Our acoustically designed room in the heart of Denver plays host to live jazz nightly (Wednesday through Sunday). Check the calendar below for set times as they may vary. Nocturne’s distinctive Artist in Residency programming is at the core of our line up. Most artists who perform at Nocturne engage in a four- to eight-week run that focuses on the exploration of a musical icon, the study of a jazz genre, or the exhibition of an Artist's own original work. This old-school approach to programming combines the unique opportunity to hone one’s craft with regular stage time, while also establishing an elevated rapport with Denver music fans. Nocturne is proud to be the only venue in Colorado that features jazz exclusively, and we are also pleased to feature national touring artists on special occasions.
ABOUT LIVE MUSIC AT NOCTURNE:
Reservations are strongly recommended for either music set. By reserving your seat for dinner and a show you can enjoy the live music along with a three course menu by our talented culinary team. You can make a reservation on-line or via phone @ 303.295.3333.
Supporting the musicians practicing their craft on our stage is important to us - your prepaid dinner reservation includes the artist fees that support fair pay to our music community. You can support in other ways such as purchasing music online, physical CD's or sending Venmo tips to your favorite artists. The music community is strong but still working to rebound from a lot of cancelled gigs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your support of their craft will keep this art form alive.
Saturdays in July, we invite you to join us for two sets of vintage and funk and groovy boogaloos with Alejandro Castaño (drums), Ben Markley (piano), Patrick McDevitt (bass) and Alex Heffron (guitar).
Alejandro Castaño is an active performer and educator in the United States and abroad. Castaño’s performance and recording credits include: Ron Miles, Eric Gunnison, Greg Gisbert, Peter Sommer, Steve Turre, Benny Bannack III, Gabriel Mervine and many others. He received his Bachelors in Jazz Studies from Metropolitan University of Denver in 2015. He is an educator at Denver School of the Arts, teaching percussion and Jazz. Castaño is the Director of Education for the Gift of Jazz as well as an educator for the Colorado Conservatory of the Jazz Arts.
Important Notes:
During this time of limited indoor capacity, floor seats are only available by reservation as we are limited to 50 seats per show/seating.
Inspired by the music of Herbie Hancock, Alejandro Castaño has put together an amazing group of musicians to explore all of his favorite compositions. Every Saturday in February, you can hear Alejandro Castaño (drums), Tom Amend (piano), Patrick McDevitt (bass), and Steve Kovalcheck (guitar) playing the vast collection of Herbie Hancock’s music. These nights are guaranteed to be funky, fresh, and swingin!
Alejandro Castaño is an active performer and educator in the United States and abroad. Castaño’s performance and recording credits include: Ron Miles, Eric Gunnison, Greg Gisbert, Peter Sommer, Steve Turre, Benny Bannack III, Gabriel Mervine and many others. He received his Bachelors in Jazz Studies from Metropolitan University of Denver in 2015. He is an educator at Denver School of the Arts, teaching percussion and Jazz. Castaño is the Director of Education for the Gift of Jazz as well as an educator for the Colorado Conservatory of the Jazz Arts.
Pianist/Vocalist/Composer Dawn Clement expands into contemporary pop with her project Tempest, a melodic narrative that tenderly reflects on themes such as passages, struggle, redemption and love. Ethereal vocals, delicate tension and elegant harmonies create a dreamy intimacy and the lyrics, with references to nature, color and light, evoke a sense of spacious optimism.
“Ahmad Jamal playing duets with Blossom Dearie, except they’re in modern-day Brooklyn having drinks with Dirty Projectors and Sufjan Stevens” - Charlie Smith (Studio Nels/Nels Hotel)
Dawn Clement - piano and vocals, Dave Devine - guitar, Seth Lewis - bass, Dru Heller - drums, Tania Katz - background vocals and electronics
Pianist/Vocalist/Composer Dawn Clement has established herself as one of the most sought after musicians working today. With her joyful presence, consummate technique and distinctive sound, Clement has gained the attention and respect of musicians, critics and fans through the US and abroad. “In all this world of jazz, there are very few individual voices, no matter what the instrument, but Dawn has come up with a voice that’s unique…” says legendary jazz trombonist Julian Priester. With 5 CD’s under her belt, not to mention appearing as side woman on Jane Ira Bloom’s latest release “Wild Lines” and Emi Meyer’s “Monochrome”, Dawn has been hailed as the “Wonder Woman of Seattle” by Paul DeBarros (Seattle Times). Downbeat says “The revelation is Dawn Clement’s piano, always ready with the lyricism or structure the moment needs. With her newest release, Tandem, she explores the magic of musical pairs with some of her closest musical cohorts. Dawn has recently re-located from the Pacific Northwest to Denver, Colorado to take on the new role of Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of the Jazz and American Music Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Cornish College of the Arts and a Masters of Fine Arts in Music Composition from Vermont College of the Arts. When she is not playing, composing, touring, or teaching, Clement lives in Denver with her husband and three children, Noah, Elvin, and Adele.
Greg Gisbert and Gabriel Mervine - Trumpets, Dawn Clement - Piano, Patrick McDevitt - Bass, Harold Summey - Drums
A New Jersey native, Gabriel began his professional playing career at the age of thirteen years old. He went to the Colorado University at Boulder for Jazz Studies, but after one year decided to dedicate his time to becoming a working trumpet player by continuing his studies privately with people such as Bobby Shew, Roger Ingram, Greg Gisbert and others.
Since then, Gabriel has performed with people such as Natalie Cole, the Motet, Christian McBride,Terence Blanchard, Russell Malone, Maceo Parker, Steve Lippia, John McNeil, Convergence, Roberta Gambarini, and Houston Person while also building a freelance career playing everything from Mariachi to Mahler. Despite a rigorous schedule of local and national performance dates, Gabriel has released six acclaimed albums since 2015 and has established himself as one of the most important players in the Colorado scene (and beyond).
With a huge range, personal tone and dazzling technique, Denver based Trumpeter Greg Gisbert is considered by many to be the modern-day Clark Terry. A graduate of the Berklee School of Music, Greg has spent his musical life playing with stars of the jazz world (Maria Schneider, Buddy Rich, Gary Burton, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Woody Herman Band, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Ken Peplowski to name but a few) and is considered to be one of the finest active jazz trumpet players in the world today.
Important Notes:
During this time of limited indoor capacity, floor seats are only available by reservation.
Alternative Rock Classics reimagined through the language and lens of the jazz idiom. Special guests Peter Sommer and Shane Endlsey will be on hand throughout different nights of this series.
Performer, Composer, Educator Jean-Luc Davis is an active performer in the Colorado music scene. In addition to leading his own ensemble, Jean-Luc plays with Gypsy Swing Revue, Tom Gershwin Quintet, Adam Bodine Trio, Andy Hackbarth Band, Jesse Manley Band, Jayme Stone and the Other side of the Air, the John Kite Quartet, and regularly accompanies Wonderbound. Additionally, Jean-Luc has performed with Ron Miles, Shane Endsley, Peter Sommer, 9th and Lincoln Orchestra, Art Lande, Greg Harris, the Aakash Mittal Quartet, Carmen Sandim Sextet, the Matt Fuller Group.
Jean-Luc Davis - Double Bass Jack Dunlevie - Piano Kevin Matthews - Drums
Alternative Rock Classics reimagined through the language and lens of the jazz idiom. Special guests Peter Sommer and Shane Endlsey will be on hand throughout different nights of this series.
Performer, Composer, Educator Jean-Luc Davis is an active performer in the Colorado music scene. In addition to leading his own ensemble, Jean-Luc plays with Gypsy Swing Revue, Tom Gershwin Quintet, Adam Bodine Trio, Andy Hackbarth Band, Jesse Manley Band, Jayme Stone and the Other side of the Air, the John Kite Quartet, and regularly accompanies Wonderbound. Additionally, Jean-Luc has performed with Ron Miles, Shane Endsley, Peter Sommer, 9th and Lincoln Orchestra, Art Lande, Greg Harris, the Aakash Mittal Quartet, Carmen Sandim Sextet, the Matt Fuller Group.
Jean-Luc Davis - Double Bass Jack Dunlevie - Piano Kevin Matthews - Drums
Special Guests:
Peter Sommer May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1, 22
Shane Endsley June 8, 15, 22, 29
$5 per guest Artist Fee Applies for this night of music. Reservations recommended!
In the second volume of this concept, Jean-Luc Davis takes us back to the 90's and beyond with a well curated selection of alternative rock classics reimagined through the jazz and improvisatory lens. Jean-Luc Davis - Double Bass Jack Dunlevie - Piano, Matt Fuller - Guitar, Kevin Matthews - Drums.
Performer, Composer, Educator Jean-Luc Davis is an active performer in the Colorado music scene. In addition to leading his own ensemble, Jean-Luc plays with Gypsy Swing Revue, Tom Gershwin Quintet, Adam Bodine Trio, Andy Hackbarth Band, Jesse Manley Band, Jayme Stone and the Other side of the Air, the John Kite Quartet, and regularly accompanies Wonderbound. Additionally, Jean-Luc has performed with Ron Miles, Shane Endsley, Peter Sommer, 9th and Lincoln Orchestra, Art Lande, Greg Harris, the Aakash Mittal Quartet, Carmen Sandim Sextet, the Matt Fuller Group.
Important Notes:
During this time of limited indoor capacity, floor seats are only available by reservation as we are limited to 45 socially distanced seats per show/seating.
Jeff Jenkins began his musical life in pastoral Nebraska City, Nebr. and came to the piano through the guidance of his musical family, and quickly found that "playing by ear" proved to be perfect escape from an all too predictable small town reality. As a jazz pianist, Jeff has worked with a number of jazz legends including: Phil Woods, Freddie Hubbard, David Fathead Newman, Marlena Shaw, Eddie Harris, Richie Cole, Dakota Staton, Bobby Hutcherson, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, John Abercrombie, and Clark Terry. He is a talented band leader in his own right leading both straight ahead ensembles and "The Organization" a powerhouse B3 trio that plays often at Nocturne and other venues in Denver.
Todd Reid on Drums and Ken Walker on Bass
Important Notes:
During this time of limited indoor capacity, floor seats are only available by reservation as we are limited to 50 seats per show/seating.
We are excited to welcome the contemporary Afro-Caribbean and Latin Jazz sounds of Modernoback 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 - bass, Manuel Lopez - drums
Bandleader and saxophonist Jeremy Wendelin is a versatile musician who brings passion and artistry to every performance. Jeremy has performed in a range of musical situations from street corner to club to concert hall — from solo saxophone to symphony orchestra. As a teacher, he works with woodwind sections at several Denver-area schools and maintains a small studio of private students. In addition to Moderno, Jeremy regularly leads his jazz quartet at clubs, concerts, and events throughout Colorado.
Friday Show Times:
Set One: 6:30 - 7:45pm
Set Two: 9:00 - 10:30pm
Important Notes and Reservation Information:
- Due to high demand, we encourage guests to book well in advance on Friday and Saturday evenings
- Floor seats are reserved for Dinner and a Show Reservations (Music and Three Course Included)
- Reserved Bar Seats are $29 per guest and include music. Bar guests can order from our entire dinner menu as well as our wine & cocktail list.
- If availability permits, we do allow walk-in guests. Walk-in guests will have a charge of $30 per person applied to their check on Fridays and Saturdays
- We respectfully request that guests limit their visits to one set only at this time
Neil Hemphill is a Chicago based jazz drummer. Originally from Colorado Springs, CO he began playing drums at the age of 16 where he studied under Henrique De Almeida. After graduating from Fort Lewis College with a bachelors in Music Performance, Neil moved do Denver where he performed, toured and recorded with Jeff Jenkins, Greg Harris, Kenny Walker and many others. In 2015 Neil moved to Chicago where he has had the opportunity to play, record and tour with Bobby Broom, Richard Johnson, Sharel Cassity, Dennis Carroll, Geof Bradfield, Black Diamond, Greg Ward and many others. Neil is currently completing his Masters degree in Jazz Performance at Depaul University where he is studying under Dana Hall.
Saxophonist and composer Daryl Gott was born and raised in Denver. He graduated from Denver School of the arts and continued his formal music education at the City College of New York where he studied with saxophonist Jon Gordon. In 2011, Daryl moved back to Denver and began working as a freelance musician. Since then, he has become a staple of the Denver jazz scene. He has played with notable musicians such as Greg Gisbert, Paa Kow, Jason Rigby and Jonathan Blake among others. Daryl recently received a Masters degree in jazz saxophone at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Nocturne is a modern jazz and supper club that celebrates Denver's rich jazz heritage through the art of hospitality, and the idea that the combination of good food, music, and cocktails is greater the sum of its parts. We welcome an audience where jazz fans mingle with RiNo's local artists and Denver's movers and shakers. We encourage you to drop in for a casual bite or make reservations for the perfect date. J
Our Menu Shares the Stage
More than just jazz and a proper cocktail, Nocturne explores how the arts of food and music can be combined.
Please join us for dinner, drinks, and music by making a reservation at www.nocturnejazz.com/reservations. The bar area is open for those just stopping by for a beverage or the chance to catch a song or two. We look forward to serving you soon.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are available for purchase during our operating hours.
Ring the New Year in with a little swank at Nocturne's 3rd Annual New Year's Gala. Sip craft cocktails and Champagne while you enjoy delicious plates and take in the sounds of Royal Roost Revival -a bebop jazz quintet. With two seatings to choose from, you can get your big night started at Nocturne or make us your final New Year's destination and join our count down into 2018. General Admission Bar Seating gets you "a la carte" access to the party, while Reserved Table Seating tickets include a special welcome craft cocktail, and a four course dinner crafted especially for New Year's Eve by Chef Greg Weadick and the award winning Nocturne culinary team. Reserved table pricing reflects the cost of purchasing of the entire table and includes a service/gratuity fee of $15 per person. Tables cannot be split and must be purchased in whole. One of our most popular nights of the year, we recommend reserving very early!
Royal Roost Revival
Wil Swindler & John Gunther - Saxophones, Ben Markley- Piano, Seth Lewis - Bass, Paul Romaine - Drums
Reserved Table Pricing:
Reserved table pricing reflects the cost of purchasing of the entire table and includes a service/gratuity fee of $15 per person. Tables cannot be split and must be purchased in whole.
Early Seating - 2 person Reserved Tables : (SOLD OUT)
Early Seating - 4 person Reserved Tables : (SOLD OUT)
Early Seating - 6 person Reserved Tables :(SOLD OUT)
General Admission / Bar Seating: Early Seating - $55 per guest (SOLD OUT)
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Late Seating - 2 person Reserved Tables : (SOLD OUT)
Late Seating - 4 person Reserved Tables : (SOLD OUT)
Late Seating - 6 person Reserved Tables : (SOLD OUT)
General Admission / Bar Seating: Late Seating - (SOLD OUT)
All guests must be over 21 years of age & must have an ID.
Paying homage to such masters as Jimmy Smith, Larry Young, Wes Montgomery, Dr, Lonnie Smith, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, and John Abercrombie this five week January series features thoughtful and fresh takes on the iconic Organ Trios of the past.
Paul Mullikin: Marimba, Joey Glassman: Vibes, Kevin Matthews: Drums, Andrew Rose: Bass
Building on the foundation laid by great jazz vibes players like Milt Jackson and Gary Burton, The Mullikin/Glassman Quartet adds another percussive element- the mellow, rich-timbre of the Marimba. Along with Andrew Rose, bass, and Kevin Matthews, drums, the group will explore jazz history, from ragtime to contemporary, as well as original compositions and arrangements. This evening of mallet madness will surely be intriguing, exciting, and unique.
Important Notes:
During this time of limited indoor capacity, floor seats are only available by reservation as we are limited to 50 seats per show/seating.
Paul Musso presents a two set show paying homage to Nat King Cole's iconic 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 in London, the Tijuana Cultural Center, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Westcliff Jazz Festival. As a jazz educator Paul has been on staff at CU Denver for 27 years, where he is currently associate professor and area head of Music Performance in the Music and Entertainment Industry Studies Department at the University of Colorado Denver.
Peter Sommer: saxophone, Greg Gisbert: trumpet, Eric Gunnison: piano, Patrick McDevitt: bass, Alejandro Castano: drums
Going way deeper than Maiden Voyage and The Sidewinder, Peter Sommer and his quintet present lesser known gems from the classic Blue Note label catalog of the 1950s and 1960s.
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 Associate Professor of Jazz Studies and Saxophone at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. At CSU, Mr. Sommer directs Jazz Ensemble I and coordinates the Jazz Studies area. Peter is a D'Addario endorsed Woodwinds Artist.
- For bar and walk-in guests, a music fee of $19 per guest applies to this show
To accommodate high demand and help our staff maintain a properly sanitized premises, we respectfully request that guests limit their visit to one set only at this time.
Sunday Show Times: Set One: 6:30-7:45pm | Set Two: 8:45-10:00pm
Wednesdays in January Nocturne is proud to present the Samuel Williams Quintet (Gabe Mervine - trumpet, Peter Stoltzman - piano, Mark Simon - bass, Dru Heller - drums) playing the works of jazz icon Wayne Shorter.
Samuel Williams is a saxophonist and music educator, currently residing in Boulder, Colorado. Experienced in a variety of music styles, Sam performs regularly in jazz venues and concert halls in Colorado and beyond. In addition to freelancing as a bandleader and sideman, Sam is a member of the H2 Big Band, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, and Adam Bartczak's Democracy. Sam's debut album as bandleader and composer Turn the Moon was released in early 2017, and he has also recently recorded albums with The Ben Markley Big Band, Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, Tom Gershwin Quintet, The Democracy, and Gabriel Mervine. This is Sam's third artist in residency as a bandleader at Nocturne.
Wednesday 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 Kovalcheck holds a B.M. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a M.M. From the University of Northern Colorado, where he currently teaches jazz improvisation, jazz history, directs jazz ensembles and leads the jazz guitar ensemble. His professional experience includes recording and touring with Columbia recording artist Robinella and the C.C. String Band. Kovalcheck has performed with artists including Victor Krauss, The “New York Voices,” The Colorado Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Symphony, The Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Coffin, Tommy Sims, Blue Note Recording Artist Carrie Rodriguez, The Dana Landry Quartet, and many more.
Thursday Show Times:
Set One: 6:30 - 7:45pm
Set Two: 8:45 - 10:00pm
Important Notes and Reservation Information:
- Floor seats are reserved for Dinner and a Show Reservations (Music & Three Course Dinner Included)
- Reserved Bar Seats are $19 per guest and include music. Bar guests have access to the entire dinner menu as well as our wine & cocktail list.
- We hold aside 4 to 6 bar seats per set for first-come first-serve walk-in guests. Walk-in guests will have a music charge of $20 per person applied to their check on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
We respectfully request that guests limit their visits to one set only at this time
Wednesday 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 Kovalcheck holds a B.M. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a M.M. From the University of Northern Colorado, where he currently teaches jazz improvisation, jazz history, directs jazz ensembles and leads the jazz guitar ensemble. His professional experience includes recording and touring with Columbia recording artist Robinella and the C.C. String Band. Kovalcheck has performed with artists including Victor Krauss, The “New York Voices,” The Colorado Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Symphony, The Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Coffin, Tommy Sims, Blue Note Recording Artist Carrie Rodriguez, The Dana Landry Quartet, and many more.
Thursday Show Times:
Set One: 6:30 - 7:45pm
Set Two: 8:45 - 10:00pm
Important Notes and Reservation Information:
- Floor seats are reserved for Dinner and a Show Reservations (Music & Three Course Dinner Included)
- Reserved Bar Seats are $19 per guest and include music. Bar guests have access to the entire dinner menu as well as our wine & cocktail list.
- We hold aside 4 to 6 bar seats per set for first-come first-serve walk-in guests. Walk-in guests will have a music charge of $20 per person applied to their check on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
We respectfully request that guests limit their visits to one set only at this time
