Before the Colorado Springs Philharmonic received its current name, it was originally called the Colorado Springs Symphony Ensemble. This organization was formed in 1927 by a group of classical musicians in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.

Since its founding, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic was continued to grow. One of the historically important events in the group’s history took place in 1973 when the Summer Symphony program was founded. This is a series of free concerts held during the summer months. Attendance at some of these concerts has reached 80,000.

Today, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic is under the direction of Josep Caballe-Domenech. Several guest conductors lead the group during its season, and special performances are held throughout the year.

The Boulder Theater – Just off the bustling, Pearl St. Mall, this former art deco movie theater seats a thousand and has hosted everyone from B.B. King to Bonnie Raitt to The Decemberists. The Fox Theater – This converted movie theater, located close to the University of Colorado on the Hill, caters mostly to the college crowd. It holds 625 and you can hear a large variety of up and coming, touring acts.

eTown Hall – Home of the nationally broadcast eTown radio show, this converted church has played host to hundreds of national acts, mostly folk and Americana. Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle and Mumford & Sons have all graced eTown’s stage.

If you prefer a more intimate venue and a brew or two to enhance your listening pleasure, the downtown area offers several small clubs with diverse types of music. The Catacombs features blues and rock, while Conor O’Neill’s is home to folk and Celtic, and The Mountain Sun has bluegrass, acid jazz and more.

With something for everyone to enjoy, the Boulder music scene is alive and thriving.

The electro pop-rock duo 3Oh!3 formed in Boulder in 2004. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2007, spawning the hit single “Electroshock.” The group saw further success with their sophomore album, Want. The pair rode a wave of fast and sudden success that included a full feature spread in Cliche magazine, performing at MTVU’s 2009 Spring Break, and were featured as performers on albums with Lil Jon and Kesha. Want peaked at Number 44 on the Billboard 200.

One Republic became an overnight sensation with their song “Apologize” was played more than 10,000 times in just a week. The song was later remixed by producer Timbaland, launching the song into even further success. Lead singer Ryan Tedder has worked independently with smash hit artists such as Adele, Gym Class Heroes, Paul Oakenfold, and Kelly Clarkson.

The Fray are likely to be the most well known band to hail from Colorado. The group was formed in Denver in 2002 by Isaac Slade and Joe King. The band released their debut album, How To Save A Life in 2005, spawning multiple hit singles. The album spent more than two years in the Top 100 albums charts across the globe.

Whether it’s dining on the patio, and soaking up the sun, while listening to live tunes on a Friday or Saturday night, or whether it’s any weather, Cactus Jack’s live music is a must. If you’ve been to Captain Jack’s, then you already know that even when summer’s over, Captain Jack’s excitement never ends! Captain Jack’s is notorious for fun during any season!

Captain Jack’s offers the best year-round live music west of Denver! The genres are plenty, including local and regional bluegrass bands, cover bands and even karaoke.Confused? Here ‘s a little help . And when the snow starts coming, there’s jammin’ on the heated deck, or inside for the cozy, indoor music fest!

CJ’s 2012 summer line-up included Lost Oaks, Austin & The J-Walkers, Hedley Grange, Brian Ernst, JV3, Oakhurst, The McRae, Dead Nightt, Bloodkin, Evergroovers, Juggernaut, Mad Dog & the Smokin J’s, Kristen Kay, Kicked To The Curb with Pat Travis and the Wizards Of Whack

So head out to Captain Jack’s! It’s the one place to find all you need under one roof…or on top of one outdoor stage, too!

Classic and jazz have long been a popular style of music played in Colorado, but you can also find an array of bands playing other styles as well. Heavy metal is popular in the state, though it is one genre of music often left out of the media scene. Southern Gothic and punk are also popular styles of music found in Colorado.

The sounds and styles of the locals can be found most any day of the week in any Colorado city. Denver is one of the biggest music cities in the state, packed with many great well-known venues alone. There are many live music venues spread throughout the state, offering the chance to hear and support these bands for yourself.

You will never get bored with the music scene in Colorado. It is truly diverse and has something for everyone, meeting the tastes of everyone. Colorado local music is truly one of the most amazing things that you will see in the state!

But Denver had other aspirations as well. He starred in several acclaimed television shows and feature films in the 1970′s and 80′s, and hosted his own variety show for a period. He was an avid pilot and political activist as well, campaigning for Jimmy Carter and helping to raise awareness of the African AIDS epedimic. He was an outspoken critic of the National Rifle Association and oil drilling in the Arctic.

Though Denver’s musical career seemed to taper off after the 1970′s, he occupied himself with humanitarium efforts, both at home and abroad. He founded two environmental groups, and visited Africa several times seeking solutions to the starvation he saw there.

John Denver’s career was colorful and varied, and though he was so much more than a songwriter, the people of Colroado best remember him as a passionate activist, home-town boy, and one of Colorado’s most prolific talents.