Roots Music Project | Spotlight

Outside of hosting over 2,000 performers each year in their warehouse venue, RMP hosted the “On the Rise” music series – a fitting name for the growing Boulder music scene. The series celebrated the past, present, and future of the Boulder music scene and is hosting a finale on The Hill on August 24.

“On The Rise was inspired by the idea that the Boulder music scene really is on the rise. There is so much musical talent here and I just think it’s going to get better and better,” said RMP founder Dave Kennedy.

While looking for a venue to host his band at the time, Kennedy saw a gap in the music scene. Rising housing prices and cost of living — 29% higher than the national average as of July 2024 — in Boulder are making it increasingly more difficult for small venues and local artists to survive.

Inspired by the Boulder music scene from the 70s and growing it to its former glory, Kennedy created RMP to help fill this gap by offering both a space for artists as well as resources and compensation to improve their craft.

“It always makes me happy when people walk into our funky warehouse and say ‘This reminds me of the Old Boulder music scene! We host jam sessions, open mic nights and it is not uncommon for bands to meet and form in our warehouse from these events. This year, we will pay over half a million dollars to musicians,” said Kennedy.

RMP is hosted another event this year, their annual Give to Grow Roots fundraiser on September 26. The event includes live music by Ain’t No Mountain High Enough a band whose beginnings are deeply entertained with RMP.  “During COVID, we were thinking we might have to shut RMP down. It was depressing. Then Brian Anderson had the idea to start a Motown/funk band. It kind of saved us a little bit, the idea that we could play happy music and jam together,” said Kennedy.

RMP is returning the favor in a full-circle moment, by slotting them as the headliner at the Give to Grow fundraiser. The fundraiser will raise money to help supplement operations and payments to artists.

The number of smaller, non-traditional venues in Boulder has been growing to adapt to the challenging environment. Some venues include Full Cycle Cafe, a bike shop bar that turns into a jazz dinner club with live music at night, and River and Woods, a local restaurant bringing in live music 3-4 times a week.

Kennedy feels that these nontraditional venues are not only reviving the Boulder music scene but establishing a thriving ecosystem of talented artists. “I would not be surprised if some big national breakouts from this scene [happen] in the next 5 years. Boulder is starting to get recognized as a music town and I am optimistic about the local music front,” Kennedy boasted.

The best way for artists to get involved with RMP is to attend shows at the warehouse and get to know their community. For those looking to perform, Kennedy says to come prepared. “We look for folks who can help us put on a show – the best way to get involved is to come with RMP with a concept for a performance. For example, I want to do XYZ and I  have ideas how to promote it,” said Kennedy.

To learn more about the Roots Music Project or their Give to Grow fundraiser, visit their website at www.rootsmusicproject.org.