Posted on 12/07/2020 11:12:28 AM PST by real saxophonist
Denver’s El Chapultepec Nightclub, A Favorite Haunt For Jazz Aficionados, Closes
December 7, 2020
DENVER (CBS4) – El Chapultepec at 20th and Market Street in Denver is closing for good, in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unpretentious bar in LoDo was where jazz greats often stopped to play for free, just for the love of music.
Jerry Krantz ran “The Pec” as it’s most commonly known, for decades, even long before the revival brought on by the building of Coors Field. He died in 2012 and the bar had been going strong thanks to his daughter Angela Guerrero up until 2020. She and other family members will be speaking to reporters about their decision to close on Tuesday afternoon.
“They thank all of the musicians, the fans and all who have enjoyed and supported the El Chapultepec over the many years of providing live jazz,” said Andrew Hudson, a friend of the family and bassist who also performed at the club regularly.
El Chapultepec opened in the early 1930s — the day Prohibition ended — and in the 1960s began its focus on live jazz music, although the same decorations from when The Pec was last remodeled in 1951 still remain. Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennet, Doc Severinsen and Frank Sinatra are among those who have played on the postage-stamp-sized stage.
Krantz grew up blocks away from the bar and sold papers at El Chapultepec. He spent enough time hanging around and he married into the family that owned it, eventually taking over the bar. At that point, the music of choice was mariachi music. Then the 60s came along and with it, plenty of great jazz. Krantz discovered that music was the right tune for The Pec.
Earlier this year saxophone player Freddy Rodriguez Sr., who frequently performed at the El Chapultepec, died from complications from coronavirus.
Forgot to say, couple of pictures at the link.
Jazz is a dying art form...................
Good, close the whole darn city. Let the urban dwellers feast on each other.
One of the few things that has kept me sane. Maybe some of y'all could slip a couple of bucks their way.
I’ve grown out of my “romanticizing old dives” phase.
I’m sorry to hear that.
I’m sorry to hear that, too.
“El Chapultepec opened in the early 1930s — the day Prohibition ended —”
And was killed when the new prohibition began.
Sorry to hear this. I’m a big jazz fan. However, just like the bar owner in LA that’s crying about the production company opening right next to her and she’s not allowed to open. Both places are in tragically blue cities. If they voted for this s&&&, they deserve this s&&&.
very sad.
All culture is dying everywhere.
It’s inevitable, and so will Blues and Rock and Roll, eventually.
Young people today listen to that rap crap and think it’s ‘music’..................
Welcome to Socialism Comrade. Nancy Pelosi asks “How do you like me now”?
I hear you, brother.
Glad I was able to share in the experience over the years.
Not my scene now, but enjoyed it when it was.
Colorado has been pulling liquor and business licenses for restaurants and bars not closing like crazy. Narcs are as busy as if it were East Germany. The Chinese Shame culture comes the America.
As aggressive as the communist biatch in Michigan
If you’re ever in Destin, FL try this place, if it doesn’t go out of business from the coming Biden lockdowns.............
https://graffitifbs.com/fbs.php#this-week
Good food, good LIVE music, decent prices................
At the end of a rope..................
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.