A Night of Music & Impact

On April 24, 🎷 Jazz in Bloom transformed Denver’s legendary Dazzle venue into a celebration of music, community, and student achievement.

The evening brought together families, educators, artists, and supporters for a powerful reminder of why 🎶 music education matters.

From the students who bravely took the stage, to the generosity that fully funded a year of programming for an entire school — ⭐ the impact was extraordinary.

The Auction Is Open!

🎷 Jazz in Bloom was more than a concert — it was a night of courage, creativity, and connection.

Our students performed with heart, professional musicians brought the stage to life, and the entire room pulsed with purpose and joy.

🎥 Watch the video to experience the energy, emotion, and extraordinary impact of this unforgettable evening.

🖼️ Photos featured in this video by Broly Ostberg.

Event Supporters

❤️ We’re deeply grateful to the generous sponsors who made Jazz in Bloom possible:

Barnes Construction, La Nouvelle Fine Cleaners, Parsons Capital Management, Marilyn Kal-Hagan/Compass, Zaidy’s Deli & Bakery, and Anderson Financial.

🍺 A special thank you to Full Frame Beer, a vibrant new independent craft brewery in downtown Denver, for generously providing beer for the evening.

Meet the Artists

This special evening celebrated the joy and impact of music education, featuring Louisa Amend and The Industrial Strength Trio (Eric Gunnison, Paul Romaine, and Mark Simon).

At the heart of the night was The Carmen McRae Project, a living bridge to the music of the iconic jazz vocalist. With two members of Carmen’s last working trio, this ensemble brought new life to historic arrangements of the Great American Songbook and revered jazz standards.

Learn more about each artist in the bios below.

Louisa Amend

🎤 VOCALS

Louisa Amend is a Denver-based vocalist and educator. A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Music Education, she has performed in premier vocal ensembles and opera productions.

Transitioning from public school teaching to freelance performance, she has become a mainstay in Denver’s jazz scene, notably partnering with pianist Eric Gunnison for a Carmen McRae tribute at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club.

She also teaches voice and piano at her private studio and Graland Country Day School and contributes to the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, mentoring young musicians.

Eric Gunnison

🎹 PIANO

Eric Gunnison is a pianist, composer, and educator who has shaped Denver’s jazz community since 1980. He has toured and recorded with artists like Carmen McRae and Dizzy Gillespie, performing on major stages across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

A founding member of the ensemble Convergence, he is also the pianist and arranger for the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. Beyond performing, Eric teaches at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, guiding the next generation of jazz musicians through masterclasses, performances, and mentorship.

His compositions are performed by top jazz artists worldwide.

Paul Romaine

🥁 DRUMS

Paul Romaine began his drumming career at age 14, performing with renowned artists such as Eddie Harris, Benny Golson, and Marlena Shaw. He toured North America with the Woody Herman Orchestra, playing concerts and clinics across the country.

A passionate educator, Paul has been a faculty member at the University of Colorado for 22 years, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians. Paul is the founder of the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, where he has mentored aspiring jazz musicians for decades.

He remains an active performer, collaborating with top jazz artists in national and international projects.

Mark Simon

🎻 BASS

Mark Simon has been a highly respected figure in the Colorado music scene for over 40 years. A versatile bassist, he has recorded, performed, and toured extensively alongside jazz legends such as Carmen McRae and Dizzy Gillespie.

As a composer, his work has been featured in some of Denver’s most innovative jazz ensembles, including Convergence and the Jazz W.O.R.M.S.

In addition to his performance career, Mark has been a dedicated educator, teaching jazz bass at the University of Colorado Boulder and serving as a mentor and director at the renowned Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts for over 30 years.

An Iconic Venue

Nestled in the heart of Denver, Dazzle is more than a venue—it’s a cornerstone of Colorado’s jazz scene. Known for its intimate atmosphere and world-class acoustics, Dazzle has hosted legendary musicians and emerging talents alike, making it the perfect setting for our benefit concert.

📍 Location: Dazzle is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, at 1080 14th Street, on the southeast corner of 14th Street & Arapahoe, sharing the intersection with Hotel Teatro and the Four Seasons.

🚗 Parking: The DPAC garage is the closest parking option. See the Interactive Parking Map.