From a stage lit with a soft blue glow, the warm sounds of jazz fill the room in the heart of the Denver Theatre District. It’s at once a vibe, a slick bar and eatery, and the perfect spot for a longstanding musical nexus in Denver. It has been named one of the best jazz clubs in the U.S. by the All About Jazz website.
Dazzle moved to its current location at the Denver Performing Arts Complex in 2023 after 20 years at 9th Avenue and Lincoln Street and a six-year run at another downtown location. The 140-capacity venue now hosts an astounding 60 to 70 shows a month, with touring artists typically doing a pair of sets each night that they’re in town as well as regular lunch and brunch shows.
“It is a great fit,” says Chad Schneider, president and co-owner of Dazzle. “We signed a 10-year lease and we’ll probably sign another 10-year lease when it’s over. There’s no better place for us.”
A retired U.S. Army Band trombonist, Schneider’s career direction shifted when the “serendipitous” opportunity to buy the club presented itself around the time of the move. “I’ve been playing trombone all my life. I love jazz,” he says. “I took every last cent I had and bought Dazzle.”
New Location, New Heights
His first two years have been a whirlwind as the new location catalyzed the nightspot to new heights.
“It has really hit its stride,” says Schneider.
Co-owner and Operations Manager Matt Ruff originally started working for Dazzle in 2003, six years after its grand opening at 930 Lincoln Street. Ruff and Schneider bought it from longtime owner Donald Rossa in 2023.
The location in the Denver Performing Arts Complex “legitimizes us,” says Ruff. “This place was built out with us in mind. It’s not a converted restaurant. It’s actually built out for us as a venue. The other two previous locations were restaurants before we brought live music in.”
The project involved raising $250,000 from the local community to transform the space, formerly a nightclub.
“That includes all the commissioned artwork that we have as well. It’s all local artists, and they got paid a great wage to do some incredible art in our space,” says Ruff. “I like the intimacy of the space. The sound is really incredible in the room. It’s very warm. The plush seating, the banquettes, I think, are really comfortable. I like the flow of this space.”
He adds, “Here, it feels like there really isn’t a bad seat.”
The main showroom is complemented by a separate lounge and bar where you can drop in without a ticket and have a drink during almost every show.
“We’ll ticket the bar seats for bigger shows, but that happens maybe once or twice a year,” says Ruff. “Other than that, you can just drop in at any time and have a drink and some food and hear the music without having to have a ticket.”
A Fitting Tribute to a Former Jazz Club
In tribute to the dearly departed El Chapultepec, the ‘Pec Lounge is named after the legendary Denver jazz club that closed in 2020 after 87 years in operation.
“We’re honored that we’ve got their namesake here, and we’re trying to continue that legacy as well,” says Ruff.
Another nod to El Chapultepec is on the eclectic menu in the form of green chile, alongside a number of small and large plates ranging from cheese fondue and charcuterie boards to jambalaya and chicken tostadas. Cocktails, wine and beer are also available.
Beyond the food, drink and music, Schneider highlights the larger-than-life portraits of late Denver jazz legends Ron Miles and Charlie Burrell. The Burrell work “just exudes happiness,” he says. “He’s just smiling from ear to ear.”