Niwot Jazz Festival 2024: A journey through jazz

The Niwot Jazz Festival, held on June 22 in Cottonwood Square, once again brought a symphony of sounds and community spirit to the Niwot community. As the third iteration of this beloved event, the festival showcased a remarkable lineup of talented musicians, drawing in jazz enthusiasts from as near as local areas and as far away as North Carolina. With an estimated 300 to 400 attendees, the festival reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Niwot's cultural calendar.

The festival kicked off with the Dexter Payne Quintet, whose enchanting Brazilian choro rhythms filled the air. Despite a brief rainstorm that had the crowd clumped under trees for cover, the band played on, their resilience matching the festival's spirit. The cloud coverage, comfortable temperature, and occasional light sprinkle provided the perfect backdrop for the music, setting a relaxing tone for the day.

Following the Quintet, West Coast tenor saxophonist Brian Levy took the stage, delivering a soul-stirring tribute to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Levy's performance, accompanied by the talented Greg Gisbert, transported the audience through the golden era of jazz, celebrating the legacy of one of the genre's greats.

Up next was headliner, Dominique Eade, the Boston-based vocal virtuoso, who played with the Keith Waters Trio. The Trio consists of Niwot-local and event organizer Keith Waters on piano, Mark Simon on bass, and Paul Romaine on drums. Eade's mesmerizing voice, coupled with the Trio's impeccable musicianship, created an incredible evening.

After starting with a series of originals, Eade captivated the audience with other songs including "You Fascinate Me So" by Cy Coleman, and "Strollin" by Horace Silver, to which she had penned lyrics. A special highlight was Billy Joel's "Zanzibar," which Eade learned specifically for this gig. The set concluded with her piece "Open Letter," leaving the audience in awe and hoping for more.

After her performance, Eade expressed her fondness for Niwot. "It's so sweet. Everyone is so friendly," she remarked, sharing anecdotes about the community's hospitality from getting her dress hemmed at the Sew Fresh Studio to buying a necklace from Niwot Jewelry & Gifts. Eade also praised the audience, noting their attentiveness and kindness, which enhanced the performance experience.

The festival's finale was a salsa dance party with Quemando Salsa. Attendees of all ages turned Cottonwood Square into a dance floor for the last part of the night. The lively atmosphere emphasized the festival's ability to feature different forms of jazz and bring people together through the universal language of music.

The Niwot Jazz Festival would not have been possible without the support of the community and local businesses. Gene Hayworth, one of the festival's founders and organizers, reflected on the event's success, highlighting the positive impact on local commerce. Hayworth's own store, Inkberry Books, "did really good business," he said. Other Cottonwood Square businesses that took advantage of the influx of people included the WiNot Coffee Company, The Garden Gate Cafe, Raza Fresa, the Niwot Tavern, the Niwot Market, and Fly Away Home Decor & Gifts.

The stage and sound system were managed by Mountain West Production Group. Hayworth said, "A lot of people commented on how incredible the sound was." He also noted that the Boulder Piano Gallery donated the use of the grand piano that Waters played on all night which was critical to the festival's sound.

Volunteers from the Niwot Community Association and other locals played a crucial role in the event's smooth operation, handling everything from parking logistics to managing the information desk and waste management.

As the festival wrapped up, attendees and organizers alike were left with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for next year. While Hayworth noted the need for a period of decompression before planning the next festival, the hope to continue the tradition was clear.

Hayworth also reflected on how the festival has evolved since its inception in 2021. Changes such as allowing dogs and focusing more on local businesses selling alcohol and food, rather than having a beer truck or food trucks, have made the event more accessible and family-friendly.

The Niwot Jazz Festival was brought to jazz enthusiasts by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association with funding by the Niwot Local Improvement District. It was sponsored by Pathways to Jazz, Porchfront Homes, Deborah Read Fowler Realtor, Inkberry Books, Fly Away Home Decor & Gifts, Boulder Piano Gallery, Warren, Carlson, & Moore, LLP, The Wheel House, and the Niwot Inn & Spa.