Don Lucoff on Denver Jazz Fest

Ryan Estes sits down with Don Lucoff, founder of DL Media and Artistic Director of the Denver Jazz Fest. Don has spent nearly four decades in jazz as a publicist, producer, and festival programmer, working with legendary artists and labels like Impulse and Blue Note. Now he is helping build a national caliber jazz festival right here in Denver. The State of Jazz Don reflects on how dramatically jazz media coverage has changed. There was a time when major outlets regularly reviewed jazz records and featured artists on national television. Today, most of that coverage has vanished. Yet jazz itself has not disappeared. It continues to shape modern music. Artists like Kendrick Lamar have collaborated with jazz musicians such as Kamasi Washington and Robert Glasper. The influence is everywhere. As Don puts it, jazz can sell everything but itself. It is deeply embedded in popular culture, even if it is no longer center stage in mainstream media. Why Denver Is a Jazz City Denver has a stronger jazz pedigree than many people realize. The Front Range is home to major jazz education programs at the University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, University of Colorado Boulder, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Colorado State University. These institutions consistently produce world class players. Historically, Five Points was known as the Harlem of the West, a vital stop for touring jazz musicians crossing the country. Add the Beat Generation passing through town and you have a city that has long been part of America's cultural and musical story. Inside Denver Jazz Fest The Denver Jazz Fest spans 15 venues across Denver and includes performances in Boulder County. It blends national headliners with respected local artists, creating a citywide celebration. This year's lineup includes Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis, Bob James, and John Beasley. The festival also honors the centenary of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with special tribute performances, including a presentation of A Love Supreme by Denver saxophonist Keith Oxman. The goal is inclusivity and accessibility. Whether you are a lifelong jazz fan or just jazz curious, there is a show for you. Where to Start Listening For new listeners, Don recommends classics from the Blue Note catalog such as Lee Morgan's Search for the New Land, Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil, and Grant Green's Idle Moments. From Impulse, he points to John Coltrane's Crescent and A Love Supreme, Alice Coltrane's Journey in Satchidananda, and Pharoah Sanders' Thembi. These records are not homework. They are entry points into a vast and vibrant tradition. Final Takeaway Don's career proves one thing. You may not get rich in jazz, but you can build a life around passion, community, and great music. Denver Jazz Fest is more than a series of concerts. It is a statement that this city values artistry, education, and cultural history. Learn more and get tickets at denverjazz.org. See you there.