BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado is known for some incredible music venues, but those places are booked up by big, touring performers. Roots Music Project in Boulder is one of the few remaining small venues left, and it works as a nonprofit to help provide performance opportunities for local musicians.
It can be difficult for up-and-coming musicians to make it in the music scene. Smaller venues are being driven out of business by the rise of algorithms, streaming services, and big ticketing companies. That means fewer places for bands without a big following to play. As a nonprofit, Roots Music Project can more easily serve as a small venue than venues who don’t have such a designation.
Roots is also trying to help the Colorado music scene, supporting other small venues by serving as a nonprofit booking agency for musicians. Kennedy believes if there are more small venues, the environment for musicians should improve.