It threatened to rain all day on Saturday, August 26, 2023, but such weather warnings did not dissuade jazz lovers from flocking to Chipeta Park for the second annual Nederland Jazz & Wine Festival.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 1,200 people came to enjoy three amazing jazz performers, each dedicated to deriving their own distinct sound from uniquely blending different subgenres of jazz. From sultry soul and smooth jazz renditions of modern hits, to jam-inspired acid jazz numbers, Wellington Bullings Duo, Sarah Mount and the Rushmores, and Bill Kopper with Mitchell Long truly delivered a sublime soundscape for the day.

As attendees were awash in improvised notes blowing from horns and blaring from guitars, they were welcome to sample beverages from 15 wineries, five distilleries, several breweries, and five non-alcoholic vendors.

In addition to the fabulous offerings from Colorado wineries, including Snowy Peaks, Settembre Cellars, Chill Switch, and Augustina’s Winery, there were several options for those with more eclectic tastes.

Colorado Sake Co. offered their vegan, low sugar, and gluten-free sakes; Apple Valley Cider provided a black currant and a seasonally perfect semi-sweet peach alcoholic ciders; 3rd Bird handed out to festival guests samples of their Pear Lavender kombucha and a Hibiscus Lime Mint kombucha; and Dirty Dill delivered pickle flavored vodkas, including a spicy version.

This year’s festival included many more options for delicious sweet and savory dishes for the crowd to enjoy in between sips of wine and impromptu dance sessions in front of the stage.

Kaleidoscope Kitchen had an impressive menu that ranged from delicious gyros, to amazing chili hot dogs and French fries; Corduroy’s served up a pitch-perfect burger and a delectable elk bratwurst; MouCo Cheeses delivered a sinful beer cheese and Camembert, that paired beautifully with Burning Bridges pepper jelly; and Tonimon of I and I Cafe crafted a five-star catered meal exclusively for VIP ticket holders.

For dessert, Peace Love and Cake offered individual stacked cakes to pair with specific wines and sugar cookies inspired by fan favorite jazz albums; and Havenly Baked Goods served flavorful, healthy, Swedish-inspired treats, including their amazing breads, which are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Artists and craftspeople of all kinds were also present for the festival, including Wallaroo Hat Company, selling a selection of wonderful headwear, and Independent Mountain Jewelry Company, which featured original work by Erin Trumble.

Bishop Fine Art and Laurence Delaunay ART @ Lolo’s Atelier were just two of the artists present who provided their own beautiful interpretations of local mountain splendor, from snow-covered mountain peaks and breathtaking views, to the expressive faces and magnificent composure of local wildlife.

Luckily the dark storm clouds diverted from Nederland and the rain never came, though as the Jazz/ Wine community proved last year, a little rain wouldn’t have put a damper on the day. But apart from the weather, the thanks for a perfect jazzy afternoon go to the organizers, the volunteers, all of the musicians and vendors, and the sponsors, including Homes by Jackie Jones, Eldora, and Postino, who made this year’s festival such a success.