“A gush of bird-song, a patter of dew, a cloud, and a rainbow’s warning, suddenly sunshine and perfect blue, all of a sudden it’s April.” Okay, we know this isn’t Paris, but our tiny space on the planet is one of a half-dozen spots considered Paris of the West. Joyful, refreshing and magnificent, this month is glorious from the opening day.
We can’t be sure raindrops won’t yet be falling on our head. What’s more, April showers can’t hurt us and it won’t be long till sunshine and flowers pop up to greet us.
Here are our “splendor in the grass” choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to give you an appetite for action and adventure as spring is served:
3 It’s springtime, baby! Dance over to the JCC’s Wolf Theater to see Cherry Creek Theatre’s production of The Baby Dance playing Thurs. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through April 23. Information: 303-800-6578.
3 Roar into spring viewing cars, cars and more cars at the Denver Auto Show in the Convention Center April 5-9. Information: 303-225-8000.
3 Remember cool jukebox tunes? Spring to the Buell Theatre to see the jukebox musical Mamma Mia, April 11-16. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Go to Central Christian April 16 for a Brunch & Egg Hunt at 9:15 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:45 a.m. Information: 303-744-1015.
3 The Inn at Cherry Creek is serving traditional Easter choices April 16, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Choose from Rack of Lamb, Grilled Salmon, Glazed Ham, Stuffed French Toast or Eggs Benedict. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 There are few rites of spring more satisfying than clean windows. For clean interior and exterior windowpanes without the pain let Justin’s Window Cleaning make them sparkle. Information: 720-626-2146.
3 Tune into the season sampling lighter wines at Lowry Uncorked in the Eisenhower Chapel April 21, 6-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Spring for the Kingston Trio’s 60th Anniversary tour tickets when they play the Paramount Theatre April 29, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
3 Plan to connect to spring and explore our environment during Doors Open Denver April 29-30. The Denver Architectural Foundation event allows individuals and families to connect to unique spaces, including high-profile historic places plus see feats of architecture and design through self-guided or guided fee-based tours. Headquarters is at Union Station. The free Box City event for kids’ grades K to 5 is on again this year.
The hallmark of April is the return of color. The skies seem bluer, the grass begins to green again, and the flowers bloom, bursting open with color and fresh life. The trees begin to bud and the birds and bugs are active again. It’s the time of the year as Mark Twain suggested, “For good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience.”
Like the song American Pie, April is boldly original, therapeutic and grand. It’s also noisy: There’s the pitter-patter of falling rain and the roar of thunderstorms.
Whenever the month is discussed or debated we start singin’ bye-bye Miss American Pie. The whole world wakes up from the long winter’s nap. No matter what your interpretation may be, April’s emotional resonance is unmistakable. It’s the Green Party’s spring rally minus pie throwing. Did February March? No, but April May!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.