 p.m. – T-Loop at the Boulder Farmers Market, Boulder, CO | https://www.tloopartist.com
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, 24th – 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. – Young Heart Dance Band at the Aurora Eagles Club Members & Guests – Where Woodstock meets the Wild, Wild West! | Dress in your finest Woodstock attire!
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.
Sa, 25th – Gates open at 5:00 p.m. -KSUT presents their 21st Annual Party in the Park at Buckley Park, Durango. This year’s lineup includes New Orleans funk superstars Cha Wa taking the stage at 5:30 followed by MarchFourth at 7:15. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ksut-21st-annual-party-in-the-park-tickets-1985400525417?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse
Sa, 25th – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Rudy Grant and the Buffalo Riders Band at Havana Street Night Market, Havana Street & Yale Avenue, Aurora, CO
Su, 26th – Noon until 1:00 p.m. – COMBO’s tour of the Mission Ballroom | You MUST RSVP to info@coloradomusic.org
Su, 26th – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Basalt Market, Basalt, CO
Su, 26th – Noon til 1:00 p.m. – COMBO’s tour of the Mission Ballroom. An RSVP event to info@ Colorado Music.org | Only 15 guests allowed!
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.”
We, 29th – 6:30 p.m. – Jeff Power’s Nashville Showcase featuring 4 songwriters in the round on the outdoor patio at The Local Drive in the Stanley Market Place, 2501 Dallas Street, Aurora, CO | FREE! Open to the public! Https://wwwJeffTheSongwriter.com
Fr, 31st – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Young Heart Dance Band at Rendezvous Restaurant, Windsor Gardens, Aurora, CO
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
Fr, 7th – First Friday Five Points: https://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/grants-cultural-investments/five-points-jazz
Fr, 7th – 7:00 p.m. – El Loco Fandango and Stevie Rave On at The Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong Street, Brighton, CO | https://www.brightonarmory.org (Joe Bear)
Sa, 8th – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Laurie D at Flights Wine Café, Arvada, CO
Sa, 8th – 7:30 p.m. – T-Loop at the Old Town Social, Arvada, CO | https://www.tloopartist.com
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!
Sa, 15th – 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. – KUVO Jazz presents their 21st Annual Live at the Vineyards Jazz Concert featuring the Etienne Charles Creole Orchestra at the Balistreri Vineyards, 1946 East 66th Avenue, Denver (east of Washington St.) | Tickets and tables available at https://connect.rmpm.org/event/21st-annual-live-at-the-vineyards/e762398/register/new/select-tickets
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. – Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame Awards at the Stampede, 2430 South Havana Street, Aurora. Tickets: $15.00. Advanced tickets available soon at the Stampede Website.
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.
Sa, 27th – KSUT Radio is holding its 50th Anniversary Party by presenting the rock band Drivin N Cryin in concert at the Ska Brewing World Headquarters in Durango. The event is a free, all ages concert. More details later but put the show on your calendar in case you’re in Durango!
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
September 2026
We, 2nd – 3:30 p.m. – T-Loop at Boulder Farmers Market, Boulder, CO | https://www.tloopartist.com
Fr, 4th – First Friday Five Points: https://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/grants-cultural-investments/five-points-jazz
Sept. 4th – 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Mad Dog Blues Trio with Mad Dog, Sean Bennight & Mark Kaczorowski at Johnson’s Station,750 Boston Avenue, Longmont, CO 80501
Th, 17th – 5:00 p.m. – T-Loop at Jamestown Mercantile, Jamestown, CO | https://www.tloopartist.com
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:
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
