We’re blushing—and buzzing—with gratitude.
Big thanks to our friends at Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine for this thoughtful write-up on Dizzy Charlie’s.
It’s not every day we get to tell the origin story, jazz lineage, and “come-as-you-are” ethos that fuels our work across Colorado Springs. From a childhood memory of poolside brass bands to a 140+ performer music roster, this little dream has grown into a full-on movement of melody, community, and good vibes.
If you’ve ever danced at Bar 33, sipped cocktails to a sax at Summa, or caught a Thursday night groove at the Mining Exchange—this one’s for you. Thanks for showing up, singing along, and helping us make this town feel alive.
Read on for a peek into the heart of it all—from our founder Sara Vaas:
Love live music?
Dizzy Charlie’s is bringing pop‑up jazz and other great tunes to venues all around Colorado Springs. At the moment, locals can typically see a Dizzy Charlie’s act at Bar 33 on Wednesdays, Mining Exchange on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, as well as special events on other evenings.
Below is a Q&A with Dizzy Charlie’s founder Sara Vaas:
PLEASE TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION, YOUR GRANDFATHER DIZZY CHARLIE.
My grandpa, David Charles (a.k.a. Dizzy Charlie), was a big‑band composer who visited the Broadmoor on tour with his jazz band in the ’40s. My favorite childhood memory was swimming in the pool with my brother and sister as we listened to his big band play in the pavilion across the park.
COULD YOU GIVE US A BRIEF TIMELINE FOR DIZZY CHARLIE’S?
For years, I ran a local nonprofit and attended local jazz shows. Listening took me back to my summers as a kid in the Midwest. During COVID, I had the opportunity to book my favorite jazz bands for outdoor shows at Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City. Two years later, at my high‑school reunion, my dad gifted me my grandpa’s original 16‑piece big‑band arrangements for Springs Contemporary Jazz Big Band to perform.
On August 24, 2022 that band played my grandpa’s charts in Bancroft Park and my heart overflowed with joy. Since then I’ve kept investing in relationships with venues, musicians and listeners so they can feel their own version of what I felt that night.
HOW MANY BANDS/ACTS ARE IN YOUR QUIVER AT THE MOMENT?
As of right now, we’ve got 132 performers that we love matching with the right shows or venues to support the vibe and bring in customers.
PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE IDEA OF “EVERYBODY IS WELCOME. COME AS YOU ARE.” WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It’s kinda funny because jazz isn’t the most accessible music for a lot of listeners, but the ethos is that everyone gets to play. The melody is what people gather around, and the chords provide structure for the solo sections—every player has something to say through their instrument. Whether it’s melancholic or exuberant, they’re all bringing what they have, just as they are.
“We encourage musicians to take melodies that we know as a generation—Toxic by Britney Spears, Come As You Are by Nirvana, Blackbird by The Beatles—and rework those songs where the melody becomes the familiar part that pulls us in. This was at the essence of jazz in the early 1900s, and I believe it’s part of what will keep it relevant 100 years later.”
That melody acts as a “familiar gathering space.” Then the musicians embark away from it to take solos and express themselves over the chords. Everyone is welcome in the solo sections and every player has something meaningful to contribute.
DIZZY CHARLIE’S STARTED AS AN OUTLET FOR JAZZ—PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHY IT HAS EXPANDED INTO OTHER GENRES, AS WELL AS MUSICAL EVENTS SUCH AS OPEN‑MIC NIGHTS.
I absolutely love jazz, and I also realize—even if we’re covering pop tunes of today—that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Underneath it all, I want people to connect with each other.
I’ve had widowers meet and spark later‑in‑life romance at my shows, musicians meet and form bands, and countless couples enjoy romantic date nights. We’ve even helped restaurants stay solvent through tough times. The market for connection is much greater than the market for jazz, and I want our expansion to reflect that all over the city.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE FOR OUR READERS TO KNOW?
We bring people together for an amazing time on the regular. That means a huge win for our venue partners, memorable nights of entertainment for guests, and a captive audience for marketing partners who want to reach folks while they’re out having fun. We’re in the business of pulling off quadruple wins and we’re always looking for more folks who are down to play.
Website: dizzycharlies.com
Facebook & Instagram: @DizzyCharlies
