Scene Stealers | August 2024

Think jazz isn’t for you? I’m here to convince you otherwise. Summer may be drawing to an end but that doesn’t mean live music has to stop by any means! With several live performances within the next month, there is a jazz band for all. It’s not all avant-garde freestyle experimental stuff (but you can find that if you like it!) there are plenty of approachable bands with excellent musicianship to check out. Jazz is all about improvisation, playing off of what the other musicians are doing, a swinging rhythm, and incredible musicianship. Whether you’re a novice to the genre or a seasoned pro you’ll find a range of styles from hard bop to easy listening.

Hazel Miller & The Collective

August 24th at Superior Commons Amphitheater

Come catch “One of the tightest and most versatile bands on the scene,” Hazel Miller & The Collective as they blend genres and broaden minds. Not strictly jazz by any means, but they know how to throw down on a standard still. You’ll find blues, soul, rock and roll, plus jazz classics and jazz-influenced playing as the guitars, vocals, and rhythm section belt out a tune. Hazel’s voice fits the style perfectly, powerful and emotive.

Voodoo Lilly

September 7th at the Hotel Boulderado

Looking for an upscale environment in a speakeasy setting? Sip a high-end martini while the bass walks a line under a trumpet flair? This is where you want to be. Not only is the underground — literally — club a fun place to catch a show (they even host comedy here!) Voodoo Lilly is something special to see. With a mixture of jazz sub-genres, there will be a sound for everyone. Gypsy jazz? Check. Swing? POf course. Blues? Why not. Jazz is about expressing yourself any way you can.
RVSP here

CJRO Latin Jazz Ensemble with Marion Powers

September 8, Aurora Fox Arts Center

Keep the upbeat vibe and dancing going with some live Latin jazz with CJRO Latin Jazz Ensemble with Marion Powers when they play at the Aurora Fox. Nothing beats the insane groove great Latin jazz can bring when performed live. Even those who don’t “get” jazz will find themselves smiling, swaying, and clapping along. It’s a gateway drug to the genre with wonderful horn work and infectious drums. Marion Powers brings a powerful performance leading the way.
purchase tickets here

Colorado Brazil Fest: Brazilian Jazz Night Feat. Gabriel Santiago Project

September 19th at Roots Music Project

Eclectic, upbeat, funky — these are all terms commonly used to describe the Gabriel Santiago Project. Plus the venue is phenomenal. Check out our profile on them in this issue if you haven’t already. Better yet, stop by for a show. Nothing would be better than the thriving beats and enticing dance moves that Brazillian Jazz typically brings out in crowds. Rhythm is a big deal as well, you aren’t likely to hear many straight 4/4 beats, but instead a multitude of polyrhythms create a percussionist’s dream. Fantastic guitar work and soaring vocals bring it all together harmoniously. Make sure not to miss it.
purchase tickets here

Wine & Jazz with the Stephen Brooks Quartet 

September 25th at Nissi’s
What pairs better with jazz than wine? Come find out for yourself at Nissis with a performance by the Stephen Brooks Quartet. The website mentions that “The current lineup includes Boulder favorite Mark Diamond on bass, Chris Kroger on piano, Stephen on drums, and Matthew Clement on trumpet and vocals, doing a diverse range of music—from Sinatra to Sting to Bill Withers—but always rooted in the jazz tradition.” That means you’ll get a nice selection of popular jazz standards plus plenty of wine to sit back and enjoy the music with.
free admission