by Valley Gadfly | Apr 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
“It’s mad, it’s gay, a libelous display.” Yes, this ditty from the 1960 Broadway musical Camelot, written by Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe, celebrates the spring in our… steps!
New month, new day, new date, new chapter, new page, new wishes. The month of May is the essence of spring: Flowers are in full bloom, summer is near, making everyone motivated.
Come what “may,” here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as we close out the first two quarters of the year and look forward to a long, and relaxing summer:
Sprint into the month by attending the Denver Mini Derby at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus May 4, beginning at 1 p.m. Kentucky Derby party has a mini horse race, live band, open bar, and a BBQ. Information: 303-656-9595.
Be certain to hear Yo-Yo-Ma perform Elgar’s Cello Concert with the Symphony playing at Boettcher Concert Hall May 5, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy Australian blues rock band The Teskey Brothers from Melbourne, as they entertain at the Mission Ballroom May 11, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
See designers, local boutiques, national brands, hairstylist, makeup artists, and models during Denver Fashion Week May 11-19. Information: 303-888-5455.
For the Love of Spring, swing to Colorado Gold Mart at 1124 S. Colorado Blvd. to sell, or pawn items of value. Best prices for gold, jewelry, watches, diamonds, more! Cash you need at the best possible value. Information: 303-955-5821.
Spoil Mom, the kids, grandkids, and extended family at the Monaco Inn Restaurant on Mother’s Day. Full, regular menu, plus specials sure to please everyone! Serving from noon until 8 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
See the 18-year-old British musician George van den Broek, known as Yellow Days playing the Bluebird Theatre May 12, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Don’t miss “Bad to the Bone” singer George Thorogood and The Destroyers at the Paramount Theatre on May 14, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Enjoy band playing Ellington, Goodman, and Count Basie swing music and beyond at the Arvada Center May 18, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.
Catch the Celtic Women’s 20th Anniversary Tour of traditional & modern music singiing at the Paramount Theatre May 26, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Don’t miss the country duo of Brooks & Dunn as they play the Ball Arena with guest David Lee Murphy & Ernest, May 31, 7 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
For food, drinks and loads of great company, make plans to attend the Harm Reduction Action Center’s annual Spring Fundraiser at the Space Gallery 400 Santa Fe Dr., May 23, 5:30 p.m. Drug Policy Alliance’s Dr. Sheila P. Vakharia speaks. She also signs her new book, with proceeds going directly to the Harm Reduction Action Center. Staff and volunteers for HRAC have cleaned-up over 100 drug areas, and guided and assisted residents. Information: 303-572-7800.
May brightens the Cherry Creek Valley with its sunny skies and colorful flowers. Plus, the minute we can break out those spring clothes, makes us feel that we can conquer the world.
Spring is the season for getting lost in daydreams. How can anyone not expect to gaze longing out the window at the warm, welcoming weather? Spring has officially sprung.
All things seem possible in May. This month, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel totally alive. What did the tree say to heaven-sent spring? What a re-leaf.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 18, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Playing practical jokes on the first day — April Fools’ Day — showers the start of a month known for lovely weather, blossoming gardens, and springtime bliss, as days get longer, brighter.
“April Come She Will,” by the music duo Simon & Garfunkel, signaled that it’s a time of year for change and new beginnings, a time for outdoor adventures, and joyous feelings.
Here are our green traffic light choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as April is a reminder that something better is around the corner and the Valley shouts, “Go!”:
Experience the multi-instrumentalists blending of Celtic, Americana, Folk, and Indie Rock as the Colorado Symphony presents Elephant Revival with Bonnie Paine doing vocals at Boettcher April 3, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Don’t miss the warm and funny River City Musical “The Music Man” playing at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 5-7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Snag seats to grasp the spirit that shot Michael Jackson to fame at the Colorado premiere of MJ at the Buell Theatre, April 10-28. Information: 720-865-4220.
Let the big, and beautiful sound of the city’s giant organs wrap around you again by taking the Organ Crawl Bus Tour on Aug. 12. Information: 303-447-8679.
Host jaw-dropping events for 12 or 1200 your guests will never forget at Infinity Park Event Center. Pick from 8,600-sq.-ft. ballroom, an outside stadium, or small spaces. Unforgettable concerts, festivals. Information: 303-248-7100.
Treat the family to over 100 restaurants featuring more than 20 international cuisines along On Havana Street in Aurora from 6th Ave. to Dartmouth. Select from a range of casual to fine dining spots. Information: OnHavanaStreet.com.
Swing over to the sprawling Topgolf entertainment venue with the family to enjoy the Shalom Park Fundraiser April 17, 6-9 p.m. Information: 303-400-2219.
Catch the Takt Trio — trio for violin, horn, and piano, alongside Brahm’s horn trio – at the Newman Center April 19, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Hatsune Miku sings at Mission Ballroom’s Miku Concert & Expo, plus enjoy Japanese-local artist workshop April 22, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
You’ll love Ballet Ariel’s Silver Anniversary Dance Collection at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 27-28, 7:30 p.m., 28th 1 p.m. Information: 303-945-4388.
Join this year’s “Minds Matter” as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary serving Colorado students. This year’s extra special fundraiser is at Glendale’s Infinity Park Event Center April 27, 6 p.m. You’ll be inspired by the students and their stories while enjoying a crafted dinner and cocktails. Denver-based “Minds Matter” helps high school students from low-income families succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Information: 720-663-7297.
April is really when the stunning, invigorating season starts to feel like it’s happening. Barren trees burst into tiny blossoms, and we can count on a handful of long, perfect days.
The climate is generally warm, creating a season of bliss, of blooming gardens, and a time for romance. The changing nature of the season is a metaphor for changing moods.
April rain is not a cause to complain; it’s busy preparing the terrain for spring to sustain. When April Fools’ Day arrives, believe nothing, trust no one, just like any other day.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
March is a meteorological smorgasbord. The month is full of contrasts: Some days it’s rainy and gloomy; on others, it feels like summer is just around the corner as we shift to spring.
Flu season is finally over, and the days are getting longer. Gardens, and weeds have started growing. Plus, we get more time outside. Daylight Savings starts on March 10.
Here are our magic March choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as lads and lassies look for the Rainbow’s Pot O’ Gold and kiddos hunt for Easter’s Golden Egg:
You’ll be bedazzled as Gregory Goodloe entertains at downtown Jazz Club Dazzle March 1, 6:30 p.m. The singer and R&B-jazz guitarist claims Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Contemporary Number 1 spot. Information: 303-893-5100.
Experience Space Between Threads — a climate weavings & sculptures exhibit — at Denver Botanic Gardens, March 3 to June 9. Information: 720-865-3500.
Catch concert by Planina at Swallow Hill March 9, 8 p.m. Group plays tunes from country of Georgia following 2-week trip. Information: 303-777-1003.
Sinatra sensation Derek Evilsizor brings the Rat Pack’s swing and swagger to Cherokee Ranch Tribute Show March 15, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-688-5555.
Stay fit, have fun by joining the Glendale Sports Center. No joining fees, no contracts, and membership includes classes! Programs appeal to every age, fitness level. Trainers create blueprint, help you execute. Information: 303-639-4711.
March to Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s and Easter deals: Serving Corned Beef & Cabbage for lunch & dinner March 18. Double holiday feast: Serving Easter specials on March 31 from noon to 8 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
Celtic Pipes & Drums, Aubrey Jacobs, & the Celtic Steps entertain for St. Paddy’s at the Newman Center on March 16-17, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7715.
Catch singer-actress Madonna as she brings her London launched Celebration Tour to play the Ball Arena March 19, 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
Hear the Colorado Symphony & Chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem at Boettcher Concert Hall March 22-24, 7:30 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy the playful and inventive repertoire of pianist Ethan Iverson playing jazz and classical music at Dazzle March 28, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner and wine, plus a program to celebrate International Women’s Day at this year’s Junior League of Denver fundraiser at Mile High Station March 8, 6 p.m. The League is currently working to disrupt the cycle of poverty for Denver women and their families. The Great Family Artists dance band performs, plus live and silent auctions. Black Tie is optional at the 12th annual event emceed by CBS’s Lauren Whitney. Information: 303-892-0270.
This March features a hilarious holiday mash-up, as St. Patrick’s Day and Easter go head-to-head. Leprechauns and Easter Bunnies battle for a hill to hide the Pot of Gold or Golden Egg.
Both are spring hooplas. St. Patrick’s is perceived as the middle day of spring in the Irish calendar. Easter is near the vernal equinox, when there are equal periods of light and darkness.
Both holidays adore humor. The Irish are always “Dublin” over with laughter. When Easter Eggs hear a funny joke, they crack up. Irish you a blissful St. Patrick’s Day!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
As February begins, there is everything to hope for — including love — and nothing to regret. “Without Valentine’s Day, February would be…. well, January,” someone supposed.
It was during 1967’s “Summer of Love” that the Beatles first released the song, “All You Need Is Love.” To this day — 57 years later — it’s a message that really can’t be denied.
Here are our shortest month of the year choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as we say goodbye to winter and warm up to brighter, sunnier days with V-Day love in the air:
Enjoy a double-header of entertainment as Michael Kirkpatrick and Elise Wunder do sets at Swallow Hill’s Tuft Theater Feb. 2, 8 p.m. He sings a folk-fingerstyle blend, she adds rhapsody, emotion. Information: 303-623-7876.
Hear “Black Violin” duo Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste play violin-viola music at the Paramount Theatre Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Don’t miss a rare opportunity to hear Welsh pop-punk band Neck Deep playing in person at the Mission Ballroom Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Denver Brass combines creole jazz of New Orleans with hip-shaking rhythms of Brazil at the Newman Center, Feb. 10-11, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7715.
Don’t let rug specials — up to 60% off — slip away from you at Kian Rug Co. store demolition, closing sale. Choose from over 4,000 fine hand-knotted rugs on sale. Modern, contemporary, traditional, vintage, more. Information: 303-355-7400.
You’ll be “head over heels” for the Valentine Specials offered at the Monaco Inn Restaurant on V-Day, 5-9 p.m. Choices: NY Steak & Deep-Fried Shrimp; Lamb Chops with Grilled Shrimp; or Grilled Salmon. Information: 303-320-1104.
The Tierney Sutton instrumental-vocal band entertains with jazz pianist Tamir Henderlman at Dazzle Denver Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Cellist Nicholas Canellakis and pianist Michael Brown play classics and original works at the Lakewood Center Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
See the 80s synth-pop band retelling of The Sleeping Beauty at Wonderbound, playing Feb. 22-March 3, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Information: 303-292-4700.
The Colorado Symphony & Chorus perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Boettcher Hall Feb. 23-25, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 720-865-4200.
Attend the fun, funky, fabulous art auction and fundraising extravaganza Artma at the Denver Design Center Feb. 24, 6-10 p.m. The Morgan Adams Foundation that funds kids’ cancer research created the event for a little girl who believed in the healing power of art. View and bid on the colorful wonderment work by Australian Artist Janine Daddo and the pop culture oil-on-canvas paintings and watercolors of Colorado artist Zoa Ace, others. Information: 303-758-2130.
February is not just special because it’s love month. It’s also the only month with fewer than 30 days. Though it’s usually 28 days, 2024 is leap year, which means leap day is Feb. 29th.
Love, like the weather, is unpredictable: rainy, wet, dry, frigid, foggy, windy, stormy. As Shakespeare asked in Macbeth: “When shall we meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?”
Wishing you a month filled with love and happiness. Remember, February is the month when love blooms and chocolate cravings take over, even when you get butterfingers.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
“Ding Dong, Ding,” is how Ex-Beatle George Harrison wrote a joyous guitar riff urging listeners to “ring out the old, ring in the new.” Perry Como released the song “Hot Diggity.”
Will the year 2024 be a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? “Ultimately, we write it. The choice is ours,” submits British author, poet, and lyricist Alex Morritt.
Here are our fresh start January choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as you step into the New Year with new intentions, new goals, new snow, and new beginnings:
For an engaging, special start to the year see the play “Ones Who Return,” based on Ghosts by 19th Century playwright Henrik Ibsen. Dates are Jan. 5-6 and 12-13 at the Firehouse Theater on the Lowry Campus. Information: 303-562-3232.
Swifty Alert: Join the Denver “fanaticism fandom” speeding to the Bluebird Theater for the traveling Taylor Fest, Jan. 6, 6 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Strap on spurs and “steer” your way to the annual National Western Stock Show to see rodeos, cattle, plus a trade show, Jan. 6-21. Information: 303-297-1166.
Catch rare concert by renowned reedman (sax-flute) Joe Anderies and pianist Chuck Lamb at Jazz Denver Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Enjoy the “Art of Living Well” at St. Andrew’s Village. Wellness retirement community has programs, classes, outings to pique your interest. Independent, assisted, rehabilitation & skilled nursing on site. Information: 303-214-2646.
Add Wash Park’s Restaurant Olivia to your 2024 dining list. Renovation of tasty Italian eatery at 290 S. Downing St. has doubled seating to more than 120. Entry is on Downing with 1,200-sq.-ft. expansion. Information: 303-999-0395.
Pacifica Quartet and soprano Karen Slack perform songs from Walker’s Lyric for Strings at the Newman Center, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Rock and Roll into the new year with light, smoke, fire, and pyrotechnics as Hairball comes to the Paramount, Jan. 20, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Symphony contrasts Mozart’s music with today’s composers at Mozart & Now at Boettcher Hall Jan. 26-28, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy Winter Brew Fest’s drinks, food trucks, and karaoke at Mile High Station to benefit Big Bones Canine Rescue Jan. 27, 1-10 p.m. Information: 720-946-7721.
Trees are our shelters and sanctuaries. Thus, as we transition into 2024, help The Park People stand tall in the New Year. In 2023 the non-profit provided 1,500 trees to residents through Denver Digs Trees, up 16% from the previous year. Most were planted in low-canopy, heat-risk areas. Moreover, they added 290 trees in local parks and affordable housing areas. We learn character from trees, values from roots, and change from leaves. Information: 303-722-6262.
January is the month that wipes our slate clean. January is kind of like Monday; nobody really looks forward to it, and it comes immediately after a blissful time off weekend.
Oh, hot diggity, dog ziggety, boom: It’s a New Year and dreams come true thattaway! By shedding the snow, plus our past, a fresh start will replenish our souls to start a new chapter.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 16, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Grab an eggnog, cozy up to your family and friends, and settle in for a month of holiday gatherings, glittering lights, and snowy peaks. It is the official start of winter and cold weather.
‘Tis the month many folks look forward to the most: Reuniting with loved ones, getting warm by the fire, snowball fights, and tacky holiday sweaters, and lots and lots of eating.
Here are our dreamy December choices for celebrating the values that unite us for shopping, dining, and entertainment through togetherness, generosity, and gratitude:
For a dreamy start to the holidays, take the family to Saturday Night Lights in Cherry Creek North Dec. 2-16, 5-7 p.m. Enjoy treats, see acrobats, and jugglers under 600 lit, musically choreographed trees. Information: 303-394-2904.
Join Chabad of Cherry Creek for the first night of Chanukah. Face painting, fire juggling, treats on E. 2nd. Ave. Dec. 10, 5-7 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
For laughs, catch the Ukulele Christmas Extravaganza as 65 ukulele crooners perform at the Lakewood Center Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7485.
Enjoy a blast of Holiday Brass, as the Symphony Brass adds power-brilliance to ballads, carols at Boettcher Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Winterize your sprinkler system to avoid winter weather’s freeze-thaw-freeze cycle if you haven’t yet, prompts Denver Water. More: state’s oldest water utility says to drain outdoor faucets, exposed pipes. Information: 303-893-2444.
For a holiday dining experience like no other, book your reservations early at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. Serving Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 5 to 9 p.m. Good food, good prices, and good service. Information: 303-320-1104.
Relax at the annual Crystal & Himalayan Singing Bowl Concert, as it returns to the Denver Botanic Gardens Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Hear Symphony’s take on Mr. Hound-Dog’s favorites at the Elvis Christmas Spectacular at Boettcher Hall Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Take the kids to the charming, song-infused retelling of Little Red Riding Hood at DCPA’s Randy Weeks Theatre through Dec. 25. Information: 303-893-4100.
Let the Symphony dance you into the New Year enjoying polkas, waltzes, and marches at Boettcher Hall Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Collect new toys for the 16th annual Dolls for Daughters® & Toys for Boys® Toy Drive being held at the National Western Complex Dec. 2, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. They plan to provide a big toy, a small toy, and a wooden toy car to 3,500 children ages birth to 18. To guarantee toys for each child, parents of needy families are required to register for the event. In addition to collecting toys, the group needs Denver Toy Shop volunteers. Information: 720-330-2804.
You can set your watch by it: when December arrives, the same music blares from speakers everywhere. More than any other time, music plays on our emotions this month.
Think of Wham!’s Last Christmas, or Mariah Carey’s holiday earworm: They are songs to get us in a “holiday mood.” A warm mood infused by happy families, gifts, and eggnog.
‘Tis the season to be jolly… fa-la-la! Giving back last year’s fruitcake is compulsory. Relatives are optional. Stir the eggnog, lift the toddy, Happy New Year everybody.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
