JazzFest Denver

There's a trio of heavy hitters anchoring this year's edition of JazzFest Denver (taking place on Friday, February 23, and Saturday, February 24, at the Sherman Events Center). Kevin Mahogany possesses one of the smoothest voices on the jazz scene and has a resounding baritone that recalls Joe Williams and Johnny Hartman. He'll be joined by the Joe Locke/Thomas Marriott Quartet and pianist Mike Longo, who studied with Oscar Peterson and played with Dizzy Gilllespie for more than two decades. Those three acts alone are worth clearing your calendar to see. Add to that some first-rate local talent, and 1770 Sherman Street will be swingin' harder than Iron Mike in his heyday. Look for local legend Joe Bonner (pictured), who tinkled the ivories with Pharoah Sanders, Max Roach and Freddie Hubbard, to be joined by Lynn Baker and Hugh Ragin (who plan to team up for a tribute to Maynard Ferguson). Also on tap is Paul Romaine, one of the area's finest drummers, who will be leading the CCJA Youth Band, featuring his vocalist daughter, Erienne. Rounding out the weekend's festivities will be the Pat Bianchi/Sean Jones Quartet and the Afro-Cuban stylings of Mambotet and Quemando.