Shane Rumsey

Isabelle Fries leads a busy life. The 23-year-old from Denver teaches special education, serves on the board of a global non-profit and has traveled to Uganda to do humanitarian work. Plus, she has a blossoming career as a singer/songwriter. Fries’ music has been featured in a Hallmark movie and earned recognition from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Her latest single, “Fight For Me,” came out in July. She says it’s a personal story about people who have her back.

We remember the legacy of songwriter Chuck E. Weiss, who died July 19 after a long battle with cancer. He was 76. Weiss grew up in Northeast Denver immersed in music. His parents owned The Record Center on 16th Street. His drumming got the attention of blues singer Lightnin’ Hopkins who once invited him to sit in for a show in Boulder and then to go on tour. Chuck E. Weiss released four full-length albums over his career.

The 35th annual Ride for the Rockies is underway this week. Bicyclists are riding more than 4-hundred miles with a more than 28-thousand foot climb. It’s a test of physical and mental endurance. For a Highlands Ranch man, it’s also a test of his resolve. Six years ago, Samaritan Cycling captain Tom Schwein was on his way toward the finish line at Ride the Rockies in Westcliffe. He was going more than 30 miles-per-hour on his bike, when he crashed, leaving him with eight facial fractures. Schwein and his Samaritan Cycling teammates are back in this year’s race.

VOCO, the Vocal Coalition, is a youth choir focused on finding commonality with diverse groups of people through music. Their latest song is a collaboration with the Colorado Springs hip-hop duo, The Reminders.

Our colleagues at Indie 102. 3 are showcasing Latin artists and bands from Colorado including the Denver based hip-hop group 2MX2.