Get a whiff of this

Written by Laurie Niles
Published: April 29, 2014 at 9:35 PM [UTC]

This is possibly the strangest press release I've seen in all my years as editor of Violinist.com. I think my beloved hometown of Denver, Colorado, is still figuring out exactly what cannabis commerce is about, and, well, here is one of the latest experiments: a sponsorship of a symphony series called Classically Cannabis.

The image above might be fake, but the press release and the events are not. Coming soon to a late-night TV comedian's monologue, it's…

Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series
April 29, 2014 -- Denver, CO -- The Colorado Symphony is pleased to announce Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series, benefitting the Colorado Symphony. Launching with three summer events at Space Gallery, located in the Santa Fe Arts District, Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series is a BYOC-friendly experience for music lovers, featuring performances by Colorado Symphony ensembles. The series is curated by Edible Events Co.
Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series is presented by Ideal 420 Soils, with additional support from The Farm of Boulder and Gaia Plant Based Medicine. In-kind sponsors include Three Tomatoes Catering and Vicente Sederberg. All proceeds benefit the Colorado Symphony.
CLASSICALLY CANNABIS: THE HIGHNOTE SERIES:
Friday, May 23, Pan American Highway
Friday, July 18, Mississippi Blues Highway
Friday, August 15, Summer Monsoon
Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series marks a growing partnership between the Colorado Symphony and the burgeoning cannabis industry in Colorado. The series will culminate with a Red Rocks concert on Saturday, September 13; details to be announced soon. Please note that the consumption of cannabis at Red Rocks is prohibited by law.
“This partnership is part of an overall effort to reach out to every segment of our community,” says Jerome H. Kern, the Colorado Symphony’s CEO and, with Mary Rossick Kern, co-chair of its Board of Trustees. “Like the Colorado Symphony, the cannabis industry is entrepreneurial, innovative and responsive to the people of Colorado. These businesses have expressed a willingness to support the Colorado Symphony’s mission. Our doors are open to any legal, legitimate business that wants to help.”
“This is the perfect partnership for Edible Events Co, Colorado’s premier producer of cannabis-friendly events,” says Jane West, founder of Jane West Productions, parent company of Edible Events Co. “I’m proud to be associated with an event that provides cannabis businesses an opportunity to support the local arts community. I look forward to producing many more fundraisers for the Colorado Symphony and other local organizations that the cannabis community can come together to support.”
Tickets to Classically Cannabis go on sale Wednesday, April 30 at noon. Tickets are $75 each and include beer, wine and light bites from local food trucks. All events are BYOC – except for the Red Rocks concert. Tickets are available at coloradosymphony.org. All events held at Space Gallery, 400 Santa Fe Boulevard. The Space Gallery events are being held on private property and are restricted to adults 21 years of age or older. No cannabis will be sold at these events and the ticket price is wholly unrelated to whether adults choose to use cannabis or not. Alternative modes of transportation are encouraged; ticket purchases will be provided with discounts for local transportation services.

From Kate Little
Posted on April 29, 2014 at 11:05 PM

Laurie - Are you sure this isn't a late April Fool's joke? Unbelievable!

From 74.207.76.117
Posted on April 29, 2014 at 11:13 PM

Makes sense, every time my friends (not musicians) go to the symphony they get stoned first because it enhances the experience.

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 12:01 AM

unfortunately it makes doing a standing ovation rather difficult.

From Barry Nelson
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 3:13 AM

Not surprised

From Paul Deck
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 3:24 AM

One wonders what will happen should prostitution be legalized there.

At the cannabis concerts, will audience members hold up their Bic lighters? Stand on their chairs? Will the concertmaster smash his violin?

From Yixi Zhang
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 4:40 AM

Paul, prostitution is legal here in Canada and when musicians give concerts to support the sex workers, it will be a very fine day for all indeed.

From Laurie Niles
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 6:32 AM

In this case, it's the other way around; the cannabis industry is supporting the symphony series. Which is nice. (I think.)

From 68.40.192.160
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 9:11 AM

Can the music be heard over the sound of munching Cheetos?

From Simon Streuff
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 10:11 AM

Marihuana and Classical music is not the worst combination!

From Sander Marcus
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 12:13 PM

I'm just thinking of appropriate pieces for the orchestra to play.
- Handel's Royal Fireworks Music
And of course, in the realm of a pops concert:
- Smoke gets in your eyes
etc.
Those are just some of the highlights.
And I can just hear the radio announcer:
"....and now the conductor is trying to make his way to the podium. And now the orchestra is tuning up. The oboe is giving an 'A'....no, an A-Sharp.....no, an.....etc."
Cheers,
Sandy

From Trevor Jennings
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 2:00 PM

But strangely, people from outside the US, who have been convicted of, or even confessed to, low-level drug use are barred from entry to the US.

From Laurie Niles
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 7:13 PM

Sander, I think you should write a high-ku.

From Charlie Gibbs
Posted on May 1, 2014 at 7:43 PM

The Lark Ascending would be perfect. After that last note dies away there would probably be about 30 seconds of total silence from the audience, followed by a long sigh as everyone exhales.

As for haiku...

Colorado high:
Cannabis is legalized.
Watch out for the feds!

From Laurie Niles
Posted on May 1, 2014 at 11:02 PM

I just realized that the tagline for their promotional page is actually a haiku:

Experience the
Colorado Symphony
In a brand new way

From 146.200.146.238
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 12:26 AM

What if the orchestra makes a hash of the performance?

From Eitan Silkoff
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 11:04 AM

Haha Buri, definitely very difficult.
sure does give new meaning to the High class in the mile high city.
We all know Bach couldn't buy Beer because he was Baroque!
this is by far the best programme musick

From Paul Deck
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 12:24 PM

I went to a symphony concert, but I didn't inhale.

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