The Denver Jazz Fest is making its debut in 2025, bringing a unique blend of jazz performances to the Mile High City. Set to take place from April 3 to April 6, this exciting new event will celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month in true style.
With venues across the Denver and Boulder metro areas, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of talented jazz artists. Highlights will include performances in downtown Denver and the historic Five Points cultural district. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant celebration of jazz music and culture.
What is the Denver Jazz Fest?
The Denver Jazz Fest is an exciting new festival that will debut in April 2025, celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month in a big way. Set to run from April 3 to April 6, this inaugural four-day event will highlight the diverse sounds of jazz in various venues across Denver and Boulder.
A blend of local, national, and international artists will perform, creating an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers of all kinds. The festival’s mission is to make Denver a major destination for jazz while celebrating the art form’s rich history and global influence.
The Denver Jazz Fest will not only feature incredible music but also foster cultural tourism and support the local jazz community. This festival aims to create lasting connections within the jazz community, drawing audiences from near and far to experience the best of the genre.
The event will feature performances in Denver’s vibrant downtown area and the historically significant Five Points district. As the first festival of its kind, the Denver Jazz Fest will serve as an annual celebration of jazz, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of jazz culture for years to come.
A Look Back: The History of the Denver Jazz Fest
The Denver Jazz Fest is the vision of David Froman and Don Lucoff, two industry veterans who have over 70 years of combined experience in jazz production and marketing. Both Froman and Lucoff are passionate about Denver’s jazz scene and believe the city deserves to be recognized as a major hub for jazz music.
Through their nonprofit organization, Denver Jazz, they aim to elevate the city’s legacy while giving both local and visiting artists a platform to share their talents with a global audience.
With their extensive background in the music industry, Froman and Lucoff saw an opportunity to create a festival that could unite the Denver community while fostering cultural exchange through jazz music.
The festival’s inaugural year in 2025 marks the beginning of an annual celebration that will continue to support local jazz talent, bring in celebrated musicians from around the world, and boost the city’s cultural tourism efforts. Denver, with its rich history and appreciation for jazz, is the perfect city to host a festival that will become an integral part of the city’s cultural identity.
When and Where is the Denver Jazz Fest?
The Denver Jazz Fest will take place over four days, from April 3 to April 6, 2025, making it a perfect event to kick off Jazz Appreciation Month. Set in Denver and Boulder’s diverse metro areas, the festival will feature multiple performances, educational programs, and community-driven events.
Over 10 venues will be included, giving visitors and locals a chance to explore different parts of the city while enjoying the best of jazz music. From intimate club settings to larger concert halls, the festival will offer a wide variety of experiences for attendees.
The festival’s main attractions will be concentrated in the heart of downtown Denver and the historic Five Points district, which is renowned for its rich jazz history.
Five Points, often called the “Harlem of the West,” is one of Denver’s most culturally significant areas, making it a fitting location for such a festival. With events scattered across multiple venues, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of performances while exploring the vibrant city of Denver.
Who's Playing at the Denver Jazz Fest?
The Denver Jazz Fest will feature an exciting and diverse lineup of jazz musicians, from local talent to international stars. Here are just a few of the performers you can expect to see at this inaugural event:
Dianne Reeves
Dianne Reeves is a Grammy-winning jazz singer known for her rich vocals and deep musical roots. Born in Detroit, she grew up in a musical family, with influences from her uncle, bassist Charles Burrell, and cousin, jazz legend George Duke. She has collaborated with icons like Stanley Turrentine and Lenny White, building a career defined by expressive performances and timeless jazz interpretations.
Bill Frisell
Bill Frisell is a renowned jazz guitarist known for blending jazz with folk, rock, and experimental sounds. Rising to fame in the 1980s with ECM Records, he became a key figure in New York’s jazz scene. His collaborations with John Zorn and Paul Motian, along with his unique, atmospheric guitar style, have made him one of jazz’s most distinctive instrumentalists.
Ghost-Note
Ghost-Note is a high-energy jazz fusion band that mixes funk, hip-hop, and percussion-driven grooves. Led by Snarky Puppy members Robert "Sput" Searight and Nate Werth, the group features a rotating lineup of talented musicians. Their electrifying performances and innovative approach to rhythm have made them a standout act in modern jazz.
The Headhunters
Formed by Herbie Hancock in 1973, The Headhunters are pioneers of jazz fusion, blending jazz, funk, and rock. Their groundbreaking album Head Hunters redefined the genre, and the band has continued to evolve while maintaining its signature groove. They remain one of the most influential groups in jazz history.
Omar Sosa
Omar Sosa is a Cuban jazz pianist known for fusing Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary jazz. Originally a percussionist, he brings a unique rhythmic depth to his music. His global career has taken him from Ecuador to Spain to the U.S., earning him recognition for his vibrant, expressive style.
Tips for Enjoying the Denver Jazz Fest
The Denver Jazz Fest is an incredible experience that brings together music lovers, local talent, and internationally renowned artists. To make the most of this exciting event, here are a few tips to help you enjoy the festival to the fullest:
Plan Your Schedule
With performances spread across multiple venues, it’s a good idea to plan your schedule in advance. Review the lineup and the event schedule on the official Denver Jazz Fest website, so you don’t miss any of your favorite performances. Planning ahead will also help you decide which venues to visit and how to navigate the festival without feeling rushed.
Buy Tickets Early
Tickets for the Denver Jazz Fest are expected to sell out quickly, especially for popular artists. Purchasing your tickets early will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the performances you’re excited to see. Early booking also helps secure the best seats and allows you to avoid last-minute stress.
Explore the Venues
The Denver Jazz Fest is taking place in a variety of unique venues across Denver and Boulder. From the historic Five Points district to the downtown concert halls, each venue offers a different atmosphere. Take the time to explore various spots around the city to fully appreciate what Denver has to offer. Each venue brings its own charm, enhancing the overall festival experience.
Dress Comfortably
The weather in Denver can be unpredictable in April, so it’s important to dress in layers. Temperatures can vary throughout the day, and you may be walking between different venues, so comfortable clothing and shoes are a must. Bring a jacket just in case the evening temperatures drop, especially if you plan on attending outdoor performances.
Bring Cash
While many venues will accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand. This can be useful for food, tips, or purchasing merchandise from local artists. Bringing cash will help you support the local vendors and musicians who are an integral part of the festival.
Support Local Artists
The Denver Jazz Fest is a fantastic opportunity to discover new talent, particularly local musicians. Make sure to check out the up-and-coming jazz artists performing throughout the festival. Supporting local artists by purchasing their merchandise or CDs helps contribute to the growth of Denver’s jazz scene and keeps the music alive for future generations.
Conclusion: A Must-Attend Event for Jazz Lovers
The Denver Jazz Fest is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of jazz music, culture, and community. From the historic venues in Denver’s downtown and Five Points district to the incredible talent performing throughout the festival, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends. Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, the Denver Jazz Fest offers something for everyone.
With a lineup of talented artists and performances spread across multiple venues, the Denver Jazz Fest will highlight why Denver is becoming a major destination for jazz lovers worldwide. Mark your calendars for April 3-6, 2025, and don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting, inaugural event that will surely become a yearly tradition for jazz fans everywhere.
