JazzFest Denver

Related Content

• Pianist Neil Bridge on starting jazz combos programs in Denver Public Schools
  July 15, 2011
• Greg Garrison's Improvised Roots Series mixes Denver's best improvisers with national greats
  January 12, 2012
• Lovely Lena
  December 15, 2011
• Project Runway's Fallene Wells looks to Kickstarter to sew up new fashion line
  January 10, 2012
• Lightning In A Bottle
  September 22, 2011

More About

• Sherman Events Center
• Pharoah Sanders
• Paul Romaine
• Oscar Peterson
• Mike Longo

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.