Denise Choate & The Not Just Jazz Band

Vocal-centered jazz for private celebrations, wineries, restaurants and cocktail lounges throughout Northern California.

Best Jazz Band nomineeModesto Area Music Awards · 2025 & 2026

Watch & Listen Book the Band See upcoming shows

Playing Modesto, Sonora, Lodi, Sacramento, Napa Valley, the Bay Area and the towns between.

Denise Choate singing into a microphone beside saxophonist Paul Contos, in front of deep red stage curtains

Upcoming performances

See us live

All performance details

Times are local to the venue. Please check with the venue for reservations and admission details.

The recordings

Listen to the band

Denise's voice, the band's sound. Choose a song and press play.

Watch & Listen

Hear Denise before you book

Four live recordings, from a winery duo to a big band stage.

It Don't Mean a Thing

Quartet, swinging hard

Details for each performance

Portrait of Denise Choate, smiling, in a red dress and leopard-print glove

The voice at the center

A singer you notice, a band that listens

Built around Denise Choate's strong, expressive voice and an accomplished lineup of musicians, the band brings warmth, swing and character to intimate rooms and special occasions.

The repertoire moves between jazz standards, Latin grooves, blues and romantic ballads. Denise carries the melody and the story; the musicians around her shape the arrangement to the room, so the music can be the reason people lean in or the warmth under a good conversation.

About the band

From the bandstand

Places we've played

A few of the wineries, lounges and special-event venues where we've shared the music. Select a logo to visit the venue's website.

From the audience

What people are saying

“Their jazz standards are terrific and Denise has such great rapport with the audience. We love them!”

Sue SiefkinGoogle review · excerpt

“Denise's beautiful vocals, combined with the incredible musicianship of the band, create an unforgettable live performance.”

Marjorie E. SturdyGoogle review · excerpt

“They consistently deliver outstanding music and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere that keeps everyone entertained.”

MatiGoogle review · excerpt

“Denise possesses a truly extraordinary voice, beautifully expressive, refined, and captivating.”

Rayleen WagnerGoogle review · excerpt

For the evening you're planning

Some of the gatherings the band is suited to. If yours isn't listed, describe it and ask.

  • Private celebrations

    Milestone birthdays, anniversary celebrations and private dinners, at home or in a room you've reserved.

  • Wineries and tasting rooms

    Wine tastings, club gatherings and wine events, from a duo in the cellar to a fuller band on the terrace.

  • Restaurants and dining rooms

    Restaurant evenings where guests come for dinner and stay for the second set.

  • Cocktail bars and lounges

    Lounge performances with swing, ballads, blues and Latin rhythms for a room with a drink in hand.

  • Corporate receptions

    Cocktail receptions, client evenings and company gatherings that call for live music with some polish.

Weddings are welcome too. Tell us about your celebration.

Ensembles

Choose the size of the band

Every lineup keeps Denise's voice in front. The exact musicians are confirmed when you book.

Duo

Voice with keyboard. Suited to tasting rooms, private dinners and smaller rooms where conversation matters.

Watch the duo

Quartet

Voice with saxophone, keyboard and bass. More swing and more color for restaurants, lounges and receptions.

Watch the quartet

Larger lineups

For bigger rooms and celebrations, ask about adding musicians. The band will recommend what fits your space.

Ask about your event
Denise Choate with three fellow quartet musicians in a lounge with a blue and gold mural
Denise Choate and the quartet. See the gallery

Service area

Throughout Northern California

Travel and lineup depend on the date and place. Include your location when you get in touch.

Where the band plays
  • Modesto
  • Sonora
  • Amador County
  • Sacramento
  • Lodi
  • Napa Valley
  • Bay Area
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Mother Lode
  • Central Valley
  • Stockton
  • Fresno

Bookings

Planning an evening with live music?

Send the date, the place, the kind of gathering and roughly how many guests. Denise and the band will talk through the lineup that suits the room.

Tell Us About Your Event Watch & Listen
Call Book the Band