MSU Jam Session ft. Dawn Clement and Shane Endsley

Monday, Dec. 6 - 6:30pm

The Jazz and American Improvised Music Students at MSU Denver are excited to host their first Jam Session of 2021! They have been in much need of live performance and are so thrilled to bring their talents, creativity, and humor to this event. All are welcome, so bring your horn!

Jam hosted by Dawn Clement (piano) and Shane Endsley (Trumpet)

H2 Big Band

Tuesday, Dec. 7 - 7pm

The H2 Big Band (co-led by Al Hood and Dave Hanson) is a hand-picked group of some of the finest jazz musicians in the Colorado Front Range. The H2 Big Band has two acclaimed CDs to their credit and has appeared at a multitude of festivals and venues throughout the front range of Colorado. You won’t want to miss this exciting night of big band music!

Saxes: Wil Swindler, Tom Myer, David Bernot, Rich Chiaraluce, Sam Williams. Trumpets: Pete Olstad, Greg Gisbert, Brad Goode, Al Hood. Trombones: Adam Bartzcak, Paul McKee, Allen Hermann, Andy Wolfe. Rhythm Section: Dave Hanson (Piano), Ken Walker (Bass), Paul Romaine (Drums)

CU Concert Jazz Ensemble presents Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite

Wednesday, Dec. 8 - 6:30 and 8:30pm shows

Directed by John Gunther, CU’s award winning big band will perform this amazing jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s famous score for “The Nutcracker.” The CU Jazz Ensemble has been recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding big bands.

The Nutcracker Suite is an album by American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington recorded for the Columbia label in 1960 featuring jazz interpretations of “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

G.A.M.E. - a Jazzy Classic Christmas

Thursday, Dec. 9 - 7pm

Let’s make it a jazzy Christmas! G.A.M.E. are initials for “Great American Music Experience,” and since jazz is the only musical art form that originated in America it’s the perfect title for our jazz experience! Join G.A.M.E. jazz for original arrangements of classic Christmas tunes like Santa Clause is Coming to Town, My Favorite Things, White Christmas, and of course Charlie Brown Christmas tunes.

Jan Cleveland (Vocals), Doug Roche (Piano), Ron Bland (Bass), Todd Reid (Drums)

Terron Givens

Thursday, Dec. 9 - 10pm

After over a year in the making, MSU Denver trombonist and returning graduate Terron Givens makes his debut here in Colorado at Dazzle Denver with guest artist and guitarist Dave Devine! Featuring jazz tunes from Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, as well as his own compositions, you don’t want to miss it!

Terron Givens (Trombone), Adelyn Himle (Piano), Gavin Worland (Trumpet), Geoffrey Banniger (Tenor Sax), Dave Devine (Guitar), Will Kuepper (Bass), Gabe Gravagno (Drums)

Holiday Jazz with the Denver Jazz Orchestra

Tuesday, Dec. 14 - 7pm

It’s that time of the year again: come get into the seasonal mood with the best of top-notch holiday jazz from a collection of the finest, most seasoned jazz musicians in the Denver area. The Denver Jazz Orchestra includes 18 players serving up some wonderfully complex and engaging versions of holiday favorites. It’s one of our most popular shows of the year, so get your tickets early- come to Dazzle after work and enjoy food, drink, and great big band music which will put you in that holiday mood!

Adam Bartczak Republic 6th Annual Holiday Show

Wednesday, Dec. 15 - 6:30pm

This 19-piece big band featuring some of Colorado’s finest players returns to Dazzle for its annual holiday show with original compositions and arrangements in a broad diversity of styles, including swing, Afro-Cuban, and hip hop. The Republic’s first studio release Grass Is Greener is available on Dazzle Recordings.

Spinphony Holiday Show

Thursday, Dec. 16 - 6:30pm

Instrumental crossover string group “Spinphony” is breaking down barriers between classical, rock, and pop music. Mixing and mashing catchy melodies into unique arrangements such as “Bach in Black” and “Don’t Stop Beethoven”, Spinphony is more like a rock band than a string quartet with added choreography and beats. They have performed shows worldwide and shared the stage with 2 Cellos, Evanescense, Il Volo, Josh Groban and Michael Bublé to name a few.

Brett Omara (Violin), Anna Morris (Violin), Michaela Borth (5 String), Liz Gergel (Cello)

Purnell Steen & the Five Points Ambassadors: Celebrating a Cool Yule!

Friday, Dec. 17 - 6:30pm

Purnell Steen and The Five Points Ambassadors (also known as LeJazz Machine) is a band dedicated to playing and preserving the music of the legendary Five Points neighborhood in Denver. The Blues-oriented Hard Bop music is basically Swing style. The scintillating Myra Warren rounds out the ensemble. For their Holiday Show, they will definitely Swing and Sway the Five Points Way. Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors have been chosen to tour France in 2022 starting with our Sister City, Brest, and continuing throughout France!

Purnell Steen (Piano), Myra Warren (Vocals), Vohn Regensburger (Guitar), Ed Stephen (Guitar), Ron Bland (Bass), Derek Banach (Trumpet), Carlos Chavez (Saxophone), Bill Larson (Drums)

Joe & Theresa Mazza (and friends)

Saturday, Dec. 18 - 5pm

Come celebrate the bluesy side of the holidays – the good, the bad, and the soulful. Denver-based couple Joe and Theresa Mazza have been writing music and performing together for over 20 years. Since their days in Nashville, the guitarist and vocalist have toured with Latin, Country and Gospel artists like Chayanne, Little Big Town and Nicole C Mullen. Since moving to Denver ten years ago, Joe and Theresa have been part of bands with local artists John Common, Eben Grace and The 89’s, and Amberly Chalberg. They will bring their love for music and community to Dazzle for this very special performance, sharing the stage with their son, drummer JJ Mazza, as well as some of their incredible friends for an evening of music you won’t forget.

Theresa Mazza (Vocals), Joe Mazza (Guitar), JJ Mazza (Drums), and special guests!

LAPOMPE

Saturday, Dec. 18 - 8:15pm

Join Denver favorite LAPOMPE for a very special and rare HOLIDAY performance. LAPOMPE is a Denver-based Hot-Club Jazz group that fuses eclectic American standards with French ballads, burning Django Reinhardt tunes, and soulful originals. Of course they will play just the right amount of Cheerful Holiday tunes!
The band has been nominated by multiple publications for best jazz band on the front range and won the 2017 Producers Choice award at the Westword Music Showcase. By combining swinging vocals and high energy instrumentals they are keeping vintage jazz alive for a whole new generation.

Andy Hannum (Guitar), David Lawrence (Guitar & Vocals), Erik Fellenstein (Violin), Kevin Laxar (Upright Bass)