Bacon & Bourbon Festival was held in Keystone, on June 26-27, 2021, in River Run Village. The next festivals in River Run are the 24th Bluegrass and Beer on August 7-8, 2021, and Oktoberfest on September 4, 2021. Bluegrass and Beer will feature craft beer samples and 12 different bluegrass acts on three stages. Visit www. keystonefestivals.com for more information and to buy tickets.
by Mark Smiley
Quality Sound: The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 earbuds come in black or white and offer superior audio quality.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 is one of the best wireless earphones on the market today. Sennheiser has been making audio products for 75 years and this is the second installment of their wireless earbuds. Often compared to Apple’s Airpods, Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 offers superior audio quality. When put through the paces, it had dynamic sound on all music and podcasts played with very few interruptions. And the buds are comfortable in the ear. Plus, they offer replacement earbud tips to suit your needs.
These earbuds, although not technically sports earphones, are sweat-resistant and splash proof, and they are stylish with a case that charges the earbuds via USB-C. The battery lasts around four hours which is more than most on the market. They come in black or white and they have volume controls on the earbuds themselves using the default tap-and-hold gesture.
Pairing them with a smartphone was simple, thanks to support for the latest wireless streaming standard, Bluetooth 5.1. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 also has an impressive build quality. They’re made of dense plastic and have sleek metal surfaces that also double as touch-sensitive controls.
The app available in the Google Playstore or Apple App Store is a necessary companion for this product. Straight out of the box, the call quality for a phone call was poor but when adjusting the settings in the app, it improves. Namely, the addition of active noise-canceling of this model is a key and premium feature.
For $250, it is not affordable to everyone but if you are in the market for a reliable and great sounding wireless earbud, we recommend the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2. For more information, visit en-us.sennheiser.com/momentumtrue wireless-2.
MONSTER JAM® Returns To Denver August 13-15
by Mark Smiley
MONSTER JAM® returns to the Mile High City at Ball Arena from Friday, August 13, to Sunday, August 15, welcoming back fans at 100% full capacity. Marking the much-anticipated return of the first Monster Jam event back in Colorado following the pandemic pause, Monster Jam features the ultimate mix of high-flying stunts and four-wheel excitement.
The Monster Jam Pit Party will return to Denver on both Saturday and Sunday, where fans can see the massive trucks up close, watch live pre-race interviews, and participate in Q&As with the drivers, get pre-signed autograph cards, take pictures, and enjoy other family-friendly fun.
Colorado fans will witness a fierce battle for the event championship with each skilled Monster Jam athlete tearing up the dirt with gravity-defying fe
ats in 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks going head-to-head for points in Freestyle, Skills Challenges and Racing competitions. Plus, fans can become part of the action by voting for the winner in the Skills Challenge and Freestyle competitions via real-time, in-stadium fan voting on their smartphones.
Tickets and Pit Passes are $20 each and available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com.
For more information, visit www.monster jam.com/en-US/events/denver-co/aug-13-2021-aug-15-2021.
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With Frank Caliendo, Dennis Miller, And David Spade
Saturday, September 25, 2021 • 8 p.m.
Triple Threat Comedy Night with Frank Caliendo, Dennis Miller and David Spade at Bellco Theatre has been rescheduled to Saturday, September 25, 2021. All previously purchased tickets will be valid for the new date. All ticket buyers will be receiving an email from AXS with further instructions for those who are unable to attend the new date.
Tickets range from $59.95 to $89.95 and are on sale now at AXS.com.
Proceeds will benefit The Zarlengo Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports schools and programs for learning disabled children in and around the Denver community. Proceeds from the event will be used for scholarships, classroom resources, teacher training, and supporting the Zarlengo Foundation Learning Evaluation Center at Havern School. Since its inception, the the foundation has contributed $1,184,191 to education-related causes in the Denver area. For additional information about The Zarlengo Foundation, please visit http://www.zarlengofounda tion.org. For information on sponsorship packages, please contact Kathryn Zarlengo at 303-357-5633, kmzar@comcast.net.
Princess And Pirate Themed Summer Activities
by Mark Smiley and Eleanore Smiley (10 years of age)
Lazy River: Relax on an inner tube as you float around the lazy river and the Colorado sun shines down on you. The lazy river features a rocky grotto, water jets, and bubblers to enhance the fun.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort is now fully open and operational and mask free for those that are vaccinated. The Gaylord always finds unique ways to incorporate fun themes for kids and adults of all ages. The Summer of More has programming to help guests celebrate the upcoming season with a wide variety of family-friendly events and activities including a scavenger hunt, Build-A-Bear Workshop, escape room, roasting s’mores, and an art studio.
“Princesses and Pirates is the theme this summer,” said Eleanore Smiley, 10 years old and recent guest. “10+ year olds might think princesses and pirates are kiddish but it isn’t. I (as a 10-year-old girl) had the best time. Personally, my favorite thing to do out of the theme was the Scavenger Hunt. You will be given a book with clues and during the scavenger hunt you will have to look at the clue very carefully. You will look for a pirate chest with different colored gems and once you find the chest circle the gem color that’s in the chest. Once you finish you will go to the ticket desk to claim your prize.”
Pirate and Princesses Academy is also a fun activity for the kids. It costs $12.99 per person and is a live entertainment show. You will step into a fantasy world and experience the story of the Sword Mistress, Pirates, and Princess Evergreen herself in this interactive show. Become an honorary pirate or princess for the day, take the official oath, and more.
The art studio is an activity that is a must do while at the resort. This fun, interactive family painting activity allows each participant to select a canvas with either a pirate ship or princess castle that they paint to take home and enjoy. Canvas, paint, brushes, and apron are provided. On-site artist available. The cost is $14.99.
Bar & Grill: Conveniently located just steps from the pool and lazy river, Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill lets you grab a bite without having to leave the fun in the sun. Indulge in All-American favorites and refreshing beverages to quench your thirst during your day.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from at the resort to make it a carefree stay for you and your family. Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill, Mountain Pass Sports Bar, Vista Montagne, Old Hickory Steakhouse, and Monte Jade all offer a variety of cuisines conveniently located. In addition, The Cocoa Bean, Ski Village Cantina, and Rockies Marketplace offer a quick meal to go. Most of the restaurants accept orders through the Marriott Bonvoy app. Be sure to download the app before your stay to know when your room is ready and familiarize yourself with the resort.
Mountain Pass Sports Bar is a popular dining option inside the resort. They serve burgers, sandwiches, nachos, salads, and draft beer. The 75-foot flat-panel TV is the featured part of this sports bar. Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill is located near the pools and a convenient way to order lunch while enjoying the pools and slides.
Outdoor Pool: The outdoor pool is heated and open year-round.
The pools are definitely the resort’s main attraction. There is an indoor and outdoor pool (which includes an infinity pool), an outdoor lazy river, and three water slides. This water park is spread out over 22,000 square-feet which allows for proper social distancing. The entire resort is situated on 85 acres of land, so it never feels crowded even under normal circumstances. Guests can reserve a cabana if they want their own dedicated space. Or they may snag a chair by the lazy river and relax.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard. For more information about the resort or to make a reservation, visit www.gaylordrockies.com.
