Denver, CO — Governor Polis has proclaimed October 1 2025 to be Music Advocacy Day in the State of Colorado, recognizing the importance of Colorado’s music industry. This proclamation was originally proposed by Davon Williams, a CMIA member, DJ, board member at Englewood Schools and founder of Incorporated Minds Music Empire, stating, “I pushed for this recognition because our venues and creators are cornerstones of the state’s identity. This proclamation helps spotlight how strong our music community truly is.”
The proclamation also points to the importance of further investment in Colorado’s music industry as it is recognized as a significant contributor to the state’s economy. A 2018 study by Michael Seman, PhD Director of Creative Industries Research and Policy, estimated that Colorado’s music industry contributed over $1.4 billion to our local economy and over 16,000 in jobs. According to Williams, “By naming Red Rocks, Levitt Pavilion, and Fiddler’s Green, the Governor underscored how deeply music is tied to both our economy and our communities.”
“It’s gratifying to see how the music industry has grown to support the increasing appetite of audiences and boundless creativity of our locals.” shared Jessi Whitten, Director of Audience and Partnerships at Levitt Pavilion. She also emphasized the broad reaching impacts of a thriving music economy: “Access to music contributes to community vibrancy and mental health, so music advocacy is ultimately an investment in collective wellness.”
This proclamation was presented to key stakeholders in a small ceremony at the Capital on October 1st.
The proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, music enriches culture, promotes mental health and inspires creativity, playing a vital role in communities worldwide; and
WHEREAS, the Recording Academy/GRAMMY’s and the Colorado Music Industry Alliance champions the rights of music creators and professionals, advocating for fair compensation and protections within the music industry; and
WHEREAS, Music Advocacy Day, held annually by The Recording Academy and now in its 11th year, is the nation’s Largest grassroots effort to inform music policy at both local and congressional levels, connecting Recording Academy members and lawmakers; and
WHEREAS, Colorado, home to iconic outdoors venues like Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Levitt Pavilion represent and support local music creators; and
WHEREAS, Music Advocacy Day has coincided with important legislature achievements, such as the Music Modernization Act and the PEACE Through Music Act, ensuring a fairer and more transparent industry for all music creators;
THEREFORE, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the state of Colorado, do hereby proclaim October 1, 2025 as
MUSIC ADVOCACY DAY in the state of Colorado
October 1st Proclaimed Music Advocacy Day by Governor Polis, Naming Local Music Venues
