Across Colorado, music has always been a powerful force for connection, resilience, and inspiration. But what happens when we look beyond music about social change – and actively equip musicians as long-term changemakers in our communities?
Marilyn Walker writes: When I founded Connected by Music (https://www.connectedbymusic.org/), it was built on the belief that local artists can be vital partners in driving meaningful social impact. Today, in collaboration with the national nonprofit Music to Life (https://www.musictolife.org/), I am delighted to invite you to an intimate community gathering and lunch in Boulder.
Together, we are launching a regional initiative to support independent artists who are using their creative platforms to address pressing community needs – from environmental sustainability and mental health to food security and social justice. As part of this effort, we are bringing Music to Life’s signature Musician Changemaker Accelerator (MCA) Workshop to the Front Range this October.
Before we host this workshop, we want to hear directly from you—our local leaders, nonprofit partners, creative visionaries, and community advocates.
What to Expect
This gathering is designed as an interactive roundtable to foster real connection and collaboration. Our time together will include:
Lunch & Connection: Enjoy food and drinks while networking with local leaders across the arts, nonprofit, and business sectors.
Live Music & Storytelling: A special performance and reflection with acclaimed Colorado musician Cary Morin, exploring how artists drive local change.
A Preview of October’s MCA Workshop: An introduction to Music to Life’s national network of mentors, resources, and training coming to Boulder.
Interactive Breakout Discussions: Collaborative small groups to map community needs, identify potential local partners, and brainstorm ways to support Colorado’s creative ecosystem.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Formal program ends at 1:15 PM, followed by optional networking)
Location: Knollwood Neighborhood Boulder (address provided after RSVP)
Lunch: Complimentary food and refreshments provided.
“Musicians are natural storytellers and community builders. When provided with entrepreneurial tools and civic partnerships, they become powerful engines for local social change.” –Liz Stookey Sunde, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Music to Life
Whether you are an artist, represent a community organization, a local foundation, a business, or simply care deeply about creative leadership in Colorado, your insight and voice are essential to shaping this work.
Please RSVP by August 10 by replying to this email with name, affiliation and number of people attending.
We look forward to breaking bread together and building a strong, connected foundation for Colorado’s artist changemakers.
Warmly,
Marilyn Walker
Founder, Connected by Music
https://www.connectedbymusic.org/
A bit more about Connected by Music: Marilyn Walker founded Boulder-based nonprofit Connected by Music as a way to support Colorado musicians who want to be changemakers. In addition to partnering with Music to Life and Roots Music Project on the MCA Workshop, they organize benefits and find ways to work proactively with local musicians and nonprofits to use the creative power of musicians in our community. Marilyn is part of the extensive Music to Life Juried Artist list.
A bit more about Music to Life: Founded by Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul & Mary) and his daughter, Liz Sunde, Music to Life is a national nonprofit that connects social change musicians with training, mentorship, and resources to help realize their own bold visions for community change. Music to Life works around the country to help strengthen artists social impact skills and their connections.
Photo: Marilyn Walker
