MWCMA Pro-Artists

Red Mountain Highway is rapidly rising through the ranks of the Western music scene, earning a reputation as one of the most exciting acts in modern country. Already quoted as “the next big thing in Colorado country,” the band delivers a high-octane blend of driving riffs and soulful vocals that create a sound uniquely their own—equal parts grit, heart, and Rocky Mountain swagger.

A true powerhouse of a musical group, Red Mountain Highway boasts an impressive list of accolades. The band features a lead who won the 2024 Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame Male Vocalist of the Year and the 2025 Mountain West Country Music Association (MWCMA) Male Vocalist of the Year.

In 2025 alone, the group was nominated for Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame Band of the Year and went on to win MWCMA Band of the Year, MWCMA Musician of the Year, and MWCMA Song of the Year for their original release, “Life on the Line.” The award-winning single is set to appear on the band’s highly anticipated debut album, scheduled for release in summer 2026.

The members of Red Mountain Highway bring extensive professional experience to the stage, with individual appearances at legendary venues including the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall—a testament to both their versatility and musicianship.

Their commanding live performances have led them to share the stage with national country acts such as Tracy Byrd, Jon Wolfe, and David Adam Byrnes, further cementing their reputation as a band to watch.

From major festival stages to iconic regional events, Red Mountain Highway has electrified crowds at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and the main amphitheater at the Colorado State Fair, delivering performances that are as authentic as they are unforgettable.

Danno Simpson had no problem searching his heart and soul in crafting his debut record, The Kill Joy. In an era of viral hits and quick rises to fame, Simpson decided from the outset to show the world who he is. "this is the most authentic version of myself," he says of the ten tracks on the album, which dropped on July 11th, 2025.

The resident of Denver, Colorado, has roots in Texas and Georgia, and his musical influences lie at the crossroads of country and punk. He says succinctly, "Once I hear music, If I listen to it and feel inspired, I really want to make it, regardless of it's genre." Disillusioned with marketers seeking to type cast him, Simpson instead wrote and recorded The Kill Joy, a journey through his life that is both high energy and laced with emotion.

Simpson has already shared the stage with the likes of Red Clay Strays, 49 Winchester, The Steelwoods, Dylan Gossett, Randy Rogers and countless other national acts. In 2025, he appeared on the Post Malone Traveling Tailgate, an opening run for Charles Wesley Godwin and headlined his own shows across the country. Danno has also had his music featured on the hit show "Landman".

"I have lofty goals, just like the next working songwriter," Simpson deadpans. "But really it's just about putting my authentic self forward, and hopefully people will want another record after this. At the end of the day, that's really all that I can ask for."

The Jason Wulf Band blends their original music with traditional Texas, Red Dirt Country along with classic, current country and southern rock hits mixed in. These guys are high energy musicians with a stripped-down, authentic sound blending the fiddle, banjo, mandolin and harmonica with acoustic and electric guitars. They were voted one of the Top 3 Best Local Bands in Colorado Springs in 2023. Having prior and currently serving military members, the band supports the local military. They also have strong ties to area rodeos and Jason is a member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders. 

Band members have opened for top country artists such as Pat Green, Boy Named Banjo, William Clark Green, Tanner Usrey and Triston Marez. 

At a glance, Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts are a 4-piece touring band that shares male and female leads in a mix of old school country and rock n roll. Call it western outlaw, modern outlaw country, or just plain outlaw. Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts bring forth new energy to music fans who love the heroes and outlaws of old. Influenced by the songs and personalities of legends like Waylon and Willie, they drive their sound with blazing guitars and a rock n roll attitude.  The band pays respect to classic styles, but anyone can tell from their overdriven sound that they’re far from traditionalists. Recent highlights include direct support for Dwight Yoakam, Blackberry Smoke, Justin Moore, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Shane Smith & The Saints, and more. The band has been honored by the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame as the "Band of the Year, 2019", were nominated "Outlaw Group, 2018" by the Ameripolitan Music Awards, and were recognized as the "Songwriter of the Year, 2017" by the iHeartMedia Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards. 

Eric Golden is a Denver native performing throughout Colorado and surrounding areas. With a show heavily influenced by the sounds of Traditional Honky Tonk Country Music, his high energy shows will take you through decades of Classic and Modern Traditional Country Music. His covers range from Dwight Yoakam, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, Buck Owens, Hank Williams, and many more, along with original music released in 2024. 

Based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Kevin Austin Band is a 4-piece band featuring soaring vocals and those iconic pedal steel guitar swells that are characteristic of real western country music. From Johnny Cash to Cody Jinks, they specialize in only the best classic, 90's, Red Dirt and Texas Country. Kevin is a Colorado native that transitioned to a full-time music career two years ago, and has been performing up and down the Front Range Region ever since. Expecting to release their debut album in the very near future, they look forward to putting Colorado Country on the map!

Since 2017, the one and only Hillbilly Demons have breathed new life into old country. Performing all over the state, this high-energy, edgy country band is known for their gritty sound and unforgettable live performances . Blending country with a rebellious spirit. They deliver toe-tappin’ tunes and foot stoppin’ fun.  

**August 2024 - they were crowned Colo- Country Music Hall Of Fame Band Of The Year. 

Hillbilly Demons have become a crowd favorite. With every show, they bring boot-scootin’ beats and rowdy good times , making them a must see for any country music fan.

Rhett has been in the music scene around Denver for 20+ years. Starting off playing bass Rhett quickly learned what was needed to be an effective musician on stage. Joining his next project Tequila Mockingbird, which would last for 12 1/2 years, he fine-tuned his bass playing, started dabbling with backup singing, developed his stage performance, and studio recording/engineering/mastering techniques. During this time Rhett would periodically fill in with other local bands such as SPIV, and EBWA, alongside many others. 

Switching to drums, Rhett co-formed Denver's own country band Buckstein. It was during these years that he continued developing his drumming skills, while also refining his singing abilities. Often times Rhett would fill in for other country bands as they would come through town appearing both at Toby Keith's and The Grizzly Rose among other top venues. These bands included Texas's own "Beaumont". As well as "Against The Grain" from California. Eventually joining "The Walker Williams Band", Rhett enjoyed tons of success while sharing the stage with many of the greats including, the big dog himself, Toby Keith.

Traveling to Nashville in May, 2023 Rhett teamed up with Trafton Harvey to record his first eight original tracks. These have ben very well received and featured on radio stations throughout the western US. Rhett has finally taken the opportunity to showcase his music out on the road as much as possible, and he is absolutely having the time of his life!

Hailing from the heart of the Rockies, Union Gray isn't just a band. It’s a fusion of mountain spirit, high plains heart, and a love for all things country. They're a smoky barroom, a starlit summer night, and the open road, all rolled into a single experience. Led by Scott Gray, Union Gray isn't just about making music; they're about crafting experiences, connecting with the crowd, and moving hearts.

Tales of love found, whiskey lost, and the allure of the American road - all twisted together in a tapestry that’s uniquely and unapologetically Union Gray.

Formed like the best legacies, Union Gray’s roots run deep. They cut their teeth playing the honest-to-goodness sounds that are Rocky Mountain Raised and Texas Seasoned, their melodies swirling with the dust and dreams of heartland heartbreakers. It’s not just songs they’re singing; it's life's tales spun for those who want to feel each strum in their bones and truth in their hearts.

So, step on in, grab a drink, and hang on tight. Union Gray doesn’t just play country—they live it, breathe it, and invite you to be a part of it, too.

While hard-swinging honky tonk is a descriptor many country artists might shy away from in the current music landscape, the Cowboy Dave Band embraces the term with an exclamation mark. Based along the Front Range of Colorado, the five-piece group brings a wealth of experience to its high-energy live shows, drawing on classic country influences, ranging from the Bakersfield sound to straight-up Western Swing. The group's original music - including it's 2023 full-length release, "Venture South" - can be heard on SiriusXM's "Outlaw Country", among other stations heard across the country. 

In its 15-year existence, the Cowboy Dave Band has toured regionally, sharing the stage with such acts as David Allan Coe, Marty Stuart and Junior Brown, among others. The state of Texas has also become a regular stop for the group, including shows at the historic Gruene Hall, Floore's Country Store and legendary Austin watering hole the Continental Club. 

The veteran lineup includes Zach Boddicker on telecaster, Paul Carestia on Pedal Steel, Scott Johnson on doghouse bass, Andy Sweetser on drums and Cowboy Dave on fiddle and acoustic guitar. 

Meghan Clarisse is a powerhouse of heart, voice, and community in the Mountain West music scene. With a voice that blends grit and grace, Meghan stands out not only for her musical talents, but for the way she uplifts others through every performance, collaboration, and act of service.

As a solo artist, Meghan captivates with raw emotion and unforgettable storytelling. Her debut EP Songs From the Sofa (2023) introduced audiences to her signature blend of country roots and acoustic soul. She followed it up with Kindred Spirits (2024), a collection of duets and co-writes that highlight her ability to connect and create alongside other artists. Her forthcoming full-length album, Shadows of a Ghost Town (2025), dives deep into themes of the mountains, memory, and mortality, further cementing her as a songwriter with depth and authenticity.

Sundown Rising is brought together by accomplished musician Brian Brooks, who has been noted as the top country entertainer in Northern Colorado and southern Wyoming.  Through his 35 years of experience on stages across the country, Brian became an influential figure in the music scene when he won the Best Country Band in the Army title in 1999.  

Sundown Rising draws inspiration from outlaw country legends such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr, Merle Haggard and others. Embodying the outlaw country spirit, they seamlessly blend a passion for the genre, impressive vocal prowess, unique instrumental talents, and years of entertaining experience. Together, they deliver a vibrant sound that combines country music with a lot of drive and a bit of southern rock, resulting in high-energy performances that resonate with people of all ages.

In their debut  year performing together, Sundown Rising earned five nominations from the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame, among those being Band of the Year 2025 and Entertainer of the Year 2025.  Band members have opened for legendary artists such as Alabama, Asleep at the Wheel, Restless Heart, Ricky Van Shelton, Kathy Mattea, Steppenwolf and Scotty Austin of Saving Abel.