Starr Plays, Produces and Promotes Music 

by Carol McDermott

Cedaredge, Colorado

A man of many talents wears a variety of hats. Such a man is David Starr. He is an entrepreneur, promoter and Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce  member, who also  brings music to West Central Colorado. He sings, composes, plays drums and guitars and produces concerts, “promoting music across the board  in the valley.” 

His shop, Starr’s Guitars, is celebrating its first anniversary this year. After 17 years in Little Rock, Arkansas, David and his wife relocated to the southern slope of Grand Mesa in western Colo. 

He began as a drummer in hometown, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and worked his way west to Aspen, after a notable career which included nightclubs and recording during the 1980s. He characterizes his music as “influenced by the Eagles and Jackson Browne.” 

In mid-2001, David and Janet settled in Cedaredge, forsaking jobs in the world of financial investment back east. “I like the mountains. The first time I visited this place I was impressed by the beauty. There are a lot of nice people here.” 

He opened Starr’s Guitars, proffering a full range of music, American made acoustic guitars, from low to high end, violins, basses, mandolins, banjos and amplifiers. “I buy ‘em, sell ‘em, and trade ‘em,” he said. 

Starr’s Guitars also includes a small recording studio. His Arkansas location offered the largest selection of electric and acoustic guitars in that state. It also included a vintage gallery and a dry goods store. 

Besides his shop, David produces high caliber shows. “We are trying to do a show a month,” he said. This year he plans to bring Louise Taylor, Dana Cooper, Chuck Pyle, Michael Lille, Jed Clampit and Emily Kaitz to town. Last year he featured entertainers John McEuen, Michael Johnson and Richard Gilewitz. “We’re  selling out every time,” said Connie Williams of the Apple Shed, where the shows are staged. 

While in Little Rock, Starr owned “Starr’s Live! at Pascual’s,” a nightclub which showcased acoustic groups. 

He and fellow musician Roy Martin can often be found contributing their musical talents to Cedaredge events, including art shows and last year’s First Annual Festival of Trees. 

In addition to his music work, David serves on the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. 

The hat rack of David Starr is very full, indeed. 

Starr’s Guitars is located at 250 W. Main Street, Cedaredge, Colo. He may be contacted at www.starrsguitars.com.