5 Bands. One Night. Boulder’s Big Colorado Gives Day Showcase 🎶

12/8/2025 What's Happenin' Team Boulder
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Colorado Gives Day Music Showcase 🎶

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Happy Monday, Boulder! 🌞

Ben here — and if you’ve been craving a night packed with live music, community energy, and that signature Boulder spirit, this one’s for you. Roots Music Project is hosting a free Colorado Gives Day showcase featuring five bands—from incredibly talented teens to Boulder-grown honky tonk heroes.

It’s one of those nights where the whole community shows up, the music hits just right, and you remember why local venues matter.

Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.

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Colorado Gives Day Music Showcase 🎶

Colorado Gives Day Music Showcase 🎶

Boulder’s music scene is throwing a full-on celebration, and you’re invited. This Tuesday, Roots Music Project is hosting a free Colorado Gives Day showcase featuring five acts—from teen prodigies to Rocky Mountain honky tonk favorites—all under one very energized roof.

It’s part concert, part community party, and 100% Boulder vibes. TEMPO’s rising youth musicians kick things off before handing the stage to a lineup of local bands that know exactly how to bring the heat. If you want to feel the heartbeat of Boulder’s grassroots music scene, this is the night to show up.

What’s Happening & When

🎸 6:15 PM — Born N Raised

Two 17-year-olds blending folk, rock, country, grunge, and pop. Raw talent. Zero fear.

🎹 6:40 PM — Izzebella (TEMPO)

Dream-pop meets singer-songwriter soul, inspired by Tame Impala and Billy Joel.

7:20 PM — IO Underground

Modern rock, shredding guitar solos, and big-city edge with Boulder spirit.

🎤 7:55 PM — Better Hallway Vision Trio

High-energy rock from a crew built to play for friends (including the ones they haven’t met yet).

🤠 8:30 PM — Last Mile Country Club

Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk with bluegrass flavors and the very real possibility of a conga line.

The whole night is free, but if you’re able, consider supporting Roots Music Project with a Colorado Gives Day donation. They’re a nonprofit music incubator keeping Boulder’s local scene thriving—one showcase, one youth artist, one unforgettable community night at a time.

📍 Roots Music Project | 4747 Pearl St., Suite V3A

Tuesday, Dec 9 | 6:00–8:30 PM

🎟️ Admission: FREE

“See you at Roots!”


🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder 🎭

Monday, December 8

Musical Vanguards at the Dairy presents the Jacob Jolliff Band - Dairy Arts Center, Boulder | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Ticketed

Tuesday, December 9

eTown Taping with Rickie Lee Jones - eTown Hall, Boulder | 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM | Ticketed
An Evening with the Scrolls – Ahnara Music at Trident Café - Trident Booksellers and Cafe, Boulder | 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM | Ticketed
"Inaccessible" Presented by onX - Boulder Theater, Boulder | 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM | Ticketed
Colorado Gives Day Music Showcase - Roots Music Project, Boulder | 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar

💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out

You asked for it — we delivered. In our recent poll, a bunch of you said you’d love a tiny job board in the newsletter, so here it is. We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities.

Full-time

Associate Executive Director at Brookdale Senior Living | Boulder
Azure Data Engineer at ATTAINX INC | Boulder

Local Happenings

CU Boulder Begins Search for Its Most Important AD Ever

CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz says the university is moving quickly — but intentionally — to hire a new athletic director after Rick George announced he’ll step down after 13 years.

Schwartz calls this the “most important AD hire in CU history.”

College athletics is shifting fast: NIL, revenue sharing, realignment, and the transfer portal are reshaping the landscape. CU wants a leader who can navigate the chaos and position the Buffs for long-term success.

What Schwartz is looking for:

  • Someone who understands CU’s culture and student-athlete focus

  • A leader who’s innovative, bold, and ethically grounded

  • A dynamic fundraiser and strategic thinker in the “new world” of college sports

Who’s involved:

  • Schwartz is leading the search

  • National firm CSA Search & Consulting is assisting

  • Input gathered from Rick George, Coach Prime, all head coaches, and campus stakeholders

George will stay on through June 2026 to help the new AD settle in and will move into a special advisor and emeritus role.

CU wants its next AD in place ASAP to “hit the ground running” — especially with more national realignment expected.

Read More-->>

🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?

Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

☕ Who’s Pouring the Perfect Cup in Boulder?

Boulder’s got more cozy nooks and fair-trade pour-overs than we know what to do with — so let’s settle this, one caffeine-fueled vote at a time. Which café truly awakens your soul (or at least your morning)? ☕✨

Cast your brew-tiful vote →

See You at the Next Show, Boulder 🎵

If you make it out to the showcase, hit reply and tell me which act you loved most — or if you unexpectedly ended up in a conga line.

And thanks, as always, for supporting the local venues and artists that make this city feel like home.

Keep the recs coming, keep voting, and if there’s a place you’re convinced belongs on the next list, just hit reply. I really do read every single one.

Catch you Wednesday with more Boulder goodness.

— Ben

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