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 | Dec 15, 2025 | Travel
Grinch Adventure, More Runs Through January 2
by Mark Smiley
Beautiful Decorations: The inside of the Gaylord Rockies features millions of twinkling lights and more than 200 decorated trees.
Gaylord Rockies: Twinkling lights drape the massive timber beams of Gaylord Rockies like a Colorado winter wonderland
A team of 40 master ice artisans from Harbin, China, arrived at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, to transform two million pounds of ice into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The group has spent more than 12,000 hours hand-carving intricate sculptures for this year’s ICE! experience, themed around Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Hailing from Harbin — famously known as “Ice City” and home to the world’s largest ice and snow sculpting festival — the artisans have traveled more than 5,700 miles to Colorado. Since 2001, Gaylord Hotels has partnered with these highly skilled carvers to bring their centuries-old craft to life for American audiences.
Using tools such as chisels, tongs, hand saws, grinders, and chainsaws, the team begins with over 6,000 blocks of ice, each weighing about 300 pounds. Working from a 300-page design book, the artisans sculpt everything from coin-sized details to 30-foot-tall scenes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale.
Guests visiting ICE! at Gaylord Rockies will be transported through the classic story — journeying from the Grinch’s snowy mountaintop lair and his sneaky sleigh ride into Whoville, to the Whos’ joyful celebration and the Grinch’s heartwarming transformation. Brilliant colored ice, dazzling LED lights, and a precisely maintained 9-degree environment combine to create a mesmerizing display. Visitors can borrow signature blue parkas to stay cozy during the experience.
Artisans: Armed with chisels, tongs, hand saws, grinders, and chainsaws, the artisans begin with more than 6,000 blocks of ice to create ICE! at Gaylord Rockies.
The attraction also includes two-story ice slides, sparkling tunnels, and live carving demonstrations in the Carver Showcase. ICE! concludes in a serene Nativity scene, sculpted entirely from crystal-clear ice. The display runs through January 2, 2026.
While ICE! is the crown jewel of Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, the holiday spirit extends throughout the resort, which features millions of twinkling lights and more than 200 decorated trees. New this year is the Sugar Snow Station, a whimsical area featuring Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing, Gumdrop Gliders Ice Puck Challenge, and the Sugar N’ Spice Bar offering festive treats.
Other seasonal highlights include:
Feast with the Grinch, a family dining event where guests can meet the famously grouchy green guest of honor and his dog, Max.
Sippin’ Santa, a tropical tiki pop-up bar serving island-inspired holiday cocktails in collectible mugs.
Gingerbread Mountain Cabin, a life-sized creation built from over 1,400 pounds of gingerbread, icing, and candy.
Festival of Trees, an annual fundraiser benefiting Lantern (formerly Bright by Text), supporting early childhood development.
Guests can also enjoy festive favorites like the Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Photos with Santa, the Elf Training Academy, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, and the Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village.
For those looking to extend the holiday magic, overnight guests receive special perks such as “Chill Pass” front-of-line access to ICE! and entry to the resort’s indoor Arapahoe Springs Waterpark.
Tickets for ICE! and other Christmas at Gaylord Rockies attractions must be purchased in advance, as peak weekends often sell out. For details, overnight packages, or reservations, visit ChristmasAtGaylord Rockies.com
by Editorial Board | Dec 15, 2025 | Editorials
Editorial —
Two adjacent skyscraper office buildings in downtown Denver located at 621 and 633 17th Street recently sold for $3.2 million. The buildings have nearly a million square feet of office space combined. Six years ago, the buildings were valued at $200 million – a 98% drop in value.
The purchase indicates the buildings were essentially worthless as office space. With a cost basis of $3.2 million, the buyer, Los Angeles developer Asher Luzzatto, could rent office space at extremely low rates and seemingly make a great deal of profit. But no, apparently there is almost no major market for rental offices downtown at virtually any price. Instead, the buyer is going to spend tens of millions to turn the buildings into 700 residences.
This developer is not the first one in Denver to come up with this idea. It was announced recently that the historic Petroleum Building will be converted from office space into residential units. The building was given its name as it was housing a myriad of businesses in the oil and gas business. No need to worry about such use as Governor Polis and the legislature have killed the oil and gas industry in Colorado in the name of preventing global climate change.
The problem is that there is no data out there indicating that people are dying to move to downtown Denver for residential purposes. In fact, Channel 7 in Denver recently ran a story entitled “Data shows people are actively avoiding moving to Denver” citing data from a MoveBuddha study. Moreover, as our front-page story indicates that apartment rental rates in Denver are going down reflecting lowering of demand.
At one time Denver could count on an influx of monied people from California but no longer. Why move from misgoverned Los Angeles and California to misgoverned Denver and Colorado. They are heading to red states such as Texas and Idaho.
So what in the world is the developer Asher Luzzatto thinking? Back in the Chronicle’s May 2024 edition we prognosticated in an editorial titled “No Mr. Mayor, the Woes Of Downtown Denver Will Not Be Saved By A Half Billion Dollar Retrofit Boondoggle” that proposed new Downtown Denver BID assessments would end up in the pockets of downtown office owners to help convert their buildings into residential properties. Rest assured that some of the bond proceeds from the just passed “Vibrant Denver” bonds will end up in the same pockets.
We assume that Asher Luzzatto is nobody’s fool. Most of the money to convert the two office buildings will come from governmental entities. If the project fails, the developer will lose very little money but if it succeeds the developer will very handsomely profit.
But what does the super bargain basement sale say about Denver’s economy? At a minimum the city’s budget will soon be in major trouble. Assessments for commercial property in downtown Denver will plummet, which will lead to a commiserate drop in property tax revenues.
Similarly, revenues from the head tax that Denver imposes on people who work in Denver will similarly drop.
Perhaps the proposed Burnham Yard redevelopment that includes a new Broncos Stadium will create some economic growth along with short-term boost from the newly approved Vibrant Denver bonds.
Ultimately reading the tea leaves, Mayor Johnston’s administration is betting on the farm downtown Denver becoming a residential hub through the conversion of office building into residences paid for by the government. If that bet fails hard times will likely await the Queen City of the Plains.
— Editorial Board
by Jeff Shultz | Nov 17, 2025 | General Featured
by Jeff Shultz
A south Denver health care charity is preparing for a pending health care crisis. The passing of HR-1 on July 4, 2025, threatens Affordable Care Act subsidies that made health care affordable for hundreds of thousands of Colorado residents, according to Doctors Care Development and Marketing Director Elizabeth Hockaday.
“A plan that used to have a $100 deductible and $1 monthly premium payments will soon become a $5,000 deductible and $1,200 monthly premium,” says Hockaday. “That’s highly unaffordable for those struggling financially.”
Doctors Care, a nonprofit medical clinic in South Metro Denver, is doing what they can to help reduce the financial barriers. “Doctors Care is an integrated primary care clinic. In addition to well and sick visits, the organization has behavioral and women’s health services onsite and provides programs to help address social determinants of health, and health insurance navigation and enrollment,” Hockaday said.
“Doctors Care is located in Littleton and mainly serves Arapahoe County,” says Hockaday, “but our reach is much larger, extending to Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties to name a few.”
Doctors Care serves over 3,000 people annually through their integrated primary care clinic. “Our patients primarily consist of uninsured individuals and Medicaid-eligible working families who face significant challenges in accessing health care.”
Financially, 90% of DC’s clients are below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, according to Hockaday. This means a family of four makes around $80,000 annually.
“Seventy percent of our clients are on Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), with 28 percent uninsured and the remaining two percent privately insured.”
Doctors Care’s financial strategy consists of earned income (copays and medical reimbursements from Medicaid and private insurance), volunteerism, and charitable giving. “In the past, the organization often showed a larger amount coming from earned income than donations, around a 60/40 split.
“With state and federal policy changes affecting reimbursement rates and health insurance availability to Doctors Care’s population shifting, the organization has seen that percentage flip.
“Charitable giving has become more crucial to the sustainability of the organization and its operations.”
According to Hockaday, changes looming from the federal spending bill is creating a “blast from the past” for Doctors Care’s financial landscape.“The bill is recreating a time when health insurance was less accessible due to cost and eligibility,” Hockaday explained.
According to The Kaiser Family Foundation, the federal bill creates a significant gap in healthcare access for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans.
“The foundation estimates the bill will cause approximately 130,000 Coloradans to become uninsured due to changes in the Medicaid program,” she said. “An additional 18,000 state residents will lose insurance to changes to Affordable Care Act (ACA) and around 6,000 from changes to Medicare and policy interactions.”
The foundation also estimates an additional 38,000 could lose their insurance because of the administration’s ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability rule finalized earlier this year. In total, Hockaday said 190,000 Coloradans’ coverage is and will be threatened.
“When you add the total impact to Doctors Care, the numbers are stark,” she added. “Since the Public Health Emergency’s Continuous Coverage Unwind that began in 2023, Doctors Care has watched its uninsured populations significantly grow from 8 percent to 23 percent. Doctors Care is expecting that number to rise again in 2026 to 30-40 percent.”
According to Hockaday, it costs DC $785 per visit to conduct uncompensated care for these populations.
“While that creates a significant financial loss for the organization, it is no match to the access barriers that uninsured individuals are now facing,” added Hockaday. “Cost continues to be a barrier for Coloradans when it comes to accessing the healthcare system.”
“The Colorado Health Institute’s Colorado Health Access Survey consistently reports that 1 in 5 Coloradans skip needed care due to cost. This leads to an increase in mortality rates, communities suffering from increased illness, and more.”
Hockaday has a solution to this new health care crisis for Coloradans. “Invest in your community,” she said.“Early giving for Colorado Gives Day began November 1 and continues through December 9.” Hockaday says giving to Doctors Care, or organizations that support food security or housing stability, helps people stay healthy.
“If cost is a barrier, then investing in nonprofits that help to alleviate said barriers will have an amazing impact on our communities.”
For more information on Doctors Care visit www.doctorscare.org.
