Meet the Team
Howard Treppeda | Founder & Impresario
Growing up in New York, Howard was surrounded by rich food and music his whole life. His father, a Jazz musician, immediately put Howard into piano lessons, which to his surprise ended with a passion for cooking. With a background is in the culinary arts, which has sent him around the world, music has always been an important part of Howard’s life. His lifelong love and support of music led Howard to establish the Colorado Jazz Group.
rachel rohrig | Speaker of the House
Rachel, a rare Colorado native, graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Entrepreneurship. With a passion for people and giving back to her community, she has a long history working with nonprofits. Her keen eye for operational backgrounds has provided strength to the Colorado Jazz Group’s event and programming.
Craig Blockwick | Founding Director
Craig is the founding director for the Colorado Jazz Group. By day a construction and real estate attorney but by night you can spot him in a local band called Keenas. Having been involved in Jazz on 2nd Ave since the beginning, he is an instrumental part of our team. Focusing his efforts on playing a huge role in organizing our festivals and educational activities.
KATE STARRETT | Marketing Wiz
Though originally from New Hampshire, the mountains (and ocean, hills, pasta) were calling for her and landed her traveling around the world from New York, California, Austria, Utah, and Italy until she finally landed in Niwot, CO. Kate is a marketing and communications consultant in the outdoor industry, organic food and beverage industry and now in the arts. When she’s not editing websites or writing copy, she can be found coaching junior ski racing at Eldora Mtn on the weekends and learning to fly small planes.
Marni Tucker | Logistical Guru
Marni has called Colorado home since 2006. For over 12 years, Marni served as an Events and Production Manager with a focus on Operations/Logistics for large scale cause-driven events across the State. Her passion for helping others has led her to CO Jazz Group and has since been focusing her efforts on expanding the music education program. When she isn’t working, Marni can be found chasing or being chased by her 3 children or trail running throughout Boulder County.