And other jazz and blues devotees remain across the city. Here are our picks for the best jazz and blues clubs in the area:
Dazzle
1080 14th Street
Since opening in 1997, Dazzle has brought in many a world-renowned jazz legend, including Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath and Carla Bley, while also booking top-notch local talent. After two decades at its Golden Triangle location, Dazzle, voted by Downbeat magazine as one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world, moved to much bigger digs at the downtown Baur’s building in 2017. In 2023, it moved again, to the Performing Arts Complex. The venue isn't only honoring El Chapultepec in the new location, but the Chicano and Hispanic roots of Denver's jazz scene, as well, with portraits by local artist Shay Guerrero of such figures as KUVO's Carlos Lando; there's also a mural of jazz icon Charles Burrell by Brett Matarazzo.
Herb's hosts live music most nights of the week.
Justin Criado
2057 Larimer Street
Located a block east of Coors Field, Herb’s has long been a hot spot for jazz (it’s owned by jazz saxophonist Laura Newman, who leads Alive on Arrival) and other genres such as rock, blues and funk; it was also a hangout spot for Jack Kerouac.
There are several regular shows: Jazz pianist and organist Vlad Girshevich holds court on Mondays, trumpeter Gabe Mervine plays on Tuesdays for the B3 Jazz Jam, there is a funk jam on Wednesdays, bassist Dave Randon takes over on Thursdays, and a mix of acts fill the weekend slots. There is usually no cover charge.
Hudson Hill
619 East 13th Street
On a busy Capitol Hill corner, just across the street from Wax Trax Records, Hudson Hill offers high-quality coffee every morning and craft cocktails with staff-curated music in the evening. Adding yet another element to the sensory experience that is Hudson Hill, monthly live jazz events are officially part of the regular programming. Local jazz trio Corner 3 fills the cozy bar with impressive artistry from 6 to 9 p.m. within the lounge ambiance. Be sure to attend the second official show on Thursday, January 9, for a cover charge of $5.
Lincoln’s Roadhouse
1201 South Pearl Street
Lincoln’s Roadhouse is known for its Cajun grub, but on the weekends, live bands play in a small space next to the front door. Lincoln’s is big on the blues (Westword has named it Best Blues Club several times), and it brings in some of the area’s finest blues acts, such as Johnny O and Michael Hornbuckle, along with the occasional national act and local rock and rockabilly bands. There’s no cover charge.
Saxophonist Pete Lewis performs at the Muse, the Lafayette venue that he operates with his wife.
Courtesy of the Muse Performance Space
200 East South Boulder Road, Lafayette
Pete Lewis and his wife, Clare Church, who have a long history of playing jazz and classical music, opened the Muse in 2018, knowing that music and art create community — and they wanted to keep the arts alive. While the venue brings in primarily jazz acts most Wednesdays through Sundays and hosts occasional jam sessions, the Muse also books singer-songwriter acts.
Nocturne
1330 27th Street
Scott and Nicole Mattson wanted to have a place that would make jazz more accessible to a broader audience with a unique hospitality experience, so they opened Nocturne in RiNo in 2015. The venue and restaurant features an Art Deco-style bar, classic cocktails and a stage-side dining room. Nocturne hosts live music five nights a week with some of the best in local jazz talent, who sometimes play monthly residencies; nationally known jazz musicians like Jeff Hamilton play there occasionally, as well.
This list was originally published in December 2021 and has been updated.
