Destination Summer: Cool City Park Jazz
This Denver tradition returns this year, and kicks off on Sunday, June 5 with a tribute to Ron Miles, the legendary Denver jazz musician and Park Hill resident who died on March 8. The free concerts are held each Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (except where indicated) at the City Park Pavilion and Bandshell just west of Park Hill. Take a picnic and some chairs or lay out a blanket and soak in the music. Additional details are at cityparkjazz.org. Here’s this summer’s line-up:
Sunday, June 5
Tribute to Ron Miles, featuring trumpeter Shane Endsley.
Sunday, June 12
Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra featuring Fiesta Colorado Dance Company
The 8-member Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra will be joined by the The Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, a dance group known for original choreography for the El Dia de Los Muertos Celebration and other programs.
Sunday, June 19
Hazel Miller & The Collective
Colorado-based music icon Hazel Miller and The Collective has a reputation for “bringing it.” One of the tightest and most versatile bands on the scene, Miller’s powerful voice stands out and her beautiful spirit shines through. Original, Jazz, blues, R&B, and popular music, this show is guaranteed to rock the park.
Sunday, June 26
Paa Kow
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. The Denver-based musician plays a custom, one-of-a-kind hand-carved drum set.
Sunday, July 3
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
Founded in 2012, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra brings world-renowned guest artists and many of the best local musicians together to perform everything from rollicking big band classics to modern large and small ensemble jazz.
Sunday, July 10
Eufórquestra
Eufórquestra (pronounced yoo-FOHR-keh-struh, think euphoria+orchestra) is a band that prides itself on its ever-evolving sound, influenced by music from all over the world with an emphasis on funk, pocket and groove.
Sunday, July 17
Brass Band Extravaganza — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The third annual Brass Band Extravaganza includes performances by No Hands Brass Band, Tivoli Club Brass Band and Badda Boom Brass Band. Festivities get started an hour earlier than usual, at 5 p.m., and will feature a mega-brass-jam at the end of the night.
Sunday, July 24
Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles
This Denver-based band is dedicated to revitalizing swing music and dance, packing a punch of power, personality and wit into each show. Their music is influenced by big band swing from the late 30’s and early 40’s.
Sunday, July 31
The Jakarta Band
Considered the premier party dance band from Denver. They are guaranteed to bring people to their feet.
Sunday, Aug. 7
Colorado Mambo Orchestra
Raul Murciano is a world-renowned Latin jazz pianist, composer, and orchestrator. He was one of the founders of the Miami Sound Machine staring Gloria Estevan. The Colorado Mambo Orchestra brings the sounds of Cuba and Latin America to the Mile High.