About Us
Our Mission
Connected by Music (CbM) is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to using the power of music to support a connected, sustainable society and planet.
Founded by Musican Marilyn Walker in 2023...
CbM's initial efforts all used her extraordinary talent to create music that is simultaneously insightful and delightful. CbM is now focusing on finding ways to assist musicians, venues, and organizations providing direct aid, advocacy, and education to work together in a spirit of mutual support.
Music is a powerful way to create empathy and understanding
Musicians often play benefits, but Connected by Music believes that there can be a deeper connection than just hiring someone for a gig. Artist musicians are storytellers, and story has power. Systemically viewing musicians only as performing artists deprives communities of locally-based, trusted creative leaders who share their values and culture and bring music-driven ideas for change. Musicians are creative partners, often deeply passionate. They are in front of audiences all the time. CbM aims to be a nexus between musicians, organizations, and venues, all of whom benefit from these connections. Connected by Music seeks to deepen these natural alliances and find ways to link musicians and their passions.
Our Story
Connected by Music (CbM) began with songs whispering into founder Marilyn Walker’s consciousness, saying “Here are the stories that you should be telling.” Marilyn was on the board of the Boulder-based non-profit BoldeReach, which raised close to $1 million over its decadal lifetime, for organizations that supported women and children with extreme need - populations that were often overlooked. They were almost exclusively volunteer based - over 93% of their funds raised were given out.
The work with BoldeReach brought Marilyn much awareness about some of the most underserved people in the world - hunger, homelessness, trafficking - and her songs began to reflect this awareness. Although her songs are mostly characterized by humor and lightheartedness, she takes the assignment to write songs that raise awareness very seriously. BoldeReach decided to cease operations in 2022, as the founders were ready to do other things. Marilyn took on BoldeReach with their blessing to turn it into an organization that would allow musicians a vehicle to raise funds with their music.
So when she was ready to release her first album in October 2022, Marilyn decided to use the launch show as a way to raise funds for and awareness of TGTHR We Can End Youth Homelessness, a Boulder-based organization that provides incredible services for youth at risk for homelessness. She pulled together two grants from the City of Boulder to produce the show at Boulder’s iconic eTown Hall, and included the Joyful Ruckus women’s ukulele band in the mix as her opener, in order to promote women in music (as well as to fill the hall with joy!).
In 2025, she is growing CbM into an organization that can support both local musicians and nonprofits, by providing services and training and community that will help musicians connect to their causes as more than entertainment - as true creative partners. We value musicians at all stages of their journeys and recognize that small platforms can have big impacts for local organizations. CbM is growing a roster of Colorado musicians who want to use their music for this reason.
Get Involved
Showcasing Good
Showcasing Good is a next step up for musicians who wish to use their personal bookings to raise funds and awareness for an organization. Showcasing Good shows will have materials and donation links from the partner organizations, and Connected by Music provides templates for reaching out to partner organizations.
Interested in Showcasing Good? Get the information sheet below
Benefit Shows
Each year, we seek to produce 2-4 shows in larger (100-300 seat) venues that are for the benefit of a single organization. These shows can raise $5,000-10,000 or more, depending on the organization and their willingness to interact with their own lists and to market the benefits. All Connected by Music musicians are asked to donate their time to one of these shows each year, and to promote that show to their own lists and networks. They can be songwriters “in the round” or full bands.
If you are a musician interested in being part of the Connected by Music family, or if you have an organization that could benefit from a connection, please get in touch with us.
Our Values
Community
We are a human family, held together by our shared experiences. Music powerfully connects us.
Inclusivity
All are welcome here. All are valued here.
Storytelling
Storytelling is a critical and human part of healing and thriving. Our stories are our emotional DNA.
Innovation
We find new ways to speak and to operate. We thrive in the creative process.
Empowerment
We support the rights of all humans to have control over their lives, choices, and futures.
Meet The Team
Marilyn Walker
Founder
Executive Director
Erin Robinson
Board Member
Karen Horan
Board Member
Projects & Partners
As an organization that values creativity and innovation, Connected by Music works to bring musicians and their passions together in many ways:
Busking for Texas Flood Relief: CbM quickly created a 1-sheet document with links to key relief organizations in the days following the disastrous 2025 floods in central Texas. Musicians could download the page, print it out, and busk for change, encouraging their listeners to donate to flood relief, bringing awareness and a concrete way to help.
Water’s Gonna Rise Album: Marilyn’s new studio album focuses on climate and its impacts, and will be used to raise funds and awareness of organizations that are providing water safety and accessibility. Water is truly life.
Benefit for Recovery Café Longmont, February 2026: We are launching our first benefit show in February 2026, with 4 singer-songwriters benefiting Recovery Café Longmont.
Musician Changemaker Academy: We are raising funds to hold a 1-day workshop in 2026 to train 12-15 Colorado musicians in being effective creative partners, and to advocate for themselves as professionals. This workshop will be in conjunction with Music to Life.