Getting jazzy

just being around beautiful people enjoying themselves.”

“People enjoy watching live music because they get to see the bands in real time interacting with each other,” Nelson said. “When they see the bands having a great time and playing amazing music, then of course, they will also have a great time.”

Now in its 20th year, the festival draws a crowd of roughly 60,000 attendees. But its beginnings were humble. It started out with three bands on one stage in the parking lot of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library on Welton Street. However, Denver’s Five Points is no stranger to jazz. Known as the Harlem of the West, the neighborhood has drawn jazz greats for the better part of a century.

Historically, Black jazz musicians would come to Denver to perform in White venues. However, they were not allowed to stay in those parts of town because they were Black. So, they would stay in Five Points.

“ ey would stay, and play, and jam all night long,” Rae said.

She added it’s important to honor the history of jazz in Denver because it tells a story of who Denver is.

“ e history of Denver is alive and well in Five Points,” Rae said. “And jazz is alive and well in Five Points.”

Music is something that can bring people of many backgrounds together, Rae said. ose who already love jazz music will certainly enjoy the festival, but it’s also a good way to introduce people to the local jazz scene.

“Jazz is a music that is for the people by the people … People appreciate what is real, genuine and heartfelt,” Jones said. e “Five Points Jazz Festival brings that to the people. And best of all, they do it in a historical place where many of the greats of jazz music performed in the early days of the art form.”

To learn more about the Five Points Jazz Festival, visit ArtsandVenues. com/FivePointsJazz. For a 2023 band lineup, visit ArtsandVenues.com/FivePointsLineup.