Five Points Jazz Grants

The goal of this grant is to support jazz performance and jazz related activities in Five Points, both to celebrate the history of jazz in the "Harlem of the West" and to look forward to fostering a new generation of jazz artists in the neighborhood with contemporary, innovative jazz programming.

• • All programming must take place within the designated funding footprint (see "Activation Area" below), however you do not need to live within the boundaries to apply.
  • Funds must be used for jazz-related programming (examples could include: Five Points tours highlighting jazz history in the neighborhood, creating a new and innovative performance piece highlighting jazz as an artform, creating a visual art piece celebrating jazz music, or hiring jazz artists to perform in local venues).
  • Five Points Jazz Grant funded programs must be accessible to the public.
  • Grant recipients will be selected by a panel comprised of individuals such as those knowledgeable about jazz and the local community, representatives of the Commission on Cultural Affairs, Councilman Watson’s office, and Five Points community members.

The shaded area represents where Five Points Jazz Fund activities must take place. This map is meant to serve as a reference point – if you need more information or have a specific question about location and eligibility, please reach out to Sonia Rae at Sonia.Rae@denvergov.org.

The boundaries are as follows and encompass businesses and organizations located on both sides of the street:

• 20th Avenue between Broadway and Downing Street
• Downing Street between 20th Avenue and 31st Avenue
• 32nd Street between Downing and Arapahoe Street
• Arapahoe Street to Broadway
• Broadway to 20th Avenue 

• If your program/project receives funding, you will be required to provide a schedule of events, program description and/or a list of the bands that will be performing at least a month in advance so DAV can assist in the promotion and marketing of events.
• At the end of the grant funded period, we will ask grant recipients to share stories of impact with us. As such, DAV will need grantees to provide information such as images and photos, the number of attendees or people served, how the project/program benefited Denver and Five Points, etc.

The Curtis Park Neighborhood RNO will host six "Jazz in the Park" events in Curtis Park. 

"Streets, Take 5” is a jazz exhibition that blends music, visual art and community engagement. Curated by JC Futrell and featuring artwork of Darrell Anderson, the project pays tribute to jazz’s rich history while pushing its creative evolution forward. Includes live music and a painting event.

Five Points Live! is a jazz and roots celebration on October 4. The Jazz & Roots Celebration program marks a milestone anniversary by combining local and national acts to celebrate music in community and will feature Chantil Dukart & Dukes of Art, Ley Line and Mali Obomsawin Quartet.

MAE'S and Urban Sanctuary will feature three unique experiences. 
1. Blue Note Yoga - special programming targeting the 65+ crowd and feature a sample of music from the 1920s-1940s. 
2. Improvised Jazz Flow - This session will feature improvised musical accompaniments and also an improvised yoga session. Featured visual artists will have their opening shows and will also be encouraged to live paint. Followed by an artist discussion and light bites.
3. Rhythm + Flow - Session of yoga accompanied by Live Jazz. 

The Mercury Cafe Jazz Jam has been happening every Friday since 2021. It has enabled up-and-coming young musicians to get valuable experience playing jazz in a group context in front of an audience. 

Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center will host ‘Irawo Osa’, an ensemble that blends Afro-Cuban musical traditions with Latin Jazz, founded by Yuniscleyvis ‘Yuni’ Ramos, from Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. They will also bring Nitanju Bolade Casel, a member of the African-American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, to facilitate community-based vocal workshops

MAS Presents will produce two days of jazz programming at The Savoy Denver on October 2-3, 2025, featuring performances by nationally renowned jazz musicians, collaborations with local artists, local artist performances and mentorship opportunities for emerging jazz musicians and students. 

Spangalang Brewery will host JazzToberfest, a free event on October 11, featuring eight bands, three stages, live painting, a classic car showcase and a local vendor marketplace. JazzToberfest will not only amplify the musical heritage of Five Points but also support an intergenerational collaboration of eight varied local jazz groups.

TeaLee's Tea House and Bookstore will host summer jazz events from June through September, featuring visual art and history, Sunday brunch with music and history, Thirsty Thursday vinyl and talk-back sessions and next-generation jazz. 

"Jazz & Tea: A Sensory Celebration" is an immersive event series that celebrates the historic and cultural legacy of jazz in Five Points while engaging modern audiences through the medium of tea and storytelling. Partnering with jazz artist Toni Negus, the project will include live performances and professionally produced content that highlights the relationship between jazz and wellness.

The Jazz Masters Series is a monthly two-hour event celebrating the history of jazz and its deep connection to the Five Points neighborhood. Sessions will include musical performances, historical storytelling and guest speakers, such as local jazz artists and music historians.

Zen Bear Music will host Brass Band Heritage Day, a brass band 'festival' day in Five Points with brass bands playing along the street.