Jazz flourished in the early 20th century in the Five Points neighborhood, where clubs like Rossonian Hotel hosted the likes of Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington. And the scene is far from beat today. The legacy is kept alive thanks to festivals and live music shows like “We call it Jazz” in Denver. This mesmerizing show is inspired by the smoky bars of New Orleans, where the genre was born.
Gifting Denverites a blend of classics like “Sing Sing Sing” and “Stella by Starlight” with the thrill of improvisation, it’s an authentic jazz show coming to The Church Nightclub located in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood . On selected dates, a talented jazz band will wow you with soulful melodies and syncopated beats. There is limited availability so secure your spot today.
What is “We call it Jazz”?
This 60-minute musical journey transports you to the heart of 1920s New Orleans, recreating the intimate atmosphere of a street-style bar where jazz was born. Illuminated primarily by a vintage street lamp, talented musicians deliver a carefully curated setlist of timeless classics like Louis Armstrong’s “When The Saints Go Marching In” and Fats Waller’s playful “Ain’t Misbehavin'”.
The performance balances prearranged sets with improvisation, allowing musicians to express their individuality through spontaneous solos while maintaining the soulful essence that makes jazz so captivating.
Jazz, its story and the show
Jazz emerged from the cultural melting pot of early 20th century New Orleans, where African-American communities blended African rhythms with European harmonies and Caribbean influences to create something entirely new. The genre’s distinctive characteristics—syncopated rhythms, expressive improvisation, and call-and-response patterns—evolved from its precursors: the structured compositions of ragtime and the emotional depth of blues.
At “We call it Jazz”, this rich heritage comes alive as performers tackle beloved classics alongside improvisational showcases. The performance begins with vocal-led New Orleans classics such as “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”, before transitioning to instrumental pieces like Miles Davis’s “Freddie Freeloader”, where each musician demonstrates their technical prowess through improvised solos, creating an immersive journey through jazz history.
“We call it Jazz” highlight’s the genres freedom, soul and timeless appeal and you won’t want to miss it. So click on the profile card below to secure your spot.
There are two back-to-back performances taking place each evening, at 6:00pm and 8:00pm, so you can choose the show that best suits your schedule. Tickets are sold in categories and seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.