Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club

The Tenia Nelson Trio (TNT) is a special collection of like minded jazz musicians lead by Denver pianist Tenia Nelson. These two sets will feature a number of classic R&B tunes re-imagined through the jazz lens. Tenia Nelson- Piano, Brendan O' Donoghue- Bass, Alex Tripp- Drums Tenia Nelson is a Denver based pianist, percussionist and jazz educator. Tenia received her Bachelors of Music Education Degree from Metro State University of Denver in 2004 and a Masters of Music is Jazz…

Genre-fusing pianist and composer Adam Bodine leads his band through an entertaining and dynamic mix of creative original music every time he hits the stage. Adam’s song catalog is extensive, and eclectic and embodies an optimum framework for his imaginative and often humorous personality to shine through his music. The fourth year running - this is a fun and freaky treat of a show. This night will hold tricks - many treats - many creative interpretations of a wide variety of…

Jazz pianist/educator/composer Jeff Jenkins returns to the Nocturne stage to perform two sets of his soulful original compositions.  The music, represents decades of evolution and work, and ranges in influences as diverse as Mingus to Evans, Jarett to Harris, and even Hancock and Rebennack! Be ready to celebrate your evening with a myriad of sounds ranging from introspective ballads, to romping, bouncing, swinging post bop. Jeff is joined by Todd Reid on drums and Seth Lewis on bass. Jeff Jenkins began his musical life in pastoral Nebraska City,…

The Gabriel Mervine Quartet features four veteran musicians who have traveled the world round, performing with artists such as Carmen McRae, Dizzy Gillespie, Christian McBride, Natalie Cole, the Colorado Symphony and more...The works for this series include a thoughtful range of standards and original compositions, played with a jubilant, forward looking musical perspective. Gabriel Mervine - Trumpet, Eric Gunnison - Piano, Mark Simon - Bass, Dru Heller - Drums Thursday Show Times: Set One: 6:30 - 7:45pm Set Two: 8:45 - 10:00pm - Floor seats are reserved for Dinner and a…

Ben Markley is an accomplished pianist, band leader and composer/arranger, active throughout the Rocky Mountain front range and has performed with Brian Lynch, Greg Osby, Eddie Henderson, Terell Stafford, George Garzone, Bobby Shew and John Fedchock and many others. Markley's latest big band recording project Clockwise - The Music of Cedar Walton (OA2 records) earned a coveted four-star review by Downbeat Magazine in Spring of 2017.  Markley is three-time Nocturne artist in residency alum, and is featured on Nocturne's first ever…

Venezuelan bassist Gonzalo Teppa presents a month residency featuring his most recent compositions that draw from the musical wells of contemporary jazz, Latin American music (Venezuelan, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban) blues, free jazz and more. Greg Harris - vibraphone/piano/percussion, Alex Heffron - guitar, Andrew Wheelock - drums, Ike Spivak - sax/flute/clarinet. Teppa obtained his Bachelor of Music and Master in Jazz Studies degrees at The University of Colorado and has performed with: Wynton Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Matt Wilson, Ed Simon, Chris Potter, Tom Harrell, Bobby Shew, Ron Miles, Art Lande, Slide Hampton,…

The Walter Gorra Quintet makes its debut at Nocturne, playing Walter’s newest original compositions and arrangements, the quintet features Gonzalo Teppa on bass and Alejandro Castaño on drums along with world-class horn players John Gunther on woodwinds and Gabe Mervine on trumpet round out the group.  These long-time friends and Colorado musical accomplices draw from their backgrounds in various styles of music to develop an exciting sound.  From a modern Afro-Cuban Danzon composition to a well-loved jazz standard played their way,…

Nocturne is honored to present this unique series that honors the late American jazz singer, Carmen McRae. Regarded as the rare musical equal to her friends Ella and Billie, Carmen had a prolific career in the jazz idiom that spanned from 1940's into the late 1980's. Her live performances, filled with emotional richness and a heavy swinging style are simply legendary. This series will offer a special musical insight, as Eric Gunnison was the pianist on Carmen McRae's highly regarded (and Grammy nominated) album Carmen Sings Monk.  From 1986…

Evoking eternal coolness, the Elevenet functions as the large-ensemble compositional vehicle for acclaimed composer/arranger/saxophonist, Wil Swindler. The Elevenet has been performing together regularly since 2007, developing top-shelf ensemble playing, writing and adventurous improvisation. In addition to creating works celebrating the mastery of Gil Evans and crossover into numerous genres, Swindler has crafted numerous original works gleaned from the influence of the greats. Wil Swindler is a saxophonist, composer, and winner of the 2008 Gil Evans Fellowship, and educator based in the Denver Front…

Jay Clayton and Dawn Clement have been long-time musical collaborators since the late ’90s. They have presented a variety of material in duo, trio, and quartet settings all over the United States and Canada. This very special performance will feature works from recent releases by both Jay and Dawn and a top-shelf Denver rhythm section comprised of Seth Lewis (bass) and Dru Heller (drums). Jay Clayton is an exceptional educator, improviser, and internationally renowned performing artist. She has been known…

Beginning as a pandemic project, Bobby Wiens, Seth Lewis, and Spencer Zweifel developed a chemistry through outdoor jam sessions. Their shared love of hard bop deep and classic soul music manifested in the creation of an eclectic and exciting repertoire. From hard-swinging blues and bebop to lyrical ballads and grooving soul, Wiens, Lewis and Zweifel deliver a compelling and joyful musical experience. After working together for over a year, the trio brought their songbook into the studio, producing the hard-swinging…

Friday Show Times: Set One: 6:30 - 7:45pm Set Two: 9:00 - 10:30pm   Drawing upon a rich musical background that ranges from modern straight-ahead to soul jazz to country, Steve Kovalcheck returns to the Nocturne stage with Dru Heller on drums and Patrick McDevitt on bass and special guest Ben Markley on piano. The group will be exploring personal treatments of the Great American Songbook as well classic blues, bebop, and ballads and even original works. This will be a straight-ahead, very swinging evening of music! Jazz guitarist/composer Steve…

Friends and bandmates for over nearly four decades Mark Diamond, Paul Romaine, and Andy Weyl consistently inspire audiences with their spirited arrangements of Swing, Latin, Hard-bop, Blues, and standard repertoire. Big Swing is a three time Nocturne Artist in Residency alum and we are tremendously excited to welcome "The Trio" back to the Nocturne stage! Sunday Show Times: Show 1: 6:30-7:45pm Show 2: 8:45-10:00pm - Floor seats are reserved for Dinner and a Show Reservations (Music & Three Course Dinner Included)    

  John Stenger is an accomplished pianist with a personal voice, informed by his deep love of many different styles of musical expression – from bluegrass to rock to samba, classical and spontaneous free improvisation. John has performed on more than 25 albums, music directed numerous professional theater productions, and his playing and writing have been heard on television, radio, and in person across the country. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, John became serious about jazz while in high school…

GoodRattle is a modern hard-bop quintet lead by saxophone & compositional mastermind Wil Swindler. This sharp-edged and relentlessly swinging group is a Nocturne Artist in Residency Alumni and a crowd favorite.  With an endless well of energy and an ever changing book of material (from John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Hank Mobley to modern greats like Mark Turner and Joshua Redman) this hard swinging, straight-ahead quintet gives audiences an unforgettable set of music every time they hit the stage. Wil Swindler is a Colorado…

We are delighted to welcome back the ever swinging and deeply musical Jack Dunlevie to the Nocturne stage. For this special one night show, Jack will explore a broad range of straight ahead trio compositions with bandmates Dru Heller on drums and Hunter Roberts on bass. Jack Dunlevie is a Denver-based pianist, mandolinist, vocalist, and composer. He graduated in 2015 from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver winning awards in composition and recital performance. Performing full time…

The Daryl Gott quintet featuring Paul McKee will be exploring the commonly overlooked front line of saxophone and trombone. With everyone in the group hailing from different backgrounds and locations, the group is united in their affinity for bebop and modern music.  This group will feature arrangements of classic standards, lesser known standards and a sprinkling of original compositions. It will swing hard and feature some of Denver's finest! Saxophonist and composer Daryl Gott was born and raised in Denver. Growing up…

NOCTURNE'S 8TH ANNUAL SWINGING HOLIDAY SONGBOOK Over the course of four special nights, we present a night of seasonal cheer that riffs on classic versions of Frank, Perry and Ella holiday arrangements, as well as select songs from Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas and beyond.  This annual Nocturne holiday tradition is in its 8th year this evening celebrates the magic of the season with a little a dash of nostalgia, and some hard swinging holiday music. LOUISA AMEND - VOCALS, TOM AMEND -…

Ben Markley is an accomplished pianist, band leader and composer/arranger, active throughout the Rocky Mountain front range and has performed with Brian Lynch, Greg Osby, Eddie Henderson, Terell Stafford, George Garzone, Bobby Shew and John Fedchock and many others. Markley's latest big band recording project Clockwise - The Music of Cedar Walton (OA2 records) earned a coveted four-star review by Downbeat Magazine in Spring of 2017.  Markley is three-time Nocturne artist in residency alum, and is featured on Nocturne's first ever…

Ring in 2023 in proper fashion with the 7th Annual New Year's Eve at Nocturne! Sip the night away with Champagne, sublime cocktails and enjoy delectable flavors created by our kitchen and take in the sounds of the ever-swinging Jenna McLean Quintet feat. Annie Booth on piano, Matt Smiley on bass, John Gunther on saxophone and Alejandro Castaño on drums. With two seatings to choose from, you can get your big night kicked off at Nocturne, or make us your final New Year's destination…

"Be-Bach" by The Gott-Clay Quintet at Nocturne. Although Charlie Parker and Johann Sebastian Bach lived in different eras, and defined different genres of music, they shared many parallel musical ideas. Many of the shapes that Bach used in his compositions were adopted and developed further by Charlie Parker and other great Bebop musicians of the 1940s/50s.  This series will explore these parallels as well as Bebop songs merged and inspired by Bach. The Line-Up: Daryl Gott - sax, Taylor Clay -…

Adam Bodine Quintet plays Horace Silver Saturday nights in January - Nocturne welcomes back to the stage the entertaining and musically eclectic Adam Bodine. Adam is a renowned Colorado pianist that will be leading a collection of Denver's finest jazz artists in exploring the works of the great hardbop pianist Horace Silver.  Adam’s repertoire is constantly shapeshifting and playfully intermingles a broad range of styles, sounds, feels, and moods.  Undeniable is Bodine’s natural musicality and joy of playing, which paired…

Originally from Nashville, J.J. Murphy brings a soulful vitality to contemporary American music and jazz. His sound is a contemplative blend of folk, blues, and jazz-often channeling modern luminaries such as Bill Frisell and Ry Cooder while evoking music from the traditional American vernacular. Frequent collaborator Ryan Connors (Dynamo) defines Murphy's style as “the blues-inspired rawness of Eric Clapton with the jazz vocabulary and sensitivity of Bill Frisell.”   For this special show, Mr Murphy will be joined by Braxton Kahn on drums…

Jeremy Wendelin returns to Nocturne for a residence focused on the trio of saxophone, bass, and drums. This instrumentation, pioneered by Sonny Rollins, affords artists great freedom in exploring their material. The sound is simple, but the music is full of complexities; the players have freedom, but also more responsibility to create the right sound for each moment. In the years since Rollins’ early recordings, many artists have taken on this format, including Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett,…

The Vlad Girshevich returns to the Nocturne stage with Aleks Girshevich on drums and Bill McCrossen on bass to present an evening of hard driving straight ahead jazz  and original works in the classic trio format. Vlad Girshevich, started his formal music training at The Uspenski School of Music in Uzbekistan and spent 11 blistering years studying classical music there. When he started experimenting with jazz in the 11th grade, his instructors gave him a hard time for being too creative with “free” interpretations. Vlad…

Backed by an illustrious trio of Denver’s finest, Stan Killian returns in his first Colorado appearance in over two years, where he will perform compositions from his newest album “Brooklyn Calling”. This highly polished and exciting performance style associated with the New York Jazz scene will surely be a treat for the Nocturne audience. For this special appearance he will be joined by Steve Kovalcheck (guitar), Mark Diamond (bass) and Alejandro Castaño (drums). New York-based saxophonist and composer Stan Killian has recorded…

We are delighted to welcome the Jack Dunlevie Trio back to the Nocturne stage as they dig deep into a book of original works that are at once swinging and contemplative. Jack Dunlevie is a Denver-based pianist, mandolinist, vocalist, and composer. He graduated in 2015 from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver winning awards in composition and recital performance. Performing full time around Colorado and touring nationally he can be heard playing Jazz, Classical, Salsa, and Bluegrass…

Presented by the Colorado based "Dart Echo" (Matt Smiley - bass, Briana Harris - sax, Ben Parrish - guitar, Dru Heller - drums), this two night appearance explores the musical universe of The Talking Heads. Dart Echo was founded in 2015 and has performed compositions by Paul Motian, Nick Drake, David Bowie, 1960s classic jazz, as well as original music written by band members. With this crossover jazz project, the grooves of David Byrne's songs will stay intact while the harmony and…

“I Remember ‘Trane” - an evening of jazz emphasizing the music of John Coltrane from the 50s and 60s. Joe Lovano said if an alien came to earth and wanted to learn about jazz, he should listen to Coltrane ballads, which the band will include, along with a mix of classics from contemporaries to expand and contrast the music of that era.  Also included are selections from their new CD “After The Rain”. In addition to Harry Drabkin on saxophone,…

Celebrate the music of Carole King, one of the most prolific songwriters of the 20th century, reimagined in a jazz setting by saxophonist and bandleader Briana Harris. Sets will include vocal features and instrumental explorations of music from King's career, including well-known hits from her album Tapestry as well as deeper cuts from her catalog. Briana Harris is a musician, artist manager, and entrepreneur with a focus on empowering creatives to do their best work. A versatile creator and collaborator, Bri has…

Camilla Vaitaitis is a pianist, vocalist, and composer born and raised in Colorado. After completing her Master's degree in Jazz Composition at DU's Lamont School of Music in 2020, Vaitaitis delved into writing a large catalogue of original small group music. Excited to workshop these tunes, she called upon musicians she deeply admired & trusted and the Camilla Vaitaitis Quartet was born. This special quartet performs unique, compelling original jazz. Drawing from Vaitaitis' wide pool of influences ranging from indie music, to…

Joined by Seth Lewis on bass, and Dru Heller on drums, David Bernot performs a wide variety of music inspired by the chord-less trios of the jazz lineage. The trio will perform original works by David Bernot, as well as works from Sonny Rollins' Way Out West, Steve Grossman's Way Out East, and Joe Henderson's An Evening With Joe Henderson. David Bernot is jazz saxophonist based in Denver, Colorado. In 2022 David won the International Jazz Award for saxophone in Carinthia, Austria. He has performed with many prolific jazz artists including…

It's Valentine's Day and romance is alive and well at Nocturne - so come celebrate a proper night out on the town with us and let the sparks fly. For this special night, trumpeter/composer Gabriel Mervine takes the stage alongside singer/accordionist Alicia Jo Straka and their quintet format as they bring French and American songs of romance to the Nocturne stage. Gabriel Mervine is deeply rooted in the traditions of Jazz and Classical but is also a very active contributor…

Peter Sommer has contributed his energetic tenor playing and creative spirit to a wide variety of musical projects ranging from mainstream bebop to avant garde and beyond at venues across the nation and around the world. Although rooted in the great jazz tradition of his heroes Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman, he continues to search for the mystery in music-making and takes great joy in sharing the present moment with the listener. Peter Sommer is an…

Saturdays in January, The Tom Amend Quintet will be exploring the music of Duke Pearson and Tadd Dameron. These two great pianists and composers left behind a host of inspiring compositions that today’s improvisers are still exploring with great satisfaction. This series will be performed by a stellar collection of Denver-based jazz artists including Seth Lewis (bass), Daryl Gott (sax), Gabriel Mervine (trumpet), and Kevin Matthews (drums) Tom Amend is an organist, pianist, composer, and arranger from Denver, Colorado. Performing…

Seth Lewis has travelled the world performing and teaching. Seth has played on Broadway and Las Vegas shows and during his time in New York he played Smalls, Smoke, Dizzy’s Club Coca­-Cola, Cleopatra’s Needle and The Iridium. He has shared the stage with Mulgrew Miller, Louis Hayes, Eric Alexander, David Hazeltine, Jerry Dodgion, Randy Brecker, Sheila Jordan, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Greg Gisbert, Dave Liebman, Eric McPherson, Abraham Burton, Josh Evans, Dawn Clement, Alexis Cole, Benny Golson, Jeff Hamilton, Evan Sherman and…

Featuring Drew Morell on drums and Ron Jolly on piano, Paul Musso presents two special shows paying homage to the iconic Nat King Cole trio. Denver native Paul Musso is an active freelance guitarist and has performed in several diverse jazz, Latin, Gypsy, pop and classical ensembles including the Colorado Symphony, the Boulder Festival Orchestra and the Aspen Music Festival Orchestra. Paul has performed in venues throughout Europe, Mexico and the United States including the Roulette in Brooklyn, Ronnie Scott’s…

Nocturne is delighted to welcome drummer Jeff Hamilton, organist Akiko Tsuruga, and guitarist Steve Kovalcheck back to the stage for two very special nights of world-class jazz. Jeff Hamilton - influenced by his parent's big band records at a young age, was inspired to at age eight to begin playing drums to the records of the great Oscar Peterson. Today he is featured with some of the top names in jazz and pop on more than 200 recordings, 22 of…

Comprised of Tenia Nelson on piano, Brendan O' Donoghue on bass, and Andreas Schmid on drums. Spherio is a Denver-based modern jazz trio that honors the musical language and dialogue started by Thelonious Sphere Monk more than a half century ago. Thelonious Sphere Monk was an American pianist and composer who was among the first creators of modern jazz. He had great influence on the other musicians who later developed the bebop movement. For much of his career, Monk performed and…

Jazz saxophonist David Bernot returns to Nocturne to perform the classic 1973 Elvin Jones record, Live at the Lighthouse. This famous Blue Note release featured bassist Gene Perla, and two tenor saxophonists, Dave Liebman and Steve Grossman, who would all continue to have their own prolific careers. The performance will honor Elvin's iconic chordless ensemble, for an evening of highly engaging and energetic straight-ahead jazz. Joining Bernot on the bandstand will be Patrick McDevitt on bass, Taylor Clay on sax, drummer Dru Heller on drums (3/17 & 3/31)…

With the aim of disseminating their original music, this jazz trio was formed in its first iteration in Colombia (South America) in mid-2011.  The trio is pleased to perform original works alongsude modern arrangements of a well curated list of standards. The band is characterized by a powerful and aggressive sound that contrasts with its great lyricism at slow tempos. The Colombian pianist Adrián Herrera surprises with his great aesthetic and interpretative qualities and wonder filled songwriting. On this special…

This special show features Matt Smiley (bass), Ben Markley (piano), Dru Heller (drums) and special guest David Pope (sax). David Pope is an accomplished performer (in both jazz and classical circles) as well as a sought out composer and author. As an educator, he's served 20 years on the faculty at James Madison University and has given masterclasses across the US and abroad. In 2012, he was named Distinguished Teacher of the College of Visual & Performing Arts at JMU. An avid…

A collaboration between powerhouse musicians Marion Powers, Annie Booth, and Camilla Vaitaitis, Passiflora formed out of a mutual love for the wide, expressive world of Brazilian music. Joined by an acclaimed rhythm section of bassist Bijoux Barbosa and drummer Dru Heller, Passiflora presents a captivating book of beautiful music from the pens of Brazilian mainstays, lesser-known gems, and members of the group. Annie Booth is a versatile and award-winning composer, arranger, and jazz pianist. She has received national recognition for her work as a…

The Joe Anderies Quintet was formed from summer and fall yard concerts during 2020/21. From these sessions Joe pulled together a full on album project featuring the group and original compositions (influenced by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws and Lyle Mays). From hard driving swing to Latin and contemporary sounds, the Joe Anderies Quintet will deliver a joyful and revitalizing experience! Don’t miss out on this special night. Personnel includes: Gonzalo Teppa - bass, Alex Heffron - guitar, Eric Gunnison - piano, Joe…

Saturday nights in April, the Derek Banach Quintet (Eric Erhardt (tenor sax), Dave Hanson - piano, Andrew Rose - bass and Todd Reid - drums) will be performing two sets nightly inspired by the great Hank Mobley. From his early years as a sideman with the Jazz Messengers and Horace Silver to his later Blue-Note period, Mobley's well-loved compositions and contributions to the Hard-Bop lexicon are treasured by jazz musicians and music fans alike. Through their own voice, Derek's ever swinging quintet will pay…

By way of his work in 1950s and 1960's, the eternal Thelonious Monk established himself as one of the great composers of jazz music, crafting more than 70 other tuns full of whimsy, beauty, grit, & darkness.  Drummer Braxton Kahn & his quartet—Adam Gang (saxophone), Seth Lewis (bass) & Tom Amend (piano) are thrilled to present both faithful & fresh renditions of off-the-beaten path gems from the Thelonious Monk catalogue. Braxton Kahn was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado and has studied & performed with many of Colorado's finest…

Canada's incomparable vocal jazz jewel Emilie-Claire Barlow - leads her stellar band through innovative arrangements of American-Songbook treasures, rhythmic bossa novas and elegant ballads. She continues to endear herself to critics, peers and audiences worldwide with her relaxed, polished demeanor, her charming humor, and a voice of unforgettable beauty. These two special shows will feature favorites from her extensive repertoire as well as new arrangements from her forthcoming 13th album "Spark Bird". Emilie-Claire Barlow is a Canadian singer, arranger, record producer, and…

For just three performances (April 6th, 13th and 20th) Nocturne is delighted to host Dawn Clement in an intimate trio format with Seth Lewis (bass) and Dru Heller (drums). Dawn will explore the intersection of improvisation and contemporary pop, creating an aural landscape that is fluid, dreamlike, deeply engaging (and fun). Of the series Dawn says: "We are so excited to bring our music to this beautiful venue and we hope you’ll consider joining us for one of these special nights. Our joy will be palpable!" Dawn Clement is a pianist/vocalist/composer…

For this very special show, jazz vocalist Marion Powers and her quintet (Annie Booth - piano, Seth Lewis - bass, David Bernot - tenor) pay homage to the eternal Billie Holliday on what would have been Lady Day's 108th birthday. Marion Powers is an award-winning jazz vocalist with dynamic improvisation skills and a modern, but sensitive approach to songwriting/arranging. While heavily influenced by classic jazz singers like Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and Sarah Vaughan, her experiences performing with or being mentored by Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Marshall Gilkes, Johnaye…

Camilla Vaitaitis is a pianist, vocalist, and composer born and raised in Colorado. After completing her Master's degree in Jazz Composition at DU's Lamont School of Music in 2020, Vaitaitis delved into writing a large catalogue of original small group music. Excited to workshop these tunes, she called upon musicians she deeply admired & trusted and the Camilla Vaitaitis Quartet was born. This special quartet performs unique, compelling original jazz. Drawing from Vaitaitis' wide pool of influences ranging from indie music, to…

Jazz vocalist Marion Powers and her quintet (Annie Booth - piano, Seth Lewis - bass, David Bernot - tenor) pay homage to the eternal Billie Holliday. Marion Powers is an award-winning jazz vocalist with dynamic improvisation skills and a modern, but sensitive approach to songwriting/arranging. While heavily influenced by classic jazz singers like Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and Sarah Vaughan, her experiences performing with or being mentored by Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Marshall Gilkes, Johnaye Kendrick, and Melissa Aldana have been instrumental to her artistic development. Marion earned both…

Danielle Wertz is an award-winning New York based jazz vocalist, composer and arranger. An artist on the rise, she brilliantly weaves together elements of modern jazz, folk and the use of her voice as an instrumental texture to create an intimate and personal musical world. This special appearance at Nocturne celebrates the release of Danielle's new album, Other Side, due out March 10th, 2023 via Outside in Music. After being named a 2015 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition semi-finalist, Danielle independently released her…

We are excited to welcome the contemporary Afro-Caribbean and Latin Jazz sounds of Moderno back to the Nocturne stage for this special show. Moderno’s repertoire is anchored by a compelling book of original material, but also includes select Latin Jazz classics and works from contemporary masters, such as Miguel Zenon, Paquito D’Rivera and John Benitez. Moderno is a two time Nocturne artist in residency "alumni" and has become a crowd favorite over the last four years. Jeremy Wendelin - woodwinds, Derek Banach - trumpet, Peter Ellingson - piano, Jon Cullison -…

The Coração Brazilian Quartet is Bill Kopper on guitar, Bill McCrossen on bass, and Raoul Rossiter on drums/percussion and Victor Mestas Perez on piano. Each of the members have spent a lifetime performing and recording jazz, funk, pop, classical, and world music, but they are brought together through their strong passion for the music of Brazil. On this special night, Coração will explore an exciting collection of classic and modern compositions in all the styles of the music of Brazil including: Samba, Bossa Nova, Baio, partito alto, afoxe, and Chiro, etc. Many…

Nocturne presents Denver composer and pianist Eric Gunnison for a very special four show series. Eric is an internationally renowned jazz artist with links to numerous iconic artists, venues and cities throughout the country. For this special series Eric is presenting a collection of new original works, alongside a number of his older rearranged/repurposed originals. Eric Gunnison was raised in Buffalo, NY and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating with a BA in music composition in 1979. He lives in Denver where he…

For this special May series, Nocturne welcome's saxophonist Daryl Gott back to the stage as he explores the musical legacy of the great Paul Desmond. Paul will be joined by Alex Heffron (guitar), Seth Lewis (bass), Brian Claxton (drums).  Paul Desmond (1924-1977) was an American alto saxophonist with a highly melodic and lyrical style of improvisation and a most unique and warm tone, often described by himself as a “dry martini.”  Most widely known for his work with the Pianist Dave Brubeck’s Quartet and his hallmark composition Take Five,…

The Gabriel Mervine Quintet is a collection of prodigious, like minded artists who have traveled the world round, performing and sharing the jazz art form with thousands of people. For this special series, Gabe and company honor the legendary trumpeter and Blue Note icon Lee Morgan. Gabe will be joined on stage by Jack Dunlevie on piano, Adam Gang on tenor and a cavalcade of talented bassists and drummers including Seth Lewis, Patrick McDevitt, Paul Romaine, Dru Heller and Gabe Mangione. Bandleader Gabriel Mervine is deeply rooted in the traditions of Jazz and Classical and is an active contributor to the…

The Steve Langemo Quartet (Stefan Flores: Drums, Adam Ohlson: Piano, Andy Burtschi: Acoustic Bass) performs eclectic modern jazz drawing heavily on compositions by the bandleader as well as off-the-beaten-path tunes by jazz greats. The guitarist's original music ranges from traditional swing with modern harmonies to funkier and more ethereal compositions, all presented with musical interplay by an organic group made up of jazz guitar, acoustic bass, piano, and drums. Guitarist Steve Langemo is a versatile guitarist with a diverse background in jazz, funk, fusion, and…

We are delighted to welcome back the ever swinging and deeply musical Jack Dunlevie Trio to the Nocturne stage. For this special one night show, Jack will explore a broad range of straight ahead trio compositions with bandmates Braxton Kahn on drums and Hunter Roberts on bass. Jack Dunlevie is a Denver-based pianist, mandolinist, vocalist, and composer. He graduated in 2015 from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver winning awards in composition and recital performance. Performing full time around…

Close out the Friends of Chamber Music’s season in style! Join us at Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club on Tuesday, May 9th for a dinner and show experience featuring the Grammy-nominated Imani Winds. The quintet has led a revolution and evolution of wind music through their dynamic playing, imaginative collaborations and adventurous programming. The eclectic program which features music by: Paquito D’Rivera, Jason Moran, Billy Taylor and Astor Piazzolla, will be accompanied by a spring-inspired four course dinner crafted by Nocturne’s culinary…

An original Nocturne series honoring the prodigious art form of bebop returns for a five show run, Saturday nights in July. Curated and led by Colorado based saxophonist/arranger/composer Wil Swindler, this series is inspired by the iconic Royal Roost jazz club on New York's storied 52nd Street in the late 1940's where bebop was organically brought to life by musicians such as Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tadd Dameron, Fats Navarro, Miles Davis and Max Roach. Saturday Show Times: Set…

We are delighted to welcome Denver based jazz vocalist Louisa Amend back to the Nocturne stage for two special Mother's Day evening shows with her super swinging quintet. Louisa Amend is a vocalist and educator based out of Denver, Colorado. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2016 with a Bachelors of Music Education and was a member of a numerous premier ensembles (one earning a Downbeat Magazine best of award) and opera productions produced by the university. After teaching music in public…

Ben Markley is an accomplished pianist, band leader and composer/arranger, active throughout the Rocky Mountain front range and has performed with Brian Lynch, Greg Osby, Eddie Henderson, Terell Stafford, George Garzone, Bobby Shew and John Fedchock and many others. Markley's latest big band recording project Clockwise - The Music of Cedar Walton (OA2 records) earned a coveted four-star review by Downbeat Magazine in Spring of 2017.  Markley is three-time Nocturne artist in residency alum, and is featured on Nocturne's first ever…

The Vlad Girshevich returns to the Nocturne stage with Aleks Girshevich on drums and Bill McCrossen on bass to present an evening of hard driving straight ahead jazz  and original works in the classic trio format. Vlad Girshevich, started his formal music training at The Uspenski School of Music in Uzbekistan and spent 11 blistering years studying classical music there. When he started experimenting with jazz in the 11th grade, his instructors gave him a hard time for being too creative with “free” interpretations. Vlad and his…

This music represents Alex's connection to the tradition, lineage and continuation of the jazz art form. Amongst the many artists Alex looks to he looks to the works Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh and Ambrose Akimusire. The compositions for this project highlight the interplay between the Tenor and Alto saxophones, displaying them beautifully over a lush but reserved trio of Guitar, Bass, and Drums. The group features Remy LeBoeuf, Taylor Clay, Hunter Roberts and Dru Heller who all approach the work with incredible honesty. Based…

Beginning as a pandemic project, Bobby Wiens, Seth Lewis, and Spencer Zweifel developed a chemistry through outdoor jam sessions. Their shared love of hard bop deep and classic soul music manifested in the creation of an eclectic and exciting repertoire. From hard-swinging blues and bebop to lyrical ballads and grooving soul, Wiens, Lewis and Zweifel deliver a compelling and joyful musical experience. After working together for over a year, the trio brought their songbook into the studio, producing the hard-swinging debut 'Let's Call This.'…

We are delighted to welcome back the ever swinging and deeply musical Jack Dunlevie Trio to the Nocturne stage. For this special one night show, Jack will explore a broad range of straight ahead trio compositions with bandmates Braxton Kahn on drums and Hunter Roberts on bass. Jack Dunlevie is a Denver-based pianist, mandolinist, vocalist, and composer. He graduated in 2015 from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver winning awards in composition and recital performance. Performing full time around…

The Bud Powell Project came together in an effort to honor the music and legacy of one of jazz music’s finest pianists.  Bud Powell studied with Thelonius Monk and went on to record and perform with the leading players of the bebop era, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach and more.  He embraced all of the elements that bebop brought to the jazz world of the 1940’s and ‘50’s: complex melody, expanded harmonic language and an edgy rhythmic…

Peter Sommer and Greg Harris present a saxophone/vibraphone front line on Saturdays in June backed by Steve Denny (piano) Michael Rinko (bass) and Dru Heller (drums). Featuring bebop classics from Thelonious Monk, Benny Golson, Charlie Parker, Tadd Dameron, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Wayne Shorter, and many more. Peter Sommer has contributed his energetic tenor playing and creative spirit to a wide variety of musical projects ranging from mainstream bebop to avant garde and beyond at venues across the nation and around the world. Although rooted in the great jazz tradition…

Sunday nights in June, we are delighted to host the Seth Lewis Quintet as they perform select works of the The Police. Led by bassist/composer Seth Lewis, this dynamic quintet of top shelf musicians (Dave Devine - Guitar, Gabriel Mervine - Trumpet, Brian Claxton - drums, Tom Amend - piano) have an incredible chemistry and are each master improvisors in their own right. Seth Lewis has travelled the world performing and teaching. Seth has played on Broadway and Las Vegas shows and during his time in New…

The Thursday nights in June, The Steve Kovalcheck Quartet will explore the various sides of the jazz canon ranging from bop to blues to the Great American Songbook. This group continues the tradition of blending joyful swing with dynamic interplay, creating an exciting musical narrative. They draw influence from some of the great guitar/tenor combinations in jazz while maintaining a personal approach to the music. The group features Steve Kovalcheck (guitar), Peter Sommer (tenor sax), Dru Heller (drums), and Patrick McDevitt (bass). Jazz guitarist/composer Steve…

For this special show, Nocturne welcomes back to the stage the entertaining and musically eclectic Adam Bodine. Adam is a renowned Colorado pianist that will be leading a collection of Denver's finest jazz artists in exploring the works of the great hardbop pianist Horace Silver.  Adam’s repertoire is constantly shapeshifting and playfully intermingles a broad range of styles, sounds, feels, and moods.  Undeniable is Bodine’s natural musicality and joy of playing, which paired with his lovely sense of humor, always shines…

Zach Rich returns to Nocturne to lead a series that pays homage to the iconic composer/trumpeter, Roy Hargrove. Roy Hargrove established an early reputation for being a versatile trumpeter and composer, recording and producing music from several idioms of Black American Music including straight ahead Jazz, Hard Bop, Post Bop, Hip Hop, and RnB. This series serves to present Mr. Hargrove's music in a sequential manner, beginning with straight ahead Jazz and Hard Bop and ending with material from the RH Factor.…

The Bailey Hinkley Grogan Quintet returns to Nocturne this summer to debut a compelling collection of works that honors female music visionaries of the 20th and 21st century. A few artists of focus include Dorothy Ashby, Clora Bryant, Carole King and Emmy Lou Harris. With special guest Briana Harris, Grogan and her band will highlight the amazing female composers of the modern era through the language of the jazz art form. The lineup for this special evening is: Briana Harris (sax), Tim Wendel (guitar), Matt…

Friends and bandmates for over nearly four decades Mark Diamond, Paul Romaine, and Andy Weyl consistently inspire audiences with their spirited arrangements of Swing, Latin, Hard-bop, Blues, and standard repertoire. Big Swing is a three time Nocturne Artist in Residency alum and we are tremendously excited to welcome "The Trio" back to the Nocturne stage! BASS: Mark Diamond's hard-grooving acoustic bass sound was birthed in the New York area, where he learned to play many musical styles. In 1980 he moved to Colorado with the…

A few special nights per year, our team creates and presents an original five course dinner experience that explores the aesthetics of iconic albums and artists through flavor, texture, and emotion. Renditions Dinners include interactive chats and in depth course explanations by Chef Partner Dustin Beckner, the musicians on stage, and Nocturne co-owners Scott & Nicole Mattson. In the weeks leading up to the Renditions Dinner chef Dustin and Scott dive deep into the selected music, using various melodies, themes, lyrics and related stories to inspire…

Jonathan Powell - trumpet, flugelhorn, Drew Zaremba - tenor saxophone, Adam Ohlson - piano, Dominic Sbrega - bass, Alejandro Castano - drums Originally from Largo, Florida, trumpet player Jonathan Powell moved to New York City in 2001. In 2003 he earned praise for his participation in Sam Rivers Fluid Motion. The same year he formed the group Nu Sangha and released “Transcend”. The band's newest release “Beacons of Light” earned a four star review in Down Beat. In 2021, Jonathan…

Inspired by her love for comedy, vocalist Jenna McLean and her band have thoughtfully curated a set of music dedicated to the fun, playful and humorous attitude so often found in the jazz tradition. The band will perform some of Jenna’s original music and venture into the clever works of Bob Dorough, Nancy Wilson, Betty Carter, Ida Cox, Lambert Hendricks and Ross, and more. Over the course of July, Jenna will be joined by a collection of special guests including Briana Harris, Wil…

Nocturne is delighted welcome back to the stage singer Heidi Schmidt and saxophonist Wil Swindler. This intrepid frontline will be joined by a top shelf rhythm section, to perform select standards that feature Heidi's sublime vocal interpretations and Wil's virtuosic alto playing. Heidi Schmidt sings from the depths of her being. She launched her professional singing career in Eastern Europe, refined it touring throughout Western Europe, and produced three albums while living in Romania. Now back in hometown Denver, Heidi has won numerous awards…

David Mesquitic is a pianist and educator committed to the intergenerational transfer of the love, history, and traditions of jazz. This performance includes his originals, arrangements, and special interpretations on jazz standards and American Songbook selections ranging from the ragtime, stride, bebop, post bop, and contemporary jazz. The performance includes Domi Edson on bass and drummer Bobby Wiens. Mesquitic is currently finishing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies at the University of Texas at Austin where he was recently awarded the 2022-2023 Eleanor Alexander…

Taylor Clay and his quartet return to the Nocturne stage Friday nights in July to pay homage to the iconic John Coltrane will be brought to life by an excellent collection of forward thinking Denver jazz artists including: Jack Dunlevie on piano, Mark Simon on bass and Braxton Kahn on drums. Taylor Clay was born in Brooklyn, NY and began his musical journeys at the age of 13 and went on to study at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. After completing his degree in Music…

In July, acclaimed guitarist and composer Matt Fuller returns to the Nocturne stage with his trio (Patrick McDevitt on bass and Dru Heller on drums) to explore his unique original compositions as well as select standards. As an artist, Matt seeks to create an experience that invites listeners on a journey of both the familiar and the unknown. His melodies are often easily sing-able, yet he finds joy in the moments of contrast, spontaneity and interplay. From straight ahead jazz and modern jazz to pop, old school…

In this series Matt Smiley and his intrepid trio (Ben Markley - piano and Dru Heller - drums) explore and investigate the works and honor the musical legacy of modern jazz icon, Charlie Haden. We are so very delighted to host Matt and share this great music with Denver. An avid explorer of jazz history and recordings, Dr. Matt Smiley has performed both nationally and internationally, including the Montreux, North Sea, and Montreal Jazz Festivals. Matt has a Bachelor's degree in Music Industry with a…

Guitarist Paul Musso returns to the Nocturne stage for a special evening featuring Drew Morell on bass, Justin Adams on piano and Kevin Mathews on drums. Paul will be performing original works, reworked jazz standards and more. Paul Musso, is a veteran music educator and freelance guitarist who has performed throughout the US with many ensembles including the Colorado Symphony, the Boulder Festival Orchestra, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Westcliff Jazz Festival. In addition to Paul's performance career he is also a committed educator, teaching at CU Denver for 34…

The Tenia Nelson Trio (TNT) is a special collection of like minded jazz musicians lead by Denver pianist Tenia Nelson. These two sets will feature a number of classic R&B tunes re-imagined through the jazz lens. Tenia Nelson - Piano, Brendan O' Donoghue - Bass, Alex Tripp - Drums Tenia Nelson is a Denver based pianist, percussionist and jazz educator. Tenia received her Bachelors of Music Education Degree from Metro State University of Denver in 2004 and a Masters of Music…

For this special show, Nocturne welcomes back to the stage the entertaining and musically eclectic Adam Bodine. Adam is a renowned Colorado pianist that will be leading a top shelf trio in performing Adam's diverse catalogue of original works.  Adam’s repertoire is constantly shapeshifting and playfully intermingles a broad range of styles, sounds, feels, and moods.  Undeniable is Bodine’s natural musicality and joy of playing, which paired with his lovely sense of humor, always shines on stage and treats audiences to…

Saxophonist Allison Young makes her Nocturne debut paying tribute to the great baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan with her quartet (Kate Williams - trumpet, Domi Edson - bass, and Bobby Wiens - drums). The Allison Young Quartet captures the essence of the west coast/cool jazz chordless quartet popularized by Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, and will be playing a lively mix of Mulligan hits and lesser known compositions. Allison Young is a Colorado based woodwind artist who performs as a bandleader and side-person…

Harold Summey (drums), Eric Gunnison (piano), Seth Lewis (bass) Hailing from Virginia, Harold Summey, has been a drummer/percussionist for over thirty years and has shared the stage with Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Buck Hill, Harold Mabern, Eric Alexander, Gunther Schuller, Wynton Marsalis, Geri Allen, Pat Metheny, Whitney Houston, James Moody, John Hicks, David "Fathead" Newman, Don Braden, Brian Lynch, Walt Weiskopf, Terrell Stafford, Nick Brignola, Ray Charles, Patti Austin, Aaron Neville, Bobby Watson, and Frank Sinatra, Jr. In 1992, Mr. Summey was the first prize winner…

The Gabriel Mervine Quartet is a collection of prodigious, like minded artists who have traveled the world round, performing and sharing the jazz art form with thousands of people. This year the band celebrated their seventh album release earlier this year, to celebrate this achievement they will be performing works from all seven albums, which include Gabriel's compositions as well as original works by bassist Patrick McDevitt and pianist Eric Gunnison. This collection of original music, fortified by a handful of standards will draw from…

Ben Markley is an accomplished pianist, band leader and composer/arranger, active throughout the Rocky Mountain front range and has performed with Brian Lynch, Greg Osby, Eddie Henderson, Terell Stafford, George Garzone, Bobby Shew and John Fedchock and many others. Markley's latest big band recording project Clockwise - The Music of Cedar Walton (OA2 records) earned a coveted four-star review by Downbeat Magazine in Spring of 2017.  Markley has performed a number of Nocturne artist in residencies, and and one of his…

The Adam Gang Quintet will explore the beautiful music recorded on the legendary ECM record label. Two of the main figures to be explored are saxophonist Jan Garbarek and pianist Keith Jarrett, who collaborated together on numerous recordings as part of Keith Jarrett’s European Quartet. Garbarek was also greatly influenced by folk music and even recorded an album of folk songs on the ECM label in the early 80’s. Following in this spirit, the quintet is excited to explore this folk influence…

Curated by bassist Seth Lewis, this series features a collection of Denver's finest performing the deeply grooving works of New Orleans' most famous funk band, The Meters. This project is explores and focuses on material from the early releases of the Meters. These deep instrumental funk grooves are reinterpreted faithfully by the band, but provide ample room for the ensemble to stretch out musically. The lineup: Dave Devine - guitar, Tom Amend - Organ, Seth Lewis - bass, BK Khan -…

Trumpeter Derek Banach returns to the Nocturne stage to explore classic and straight ahead works from the 60's to the present. Composers include Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Mulgrew Miller as well as original works by Derek. For this special night, Derek will be joined by Jeremy Wendelin (sax), Tom Amend (piano), Andrew Rose (bass) and Todd Reid (drums). Colorado native Derek Banach has performed professionally for 30 years in a variety of settings from Jazz…

Friday evenings in September the Ben Markley Quintet is presenting a wide range of Ben's original works for jazz quintet. Ben's works are filled with groove, tangible joy and expression. The very special quintet playing these tunes, Wil Swindler (sax), Steve Kovalcheck (guitar), Domi Edson (bass), and Andy Wheelock (drums) is a likeminded cadre of veteran, world-class jazz artists. In month two of this residency, this quintet project will be recorded live at Nocturne. Ben Markley is an accomplished pianist, band leader and composer/arranger, active…

Trumpeter Derek Banach returns to the Nocturne stage to explore classic and straight ahead works from the 60's to the present. Composers include Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Mulgrew Miller as well as original works by Derek. Colorado native Derek Banach has performed professionally for 30 years in a variety of settings from Jazz to Hip-Hop, Salsa, Classical, and Reggae. His roots are firmly set in the Hard-Bop stylings of 60's period icons such as…

Taylor Roberts (guitar), Stu MacAskie (piano), Drew Morell (bass), Todd Reid (drums) Taylor Roberts’ favorite guitar album is “Smokin’ at the Half Note” by Wes Montgomery and the Wynton Kelly Trio, which explains his love for playing with a piano trio. The performance will include selections from this iconic album, along with other standards that have become iconic works within the jazz canon. Taylor Roberts’ professional career is well into its third decade, spanning a wide a range of influences and…

Thursday nights in September, we honor jazz icon Shirley Horn. One of America's all time great musical artists, Horn was a true original. She was a storyteller with a sensitive edge who presented lyrics through an improvisational and lyrical lens unmatched by any other. This special series dives into her musical legacy and will feature renowned Denver vocalist MaryLynn Gillaspie, pianist Eric Gunnison, trumpeter Gabriel Mervine, bassist Gonzalo Teppa and drummer/co-host of the series, Andreas Schmid. Thursday Show Times: Set One: 6:30 - 7:45pm Set Two: 8:45 - 10:00pm Important Notes…

A collaboration between powerhouse musicians Marion Powers, Annie Booth, and Camilla Vaitaitis, PASSIFLORA formed out of a mutual love for the wide, expressive world of Brazilian music. Joined by an acclaimed rhythm section, PASSIFLORA presents a captivating book of beautiful music from the pens of Brazilian mainstays, lesser known gems, and members of the group. Annie Booth is a versatile and award-winning composer, arranger, and jazz pianist. She has received national recognition for her work as a composer/arranger with awards and grants from the…

Sunday nights in September the Tom Amend Trio (Matt Smiley on bass and Dru Heller on drums) explores the works of Carla Bley, Paul Bley, Steve Swallow and their close contemporaries. Along with their incredible virtuosity, this world-class trio creates musical moments of great depth and impact - this three show series is not to be missed! Tom Amend is an organist, pianist, composer, and arranger from Denver, Colorado. Performing and recording throughout the Rocky Mountain region in various settings as both a…

Inspired by the artworks of Piet Mondrian, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Carl Holt and others, The Taylor Clay Quartet employs the jazz art form to explore the ideas of these artists and the musical works that have been created in reaction to them. Works by artists such as  brought to life by an excellent collection of forward thinking Denver jazz artists including: Jack Dunlevie on piano, Seth Lewis on bass and Braxton Kahn on drums. Taylor Clay was born in Brooklyn, NY and began his musical journeys at the age of 13 and went…