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The Roaring 22’s

Dear ,

Hello to all of our new subscribers!

This is our monthly newsletter that takes a deep dive into all things jazz!

February’s newsletter focuses on Black History Month through the lens of jazz.

Jazz music comes directly from Black Americans and is a music style that is unique to the United States. During the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, we became highly aware of Dazzle’s role in allowing white musicians to take over this Black art form. That was never our intention and hindsight is 20/20.

While we also believe that music is for everyone and it is natural for jazz to both bring other musical styles into its own and influence other styles, we have been working hard to make sure all skin colors are reflected in our lineup.

Everyone should have the opportunity to shine, and this month we are thrilled to feature so many Black musicians. (Don’t worry, we’re thrilled about this the other 11 months too!)

Featured Musician: Monique Brooks Roberts

Arturo Gómez, KUVO’s Music Director, interviews violinist Monique Brooks Roberts about her two upcoming shows at Dazzle at Baur’s on February 26 at 6pm & 9pm.

Tickets at https://dazzledenver.com/upcoming-events/

This Louisville native now calls Denver home and has an extensive resume, including Diana Franklin, Alisha Keys and Mos Def. She has played all over the world in classical music settings such as Harlem Symphony, Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Gardens.

In this interview Monique shares personal stories about violinist Regina Carter and Mohammed Ali!

Her two upcoming shows are an eclectic mix of originals from her album ‘Free’ (released in January 2020), 90’s R&B fun favorites, soul, hip-hop and jazz from a few of her idols, such as Regina Carter.

Backing her up on stage are Aaron Brooks Roberts (keyboards), Callum Bair (bass), Braxton Kahn (drums), and Special Guest, Kerrie Joy (poet & vocalist)

Black History Month: Featured Shows & Musicians

We encourage you to see our full lineup for all of our shows in February, but two are especially designed for Black History Month.

Black History Month at NPR (NPR) A compilation of stories, musical performances, podcasts and other content which highlight this year’s theme, Black Health and Wellness.

Jazz Exhibit Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s ‘Soul’ Comes to Harlem In Time For Black History Month (Essence.com) The perfect family outing and opportunity to learn about the “roots and routes of jazz.”

When will Black history become a part of American history? (Daily Camera) This opinion piece is an interesting read.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to present free performance of ‘Jazzlinks’ (Herald-Tribune) If you are in Sarasota, FL on Feb. 17, check out this play. It looks like it might also be available online for students and teachers.

A presidential playlist celebrating Black History Month (OSU.edu) In 2020 the President of Ohio State University, Michael V. Drake, posted this list of some of his favorite jazz songs.

Durham jazz vocalist uses music to connect with late husband through time, pain (WRAL.com) Durham jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon is a six-time Grammy nominee. Her newest album, her first in a decade is nominated this year.

This is How Lara Downes Is Expanding The Classical Canon with Works by Black Composers (wrti 90.1) A visionary with seemingly boundless energy, pianist Lara Downes is clearing new paths in the classical music landscape, expanding minds and spurring social change.

Ways to celebrate Black history in Denver, this month and year round (Denverite) From the Culture Museum to the Blair - Caldwell African American Research Library

Jazz Around Colorado

Raising Live Music Lovers: Summer Camp for Kids

Thank You (Musical) Notes

If you like this newsletter and want to show some support, you can:

1. Buy tickets to an upcoming show.

2. Simply forward this newsletter to a friend with an invitation to subscribe at the bottom of Dazzle’s homepage: www.DazzleDenver.com.