Five Points Jazz Festival Put on Pause Due to the Pandemic

A combination of health concerns and economic uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will result in delaying the in-person presentation of the 2021 Five Points Jazz Festival.

"The most recent in-person Five Points Jazz Festival hosted more than 100,000, and we already know that type of in-person event can't take place," said Tariana Navas-Nieves, director of cultural affairs at Denver Arts & Venues, the festival's producer. "Instead, we're looking forward to unique ways to support this vibrant community both culturally and economically."

Denver Arts & Venues has produced the event in conjunction with businesses and organizations in the Five Points neighborhood for more than a dozen years. The neighborhood along Welton Street, has a storied history in showcasing local and national jazz musicians. Traditionally held in May, last year's event went online, showcasing local bands and entertainers.

"Unfortunately, Denver Arts & Venues has been affected by the pandemic and a number of our staff remain redeployed, supporting the City's response to the pandemic," said executive director Ginger White. "We're confident that revenues and live events will return, but right now the uncertainty of timelines for recovery make planning for events of this scale really difficult."

"Like everyone else in the entertainment business, though, 2020 has taught us how to evaluate and rethink how we celebrate the arts and culture of our neighborhoods and our city," White said. "We remain committed to celebrating the cultural heritage of Five Points."

"On behalf of the Five Points Jazz Festival committee, we look forward to working with Denver Arts & Venues and exploring ways to celebrate the cultural legacy of Five Points safely and collaboratively," said Charleszine Nelson, senior special collection and community resource manager at Blair Caldwell African American Research Library and member of the Five Points Jazz Festival committee.