Jazz will return in a big way to Ned Saturday, August 20, with wine, community, and food vendors to boot. The first annual Nederland Jazz & Wine Festival promises music from New York City to Denver from 1 to 6 p.m. in Chipeta Park. It was even inspired by jazz jams from days past.

“Nederland has a deep history in jazz. There used to be weekly acid jazz nights, and people throughout the front range would come to them; to come to play in them and come to listen to them. Often, they were very famous musicians passing through the Denver area, and they heard about acid jazz and they came up,” said Stephanie Andelman, co-founder of Ned to Go and organizer of the event. “A crowd [would] come around, play and talk about it for weeks and years. So we want to revive that association of Nederland to jazz.”

The group jams happened from about 1995 until 2005, according to Dave Solzberg aka Pump, the organizer of the first get-together back then. Proceeds earned by the event and ticket sales this year go to Nederland Area Seniors, and in the future, will help support Ned to Go. Nederland Area Seniors played a crucial part as a supporting nonprofit.

“They could not be more excited. They threw up their hands and said, “What can we do for you?” and “How can we help you?” They’ll have their own booth and their own volunteers. Their staff [and] board will be there. We will donate at least $1,000 to the Seniors, but every ticket’s sale goes directly to help the Nederland Area Seniors’ activities and staff,” Andelman said.

A total of 15 alcohol vendors offering unlimited tastings will head to the festival, including winemakers, wineries, meaderies, cideries, distilleries. Each operation will be pouring, and available to discuss how they make wine. The father and son team of Alfred Eames Cellars, Vino Colorado, Odell Brewing Company Winery, the biodynamic Jack Rabbit Hill Farm Wine, Mesa Winds Winery, Silver Vines Winery, Colorado Vintner’s Collective, and Evergood Adventure Wines will all be present at the festival. Andelman had special words and thanks for Gussie Walter of Augustina’s, who will be serving up some bottles from her Nederland location.

“She has been a great help putting together this festival, with her experience going to many festivals and farmers markets. She was very much a guidance counselor in telling us how to pull this off,” she explained. This year is really homegrown, for the community and allowing them to get in on the ground floor.

However, it doesn’t stop with the wine vendors. For mead, Queen Bee Brews and Boulder-based Lux Elixirs (with alcoholic and non-alcoholic infusions) with Courtney’s mead of Honey Bee Herbals in Rollinsville will be serving it up cold. On the distillery side, drinks from Gold Dirt Distillery, CapRock, and Suerte will be available. The Old Mine Cider Company will also have some refreshing fermented apple adult beverages on tap. Non-alcoholic options with free tastings also include Sati Soda, Boulder Juicery, Indian Peaks Springwater, a local coffee and a kombucha company to be announced.

Local crafts, food and art vendors are planning on coming to the fest as well. As a source for local news in the Peak to Peak region, The Mountain- Ear will be on scene for coverage and to hand out sponsored newspapers during the event. Those registered also include Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery; a woodworker, Alan, who specializes in wine racks and cutting boards; Independent Jewelry Company; The Shop, Brightwood Music; Wabi-Sabi Metals Studio; Angel’s Perfect Pasta; Kind Confections; Burning Bridges Hot Sauce; and even Mountain Goats Catering with crackers and dips.

Food truck vendors at the event will also offer special pairing menus for the adult beverages offered, including Corduroy’s from Eldora and Dynamite Shack.

But perhaps the most important part is the music.

First up, Daniel Jones, a freelance pedal steel guitarist in the greater Boulder- Denver area, will play on the walk-in and intermission music. He holds a doctorate in musicology. Jones plays jazz with the pedal steel guitar, with a cowboy- influenced twist. He’ll be playing during setup at the beginning of the event, and in between the two following performances.

The Gabriel Mervine Trio will hit the stage from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., featuring progressive jazz. Denver-based Mervine has played with a number of groups over the years, but is probably best known for being on the road with MoTet. He’s a house musician for the Nocturne Supper Club, and regularly plays at Appaloosa Grill. He’s a frequent player throughout Denver.

The headliner, Grammy-winner Noah Bless of New York City, has put together a five-piece band to play in Nederland. He’ll be on stage from 4 to 6 p.m. He’s played and traveled the world with the Mambo Kings and the Spanish Harlem

His focus is Latin jazz, and Andelman noted whoever he chooses to back up his trombone playing is “always outstanding.” The Noah Bless Band will be the first to take the stage. You can find more of his background and music at www.noahblessmusic.com.

“Gabe is a regular on that scene. We got to see him at Appaloosa, and the people he brings together [with] their phenomenal talent is really breathtaking. When we watched, our mouths dropped, we had to have him. He was our anchor musician to build upon, and then we asked Noah,” Andelman explained, speaking on how the lineup came together.

Andelman thanked Eldora for their tent, stage, and sponsored interactive games. Large Tic-Tac-toe Cornhole, ring toss, and more are planned. She also extended gratitude towards Homes by Jackie Jones, the local realtor, who plans to provide cotton candy that pairs well with white wine, and some games. Last, she thanked the Town of Nederland for their assistance in preparing for the event.

“They have been wonderful to work with. There are new policies from the state liquor board that we’re all following. They could not have done more to support this and go through all the steps necessary as a foundation for future events,” Andelman said in thanks.

Tickets are $35 apiece and Chipeta park allows for up to 1,000 attendees. For tickets and more details as they are announced, visit www.nedjazzwine.com. You can also find the latest at @NedJazzWine on Facebook and Instagram.