This fantastic series, curated by Colorado jazz drummer Brian Claxton first premiered at Nocturne in Fall of 2018 and was a crowd favorite. Eight years later, we are delighted to welcome this incredible band back to the stage as they explore the hard bop legacy of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.

Personnel: Jared Cathey - Saxophone, Gabriel Mervine - Trumpet, Tom Amend - Piano, Seth Lewis - Bass, Brian Claxton - Drums 

Art Blakey was among the most influential and dynamic musicians in jazz history. A rhythmic mastermind, he also had an incredible knack for discovering, recruiting, and mentoring the finest young musicians in the country. As a bandleader, Blakey and the Jazz Messengers fused genres and harnessed the musical ideas of the youngest generation of players, changing the sonic landscape of American music and making mainstream modern jazz the indelible music it is today.

Dr. Brian Claxton has been listening to music and playing drums his entire life. His first love was the swinging beat of Earl Palmer on Bobby Day's 'Rockin' Robin.'  Thirty years later, Claxton has performed all over the world with musicians he grew up listening to, most notably Monty Alexander and his Harlem Kingston Express. Claxton's joyful, kind, and humble spirit manifests itself into his musical approach, particularly as an accompanist. He is a master of groove and feeling, which was what he fell in love with thirty years ago. 

A resident of Greeley Colorado, Claxton performs frequently throughout the Rocky Mountain Region and is also the bassist and contributor for the popular soul/funk band The Burroughs. Dr. Claxton is also a committed music educator and works as a teacher and clinician throughout Colorado and the United States.

Sunday Show Times:

Set One: 5:30 - 6:45pm | Set Two: 7:30 - 8:45pm

Reservation Information:

Main level and mezzanine tables are reserved for Dinner and a Show Reservations and include our seasonal three course menu and the cost of music

Reserved Bar Seats are $29 per guest and include music. Bar seat guests can order from our entire dinner menu as well as our wine & craft cocktail list.

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The 'Ellington Experience' is the ultimate night out at Nocturne, featuring a five course tasting menu with wine pairings, served at just two tables per set in our favorite nook of the main level under the curve of the grand art deco staircase.

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