The Colorado Music Relief Fund (CMRF), a newly established statewide initiative created to generate relief funds for those working in Colorado's music and entertainment industry who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, is officially launching with a star-studded virtual event featuring musicians from across the state as well as some of Colorado’s most beloved national acts.
Taking place Saturday, May 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. MST, the online event, dubbed Banding Together: A Concert For The Colorado Music Relief Fund, will feature performances from Dave Matthews, The Avett Brothers, Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers, Michael Franti, Rodrigo y Gabriela and many others. See the full lineup on the CMRF website.
Fans can watch the benefit concert livestream online at CBSN Denver. The event will also air on local radio station 97.3 KBCO in full; CBS Denver will broadcast the first hour.
In addition to the performances, the benefit concert will feature "storytelling by musicians, crew members, industry members, and Colorado personalities," according to a press release announcing the event.
CMRF and the Banding Together benefit concert are a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has essentially shut down the global live music industry and has significantly impacted Colorado's concert business across the state.
Read: How Musicians Are Staying Positive & Productive Amidst A Pandemic
Known for its celebrated venues, renowned music festivals and unique artist community, Colorado is home to a rich, thriving music and live events industry. Over 16,000 Coloradans work in the local music industry, which generates $1.5 billion annually, with the majority of that amount stemming from public gatherings, according to the CMRF website.
CMRF will begin accepting applications starting May 28 via its website. The initiative is accepting donations now.
Following the benefit concert, CMRF will continue to raise funds and host events to support the Colorado music community.
CMRF is a multi-industry collaborative effort led by committee members from 7S Management, The Bee Vradenburg Foundation, The Bohemian Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries - Division of OEDIT, Colorado Music Hall Of Fame, Colorado State University, Energize Colorado, KBCO, KSUT, The Marigold Project, RedLine and other organizations and companies.
Banding Together is presented by Colorado-based craft brewery, Breckenridge Brewery.
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