Making Space Where It Matters: Inside Bruce Trujillo’s Manos Sagrados

It comes as little surprise that Bruce Trujillo has been named one of the Denver music scene’s people to watch in 2026. Known first as a host on Indie 102.3, then as a respected talent buyer, and now as a venue owner of Manos Sagraddos, Trujillo has consistently shown up as a champion for Denver’s creative community. More than an advocate, Trujillo has helped create a true third space, one where artists and creatives can thrive through music, art and movement. 

As one of the few venue owners in Denver who is both queer and of mixed heritage, Trujillo is intentional about creating opportunities for marginalized communities. Their work centers on providing an accessible entry point for artists to make work, perform and find belonging. Trujillo is especially mindful of where many local creatives actually live, noting, “I know so many artists and musicians that live in Aurora, so it’s like, why wouldn’t we go closer to where the artists are living and creating? And you know, if you don’t have to drive all the way out to the other side of Denver for a show, yeah, come over here.“

The explanation behind the name Manos Sagrados centers on balance, identity, and ancestry. While “manos” uses a feminized form from the Spanish language imposed through colonization, “sagrados” remains masculine as an intentional act of balance and a reflection of sacred queer identity. The name was inspired by a traditional Indigenous limpia, the founder received from Ancestor Maestra Cihuatli Cihuatl, who, after examining their hands with flowers, recognized them as an artist and affirmed that they carried stories to tell; urging them to care for their “sacred hands.”

That vision took physical form with Manos Sagrados, which opened in 2023 in the Aurora Arts District. The space functions as a multifaceted creative hub, housing a music venue alongside studios for yoga, dance, podcasting, and artist residencies. With consistent programming and immersive experiences, Manos operates as a true multi-use space that keeps the community engaged. It is also notably run by artists and musicians, reinforcing its reputation as a supportive and safe environment.

The concept for Manos was sparked during Mexico City Art Week, after Trujillo spoke with another multi-space owner. “It got me thinking, we don’t really have anywhere like that here in Denver where it’s more than one thing,” Trujillo says.

Beyond performance, the need for accessible creative space remains central to Trujillo’s mission. “It’s really difficult to find, especially if you’re not a working artist, full-time artist,” Trujillo says, “and those folks really should have priority to that, but there are folks who still need space to create, and probably want to be in community like me.”

While Manos Sagrados has become a vital cultural space, the path to opening was far from easy. Trujillo has been candid about the financial and bureaucratic challenges of getting the venue off the ground. They poured their savings into the project and initially fundraised, only to encounter significant zoning and occupancy delays. Those setbacks pushed the certificate of occupancy to September of the following year and delayed the liquor license until June.

Reflecting on the process, Trujillo says, “It’s been very stressful. It’s been a real test of faith. I have to also believe that it’s just going to work out. There’s no other option. So I love that.”

Today, Manos Sagrados continues to grow as a cultural anchor in Aurora, offering BIPOC open mics, concerts, yoga classes, printmaking sessions and more,.

The venue is rolling out a packed monthly lineup that blends art, music, film, and community events: art workshops happen every First Friday, including Grabados y Gustación, a printmaking and mezcal tasting with Wild Common Mezcal; the BIPOC Open Mic hosted by Bodies of Culture continues on second Thursdays; The Clavé Jam moves to Second Fridays with Los Mocochetes as house band; Screeners, a new mystery-film series from the public archive, debuts on third Thursdays; and Comedy Open Mics now start with a curated show before opening the mic every Fourth Friday, hosted by Joshua Emerson and Carlos. Final Fridays feature a Mad Cumbia Dance Party with rotating live acts, including Ritmo Cascabel, D’Verzo Andino, Panamerica Supersonico, and Gregorio Uribe of Colombia, while quarterly events will include Loops En Vivo with DJ Motarola, exploring vinyl, artists and musical storytelling.

“Come in and share your music, your art, whatever it is,” Trujillo says. “I’m likely not going to say no, especially if it fits within the community that we are and that we serve. I want this to be a really safe place for people to come in and say, ‘I’ve never done an open mic, I’ve never shared my comedy, I’ve never done this.’”

Learn more at manossagrados.com.