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Ron Miles plays the trumpet.
Roadrunner Community

Concert to honor departed Roadrunner and jazz great Ron Miles

Department of Music to host a musical fundraiser featuring Miles’ former bandmates in support of new scholarship.

Ron Miles plays the trumpet.

When Ron Miles, a legendary jazz musician and Metropolitan State University of Denver musician-in-residence, died this year from polycythemia vera, many Roadrunners, community members and jazz lovers felt the loss acutely. 

Miles, a Grammy-nominated trumpeter and cornetist, was one of the most prominent musicians in Denver’s jazz scene and released 11 albums throughout his career, including “Rainbow Sign” and “I am a Man.” While his talent and influence extended far beyond the Mile High City, Miles taught in MSU Denver’s Department of Music for more than two decades and mentored hundreds of young local musicians.  

The department’s newly established Ron Miles Endowed Scholarship Fund seeks to continue that legacy, supported by Rainbow Sign: The Music of Ron Miles, a concert Feb. 10 featuring Miles’ music performed by his former bandmates; acclaimed jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, pianist Jason Moran, bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Brian Blade. 

Roadrunners and community members are invited to attend the event and help spread the word. Tickets are available now. 

Rainbow Sign: The Music of Ron Miles

Feb. 10 

7:30 p.m. 

King Center Concert Hall 

Purchase tickets 

Ticket pricing:  

  • $65: VIP seating (balcony seating) 
  • $50: general 
  • $30: seniors/military (w/valid ID at box office) 
  • $15: students, 18 and under, and MSU Denver alums (w/valid ID at box office) 
  • Free: Current MSU Denver students/faculty members/staff members (general seating only)  

Learn more: 

See details on the Ron Miles Endowed Scholarship Fund.  

Learn more about the event. 

Visit the MSU Denver Department of Music website