On Saturday December, 21st, 2024, the last Saturday before Christmas of this year, 719 Magazine presented it’s first event ever, The 1st Annual 719 Christmas Ball at The Loft Music Venue on West Colorado Avenue in Old Colorado City on the westside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. A formal affair, black and diamond themed attire, welcoming ages 18 and older with an elegant ball-themed ambience, a magical yet innovative holiday concert experience!
A night of music brilliance with 10 live performances of 8 different genres of music ranging from jazz, reggae, r&b, blues, hip hop, rock, latin, and reggaeton; with artists and bands based in or from Colorado Springs, Colorado including National recording artist jazz sensation, 719’s own, Tony Exum, Jr.
Even a cover story of this magnitude could not do the justice of conveying how amazing this one time event became and also how far this digital publication, 719 Mag, has come in a matter of 4 months of existence as an official music media outlet. Our first ever 719 Christmas Ball pushed us to our limits and also showed what we can do with events, not only as a magazine but also collectively as a team. To simply call it “success” would be an understatement.
HISTORY
Since our launch in late July, 2024, 719 Mag has had it’s share of event attendance and coverage throughout the region of southern Colorado and beyond, but as the months carried on, the idea of presenting our own event has slowly been on the horizon.
In early November 24’ based on a conversation I had brainstorming and in connection with my spouse Ebony Baldrick’s idea to throw a “Christmas Ball”, we decided to collaborate on a wonderful concept and within a matter of days this iconic event began to go into production.
Having some prior experience and success from scratch, many years back in OCC (Meadow Muffins “Mothers Muffs” 2012) we sought out the perfect (unsaturated) venue on the westside that could host such a amazing concept.. Letting the holiday spirits guide us, in a matter of days, myself, my wife and the owners of The Loft locked things in and the journey began to seek out the perfect artists, bands and supporters for this monumental Christmas event!
At that moment, something within me set aflame, and when it came to making sure I stuck with my motto of family first, I reached out to the musicians and artists within our own team first, to perform at our first event ever. Several responded and with that being said, the headlining acts were to be determined.
After countless discussions and considerations, the 1st Annual 719 Christmas Ball was booked and with less than 2 weeks before the event, we made our announcements performing live:
Tony Exum Jr. , national jazz recording artist
Box State Rootz, reggae
Hoodoo Honey, blues/Americana
Affliction Music, hip hop/r&b
Tha Seekah, latin/reggaeton
Json Martin, r&b/hip hop/faith
KO Kelly, hip hop
Jerel Ink, hip hop/r&b
Interrobang, rock/grunge
Moses TYP, hip hop
After several staff meetings, preparations, partnerships, sponsorships, marketing plans, promotions, and things in heavy motion, together we switched things into gear and combined 3+ weeks of promotion into a week and half - based on some last minute decisions we were forced to make. The results, despite some heavy challenges, were astounding.
As the doors opened, DJ Marsss began to set the tone for the main stage, while Dj Creo prepped for the night in the VIP Vault. Artists began to arrive and making themselves at home in our accommodating Green Room, and within the hour, the explosive yet soothing sounds of upcoming rock band Interrobang filled the atmosphere setting the bar for the acts to come…and they all delivered 10/10.
As each band or artist took to the stage transitioning the music vibes seizing the night, more and more people and supporters would arrive dressed for the occasion, enjoying the showcases and even dancing the night away often, when the feeling arose. VIP guests were also able to enjoy some exclusive performances from some of the artists and bands to include Interrobang and Moses TYP.
Special guest appearances would also include the Colorado’s Next Top Model crew (and winner) accompanied by CB The Creative of The Vendor Takeover, Jaydubb The Ruler, DeAndre Smith of OneBody Ent, 719 Nightlife, and several members of Men of Influence, Boogie on Down Productions, Montebello Media, Syndicate Empire Radio and many more!
Food for this wonderful experience of music and Christmas vibes was exclusively provided by long time supporter and friend Lhea Muhammed of The Kamayan Hideaway from the Orbits Lounge at the Satellite. Some of the best Filipino food and cuisine in the 719 and the people were satisfied and happy!
Farmers Insurance and Powerhouse Insurance Consultants made their support and presence known, with their stageside vendors and also neighbors of The Loft, Made for You with their beauty services and products, along with the undying support from our Founding Sponsors, 3 Deep Productions, Dezel Music, Peru-Mex Food Truck, Syndicate Empire Radio, Bandwagon Presents Magazine, The Event Diva, The Vendor Takeover, BSR, Phynal Call Ent, DJ Eckho, Men of Influence, Affliction Music, BES, and of course our 719 Mag Staff.
In between these amazing showcases and also during the transitions of bands. our main DJ for the night DJ Marsss held things down like no other!
My own family, who assumed his role as Santa Claus, strolled throughout the night giving those there some amazing photo ops that will last a lifetime! The OG of Santas in the 719 made himself at home for the 719 Christmas Ball.
With several silent auctions happening and even some awesome toy donations for Christmas Unlimited, supporters took advantage of our exclusive discount at the front door, to include some wonderful toy donations and silent auction items from San Miguel Wellness from Colorado Springs, CO. On Christmas Eve we were able to deliver those generous donations and had the honor to receive a certificate from Mike Tapia himself and get a personal tour of how it all happens!
Even with some challenges with sound towards the end of this event, this gathering of musicians and music lovers alike at the 1st annual 719 Christmas Ball 2024 was a night unlike many have ever experienced in Colorado Springs, and the beginning of many more events to come from 719 Magazine! It was not only such a great experience for us to not only present such a wonderful occasion, but I also had the honor to host it, my first event in over 12 years!
Special recognition goes out also to our photographers and videographers who captured the essence of such an extraordinary holiday event.
Boogie on Down Productions
Montebello Media & Nightowl Studios
Written by James Baldrick @idirty
Editor in Chief/Owner