Category: News & Notes

CP S20 EP07 2026

AIR DATES FEB 14-20 2026. MMMM = GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS, KING CARDINAL, THE BARLOW, ROB DRABKIN

Plateau Creek sheep by the road

Thank you for stopping by. Every week I hope to bring you some of the best of Colorado music from across the decades, and around the state. I also usually share a new landscape photograph by my life-partner, Claire/Clear Vistas Photography.

There is no current website for Claire’s work. If you see a photo you like and would like to have printed, let me know. Email chriskmusic@gmail.com

Last week I made a couple of adjustments to the Monday Morning Music Meeting and This Week on YouTube. The MMMM still asks for your input, but it’s now just KEEP IT or CUT IT .. no equivocation.

THIS WEEK ON YOUTUBE features videos ONLY, of songs in this week’s show.

I WISH I WAS KIDDING. Your SUPPORT is ESSENTIAL.

The Colorado Playlist is the only program showcasing Colorado music statewide, broadcast by 12 stations covering 30 FM/LPFM frequencies.

This show has been my passion for 20 years now. I make this show available at NO COST to community radio stations in our state.

I more or less retired a couple of years ago. There are monthly costs associated with the show that honestly stretch my limited retirement income now.

Your support is essential and sincerely appreciated.

Please make donations via Venmo at chrisk-2 (preferred) or use the form below. Thank you, sincerely – chrisk

To learn about getting your business heard across thirty FM frequencies and on the Colorado Playlist other assets, please email chriskmusic@gmail.com

___________________

ALMA Seeks Bands for Monumental Battle of the Bands on June 6, 2026
Event Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Submission Deadline: April 12, 2026
Contact: Nancy Harris, 719-937-1255 or almaconcerts@gmail.com

ALMA’s Battle of the Bands returns this summer and we’re seeking contestants! The Battle will happen on June 6, 2026, from 4pm-7pm, in Cole Park, Alamosa, CO, in conjunction with RioFest. The victor gets a $1,000 contract to perform at Sundays at Six in Cole Park on August 9, 2026! Five bands will compete and each band will have approximately twenty minutes to WOW the audience and judges. To submit your band for consideration to be in the battle, fill out the submission form at https://www.almaonline.org/battle-bands-wanted/ by April 12, 2026.

ALMA hosted a thrilling Battle of the Bands in June, 2025. The winner of that Battle was A Butter Way, a punk band from Alamosa. This year, five more contestants will battle it out on the stage at Cole Park, for a chance to perform during one of ALMA’s Sundays at Six summer concerts.

Live Music—The Soul of ALMA.

For more information, follow ALMA on Facebook or visit www.almaonline.org
___________________

MONDAY MORNING MUSIC MEETING

The Monday Morning Music Meeting happens courtesy of Starr’s Guitars in Cedaredge, serving the western slope music community since 1998.

Every year I debut approximately two hundred new current-year songs. Every week I have to make decisions about what to keep to play again and what to archive. This is where you come in.

Should I KEEP IT or CUT IT?

Results enter into determining which cuts stay in the library and which cuts might eventually make it to the annual Colorado Playlist Fan & Listener Poll and the “some of the best of the year” show.
___________________

Beast – I Am – Higher and Higher (1970)
Sugarloaf – Tongue In Cheek (radio edit) – Spaceship Earth (1971)
(D) Rob Drabkin – Everything is Better With You (2026)

Leftover Salmon –Let’s Party About It – Let’s Party About It (2025)
Carolyn Shulman – Matter of Time – Grenadine & Kerosene (2021)
Woven Hollow –Ten Feet Under (2026)
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Do You Know Thee Enemy? – Unentitled (2011)
DeVotchKa – Transliterator – A Mad & Faithful Telling (2008)
Ronjo V –Gray Skies – Ronjo V (2025)
(D) The Barlow – Factory or Prison (2026)

The Informants – Salvation – Crime Scene Queen (2009)
Marfa – Daisy (2025)
Gabriel Mervine –When It’s Sleepytime Down South – Say Somethin’ (2021)

Boenzee Cryque – Still In Love With You Baby (1967)
Poco – What A Day – Pickin’ Up the Pieces (1969)
(D) Gasoline Lollipops – Derailed (2026)

piKziL – Exit Strategy (2025)
Volores – All That We Could Need – Ages (2023)
Our Violet Room – Villian (2026)
Megan Burtt – Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – The Bargain (2015)
The Still Tide – High Wire – Run Out (2017)
LatinSoul, Joshua Trinidad – Mama Pacha (2025)
(D) King Cardinal – New Addiction – Reviver (2026)

Andy Monley and the High Horses – Drag Me to Hell – Totem (2023)
Sour Magic – Silver Sands (2025)
Brad Goode – St. Louis Blues – Chicago Red (2013)

THIS WEEK ON YOUTUBE

HOT SPINS WEEK ENDING FEB 15 2026

STATIONS TRACKED: KAFM Community Radio (Grand Junction), KBUT Community Radio (Crested Butte), KDNK Carbondale Community Access Radio (Carbondale), KDUR Community Radio (Durango), KFFR 88.3 FM (Winter Park), KLZR (Westcliff), KOTO Community Radio Telluride (Telluride), KRFC 88.9 FM (Fort Collins), KRZA Community Radio (Alamosa), KSJD Radio (Cortez), KSUT (Ignacio), KVCU (Boulder, KVNF Mountain Grown Public Radio (Paonia), 105.5 The Colorado Sound and Indie1023 (Denver) …

Spins tracked on Spinitron (except 102.3 and 105.5), designed to benefit community and college radio, and offering search functions to track airplay on over 300 stations around the count.

(D) = debut HOT SPINS
(R) = re-enter HOT SPINS

ALL STATIONS + THE COLORADO PLAYLIST – 73 TITLES TRACKED
(D) 1. GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS – Derailed SP Jan-26
(D) 2. KING CARDINAL – Reviver LP Sep-25
(D) 3. BIG RICHARD – Pet LP Nov-25
(D) 3. OUR VIOLET ROOM – Villain SP Jan-26
(R) 4. SOUR MAGIC – The Hive LP May-25

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$10.00
$15.00
$20.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Youth on Record’s Full Underground Music Showcase (UMS) Statement – For Youth on Record, UMS Was Part of the Story. Young Artists Are the North Star.

For Youth on Record, UMS Was Part of the Story. Young Artists Are the North Star.

By Jami Duffy
Executive Director, Youth on Record
Former Co-Manager, Underground Music Showcase

Last week, I sat in a leadership meeting with 13 young creatives selected to help build the future of Youth on Record’s workforce program. These rising stars are launching their lives in Denver and their careers in music and entertainment. Most have graduated from our programs and are now booking shows, releasing work, building networks, and figuring out who they are and who they’re becoming. They’re also deeply motivated by this moment in the United States, when human rights are being violated and our democracy is on the line.

I sat, overwhelmed by their collective power. They are bright. Capable. Wildly talented. Ready.

What isn’t quite ready for them is the world they’re stepping into—specifically, Colorado’s music industry, our creative economy, and our political systems. The systems meant to support young adults, artists, and creatives are strained. Opportunities are uneven. The path from talent to sustainability is still far too fragile. Sitting in that room, listening to them talk about their hopes, fears, and their hustle, I felt the urgency of this moment in my bones. And I knew—without hesitation—that selling UMS to its next capable stewards is the right move. 

Four years ago, Youth on Record stepped into ownership and co-management of the Underground Music Showcase because we wanted to ensure that the fest was rooted in values, access, and care. We stabilized this iconic festival, protected space for music discovery, and pushed for artist-first practices—particularly thriving artist wages, accessibility, sober spaces, harm reduction, mental health supports, and career pathways for emerging musicians. We also leveraged government and philanthropic dollars, encouraging those sectors to see the value of music festivals as a public good. 

Now, this moment calls for something more from Youth on Record.

We’ve made the decision to spend the next chapter putting our full institutional energy into shaping what comes next for music, culture, and the creative workforce in Colorado. This means partnering with Colorado’s music and sports industries to deepen their impact and build new job opportunities for the next generation. We will also work with community organizations, mutual aid networks, immigrant rights organizations, and young leaders to respond to direct threats to our work, our students, and our freedoms. This will require our full focus for the foreseeable future.

Discovery music still matters—especially now. That’s why we’ve begun the process of passing the UMS torch of co-ownership to RiNo Business Improvement District (RINO BID). RiNo BID is designed to steward large-scale cultural experiences and would carry this festival forward with the resources and infrastructure it deserves. We trust that they would continue cultivating the seeds of impact Youth on Record planted—particularly around artist care and thriving artist wages. 

As the festival potentially moves to RiNo, we also hope that policymakers and civic stakeholders continue to be proactive in understanding and addressing the economic and cultural impact that music has long had on South Broadway—a beating heart of Denver’s creative community, and a 20-year neighborhood partner in UMS.

To Colorado’s young artists: you are Youth on Record’s North Star. Your creative lives and your freedoms matter. You can count on us to continue to provide free programs and creative spaces, so you are ready not only to rock the UMS stages, but to build those stages—and one day, to lead the festival itself. We are committed to working closely with you on your art and your impact, because the future of this industry must be built with you, not around you.

The work ahead is urgent. It is harder. And it is worth it. We are choosing to meet this moment in Denver and in our nation with clarity, courage, and hope rooted in action. And when the next UMS unfolds, you’ll find us there, front row, cheering you on, proud of what you’re building, and excited for what comes next.

ABOUT YOUTH ON RECORD 

Youth on Record is a youth development nonprofit equipping Colorado youth ages 11-24 to find their voice and achieve their goals through free music and media arts programming. Since 2008, the organization has combined award-winning programs with community-building efforts to provide holistic support for young creatives. Through for-credit classes, out-of-school programs, hands-on and technical training, and paid apprenticeship opportunities, Youth on Record helps youth succeed not only as artists but in their education and lives. Learn more at youthonrecord.org. 

Roots Music Project Announces Limited Edition Vinyl Album Release

Roots Music Project (RMP) has launched its first vinyl compilation, “RMP On The Rise – Vol 1,” featuring 11 diverse Colorado artists across various genres. The limited-edition album not only showcases local talent but also serves as a fundraiser to support musicians. A release party is scheduled for February 28, 2026, in Boulder.

Roots Music Project Announces Major Vinyl Compilation, RMP On The Rise – Vol 1, Showcasing the Breadth of Colorado Music

Boulder Colorado – January 15, 2026 – Roots Music Project (RMP), the Colorado-based non-profit dedicated to supporting and celebrating local music, today announced the release of its inaugural vinyl compilation album, RMP On The Rise – Vol 1. The 11-track record is a testament to Colorado’s vibrant and eclectic music scene, featuring a wide range of genres far beyond traditional folk and roots.

The limited-edition vinyl compilation, aims to be a definitive snapshot of contemporary Colorado artistry while serving as a vital fundraiser for RMP’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible space, gigs, and support for local musicians.

“This album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s the sound of our community,” said Ian Steele, Director of Production. “We brought together 11 incredible artists across genres like indie, rock, latin, hip hop, and Americana, proving that the Colorado scene is truly ‘on the rise.’ We encourage collectors and fans of local music to grab a limited edition copy and directly support our mission.”

Featured Artists & Links

The compilation proudly features the following diverse lineup:

Side One

Side Two

Album Artwork

  • Chris McInnis
  • Matt Burks

Vinyl Release Party Details

The official celebration will take place at the RMP Warehouse on February 28, 2026. The release party will feature live performances from several artists on the compilation, including Asteroid Please! and Bear Hat, offering attendees the chance to purchase the vinyl and get it signed by the participating musicians.

Event: RMP On The Rise – Vol 1 Release Party

Date: Saturday February 28, 2026

Location: Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Ste. V3A, Boulder CO

Tickets available here. 

The vinyl will be available for purchase at the release party, on the RMP website, and through a network of local record stores including Paradise Found, 

Asteroid Please! delivers high-voltage grooves and magnetic energy, while Bear Hat brings heartfelt, roots-forward songwriting and a warm, commanding stage presence, making this a perfect snapshot of some of the best bands Colorado has to offer today. Even better, this special performance is a fundraiser for the National MS Society’s Colorado-Utah-Wyoming chapter, so a portion of proceeds from every cheer, ticket, and encore helps support people living with multiple sclerosis right here in our state. 

Come out to Roots Music Project on Feb 28th to support a powerful cause, discover (or rediscover) the energy, deep connection, and the unmistakable excitement of CO’s “On The Rise” artists, and be part of a night where great music makes a real difference.

About Roots Music Project

Roots Music Project is a non-profit community of music fans and music makers based in Boulder Colorado. Roots Music Project’s mission is to amplify the live music community through performance and artist development. We believe in the power of music to make the world a better place. Save the date for Boulder Roots Music Fest, August 28-30.  To learn more, visit www.rootsmusicproject.org. 

Tickets available here.