Muse Performance Space

Overview

The Muse Performance Space is a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 by musicians Clare Church and Pete Lewis. Located in Lafayette, Colorado, it serves as a platform for both music and art, aiming to foster a strong community of artists and audiences.

Mission

The mission of the Muse Performance Space is to provide uplifting experiences through authentic music and visual arts in a welcoming and beautiful environment. It offers a warm and intimate space where artists can connect with audiences and mentors with students. The venue presents various performances, including concerts across all genres of music, with a focus on creating a professional yet personal listening environment.

Activities and Events

The Muse Performance Space hosts several concerts weekly, featuring top-notch professionals alongside emerging artists. It also organizes Student Spotlight concerts for high school and college musicians, providing opportunities for young talent to perform. Additionally, the venue supports local music teachers and institutions by hosting recitals and collaborating with organizations such as the Colorado Conservatory for Jazz Arts. Other regular events include a monthly jazz jam for adult learners, a weekly jazz jam for all ages, a free improv jam, and a monthly looping jam.

Community and Founding

Muse Performance Space was inspired by similar venues, such as those in Santa Fe, New Mexico, aiming to create a space focused purely on music and art. The founders, Clare Church and Pete Lewis, are both musicians themselves and have designed the space with musicians' needs in mind, providing quality equipment and a fair split of show proceeds. Church, formerly an accomplished saxophonist, shifted her focus to drumming due to health reasons and saw the venue as an opportunity to give back to the music community and rebuild a community she had lost.

Art Exhibitions

In addition to musical performances, the Muse Performance Space hosts art shows curated by its artist-in-residence, enhancing the overall cultural experience it offers.

Nonprofit Status

The Muse Performance Space is a 501(c)3 organization, relying on donations to support its operations and community engagements. The venue's nonprofit status allows it to focus on its mission of promoting arts and culture in the community.