by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
The space formerly occupied by The Pub on Pearl in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, where Dry Dock Brewing Co. is set to open a new location later this spring. Dry Dock purchased the property for $2.5M.
One of Colorado’s most established craft breweries is preparing to make its mark in the heart of Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood. Dry Dock Brewing Co., a longtime staple of the state’s craft beer scene, is slated to open a new location this spring at Pub on Pearl, bringing its award-winning beers and community-driven approach to the popular Pearl Street corridor.
Founded in 2005, Dry Dock Brewing Co. has earned a strong reputation across the Front Range as a pioneer of Colorado’s modern craft beer movement. Based in Aurora, the brewery was the city’s first microbrewery and has since grown steadily while maintaining a focus on quality, accessibility, and neighborhood connections. Its expansion into Wash Park represents a significant step, introducing the brand to a new audience while anchoring itself in one of Denver’s most active and recognizable districts.
The new Dry Dock location will operate out of Pub on Pearl, a longtime neighborhood gathering spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and central location just blocks from Washington Park. The partnership is expected to preserve the familiar feel of Pub on Pearl while incorporating Dry Dock’s full lineup of flagship beers, seasonal offerings, and rotating specialty brews. Brewery representatives have indicated that the Wash Park location will emphasize a welcoming, community-oriented taproom experience rather than large-scale production.
For many Wash Park residents, the addition of Dry Dock is a natural fit. The area is known for its walkability, bike traffic, and steady flow of visitors throughout the year, particularly during the warmer months. As spring arrives, the neighborhood typically sees an uptick in foot traffic from park-goers, joggers, and cyclists, making the timing of the opening especially notable.
Local business owners and neighbors have expressed optimism that the arrival of a well-known brewery could further strengthen the Pearl Street corridor, which has become a destination for dining, casual nightlife, and social gathering. Established breweries opening satellite or partnership locations have become an increasingly common trend in Denver, reflecting a shift toward smaller, neighborhood-focused taprooms that integrate into existing commercial districts.
Dry Dock’s move also highlights the continued resilience of Denver’s craft beer industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. Rather than rapid expansion, many breweries are choosing strategic, community-based growth — an approach that aligns closely with Wash Park’s character.
While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, Dry Dock officials have confirmed the location is expected to open this spring. Additional details regarding hours, events, and possible renovations to the space are anticipated as the opening approaches.
For Wash Park residents and visitors, the arrival of Dry Dock Brewing Co. at Pub on Pearl promises a blend of familiarity and something new: a trusted Colorado brewery paired with a beloved neighborhood venue, just in time for patio season.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2026 | Glendale City News
From Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase To Sista Soul At Dazzle, There’s Loving Possibilities
by Glen Richardson
Thanks to love songs, poetry, music, movies, and art, the language of love seems to be constantly expanding, and what better time to brush up on the myriad ways to express your love and affection than this year’s holiday?
Glendale-Cherry Creek, and metro Denver offer a romantic, picture-perfect place to celebrate your love relationships. There’s a variety of romantic events and date activities all month long. Choose from music and performing arts, plus places to dine with your partner, kids, family, or loved ones to show them how much you care.
For romantic things to do with your loved one this month, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers great choices. Make a date to view exotic orchid blooms during the Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase Feb. 10-17, 9 a.m-5 p.m.
Captivating Colors
Musical Glamour: Pink Martini and the Colorado Symphony entertain at Boettcher Concert Hall Feb. 13-14.
Pops of purple, bursts of buttery yellow, flashes of fuchsia — orchids are bright, charismatic, and just a little strange. These botanical wonders are as diverse as they are dazzling, and their vibrant blooms are the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Dive into the captivating world of orchids on view in the Botanic Garden’s Marnie’s Pavilion and the Orangery. You’ll view hundreds of spectacular blooms from all over the world, including specimens from the Gardens’ collection. The Orchid Showcase is a visual feast of shapes, color, and texture, not to be missed in the dead of winter.
Connect with your kids during the Garden’s Make & Take Valentine event, Feb. 10-14. You’ll learn the shapes, textures, and colors of dried flowers, leaves, and seeds, plus how to use them to decorate a Valentine’s Day ornament. Information: 720-865-3500.
Pink Martini
Spend time with your Valentine enjoying Pink Martini and the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall Feb. 13-14, 7:30 p.m. Brimming with “fizzy spirit and breezy sophistication,” Pink Martini is a glamorous and global phenomenon.
The exhilarating evening will feature a mix of Brazilian samba, Parisian café music, cabaret, and vintage jazz. The show will feature Storm Large as lead singer.
Romantic Recital: Grammy winning soprano Heidi Melton sings “Love Stories,” at the Newman Center Feb. 13.
Now in their 31st year of performing, Pink Martini was founded by bandleader-pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale in 1994 to provide beautiful and inclusive performances at fundraisers and galas. The musical style was inspired by Latin, big band, classical, and the Golden Age of Hollywood. With the Colorado Symphony and Christopher Dragon on the podium, this promises to be a Valentine’s Day weekend to remember. Information: 720-865-4220.
Sista Soul At Dazzle
Titled “Reflections of Love,” Sista Soul and her band plays a blend of R&B and soul with modern hip-hop, as Dazzle celebrates Valentine’s Day Feb. 13, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Backed by her band, she delivers a captivating mix of R&B grooves, heart-stirring ballads, and timeless classics that invite you to sing along and reminisce. The evening features tracks from her Grammy album Soul Reflections, plus fan favorites from Celebration, and iconic R&B songs, along with a few surprises.
With a voice that is both powerful and tender, Sista Soul transforms each performance into a deeply moving experience filled with love, healing, and joy. This Valentine’s weekend, head for Dazzle in the DCPA complex on 14th Street to feel the music, share the moment, and leave with your heart full and your spirit lifted. Information: 203-839-5100.
Soprano Melton
Love Jogging: If running is your love language, participate in the Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Wash Park Feb. 8.
On the eve of Valentine’s Day, join Grammy winning soprano Heidi Melton and pianist Sahar Nouri for “Love Stories,” a recital of passion, longing, and devotion. Performing in the Hamilton Recital Hall at the Newman Center, the program features Wagner’s radiant “Wesendonck Lieder” alongside other works that explore the many shades of love Feb. 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
With a voice that is “big, gleaming, and tonally resplendent,” Melton has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Deutsche Opera Berlin, plus many more. She has also performed with the Vienna Philharmonic, the Scottish Symphony, and many others.
Iranian pianist Sahar Nouri, has been Music Director of Lamont Opera Theater at the University of Denver since 2019. She has also served at Opera Colorado as chorus master-assistant conductor since 2016.
Dakota Blonde Concert
Sweet Sounds: Dakota Blonde — dubbed the “Front Range darlings,” — do their Valentine Concert at Swallow Hill Feb. 14.
Dakota Blonde — dubbed the “Front Range darlings,” — do their annual Valentine Concert at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Made up of Mary Huckins, Don Pinnella, and Tony Raddell, they have received honors for their songwriting, CD projects, and performances across the country and internationally. Information: 303-777-1003.
Also known as “the sweetest acoustic sound around,” the group met through their careers in Music Therapy, working with children and adolescents. All three come from musical families, and their charm stems both from the music they play and from the family feeling they bring into any concert hall or venue. Their shows are very personal and sincere.
They will be joined for the concert by “The Valentine Band,” made up of some of Colorado’s finest musicians. The group includes Ernie Martinez, Gordon Burt, and Kristi Bartleson. Recently honored as the International Western Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year, Martinez plays mandolin, banjo, and dobro. Gordon Burt is on fiddle and viola. He has played, toured, and recorded with many Colorado artists. Harpist Kristi Bartleson has performed with the Eastman Symphony in Carnegie Hall and for the Heidelberg Opera Festival in Germany. She has also played with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and with the Colorado Ballet.
Other Options
Love Blossoms: Make a date to view exotic orchid blooms during the Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase Feb. 10-17.
There’s also a Valentine’s Day Concert playing the best of Mozart and Beethoven at Trinity United Methodist Church February 6, 6:30 p.m. In addition, Wings Over the Rockies features string quartet the Range Ensemble on Feb. 15, 6:15 and 8:30 p.m.
Guitarist and vocalist Lorian Bartle celebrates Valentine’s Day playing popular traditional and classical favorites at the Lone Tree Arts Center Feb. 19, 1:30 p.m. Information: 720-509-1000.
If running is your love language, you won’t want to miss the Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Wash Park Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Event includes a Cupid’s Kids Fun Run. A costume contest begins at 10 a.m. followed by awards.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | Travel
Show Features World Premiere Of Sean Schafer Hennessy’s ‘Guardians Of Time’
Photo credit: The Denver Brass
The Denver Brass, one of the finest large brass ensembles in the world, presents “Rhythms of the Cosmos” on Saturday, February 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus. The show will take the audience on a journey into prominent rhythmic textures and expansive sound featuring bold percussion and intricate meters. The program will feature the world premiere of “Guardians of Time” by local composer and The Denver Brass trumpeter, Sean Schafer Hennessy.
“For me, music makes the world go round, and rhythm is the engine that keeps it moving,” said Kathy Brantigan, artistic director and founder of The Denver Brass. “Our deep dive into how rhythm moves music, will be one of the most interesting and exciting concerts The Denver Brass has tackled. We’re going to take our audience on an out-of-this-world journey as we fulfill our role as Guardians of Time!”
“From the beginning of the universe, rhythm has been a force shaping everything we know,” said Sean Schafer Hennessy, composer of Guardians of Time. “This piece explores the connections that have bound us from the start, and reflects on how, even as we may at times drift apart, remain connected by the enduring rhythm of love and the universe that binds us together.”
The show will feature the following pieces:
- Mars & Jupiter from The Planets, Gustav Holst
- Journey to the Red Planet, Sean Schafer Hennessy
- Guardians of Time (World Premiere), Sean Schafer Hennessy
- Danza Final from Estancia, Albert Ginastera
- Quest for the Golden Blade of Truth and the Hunt for the Beast Beyond the Wall, Andrew Wolfe
- Clair de Lune, Claude Debussy
Denver Brass shows combine world-class performance with engaging insights from the stage. Spoken commentary and brief pauses are a natural part of each program, allowing musicians to care for their embouchure and deliver the highest level of artistry — while inviting audiences deeper into the music.
Kabin Thomas from CPR Classical’s Colorado Spotlight will serve as the concert host.
The Denver Brass’ 45th season continues with Celtic Mania on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Newman Center for Performing Arts, followed by Pulse of America on May 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church.
Tickets for “Rhythms of the Cosmos” range from $5 to $54 (plus tax and fees). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.denverbrass.org or call 303-832-4676. The Newman Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2344 East Iliff Avenue in Denver.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
When it comes to outdoor observation, binoculars are as essential as your boots or backpack, but choosing the right pair is about more than just magnification. Two models that have caught the attention of serious birders, hunters, and nature enthusiasts are the Maven B.3 and the Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD. Both promise sharp optics and rugged durability, yet they cater to very different needs.
The Maven B.3: Small, Sleek, And Sharp
Maven’s B.3 binoculars are a compact powerhouse, available in 6×30, 8×30, and 10×30 configurations. With fully multi-coated lenses, phase-corrected prisms, and ED glass, they deliver exceptionally clear images for their size. Reviewers praise the edge-to-edge sharpness, especially in the 8×30 variant, and note that the B.3 feels surprisingly sturdy in the hand despite its compact footprint.
Weighing just over a pound and roughly the size of a large smartphone, the B.3 is ideal for hikers, travelers, and anyone who wants premium optics without the bulk. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and comes with a lifetime unconditional warranty. The trade-off? Its 30mm objectives limit low-light performance, making dawn and dusk spotting slightly more challenging.
The Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD: Full-Size And High Performance
For those who prioritize light-gathering ability and a more traditional binocular feel, the Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD delivers. With a 42mm objective lens and 10× magnification, this model excels in low-light conditions. It uses HD/ED glass with fully multi-coated BaK4 prisms, offering high contrast and sharp resolution. The Riton is larger and heavier than the B.3, but its magnesium-alloy body and rubber armor ensure durability in rugged environments.
Priced lower than Maven’s premium compact, the Riton offers strong value, making it a smart choice for hunters and field observers who need dependable optics over long periods of use.
Maven’s B.3 is the winner for lightweight travel and backcountry use, easily slipping into a backpack or jacket pocket. Riton’s 10×42 is bulkier, better suited for t
hose who don’t mind carrying extra weight for superior low-light performance.
Both binoculars offer excellent sharpness, but Maven’s edge-to-edge clarity shines in compact form. Riton’s 42mm objectives excel in low-light conditions, giving it an advantage at dawn or dusk.
The Maven B.3 is ideal for birders, travelers, and anyone who values portability without sacrificing image quality. The Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD suits hunters, wildlife observers, and those who prioritize low-light performance.
Choosing the right binocular comes down to your adventure style. If every ounce counts and you want a compact, razor-sharp optic, Maven’s B.3 is hard to beat. If you want traditional binocular heft with strong light-gathering capability at a reasonable price, the Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD is the better bet. Either way, both models deliver exceptional optics that elevate the outdoor experience.
Visit www.mavenoptics.com and www.ritonoptics.com for more details.
