Friends in the Business
Colorado Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce its Inaugural Community Impact Awards event on Wednesday, April 8 at 7pm at The Hall’s exhibit in the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver.
The Community Impact Award, a new recognition category, honors local musicians, bands, music educators, venues, businesses and organizations that have significantly influenced and created meaningful impact within Colorado’s music community.
This historic event will honor Friends in the Business, a class of incredible music retail businesses that have impacted and shaped Denver–and beyond’s–music scene. The celebration includes an awards ceremony honoring this year’s recipients: René Heredia, Kolacny Music, ListenUp, Bob Rupp, and Twist & Shout Records with founder Paul Epstein. Guests will also have the chance to explore The Hall’s exhibit space and the opportunity to take home exciting prizes during our silent auction.
The evening’s entertainment will include a fabulous musical and dance performance by the Colorado Institute of Flamenco. Founded in 2021 by Andréana Cortés, René Heredia’s niece, the non-profit organization continues their family legacy after the closure of Heredia’s Flamenco Center for Guitar and Dance.
Tickets are $20 and support The Hall’s mission to celebrate, promote and support Colorado’s music community.
Pre-registration is required for this event. No tickets will be sold at the door.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.
The Awardees:
René Heredia
René Heredia, an acclaimed flamenco guitarist, has been a driving force in preserving and elevating flamenco music in Colorado for 53 years. His significant and lasting legacy is rooted in his leadership, performance, and educational efforts at the Flamenco Center for Guitar and Dance. He created a vibrant, immersive home and community where flamenco artists and audiences could hone their craft and experience the art form’s profound passion.
Kolacny Music
Kolacny Music was a cherished, family-run enterprise that was a cornerstone of the Colorado music scene for 93 years. Specializing in instrument repair, sales, and rentals, the store served generations of Colorado musicians, from aspiring students in school bands and orchestras to professional performers. The business was a true legacy, operated with dedication across three generations of the Kolacny family until they closed their doors in 2023.
ListenUp
Founded in 1972, ListenUp became a leader in high-quality audio equipment and live sound, and even introduced digital audio to Colorado audiences. ListenUp engineered advanced systems for iconic Colorado venues like Ebbets Field, the Boulder Theater, and the Rainbow Music Hall, producing live radio shows now in their archives. Today, ListenUp is one of the nation’s most enduring electronics retailers– whether in a venue, on the air, or in the home.
Bob Rupp
When drummer Bob Rupp founded Rupp’s Drums in 1984, he didn’t just open a music store, he built a space for Colorado’s percussion community. For decades, Rupp’s Drums was the go-to for drummers across the state. He championed musicians, backed major music events, and created a gathering place for legends and beginners. Though the shop closed its doors in 2025, its impact still echoes across stages throughout Colorado.
Twist & Shout Records and founder Paul Epstein
Founded in 1988 by Colorado Music Hall of Fame co-chair and co-founder Paul Epstein, and his wife Jill, Twist & Shout grew from a small record shop into a celebrated Denver music hub. It is revered for its expansive music selection and its iconic, exciting in-store performances featuring high-profile artists. Epstein sold the store to long-time manager Patrick Brown in 2022, and it continues to thrive as a beloved and vibrant cornerstone for Colorado’s music community.
The Details:
Bar Service: Drinks will be available for purchase. Please note that this is a cashless bar and accepts only credit card payments.
Seating: Seating is first come, first served at cabaret tables. Please note that tables may be shared with other guests.
Parking: There are several parking options available near the Colorado Convention Center including paid garage parking ($13 for 8 hours), various paid parking lots and metered street parking ($2 per hour). If you choose to park in the garage, it is located on the corner of Speer and Champa. Once inside, please follow signs and directions that will take you to the elevator at the end of the garage, not to Bellco Theatre. The elevator will take you down to the street level where you will cross the street and enter the Convention Center from the front entrance.
Please click here to view Convention Center parking options, directions and pricing.
Lightrail: The Theatre District–Convention Center station is the light rail station closest to the Colorado Convention Center, located directly underneath the building on Stout Street. It is served by the D and H light rail lines and provides easy access from downtown. Please check the train schedule for wait times and alternate routes.
Accessibility: The path from the entrance to our exhibit space is free of stairs and is accessible by wheelchair. That being said, it is a little bit of a long walk from the entrance so we will also have a people transport cart available if anyone needs a ride.