by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Glendale City News
by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Infinity Park Event Center is no stranger to orchestrating talent and production during events, but is now conducting its own Glendale Throwdown Showdown Talent Show. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
The Infinity Park Event Center will host a talent showdown this December, celebrating a decade of elevated events and bringing three nights of exceptional entertainment to the Front Range. General Manager Bobbi Reed says that while the landmark anniversary is certainly significant for the venue, the Throwdown Showdown is less about the Event Center’s 10-year birthday and more about producing an in-house event that will not just showcase the venue itself, but also provide exposure to a broader audience: “We wanted to do an event here that we produced, since typically we’re acting solely as a venue. We wanted to build on the brand that we’ve cultivated in the last 10 years,” she said. “This gives us an opportunity to expose the Event Center to a different audience — maybe folks that haven’t been here for a non-profit fundraiser or a corporate meeting or even a rugby game. It gives us a chance to expand our exposure; and doing that through something that is entertaining and fun is good for us and the audience.”
Working with Imprint Events, a national event planning organization with offices in Colorado, Las Vegas, and Florida, Infinity Park’s Talent Showdown will take place December 10-13, capitalizing on the same competition model as that of the seemingly endless popularity of recent television programming like American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and others. Imprint organizes events for hundreds of clients annually, and has connections to the high-end talent, recruiters, and promoters that will make the year-end event at Infinity Park a smash for audience members. Reed notes that recruiting call-outs began in early November, and are open to any number of disciplines, ranging from dance troupes to comedians, magicians to bands — among others.
The talent shows themselves will be held in Infinity Park Events Center’s 8,600 square foot International Ballroom, a space with accommodations for any number of performance types. In addition to elegant venue space, the ballroom includes state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities, including unique 360-degree surround screens, LED lighting, and in-house audio production. With capacity for 1,200 guests, there is never a bad seat in the ballroom. Reed expects that the Talent Showdown will likely become an annual event, and that the multi-day organizational model is designed specifically to build excitement for a crowd that might not typically find themselves at Infinity Park: “It’s all about spreading the brand. We don’t typically produce events, we’re more like real estate for rent, so this is an opportunity for us to put something on that will reflect positively on Infinity Park, on Glendale. This is something that we want to do for many years,” she said. “This is a chance for people to come and do something fun. It gets lots of people in here to see something different. We’re expecting some top-notch performers: the entertainment won’t be just the competition, but the acts themselves.”
Competition will consist of nine unique preliminary acts on each of the opening nights, with audience members deciding finalists via a mobile app designed specifically for the event. Ticket sales launched in early November, and everyone interested can visit the Infinity Park Event Center website to purchase. Multi-night tickets are available for a special rate. What’s at stake for participating talent contestants is considerable. Exposure through the wide-ranging web and social media reach of Infinity Park is perhaps the largest draw, but the likely presence of recruiters and talent scouts will only further that chance at exposure. All contestants selected to compete on finals night will be awarded nominal prizes, and the top three performers will receive additional prizes, some including cash.
Guests have a lot to look forward to. In addition to 18 separate acts over the first two nights, an additional showdown for the finals, exposure to regional talent, and available food and drink at one of Colorado’s premier entertainment venues, first-time attendees will get to experience three evenings of fun at Infinity Park Event Center. For a closer look at what Infinity Park has to offer, for updates on the talent participating in December’s Throwdown Showdown, and to purchase your tickets for the event, visit http://infinityparkeventcenter.com.
Please send audition tapes, bios and photos to auditions@imprintgroup.com. Questions? Call 303-623-1492 for more information. Application deadline Wednesday, November 21.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Editorials
Jamie Giellis
The 2018 statewide elections in Colorado are over. While a blue wave may not have occurred nationwide it certainly did happen in the Centennial State. Republicans not only didn’t win the governorship it lost all statewide offices it held including Attorney General, Secretary of State and Treasurer by wide margins. In Denver all the sales tax hikes were approved as prognosticated in our August 2018 editorial. Statewide the voters shot down new taxes for education and roads although Denver voters likely would have approved both.
We Denverites love our taxes, perhaps reflecting the fact that Denver is home to a very significant number of federal, state and local employees. But we also demand value for our money which many feel we are not getting from our governing city government. Neighborhoods are being destroyed with inappropriate and endless high-density projects, parking downtown has become an arduous chore at times and our roads are increasingly jammed with no relief in sight.
It would appear that many citizens of Denver have had it with Michael Hancock who is viewed as a clueless puppet of high-density developers. The publicity of the mayor’s sexual harassment of police officer Leslie Branch Wise, and his use sub silencio of taxpayer money to pay her off, has been the last straw for many in the city.
Four years ago, not a single person qualified for the ballot to oppose Hancock’s re-election. The situation has dramatically changed today with at least three highly qualified candidates willing to take on his Honor. Last month we identified two of those individuals — Penfield Tate and Lisa Calderon. Since then another highly qualified candidate has entered the ring — Jamie Giellis.
Giellis, age 41, is the president of the River North Art District. She has b
Large scale apartment project on Speer Boulevard.
een identified by The Denver Post as an important force in the development of RiNo, South Pearl Street and the Golden Triangle in her role as founder of Centro which specializes in urban planning.
Urban planning is exactly what has been sadly lacking for the last eight years as can be seen by the virtual destruction of what was one of Denver’s most scenic roadways — Speer Boulevard. Massive condo and apartment buildings crowd the roadway with no setback and totally devoid of any open areas and trees.
As Giellis correctly noted: “A broad vision for Denver is missing and the current mayor has been responding to, and not necessarily planning for, all the issues that come along with quickly growing urban areas.”
As far as we are concerned the more qualified candidates for mayor the better. Under Denver’s Charter if no person reaches the 50% level in the first round of voting there is a runoff between the top two candidates.
It is not that Hancock will be easy to defeat. Those that control the mayor have been raising large sums of money for his re-election, from the high-density developers and other lowlifes that have been raping Denver for fun and profit for years. But the voters of Denver may, at long last, have become disenchanted with Harasser-in-Chief and all the money in the world will hopefully not save him.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Feature Story Middle Left
by Libby Barrett
Stress during the holidays is common. In fact, it’s even expected. But it’s not something people should just accept. Stress anytime of the year should be held at bay. Here’s what you can do to take the season in stride.
The Effects Of Holidays
It first helps to understand why stress is so rampant this time of year. The American Psychological Association reports that the stress of the holidays has three main culprits: money, time and commercialism.
People feel pressure to give gifts while at the same time not overspending or going in debt. Additional stress comes from growing pressures to shop, wrap, plan meals, and prep for celebrations. Feelings of loneliness can also increase this time of year.
During the holidays and year-round, it’s important to get a handle on this stress. This is because when we’re under stress, our bodies release cortisol and other stress hormones, which can negatively affect our health. Further,
the Mayo Clinic explains that long-term stress can lead to anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment.
To counter these risks, these six strategies can help.
Stay active. Physical exercise is known to relieve stress. Research shows it stimulates the production of endorphins and enkephalins, which are the body’s natural feel-good hormones. Based on this, as time-crunched as the holidays may seem, it is important to stick with your exercise routine.
Grab a buddy and go to a class together, which will also combat feelings of isolation that can increase around the holidays. Also, when shopping, park your car far from the entrance so you’ll get some extra steps in. If you’re going out of town, research exercise options where you’ll be. Many gyms do trial or out-of-town packages. Or find some fun exercise routines online that don’t require a gym or equipment.
Don’t over commit. Remember that saying no doesn’t make you a scrooge. If you have to decline a few party invites, it’s okay! During the holidays, it’s important to make time for you. Take care of yourself and family by maintaining your routine as much as possible and getting plenty of rest.
Set a budget. Before you start shopping, establish how much you truly have to spend on gifts and adhere to your budget. It can be easy to get carried away with lavish last-minute presents, but keep in mind it’s the thought that counts. Expenses quickly add up and can create stress going into the new year, especially if you’re holiday shopping on credit.
Stay hydrated. During the holidays, alcohol is often the beverage of choice at many events. While a festive cocktail can take off the stress initially, overindulging can lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and drink alcohol responsibly.
Try yoga. Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice that focuses on connecting breath with movement, which studies say can engage the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation, digestion, and a sense of calm. And yoga may help reduce stress and anxiety, while enhancing mood and overall wellbeing.
You don’t have to be a master Yogi to try this beneficial exercise. There are classes for all levels and skillsets, and some that don’t even require floor work.
Practice gratitude. Finally, when you’re feeling stressed, try to think of four or five things that you’re grateful for. Experts say cultivating gratitude is one of the best ways to improve emotional well-being and increase satisfaction and happiness. Especially during the consumerism of the holidays, take the time to slow down, reflect on what you have, and be grateful.
This holiday season, relax and focus on peace and happiness. Stay in the moment and try to keep a handle on stress.
Libby is a certified yoga and group fitness instructor and holds specialty certifications in Barre, Silver Sneakers, and BodyPump. She always incorporates cross-training to improve total health and wellness. Her goal is to help everyone love their body while building strength and confidence.
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.
