Although sometimes overlooked in the music industry, women have always been a powerful creative force. In honor of Women’s history month, we wanted to highlight some outstanding musical talent living in and from Colorado. These musicians are impressive not just for their bodies of work, but also their community impact, and unparalleled musicality. Read on to learn more about some of the amazing female musicians who are contributing to the vibrant music scene in Colorado.
Camilla Vaitaitis is a multi-instrumentalist and composer originally from Littleton, Colorado. She studied jazz piano at the University of Denver, and she teaches at Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, and Graland Country Day School. Her group Specific Ocean has been making waves all across the front range and plays a unique style of dreamy pop music. Their latest release, Say It/Sunday Morning, features Camilla on vocals and keys. Camilla also plays guitar and sings in Barbara. Barbara released their debut album Escape Artist this year, and will be on tour this summer, so keep an eye for upcoming dates where you can see Camilla perform live!
Venus Cruz is an incredibly talented vocalist originally from the Bronx, New York. She has been a prominent performer in the Denver live music scene for many years and has also been a DJ on the world-renowned Jazz radio station KUVO. Often working with a revolving cast of the best musicians in Denver, she always brings an entertaining and musically thrilling performance. She has performed for the UMS and opened for Grammy-nominated artists such as Hiatus Kaiyote and Emily King. Her projects can often be found performing at Herb’s Bar and Appaloosa Grill, be sure to catch one of her classic shows if you get the chance!
Melody Monroe is a producer and vocalist from Westminster Colorado. We were first introduced toMelody at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 when she performed for Rocky Mountain Virtual Music Festival. Her single Summer Storm is a trance-inducing tune that features a music video. Her most recent release is a mixtape for yoga that is both relaxing and exhilarating. Be sure to catch her this April supporting dance artist Tep No at Your Mom’s House.
Annastezhaa Taakaa Zendzhi is the lead singer and harpist with the Neo-Soul powerhouse Ramakhandra. This exciting band has been making a huge splash in the Denver music scene with performances at Red Rocks, Levitt Pavilion, UMS, and more. She is from Aurora Colorado and attended the Denver School of the Arts. Her voice is powerful, rich, and incredibly soulful –all the qualities that we look for in a lead singer. She also plays the harp with an ethereal and atmospheric mastery. Be sure to listen to Ramakhandra’s most recent release, “E.T.” and their self-titled album, and be prepared to be blown away by their unique sound.
These women’s contributions have made waves in the local music scene, along with a plethora of talented women all across the state. It’s a privilege to enjoy their art, and we are proud they call Colorado home.
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