Denver's newest jazz club has opened its doors in RiNo.
Nocturne, a modern take on the jazz and supper clubs of the 1940s, marries the culinary, cocktail and musical arts in a restored early 20th century factory building at 1330 27th St.
The 3,500-square-foot, 105-seat venue embraces the industrial feel of RiNo, using materials such as raw steel and bronze melded with elements that evoke Atlantic coast Art Deco from the 1920s and 1930s.
"With its wealth of street art, funky work spaces, independent restaurants, great music venues and art galleries, our goal was to create a room that complimented RiNo's culture while also looking to the underground jazz clubs of old Hollywood and New York for the inspiration of Nocturne's spirit," says Scott Mattson, who with his wife, Nicole, owns the club.
At the core of Nocturne's venue is an artist-in-residence program. Residencies are awarded to musicians focusing on one of three concentrations: the study of a jazz icon, the exploration of a specific jazz genre or the performance of all-original material. During each residency period, six artists, each playing one night a week, will take the stage for a three-month run. Nocturne also will host nationally touring jazz musicians.
A portion of the funds used to develop the club came from a small group of community supporters.
"Our crowdfunders' commitments to taking Nocturne from a dream to a reality really showcases this as something the RiNo community, and Denver, wants and needs," says Nicole Mattson. "You just don't see young people opening jazz clubs these days, but we were reassured that it's something that will not only work, but thrive in Denver when so many people step forward to contribute."
Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.
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