Jazz News: Denver Jazz Fest yr 2; Rico salutes Ken Walker; Cheadle, Edebiri on Broadway; Jackson plays Dylan, Fuller Sisters
This is Jazz News, a look at what’s news in jazz, music, and the arts.
Denver Jazz Fest – Year Two
The Denver Jazz Fest kicks off its second year on April 7, running through April 12. There are multiple events every night in 15 venues all over town, so THIS is the week to introduce a friend to this music we call jazz, and hit a spot near you. As predicted, some events are already sold out or nearly sold out, but with 40 shows featuring national and Colorado artists, there’s something for every taste in jazz. Also, hydrate! Also, push-ups! Details at Denver Jazz Fest and Kuvo.org.
SOURCE: Denver Jazz Fest
Next Ken Walker tribute: Rico Jones in Boulder
The legacy of Ken Walker casts a long shadow, not just by playing double bass on thousands of gigs over the years, but by being an educator and mentor to many. The next Ken Walker tribute is arranged by saxophonist Rico Jones this coming Saturday, April 11, at the Ironwood Bar and Grille at Boulder’s Flatirons Golf Course.
Jones has written original music for the date, and his collaborators include Tom Amend, Gabe Rupe, Aleks Girshevich, and Gabriel Mervine. Reservations at Ironwood Bar & Grille.
SOURCE: Ironwood Bar & Grille
Instrument Drive: Bring Music - year-round locations
The Bringing Music to Life 2026 instrument drive has officially concluded, and thanks to all for sharing the gift of music. By popular suggestion, several drop-off locations are now accepting donations of your gently-used instruments year-round, including Flesher-Hinton Music on West 44th in Wheat Ridge, Elevated Music Centers in Centennial and Golden, Luther Strings in Denver, Rocky Mountain Music Repair in Broomfield, north of Denver at Loveland Academy of Music, The Music Depot of Greeley, Boomer Music Company in Fort Collins and south of the metro at Meeker Music stores in Colorado Springs, and Marck Time Music in Pueblo. See the full list at Bringing Music to Life.
Cheadle and Edebiri’s Broadway debut
Actor and Denver East High School alum Don Cheadle makes his Broadway debut this month alongside Ayo Edebiri in the revival of David Auburn’s Pulitzer-winning play from 25 years ago, “Proof.” Cheadle plays troubled math genius, Robert. Edebiri plays his daughter Catherine, so, lots of family dynamics and social questions. Tickets are available beginning Tuesday, April 7. Opening night is April 16, running through July at the Booth Theater.
SOURCE: Proof Broadway
New releases: Javon Jackson Apr. 10, Tia and Shamie Fuller out now
A couple of new releases to put on your radar. Javon Jackson’s Solid Jackson imprint with Palmetto Records has released his latest literary tribute, this time to the music of Bob Dylan. Javon digs into more than three decades of Dylan’s folk anthems and love songs for ten covers and one original, including vocals by Lisa Fischer (who is singing with Ranky Tanky this weekend in Denver at the Newman Center) and Nicole Zuraitis. SOURCE: Javon Jackson
And sisters Tia Fuller and Shamie Fuller-Royston have just released their tribute to the family band they grew up in, The Denver-based Fuller Sound. The album, called “Dynasty, Vol. 2,” is an alto sax-piano duet album, on Cory Weeds’ Cellar Music Group label. SOURCE: Fuller Sound/Bandcamp/DYNASTY Vol 2
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