Remembering Cass Ivey, a bright light in Denver’s music scene

When Cass Ivey died last week at the age of 28, she left a legacy of love and kindness that echoes throughout the city.

A fixture of Denver’s music scene, Ivey was known as the type of person who inspired others. Her loved ones say she made them want to be “friendlier,” “more outgoing” and “a better person.”

She was a loving daughter and sister, dedicated friend and a passionate music industry professional. She worked at venues throughout the city and managed the band Bruha, among many other contributions to the local music scene.

Ivey was killed in a motorcycle accident in Colorado Springs on July 30. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Sarah Ivey-Leone and Andrew Leone, her father and stepmother, Juan Carlos Cerrillos and Sandy Cerrillos, her brothers, Zaiah and Kegan, her grandmother, Beth Ivey, and a large community of family and friends. 

A benefit concert and celebration of Ivey’s life will take place at D3 Arts in on Sunday, Aug. 9, as Ivey’s loved ones plan her funeral and another large community gathering.

A beautiful life

“We always called her fuzzy-wuzzy,” says Ivey’s stepmother, Sandy Cerrillos. “Everything was happy, everything was amazing. … She just sparkled in everything she did and everything she touched.”

“She was a firecracker,” says her mother, Sarah Ivey-Leone. “She loved it all, she did everything. There wasn’t any stopping her.”

Ivey’s energy was known and cherished throughout the city.

“She was always finding new projects to work on and things to keep herself busy,” says close friend, Sydney Wiggs. “Cass was so talented. She taught herself carpentry, welding, plumbing, soldering and whatever she needed to do to help others.”

“Every single store we walked into, she talked to someone for like 25 minutes,” Wiggs continues. “Quite literally, every single place we went, you had to add like almost a half an hour in the store to get in and out, because she would see someone who knew her, and she would say hi and start up a conversation.”

“She [was] a fierce connector of people and that is a rare and beautiful quality,” says another close friend, Elise LeMassena. “This is an unimaginable loss for so many people and communities here.”

Ivey grew up in Golden and spent time living in the mountain towns of Empire and Georgetown. She loved nature, the outdoors and animals. But she also loved aspects of urban life, like fashion, photography and Denver’s local music scene.

“From the time she was 16, 17, all she could talk about was moving to Downtown Denver,” her stepmother says. “She knew she wanted to be in the music scene.”

Much of her career was spent working at venues, supporting local bands and bringing events to life. But family and friends say she was a talented musician in her own right.

“In her childhood home, she had a five-piece drumset,” her mother says. “Guitars and basses just scattered about. Her keyboard, flutes. Even an accordion was thrown in there. And she could play any of them.”

“Our biggest joy was our music,” her mother says. “She was always so happy when playing music.”

But she was also humble about her talents.

“She loved making music, but she kept it close to her chest because it was a vulnerable thing for her,” her close friend, Shaine Michalski says. “She would go do open mic nights and wouldn’t tell her closest friends until like ten minutes before — you know, maybe knowing that we weren’t going to be able to make it.”

Over the years, Ivey worked at Lost Lake Lounge, Larimer Lounge, Globe Hall, the Marquis Theater and many other AEG and Live Nation venues. She also worked at RocketSpace Studios and helped launch Campground, a new bar and venue in the front of the RocketSpace building. But her reach didn’t end there.

Ivey helped bring the Underground Music Showcase to life, supported many local bands and artists in various capacities and worked at Scavenged Goods, a vintage shop in the Bluebird District on Colfax Avenue.

In the days since her passing, her influence has been made clear across the city. From a memorial in front of Scavenged Good to remembrances on marquees across town, it’s clear how many Denverites are in mourning.

“The effect she had on people,” her brother, Zaiah, says, “everyone is going to remember her specifically for that.”

A tragic death

According to Ivey’s family and friends, she had a long day at work on Thursday, July 30. That evening, she called her boyfriend, Jake, and said she wanted to go for a motorcycle ride.

Ivey grew up with a maternal grandfather who rode Harley-Davidsons, and developed a vicarious love for motorcycles through him. She was interested in getting her own bike, but hadn’t yet. On Jake’s bike that night, they headed south from Denver for a scenic cruise through Garden of the Gods. 

After leaving Garden of the Gods, the couple stopped at a thrift store in the area because Ivey was getting cold. When they got back on Highway 83, headed north towards Denver, they were reportedly hit by another vehicle.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash involved the couple’s black Harley-Davidson and a grey Subaru WRX.

“The Subaru was traveling southbound on Highway 83 attempting to turn left onto Shoup Road. The Harley was traveling northbound on Highway 83 in the right lane,” CSP public information officer Gabriel Moltrer says. “The Subaru failed to yield right of way by turning into the Harley, and the Subaru collided with the left side of the Harley, ejecting both riders.”

The driver of the Subaru, a 38-year-old male out of Fountain, was not injured. He was placed into custody for suspected DUI charges, according to Moltrer, who says the investigation is “active and ongoing.”

“[Jake] has a broken arm and road rash,” Ivey’s stepmother says. “Our baby never left the scene.”

According to CSP, the suspect was held overnight and released on a $25,000 bond the following morning.

This weekend’s celebration of life and benefit concert

Among her many accomplishments, Ivey managed Bruha, a local Denver band.

They became fast friends when she first saw Bruha play at Lost Lake Lounge in March.

“She wanted to advocate for us because she knew that we had potential,” says lead vocalist Fabian Guerrero. “She was always trying to help out.” 

Bruha took Ivey’s investment in the band seriously. She was a supporter and a beloved friend. To honor her memory, they’ve joined together with others in the music community to celebrate her life and legacy.

This Sunday evening, Bruha, along with Mae Hunniford, Team Nonexistent and Cleaner, will play a benefit concert at D3 Arts in Westwood. Proceeds will support her family.

A funeral and another community gathering to honor Ivey will be announced soon.

Cass Ivey benefit concert: Sunday, Aug. 9, at D3 Arts, 3632 Morrison Road. Doors open at 6 p.m., music at 6:30. Tickets are a suggested donation of $10.