Meet Roger Campbell | After Midnight Band Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roger Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roger, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Jesus. As a Christian, I believe that God created music as an experience to enjoy, share, and glorify Him. After Midnight has a deeper purpose for me than just entertainment. When we make great music together, I feel His pleasure and experience His presence. He has guided us as a business through many decisions including who to work with, where to perform, and how to present our talent in the most ethical and uplifting way. Along the way He has blessed us with amazing opportunities and unexplainable coincidences. Amazing people have come along side us to help with our website, photos, recordings, advertising, gig opportunities, and even financial support. Building our brand has taken lots of hard work, many, many hours, and tenacity through long years, but He has been faithful and His timing is perfect. The difficulty is being patient and avoiding comparison. The path we are on is different than our competition, our friends, or even our idols. Maybe we don’t see overnight success. The journey is what makes life special and we need to treasure every blessing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After Midnight is Colorado’s Premier Swing Band. Modeled after the world-renowned Benny Goodman Sextet, we are the only band in the region to feature Clarinet and Vibraphone. We are also the only jazz band with our picture in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame at Red Rocks. We’ve released 9 albums, traveled to festivals across the US and Canada, and appeared on Television.
The music business is very difficult, especially for genres that are not popular (like Classical and Jazz). We have worked hard to build a strong, professional brand over the past 25 years. In fact, we are built on professionalism – overcommunicating with clients, being on time, looking good, using high quality equipment, and doing what we promise. We learned to take things one step at a time – build a local fanbase, then expand nationally, and eventually internationally.
We focus on three goals – keep our clients happy, our fans engaged, and our musicians satisfied. A happy musician produces better art, which excites fans and encourages them to come see us….which leads to full houses at our shows – and happy clients.
I hope people know that we love bringing joy into this often dark world. There is something truly special about a group of six people working together to create something beautiful. The moments that take our breath away are shared with you, our fans, our listeners, our dancers, and our family. They form lasting, priceless memories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would take them to Red Rocks for a show. This stunning venue is an experience you won’t get anywhere else. Then we might go to the Avalon Ballroom in Boulder for their Saturday night Swing Dance. On New Year’s Eve, this place is absolutely electric with hundreds of dancers of all ages bouncing, swinging, smiling, laughing, and enjoying community together. Although more subdued, I’d also recommend a show at the Lone Tree Arts Center. We have played this beautiful stage many times and love the atmosphere and acoustics. If they are here in July, we would visit Evergreen for the Evergreen Jazz Festival. This fun weekend includes a dozen bands from all across the country playing and jamming some of America’s greatest music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Christie. Her support over the years has been invaluable. As a musician and entertainer, I’m often working odd hours and on holidays. It is rare I’m with my family on New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day or other holidays. She has stood by me and offered her support of this crazy music business.

Website: https://aftermidnightjazzband.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftermidnightjazzband

Twitter: https://x.com/AfterMidnightJB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterMidnightJazzBand

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AMJazzBand

Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/aftermidnightjazzband
https://vimeo.com/channels/aftermidnightjazzband
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hn410HcXPB9BvC4dPYzTE?si=7cce34e52aeb4354

Image Credits
Annie Moore