We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Mattson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In my very early 20’s, I was studying hospitality at the University of Denver while my husband was studying music education and performing as a jazz drummer. I would go to his gigs and observe the structure and culture of the bars and venues that he played in from my hospitality perspective and often thought about how changes in the experience of the venue could change the experience of the audience.
Nearly a decade later, when we were both in jobs that had strayed from our original plans, we determined that the timing was right to try and bring a fresh experience to the jazz scene. I read an article about how jazz was dead and that the audience was aging. Our idea was to create an environment with really wonderful hospitality – craft cocktails, seasonal food, the things you might expect from the best restaurant in town and combine that with live jazz, you might attract a new audience. I used Nocturne as the business plan project while earning my MBA. It gave me a chance to apply the principles and strategies of business to an idea that pulled together our passions. When I felt like we had something that could actually work, we went about raising funds and seeking the perfect home for Nocturne. We found that home in RiNo and opened in March of 2015.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nocturne is a jazz and supper club located in Denver’s RiNo Arts District. The name comes from the tune Harlem Nocturne as Denver was once considered the “Harlem of the West”. Almost eight years ago, we built Nocturne out of a rundown warehouse, converting it into a beacon for the Denver community that combines the arts of hospitality, food, drink, and music.

We believe that hospitality is a sacred and noble enterprise. Hospitality is as important to our community as doctors or lawyers. We have a passion for this industry and I pour that passion into our people, in turn, their passion is infused in the experiences we give our guests.

When we all had to take a pause during COVID, we offered our stage up, setting up a way to live stream so that the community could safely enjoy this music and help with a virtual tip jar. As soon as we could be open, even with 25% capacity, we did because we knew that musicians and our employees were depending on us for their livelihood. Integrity was paying these bands in full, even with a quarter of the audience in attendance.

Jazz is a great analogy for hospitality. In this profession, we are constantly improvising. We have to have transparent communication with our team. We trust them to bring their ideas to us so that we can find creative solutions to whatever problems come our way. The last two years in particular wouldn’t have been possible without listening to their ideas and looking for ways to turn problems into opportunities. As Miles Davis said, “there are no wrong notes”. Our reaction is always a choice. We listen to our team so that we can always be getting better.

Food and music are great preservers of culture. It’s all about serving that authentically. I can’t think of anything more sacred and noble than being the glue that brings people together and lets them leave better and more enriched than when they arrived.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Obviously they are are coming to Nocturne for Dinner and A Show at least once during their week in Denver with me!

Aside from that, there are so many gems to check out. A picnic at the Botanic Gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon. Take in some art at Clifford Still. A concert a Red Rocks. We’re season ticket holders for Opera Colorado, so we’d take in one of their stunning performances.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to shout out that helped to realize the dream of opening Nocturne. I’ll use this particular opportunity to shout out the local jazz musicians in Denver. Nocturne couldn’t exist without the immensely talented musicians that are part of our community. I truly admire the art that they create on our stage. As someone with no musical talent personally, I am awestruck at how a band can create a conversation our stage. The interaction of each musician listening to the others and crafting their own improvisations that intertwine with their bandmates is magic. I have the best office in the world because I get to see this every night.
I also want to credit our incredible team of people that work for us. The list is long and full of great people that have helped create the service, hospitality, and atmosphere that make Nocturne so special.

Website: https://nocturnejazz.com

Instagram: @nocturnedenver

Image Credits
Stephanie Kelly

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.