James Barela is an internationally renown jazz musician having performed with many of the biggest names in jazz and show biz. The James Barela group can vary in size from 2-20 and perform any style of jazz. From the golden age of the 1920's to contemporary jazz, the James Barela group covers it all. World class professional entertainment having served corporations and companies large and small, weddings, private parties, clubs, festivals, schools, and much more for over 30 years!
10 reviews
Kassandra P.
October 6, 2026We hired James Barela and his team for a jazz duo for our wedding and we have nothing but praise to share! James, Darrel (the saxophone player and night-of point person), and accompanying pianist were truly a pleasure to work with and were a highlight of our wedding. Not only were the duo exceptional at their craft, they have an infinite repertoire, accommodating any and all song requests. Their set-up was seamless and both arrived prepared, which was crucial for our DIY wedding. They went above and beyond and surprised us by performing our final song live, instead of putting on the recorded song to play off the PA system as was originally planned. James and his team are nothing short of communicative, professional, and talented. They made our special day all the more special. If you need a jazz band for your wedding or event, book James and his team!
Hired as: Jazz Band, Wedding Band
Kelley S.
May 27, 2026I hired James and his band (jazz trio) for an dinner event at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It was exactly what I wanted!! A mix of instrumental and vocals during the reception and the perfect level of music to allow for dinner conversations during dinner. I will hire them again for my museum events for sure. Loved their music choices. All very talented! Thanks guys!!!
Hired as: Jazz Band
Rod R.
April 25, 2026James played a "jazzy" birthday party for a good friend at the Boulder Country Club. He was fantastic and everyone has been raving about the performance for the past several days. We even had a professional singer in our group that sang with James and his band and this was a huge hit. James is professional, fun and does exactly what he says he'll do. Could not be happier with how this turned out. Thanks, James!
Hired as: Jazz Band
Corrin C.
November 9, 2025We had James and his band play for my mom’s 65th birthday and they were absolutely amazing! They brought the perfect energy, sounded incredible, and made the whole night feel so special. Couldn’t recommend them more!
Hired as: Jazz Band
Erin S.
September 11, 2025We hired the James Barilla band for my wedding, and they did an exceptional job. They were incredibly receptive to my ideas, and they are incredibly talented.
Their timing was perfect, they played the songs just perfectly, and they made my wedding day even more memorable. I'm super grateful I hired them. And I recommend you do too!
Hired as: Jazz Band, Wedding Band
Price range: $450 – $30,000 per event
Highest level in music, visual, and professional presentation. Decades of experience in every type of setting.
James Barela. Based in Denver Colorado, James has performed with many of the biggest names in jazz and pop music. He currently performs with his group ranging in size from a duo to big band as well as freelances with many of the top groups in the area and the world.
James Barela lived in Las Vegas for 15 years as a first call lead/jazz trumpeter with many of the best groups and shows including, Jump, Jive, and Wail, Dian Diaz, Patty Janura, Sin City Daddies, Tropical Splash,Backstreet, Sin City Daddies, Storm, David Poe, and countless others. James has also become a requested writer/arranger/producer for many of Las Vegas' finest. On the national/international scene James has performed with the Woody Herman Orchestra, Cyrus Chesnut, David Amram, Carl Fontana, Mike Stern, Joel Kaye's Neophonic Big Band, Ronnie Bedford, Frank Wess, Sheila Jordan, Bill Watrous, Butch Miles, Byron Stripling, Clay Jenkins, Kim Richmond, Lew Tabakin, Bobby Shew, Jamey Abersold, Nick Brignola, John McNeil, Phil Wilson, Ray Price, Jerry Hahn, Whitney Houston, Bono, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Frankie Valli, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Joe Williams, The Romantics, Eddie Money, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Smokin' Joe Frasier, and Josephine.
James' playing can be heard on several recordings by artists such as, Nick Brignola, Unit Five, Neophonic Jazz Orchestra, Mark Massamino, Jump Jive and Wail, Josephine, “Downtown” Michael Brown, Simon Relph, Lionhorse, and his own groups including BLU7. James has also been featured in the T.V. mini-series, "Steven King's-THE SHINING". James has been featured in magazines ranging from Downbeat, The gift of jazz, Las Vegas Weekly, Las Vegas Sun, Westword, and many more. James has performed all over the world with just about every type of musical ensemble.
Stage/performance area
Dedicated electricity
Cover (if outside)
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Denver, CO
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Broomfield, CO
Tuesday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Denver, CO
Thursday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 7:15pm
•
Boulder, CO
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Englewood, CO
Friday
Wedding Reception
11:00am - 2:00pm
•
Denver, CO
Wednesday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Denver, CO
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Englewood, CO
Thursday
Corporate Event
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Denver, CO
Wednesday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Estes Park, CO
Tuesday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Colorado Springs, CO
Friday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Boulder, CO
Thursday
Corporate Event
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Denver, CO
Friday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Denver, CO
Friday
Christmas Party
6:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Denver, CO
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Cherry Hills Village, CO
Over 5000 songs in repertoire covering many different genres. Requests approved if submitted no less than a week before event.
Area of stage/performance, dedicated electricity, cover if outside.
Jazz Band
