February 17–19
The Moxy Hotel
1247 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80302
The Music in Action Summit creates a meaningful space for venue leaders to gather, share insights, and collaboratively chart a path forward. Drawing on the deep knowledge and extensive lived experience within our grantee community, we're working together to navigate the evolving challenges of today's economic and cultural environment.
By building enduring relationships and encouraging creative thinking, Live Music Society is dedicated to championing the health and sustainability of small venues for generations to come.
We’re glad you can join us!
Before the Summit
The Summit Whatsapp Group is live. Join HERE for important updates and
a way to communicate with your fellow attendees!
Please share your flight details and T-shirt size if you haven’t already HERE.
RSVP for the Gentle Yoga & Breathing session (Tuesday evening)
and the Boulder Nature Walk (Thursday morning) HERE.
Our Facilitators
Ali Blair co-owns and operates Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge, a 74-capacity listening room in Berea, Kentucky. She's navigated the realities of operating a small for-profit venue in rural Appalachia. She also brings a decade of experience in community organizing and cultural programming through nonprofit AMP Berea (formerly First Friday Berea), securing $450,000 in grants to produce 100+ free outdoor concerts. As a Music in Action grantee and member of LMS's Summit Advisory Committee, Ali is co-facilitating alongside Leah Van Winkle—as a peer who's lived these challenges. She occasionally performs as a fire performance artist, because sometimes the best solutions emerge when you're literally playing with fire.
Leah Van Winkle is a community development practitioner and facilitator working at the intersection of culture, place, and collaborative systems. Her background includes arts-led community organizing and cross-sector partnerships, including projects that connect musicians with food justice and regenerative initiatives around the country. For this project, Leah serves as a convener and facilitator, supporting peer learning and helping translate shared challenges into practical collaboration across the Live Music Society ecosystem.
Schedule
Tuesday, February 17
3:00p | Hotel Check In and Credentials Pick-Up
4:30-5:30p | Gentle Yoga & Breathing - open to all (optional)
Colorado B - Lobby level
7:00–8:00p | Welcome and Connect!
The Lounge at Bar Moxy - Lobby Level
8:00–9:30p | Buffet-Style Dinner
University Room - Lobby Level
Wednesday, February 18
8:00–9:00a | Breakfast
9:00–10:00a | Orientation & Opening Keynote
Colorado Room - Lobby Level
10:00–11:15a | Session 1: Revenue Diversification That’s Actually Working (75 min)
11:15–11:30a | Break
11:30–12:30p | Session 2: Structure & Sustainability Across All Models (60 min)
12:30–1:45p | Lunch
Adjacent to Colorado Room
1:45–3:00p | Session 3: Partnerships, Marketing & Moving People (75 min)
3:00–3:15p | Break
3:15–4:15p | Breakout Groups: What Could We Build Together?
(60 min)
4:15–5:00p | Building Our Network: Closing & Launch (45 min)
5:00-6:00p | Transition Time
(6:00-7:30p–Shuttle Transportation: Moxy to eTown Hall & Downtown)
6:00-7:30p | Open House! eTown Hall
1535 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302
With a performance by Calvin Arsenia
(7:30-8:30p–Shuttle Transportation: eTown to Roots Music Project)
8:00-10:00p | One Night Live Showcase, Roots Music Project
4747 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80301
Join your hosts for a relaxing finale to a great day!
With performances by Jesus Christ Taxi Driver, Barbara, and UR Mom
Artist photos and bios below - see “Special Events”
(9:00-11:00p–Shuttle Transportation: Roots Music Project to Moxy Hotel)
Thursday, February 19
9:00-10:00a | Breakfast
9:30a | Winter Walk - meet in Moxy lobby (optional)
All day | Option to meet up in Bar Moxy
12:00p | Check out for hotel guests
Summit Sessions
Session 1 | Revenue Diversification That's Actually Working.
Peer venues share real tactics for building revenue beyond tickets and bar sales. Learn from operators testing memberships, private rentals, partnerships, and experiential programming-with actual numbers and concrete next steps (75mins)
Panelists: Joe Lapan (Songbyrd, DC), Patrick Burns (Color Club, IL), Sean Watterson (Happy Dog, OH),
Tyler Godsey (5 Points Music Sanctuary, VA), Bruce Houghton (Hypebot/Berklee)
Session 2 | Structure and Sustainability Across All Models.
For-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid venue operators discuss what their business structure makes easier and harder. Real talk about funding access, administrative burden, and when transitions make sense-designed for all business structures (60 mins)
Panelists: Heather Krantz, Dylan Locke (Floyd Country Store, VA), Emily Read (One Longfellow Square, ME),
Olive Scibelli (DRKMTTR Collective, TN), Sarah Reid (Opolis, OK)
Session 3 | Partnerships, Marketing, and Moving People.
Strategies for getting audiences through the door and increasing what they spend once they're there. Peer exchange on what's working: streaming and content, partnerships that expand reach, artist collaboration, and designing experiences worth leaving home for in a crowded entertainment landscape (75 mins)
Panelists: Olivia Jones (MIDiA Research), Chris Carillo (Eventbrite),
Jamie Loeb (Nederlander/NIVA), Rachel Hunt (B Side Lounge/Grog Shop, OH)
Session 4 | What Could We Build Together?
Explore collaborative models with peers: touring circuits and regional booking networks, shared back-office services, and structure transitions. Small group conversations lead to working groups, resource sharing, and ongoing peer connections (60 mins)
Final Session | Building Our Network: Closing & Launch.
Reflect on insights from the day then build the peer infrastructure to sustain this momentum. Identify working groups and affinity networks based on venue type, region, and shared experience. This is where peer learning becomes ongoing peer support.
Special Events
Wednesday, 6:00-7:30p - Open House!
eTown Hall
1535 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302
Featuring a 7:00p performance by Calvin Arsenia
Calvin Arsenia
Musician, author and podcaster Calvin Arsenia has built a reputation for turning the arts world on its head. Voted Kansas City’s Best Musician seven years in a row (PitchKC), and featured on Billboard.com, NPR.org, NEWNOWNEXT, Pride.com and Grammy.com. Calvin’s angelic stylings on voice and harp create rare harmonies and arrangements that look past the boundaries of his traditional gospel and classical upbringing. Known for his elaborate and ceremonious sensory concert experiences that merge jazz and electronic influences, “Calvin has consistently deliver(ed) genre-bending (and gender-bending) shows that tackle sexuality, religion, and race in a stunningly unorthodox manner, somewhere between sacred and sacrilege.” A healthy serving of indie rock, neo-soul, R&B and a splash of art pop, this multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter is a shimmering force to be reckoned with.
Wednesday, 8:00-10:00p – Summit Showcase!
Roots Music Project
4747 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80301
Featuring
Jesus Christ Taxi Driver
Known for their unrestrained, disruptive live shows that have been likened to Iggy Pop and The Cramps, Jesus Christ Taxi Driver has previously opened for Frank Black (Pixies), The Hold Steady, A Place to Bury Strangers, The Thing and more. Fueled by the human connections they make on the road, the band has every intention of spending as little time at home this year as possible.
Barbara
Denver-based indie band Barbara is currently making waves with their catchy, original songs and recent local radio awards. Known for their dynamic live shows and strong songwriting, they’re quickly becoming a must-see act in the region.
UR Mom
Chicago’s UR Mom brings infectious energy and pop-infused indie rock, led by a powerhouse female vocalist. Their recent performance at our festival earned rave reviews - a band on the rise with national potential.
Guest Speakers
Olivia Jones, MIDiA Research
Olivia is a New York-based Music Researcher at MIDiA Research, specializing in the intersection of fandom and the music industry. Prior to joining MIDiA, Olivia worked as an Assistant Artist Manager at Park Avenue Artists and as a freelance percussionist. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Percussion Performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and recently graduated from NYU with a Master’s degree in Music Business. She is committed to exploring different perspectives and helping the music industry grow.
Nick Forster, eTown, Keynote Speaker
Nick Forster is an award-winning musician, producer, syndicated radio show host, and founder of eTown. He is a two-time inductee into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame (Hot Rize and eTown) and with Hot Rize, his bluegrass band, was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2025. Nick has interviewed, recorded, and performed with some of the most influential voices in music and environmental activism. Nick is also a founding Board member of both the Live Music Society and Create Boulder.
Bruce Houghton, Hypebot, Bandsintown
Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of music business, tech and marketing blog Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at top global concert discovery and marketing platform Bandsintown, Professor and Touring 101 course author for the Berklee College Of Music and Founder of the Skyline Artists Agency whose clients during its 35 years included The Band, Solomon Burke, Poco, Roger McGuinn and dozens more.
Jamie Loeb, Nederlander
Jamie Loeb is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Nederlander Concerts, overseeing marketing strategy, digital development, and promotional campaigns. With more than 35 years of experience, she is known for creating innovative tour marketing strategies that blend traditional and emerging technologies, driving deeper connections between artists, fans, and ticket sales. Loeb is a board member of NIVA, where she helped lead initiatives including #SOSFEST and the advocacy efforts that resulted in the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.
Chris Cardillo, Eventbrite
Chris Cardillo is Head of Music Partnerships at Eventbrite and a former live music venue booker and operator. Shaped by his background in mental health and life as a songwriter & father, his work focuses on supporting independent venues, local music communities, and artist wellbeing.
Who Will Be There?
Joe Argabrite
he/him
President
Britewerk LLC
Calvin Arsenia
he/him
Executive Director
Greenwood Social Hall
150 cap
Christina Azahar
she/her
Development Director
La Peña Cultural Center
200 cap
Ali Blair
she/her
Owner
Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge
74 cap
Chip Brooks
he/him
Owner
Hey Nonny
105 cap
Patricia Brooks
she/her
Owner
Hey Nonny
105 cap
Patrick Burns
he/him
General Manager
Color Club
240 cap
Michael Busack
he/him
Executive Director
Club Passim
104 cap
Phil Ciganer
he/him
Owner
The Towne Crier Cafe
250 cap
Matty Clark
Owner
Hi Dive
285 cap
Kelley Dawkins
she/her
Marketing Director
Dazzle
150 cap
Mehmet Dede
he/him
Artistic Director
Drom
300 cap
Tom DeGeorge
he/him
Owner
Crowbar
300 cap
Taylor Denn
Artistic Director
eTown
240 cap
Dustin Drase
he/him
Owner
Cole's Bar
125 cap
Morgan Drase
she/her
Owner
Cole's Bar
125 cap
Alisha Edmonson
she/her
Owner
Songbyrd Music House
150 cap
Devon Forster
Development Director
eTown
240 cap
Nick Forster
he/him
Founder
eTown
240 cap
Lisa Gedgaudas
she/her
Program Manager, Cultural Affairs
Denver Arts & Venues
Peter Gillette
he/him
Executive Director
Elastic Arts
240 cap
Tyler Godsey
he/him
Founder
5 Points Music Sanctuary
250 cap
Melissa Graetz
she/her
Grant Writer
The Venue
190 cap
Brett Hetzel
he/him
Owner
Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge
74 cap
Robert Hollis
President
Spire Center for Performing Arts
270 cap
Rachel Hunt
she/her
Marketing Director
B Side Lounge
300 cap
Serdar Ilhan
he/him
Owner
Drom
300 cap
Robin Johnson
he/him
Owner
Stone Church
299 cap
Liz Johnson
she/her
Executive Director
The Grand Annex Music Hall
236 cap
Dave Kennedy
he/him
Executive Director
Roots Music Project
250 cap
Cynthia Knouft
she/her
Owner
No Name Bar
143 cap
Brian Knouft
he/him
Owner
No Name Bar
143 cap
Heather Krantz
she/her
Owner
Floyd Country Store
200 cap
Joe Lapan
he/him
Owner
Songbyrd Music House
150 cap
Dylan Locke
he/him
Owner
Floyd Country Store
200 cap
Ashley Magnus
she/her
Executive Director
Acorn Center for the Performing Arts
300 cap
Nicole Mattson
she/her
Owner
Nocturne
150 cap
Courtney McDonald
she/her
Performance Manager
Chocolate Church Arts Center
297 cap
Colten Mendelson
he/him
Production Manager
Dazzle
150 cap
Louie Mendocino
he/him
Owner
Cobra Lounge
300 cap
Brooke Miller
Trustee
The Spot on Kirk
130 cap
Nicholas Moulds
he/him
Artistic Director
Dazzle
150 cap
Katie O'Donnell
she/her
Marketing Director
54 Below
147 cap
Jesse Ogle
he/him
Development Director
Roots Music Project
250 cap
Brendan Rawson
he/him
Executive Director
San Jose Jazz Break Room
100 cap
Emily Read
she/her
Executive Director
One Longfellow Square
200 cap
Sarah Reid
she/her
Owner
Opolis
150 cap
David Robaire
he/him
Executive Director
Sam First
50 cap
Adele Ruby
any
General Manager
Drkmttr Collective
99 cap
Matt Ruff
he/him
Operations Manager
Dazzle
150 cap
Taran Schindler
she/her
Artistic Director
Grand Annex Music Hall
236 cap
Olive Scibelli
she/they
Executive Director
Drkmttr Collective
99 cap
Cait Simpson
she/her
Director of Admin
The Iron Horse
275 cap
Sarah Travis
she/her
Executive Director
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center
300 cap
Dwight Trible
he/him
Executive Director
The World Stage Performance Gallery
100 cap
Sean Watterson
he/him
Owner
Happy Dog
250 cap
David Weingarden
he/him
VP, Concerts
Z2 Entertainment / Boulder Theater
Lynette Wood
she/her
Executive Director
Jalopy Theatre
74 cap
Your Hosts
Pete Muller
he/him
Founder, Live Music Society
Gavin Berger
he/him
President, Live Music Society
Val Denn
she/her
Board of Trustees
Stephen Webber
he/him
Board of Trustees
Cat Henry
she/her
Executive Director
Sarah McCauley
she/her
Program Manager
With special thanks to:
Valerie Salerno
Avant Garde Event Services
eTown Hall
Roots Music Project
all our Denver and Boulder venues!
Summit FAQs
Where will the summit take place?
1
Moxy Boulder University
1247 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80302. Nearest airport Denver International (DEN)
How do I get to the Moxy Boulder from
Denver International?
2
There are ride-share options from Denver International to Boulder. RTD Buses run from the airport to downtown Boulder every 30 mins on weekdays. The Moxy Boulder is a 5-min Uber/10-min walk from the Boulder bus station. More info HERE.
If renting a car, driving distance from Denver International Airport (DEN) to the Moxy Boulder is approximately 41 miles, and the trip typically takes around 45 minutes. The most direct and common route is via US-36 W, also known as the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. GPS address 1247 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80302
Moxy valet parking available at discounted rate of $25/night (usually $40) and street parking nearby.
What do I need to know about Boulder’s altitude?
3
At 5,430 feet above sea level, the elevation offers stunning mountain views and incredible sunlight, but it can take the body a little time to adjust.
Most people acclimate in a day or two simply by taking it easy, staying well-hydrated (yes, even more than expected), and allowing time to adjust. LMS will provide you with an insulated 12oz tumbler and plenty of ways to stay hydrated. You may need to limit alcohol initially and use extra sunscreen if outside for extended periods. Just listen to your body's signals and take it easy Although Boulder's altitude may take a moment to get used to, the views are absolutely worth it!
When does the shuttle run to eTown &
Roots Music Project? (Feb 18)
4
6:00-7:30p – Shuttle Transportation: Moxy to eTown Hall & Downtown
7:30-8:30p – Shuttle Transportation: eTown to Roots Music Project
9:00-11:00p – Shuttle Transportation: Roots Music Project to Moxy Hotel