Nearly every night at Mesa Theater in downtown Grand Junction, a passersby can hear live music playing from the stage. Events include feature performances from popular local bands, solo artists and open-mic nights.

Colorado Mesa University student Cole Parker, a solo artist who frequents the theater both as a performer (under the moniker Code Yellow) and as an audience member, appreciates the opportunity to pursue his passion and have his music seen by the community.

“Any chance I get to write and record music is phenomenal,” Parker said.

Parker performed at Mesa Theater on Sept. 25. Aside from the extensive process of writing, recording and publishing the album from which he drew his performance songs, the night required about two hours of rehearsal. Many artists that perform at the theatre, especially bands, dedicate hours of practice and preparation for short performance slots, hoping to both gain exposure for their work and connect with fans in the audience.

“It was very positive. Everyone there is themselves and trying to share their art. Everyone is very supportive. I’ve made a lot of friends at Mesa Theatre, doing open mic,” Parker said.

He currently studies in the music program at CMU and says the music community in Grand Junction provides a more modern approach compared to the highly classical atmosphere of Moss Performing Arts.

Parker often performs on the same night as bands and other artists he admires; this gives him the opportunity to interact with the musicians and gather inspiration from their performances. Most of the artists who play at Mesa Theater, including Parker and his favorite artists, write and produce their own music.

“Everyone is original. There are a few cover [bands], but they always have their own twist on it,” Parker said.

Despite the tightly-knit and creative atmosphere of Grand Junction’s music community, Parker thinks it has room to grow.

“It could definitely get bigger. I want to see a lot more musicians and people who are willing to put themselves out there,” he said.

Parker, along with the rest of the artists and bands who perform at Mesa Theater, hopes the increasing population of college students will help boost attendance at music performances.

“I think live music is the best thing in the world,” Parker said. “It’s free to go to the Mesa Theater, and the local artists are just phenomenal.”