Every city has a soundtrack. Boulder’s includes classical music created at the university, underground punk responding to social strife, and hard-hitting rock in search of national acclaim.
The best mixtape is a conversation, a labor of love, a curated introduction. It encourages the listener to follow-up and learn more. Boulder Mixtape reminds us of the iconic bluegrass revival band, the still-touring jam band, the surf rock band that hit the charts. It remembers the infamous national acts who performed here before they got big and the ones who always return.
The exhibit traces the history of musicians and music lovers who found a welcoming place to make and share music. From Chautauqua Auditorium to Caribou Ranch Recording Studio in Nederland, from Tulagi on the Hill to the Blue Note on Pearl Street Mall and the Colorado Coal Company on North Broadway, Boulder has created, listened to, and supported artists across genres.
The story of successful musicians is only as strong as the community that sustains them. Without the venues, the radio stations, the record stores, the music stores, the photographers, the promoters, and of course the fans, Boulder could never have maintained the incredible depth of music it has. Boulder music holds an important place in music history.
The best mixtapes benefit from repeat listening. Come back again and again for a year of live music and programs exploring our community through its musical stories.
Photo 1: The Astronauts album from Flagstaff. Photo courtesy of Jehnie Burns.
Photo 2-3: Photos courtesy of Prairie Mountain Media.