Scene Stealers – May 2016

Five Points Jazz Fest

From the earliest days of jazz culture in the Mile High, Denver’s deepest roots are anchored firmly in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood. “Harlem of the West,” was the moniker the Welton St. corridor wore with pride, and it was a rare weekend when the biggest names weren’t playing somewhere in the vicinity. Miles Davis. Duke Ellington. Billie Holiday. Nat King Cole. Count Basie. Dizzy Gillespie. Denver was the only real way station between Chicago and the Left Coast worth stopping for spell, and Five Points was the hub. Now entering its 13^th year, the Five Points Jazz Festival celebrates the history of the neighborhood, now deep in the throes of gentrification. And though rents may be climbing, the spirit of jazz still resonates. Come celebrate it, May 21 starting at 11 a.m.; artsandvenuesdenver.com for more information.
Art on Parade in Northglenn

As far back as 2003, the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation has brought some amazing public art to the community, culminating in the annual Art on Parade sculptures that beautify the E.B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park with amazing works on loan from some of the greatest artists in the region. After the selection committee decides on each year’s art, it’s displayed in the park and the artist receives a $1,000 grant in exchange for loaning the art for the year. Come celebrate the newest crop of sculptures on June 10 in a dedication ceremony at 5:30 p.m., free and open to the public. Please RSVP at Northglenn.org/sculptureRSVP.

Summer Concert Series at Broomfield Auditorium

The Broomfield Auditorium kicks off the 2016 Summer Concert series, Wednesdays on the Waterfront on June 15 this year with the Moses Jones Band. The high-energy dance band performs across myriad genres, including pop, funk, R&B, Motown, disco and more. June 22 features Neo-Western music artist Ash Ganley, and June 29 is the DEF Trio — a power rock band specializing in contemporary rock, blues and funk. The concerts are always free, starting at 7 p.m. Check out broomfield.org for more information.

Trump Vs. Sanders Debate at the Boulder Theater

If you believe what the vast majority of mainstream media is telling us, Hillary Clinton as the democratic nomination sewed up. Which means the thing most of us really wanted to see — a Bernie Sanders/Donald Trump debate — may in fact never actually take place. All is not lost, however, as comedians James Adomian and Anthony Atamanuik deliver hilarious impressions of what a Trump V. Sanders debate might look like, with their Debate Tour 2016 live act. Catch the act at the Boulder theater on June 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Head to www.bouldertheater.com for more information.