Tom Amend

Grand Atrium Tea Pianist / Jazz

Tom Amend has collaborated with many Colorado artists such as Gabriel Mervine, Eric Benny Bloom (Lettuce), Adam Deitch (Lettuce/Adam Deitch Quartet), Taylor Scott, Dominic Lalli (Big Gigantic), Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), The Burroughs, The Honky Tonk Express, Paul Romaine, Ken Walker, Dave Devine, Greg Gisbert, Shane Endsley (Kneebody), and Steve Kovalcheck, among many others. He has also shared the stage with Grant Green Jr., Steve Wilson, Jeff Hamilton, Chris Potter, Christian McBride, Joey DeFrancesco, Louis Hayes, Dave Liebman, Pat Bergeson, and Sheila Jordan.

Tom’s writing and playing are featured extensively across his discography. His 2019 album Frontier Justice showcases original organ trio music with Steve Kovalcheck and Jeff Hamilton. His 2021 Octet release Heliotrope presents original compositions performed by leading Colorado improvisers, with follow-up releases including Yellow Bench and Small Town Traffic (2022), the latter featuring longtime collaborators Steve Kovalcheck and Brian Claxton.

One of Tom’s current projects is Same Sky, a collaborative group with vocalist and songwriter Louisa Amend. Their self-titled debut album and forthcoming release The Way I See You highlight their continued work performing and recording throughout the Denver area.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and a Master of Music in Jazz Composition from the University of Northern Colorado. While at UNC, he performed with the nationally recognized UNC Lab I Big Band, UNC Vanguard Combo, and Vocal Lab. He has taught jazz piano, ensembles, and music technology at the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University, the University of Wyoming, Metropolitan State University, and CCJA. He currently teaches and records from his studio, Yellow Bench Studios.

Nancy Brace

Harpist & Community Artist

Nancy practices approximately five hours a day and often performs with her trio for up to 30 hours a week. McGuckin customers occasionally join in, including a tenor and a gentleman who plays the saw.

A dedicated community advocate, Nancy received the 2010 Broomfield Community Foundation Heart of Broomfield Art Award. She also serves as Registrar at the Center for Musical Arts in Lafayette and lives in Broomfield with her three sons and her husband, photographer Dan.
Nancy began performing at The Brown Palace about 35 years ago. In 1997, she performed “Simple Gifts” with pianist John Kite for Presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin during the Summit of the Eight. Earlier, she performed for Pope John Paul II during the 1993 World Youth Day. Her other regular venues have included Writers Manor Hotel, Clarion Hotel/Harvest House, the Inverness Hotel, The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (where she met her husband and was married), and the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.

She considers it a profound honor when guests return years later to share that her performances inspired their children or grandchildren to pursue music.

Gabriel Mervine

Trumpet / Flugelhorn, Gabriel Mervine Jazz Trio / Jazz

Gabriel studied Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder before pursuing private mentorships with trumpet greats Bobby Shew, Roger Ingram, and Greg Gisbert. His versatility quickly attracted attention, leading to collaborations with artists across genres. He has performed with Natalie Cole, Christian McBride, Terence Blanchard, Griz, Big Gigantic, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Wayne Bergeron, and The Who. His orchestral and large-ensemble credits include the Colorado Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic, and The Motet, with freelance work spanning everything from Mariachi to Mahler.

Now based in Denver, Gabriel maintains an active performance schedule and has released ten studio albums, aiming to release one each year. His focus continues to be expanding his original work, exploring new sonic directions with his ensembles, and honoring the music that shaped his artistic voice.

John Kite

Pianist / Director of Entertainment

For more than twenty-five years, Mr. Kite has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Champagne Cascade, an event that also features his jazz ensembles. Since 2011, his Jazz Trios, Quartets, and Quintets have performed Friday and Saturday evenings in the Grand Atrium and have been a featured part of the hotel’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Ellyngton’s and the Lobby.

In 2022, Mr. Kite was named Director of Entertainment for The Brown Palace. He programs and oversees all live entertainment for Grand Atrium Tea and Cocktails, weekend jazz performances, Ship Tavern jazz and cabaret nights, and special banquet engagements.

During the COVID months, he wrote a weekly column titled Piano Notes, sharing stories from his decades at The Brown Palace. Among his most notable moments is performing Aaron Copland’s “Simple Gifts” with harpist Nancy Brace for Presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin during the 1997 Summit of the Eight, when The Brown Palace served as President Clinton’s home base.

A Denver native, Mr. Kite enjoys tennis, cycling, and skiing the Colorado slopes. He and his husband, Bradley, have been together since 1985.