Jazz News: Inauguration Party at Union Station; Downbeat-Javon Jackson & Annie Booth and NEA!!

Denver inaugurates its new mayor today, and after all the pomp and ceremony and speeches this morning, the Brothers of Brass play the recessional, and then there’s a party this afternoon called “Denver Vibes: A Festival Celebrating the Inauguration of Mike Johnston.”

The get down runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at Wynkoop Plaza at Denver Union Station, with a pretty good lineup of local food trucks, eateries, and artists. The entertainment includes The Mananas, The Reminders, The Motet, Flobots, and others! The set is free and open to the public. (SOURCES: Denver Vibe Fest)

---

The August 2023 issue of Downbeat Magazine is out, including the annual Critics Poll, with a couple of articles spotlighting artists with Colorado connections. Javon Jackson’s latest release is profiled. It’s the soundtrack to a documentary about the abstract painter Peter Bradley. And Annie Booth’s new publishing company Brava Jazz Publishing features the work of women composers. It got a shout out for the co-venture with Alan Baylock at the University of North Texas. (SOURCE: DOWNBEAT Magazine)

---

The next class of Jazz Masters from the National Endowment for the Arts has been announced. They are saxophonist Gary Bartz, trumpeter-composer Terence Blanchard, and pianist Amina Claudine Myers. Writer-broadcaster-educator-producer Willard Jenkins from the District of Columbia received the fellowship for advocacy. The tribute concert will be held in early 2024 at the Kennedy Center. (SOURCE: arts.gov/NEA)

Stay connected to KUVO’s programs and our community! Sign up for the Oasis E-News today!