Husband and wife team Scott and Nicole Mattson are banking on a revival of the music scene that was once vibrant in the area that is now RiNo. The duo are opening Nocturne tonight, a modern take on the jazz and supper clubs of the 1940's. A new generation music venue and bar, the spot joins neighbors like the Meadowlark, the Walnut Room, and the Larimer Lounge.
Nocturne was born out of the love for music and hospitality that Scott and Nicole share. Scott was a jazz musician who later focused his efforts on all things wine. He is now a certified sommelier and was most recently the head wine buyer at the popular Mondo Vino. Nicole has extensive experience in management, having worked most recently for Sage Hospitality. The duo recruited chef Dustin Beckner to curate the food program. Becker was most recently executive sous chef at Root Down, but who has also held culinary positions at four Todd English restaurants, the Michelin two star-rated Alex in Las Vegas, Avondale in Beaver Creek, and Quality Social in San Diego.
The 3,500 square foot space located at 1330 27th Street, between Larimer and Walnut, can accommodate up over 100 guests in an industrial-chic former factory building. Studio Spinnato was tapped for the architectural design, while the interior was created by owner Scott Mattson, with consultation from Kirsten Brundage of The Interior and Shike Design. The building's exterior features a colorful street art mural by artist Brandon Pickett, depicting Jazz greats Max Roach, Thelonious Monk and Lee Morgan, complimenting Denver's adjacent, and award-winning, Art Alley.
What to expect? Live music for which a small artist fee will be added to your tab, a great wine list with an emphasis on fun sparkling wines, and a food menu inspired by famous jazz albums. Emerging local artists as well as popular ones with a national following will be featured. On Friday, March 13, Nocturne will host its grand opening kick-off with the Jeff Hamilton Trio. Pro tip: on weeknights after midnight, bottles of bubbles will be half price.