Colorado Mambo Orchestra performs at the 2023 Five Points Jazz Festival - Photo by Steve Hostetler
Introducing Beasts of No Nation: Igniting the AfroFusion Revolution. In a world where borders dissolve and cultures intertwine, Beasts of No Nation rise as a powerful force, forging a new path with their mesmerizing Afro-fusion sound. This collective of supremely talented musicians has embarked on a musical journey, weaving together the rich tapestry of national and international black music, inspired by the vibrant sounds of the diaspora.
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Award-winning drummer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Brian Claxton is known for his electrifying groove and rhythmic mastery. An old soul and passionate student of the history of American music, Claxton has navigated a career with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, and has a musical voice that is as diverse as his performance experience.
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Buckner Funken Jazz has played in Denver and the surrounding areas for more than twenty-two years. The band has opened for Ohio Player, Maceo Parker, P Funk, and many more.
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Simple Math is a Jazz trio flavored with Hip Hop, Afro Cuban, Rock, Pop, World, and many other influential musical genres. Leader and keyboardist Charles Blenzig has worked with The Gil Evans Orchestra, Michael Brecker, Gato Barbieri, Bill Evans (sax w. Miles Davis), Marcus Miller, Mike Stern, Roy Ayers, and countless others. On drums, JJ Mazza, Denver School of The Arts graduate, is now attending the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. On both upright and electric basses, Hunter Roberts, has performed with Robert Randolph, Maurice “Mobetter” Brown, Big Gigantic, The Colorado Symphony, and his own group BTTRFLY Quintet, among others.
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Clare Church is a fixture on the Denver jazz scene as a drummer and co-owner of the Muse. She has played with just about everyone you could name over her 40 years as a professional musician, including Dizzy Gillespie, Nancy Wilson, Joe Henderson, Mel Torme, Ron Miles, and many more. She recently released her debut vocal jazz CD, "You're More." Dave Hanson has written for or performed with the likes of the Boston Pops, Houston Symphony, Rene Marie, and the Falconaires. Pete Lewis has shared the stage with Joe Henderson, Natalie Cole, the Temptations and many more. Gonzalo Teppa is a top-call, award-winning bassist who has held symphony positions as well as performing with a who's who of jazz luminaries, including Ira Sullivan, Joel Frahm, Conrad Herwig, Don Byron, Slide Hampton and Art Lande.
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Since its inception in 2012 by founder Art Bouton, the CJRO has been dedicated to performing outstanding concerts with the finest professional musicians in the region. Since 2020, artistic director Drew Zaremba has curated dynamic seasons that include everything from classic swing, Latin jazz to soul. The CJRO consistently pushes the boundaries of the standard big band and small ensembles featuring exceptional artists from both within and outside the jazz genre.
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In 2015, Creative Love Happening was created in Washington, DC to celebrate the 80th birthday of Wayne Shorter. The concert featured music that Mr. Shorter wrote for the 70's super group, Weather Report. Since then, the band has expanded their repertoire to include other music, including original compositions that have some of the same eclectic, improvisational spirit of Shorter's works.
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Danette & the Good Guys' high energy instrumentation, original jazz music and cover songs matched with Danette Hollowell's sultry vocals and intoxicating stage presence make for a refreshing Soulful take on all things Jazz!
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The Donna Scott Quintet blends contemporary, straight ahead, Be Bop, blues and Latin jazz to push the boundaries of jazz even further. Playing through the years at jazz festivals and jazz venues throughout Denver and greater Colorado, they have played together to sold out audiences since 2017. What makes the difference with the Donna Scott Quintet is that they love playing with each other and it shows! Donna Scott adds her sultry vocals to her captivating instrumentalists: Tenia Nelson on keys, Brendan O’Donoghue on bass, Alex Tripp on drums and Ike Spivak on sax and flute.
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Electric Giz draws in audiences with accessible grooves and contemporary sonic elements in a modern electric and acoustic experience. Their original music and unique perspective on jazz classics combines the history of jazz rhythm, harmony and improvisation with elements of modern production and sound design. Electric Giz is the brainchild of Greg Gisbert and Mickey Lenny and was born out of their collaboration with Maria Schneider on her 2020 album “Data Lords.”
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Harry Drabkin is a Berklee College of Music graduate and faculty alumnus where he performed in the Recording Band, Faculty Jazz Ensemble and more. After retiring as Chief of Oncology at the Medical University of S. Carolina and CU Professor, he returned home to Denver, where he's active in the local jazz scene. Eric Gunnison is an internationally known pianist and former music director for Carmen McRae. He's the "go-to" guy for out-of-town artists performing in Denver. Mark Simon is an outstanding, in-demand Denver bassist and frequently performs with Eric Gunnison. Tom Tilton on drums is best known for his work with the late Joe Bonner, as heard on the recording "Impressions of Copenhagen," which led the charts after its release in 1981.
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Hugh Ragin began playing classical trumpet in his early teens in Houston, Texas. He went on to receive a degree in music education from the University of Houston and a degree in classical trumpet performance from Colorado State University. He has performed or recorded with a number of jazz luminaries, including Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, Anthony Braxton, Maynard Ferguson, and The Art Ensemble of Chicago, and was a key member of numerous David Murray lineups for over the course of two decades.
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The Jack Hadley Band is on the Soul end of the Blues, playing original, blues-based music. He has recorded four full-length CDs and has toured across the United States, Canada, Finland and the UK. He's been called "a monster blues guitarist/singer with an amazing sum of influences" by Bob Lohr, producer for San Telmo Media.
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The JAKARTA Band is without question the most popular party dance band in the Country. Simply put…these guys are THE BEST…talented, fun and hard working. JAKARTA continues to bring crowds to their feet for hip-shaking boogie and the talent of the band members is unparalleled. JAKARTA is a step above the other bands and is considered the Premier Party Dance Band from Denver. They are guaranteed to bring people on the dance floor.
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With this project, Jonathan Powell draws from his 20+ years in the New York Salsa and Latin Jazz scene where he performed/recorded with the likes of Carlos Henriquez, The Miguel Zenon Big Band, Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Tito Puente Jr., Ricky Martin, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Ralph Irrizarry and Timbalaye, as well as being a member of Eddie Palmieri's Salsa Orchestra and Afro Caribbean Jazz Sextet.
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With an all-new fresh band, the Vocal Music Journey's rhythmic finesse and improvisational prowess transports audiences to a fresh contemporary edge. Whether swinging through timeless standards or exploring innovative, genre-blurring compositions, the group creates an unforgettable sonic experience that nourishes the mind, body and soul. From the scatting and scintillating solos to the smooth, velvety vocals of Linda Theus-Lee in harmony with exceptional musicians, they evoke the very essence of jazz and blues, touching the hearts of aficionados and newcomers alike.
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Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors, formerly known as LeJazz Machine, have been on the Colorado jazz scene for 30-plus years and have become a veritable household name. Given a dose of Basie and Ellington, this energetic ensemble will definitely have you swinging and swaying the Five Points Way!
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The Renwick Brothers are a Japanese-American sibling duo leading a band of national talents, drawing inspiration from jazz greats and the tradition of improvisation. The members of the band are spread out across Colorado and the East Coast, but all grew up in Denver, becoming recognizable faces in the Denver jazz scene. Together, they are bringing new fire and passion to the jazz tradition that is rooted in the music of their hometown.
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Ritmo Jazz Latino is comprised of five gifted musicians who specialize in the infectious rhythms of Latin Music. The members of Ritmo Jazz Latino have decades of musical experience bringing traditional Latin Jazz to the forefront of this ensemble. Adding new arrangements to Standards as well as mixing in a blend of original compositions, the sounds of Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Brazil and South America come to life in their music.
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