Upcoming Appearances
Blue Eyes, Bing and Bublé featuring Matt Brooker
The CJRO small band and vocalist Matt Brooker celebrate the greatest crooners of all time with favorites including “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Georgia,” and more
Wine & Jazz with Nelson Rangell
Nelson Rangell (Saxophone), featuring Alejandro Castaño (Drums), Victor Mestas (Piano), and Bijoux Barbosa (Bass).
Hard Bop Halloween with the Matt Smiley Quartet
Celebrate All Hallows Eve in swinging style with the Matt Smiley Quartet (Peter Sommer on saxophone, Steve Denny on piano and Alejandro Castaño on drums) - as they perform two sets of hard bop with a Halloween twist.
CU Presents: Thompson Latin Jazz Ensemble Fall 2026 Concert
The Thompson Latin Jazz Ensemble studies music from the Caribbean and South America and its integration and ties with jazz. Led by Alejandro Castaño and Victor Mestas, traditional and contemporary forms of Latin music are surveyed, including Afro-jazz, Afro-Cuban, danzón, salsa, calypso and cha-cha-chá—as well as Brazilian forms, such as samba and baião.
CJRO Presents: Miles of Miles
Miles of Miles featuring Shane Endsley & Hannah Rodriguez on vocals
A Centennial Celebration honoring jazz legend Miles Davis.
Nelson Rangell at Dazzle
Nelson Rangell (Saxophone) featuring Alejandro Castaño (Drums), Victor Mestas (Piano), and Bijoux Barbosa (Bass). Two sets at 6:00 and 8:30 pm
CJRO Presents: Miles of Miles
Miles Davis - A Genius through Time with Hannah Rodriguez and trumpeter Shane Endsley
In 2026, the jazz world celebrates the 100th birthday of Miles Davis, a musician who helped define nearly every era of modern jazz. For almost fifty years, Davis remained at the center of the music’s evolution, moving from one groundbreaking style to the next.
Jonathan Powell Quintet plays Chet Baker
Trumpet virtuoso Jonathan Powell brings his quintet to Nocturne Saturday nights in November to celebrate the timeless music and evocative sounds of the legendary Chet Baker.
Powell's exquisite quintet (Matt Horanzy - Guitar, Dave Hanson - Piano, Matt Smiley - Bass, Alejandro Castaño - Drums) will explore Baker’s celebrated repertoire, from intimate ballads and lyrical standards to the sophisticated, understated swing that helped define the West Coast cool-jazz tradition. The performances offer a fresh perspective on Baker’s repertoire through the voice of a trumpeter whose own career bridges straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, salsa, funk, and contemporary music.
Join Powell and his quintet for four Saturdays of beautiful melodies, swinging rhythms, and a heartfelt celebration of Chet Baker’s enduring musical legacy.
Horizon Jazz Festival: Adjudicator
Alejandro Castaño will be adjudicating the 2026 Horizon Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Powell Quintet plays Chet Baker
Trumpet virtuoso Jonathan Powell brings his quintet to Nocturne Saturday nights in November to celebrate the timeless music and evocative sounds of the legendary Chet Baker.
Powell's exquisite quintet (Matt Horanzy - Guitar, Dave Hanson - Piano, Matt Smiley - Bass, Alejandro Castaño - Drums) will explore Baker’s celebrated repertoire, from intimate ballads and lyrical standards to the sophisticated, understated swing that helped define the West Coast cool-jazz tradition. The performances offer a fresh perspective on Baker’s repertoire through the voice of a trumpeter whose own career bridges straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, salsa, funk, and contemporary music.
Join Powell and his quintet for four Saturdays of beautiful melodies, swinging rhythms, and a heartfelt celebration of Chet Baker’s enduring musical legacy.
Kings of Latin Jazz: Tito Puente Jr. & Nestor Torres Together
Two sets at 6:00 and 8:30 pm
Two powerhouse artists come together for an electrifying evening of Latin jazz. Grammy-winning flautist Nestor Torres and the dynamic Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra share the stage for a high-energy performance that blends tradition with innovation.
Kings of Latin Jazz: Tito Puente Jr. & Nestor Torres Together
Two sets at 6:00 and 8:30 pm
Two powerhouse artists come together for an electrifying evening of Latin jazz. Grammy-winning flautist Nestor Torres and the dynamic Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra share the stage for a high-energy performance that blends tradition with innovation
Jonathan Powell Quintet plays Chet Baker
Trumpet virtuoso Jonathan Powell brings his quintet to Nocturne Saturday nights in November to celebrate the timeless music and evocative sounds of the legendary Chet Baker.
Powell's exquisite quintet (Matt Horanzy - Guitar, Dave Hanson - Piano, Matt Smiley - Bass, Alejandro Castaño - Drums) will explore Baker’s celebrated repertoire, from intimate ballads and lyrical standards to the sophisticated, understated swing that helped define the West Coast cool-jazz tradition. The performances offer a fresh perspective on Baker’s repertoire through the voice of a trumpeter whose own career bridges straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, salsa, funk, and contemporary music.
Join Powell and his quintet for four Saturdays of beautiful melodies, swinging rhythms, and a heartfelt celebration of Chet Baker’s enduring musical legacy.
Miles Davis: The Sound of a Century with Trumpeter Shane Endsley
Miles Davis: The Sound of a Century with Trumpeter Shane Endsley
The CJRO small band celebrates the 100th birthday of Miles Davis, tracing his influence across modern jazz—from bebop and cool jazz to hard bop and fusion. Trumpeter Shane Endsley is the featured artist.
CJRO Presents: Swingin' the Holidays
Celebrate the season with Swingin' the Holidays, featuring vocalist Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield and the CJRO Trio. This family-friendly concert blends Motown holiday favorites with classic jazz for a warm and lively December evening. Tatiana will be joined by Drew Zaremba (Saxophone), Mike Abbott (Guitar), and Alejandro Castaño (Drums).
Denver Jazz Fest: The Azar Lawrence Quartet “Culminating Coltrane”
Two sets at 6:00 and 8:30 pm.
“Culminating Coltrane” closes out the centennial year of Coltrane's birth with Saxophonist Azar Lawrence returning to the source — the music of his mentor's mentors — filtered through everything he's learned in the fifty years since. It's a rare chance to hear that lineage carried forward by someone who lived it.
Personnel:
Azar Lawrence: saxophones
Eric Gunnison: piano
Seth Lewis: bass
Alejandro Castaño: drums
Annie Booth Trio: Charlie Brown Christmas
Various showtimes | Annie Booth’s 13th Annual Charlie Brown Christmas Shows | Dazzle Denver
Acclaimed pianist and bandleader Annie Booth and her longtime bandmates bassist Patrick McDevitt and drummer Alejandro Castaño celebrate the 13th year of their popular Denver holiday tradition - a live performance of songs from the classic Charlie Brown Christmas. Celebrate Guaraldi's timeless soundtrack along with the Annie Booth Trio’s dynamic take on Christmas favorites during this special and unforgettable holiday show. Many Denver families have made this show a part of their holiday traditions - it's family-friendly and open to all ages!
Alejandro Castaño Presenting at JEN Conference
Demystifying Latin Jazz: A practical guide to teaching Latin jazz.
Presented by Alejandro Castańo and Victor Mestas at JEN: Jazz Education Network Conference.
“Latin Jazz” is widely used but often misunderstood. This session gives music educators a clear, practical approach to teaching its rhythms and styles. Explore Afro-Cuban and Brazilian roots as they merge with jazz. Topics include clave, tumbao, rhythm section roles, grooves, and ensemble strategies for stylistic authenticity. Learn specific patterns for piano, bass, drums, percussion, and guitar. Live demos reinforce concepts and offer classroom-ready tools. Educators will gain a deeper understanding of Latin Jazz and how to teach it in an authentic, accessible way to students of all levels.
The Three Tenors: Trane, Rollins, and Getz
Join the CJRO big band and vocalist Hannah Rodriguez for a high-powered night celebrating three tenor sax legends: John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Stan Getz.
CJRO Sunday Sessions: The Beatles Songbook with Annie Booth & Marion Powers
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Quintet presents The Beatles Songbook—an intimate evening of Beatles classics reimagined through the lens of jazz. Led by internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Annie Booth, with vocals by the dynamic Marion Powers, the program brings fresh creativity to these timeless songs. Experience Mother Nature’s Son with a cool train beat, Let It Be as a soulful gospel waltz, and George Harrison’s Something transformed with a vibrant samba groove. Don’t miss this unforgettable night where the genius of the Beatles meets the expressive power of jazz, brought to life through Booth’s inspired interpretations.
Annie Booth (Bandleader & Piano)
Marion Powers (Vocal)
Patrick McDevitt (Double Bass)
Alejandro Castaño (Drums & Percussion)
The Beatles Songbook with Annie Booth & featuring Marion Powers on vocals
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents The Beatles Songbook—an intimate evening of Beatles classics reimagined through the lens of jazz. Led by internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Annie Booth, with vocals by the dynamic Marion Powers, the program brings fresh creativity to these timeless songs. Experience Mother Nature’s Son with a cool train beat, Let It Be as a soulful gospel waltz, and George Harrison’s Something transformed with a vibrant samba groove. Don’t miss this unforgettable night where the genius of the Beatles meets the expressive power of jazz, brought to life through Booth’s inspired interpretations.
The Beatles Songbook with Annie Booth featuring Marion Powers
The CJRO small band presents The Beatles Songbook—an intimate evening of Beatles classics reimagined through the lens of jazz. Led by internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Annie Booth, with vocals by the dynamic Marion Powers, the program brings fresh creativity to these timeless songs. Experience Mother Nature’s Son with a cool train beat, Let It Be as a soulful gospel waltz, and George Harrison’s Something transformed with a vibrant samba groove. Don’t miss this unforgettable night where the genius of the Beatles meets the expressive power of jazz, brought to life through Booth’s inspired interpretations.
Nothin’ but Swing with Marion Powers
Get ready for an electrifying night of rhythm, style, and swing with Nothin’ but Swing — a high-energy celebration of big band jazz! This concert delivers powerful brass, driving rhythms, and dazzling solos that bring the spirit of swing to life.
With bold arrangements and irresistible grooves, the program showcases the signature sound that made jazz music a sensation. From up-tempo classics to smooth, sultry numbers, every moment is packed with energy, precision, and pure musical flair.
Nothin’ but Swing is a vibrant tribute to one of America’s most iconic musical movements — bold, brassy, and guaranteed to leave you smiling from the first downbeat to the final chord.
The Beatles Songbook with Annie Booth Featuring Marion Powers
Join the CJRO small band for an intimate evening of Beatles classics reimagined through the lens of jazz. Led by internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Annie Booth, with vocals by the dynamic Marion Powers, the program brings fresh creativity to the timeless songs of the Fab Four. Experience Mother Nature’s Son with a cool train beat, Let It Be as a soulful gospel waltz, and George Harrison’s Something transformed with a vibrant samba groove. Don’t miss this unforgettable night where the genius of the Beatles meets the expressive power of jazz, brought to life through Booth’s inspired interpretations.
Nelson Rangell at Dazzle
Nelson Rangell (Saxophone) featuring Alejandro Castaño (Drums), Victor Mestas (Piano), and Bijoux Barbosa (Bass).
Tony DeSare + Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
Tony DeSare + Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
Miles Ahead: Miles Davis and John Coltrane
The CJRO Big Band returns to Dazzle to perform a concert featuring the music of two centennial jazz legends, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Miles and Trane recorded extensively together, and this concert will feature music from their work in the 50's, most notably Kind of Blue, Milestones, and other albums by the Miles Davis Quintet. The evening will also feature a four-way tenor battle on Trane's "Impressions"!
The CJRO is proud to be the exclusive Cultural Sponsor for the 2026 Denver Jazz Fest. Go to https://denverjazz.org/ to learn more.
Alejandro Castaño Presenting at CMEA Conference
Demystifying Latin Jazz: A practical guide to teaching Latin jazz.
Presented by Alejandro Castańo and Victor Mestas at the Colorado Music Educators Association Conference. Latin Jazz is widely used but often misunderstood. This session gives music educators a clear, practical approach to teaching its rhythms and styles. Explore Afro-Cuban and Brazilian roots as they merge with jazz. Topics include clave, tumbao, rhythm section roles, grooves, and ensemble strategies for stylistic authenticity. Learn specific patterns for piano, bass, drums, percussion, and guitar. Live demos reinforce concepts and offer classroom-ready tools. Educators will gain a deeper understanding of Latin Jazz and how to teach it in an authentic, accessible way to students of all levels.
Wonderbound’s Decadent Desires: Music Preview
The CJRO is honored to collaborate with Wonderbound on their spring production, “Decadent Desires.” This original Garrett Ammon creation plunges audiences into a world of lavish temptation and audacious encounters of the Roaring Twenties.
“Decadent Desires” features CJRO musicians performing music written by Artistic Director Drew Zaremba, who reimagines the music of George Gershwin and other celebrated composers of the era.
The CJRO is delighted to offer this special concert, giving audiences the opportunity to hear the music ahead of Wonderbound’s production of “Decadent Desires.”
Cultural Caravan Concert Series With Victor Mestas
Victor Mestas brings something new every time he plays with the Cultural Caravan, and this time is no different. Joined by longtime friends Rafael Greco and Gustavo Caruci—who, after so many years, are like Victor's brothers—he presents a program that tests the limit of genre and technique.
Walter Gorra Trio
Walter Gorra is an award-winning pianist, composer, and arranger based in the New York/New Jersey metro area. He has performed at various jazz festivals and clubs throughout North and Central America, including the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival.
Gonzalo Teppa
Gonzalo Teppa is a Venezuelan bassist and composer renowned for his work in Latin jazz. He has previously presented projects like "Gonzalo Teppa, Origins," which showcases original compositions inspired by Latin American roots, including Venezuelan, Brazilian, Argentinian, and Afro-Cuban influences.
Alejandro Castaño Afro-Cuban Group
The Alejandro Castaño Afro-Cuban Quartet draws directly from the vibrant traditions of Cuban music, presenting a rich tapestry of rhythm, melody, and improvisation. Led by Castaño’s expert percussion work, the quartet’s intricate interplay and complex polyrhythms capture the true essence of Afro-Cuban jazz. With passion, precision, and deep cultural resonance, this ensemble creates an immersive musical experience that brings the spirit of Afro-Latin soundscapes to life.
Jack Dunlevie Quartet
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Jack Dunlevie Quintet will perform "The Jack Dunlevie Songbook" at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club in Denver. The ensemble features Jack Dunlevie on piano, Daryl Gott on alto saxophone, Adam Gang on tenor saxophone, Seth Lewis on bass, and Alejandro Castaño on drums. They will present a curated series of original compositions inspired by legendary American Songbook composers such as Jimmy Van Heusen, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, and Jerome Kern.
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
The music of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan will receive royal treatment when Tatiana Lady Mayfield joins the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) to honor these iconic singers. Tatiana is one of the country’s top rising star vocalists with a refreshing and beautiful voice. She brings soul, passion, and humor to the stage and may even cook up something new on the spot! A musician, composer, and educator from Fort Worth, LadyMay has performed in venues and festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has earned rave reviews and numerous honors, including second place in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Music Competition and a Next Jazz Legacy Award...