16th Street Mall performers banned from using amplifiers

DENVER (KDVR) — Big changes are coming to what you see and hear on the 16th Street Mall, which has been undergoing a major makeover.

Musicians who perform on sidewalks will no longer be able to use amplifiers to entertain in what is considered the heart of downtown. Now one of those performers has started a petition to get the rules changed.

One performer who goes by “Vio the Violinist” was told he would no longer be able to use an amplifier for his electric violin.  He was stunned.

“I don’t know how I’d be able to continue my business in Denver. This is how I get my marketing for all my weddings, my events, and with that taken away I don’t know what else to do to continue marketing my business,” Vio said.

Vio has been using an amplifier for his violin since 2018. But only recently was he told he would need a permit to play his amplified music on the 16th Street Mall.

The permit was granted, but the use of an amplifier was denied. It’s a rule he said will impact a lot of people.

“You have people that use backing tracks that they need. They also need to plug in their electric guitars. For me, that’s an electric violin. Keyboards would be considered amplified because it’s not considered acoustic,” Vio said.

Denver has long prohibited amplifiers on the 16th Street Mall

The Downtown Denver Partnership put up signs saying street performers would need to apply for permits in the area.

The Downtown Denver Partnership sent FOX31 the following statement: “As stewards of a vibrant 16th Street and Downtown Denver, one of our top priorities is to facilitate activation. This includes the implementation of our busker program, which invites groups of five people or less to perform on 16th Street free of charge. It is also imperative that 16th Street is a place for all to enjoy – including residents, visitors, and businesses – and as such, we ask that buskers review and adhere by our busking code of conduct , which notes the applicable ordinances controlled and enforced by Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment.”

FOX31 was told city ordinances have prohibited amplifiers on the mall for 20 years. Vio has started an online petition asking for support in getting the city of Denver to allow an amplification system.

“I wouldn’t mind negotiating middle ground if local musicians were asked as well. We could negotiate about having a fair level of volume and having fair designated spots on the mall,” Vio said.

Vio said he plans to perform in the area on Friday afternoon. It is not clear what will happen if an amplification system is used.

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