It’s the eight annual A Jazzy 4th of July celebration, and this year’s event, in Denver’s legendary Five Points neighborhood, is packed with a renowned lineup of local and national musicians. Sponsored annually by Civil Technologies, Inc., A Jazzy 4th of July will be held Wednesday, July 4, with gates open at 1 p.m. and entertainment from 1:30 to 7 p.m.
Since 1999, this annual networking event has brought friends and family together to celebrate the 4th of July holiday and enjoy great food and entertainment. This year’s lineup includes gifted contemporary jazz pianist Alex Bugnon, with the Narada Jazz label; Pamela Williams, hit saxophonist, writer, producer, and singer; and local favorite Soul School.
 Alex Bugnon has created one of the most recognized styles in today's contemporary jazz piano. It is a sultry mixture of contemporary jazz, funk, and R&B with hints of gospel. His latest album, Free, is a refreshing blend of exotic rhythms with haunting, soulful melodies and the signature Alex Bugnon-piano sound. Growing up in Montreux, Switzerland, Bugnon acquired a love for a wide range of music from Scott Joplin, Thelonious Monk, and Bill Evans to Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Joe Sample. He has toured with urban and jazz luminaries such as Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, James Ingram, Earth Wind and Fire, and Keith Sweat.
 Since her successful, ground-breaking debut album Saxtress, Pamela Williams has toured the country, stunning her audiences with electrifying performances. Prior to her first album, she had been highly visible as a featured saxophonist with Patti Labelle and Teena Marie. She has made candid television appearances with artists such as Babyface, Sheila E, and was featured as a guest artist on the Arsenio Hall Show. A stunning, multifaceted artist, Williams captivates listeners with a harmonious, soulful sound.
 Soul School boasts over 150 years of combined entertainment experience. They offer smooth, harmonious vocals and an exciting stage show that delivers the very best in professional and live entertainment. Their vast repertoire of music includes golden oldies, beach, Motown, country, jazz, rock, funk, rhythm and blues, and contemporary.
Past entertainers for this community event have included ConFunkShun, Nestor Torres, the Mary Louise Lee Band, Manuel Molina, Hugh Masekela, Pieces of a Dream, Jonathan Butler, Nagee, Brian Culbertson and Norman Brown. A stellar line-up of local and national musicians is presented every year, and this year’s event will carry on that tradition.
A Jazzy 4th of July is co-hosted by several community-based, non-profit organizations that benefit from ticket sales, including: African-American Leadership Institute, Beckwourth Mountain Club, Black American West Museum, Institute of Global Scholarship, Pan African Arts Society, Stiles African-American Heritage Center, and Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation.
Editor’s note: Tickets for A Jazzy 4th of July are $20 for general admission, $300 for umbrella tables (seating six, limited tables), and $100 for VIP seating. The event will be held at East 24th Avenue and Washington Street (2400 block of Washington Street). Food, drink and alcohol will be sold. No pets or coolers allowed. This event is for ages 21 and over. Dress comfortably for the outdoors, rain or shine. Tickets are available at TicketsWest.com, King Soopers or call 303-292-0348.
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