The Colorado Symphony announced on Tuesday a bring-your-own marijuana concert series, the first of which features its chamber ensemble and South-of-the-border food and booze, according to the Associated Press.
The states of Colorado and Washington became the first to legalize the possession and use of recreational cannabis in 2012, and the first retail pot shops opened in Colorado in January, the AP reported.
The orchestra's "Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series" seeks to tap the blossoming market in a series of summer fundraising concerts, at a time when more than half of Colorado voters believe legalizing recreational marijuana has been good for the state, a recent poll showed, according to the AP.
The Denver Post newspaper reported the events are aimed at boosting attendance, including drawing younger concert-goers, at a time when the Colorado Symphony has struggled financially, the AP reported.
"Join us as we travel along the Pan American Highway with stops for Chimichurri, arepas & the best salty roasted jalapenos you've ever had," the orchestra said on its website, according to the AP.
The first concert, on May 23 in Denver, is sponsored by companies operating in the nascent pot industry, including a medicinal marijuana dispensary and a company that specializes in growing supplies, the AP reported.
The symphony's website listing for the 21-and-up event contains more warnings and culture-guidance than cannabis-friendly features, such as it being strictly "BYOC" and costumes and "thematic clothing" can be eschewed in favor of clothing more suited to an "art gallery setting," according to the AP.
"The cannabis industry obviously opens the door even further to a younger, more diverse audience," symphony CEO Jerome Kern told AP. In return for sponsorship, marijuana-related companies get "the legitimacy of being associated with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra." he said.
