Melissa Wows Denver at PS2023, Bluebird Theater

Melissa performs a solo acoustic benefit show for the Etheridge Foundation on June 21, 2023 at Denver’s Bluebird Theater

Melissa Etheridge gave three powerful appearances in Denver on June 21, 2023, with a keynote discussion at the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference, remarks at an intimate salon-style reception with the War on Drugs podcast, and finally a solo acoustic performance as a benefit show for the Etheridge Foundation later that evening.

The conference was attended by more than 12,000 people over the course of three days, and included a vast array of presentations by scientists, Indigenous medicine practitioners, and cultural figures.

Psychedelic Spotlight reported:

“Actual rockstar, Melissa Etheridge, shared the stage with Julie Holland, MD, to talk about addiction, family, plant medicines, and healing... 

She is a brilliant and brave example of a celebrity using their platform to bring insight and awareness to these healing modalities and their potential.”

Melissa moved the audience with her open, personal discussion about the influence of plant medicines in her life as well as opioids in her family.

Rolling Stone summarized:

“… Rock icon Melissa Etheridge talked about losing her son Beckett to an opioid overdose in 2020, when he was just 21. 

... Turning from grief to action, she founded the Etheridge Foundation, which partners with organizations investigating addiction treatments ‘outside the current pharmaceutical norms.’”

She tells Rolling Stone that she’s looking forward to the release of a promising study on ibogaine carried out with support from the nonprofit.” 

Later that evening, Melissa and The War On Drugs podcast Co-Host Greg Glod hosted a pre-show reception at the Bluebird Theater.

Discussing the history of America’s drug war and the evidence that it is only causing more misery, Melissa and Greg shared their thoughts about policy reform and access to new treatments. 

Melissa highlighted her upcoming appearance on the program, and her appreciation for working with a team that is taking such a thoughtful approach to how we address the war on drugs.

Listen to that episode here (and be sure to follow the podcast to learn more on how we got to this place with drugs in American culture).

Finally, that night Melissa “played a stirring solo acoustic set at the Bluebird Theater,” per Rolling Stone, “with proceeds going to benefit the foundation’s work.”

Offering a rare solo show in an intimate venue, Melissa played some seldom-heard gems as well as her iconic hits. She even treated fans to some piano – a instrument that she generally can’t take on tour for her regular concerts.

We’re so grateful to Melissa for making time for this advocacy while on tour, and to everyone who supported the fundraiser.

And we’ll never forget sharing Melissa’s music with you all in that special, intimate venue.

Thank you, supporters!