Two joints have joined the jazz scene in Boulder, already supported by Johnny's Cigar Bar (1801 13th Street), the St Julien Hotel and the Hotel Boulderado. Cuvée opened in December in the former Blending Cellar spot at 946 Pearl Street; owner Ralph Reutimann renovated the space, creating a wine bar with a tapas menu, and outfitting it with high-backed chairs, sofas and a baby grand piano. That instrument is put to good use by pianists, other musicians and singers Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays. This week's lineup: James Speiser, the Doug Yager Trio, Kate & Brent, Awo Awosika, Adam Bodine and Barbara Paris.
Caffe Sole (637R South Broadway) has been a south Boulder mainstay for fifteen years, but it was recently remodeled and has added jazz to its offerings. The coffee shop, which also serves wine and beer on tap, brings in some fine players on a regular basis, including the Brad Goode Jazz Quartet on Mondays, the John Lake Quartet on the first Thursday of the month, and the Tom Weiser and Paul Fowler Jazz Duo on first Fridays. The Dexter Payne Quartet, the Josh Quinlan Trio, and the Brad Upton and Joe Bonner Quartet are also regular performers.
Club scout: On Friday, February 11, at Bar Standard (1037 Broadway), DJ Rockstar Aaron will head up his Paparazzi Birthday Bash and Artopia Pre-Party, which features a set by Lady Starlight, Lady Gaga's DJ. Presale tickets are $5; VIP red-carpet packages that include a drink ticket, backstage access with private bar, VIP entrance, and a meet-and-greet are $30. There are also a limited number of ultra-VIP backstage packages for $200, which include everything in the red-carpet package plus entry for four, a reserved table with bottle service, a complimentary disposable camera and four tickets to Westword's Artopia on Saturday, February 19.
Also on February 11, electro-pop singer Dev, known for her hit single "Like G6," will perform at Suite Two Hundred (1427 Larimer Street) as part of Hot 107.1's Little Red Dress Party.
Vinyl (1082 Broadway) just kicked off Wasted Wednesdays in the BASSment (not to be confused with the Basement at Blake Street Tavern) with Project Aspect and DJ Seth Abrums; the weekly nights feature a different local DJ each time. On Wednesday, February 16, it's Cloud D from the Mile High Sound Movement; DJ Max Klaw will be there on February 23. Cover is $5, and the night is eighteen-and-over.
On Wednesday, February 16, the Walnut Room at 3131 Walnut Street will kick off an open-mike night with Soul Daddy, who will perform with any artists who want a backing band. Check-in starts at 8 p.m., right after the Slowdown Lounge with Paul Riola's band Cellar Door, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on most Wednesdays. Both events are free.
