As the mid-September sun held rain clouds at bay Saturday afternoon, the sounds of neo-soul and afro-fusion emanated from Five Points Plaza.

The music marked the first few hours of the inaugural Hi Points Festival, an event spanning several genres and venues in Denver’s historic jazz neighborhood. The event replaces the longtime Five Points Jazz Festival, an annual free event which ended after 25 years.

Music ranged from jazz and funk to rock ‘n’ roll and hip hop to a wide variety of other genres along the Welton Street Corridor. In addition the the plaza’s main stage, several businesses in the area — including Spangalang Brewery, 715 Club, The Marigold, Fifth, Le Rougarou and Cousins Plaza — also hosted performances.

“The programming is intentionally designed to help boost the business

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