Denver, Colorado
Dazzle is one of Denver’s premier live jazz venues, known for its intimate atmosphere, high-quality sound, and nationally recognized jazz programming. Founded in 1997, Dazzle has been consistently recognized by DownBeat Magazine as one of the “Top 120 Jazz Clubs in the World” since 2004 and now hosts more than 70 live performances each month.
Following a relocation to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), a complex that houses ten performance spaces with more than 10,000 combined seats, Dazzle engaged Ford AV directly to outfit the new entertainment venue with audio, video, acoustic treatment, and surveillance systems.
Acoustic Treatment, Sound Absorption, and Custom Printed Panels for a Live Jazz Venue
Acoustic performance is central to Dazzle’s identity as an intimate listening room, and acoustic treatment was the largest single component of the AV scope. Ford AV installed a custom Perdue acoustic treatment package designed specifically for the new venue.
A custom 24-foot by 4-foot onyx-colored acoustic wave design was installed on the rear wall of the performance space opposite the stage. Constructed from specialized “diffsorbers,” hybrid acoustic panels that combine low-frequency absorption with high-frequency diffusion, the feature helps tame unwanted reflections while maintaining the lively, natural character essential to a premier jazz venue. Extensive coordination with the manufacturer was required to integrate the wave around existing wall obstructions while preserving both its acoustic effectiveness and visual continuity. Beyond improving room acoustics, the sculptural wave serves as a signature design element that reinforces Dazzle’s intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
Three 4-foot by 4-foot ceiling “clouds” above the bar area to absorb noise and prevent crowd sound from bleeding into the performance area. Four 4-foot by 4-foot custom, precision color-matched printed flat panels combine sound absorption with venue artwork in the small piano room, with the panels printed from high-resolution digital images supplied by the customer.
“We had to carefully plan the wave acoustic wall with the manufacturer of the panels to dodge obstructions and still provide functional acoustic treatment.”
— Ford AV Project Team
Distributed Audio System for Indoor Performance Spaces and Outdoor Dining
Ford AV installed a 70-volt distributed audio system covering the supporting spaces of the venue and the outdoor dining area, complementing the club’s main performance sound system. Six outdoor-rated surface mount speakers under the venue’s exterior overhang face the outdoor patio to extend live performance audio to the outdoor dining area and adjacent pedestrian spaces surrounding the arts district. Two in-ceiling speakers in the restrooms extend audio coverage throughout the public spaces.
Digital Signage Displays for Show Promotion and Wayfinding
Five Samsung commercial-grade digital signage displays throughout the venue promote upcoming performances and provide visual content in supporting spaces. Two 55-inch 4K outdoor-rated displays were installed in portrait orientation facing the sidewalk, one ceiling-mounted at a corner window and one mounted inside a storage closet by the main door facing outward through the window, both serving as sidewalk-facing show promotion. A 65-inch 4K display on the wall of the small piano room, fed by an Extron HDMI extender pair, sends video content from the control booth to the display location. A 55-inch 4K display in the entryway and a fifth display rounds out the internal signage coverage.
The signage network helps Dazzle promote upcoming performances, improve guest navigation, and increase visibility to patrons walking through the Denver Performing Arts Complex. It can be updated using USB thumb drives, with the option for more advanced centralized content management if the venue chooses to expand its capabilities.
Cloud-Based Video Surveillance System for Entertainment Venue Security
A complete Avigilon cloud-based video surveillance system provides coverage of public spaces, entry points, and operational areas, enhancing guest safety, protecting venue assets, and providing management with real-time visibility from any location. The cloud-based architecture reduces on-site storage and infrastructure requirements compared to traditional systems. Ford AV pulled network cabling to support the surveillance system, digital signage, and audio infrastructure.
- Live Entertainment Venue AV Integration – Ford AV delivers audiovisual systems integration for jazz clubs, performance venues, and hospitality environments. From acoustic treatment to distributed audio and digital signage, our solutions support both the performance and the guest experience.
- Proven Acoustic Treatment and Sound Absorption Expertise – Designing and installing custom acoustic panel systems, ceiling clouds, and printed acoustic artwork for live music venues, restaurants, and architectural spaces.
- Digital Signage and Show Promotion Displays – Indoor and outdoor commercial signage solutions that promote events, drive walk-in traffic, and integrate cleanly with venue architecture.
- Cloud-Based Video Surveillance Systems – Modern surveillance infrastructure for hospitality and entertainment venues, with remote access and reduced on-site equipment requirements.
- Trusted by Cultural and Entertainment Venues – Performing arts organizations, music venues, and hospitality brands trust Ford AV to deliver audiovisual systems that protect both the experience and the brand.
Ready to Design AV for Your Entertainment Venue or Performance Space?
