Max Wagner shares his deep passion for jazz, having grown up immersed in the sounds of New Orleans, Louis Armstrong, and bebop. From an early age, he knew he was destined to be a horn player, inspired by his father’s album of Dizzy Gillespie’s live performance. Wagner quickly found opportunities to perform, developing his musical language and gaining mentorship within the Denver jazz scene. His four-year tenure leading the house band at El Chapultepec exposed him to world-class musicians and the club’s legendary cutting sessions. He expresses great admiration for saxophonist James Moody, whose work with Dizzy Gillespie and innovative approach to bebop left a lasting impact. For Wagner, jazz is more than music—it is a profound expression of humanity, a bridge between artist and listener, and a legacy of love and creativity.
Jazz for the Schools
Since 2011, Gift of Jazz has been running the Jazz for the Schools program as a monthly series that provides an educational and musical experience for Denver Public Schools’ students. Many of these students have never had the opportunity to be inspired by the sound of live jazz. This valuable program that takes place at the historic McNichols building in Civic Center Park.