About Dazzle

History

  • Founded: Dazzle opened in 1997 at 930 Lincoln Street, marking the beginning of its 28-year legacy in Denver’s jazz scene.
  • Relocation: In 2017, the club moved to the Baur’s Building at 1512 Curtis Street.
  • Current venue: In August 2023, Dazzle relocated to its third and current home at 1080 14th Street, within the Denver Performing Arts Complex. This move was hailed as the realization of its ideal location.

Venue and Facilities

At its present site, Dazzle is comprised of three interconnected spaces that cater to different audience experiences:

  • Main Listening Room: Seats approximately 140 guests, expandable to 240 when including the adjoining Bar and Piano Lounge. Live performances here typically require tickets, with food and drink service available before and during shows  .
  • Bar and ‘Pec Lounge: These areas offer casual access—no tickets required—where guests can enjoy food, beverages, and ambient music without direct stage views. These spaces are ideal for pre- or post-show visits, or for enjoying a quieter musical experience in our El Chapultepec (‘Pec) Lounge after the show.

Programming and Community Engagement

  • Musical diversity: While rooted in jazz, Dazzle regularly showcases blues, R&B, and Latin genres, featuring a mix of national touring talents and Colorado’s vibrant local scene. They make sure young artists; artists of color and under-represented talents are featured.
  • Special Series & Events:
    • Sunday Brunch: A signature offering combining all-inclusive brunch service with live music by rotating local artists such as Adam Bodine, Bailey Hinkley Grogan, and Alex Trujillo Bossa Duo.
    • Large Ensemble Series: A large-ensemble jazz series offering a Major Mondays stamp-card loyalty program where if you attend 4 shows the fifth performance is free. Features traditional Big Bands, Contemporary Jazz Orchestras, Gospel Choirs and more.
    • Kids’ Matinees: Saturdays at Noon, a wide variety of kid-centric shows including The Playmakers: Interactive Storytelling, Various Musicians and Young performers.
    • Friday Lunches: 1st Friday of the Month Jazz with Purnell Steen & the Five Points Ambassadors, 2nd Friday of the Month is Throwback Friday: Music, Trivia and Comedy featuring your favorite icons of the past. The 3rd, 4th and possibly 5th Fridays feature various musical artists.
    • Late Night music in our El Chapultepec (’Pec) Lounge – As a tribute to the legacy of famed Jazz Club, El Chapultepec. We offer free weekend late-night jazz sets in homage to the once beloved Denver venue.
  • Philanthropy: Through its “Non-Profit of the Month” initiative, Dazzle raises funds by facilitating donations at ticket purchase. One example includes support for NAMI Colorado during Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • Collaborations & Hospitality: Notable partnerships include:

 

    • The Dazzle & Delight jazz-themed package with The Curtis Hotel, offering discounted parking, a dessert at Dazzle, 20% off show tickets, and late checkout privileges for guests.
    • “Dinner & A Show” with the Four Seasons’ Edge Restaurant, allowing patrons to enjoy a prix fixe meal followed by a performance at Dazzle.
    • A Staycation Package with The Renaissance Hotel Downtown. Corporate Room Rate, 2 Premium Banquette seats for a Dazzle performance for $20 each. (Local shows only), Valet Parking for 1 vehicle, 2 Complimentary drinks at their Teller Bar per stay, Dog-friendly Hotel (for a small cleaning deposit)

Recognition

  • Regularly listed as one of the 100 best Jazz Clubs in the World by Downbeat Magazine
  • Legacy status: Dazzle is recognized as a Denver Legacy Business, a municipal designation honoring the city’s long-standing independent establishments that contribute to community identity and cultural vitality.

Westword honored Dazzle again in 2024, and they received three esteemed “Best of Denver” honors:

  • Best Jazz Club
  • Best Blues Club (Reader’s Choice) for the third consecutive year
  • Best Late-Night Jazz

 

Cultural Impact & Reception

Dazzle is frequently celebrated by locals and visitors as one of Denver’s premiere jazz venues. On Reddit, one enthusiast summed it up:

“Best venue in town. I’ve seen some of the best players in the world there … They bring class talent and have a great community and environment!” 

    Producing unique musical experiences, Dazzle provides the stages upon which artists share their craft, reflecting the beautiful diversity that Colorado has to offer. The roots lie in jazz, but expands to other genres, with a variety of national and international touring acts spicing up the calendar. Located on the southwest corner of 14th & Arapahoe with the entrance on 14th.