Dazzle 2023 Gift Guide

Give the gift of live music to everyone on your list… including yourself.

Dazzle Brunch with Adam Bodine

Sunday, December 3 - 10:30AM

Join us every Sunday for brunch with local pianist and brunch spirit guide extraordinaire Adam Bodine. Enjoy a variety of tasty treats while he tickles the ivories and your funny bone with his always fresh and fun musical explorations and amusing stage banter.

In addition to Dazzle's regular menu, special brunch items include:
$19 Mimosa (Bottle & OJ)
Huevos Rancheros
Biscuits & Gravy

CU Denver Jazz Guitar Ensemble and Voz de la Clave Ensemble

Sunday, December 3 - 6:00PM

CU Denver's College of Arts and Media present two of its Signature ensembles. The Signature Jazz Guitar Ensemble will present mainstream jazz, fusion, funk and original compositions; Vov de la Clave will present a Cuban and Latin American jazz. Both ensembles feature the college's top performance students and an engaging selection of music covering many genres. The Jazz Guitar Ensemble is led by Drew Morell, Voz de la Clave is led by Dr. Peter Ellingson.

Signature Jazz Ensemble:

Mason Unthink - Guitar

Zeke Buckholz - Guitar

David Dent - Guitar

Madi Menedez - Bass

Maxton Santos Bass/Guitar

Jared Lipka - Drums

CU Boulder Thompson Jazz Big Bands: "The Nutcracker"

Monday, December 4 - 6:30PM & 9:00PM

Directed by John Gunther, CU’s award winning big band will perform this amazing jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s famous score for “The Nutcracker.” The CU Jazz Ensemble has been recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding big bands.

Ellyn Rucker Tribute Quartet

Wednesday, December 6 - 6:30PM

Pianist/vocalist Ellyn Rucker was a mainstay in the Denver jazz scene for decades. Her elegant bop and Bill Evans influenced piano playing and her sultry vocal stylings were recognized not only in the Mile High City, but also nationally and internationally. Along with her Denver gigs, she also appeared in Europe, including at the North Sea Jazz Festival. And she was featured on NPR’s Piano Jazz program with Marian McPartland. Come join pianist Doug Roche, trumpet and flugelhorn player Gabe Mervine, drummer Jill Fredericksen and bassist Ron Bland for an evening celebrating Ellyn with some of her favorite tunes and biggest “hits.”

Doug Roche - piano

Gabe Mervine - trumpet and flugelhorn

Jill Fredericksen - drums

Ron Bland - bass

Lauren Frihauf

Thursday, December 7 - 6:30PM

You might recognize Lauren Frihauf from her feature in NPR Music’s Tiny Desk ‘Top Shelf’, EP 1, or from Season 19 of NBC’s “The Voice”, where she made it to the Knockout Rounds with Teams Gwen and Legend.

Lauren's enchanting sound, often compared to Joni Mitchell and Madison Cunningham, effortlessly blends elements of Indie, Folk, and Neo-soul. Her first original project was a collaboration which culminated in “The Latona Ep”, released in 2022; and she recently finished recording her solo album, set to come out in The New Year.

Lauren Frihauf - vocals, keys, guitar
Alec Wenzel - guitar
Braxton Kahn - drums
Callum Bair - bass

El Chapultepec Piano Lounge: Freddy Rodriguez Jr.

Thursday, December 7 - 9:00PM

A solo piano set featuring Freddy Rodriguez Jr.

*No Cover

El Javi: Acoustic Christmas

Friday, December 8 & Saturday, December 9 - 6:30PM

El Javi is a gifted North American guitarist who fearlessly explores instrumental music, transcending the confines of traditional music genres. His music is a remarkable blend of various styles and techniques that come together to create an eclectic acoustic fusion that is truly unique.

Beyond his exceptional musicianship, El Javi’s celebration of cultural diversity through music underscores the power of music to transcend language and culture, forging connections and understanding between people of all backgrounds.

The Saxtet: A Very Saxy Christmas

Friday, December 8 - 9:00PM

The Saxtet specializes in jazz saxophone, weaving intricate arrangements and inspiring improvisations that transcend traditional holiday tunes. Immerse yourself in the joyous sounds of the saxophone as The Saxtet delivers a soulful celebration of A Very Saxy Christmas.

The Saxtet is Jeff Miguel, Carlos Chavez, Ian Skaronea, Ty Nemechek, and Drew Gomez.

El Chapultepec Piano Lounge: David Mesquitic

Friday, December 8 - 11:00PM

David Mesquitic is a pianist, composer, and educator committed to the intergenerational transfer of the knowledge, history, and traditions of jazz. Mesquitic currently teaches at the University of Wyoming as Lecturer in Jazz Piano where he also maintains a schedule performing with his trio, adjudicating, and commissioning music throughout the globe.

Kids' Matinee: Youth on Record Presents Farmer Dave & Animal Farm

Saturday, December 9 - 12:00PM

Join award-winning children's musicians Farmer Dave and Animal Farm, for an interactive blend of music, movement, and educational comedy. Their original music explores themes of social-emotional learning, community, self-expression, and the environment through the eyes of our furry, feathered, scaly, and shell-dwelling friends. Learn more at www.linktree.com/animalfarmmusic.

Target Age Range: 2-7

Beyond

Saturday, December 9 - 9:00PM

What does it mean to go deeper? What does it mean to play from the soul? What does it mean to go Beyond? Going Beyond means creating a soundscape that pulls the listener into a world they’ve never experienced before. Going Beyond means pushing the limits of what is possible sonically and technically. But most importantly, going Beyond means going back. Back to the treasures of our ancestors. Join us on a journey filled with music inspired by the Traditions of Cuba, Africa, and America in a showcase of Sean Applebee’s original music as well as compositions of those that inspire him.

Brunch with Adam Bodine

Sunday, December 10 - 10:30PM

Join us every Sunday for brunch with local pianist and brunch spirit guide extraordinaire Adam Bodine. Enjoy a variety of tasty treats while he tickles the ivories and your funny bone with his always fresh and fun musical explorations and amusing stage banter.

In addition to Dazzle's regular menu, special brunch items include:
$19 Mimosa (Bottle & OJ)
Huevos Rancheros
Biscuits & Gravy
Charcuterie Breakfast Board

DJO Holiday Show

Sunday, December 10 - 5:00PM & 7:30PM

Join the Denver Jazz Orchestra for its annual Dazzle Holiday Concert! Featuring swinging versions of some your holiday favorites as well as a few latin interpretations of the great seasonal carols.

Ian Argys Tribute to Dale Bruning

Wednesday, December 13 - 6:30PM

Guitarist Ian Argys, a native of New Hampshire, but raised in Colorado, tried out such instruments as the clarinet and the alto saxophone, before claiming the guitar as his primary force.

In 2000, he attended Metropolitan State University and the University of Colorado, Denver. He also began private lessons with one of his mentors, the legendary guitarist Dale Bruning. These two men worked on his lessons together from 2000-2003, when Mr. Argys was accepted at the University of North Texas in Denton. It was here where he first worked with band leader Michael League, among many others.

John Gunther, sax
Eric Gunnison, piano
Bijoux Barbosa, bass
Paul Romaine, drums

LAPOMPE: Django Carols

Thursday & Wednesday, December 14 & 15 - 6:30PM

"Django Carols" features classic seasonal music in the style of Django Reinhardt's hot club jazz, including guest performers Enion Pelta-Tiller on violin and vocals and Glenn Austin on drums.

LAPOMPE returns once again to Dazzle for their annual "Django Carols" holiday show, celebrating the digital release of a new EP for the season! The "Carols" EP will be available online this December, but come see live performances of the songs including original compositions and mashups of jazz and holiday standards.

El Chapultepec Piano Lounge: Rocco LC Williams

Thursday, Decmeber 14 - 9:00PM

Come join vibraphonist, Rocco Lc Williams, for a night of originals and classics that nourish the ear

Paa Kow Trio

Friday, December 15 - 9:00PM

Ghana born drummer and composer, Paa Kow, (pronounced Pah-Ko), blends rhythm and artistry from his home with jazz and African roots creating his own Afro-Fusion sound.

Paa Kow - drums
Max Moore - keys
Eddie Ness - bass

El Chapultepec Piano Lounge: Chantil Dukart

Friday, December 15 - 11:00PM

A solo piano set featuring Chantil Dukart

*No Cover

Kids’ Matinee: The Playmakers present: A Christmas Carol, A Musical interactive Event

Saturday, December 16 - 12:00PM

This inventive participatory version of a Dickens Christmas Carol is Dickens with a twist as the audience actually “helps” put on the play. Willing Cratchits and ghosts are recruited from their seats to join our professional actors on stage to teach Scrooge his famous lesson. And everyone gets into the act by helping with sound effects, gestures, and songs. Little ones right on up to grandma will delight in the holiday spirit as they “create” their own theatre magic.

Dope $h!t with Friends

Saturday, December 16 - 6:30PM

Brace yourself for an unforgettable night of rhythm and soul as Nelo, Kerrie Joy, the Urban Classic, and the Billboard-charting saxophonist Tony Exum Jr. converge to deliver a sonic journey like no other.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be swept away by the symphony of sounds on a night where friendship, rhythm, and urban jazz collide in perfect harmony.

JJ Murphy/Nate Miller/Kirwan Brown/Braxton Kahn

Saturday, December 16 - 9:00PM

Back by popular demand, this quartet will be taking the Dazzle stage again, featuring material rooted in funk but could also go in any direction at any moment. The band will draw on original material from each member as well as some songs the audience already knows.

As a composer and a guitarist, J.J. Murphy brings a soulful vitality to contemporary music. His sound is an effortless blend of folk, blues, rock and jazz, with covers drawing from Thelonious Monk to Radiohead.

El Chapultepec Piano Lounge: Tenia Nelson

Saturday, December 16 - 11:00PM

As a Jazz Journalists Association 2023 Jazz Hero, an award winning pianist, percussionist, composer and arranger, LifeForce Jazz Records artist and educator, Tenia has 20+ years teaching experience in all levels of education.At the present time, Tenia teaches privately in her music studio, teachers classes at Neighborhood Music at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, Colorado and also mentors future musicians through GRAMMY U.

*No Cover

Roberta Gambarini feat. Eric Gunnison, Mark Simon & Paul Romaine

Sun., January 7 - 4:00PM & 6:30PM & Mon., January 8 - 6:30PM

Tickets on sale Tues., 12/5 - 9AM

Brad Goode feat. Dawn Clement, Seth Lewis, & Harold Summey

Wednesday, January 10 - 6:30PM

Jacob Larson Band

Fri., January 12 - 6:30PM

The Cat’s Glasses

Mon., January 29 - 6:30PM

Jocelyn Medina Brazilian Band

Wed., March 6 - 6:30PM