Red, White and Blues

Democratic Convention delegates can get a taste of Mile High history along with their music fix during the ninth annual After 5 Jazz & Blues Festival, which starts today and runs through August 29 in historic Five Points. The fest features both local and out-of-town musicians and runs the gamut from blues and gospel to Latin jazz and just plain jazz.

From the Roaring ’20s to the mid-1950s, Denver boasted its own jazz center along Welton Street, with the Rossonian Hotel as the focal point. The National Historic Register has designated Welton Street/Five Points as Colorado’s only Historic Cultural District.

The Jazz & Blues Festival takes place at the intersection of 26th and Washington streets. Among the scheduled performers are locals Hazel Miller, Sheryl Renée, Mary Louise Lee, Lynda Syles, Nelson Rangell, Purnell Steen and Dotsero; gospel comic Antirrell McCoy and Los Angeles DJ Jonathan Phillips will also appear, along with Hugh Masekela, Sammy Mayfield, Arturo Sandoval and Latin jazz percussionist Poncho Sanchez.

This is a 21-and-over event; for ticket and schedule information, as well as a complete lineup of artists, go to www.denverjazzfestival2008.com or call 303-296-2701.
Sat., Aug. 23, 1 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 24, 2 p.m.; Aug. 25-27, 5 p.m., 2008