Saturday, February 25, 2023
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Cervantes’ Other Side, 2637 Welton St
4 to 6 p.m.: Goed Zuur, 2801 Welton St
4 to 6 p.m.: the Lydian, 2590 Welton St

Explore the history of music in Five Points and its connection to legendary Jazz musicians and performers at three locations. Cervantes’ will host a classic jazz dance class, a youth showcase of jazz-swing dances, and live jazz by Taryn Newborne and The Real Deal. Goed Zuur will offer live jazz by Jeremy Mohney; the Lydian will have live jazz by Danette Hollowell and The Old Souls.

“Harlem of the West”

Located just north of Downtown Denver, Five Points was home to more than 90 percent of Denver’s African American population by 1920. Growth, development, transportation routes and segregation influenced the early demographics of Five Points. While blatant segregation was against the law in Colorado, many white-owned businesses throughout the city did not adhere to that standard. It was widely understood that Black people would not be served at many establishments which meant Black musicians could not stay in the neighborhoods and hotels where they performed, so they gravitated to Five Points and would play additional shows there.

With the rise of touring musicians throughout the country and Black entertainers key among those, venues and hotels in Five Points started to pop up. Many of these establishments were located on Welton Street which was referred to as the “Welton Strip.”

“Live jazz music in Five Points started early and within unexpected venues like the Rice and Rice Confectionery and Ice Cream Parlor. Located at 2735 Welton, the ice cream parlor was one of the first businesses to hold live music, including the local Williams Jazz Orchestra which played every Sunday night.”

The Rossonian at 2642 Welton St, was the most notable venue on the strip. Built in 1912, it originally opened as the Baxter Hotel. In 1929, the hotel name changed to The Rossonian, when it was sold to Albert Henderson Wade Ross. This was an upscale hotel with a sleek jazz lounge where many prominent musicians performed. Some of the most notable being Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, George Shearing, and Dinah Washington. Beginning in 1929 and for many years after, The Rossonian was one of the most important jazz clubs between St. Louis and Los Angeles.

Today, historic Five Points’ creativity and energy live on in a perfect union of old and new. We are proud to have our office space in the heart of the historic Welton Jazz Corridor of Five Points. Stop by and say hello, we’ll grab a cocktail at Welton Room or a coffee at Queen City Collective. Do you want to join us in this awesome location? Space is available so reach out for details!