Denver-based artist Dzirae Gold is making waves in the music scene, believing that music is what makes life truly worth living.
Primarily writing soul music, Gold draws inspiration from renowned artists like Norah Jones and John Legend, aiming to create tunes that make listeners feel ‘held.’
Her eclectic sound also features elements of jazz, funk, and Motown, showcasing a fusion of her various musical passions.
‘Genre is so hard. As a small-time artist, it feels like a box,’ Gold remarked about her musical identity.
Gold has been performing at local venues since 2020, but she recently received an unexpected and thrilling opportunity in late February to play at the illustrious City Park Jazz.
She described her reaction to the news as a cinematic moment, where she had to mute her phone to scream and dance in excitement.
For Gold, this opportunity feels like the realization of a dream she once thought might be unattainable.
The City Park Jazz summer concert series in Denver has been a staple for 39 years, featuring a wide array of musical genres from Mambo to Afro-Cuban rhythms.
David Flomberg, a board member of City Park Jazz, emphasized the cultural significance of this organization, stating, ‘This organization has been an absolute linchpin in the cultural and music scene in Denver.’
Every Sunday, the concert series attracts between 8,000 and 12,000 attendees, and Gold is excited to share her full album with such a large crowd for the first time.
‘That I get to step into this legacy for a season, it’s an honor,’ she shared about her upcoming performance.
City Park has seen a remarkable transformation since the late 1980s, when it was known for high crime rates.
Residents banded together to change this narrative, rejuvenating the park as a vibrant, family-friendly destination.
Flomberg pointed out that many regular attendees have been coming to City Park Jazz for five or more seasons, praising its reputation as one of Denver’s premier music festivals.
‘If we hear complaints, it’s usually about goose poop from the Canadian geese,’ Flomberg humorously added.
Notably, City Park Jazz is solely operated by a team of dedicated volunteers, distinguishing it from many other music festivals in Denver that have recently faced closures due to rising costs.
Flomberg mentioned that the operational costs for City Park Jazz can reach up to $180,000 annually and depend heavily on donations to keep the concerts free and accessible to everyone.
‘Our socioeconomic diversity is unmatched in the state of Colorado,’ Flomberg noted, highlighting the festival’s ability to draw an audience representing various demographics, making it reflective of the community in Denver.
This diversity grants artists like Gold an audience that is not only large but also enthusiastic and receptive to new music.
Flomberg affirmed that the ultimate goal of City Park Jazz is to celebrate community, focusing exclusively on showcasing local Colorado-based talent.
‘We’ve always come to the same conclusion that it’s not necessary to bring in national acts because there’s so much talent here,’ he stated.
Flomberg sees significant potential in Gold, predicting that she may break into the national spotlight following her performance.
‘I’m really excited we’ll be having this discussion in two or three years, when she’s playing the Hollywood Bowl or something,’ he said.
Gold hopes to see that dream come to fruition but remains grounded, cherishing her connections with the local audience.
‘Playing a show in City Park and then being recognized in the King Soopers for a beautiful conversation with someone who heard my music’ deeply resonates with her.
‘It’s important to me,’ she concluded, accentuating the value of community engagement through her music.
image source from：kunc
