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Video credits: Black Beat Productions, Jonathan Butler, 2001, Soweto Street Beat, 2001, Norman Brown 2002, Hugh Masekala 2005, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble 2005, Pamela Williams 2007, Alex Bugnon 2007, Soul School 2007, Kissidugu West African Dancers 2007. Special thanks to Rocky Mountain PBS. Dizzy Gillespie "Tour De Force", Marcus Miller "Funny, All She Needs is Love" |
Introducing the After 5 Jazz & Blues Festival 2008
Celebrating Denver's diverse cultures, the "After 5 Jazz & Blues Festival 2008" will continue an eight year tradition in which an elite jazz concert has been hosted in Denver's Five Points community. This festival is scheduled from August 23rd to August 29th 2008 to enhance the activities surrounding the Democratic National Convention.
After Five, LLC, is a select business group, which will host the premier music festival during the DNC.
The "Jazz Festival," previously held on the 4th of July, has become a highly anticipated celebration that always attracts thousands of guests. Performers have included internationally celebrated musicians like Hugh Masekela, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Alex Bugnon, Norman Brown, Pieces of a Dream, and Brian Culbertson. Negotiations are underway to secure a stellar lineup of nationally and internationally recognized jazz, blues, and Old School performers for the "After 5 Jazz and Blues Festival 2008."
About the festival?
From August 23rd through August 29th, the "After 5 Jazz & Blues Festival 2008" will offer a sophisticated, high-energy event reminiscent of the excitement and electrifying performances for which Denver's legendary Five Points was famous.
The stellar lineup will feature world-class entertainers on a nightly basis. Each evening your ticket will provide access to multiple performance venues and a full selection of international cuisine and adult beverages. Attendees will also have access to a wide variety of souvenir concessions, community and cultural information booths, and specialty vendors. Buskers will add to the ambiance with intermittent streetside entertainment. Hospitality suites are available for private parties.
Limited tickets will be sold to the public (adults 21 years of age and over).
This event is sure to be one of the most exciting and fun-filled experiences during this history-making occasion when the eyes of the world will be on Denver!
After 5 Jazz & Blues Festival 2008 Schedule
Saturday August 23 Media Reception, Jazz, Blues, Old School
Sunday August 24 Gospel, Jazz, Blues
Monday August 25 African Jazz, Blues Old School
Tuesday August 26 Latin Jazz, Blues, Old School
Wednesday August 27 Jazz, Blues, Old School
Thursday August 28 Legends of Jazz, Blues, Old School
Friday August 29 Jazz, Blues, Old School
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Where is the festival?
During a magical era of American creativity, a new musical form called "jazz" captivated the world, and Denver's Five Points was the "Jazz Mecca" of the American West. From the "Roaring 20's" to the mid-1950's, Denver proudly proclaimed its place among the stellar jazz cities.
Five Points was the place to be, featuring legendary performers like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole. Nightclubs, social clubs, hotels and restaurants served hot jazz to the avant-garde crowds that migrated along the trendy spots on Welton Street.
The National Historic Register has designated Welton Street as Colorado's only Historic Cultural District. Businesses are being rejuvenated and a number of significant commercial restorations and redevelopment projects are in the planning stage.
The "After 5 Jazz & Blues Festival 2008" is at the intersection of 26th Street and Welton Street. The festival is accessible via Light Rail which makes a stop at the event's main entrance.
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