Enjoy free concerts this summer from local and regional musicians

A recent grant opportunity awarded to the city’s Community Vitality Department by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Colorado Technical Advisory Panels (TAP) identified several revitalization suggestions for the University Hill commercial district. Recommendations from the panel were received in the form of a final report and will help inform immediate actions and long-term strategies to reimagine the Hill and the 14th Street surface parking lot. Recommendations fall into three categories, including better activating the district, enhancing connections from The Hill to downtown, and establishing a district identity.

As part of ULI TAP recommendations to activate space, the city is excited to present a new live music concert series this summer on University Hill and in Boulder Junction - “On the Rise; A Celebration of Past, Present and Future Boulder Music.” Each event is free and aims to support local and regional musicians as well as our business community. The series is produced by Roots Music Project, a nonprofit music incubator based in Boulder.

Save the dates for each of the events:

  • Saturday, June 22, 5 - 10 p.m. on The Hill Events Street at 1221 Pennsylvania Ave.
  • Saturday, July 27, 5 - 10 p.m. on The Hill Events Street at 1221 Pennsylvania Ave.
  • Saturday, August 24, 5 - 10 p.m. on The Hill Events Street at 1221 Pennsylvania Ave.
  • Saturday, Sept. 28, 5 - 9 p.m. at Depot Square Plaza in Boulder Junction

In addition to the live music concert series, many other revitalization efforts are happening on the Hill. The boutique Moxy Boulder Hotel opened in May, providing over 180 guest rooms, spaces for businesses and public areas. Wayfinding signage was installed throughout the district’s sidewalks and paths connecting the Hill to downtown to better guide pedestrians and cyclists to nearby attractions. Regulations for restaurants, brewpubs and taverns were eased by City Council last November to allow for more flexibility with serving hours. In the near future, additional projects will be completed including a creative crosswalk and new alley mural by local artists. The Limelight Hotel and Conference Center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2025.

“The city’s Hill revitalization efforts are occurring in conjunction with the Moxy Boulder Hotel opening. This new development, as well as the Limelight Hotel & Conference Center, will continue to bring an influx of new visitors and foot traffic to the University Hill commercial district,” said Cris Jones, Director of Community Vitality. “We are excited to continue to move forward with recommendations from the ULI TAP report and present a new live music series this summer.”

For more information about “On the Rise; A Celebration of Past, Present and Future Boulder Music,” including a schedule of bands, please visit the program website.

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