The Place to Be: Greeley's Music Venues and their Artistic Importance

Examining the various cultures and areas of study at the University of Northern Colorado reveals dozens of opportunities for personal exploration. One of the most thriving areas of UNC’s student population that expands beyond the classroom is the music scene.

While the University does offer paths for musicians, many students have taken it upon themselves to form their own bands in their personal time. Luckily, multiple spots around Greeley are happy to host young musicians. 

Greeley is home to a variety of locations that give aspiring musicians the opportunity to perform and show off their bands. Local younger musicians are especially grateful for these spaces as they navigate both academic and musical life.

The downtown Greeley area is a mixed bag of activities people can participate in. With options ranging from recreational activities like the Kress Cinema and Ice Haus, to local restaurants like the Rio Grande and Doug's Diner, everyone has a place in Greeley. For young musicians, they can be found taking center stage at the Moxi Theatre at 802 9th St.  

Lynx Drobny, a self taught guitarist and frequent performer, is one such case. Having performed at venues such as the Moxi Theatre, Drobny says that experience is invaluable. 

“The whole nerves go away because that is your family,” Drobny said. “Your crowd is your family.” 

The Moxi is just one of many areas in downtown for people to find entertainment. However, its seemingly never-ending lineup of independent musicians are a common focal point that is praised by many. From 90s' cover bands to college-aged musicians, the Moxi gives an invaluable opportunity for anyone with a voice to have a stage.  

The opportunity does not just stop there however, as just outside of downtown Greeley there exists an unlikely spot for young musicians. This is none other than Garden City’s Chipper’s Lanes at 2454 8th Ave. While primarily a bowling alley and arcade, on select nights the alley dims the lights and brings the stage out for live music.  

Chipper’s provides a unique experience both for the musicians and the patrons. As people bowl and hang around at the bar, live musicians play their music at the center of the room. Not only does this give customers the opportunity to be extremely close to the band but it gives musicians the space to feel like the main act.  

For people such as Savannah Werner, a journalism major at UNC and former member of UNC Funk Lab, this experience’s value cannot be put into words. 

“We got to actually see what it was like, to like perform live gigs,” Werner said. “And I love music, so it gave me a sense of like ‘oh this is home’.” 

While she is not performing any shows at the moment, Werner advocated for small venues and the valuable experiences that being an independent musician creates. For her and musicians in a similar place, small venues act as an access point for people to express their love and dedication to their craft.  

“To have these events for the public and for students…It gives you a sense of community," Werner said.