Venus Cruz

Improvisation, a soulful delivery and an ability to transcend genres are always part of Cruz’ musical approach.

Venus’ voice is recognized as the host of Jazz Odyssey Wednesday nights at 10pm on KUVO 89.3/kuvo.org.

“Venus Cruz has opened for artists such as Black Thought of The Roots, Saul Williams, Zap Mama, Goapele, Al Green, Guru, Vieux Farka Toure, Tinariwen and Bishop Desmond Tutu, to name a few. In 2014, Cruz organized, directed and performed the Billie Holiday Centennial Celebration at Denver’s Union Station, bringing in a record performance crowd for the space. Her current project, “What Young Men Do,” includes Mikey Smith (keys), Mark Emmons (drums) and Tim Philpott (bass). Within weeks of its start, the band played Denver’s UMS Festival, the Larimer Block Party (now Project Pabst) and opened for Grammy-nominated artists Hiatus Kaiyote and Emily King. This year she opened for Grammy winner Gregory Porter at The Chautauqua Amphitheater in Boulder, and played at Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and City Park Jazz. Also in 2016, she performed at: the Prince Tribute at Red Rocks; The Cherry Creek Arts Festival; the Inaugural Queen City Festival at the City Hall Amphitheater; and, the Chautauqua Community House as a featured guest for their curated music series. In 2012, Cruz won Westword’s Best R&B Vocalist Award.