Western Colorado Musicians Gather to Celebrate the Life of Jimmy Rose

Musicians from around Western Colorado will gather this Saturday to celebrate the life of bar owner and music lover, Jimmy Rose. 

This "Celebration of Life" party is coming to the VFW Post 1247 at 1404 Ute Avenue in Grand Junction this Saturday, March 12, from noon to 6 pm.

For years, "Jumpin" Jimmy Rose operated J.J.'s Lounge on the northwest corner of 30 Road and the I-70B in Grand Junction. He eventually relocated to Jimmy's Roadhouse about a mile down the road on the I-70B.

Both of Jimmy's bars featured live music, typically four to five nights per week. Another trademark associated with Jimmy's clubs was the lack of a cover charge. Patrons could come to Jimmy's to hear their favorite Western Colorado bands without the added expense of a cover at the door.

Jimmy himself was an accomplished musician, playing drums, bass, and the occasional  lead vocal. Not often, but every once in a while, you would see Jimmy jump up on stage and sit in with the band.

On a personal note, I would like to praise Jimmy for this - he always kept local musicians working. I know for a fact he bit the bullet more than a few hundred times to make sure bands had work. Between the cost of having bands, combined with the absence of a cover charge, there were many a night he lost money. I don't think he cared. Jimmy was strongly motivated to keep the music alive, and many a local musician enjoyed a steady gig as a result.

(Jimmy Rose, left, performing with the late Rusty Estes, right)

This Saturday's celebration falls one day late of what would have been Jimmy's 69th birthday.

Jimmy passed away December 15, 2015, at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. Join in the celebration of Jimmy Rose's life at this Saturday's potluck, and pay tribute to the man who kept the music alive in Western Colorado.