Alisha Sweeney

Host and Local Music Director

@DJAlishaSweeney (inactive) / DJAlisha on Instagram (active)alisha.sweeney@cpr.org

For over two decades, Alisha Sweeney has been at the heart of Colorado’s music scene—curating sound, amplifying diverse voices, and shaping the cultural landscape through radio, live events, and storytelling. She’s spent countless hours backstage at Red Rocks and hi-dive with her favorite bands, but her most cherished memories are of planting her feet in the front row at now-defunct DIY Denver venues like Monkey Mania and Rhinoceropolis. As a founding host of Indie 102.3, she's helped grow and define the station’s voice, bringing fresh and underrepresented talent to the airwaves and fostering a deep connection between artists and audiences.

Beyond the mic, her passion for music discovery has led her to write for NPR Music’s Heavy Rotation, Songs We Love, Tiny Desk Contest and All Songs Considered. She has also made guest appearances on Here & Now’s DJ Sessions, Sound Opinions, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Colorado Matters. Her work extends across borders, curating shows for WFMU (New Jersey) and ResonanceFM (London, UK) to explore how music and geography shape artistic perspectives.

Sweeney has also worked extensively in television and digital media, hosting and writing for OpenAir Live & Local on Colorado Public Television for five seasons, and serving as an executive producer and writer at ManiaTV!, where she created groundbreaking music, arts, and pop culture programming. She is a former podcast host and you can occasionally see her as a guest on Colorado & Company from 9News.

As an arts advocate she was appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston to serve as a Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs member. Her mission is to build an inclusive and thriving arts ecosystem where music is a bridge, not a barrier. She is an accomplished DJ, event host, and champion for independent musicians, BIPOC artists, and underrepresented voices. Her work has earned multiple "Best Radio DJ in Denver" awards from Denver’s most celebrated publications, along with recognition for her engaging presence across social media and digital platforms.

Education:
Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism (Media Studies) and English (Literature), University of Colorado, Boulder.