It seems like as long as New Orleans has been around, it’s been a cultural hub. And one of its most impactful exports is jazz — legends like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and the Marsalis family all hail from the city.
To celebrate the immortal music that comes from the Crescent City, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) Sextet presents “A Night in New Orleans” with Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield in two special performances. The first is at 3 p.m. at Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, and the second is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Parsons Theatre, 1 E. Memorial Parkway in Northglenn.
“New Orleans is the place where jazz took root,” said Mayfield, a vocalist who has been making a name for herself all over the country. “For this show, we’re embracing the city as a melting pot of music. It’s going to have different vibes throughout — funk, classics and original works written to fit in with the theme.”
The CJRO Sextet features bandleader Jared Cathey (saxophone/reeds), Shane Endsley (trumpet/horns), Adam Bartczak (trombone), Tom Amend (piano), Eric Hitt (bass) and Dru Heller (drums). It’s led by artistic director Drew Zaremba.
“We’re not only doing music written in New Orleans, but also music written about New Orleans or associated with the city,” he said. “There will be a lot of music folks know and recognize and some they’ll learn about. We want to remind people that jazz is more than historical — it’s a current, living art form.”
Zaremba and Mayfield went to the same college and she was featured on the CJRO’s fourth album, “Golden Lady.” In addition to her vocal work, she’s a musician, composer and educator who is currently the Assistant Professor of Contemporary Popular Music at Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. Mayfield said she’s built up a sincere rapport with her fellow musicians and thoroughly enjoys performing with them.
“Everybody on stage is bringing 100 percent to the music and every time I’m on stage, it’s like I’m playing with friends and family,” Mayfield said. “The CJRO is one of my favorite bands to play with.”
For Zaremba, all the CJRO’s performances are a chance to connect with audience members and remind them of the power of jazz as a dynamic music genre. And he hopes listeners will connect with the musical vibrancy of New Orleans.
“I hope audiences listen and dig in in a way they maybe haven’t before,” he said. “It’s a chance to really get into the tradition of this beautiful music and I hope people leave with big smiles from the great time they had.”
Information and tickets are available at www.coloradojazz.org/concerts.
CSO Scores The Infinity Saga at Boettcher
Marvel Studios’ execution of The Infinity Saga is one of the crowning cinematic achievements of this century, and the music for each film and character add to the unifying experience of seeing everyone join together at the story’s end. The Colorado Symphony is hosting a celebration of the music and films with its Infinity Saga Concert Experience.
Conducted by Christopher Dragon and held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. in Denver, the concert covers 23 films in one massive experience, with scenes from the films shown on screens. It’s an opportunity to catch up with some of your favorite super heroes and recreate that same rush you had in the theater.
Assemble your tickets at www.coloradosymphony.org.
Parker Welcomes the Year of the Snake
The Town of Parker is joining with numerous organizations, including the Dragon Boat Festival, Denver Chinese School and Douglas County School District, to celebrate the Year of the Snake with its 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration.
Held at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, the event will feature culturally-rich performances and activities, all designed to provide enjoyment and understanding. Attendees can sample mini classes, live entertainment and much more.
Information and reservations are available at https://parkerarts.org/event/lunar-new-year/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — David Gray at the Buell Theatre
The music made by British singer/songwriter David Gray is perfect for this mid-to-late winter time we find ourselves mired in. His blend of acoustic songwriting and electronica touches create just the right kind of tunes to wrap yourself in. His latest album, “Dear Life,” continues his streak of enchanting and experimental releases.
In support of the album, Gray will be performing at the Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18. It’s the perfect meeting of artist and venue, as I’m certain his lovely music will sound great in the theater.
Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.