On a vibrant Friday afternoon, the local and international spirits of Denver and Kunming came alive at Dazzle Denver. This musical event, part of the ongoing Sister City Music Sessions series, celebrated the rich relationship between Denver and its Chinese sister city, Kunming. It was an afternoon where music, culture, and friendship blended seamlessly, creating memories that attendees will hold with them.
Melodious Fusion
The highlight of the afternoon was the captivating performance by Melody Marlier and the KBD Project. This talented ensemble brought the house down with their soul-stirring fusion of gospel, R&B, jazz, and soul music. Melody, a pianist with international acclaim, showcased her exceptional skills. Blending complex rhythms with smooth jazz undertones.
Cultural Insights
Adding to the musical celebration was an inspiring cultural presentation on Kunming by Jeanie Johnson, Committee Co-Chair. Jeanie’s talk illuminated the unique aspects of Kunming’s culture, history, and its people, enhancing the audience’s understanding and appreciation of this vibrant city in Yunnan, China. Her presentation was not only informative but also visually engaging, featuring images and stories that brought the city to life right before our eyes. She shared the inspiring story of John Yee’s life and legacy. Highlighting his contributions, which have enriched Denver’s international community and deepened mutual understanding and cooperation between Denver and Kunming.
Tasting and Mingling
The event also included a Chinese beer tasting reception, which was a hit among the attendees. Paired with a delicious boxed lunch, the reception provided a perfect setting for guests to mingle, discuss their experiences, and share their own stories of travel and culture.
A Perfect Afternoon Break
Sacha Heppell, Executive Director of Denver Sister Cities International, described the session as “a perfect break for downtown workers and a great opportunity for a team outing or for anyone who is curious to learn about diverse cultures.” Indeed, the afternoon was a delightful escape from the usual, offering both entertainment and education in equal measure.
A guest who attended the event shared, “We were part of the group who went to Dazzle on Friday, April 19 for the Denver Sister Cities Kunming lunch and jazz event. It was fabulous! The delicious food, the jazz trio, the excellent service, the lovely venue – all top of the line. It was so nice to see Dazzle’s new venue (which we had not yet visited) and to enjoy the wonderful music. The video and information about Kunming were educational and interesting. We hope Dazzle will do more partnerships with Denver Sister Cities. We will work to ensure our friends come to see your new place, enjoy the music, sample the food and support the talented musicians. Dazzle is a real gem in Denver!”
Looking Forward
The Sister City Music Sessions continue to be a gathering of cultural exchange and understanding. As we look forward to the next session, which will explore the connection between Denver and Cuernavaca, Mexico, it’s clear that these events are a celebration of global friendship and unity through the universal language of music. Join us next time at Dazzle to discover another facet of our world’s diverse cultures, one note at a time.
