Paul JAS Center opens in Aspen with spotlight on beloved artists

Jazz Aspen Snowmass has announced the highly anticipated opening musical schedule for their first permanent venue: the new Paul JAS Center, set primarily on the second floor above the historic Red Onion. 

The celebration kicks off with 10 nights of live music beginning Friday, Dec. 19, at 422 E. Cooper Ave., and features shows through the New Year. Tickets will be available beginning, Friday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m.

“These shows will be a great window into the range of musical genres that JAS will present at the future Paul JAS Center, from jazz and blues to soul, R&B, and funk, and featuring both instrumentalists and vocalists,” Jazz Aspen Snowmass Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer Jim Horowitz said.

Horowitz noted that, in the future, there will be many new artists, but for these opening two weeks, the center will spotlight familiar faces and unforgettable performances.

The premiere concerts will feature a private and public performance by Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. The multi-talented trombonist, entertainer, and bandleader, with his band, are considered by many to be one of the most dynamic acts in contemporary jazz and New Orleans music. Trombone Shorty has taken the stage with Jazz Aspen Snowmass for many memorable performances since his first in 2001, when he was only 15 years old.

The Dec. 19 concert will be a private show and special thank you to the supporters who helped make the Paul JAS Center a reality. The following night, Dec. 20, he will play a public concert with his band. 

In conjunction with his opening weekend shows, the Trombone Shorty Foundation Alumni Band will do workshops in Roaring Fork Valley schools and continue to advance the foundation’s mission to inspire young talent and keep New Orleans’ musical traditions alive.

The grand opening series’ stellar lineup continues with more artists who have become JAS favorites over the past 15 years since the launch of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Café series. Highlights include The Motet on Dec. 27, The New Mastersounds on Dec. 28, and Dee Dee Bridgewater from Dec. 29 to 30.

The schedule also features two pillars of the Jazz Aspen Academy partners and jazz luminaries with Christian McBride from Dec. 21 to 22 and Shelly Berg from Jan. 2 to 4.

The new Paul JAS Center will experiment with flexible layouts, including a new “café-dance” format that combines standing room with reserved table seating, giving audiences more space to dance and enjoy the music. The ticket options will include lower cost standing room only tickets, in addition to reserved table seating.

JAS has also partnered with Epicure, led by Julia and Allen Domingos, to provide creative bar menus and catering for performances, brunches, and special events at the center.

Beyond concerts, the center will serve as a year-round hub for music education, featuring a state-of-the-art recording studio and offering a unique gathering space for local organizations and special events.

With over $34 million in pledges secured, the Paul Jazz Aspen Center Campaign has fully funded the purchase of its new home. It is now focused on building an endowment to ensure the center’s future for generations to come.

For the full opening schedule and more information on how to get involved, visit jazzaspensnowmass.org.

Paul JAS Center grand opening schedule

• Friday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20 — Private Paul JAS Center founder’s party featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
• Sunday, Dec. 21, and Monday, Dec. 22 — Christian & Benny Green plus Niki Haris & The James Horowitz Trio and special guest Jimmer Bolden will begin playing at 6:30 p.m. 
• Saturday, Dec. 27 — Jazz Aspen Snowmass debuts a fresh café setup at 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., blending increased standing room with traditional table seating to create a more dance-friendly atmosphere. Colorado-born The Motet will perform their dynamic, genre-defying sound with new singer Sarah Clarke. 
• Sunday, Dec. 28 — England’s infectious blend of funk and soul-jazz, the New Mastersounds, will perform from 7:15 and 9:30 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 29, and Tuesday, Dec. 30 — Three-time Grammy and Tony award-winner Dee Dee Bridgwater, “Memphis Soulphony,” known for her jazz, soul, and blues inspired vocals, will perform at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.  
• Friday, Jan. 2 — “By Request,” Frost School of Music Dean Shelly Berg and acclaimed vocalist Tierney Sutton return for the all-scholarship Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy summer sessions starting at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 3, and Sunday, Jan. 4 — “Celebrating the Music of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye,” Billy Valentine, Shelly Berg, and Special Guest Kirk Whalum will take the stage. Each night will feature a unique setlist, making every performance a one-of-a-kind experience.