diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/midi_streamview.cc b/gtk2_ardour/midi_streamview.cc
index 93a1d96b48..048887d64e 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/midi_streamview.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/midi_streamview.cc
@@ -567,6 +567,10 @@ MidiStreamView::color_handler ()
 	} else {
 		canvas_rect->set_fill_color (UIConfiguration::instance().color ("midi bus base"));
 	}
+
+	for (auto & rv : region_views) {
+		rv->color_handler ();
+	}
 }
 
 void
diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/region_view.h b/gtk2_ardour/region_view.h
index 23321dc2ea..d4b73cff29 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/region_view.h
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/region_view.h
@@ -158,6 +158,8 @@ public:
 	ARDOUR::CueMarker find_model_cue_marker (ArdourMarker*);
 	void drop_cue_marker (ArdourMarker*);
 
+	virtual void color_handler() { set_colors(); }
+
 protected:
 
 	/** Allows derived types to specify their visibility requirements
@@ -189,7 +191,6 @@ protected:
 	virtual void set_sync_mark_color ();
 	virtual void reset_width_dependent_items (double pixel_width);
 
-	virtual void color_handler () {}
 	virtual void parameter_changed (std::string const&);
 
 	void maybe_raise_cue_markers ();