Sonic Tonic at Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library: Learn to Listen Like a Big Band Musician

Learn to Listen like a big band musician! Immerse yourself in the sound of the big band era to expand your mind and musical palate.

In this interactive workshop you will:
* expand your mind by better understanding music through active listening guided by a professional musician
* learn to hear and discern different instrument combinations and timbres, chord progressions and voicings, song form, dynamics, stereo panning field, equalization, audio effects, tension/release techniques and so much more!
* recognize the interplay and subtle communication among musicians performing together
* gain greater appreciation and enjoyment of any style of music, whether listening to a live concert, home stereo, car radio, movie soundtrack, video game or in a gym, restaurant, store or elevator

Darren Kramer will guide you on a fascinating journey inside the music for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a musician listens, speaks, reads, and writes when performing in a large jazz ensemble. Big Band classics like "Take the A Train," "I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You," and "In the Mood" will be explored using recordings, vintage video clips, and even a live trombone and piano performance!

Kramer is a Colorado native and world-class musician who has toured with diverse acts such as Rob Thomas, Tom Jones, and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies. He has performed with dozens of international stars such as Garth Brooks, Dizzy Gillespie and Marc Anthony.

Free and open to the public of all ages! Gourmet snacks from Charelle's Bake Shop will be served.

Following this listening session, Five Points Jazz Festival staff will be on hand to walk you through festival details including:
* overview of the historic Five Points Cultural District
* getting to the festival; where to park
* how to enter and exit the festival
* location of festival stages
* overview of festival music
and any other questions you might have

We encourage you to stay on Welton Street and have lunch after this listening session. We'll even have recommendations!

RSVP

For Spanish Translation Services: Brooke.Dilling@denvergov.org
For Sign Language Interpreter or Cart Services: signlanguageservices@denvergov.org
For Other Disability Accommodations: disabilityaccess@denvergov.org