Denver Jazz and Blues Festival

[Lois Gilbert]

There's been considerable hoopla surrounding the A-list celebrities who might materialize in Denver for this week's Democratic National Convention. Who knows where you might spot Oprah, George Clooney or even former Denver resident Don Cheadle, who's slated to star as Miles Davis in an upcoming biopic?

But jazz and blues aficionados should be on the lookout for some of their favorites, too, including Colorado's multiple-Grammy winner Dianne Reeves, New Orleans' Irma Thomas and Tab Benoit, and even exemplary singer-songwriter Randy Newman, whose acerbic, long-awaited new "Harps and Angels" CD owes a musical debt to his New Orleans birthplace. And chances are if you see a man about town who resembles Herbie Hancock, it may very well be Herbie Hancock.

But the primary location to see and hear numerous famous artists perform in the next several days is in the Five Points community, where the After Five Denver Jazz and Blues Festival 2008 is taking place. Between now and Wednesday, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream, Hugh Masekela, Poncho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, the Blackbyrds and Jeffrey Osborne are scheduled to play on three stages, and thousands of Coloradans and conventioneers are expected to attend.

"We thought, let's hold a series of concerts to reignite the spirit of the '20s through the '50s, like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald," says Tamara Banks, the media spokesperson for the event, referring to jazz legends who once entertained in the neighborhood. "We're sort of reinvigorating the vibe that was here during the Five Points heyday."

Five Points was a vibrant center for African-American culture more than half a century ago, and a place in the Rocky Mountain West where artists could get a reliable gig and a place to stay.

"Five Points became the jazz mecca of the West," Banks adds. "People had to stay here because of segregation."

Unlike numerous private, delegate-only parties scheduled this week, the festival is open to anyone (21 and over) willing to pay to get in. And Banks believes that those attending the convention from across the United States will appreciate the diversity of music, but locals are in for a memorable experience, as well.

"For neighbors from Aurora and Lakewood, they'll get something positive and exciting," Banks says.

And what if Barack Obama or former President Clinton, both on the record as jazz admirers, show up? Will they get comped at the gate?

"I would give both of them a guest pass," Banks says. "And some lemonade."

Denver Jazz and Blues Festival, with public performances through Wednesday and private events Thursday and Friday. Tickets are $59-119 per day. Go to denverjazzfestival 2008.com.