Here are a few August events you might regret missing:
Telluride Jazz Festival
The annual fest returns to the idyllic community Aug. 8-10. I’ve long admired the commitment and love that have gone into the event’s organization. It’s remote, the backdrop is breathtakingly beautiful, and the lineup delivers every year.
Supreme saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, all crowd-pleasing acts, are among the headliners. But the rest of the schedule is rich with national and Colorado-based performers, too. Tickets range from $90 for single-day passes up to $645 VIP experiences for the entire weekend. You can also get details on camping and lodging at telluridejazz.org.
City Park Jazz
Trumpeter Shane Endsley joins in a performance at the City Park Jazz Festival in a special tribute to the late Ron Miles on June 5, 2022 in Denver.
Have you really gone the entire summer without attending a free City Park Jazz show? Sunday, Aug. 3, is your last chance this season, and they’re ending on a very forceful note.
The Brass Band Extravaganza will certainly get thousands of attendees worked up with the Rowdy Brass Band, Tivoli Club Brass Band and Guerrilla Fanfare. Literally dozens of Colorado musicians will take to the City Park pavilion stage with thunderous drum and brass-driven sounds that may very well reverberate across the Front Range. Since there are three bands performing, the start time is earlier than usual, 5:30 p.m. Find out more at cityparkjazz.org.
Dazzle shows
Boulder-based pianist Bob Schlesinger is celebrating the release of his debut album at Dazzle on Aug. 14. While he’s worked with numerous local artists, “Falling From Earth” is Schlesinger’s first album under his own name, at age 68.
Schlesinger is equally proficient on acoustic and electric keyboards, and his compositions are exhilarating. Instrumental support on the album is first rate, including guitarist Mike Stern, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Billy Drummond. “Falling From Earth” will certainly be recognized as one of the finest debut releases of 2025.
The show will also feature bassist Mike Brown and drummer Mark Ravnes. Showtime is at 7 p.m., and tickets can be found at dazzledenver.com.
And more jazz …
At Denver’s Nocturne: Dart Echo plays the music of Talking Heads on Aug. 21 and 28. … The Derek Banach Quintet appears there Aug. 15, 22 and 29. … Pianist Monty Alexander presents “Living History, Jamaica to Jazz” in celebration of KUVO-FM’s 40th anniversary at Dazzle Aug. 5-6. We are fortunate to have one of the only jazz radio stations in the United States. (Congratulations, KUVO 89.3!) … Also at Dazzle on Aug. 15: saxophonist Aakash Mittal’s searching and complex “Breathe” album release, featuring vocalist Jayanthi Bunyan. … Trumpeter Hugh Ragin & The Messengers of Peace appear there on Aug. 25. … The 31st annual Vail Jazz Festival takes place Aug. 29-31, featuring vocalist Rene Marie, drummer Lewis Nash, trumpeter Terell Stafford, bassist John Clayton and numerous other respected headliners. Get tickets at vailjazz.org. … Jon Batiste’s “The Big Money Tour” visits Red Rocks on Sept. 4, and it’s always good news when something jazz-oriented transpires on The Rocks. … Finally, I was honored to be asked to participate in Downbeat Magazine’s 73rd annual Critics Poll. You can see the results at downbeat.com.