After graduating from Knox College in Illinois, ListenUp cofounders Walt Stinson and Steve Weiner decided to explore the idea of opening their own store. Walt, Steve and Walt’s wife Mary Kay set out on a cross-country trek to find a city that fit with their aspirations. During their trip they met Paul Klipsch, (see page 34) who immediately recognized and identified with their love for superior, high performance audio and pledged his support.

Little Feat, Muddy Waters and John Prine were just a few of the legendary artists ListenUp provided sound for during live KFML-FM radio broadcasts from famed Denver nightclub, Ebbets Field. These popular broadcasts, as well as promotional spots, were tagged with the phrase “Sound By ListenUp,” which put the Pearl Street shop on the map amongst both music lovers and artists. The shows, more than 300 in total, were also recorded by ListenUp as a self funded project of historical preservation, capturing the live performances on 1000s of hours of tape. Many years later, as the historical significance of the tapes became apparent, ListenUp’s Phil Murray worked with G Brown from radio station KCUV to release some of the best tracks to the public as a fundraiser for the The Morgan Adams Foundation, which works to raise awareness on behalf of children afflicted with cancer. The four-volume CD collection, titled “Live From Ebbets Field,” is now a collectors item, bringing big bids on Ebay.

After five years of incredible live music, Ebbets Field closed in 1976. However, its popularity paved the way for a new live music venue — The Rainbow Music Hall, where ListenUp was responsible for designing and building a worldclass sound system and recording studio. Leveraging their relationship with Klipsch, ListenUp put together a custom PA that blew the minds of fans and bands alike. Artists like Miles Davis, U2 and The Police gave high praise, calling the Rainbow one of the best-sounding venues they had ever played. In 1988, ListenUp used its professional expertise to install one of the first outdoor video projection systems and a sound system for the general admission area at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre.

After five years of incredible live music, Ebbets Field closed in 1976. However, its popularity paved the way for a new live music venue — The Rainbow Music Hall, where ListenUp was responsible for designing and building a worldclass sound system and recording studio. Leveraging their relationship with Klipsch, ListenUp put together a custom PA that blew the minds of fans and bands alike. Artists like Miles Davis, U2 and The Police gave high praise, calling the Rainbow one of the best-sounding venues they had ever played. In 1988, ListenUp used its professional expertise to install one of the first outdoor video projection systems and a sound system for the general admission area at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre.

ListenUp opened another store in Boulder, reaching a new Colorado community, sharing in the passion for beautiful sound and paving the way for ListenUp to become one of the premier high performance audio dealers in the Rocky Mountain region.

With an established reputation for amazing sound at big events, ListenUp provided sound for The Coors Classic. At the time The Classic was America’s biggest international bicycle race — a must stop for pro riders from all over the world and America’s version of the Tour de France.