UPDATE, 9/03/26: A long time friend of mine and a fabulous musician, Clint Willcox, asked me a very important question about the Colorado Musicians Day initiative I instigated and is currently being worked on by a Colorado State Senator, and a Senate Outreach Advisor… “How does this benefit Colorado musicians?”
This was my response to him. I thought I’d share my answer and my vision with you all.
A resolution doesn’t put money directly into a musician’s pocket. What it does is formally recognize Colorado musicians as an important part of the state’s culture, economy and identity.
It creates an annual opportunity to put Colorado musicians in front of legislators, media and the public, while drawing attention to the venues, organizations and businesses that support them.
My hope is that Colorado Musician Day becomes more than a resolution — something the music community can build around each year to promote Colorado artists, encourage people to support live and local music, and remind policymakers that musicians are part of a real statewide industry.
You have to start somewhere. This is a pretty good place to start.
Chris Kresge: Dear Friends .. spread the word through your networks .. I’m heading out on vaca for a few weeks but wanted to get this to you before I leave.
During the 18th Annual Dacono Music & Spirits Festival this year (I’m the concert director), I met a wonderful person from the Colorado State Senate. And you know me… get me talking about Colorado music and musicians and I get a little excited. She asked me to call her. We connected, talked about Colorado music and brain-stormed the idea of the Colorado State Senate passing a resolution honoring Colorado musicians.
WELL… turns out, it wasn’t such a crazy idea after all.
I learned this week that Senator Janice Rich is interested in introducing a resolution recognizing Colorado Musician Day during the next legislative session, January through May 2027.
They’re beginning work on it now, with the possibility of presenting it early in the session. The hope is ultimately to bring musicians from across Colorado to the State Capitol to be recognized by the Senate. WE NEED TO SELL IT OUT .. PACK THE HOUSE .. How freaking cool is THAT?!
I’ll share more as this develops.
https://www.facebook.com/chriskmusic
Photo: Chris Kresge
