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.
