Jazz Music in Denver: The Best Places to Hear Live Jazz

Looking for some great places to hear live jazz in Denver? Check out our list of the best spots in the city to enjoy this great musical genre!

Introduction

jazz fans in Denver are spoiled for choice when it comes to live music venues. The city has a rich history of jazz and blues, and there are plenty of places to catch a live show any night of the week.

Whether you’re looking for a lively bar scene or a relaxed atmosphere, there’s a spot for you. Here are some of the best places to hear live jazz in Denver.

The Best Places to Hear Live Jazz in Denver

There are plenty of places to enjoy live jazz in Denver. Here are some of the best:

-The Denver Bistro Club: This intimate club features local and national jazz acts seven nights a week.
-Dazzle Jazz Lounge & Restaurant: Dazzle is one of Denver’s premier jazz venues, hosting world-renowned artists every week.
-El Chapultepec: A Denver institution, El Chap’s has been hosting live jazz since 1933.
-Larimer Lounge: This small venue in Denver’s RiNo district is known for its eclectic booking, which often includes jazz acts.

The History of Jazz in Denver

Jazz music has been a staple in the Denver music scene for many years. The city has long been home to a number of great jazz clubs and venues, which have provided a platform for local and touring jazz musicians to showcase their talents.

In recent years, the popularity of jazz music in Denver has continued to grow, as more and more people are exposed to the genre through live performances, festivals, and radio stations. This surge in popularity has led to the opening of several new jazz clubs and venues in the city, which are helping to keep the Denver jazz scene alive and thriving.

If you’re interested in hearing some live jazz while you’re in Denver, be sure to check out one of the city’s many great Jazz clubs or venues.

The Different Types of Jazz You Can Hear in Denver

Jazz music has been a part of American culture for centuries, and Denver is no exception. The Mile High City has a long history of supporting live jazz music, and there are plenty of great places to hear it today.

Jazz can be divided into several different subgenres, each with its own unique sound and feel. Here are some of the different types of jazz you can hear in Denver:

Traditional Jazz: This style of jazz originated in the early 20th century and is characterized by its swinging rhythms and improvisational solos. You can hear traditional jazz at venues like Dazz Nightclub & Lounge and Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox.

Dixieland Jazz: Dixieland jazz is a subgenre of traditional jazz that developed in New Orleans in the early 1900s. It’s known for its lively, upbeat sound and its use of horns. You can hear Dixieland jazz at venues like Soiled Dove Underground and Dazz Nightclub & Lounge.

Swing Jazz: Swing jazz is a subgenre of traditional jazz that developed in the 1930s and 1940s. It’s characterized by its up-tempo rhythms and its use of brass instruments. You can hear swing jazz at venues like Soiled Dove Underground and Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox.

Bebop Jazz: Bebop jazz is a subgenre of traditional jazz that developed in the 1940s. It’s characterized by its fast tempo, complex harmonies, and improvisational solos. You can hear bebop jazz at venues like Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club and El Chapultepec.

Contemporary Jazz: Contemporary jazz is a type of jazz that incorporates elements of other genres, such as rock, pop, hip-hop, and R&B. You can hear contemporary jazz at venues like The Walnut Room and Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club.

The Jazz Scene in Denver Today

Jazz music has been a part of Denver’s culture for many years, and the city has always had a thriving jazz scene. Today, there are more places than ever to hear live jazz in Denver, from intimate clubs to large concert venues. Here are some of the best places to catch a live jazz performance in Denver.

The Future of Jazz in Denver

With the recent closure of one of Denver’s most iconic jazz clubs, it’s fair to say that the future of jazz in the city is uncertain. However, there are still a number of great places to hear live jazz in Denver, and the genre continues to be popular with both performers and audiences. Here are some of the best places to catch a live jazz show in Denver:

-Dazzle Jazz Club: One of the most popular jazz clubs in Denver, Dazzle features both local and touring acts. The venue also hosts a variety of other genres, making it a great place to catch a wide range of live music.
-The Soiled Dove Underground: This unique venue is located in an old basement, adding to its intimate and atmospheric feel. The Soiled Dove is known for booking some of the best local and regional jazz acts.
-The Walnut Room: The Walnut Room is one of the most well-known music venues in Denver, and it has a long history of booking excellent jazz shows. The room itself is small and intimate, making it a great place to see a show up close.

How You Can Get Involved in the Jazz Scene in Denver

Jazz music has been a part of the American fabric for over a century now. The genre has gone through many different evolutions since its inception, but it has always remained popular. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in jazz, particularly among young people. This has led to a new wave of jazz clubs and festivals popping up all over the country.

Denver is no exception to this trend. The city has a vibrant and thriving jazz scene, with plenty of opportunities to hear live jazz. If you’re interested in getting involved in the jazz scene in Denver, here are some of the best ways to do it:

1. Check out local festivals.
One of the best ways to discover new music is by attending festivals. Denver is home to several great jazz festivals, including the Denver Jazz Festival and the Five Points Jazz Festival. These festivals showcase some of the best local and national talent. Attending a festival is a great way to catch multiple bands in one day and get a taste of what the Denver jazz scene has to offer.

2. Visit local clubs.
Jazz clubs are another great place to catch live music. Denver has several great clubs that feature jazz on a regular basis, including Dazzle Jazz Club and Herb’s Hideout. These clubs offer a more intimate setting than festivals, making them ideal for catching new bands or getting up close and personal with your favorite artists.

3. Support local radio stations.
Radio is one of the best ways to discover new music, and there are several great jazz radio stations in Denver that are worth checking out. KDKO-FM is Denver’s only dedicated jazz radio station, but other stations like KUVO-FM and KBEM-FM also feature regular programming devoted to jazz music. Supporting these stations is a great way to ensure that they stay on the air and continue broadcasting great music from local and national artists alike.

4. Get involved with education programs.
Many organizations in Denver offer educational programs focused on teaching people about jazz music history and appreciation. These programs are often open to people of all ages and can be a great way to learn more about this unique genre of music. The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts offers several different educational programs for both kids and adults, making it one of the best resources for learning about jazz in Denver

Jazz Festivals in Denver

Jazz music has a long and storied history in Denver, dating back to the early days of the city’s founding. Today, there are many opportunities to enjoy live jazz in Denver, from intimate club settings to large-scale festivals. Here are some of the best places to catch live jazz in Denver:

-The Denver Jazz Festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in the country, attracting top talent from around the globe. The festival takes place annually in downtown Denver and features performances on multiple stages over the course of several days.

-The Five Points Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz music and culture in one of Denver’s historic neighborhoods. The festival features two stages of live music, food and drink vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

-Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is home to many small clubs and bars that feature live jazz on a nightly basis. Some of our favorites include Dazzle, Herb’s Hideout, and El Chapultepec.

Supporting Local Jazz Musicians in Denver

Jazz music has a long and storied history in Denver, with many well-known jazz musicians calling the city home. In recent years, the Denver jazz scene has been booming, with more and more people flocking to local jazz clubs to hear live music. If you’re a fan of jazz music, or simply want to support local musicians, here are some of the best places to catch live jazz in Denver.

The Mercury Cafe is one of the most popular places to see live jazz in Denver. The Cafe hosts a wide variety of musical acts, including many local jazz bands. The intimate setting is perfect for catching a live show, and the Cafe also offers a delicious menu of food and drink items.

Another great option for catching live jazz in Denver is Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge. Dazzle is one of the city’s premier Jazz clubs, and features regular performances by local and national acts. The club also has a full food and drink menu, making it the perfect place to spend an evening listening to some great music.

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, be sure to check out Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret. This one-of-a-kind venue hosts regular Jazz nights, featuring some of the best local talent in the city. The setting – inside an actual clocktower – is sure to make your evening out a memorable one.

Conclusion

Jazz music has been a vital part of American culture for over a century, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. The Mile High City is no exception to this rule, with a vibrant jazz scene that includes both established venues and up-and-coming clubs. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply looking to enjoy some live music, be sure to check out one of these great places to hear jazz in Denver.