All That Jazz on 2nd Ave

BY KIM GLASSCOCK

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The melodious harmonies of jazz brought more than 3,000 people to Niwot to enjoy the music and food at the inaugural Jazz on 2nd Ave festival on Aug. 20.

Jazz fest attendees enjoyed traditional, fusion, Latin and contemporary jazz from the Don Grusin Quartet, the Paul Warburton Quartet and Brad Goode, the CU Jazz ensemble and the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. Listeners also were treated to hot Salsa sounds from Conjunto Colores and the flying fingers of Henry Butler as he smoked the keyboards playing New Orleans-style jazz.

Members of the Niwot Business Association applauded festival organizer Howard Treppeda of Treppeda’s Italian Ristorante at their meeting Sept. 13.

“This event was really a huge success and we owe Howard a huge thank you,” said NBA President Tony Santelli of the Niwot Tavern. “He really had the vision and drive to get the ball rolling on this. This is an event that can really put our town on the map.”

As the sounds of jazz flowed along Second Avenue, the smells of good food also wafted through the area. The festival featured a food court with a raw oyster bar put on by Treppeda’s, Cajun Creole cuisine provided by Colterra/Salt, scrumptious delicacies from chef Dale Lamb, and yummy offerings from the Niwot Tavern and Lefty’s Pizzeria. Shamane’s Bake Shoppe pastries added a sweet touch.

Photo by Gail Ludwig
The Don Grusin Quartet performs at Jazz on 2nd Ave.

The event was a success due to the hard work of many people, Treppeda said. “Lots of people pitched in and I had wonderful support from all of Niwot,” he said. “And the venue is wonderful. This town is really a gift.”

The musicians told Treppeda that they wanted to come back next year. “Henry Butler called Niwot ‘a magical place’ and said he wants to return,” Treppeda said. “And of course Brad Goode and Don Grusin were early supporters of the festival idea. The musicians were really pleased and said they want to come back again.”

There are a few details Treppeda said he’d tweak for next year. He’d like to raise awareness of the shuttle service from the Niwot High School parking lot, and he’d add more food to the festival. He’s also mulling adding another performance stage – maybe in Cottonwood Square -- and perhaps expanding into a two-day festival. Treppeda also wants to integrate the jazz bands from Niwot High School into the festival.

Will there be a jazz festival next year?

“I want to do this again,” Treppeda said. “I’d like to see Niwot become a destination for jazz.”