Category: Music & Notes

Christian McBride & Mr. Ron Carter At Dazzle

by Kelley Dawkins, posted in Music & Notes

That’s right, Dazzle is excited to welcome both Mr. Ron Carter and Christian McBride back to the Dazzle stage. Mr. Carter brings his Foursight Quartet to Dazzle this September and Christian McBride & Ursa Major come in February, 2025.

Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet at Dazzle in Denver, CO

Monday – Thursday, September 9 – 12, 2024

6:30PM & 9PM

Ron Carter brings his Foursight Quartet to Dazzle in Denver, Colorado.

When do tickets go on sale for Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet?

Excellent question. We expect tickets to be on sale in early June, but that is not confirmed yet. We will update this Music Note (blog) when we have a date.

Are there any Pre-sales?

Another excellent question. Yes, there are three Pre-sales.

  1. First is a 48-hour Sponsor Pre-sale for those who helped us buildout the new space. (Sponsorships are no longer available.)
  2. Next is a 48-hour Member Pre-sale. Memberships are still available. Learn more about Memberships here.
  3. Then comes a rare 24-hour newsletter subscriber Pre-sale. Sign up for the newsletter here.
  4. Lastly, tickets go on sale to the general public.

Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Monday – Thursday, February 17 – 20, 2025

6:30PM & 9PM

Christian McBride and Ursa Major come to Dazzle in Denver, Colorado

When do tickets go on sale for Christian McBride & Ursa Major?

Tickets are on sale now. Go to the Live Music page and scroll down to the bottom or use the search function for ‘McBride’.

Were there any Pre-sales for Christian McBride & Ursa Major?

Another excellent question. Yes, there were three Pre-sales.

  1. May 18th: 48-hour Sponsor Pre-sale for those who helped us buildout the new space. (Sponsorships are no longer available.)
  2. May 20th: 48-hour Member Pre-sale. Memberships are still available. Learn more about Memberships here.
  3. May 22nd: A rare 24-hour newsletter subscriber Pre-sale. Sign up for the newsletter here.
  4. May 23rd: Tickets are on sale to the general public.

I’m having trouble understanding the seating chart. Can I see a picture of where the seats are?

Yes, we created this fabulous page where you can see all of the seats in relation to the stage. Click here.

If it’s your first time at Dazzle, you’ll enjoy the layout as it’s reflective of the theater-in-the-round seating from Greek and Roman outdoor theaters. Every seat is less that 25 feet away from the stage.

Other FAQs can be found here.

What other shows with local Artists are similar to these?

Dazzle is incredibly proud of our local lineup because the talent here rivals most touring shows.

Ken Walker is an upright bassist and Dazzle Artist In Resident who has played on our stages monthly since 2011. You can catch his show the last Friday of every month.

Ken Walker Sextet

Last Friday of every month at 6:30PM

Full Show Description & Ticket Links:

May 31st

June 28th

Daruma

Saturday, June 1 – 9:30PM

Full Show Description & Ticket Link:

9:30PM

Benny Green, Solo Piano

Tuesday, July 30 – 7PM & 9:30PM

Full Show Description & Ticket Links:

7PM

9:30PM

Dazzle Named A Denver Legacy Business

by Deborah Stafford, posted in Music & Notes

City of Denver celebrates longstanding, independent business that have contributed to community character and vitality and hold cultural significance

DENVER – Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) has announced 37 businesses that have most recently received Legacy Business status. A Denver Legacy Business is defined as a longstanding, independent business that has contributed to community character and vitality and holds cultural significance. Among other criteria, the business has operated for more than ten years, has annual gross revenue between $30,000 and $5M, and currently has a brick-and-mortar location in the city. 

Dazzle owners Chad Schneider and Matt Ruff recently attended a Legacy Business reception to honor all the new members added to the Legacy Business roster. Dazzle is proud to join these other great Denver businesses in making Denver the great city that it is. Congratulations Chad & Matt for making Dazzle a success all these years! (and of course, former owner Donald Rossa)

The complete roster and map of Denver’s Legacy Businesses can be found on the program registry.

The following businesses have been newly designated as a Denver Legacy Business:

Ace Eat Serve
Aerial Cirque Over Denver
British Bulldog
Campus Cycles
Courtesy Auto
Dazzle
El Tamarindo Restaurant
Endorphin
Goldie x Bob Hair Salon
Great Divide Brewing Company
Green Door Fitness
Homer Reed Ltd.
Hooked on Colfax
Hops & Pie
Kokoro Restaurant
Legends Kuts & Styles
Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Los Molinos Restaurant
Merkato Market
Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge
Mile High Spirits
Myxed Up Creations
ONE Yoga Denver
Our Mutual Friend Brewing
Precision Kutz & Stylze
Ragin’ Hog BBQ
Rockmount Ranch Wear Mfg. Co.
Saigon Terrace
Salon Joa
Shish Kabob Grill
St. Kilian’s Cheese Shop
Stadium Inn
The Hornet Restaurant
The Monkey Barrel
Tony P’s
Winning Coiffures
Yan Jing Supply Inc.

“We’re delighted to expand our Legacy Business Program with a strong roster of well-loved, well-known names in our diverse marketplace,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “It is critical that we nurture and celebrate these longtime businesses. Joining the ranks as Legacy Business will give them the access and resources to accelerate and grow.”

“This program honors not just the longevity of a business’ operations, but also a broader perspective of how each applicant has enriched neighborhoods, brought people together, and enhanced our urban culture,” said Adeeb Khan, Executive Director of DEDO. “As the program registry expands, the city is encouraging local residents to support all that these unique and longstanding local businesses have to offer.”

This program is modeled after other successful implementations of Legacy Business designations in San Francisco, CA and Austin, TX. Businesses can self-nominate or be nominated by others.  Denver’s program will continue to expand with future application periods and rounds of honorees announced.

_________________

About Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is creating an economy that works for everyone. Learn more at denvergov.org/economicdevelopment.

May Vendor of the Month: Kettle Head Popcorn

by Deborah Stafford, posted in Music & Notes

At just 11 years old, owner and master popper, Dylan Forward assisted his father at the iconic Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. When he made the move to Colorado at 23 years old, he noticed that the world of Denver popcorn was lacking the humble but complex taste he grew up with. 

In 2013, he decided to try his hand at the business and joined a local farmers market. Denver welcomed Dylan’s creation with open arms, and Kettle Head Popcorn was born. 

Kettle Head now proudly creates from scratch more than 15 unique flavors. Their popcorn is seasoned with only natural and fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. A signature snack offered in Colorado breweries, Children’s Hospitals, and Denver’s International Airport, they believe that their popcorn can be enjoyed anywhere. They dare you to open a bag without proudly calling yourself a Kettle Head afterwards. Dazzle is proud to serve this artisan popcorn at all our shows, ask for it by name!

Support the Nonprofit of the Month: NAMI Colorado

by Kelley Dawkins, posted in Music & Notes
NAMI's logo is a yellow circle with a design in it, then the large letters n, a, m, i. Next to that it says, "Colorado," and in small print below it says National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI Colorado is the Dazzle Nonprofit of the Month

NAMI COLORADO

NAMI Colorado envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. Their mission is to provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

Throughout May, donations for NAMI Colorado can be added to any ticket purchase or you can donate directly here.

See the full Dazzle lineup here.

DAZZLE & MENTAL WELLNESS

Mental wellness is an issue that is very near and dear to Dazzle and we find as many ways as possible to help everyone be the best version of themselves, knowing that some days are easier than others. Some of the efforts Dazzle makes include:

  • Last September’s four performances of ‘Gift of Jazz Presents: Chie Imaizumi Little Big Band feat. Randy Brecker and Greg Gisbert’ was composed by Chie to musically represent the journey of feeling helpless, finding hope, and eventually coming out of the darkness. Rocky Mountain PBS did an excellent story on it.
  • United Survivors was the Nonprofit of the Month that September.
  • Carefully crafted non-alcoholic drinks featuring Dhõs as a way to support those who are sober, sober-curious, or simply are not in the mood for alcohol, but still want a special drink.
  • As a business, Dazzle is more inclined to offer complimentary food items as opposed to alcohol because we never want anyone to feel pressured to drink. Any complimentary alcohol offers can be exchanged for non-alcoholic drinks.
  • During the pandemic, Dazzle not only had a food pantry, but often connected musicians with mental health resources and other life necessities.

MENTAL WELLNESS RESOURCES

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please call Colorado Crisis Services at this toll-free number, 1-844-493-8255, to speak to a trained professional.

NAMI Colorado’s website is full of resources to learn more about mental illness for yourself and those you love.

Colorado Music Hall of Fame provides a number of both Colorado and national organizations that have services available to you at no or low-cost.

CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness) prides itself on being a Resource Broker and has a list of resources that are available anytime.

Morgan James VIP Meet and Greet

by Deborah Stafford, posted in Music & Notes

Morgan James is coming to Dazzle, October 9th 6:30 & 9PM and she’ll be hosting a VIP Meet and Greet before the early show, giving a chance for fans to get together and celebrate good music in an intimate setting.

VIP attendees will be treated to an exclusive performance, story telling, a question and answer session with Morgan, photo and autograph sessions and everyone will walk away with an exclusive piece of merchandise only available to VIPs at each show.

VIP Event will start at 5PM, please arrive by 4:45PM. Limited seating.

VIP Experiences include:

  • Early entrance and crowd-free merchandise shopping
  • A commemorative piece of merchandise
  • Individual photo opportunity with Morgan James
  • Autograph session with Morgan James
  • Group question and answer session with Morgan James — ask your most burning question!
  • Private performance by Morgan James

Purchase the Morgan James VIP upgrade for only $35 by emailing host@dazzledenver.com (Show tickets not included)

A Kid’s Birthday Party Package That’s Easy On You

by Deborah Stafford, posted in Music & Notes

Want to plan the easiest, most fun birthday party ever for your kid? Have your child’s birthday party at Dazzle’s Kids’ Matinee and get everyone into the act!

Bring the Guests & Cake (leave the rest to us)

Party with music and interactive storytelling by The Playmakers on Saturdays at noon. Master storyteller, Pam Clifton encourages the kids to become characters in the story as they help act out a fairytale. Kids can act out the story on stage with Pam and her crew or participate from their seats. Fun for all makes it a birthday to remember.

All you need to do is bring the guests & cake or cupcakes.

10 People for Just $225*

  • Saturdays at Noon
  • Dedicated Birthday Party Host
  • Delicious Kid-friendly Food
  • Cool Drinks
  • Ice Cream for 10 People
  • Happy Birthday Led by the Performers

Food

Each of the 10 guests gets a choice of:

  • 2 Waffles & Strawberries
  • 2 BBQ Chicken Sliders & Fruit Cup
  • 2 Cheese Sliders & Fruit Cup

Drinks

Choose two soda flavors for the group.

*Additional guests can be added for $25 each

To Book Your Kid’s Birthday Party

Email or call Kelley to book at Kelley@DazzleDenver.com or 303.519.3139.

Dazzle Date Night Package

by Deborah Stafford, posted in Music & Notes

You don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to plan the perfect date night! Dazzle can help you make any night special by adding our Date Night Package to your evening.

May be an image of text that says 'MAKE MAKEANY ANY NIGHT A SPECIAL NIGHT... NA dazzle DAZZLE DATE NIGHT A BOTTLE OF WINE AND DESSERT TO SHARE $45 EMAIL HOST@DAZZLEDENVER.COM'

You’ll get a delightful bottle of wine and a decadent dessert to share for only $45. Choose from:

  • Flourless Chocolate Cake (with fresh whipped cream and strawberries)
  • Caramel Cheesecake
  • Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake
  • Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Email host@dazzledenver.com to add the Date Night Package to your evening. (Show tickets not included).

(The date night package fulfills your two-item per person minimum).

Denver Arts Center/Dazzle Parking

by Deborah Stafford, posted in Music & Notes

The DCPA Parking garage has installed a new payment system. The Arapahoe St. and 13th Street Entrance are now finished and open!  Only electronic payments will be accepted.  Screen will say ‘Push button for Event Ticket’. Then it will show the $15 fee and a picture of a credit card.  Patron inserts their credit card and system processes. System ties their license plate to their transaction.  Individual gets a receipt.  Gate opens.  Upon exit, the system should recognize their license plate, and gate will open.  If license plate is not recognized, your receipt will have a QR code to scan to show payment. The event price for the DCPA parking garage is still $15. 

Soon the parking garage will introduce an app that will allow you to reserve a space ahead of arrival! We’ll let you know when that is available.

Below is a video on how to use the new system:

Dazzle Is Westword’s Best of Denver 2024 x3

by Kelley Dawkins, posted in Music & Notes

Dazzle is honored by the people of Denver to win not one, not two, but THREE Westword Best of Denver 2024 awards.

THANK YOU, DENVER!

Best Jazz Club (Music & Venues)

Best Blues Club (Reader’s Choice, three years in a row)

Best Late-night Jazz

Dazzle has brought so much to the jazz scene since it opened its doors at 930 Lincoln Street in 1997, but the venue really showed its love for the city by deciding to spotlight another jazz club when it had its long-anticipated reopening in the Denver Performing Arts Complex last August. The El Chapultepec Piano Lounge honors the come-as-you-are spot that closed during the pandemic, in partnership with the El Chapultepec Legacy Project. Dedicated to maintaining the ‘Pec’s legacy, the lounge offers late-night sets from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays — and they’re all free.

Westword, Best of Denver 2024