by Valley Gadfly | Jul 18, 2024 | General Featured
by Glen Richardson
Bassist Baier: Frank Baier and his wife Christine host the neighborhood music series on their front lawn, where his band Groove Machine entertains.
Singing With Soul: New singer-soloist at this year’s summer lawn singalongs is Biff Gore, dubbed “The Ambassador of Soul” by LA pop rock band Maroon 5.
As sure as the sun rises and sets, summer graces us with its warm embraces, bringing with it delightful lawn singalongs. None is more charming, nor more quintessentially local, than the sunset serenades of Cory- Merrill neighborhood bassist Frank Baier and his band Groove Machine.
Gems on the lawn providing spirited musical entertainment with a good beat, lots of feeling, plus easy listening singalong lyrics. Like George Gershwin’s Summertime composition for Porgy and Bess, the music has a rhythmical hook and instrumental beat that embodies “Good Vibrations.” Tunes as rhythmic as the Beach Boys’ pop and rock songs, with an edge and a synthesized beat with electric guitar riffs. Neighbors, friends, walkers, bicyclists, music fans, and their dogs flock to the neighborhood to listen-dance to the jam sessions that in recent years have progressively become a ball and blast. They stand, sit on chairs, or stretch out on lawns at homes adjacent, across the street, or nearby to enjoy the sunset concerts.
A top musician, Baier has worked on Broadway shows including Grease, and Jesus Christ Superstar. He has performed with such musical talent as Brook Benton, Hall & Oates, and the Bee Gee’s. He’s also played with the Minneapolis and St Louis Philharmonics, and New York’s finest society orchestras. Each summer Baier and his wife Christine treat the neighborhood to the summer music series on their front lawn.
Top Talent
Lawn Keynoter: Groove Machine’s keyboardist Tim Greenhouse adds depth and color to lawn singalong sunset serenade in the Cory-Merrill neighborhood.
Keyboards add depth and texture to a band’s sound, and Tim Greenhouse is one of Colorado’s best. Sometimes flashy, his work allows the band to add extra layers while often adding some edge. Moreover, he gives the band the opportunity to vary the sound and atmosphere of a song.
Artistic Greenhouse is a Denverite who has played with such stars as Bob Hope. Furthermore, he has participated in Switzerland’s prestigious annual Montreux Jazz Festival that annual draws nearly 250,000 spectators. He has also played with celebrated Colorado-based entertainers Hazel Miller and Lannie Garrett.
Adding captivating sounds and emotional expression to every concert is longtime Groove Machine percussionist Doug Bainbridge. A top musician, he helps maintain the rhythm and adds vibrancy to the music. Bainbridge spent several years playing around the Pacific Rim. He worked for a half-dozen years as a drummer-percussionist on South Korea television before returning to the U.S.
New as singer-soloist at this year’s summer lawn singalongs is Biff Gore, a powerful soul-singer with down home guitar styling. Dubbed “The Ambassador of Soul” by LA pop rock band Maroon 5, the soloist-guitarist adds a feeling of connection that engages the lawn crowd. While providing entertainment and joy to listeners, his performances create bonding, lower stress, improve the mood, while also adding emotion.
Lawn Lineup: Neighbors, friends, walkers, and music fans line up along the sidewalk to enjoy a diverse genre of music at a lawn event that has become a ball and blast.
His rich vocals landed him a spot on the sixth season of NBC’s talent show The Voice, in the spring of 2014. His grueling blues sound moved him to the top eight. During his time on The Voice, Gore realized his desire to share his musical gifts with people, so he returned to Denver. Worship Pastor at the Highline Community Church, he has “The Biff Gore Radio Show” on KLTT-670 AM, where soul meets sound in a symphony of inspirational stories, music, and wisdom.
Harmony & Bonding
The music is rhythmic, warm, lyrical, and melodious. But it’s about more than the music. It’s about moments between people. Families and friends getting together who haven’t seen each other in a year, and picking up a conversation like they’d just seen each other yesterday. It’s about kids enjoying the music with mom and pop. There’s a family feel that you rarely experience.
Concerts are not just an evening of pleasure, but a true immersion into the heart of our communities. From the toe-tapping rhythms of the band, the lawn singalongs are a true sensory feast that beckons both young and old to revel in the joys of summer.
Family-friendly, offering diverse genres of music, they are a great way to enjoy being outside in the evening when temperatures cool off. Sometimes soft, smooth, and gentle, other times rich, loud, and wild, they signal everyone to chill out, and take it day by day. Giving people a sense of freedom, an escape to “let loose” through the means of music. It boosts everyone’s moods and dispositions.
by Editorial Board | Jul 18, 2024 | Editorials
Editorial —
BS Busted: Lawmakers used budget stabilization or “BS” to withhold millions of dollars from schools to pay for Colorado’s state budget. School supporters have forced the state to begin fully funding K-12 schools with the 2024-25 school year starting Aug. 15.
It’s been a tough, and traumatic 10 years for Denver Public Schools (DPS). Resource officers in-and-out of schools, shootings, suicide threats, plus struggling to keep teachers. And who can forget the dysfunctional School Board during the years Tay Anderson was Vice President, with allegations of misconduct, and censured by fellow board members.
During the same time span Colorado’s politicians — claiming to be big-hearted, benevolent, and sympathetic — told parents they “truly cared about education.” They avowed, and maintained they were “on the front line helping to secure funds for schools.” That’s in spite of the fact the state’s school funding has ranked in the bottom third nationwide for decades.
Call it political tears, politics, and money, or more accurately, worthless “BS!” It’s recently come to light that since 2009-10 the state’s lawmakers — both Democrats and Republicans — created the budget stabilization or “BS factor” — allowing lawmakers to withhold millions of dollars from public schools each year to balance the state budget. The honest, indisputable truth is that from 2009-10 through the just wrapped-up 2023-24 school year, our state government swindled a staggering $38.1 billion in school funds to pay for Colorado’s state budget!
That includes funds for the 76,157 Denver Public Schools (DPS) students that were enrolled in the 2023-24 school year.
Despite years of criticism from parents and educators, plus legal challenges in the courts — the Colorado Supreme Court voted 4 to 3 to uphold the state’s use of the BS factor in Sept. 2015 — nothing had changed through the just closed 2023-24 school year. An entire generation of Denver students never had the opportunity to learn in a fully-funded classroom. Lack of sufficient funding resulted in underpaid teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to extracurricular activities, and mental health services.
Stolen student funds — all that dough meant to educate our kids — was instead used to pay the staggering 99,222 state workers employed by the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The cumulative growth rate of Colorado state government has increased by 20.3% in the last 10 years.
Yes, families and their kids were robbed by politicians to pay the people who work for politicians. Selfish, self-seeking, simply unacceptable. Beyond “hoggish,’ it’s wretched, rotten, and second-rate, even for politicians. Is it any wonder that Coloradans are growing increasingly pessimistic about our state government?
Through dedication, determination, spunk, and steadfastness, school supporters have finally forced lawmakers to stop the swindle. The state will begin “fully funding” K-12 schools with the 2024-25 school year that starts Aug. 15.
Abolishing the BS Factor will increase school district budgets to more than $400 per student. Even with the funding uplift, today’s education dollars won’t go nearly as far as they did 14 years ago when the thievery started. Colorado’s school funding ranks in the bottom third nationwide, and per-pupil spending was already below the national average before politicians created the BS Factor to pickpocket kids.
When the 2024-25 school year starts this month, the additional money could result in smaller class sizes, and revive programs such as art classes. In addition to providing students with higher-quality education, added funds may also improve pay for teachers and staff.
Eliminating the BS Factor is a crucial step to ensuring that DPS schools have the resources to provide students with the education they need. But don’t get unduly psyched up. When adjusted for inflation, spending for schools will be about the same as it was in 1989. Denver Public Schools will net about $14 million. DPS Chief of Finance Chuck Carpenter acknowledges the increase is encouraging and will give the district a shot in the arm. Nevertheless, he calculates it will equal about $174 per student or 1% of the district’s $1.4 billion budget.
Reckless, rash, imprudent, and irresponsible, state politician’s use of the BS factor to rip-off school funds exposes the vulnerability of public schools to fraud. Straight from the shoulder, the ethically and morally wrong scheme, scam, and swindle was and is deceit and deception at its nastiest. Albeit, regrettably successful. Parents and educators must create/construct a system of oversight to spot, address, and stop future attempts by state lawmakers to siphon-off school funds for political purposes. What’s at stake in future oversight: Theft of funds from our public schools not only harms students, but also undermines public confidence in our public education system.
— Editorial Board
by Mark Smiley | Jul 18, 2024 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Bacon: The Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival celebrated its 13th year in June, 2024.
The 2024 Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival brought a dozen different food vendors, alongside four bacon companies, and 15 bourbon and spirits attendees to the mountains. Pairing with all this bourbon and bacon, guests were treated to an impressive band line-up. Twelve rock bands played over the festival weekend including Summit’s own CB3 and O’Connor Brothers Band, the world’s premier KISS Tribute Band STRUTTER, and the Bacon and Bourbon Festival staple AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles. In total there were three festival stages placed throughout River Run Village.
This year, the festival featured more bacon, bourbon, and beer than in years previous. More partners joined the bourbon tour tradition with 15 bourbon suppliers showcasing numerous brands for Hungry Hog ticket purchasers to enjoy. Local mountain man, Bacon Bill, made his debut heading up the event’s kid-centric Camp Bacon.
“After 13 years of a festival you’d think it may be tough coming up with new ideas.” says Maja Russer, Director of Events and Marketing for the Keystone Neighbourhood Company. “The highly creative events and marketing team at the Keystone Neighbourhood Company sat in a room and threw every idea at the wall. The new Harley the Hog mechanical pig, as well as a revamped Camp Bacon were just two of the many items that will make the weekend all about the bacon. A 2023 Festival guest provided feedback in a survey saying, quote: “Draw in the crazies, draw in the committed. Blow me away with bacon.” We are doing our best to fulfill this guest’s and many more enthusiasts’ visions.”
Hell’s Belles: The all-female AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles closed the fest with an over 90 minute show that had the crowd dancing and singing the entire time.
The 13th Bacon and Bourbon Festival supports the Colorado mountain community by featuring local businesses, restaurants, and supporting the non-profit Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, the Festival’s beneficiary. For 2024, organizers are working with another prominent community partner, Climax Molybdenum, who this year is helping to power the entire summer festival series volunteer base.
Upcoming festivals in River Run Village include Bluegrass & Beer, August 3-4, 2024; Mountain Town Music Fest, August 17, 2024; and Oktoberfest, August 31, 2024. Visit www.keystonefestivals.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Photos from KNC Events
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
Kade Ruotolo defends his title against fellow American Mikey Musumeci in ONE 160 at Ball Arena on September 6, 2024.
ONE Championship is the world’s largest martial arts organization, ranking among the world’s top five sports properties for viewership with a cumulative reach of over 400 million fans, according to Nielsen. ONE produces and distributes events across more than 190 countries, featuring martial artists and World Champions from over 80 nations and all styles of martial arts including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and more. ONE can be viewed on many of the largest global free-to-air and digital broadcasters, including Prime Video, Sky Sports, and many others.
Cherry Creek Valley residents can see these athletes compete at Ball Arena on September 6, 2024. ONE 168 will feature many contests in an atmosphere compared to a rock concert.
“We were here [1stBank Center] last May for our first event in the U.S.,” said Rich Franklin, ONE Vice President. “We had such a great event with a sold out crowd and a great reception from the fans, that we decided to return and do two events in the U.S. Denver and Atlanta.”
Franklin became the UFC Middleweight World Champion in 2005 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. He became ONE Vice President in 2014, supporting key strategic initiatives for the company.
Some of the key matchups on September 6 include: Mikey Musumeci vs. Kade Ruotolo, and Liam Harrison vs. Seksan. Added to Fight Card, Joining Stamp vs. Xiong Jing Nan, and Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek. “I’m excited for this one [Haggerty vs. Superlek],” said Franklin. “Superlek is called the kicking machine. And Jonathan Haggerty is known for his elbows. He can close distance with an elbow like most people could with a long kicking leg. This is going to be a fun one to watch.”
In addition, two contests have been added to the stacked ONE 168 fight card. First, two of the top pound-for-pound grapplers on the planet will collide when ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo defends his title against fellow American Mikey Musumeci in a must-see matchup. “We do a really good job matching up our submission grappling matches,” said Franklin. “Typically they are really fast paced. I expect this one to be really exciting.”
As the reigning ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion, Musumeci is looking to become the first two-division submission grappling titleholder in ONE history.
In addition, striking icon Liam Harrison of the United Kingdom will face Thai fan favorite Seksan Or Kwanmuang in a 140-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout. “Seksan is legendary in Tailand,” said Franklin. “His name in Tai translates to the man who yields to no one.”
ONE 168: Denver will also feature ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex, who will attempt to become a two-division titleholder when she challenges Xiong Jing Nan of China for the ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Title. And in a battle between two of the greatest strikers, reigning two-sport ONE World Champion Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom will put his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title on the line against current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Stage Front VIP, the exclusive U.S. VIP experience partner of ONE, will continue to provide fans with access through immersive VIP experiences that include premier seating, premium hospitality offerings, athlete meet-and-greets, event collectibles, and more. You can sign up for more information on Stage Front’s VIP packages at stagefrontvip.com/one-denver.
Amazon Prime members can watch these matches live monthly and all 167 matches are archived for those who want to become more familiar with the sport. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.onefc.com/events/one168.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Glendale City News
Resort’s Summer Festivities Continue Through September 2
by Mark Smiley
Lazy River: Gaylord Rockies features a 720-foot-long lazy river with waterfalls, water jets, and bubblers.
Event Space: The addition of an event lawn with 10,000-square-feet of artificial turf area, four fire pits, and two natural boulder fire features, were part of a $22 million exterior enhancement project. Adjacent to the Grand Lodge lawn is a games lawn featuring artificial turf, family-friendly games such as bocce ball, corn hole, and giant chess, as well as three firepits where guests can roast s’mores.
Gaylord Rockies Resort is in the midst of their fifth annual summer celebration that continues through September 2, 2024. The itinerary of summer entertainment also includes the resort’s exclusive waterpark Arapahoe Springs, with slides and a 720-foot winding lazy river, 10,000-square-foot Grand Lodge Lawn and Games Lawn, a wide variety of culinary cuisine, and experiential classes, and relaxation in a full-service spa.
Dining
Throughout the resort, there are dining options, including steaks and an impressive wine list at Old Hickory Steakhouse, casual American fare in front of a 75-foot flat-panel TV at Mountain Pass Sports Bar, and experiential and new dining options, including: Old Hickory Master Cocktail Classes and Master French Wine Classes, British Beer Tastings, as well as the launch of two new outlets, The Fortunate Prospector and Embers Lodge Bar.
The Old Hickory Master French Wine Class ($50 per person) is a new offering at the resort. During t
Resort: Gaylord Rockies is a resort that features 1,501 rooms, a 720-foot winding lazy river, and a 10,000-square-foot grand lodge lawn and games lawn.
his one-hour adults-only experience, wine experts at the resort will guide guests as they explore a variety of wines paired with cheese. They are available on the following Saturdays: July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24 at 3 p.m.
Another new offering is the British Beer Tasting ($25 per person). Guests will sample three classic British-inspired beer cocktails — Half and Half, Snake Bite, and Shandy — and learn the history of these unique British drinks. These are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 4-5 p.m.
The Old Hickory Master Cocktail Class ($50 per person) is a one hour tour of expert guidance delving into the world of mixology capped off by crafting two cocktails alongside master bartenders. These are offered on select Saturdays; July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, August 31 at 3 p.m.
Activities
One of the newest activities at the Gaylord Rockies Resort is the Topgolf Suite. The Topgolf Swing Suite features two simulator bays and a variety of virtual games — including signature Topgolf target games, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey, Baseball, Football, Carnival games, and more — paired with comfortable lounge seating, HDTVs, and food and beverage service.
“As Colorado’s largest combined resort and convention center, we are experts in providing extraordinary spaces for gatherings. Our partnership with Topgolf allows us to offer another fun and unique experience for quests,” said Suzy Hart, general manager of the 1,501-room resort. “Since Full Swing simulators come with games tailored for both novices and experienced golfers, all participants can enjoy themselves.”
Up to eight people can play, eat, drink, and hang out in each bay. The space will be available to rent for business and social gatherings, including birthday and bachelorette/bachelor parties, team building events, corporate meetings, and more.
Also new this year is a hidden treasure hunt for the kids. Guests can join the Gaylord Hotels Adventure Kids on an interactive quest to fin
Room: The Deluxe Family Suite features a separate area with bunk beds along with a king-sized bed in the other room.
d a lost treasure map using detective skills to uncover hidden gems.
The resort also features some complimentary activities, including a virtual safari at the resort , animal encounters, sunrise yoga, live music in the evenings, and campfire & s’mores.
Thrills
An exclusive amenity for overnight guests, Arapahoe Springs Water Park features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water slides, lap pool, outdoor hot tub, and a 720-foot-long lazy river with waterfalls, water jets, and bubblers. Guests can reserve private poolside cabanas.
Relaxation
Guests visiting Relâche Spa can enjoy a full array of summer massage, facial, and nail treatments. July features Desert Revival and Prickly Pear inspired services, with anti-aging and detoxing benefits, while August showcases cooling and hydrating Avocado treatments.
Reservations at Relâche Spa grant access to Arapahoe Springs Water Park, free parking, the resort’s full-service gym, and spa amenities.
To book rooms, packages, spa treatments, and buy event tickets, visit GaylordRockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Travel
2024 Summer Events Calendar Packed With Events
by Mark Smiley
Kickoff Event: Caroline Matz enjoyed the kickoff party for the Cherry Creek North In Bloom summer season on the rooftop of the Jacquard Hotel.
Cherry Creek North unveiled a calendar of events for the 2024 Cherry Creek In Bloom summer season. This year, Cherry Creek North In Bloom offers a destination for a summer filled with more than 70 days of music, arts, and culture.
“Cherry Creek North’s summer line-up will bring together local musicians and performers on our tree-lined streets,” said Lisa Voss, VP of Marketing, Cherry Creek North. “Visitors look forward to our summer events as a way to connect with the Colorado art and culture scene with their friends and families. This year we are excited to host Bastille Day, a three-day festival July 12-14th, that embraces and celebrates French culture, along with a long-time favorite, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.”
Cherry Creek North is bringing back some long-time favorites this year, including the popular Cherry Creek Sidewalk Sale, now in its 53rd year. Additional events scheduled include:
Smash Fine Arts Festival
The summer Smash Fine Arts Festival returns for two weekends this summer, June 8-9, and again on August 10-11, on Cherry Creek North’s Fillmore Plaza. This festival features top national artists as well as live violin, piano, and guitar music.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
The annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival takes place Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 7. This free festival features 250 national and international juried artists, 13 performing artists, Creation Station with children’s activities, food, and interactive art experiences throughout the district. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is one of the country’s largest and most respected arts shows.
Bastille Day
Cocktails: The cocktail menu at the Jacquard Hotel is impressive.
Bastille Day is a free three-day festival the weekend of July 12-14 that celebrates French culture. With 40-50 local vendors offering the “la creme de la creme” of French and French-themed products, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale
On Thursday, July 18, to Sunday, July 21, Cherry Creek North’s famous boutiques bring their racks to the sidewalks for CCN’s 54th annual Sidewalk Sale. With over 16 blocks of discounted high-end fashion, style has never felt so good.
Top Of The Town
5280 magazine’s annual, all-inclusive bash celebrating the best in and around Denver is back at Cherry Creek North on Thursday, July 18, from 6-9 p.m. This will be an evening filled with tasty menus from Top of the Town. Tickets allow all-inclusive access to the event, including the food vendors, bars, spirit sampling stations, enter-to-win giveaways stations, photo activations, and more.
Photos courtesy of Cherry Creek North
