by Valley Gadfly | Nov 19, 2018 | Valley Gadfly
Gingerbread houses made out of cookies and candy. Yes, it is the holiday season and LA! LA! LA! ‘Tis time to laugh with joy. Many of us travel long and far for Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays during this festive season. “It’s the most wonderful time of year . . . the happiest season of all.” So says the popular holiday song.
Everywhere you look this time of the year, singers, dancers, bakers and others are offering tempting holiday treats for our eyes, ears, tummies and curious minds.
Here are our happy holiday choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to bring a little extra bounce to your step, a smile to your face and all around happiness:
3 Blending dance, live music and customs from around the world, Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum is a Valley favorite. See this holiday tradition at Cleo Parker Dance Dec. 1-16. Information: 303-295-1759 x13.
3 Shop Cherry Creek Dec. 8 and stop at Fillmore Plaza’s Winter Fest with fire pit, ice carvings and free refreshments. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Catch Chris Daniels & The Kings Feat in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Dec. 15, 8 p.m. He’s joined by Freddi Gowdy’s funk band. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 See the joyous-opulent Ebenezer Scrooge musical A Christmas Carol playing the Stage Theatre through Dec. 24. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Meet Santa, learn about the Glendale Sports Center, at their annual Holiday Celebration Dec. 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Free and open to the public, there’s crafts, music, cookies and hot chocolate. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Enjoy prime rib, lamb shank or lamb chops and grilled shrimp at the Monaco Inn Christmas Eve for $20; New Year’s Eve Prime Rib or Filet Mignon is $20, with Lobster Tail $30. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 For hilarious fun see The Santaland Diaries, a Macy’s elf stint tale, at the Jones Theatre through Dec. 24 Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Don’t forget fireworks are being launched New Year’s Eve on the 16th St. Mall at 9 p.m. and midnight. Information: 800-233-8837.
3 With its exuberant embrace of an enchanted world, Ballet Ariel’s The Nutcracker defines the holiday season. Returning to the Lakewood Cultural Center, there are matinees Dec. 15-16, 22-23 & 26-27 at 2 p.m. Evening performances are Dec. 21-22 & 26, 7 p.m.. The toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and Sugar Plum fairies are magical with festive costumes, breathtaking choreography. Information: 303-987-7845.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year with joy, cheer and gratitude in abundance. Everywhere you look, people seem to be in high spirits: being kind to one another, taking time to pause and reflect, and taking care of those less fortunate. Whether you are 5 or 85, this is the season to enjoy yourself and reflect on the good things in life.
Friends and family are fantastic, and this is the time to gather and remember how lucky we are to have people around us that we care about and who love us.
On the flip side, don’t let the holidays overwhelm you with parties, buying gifts, and too many work and family commitments. Just remember to put some giggle in your wiggle as you flap your feet. As we say farewell to the old year, people are singing to bring in the New Year. We add our voice: Have a HA! HA! Happy New Year!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 24, 2018 | Uncategorized, Valley Gadfly
Turkeys, table-spreads and being together, it’s got to be November. A month to celebrate happiness and homes to protect us from what is often indeterminate weather. Valley families can expect kind-hearted kin coming over for the yearly Thanksgiving dinner. Surely we’ll all have fun but likely none of us will get any thinner!
Food is better in November than any other time of the year. The smell of food is very different. It smells like cinnamon and can pull us out of bed early each morning.
Here are our wishbone choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill the month with bright-bold days of books, friends and fireplaces that never grow cold:
3 Begin November seeing The Humans, an uproarious-hopeful play that takes place over a family dinner on Thanksgiving. It’s at the Curious Theatre on Acoma St. Nov. 3-Dec. 22. Information: 303-623-0524.
3 Attend Food Bank of the Rockies Serving Up Hope Luncheon at the Denver Mart, Nov. 6, 11:30-1:30 p.m. Information: 303-371-9250.
3 Buy unique quality merchandise at Junior League’s Mile High Holiday Mart in the Gates Field House, Nov. 9-11. Information: 303-692-0270.
3 Support Porter Hospital by attending their yearly Heart of Hearts Gala at Wings Over the Rockies Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-715-7627.
3 Surprise, astonish and amaze family, friends and neighbors with new upholstery, drapery, cushions and pillows for the holidays. Purchase from Boris’s Upholstery on S. Parker Rd. Information: 303-751-2921.
3 Enjoy Classic Roast Turkey with stuffing, gravy and all the trimmings at the Monaco Inn Restaurant, noon-6 p.m. Or choose from a half-dozen other choices including New York Steak. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Plan to see Dior: Paris to the World, art by the fashion icon at the Denver Art Museum Nov. 19-March 3. Information: 720-913-0130.
3 Run your yams off at this year’s Mile High United Way Turkey Trot in Wash Park Nov. 23, 10 a.m. Information: 303-433-8383.
3 Plan to attend this year’s L’ Esprit de Noel two-day walking tour of five magnificent homes in the Belcaro-Bonnie Brae neighborhood, Nov. 16-17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Decorated for the holidays by accomplished metro florists and table designers, proceeds go to support Central City Opera’s Summer Festival, Artist Training Program and the historic Opera House and 27 other Central City properties. Information: 303-292-6500.
We seldom think of November in terms of beauty or any other especially satisfying tribute. November is simply that interval between colorful fall and dark December. Nevertheless, nearly every year, there come a few November days of clear, crisp weather that makes one wonder why November seldom gets its due.
Chilled enough to have a slight tang, like properly aged cider. Not air that caresses, nor yet air that nips. It makes you gulp for air when walking briskly.
As winter flaps her wings we offer up a plateful of humor to make you thankful you have a funny bone instead of a wishbone on Turkey Day: What did the turkey say to the computer? “Google, google, google.” What is a turkey’s favorite dessert? Peach gobbler. Have a cozy-bright month with savor-sweet dishes. Happy Thanksgiving!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 2, 2018 | Valley Gadfly
Let the leaves fall where they may, October is about to come screaming back! A riot to the senses, the month is climaxed by Halloween and our need to be scared and terrified. Nevertheless, summer’s oppressive 90-degree heat will soon be a distant memory and golden leaves promise a Valley full of beautiful fall adventures.
Boo: “Halloween, ooh, Halloween ghostly things are gonna happen.” Darkness comes much earlier this month and you’ll soon be hearing spooky, silly noises outside.
Here are our supernatural choices for shopping, dining and entertainment as the wind nestles in the trees outside and spirits prowl the sidewalks like unseen cats:
3 Don’t miss the opening of JAAMM Fest, a one of a kind arts extravaganza on the JCC campus Oct. 4-Nov. 18. The high caliber of this year’s lineup includes music acts from all over the world. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 Be sure you have the “Write Stuff” including vintage pens at the Colorado Pen Show in the DoubleTree North, Oct. 5-7. Information: 303-322-6666.
3 Dance over to Colorado Ballet’s season opener featuring Sleeping Beauty at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Oct. 5-14. Information: 303-837-8888.
3 Catch Emmy winner John Tesh as he sings, tells stories at the Grand Piano in Lowry’s Soiled Dove Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-830-9214.
3 Let Total Wine & More — newly opened on East Evans Ave. — take part in all of your Halloween parties. Your spirits will soar with the unbelievable selection of wines and unique spirits. Information: 720-535-0027.
3 For a taste of October you’re certain to enjoy attending Joy Wine & Spirit’s 8th Chili Cook Off on 6th Ave. Oct. 21, 12-4 p.m. Amateurs and pros vie for critics’ and peoples’ choice awards. Information: 303-744-6219.
3 Join the Kidney Foundation’s non-competitive 5k walk-run at Sloan’s Lake Park on Oct. 14, 8 a.m. Information: 720-748-9991.
3 Escort the kids along Glow in the Gardens’ spooky Halloween pathways Oct. 17-18 and 23-25. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 You yearn for the crispest, clearest sounds to enhance your audio experience but with today’s advancements in technology you’re not sure where to turn. Start at this year’s 15th Rocky Mountain Audio Fest at the Marriott Tech Center, Oct. 5-7. At the world’s largest Audio Show, attendees will enjoy equipment show specials, prize drawings and live entertainment all weekend. Information: 303-779-1100.
The air begins to chill, slowly, first at night, and then during the day. The leaves start their colorful dance ushering in the final stage of their existence. Nature begins the preparation for a long winter’s nap. Everything alive seems to go to sleep or migrate south. Only we humans seem to stick around for the colder months ahead.
October in the Valley, with its warm days, cool nights, and colorful displays of foliage, is always a favorite month for most everyone — most of the living that is!
For the dead, the month signifies an unwanted awareness by the living that the dead may be lurking among us. As you enjoy Halloween costume parties this month remember that this freakish, bizarre season is a reminder to be adventurous, bold and daring or you’ll just be another “hoblin’ goblin.” Eat, drink and be scary. Bone appetit!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 24, 2018 | Valley Gadfly
September is a turning point month. It’s a time to reflect on the summer that was. The harvest is afoot. Football is back and the elections are approaching. The kids are back in school as part of their mission to become smarter than us in record time. Take a breath of that brisk fresh air and inhale as you enjoy top songs of autumnal wistfulness.
September has a natural rhythm and tilt to it and like most three-syllable months sings very well. Oct., Nov. and Dec. sing all right too, but September has it all.
Here are our singsong choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill the melancholic season as leaves of brown come tumbling down on our lawns this fall:
3 Capture that old September feeling Dancing in the Streets to celebrate ARC Thrift Stores 50th Anniversary Sept. 8. Dinner fundraiser is at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-229-1438.
3 Get in a fun and frightful fall mood watching the action-horror film Mandy at the Colfax Sie FilmCenter Sept. 14. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Enjoy Colorado Cuisine & Cocktails at Distinctly Colorado’s Sept. 15 breast cancer benefit at Infinity Park, 5 p.m. Information: 303-669-3113.
3 Hop, Skip & Jump into autumn with your kids at the Children’s Museum annual stroller friendly 5k Sept. 16, 7:30 a.m. Information: 303-561-0101.
3 Make it an artful autumn by viewing new work by trio of Art All Stars opening at the Robert Anderson Gallery Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m. Gallery’s new space is adjacent to Bluebird on E. Colfax. Information: 303-257-0684.
3 Blast into fall at Bar Car’s 8th Birthday Bash on Colorado Blvd. Sept. 23 from 2-7 p.m. Denver Dumb Friends League fundraiser features live music, free hot dogs and happy hour prices. Information: 720-524-8099.
3 Take in free family science, tech, engineering and math (STEM) festival at East High School Sept. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-982-8933.
3 Join St. Martin’s Festival Singers as they sing the rich and beloved vespers at St. John’s Cathedral Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 Take steps to end cancer this month by participating in the Light The Night Walk at Washington Park Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m. The Light the Night Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sponsored event funds treatments that are saving lives of patients every day. Walk itself is just less than two miles long around the inner loop of the park. Dogs on leash are welcome. Information: 720-440-8620.
Is September the perfect month in the Cherry Creek Valley? Quite possibly! While known for its warm sunny days and cool crisp nights, September can feature just about every type of weather ranging from severe storms, to heavy snow and extreme flooding. September 1 marks the start of meteorological fall and the season of change.
We see the average high drop 12° from the first day to the last day of the month. The Valley ends the month at — do we dare say — a near-perfect 72° F average high.
There is also clarity about September. On a clear day the sun seems brighter, the sky bluer as white clouds take on groovy shapes. The moon is a wonderful apparition, rising gold and cooling to silver. And what September starts, October is always ready to grab the torch and carry on. Hey, hey, hey, it’s the colorful season: “Awwtumm!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 20, 2018 | Valley Gadfly
Aaah, summer, that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and brimming with possibilities. It’s time for BBQs, pool parties, sunset dinners and making new friends. The time of year to lie on the grass under trees listening to the murmur of water while watching the clouds float across the summer sky.
Hip, hip, hooray for hot summer days. Why? Summer is when laziness finally finds respectability. Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.
Here are our lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so dreams shine and you wish summer could always be here:
3 For a perfect summer evening attend Urban Peak’s benefit in the EXDO Event Center Aug. 4, 6 p.m. Grammy Award Winner Macy Gray entertains for homeless youth fundraiser. Information: 303-870-2909.
3 Enjoy summer at Commons Park Aug. 5 as Half-Pint & The Growlers provide a mix of Gypsy and Dixieland, 6 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 The Bird Conservancy tells the wonders of birds at the Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Information: 720-955-8833.
3 It’s a smile, a kiss, it’s a sip of wine at Cherry Creek North Food & Wine event on Fillmore Plaza Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Swing and sway in the shade to prewar blues music as the Felonius Smith Trio close out the Shady Grove Picnic Series in Four Mile Park, Aug. 22. Upright brass is backbone to group’s sound. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Travel the world through global cuisines as 96 restaurants salute summer during Havana Restaurant Week in Aurora, Aug. 1-8. You’ll taste both unique and traditional fare at affordable prices. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Enjoy summer weekend evenings of romantic comedy watching Guys & Dolls through Aug. 18 at The Bug Theatre. Information: 303-477-9974.
3 End summer with cocktails, dinner, music and dancing at Fete des Fleurs in Denver Botanic Gardens Aug. 24, 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Competitors see stars while attendees kick back and chill out with the Valley’s finest craft beer. Join thousands of beer aficionados and rugby fans at Glendale’s Infinity Park as the Bruises & Brews Beerfest spreads out to two days for the first time ever. Enjoy the fast-paced RugbyTown Sevens tournament plus a beer festival pouring suds from more than 20 brewers Aug.24-25, noon to 4 p.m. Information: 303-639-4412.
Climate, tradition and culture define summer. The meteorological definition of summer aligns with the notion of summer as the season with the longest and warmest days of the year, in which daylight predominates. It is also the Valley’s thunderstorm season producing hail, strong winds and tornadoes during the afternoon and evenings.
To be in harmony with summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the sun for nourishment to flourish as the gardens do. Work, play, travel, be joyful and grow.
Wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen: Yep, as Sheryl Crow’s tune prompts us, “It’s time to lighten up and soak up the sun.” August is like a long Sunday when you don’t want the summer to end just like you don’t want the weekend to end. They’re the days of soda and pretzels and beer. The tans will fade but the memories will last forever.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 28, 2018 | Valley Gadfly
Clouds, storms, sunsets and fireworks, it must be July. Look at the fireworks fly as they light up the night sky. July skies are well-known for fireworks, especially the jaw-dropping display of pyrotechnics fired off each year by the City of Glendale. This year’s show flickers across Valley skies July 2. Glendale shows us how it’s really done.
Fireworks seem to catch your heart forever and you can’t easily look away. Every second articulates a different shade of color that makes the night sky seem magical.
Here are our firecracker-sure choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to make each day shine bright while stunning sunsets and rainbows make time soar:
3 Launch your 4th of July Independence Day ritual by gathering family and friends at Valley eateries, bars, patios and porches to watch the annual Glendale fireworks show at dusk July 2. Information: 303-759-1513.
3 Enjoy arias of The Magic Flute opening Central City Opera’s season with matinee and evening shows, July 7-Aug. 5. Information: 303-292-6700.
3 Wonder Woman, July 9 and Coco on July 23 flicker on for free at Infinity Park’s Monday Movie Madness. Information: moviesininfinitypark.com.
3 Rebecca Folsom brings soaring harmonies, toe-tapping instrumentals and intimate vocals to the Tuft Theatre at Swallow Hill July 13. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Swing and sway Wednesdays this month at the Shady Grove Picnic Series in Four Mile Park. Funk-band Color is July 11, followed by Autoharpist Bryan Bower and folk music’s Harry Taft. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 For summer food fun catch the Slow Food Nations festival on Larimer Square and at Union Station, July 13-15. There’s live music, food tastings, farmers market and outdoor culinary stages. Information: 303-534-2367.
3 Dotsero Jazz entertains at the Havana Street District Pizza Party in Aurora’s Rose Garden Plaza with free pizza. Information: 303 360-7505.
3 Learn fun facts with friends at Glendale Y’s Trivia Night in the Infinity Park Event Center, 6-9 p.m. Information: Infinityparkatglendale.com.
3 Cool down with great beer and grand music during this year’s Summer Brew Fest at Mile High Station, July 27-28, 7-10 p.m. Enjoy 35 samplings along with live music from Briana Straut & Strange Americans Friday, Jenny LaJoyce & Nuns of Brixton on Saturday. Proceeds benefit Swallow Hill Music, bringing the joy of music to life every day through concerts, music lessons and educational outreach. Information: 303-777-1003.
The old adage “a red sky at night is a sailor’s delight” gets more than its fair share of play this month, thanks to stunning sunsets. Lenticular clouds are heaven-sent to set Valley skies on fire. Stable air forced up and over the mountains, creates turbulent bumps on the lee side of the mountains causing mountain wave clouds to develop. What’s more, sunsets here are nestled in Valley landscapes that add extra beauty to what we are viewing. They capture our imagination and put the universe in perspective.
This month is as explosive as fireworks. We look up to find sunshine, storms and sunsets.
Our dreams climb, shine and often fade away. Keep chasing rainbows instead of letting clouds drift by. Castles in the sky shine and bring a spark of joy to life. As Perry Como sang, “Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
