by Mark Smiley | Apr 1, 2026 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
A Tribute to Joni Mitchell featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz performs at Four Mile Historic Park in 2025. The show is returning in 2026 as part of Swallow Hill Music’s Summer Music Series at Four Mile. Photo credit: Kit Chalberg, Courtesy Swallow Hill Music
A popular summer music tradition is returning to Glendale’s backyard as Swallow Hill Music brings back its Summer Tribute Concert Series at Four Mile Historic Park.
The Wednesday evening concert series, which runs June 3 through July 15, features seven performances celebrating legendary artists such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, and the Traveling Wilburys.
Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., with the park opening at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and lawn seating.
In recent years, the series has shifted to an all-tribute format, which organizers say has helped draw record crowds eager to relive the music of iconic artists performed live by skilled regional musicians.
Returning acts include several Front Range favorites, such as The 3eatles, a Beatles tribute band; Shakedown Street, honoring the Grateful Dead; and The Traveling Wilburys Revue. The lineup also includes A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz, as well as Sugar Britches, performing the songs of the late folk legend John Prine.
Two performers will make their debut in the series this year: The Other Brothers, paying tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, and Colorado Springsteen, celebrating the music of Bruce Springsteen.
The concerts take place on the lawn at Four Mile Historic Park, offering a relaxed setting where attendees often bring picnic dinners and blankets to enjoy an evening of live music outdoors. Outside food, coolers, and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, although outside alcohol is not permitted. A bar will be available onsite.
Tribute bands have grown increasingly popular in recent years, with acts like Brit Floyd, Bjorn Again, and Hell’s Belles touring nationally and internationally. These performances allow fans to experience the music of legendary artists live, often with remarkable attention to detail.
For performers like Sugar Britches, the tribute format also offers a chance to honor musical heroes.
“Playing these shows really makes us appreciate John Prine’s legacy,” said Brian Johanson of the band. “After John Prine passed, there was just such a big hole in the world, and I really wanted to pay homage to him.”
Johanson said the connection audiences feel during the performances is powerful.
“The last two years at Four Mile Historic Park, I have had several people come up to me after the show in tears telling me how much the show meant to them,” he said. “Seeing that connection to our hero and knowing we can help keep his legacy alive makes it worth it.”
Swallow Hill Music, a Denver nonprofit dedicated to music education and performance, uses ticket sales from events like the summer series to help support its programs and expand access to the arts.
2025 Swallow Hill Summer Concerts at Four Mile Historic Park
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.)
June 3 — The Other Brothers: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers
June 10 — The 3eatles: A Tribute to The Beatles
June 17 — A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom and Celeste Krenz)
June 24 — Sugar Britches: A Tribute to John Prine
July 1 — Colorado Springsteen: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
July 8 — Shakedown Street: A Tribute to the Grateful Dead
July 15 — The Traveling Wilburys Revue: A Tribute to the Traveling Wilburys
Tickets and additional information are available through Swallow Hill Music’s website at www.swallowhillmusic.org/four-mile.
by Laura Lieff | Apr 1, 2026 | Travel
Head West For A Desert Adventure
by Laura Lieff
View From The Top: The Fleming family enjoys visiting Arches National Park, which is known for its natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks.
Spring is the time of year when everything and everyone emerges — flowers bloom, spring cleaning starts, and Cherry Creek Valley residents begin looking for places to visit outside of the city. One exciting destination, which is just over the Colorado border in Utah, is Moab. Known for its many outdoor adventure options — including mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, and fossil hunting — Moab is also a gateway to the magnificent Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
One way to enjoy Moab is on wheels — just ask the hardcore gearheads who love off-roading and are looking forward to the 60th Annual Easter Jeep Safari event which takes place March 28 through April 5. Additionally, Cruise Moab, an annual event that began in 1996, is happening April 15 through 19 this year. Those who prefer riding mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and motorcycles usually journey to Slickrock Bike Trail as it features just over 10 miles of scenic and rugged terrain and is located approximately three miles from town. Founded by Dick Wilson in 1969, Slickrock was originally meant for motorcycles. Over five decades later, nothing has changed as a variety of aficionados flock to the area to spend time on their preferred wheels.
Longtime motorcycle mechanic and enthusiast, Dan “The Wrench” Rolfe, has been enjoying Moab for the last 12 years — both on his mountain bike and on his CT-90 motorcycle. “I like Slickrock because it’s a ‘cycle’ trail with great views and terrain that is easy to maneuver,” Rolfe explains. “Also, the traction it provides allows you to go up and down steep landscapes and traverse laterally in places whe
Red Rock View: Fleet Fleming stays cool in the desert heat while climbing around Arches National Park.
re you would normally slip out.” Rolfe is featured in the 2019 documentary film, 50 Years of Slickrock, which chronicles the history and development of the trail that arguably put Moab on the map.
Family Trip
While many Colorado residents head to Moab for camping and mountain biking, there are other ways to enjoy a weekend in the desert and make a family vacation out of it. Depending on where you live in Denver, and the number of stops made while driving, the journey to Moab is about five and a half hours. If that sounds like a trek, keep in mind that the panoramic views along the way are likely to make the time go by quickly.
“We started going to Moab because it is an ideal overnight stopping point when we travel to and from Arizona,” says Boulder native Nicole Ford. “After doing that a few times, we realized that it’s worth spending the weekend there because of all the kid-friendly restaurants and activities offered. Also, we found a dog-friendly hotel with a great pool which is the place to be after a day of exploring in the sun.” Some of the Ford family’s favorite Moab restaurants include Tai Bella, The Sultan, and Antica Forma and her hotel of choice is the Element.
Moab History
Ancient Artwork: While hiking through Mill Creek Canyon, keep an eye out for pictographs and petroglyphs that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes.
Because there is an abundance of history to explore in Moab — including petroglyphs (pecked/carved art), pictographs (painted art), dinosaur fossils, and dinosaur footprints — a weekend might not be enough to see everything. On the way into town, stop at Sego Canyon to see rock art that reflects three cultural styles: Ute, Fremont, and Barrier Canyon. The petroglyphs and pictographs left behind on the sandstone walls depict humanlike figures, abstract shapes, horses, and shields, among other types of rock art. “Sego Canyon is always our first stop when we travel to Moab because seeing that type of history is always exciting for me, my wife, and our son,” says 30-year Colorado resident Brian Fleming. “Checking out rock art that has been there for such a long time is our favorite way to begin the weekend.”
Another place to see pictographs and petroglyphs is Mill Creek Canyon where the hike along the creek features panels that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes that stand out the most on the black rocks. The trail’s “finale” is a picturesque waterfall that offers a memorable destination point before turning back to the trailhead. For those looking for dinosaur tracks, the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone and Track Sites are highlights. Accessible via a short pathway, the Track Site displays footprints from theropods, sauropods, ornithopods, ankylosaurs, birds, and crocodilians. The Bone Trail, located about a mile from the Track Site, has fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in rock along a family-friendly hiking path with educational panels.
Additional family-friendly spots include Moab Giants and the Moab Rock Shop. Since 2015, Moab Giants has offered various exhibits and experiences for people of all ages. The indoor/outdoor dinosaur museum showcases state-of the art, life-size land and sea dinosaurs that roamed the area. Another stop for fossil hunters and rockhounds is the Moab Rock Shop. Founded in 1960 by Lin Ottinger, this family owned and operated store has been a staple for over 50 years. In fact, many of Ottinger’s discoveries were donated to museums and universities and he discovered at least four species of dinosaurs.
Magic In The Desert
The two most well-known attractions near Moab are the national parks — Arches and Canyonlands. For those staying in the heart of town, Arches is a much closer option (five miles away). It’s also a smaller park which is ideal for families with young kids or for people who prefer to spend a shorter amount of time walking around the park. Known for its legendary red rock topography, Arches boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks that can be seen while hiking or driving. The Windows Section is a favorite destination within the park as it contains some of the most iconic views.
Conversely, Canyonlands is best-suited for visitors looking for an all-day adventure. Shaped by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands is divided into three districts that have dramatic buttes, spires, canyons, and desert landscapes: Island in the Sky (40 minutes from Moab), The Needles (90 minutes away), and The Maze (the most remote and challenging as its ranger station is accessible by 46 miles of dirt road).
If visiting national parks is not part of your agenda, keep in mind that the magic of Moab is the variety of ways to experience the desert. Whether you are camping, staying in a hotel, off-roading, hiking, mountain biking, or fossil hunting, it is a breathtaking destination for all ages and all types of adventure-seekers. Discovering historical petroglyphs and pictographs, finding dinosaur bones, and then cooling off at the pool are definitely memorable ways to spend time. Regardless of
Desert History: Sego Canyon’s rock art dates back thousands of years and features multiple cultural styles.
your chosen itinerary, spring is an ideal season to head west into the desert and see different landscapes and wildlife, enjoy diverse cuisine, explore new terrain, and participate in unique activities.
Pro Tips:
- Check the weather before you leave because you’re going to Moab to be outside.
- Pack a cooler — no matter what your accommodations are — because having water and snacks ready for consumption is essential in the desert.
- Make sure to pack layers and plan for the daytime versus nighttime temperature changes.
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and comfortable walking shoes are crucial.
- Arches National Park requires timed entry reservations so plan ahead by booking online.
by Amber Wyatt | Apr 1, 2026 | Editorials
by Amber Wyatt
The cast as Jimmy learns the importance of honesty.
At the Denver Children’s Theatre, whimsy is not simply a stylistic choice, it is a philosophy. This spirit was on full display in the recent production of Pete the Cat, a vibrant, 50-minute musical that blended imagination, mentorship, and community into a singular theatrical experience. Presented under the umbrella of the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, the show exemplifies how youth-focused performance can be both playful and profoundly impactful.
Directed by Matthew Zambrano, Pete the Cat leaned into creative minimalism. In a bold artistic decision, the production featured limited physical props. Many times, actors relied entirely on pantomime, miming instruments, books, and even telephones, inviting young audiences to co-create the world unfolding before them. “Theatre for Young Audiences is some of the bravest
Guzman and Enriquez in one of the show’s final scenes.
work being done,” Zambrano noted, emphasizing that when the goal is to inspire empathy rather than chase reviews, the results can be transformative.
That transformation begins with the performers themselves. Brandon Guzman, who plays Pete in the production, brings both technical precision and heartfelt enthusiasm to the stage. Guzman’s journey into theater began at Florida’s Manatee School for the Arts, where an encouraging teacher first recognized his potential. From portraying Bernardo in West Side Story to earning a BFA in musical theater from the University of Tampa, his path has been marked by dedication and adaptability from the start.
After an early stint in New York was interrupted by the pandemic, Guzman found renewed momentum in Denver. Since arriving in 2025, he has built an impressive résumé, with performances ranging from On Your Feet! at Town Hall Arts Center to Frozen at the Arvada Center. Yet it is his work in Theatre for Young Audiences that seems to resonate most deeply. Having toured bilingual productions across multiple states, Guzman understands the importance of representation. “It allows kids to see themselves in the story,” he shared, underscoring the inclusive power of performance.
Equally compelling is the journey of Izzy Enriquez, who plays Olive, a warm and supportive sibling character in Pete the Cat. A recent graduate of Texas State University, Izzy discovered her passion for theater through a blend of storytelling and visual art. Initially hesitant about the vulnerability required in dramatic acting, she found confidence through musical theater’s structure and discipline.
Her move to Denver marked a turning point. While working as a stagehand at Elitch Gardens, she discovered the audition for Pete the Cat through the Colorado Theatre Guild. For Izzy, Theatre for Young Audiences is more than performance, it is access to profound influence. “It’s about meeting audiences where they are,” she explained, reflecting on the importance of making theater approachable and meaningful for all children. Her portrayal of Olive captures the show’s central themes of belonging and acceptance, offering young viewers a character who embodies kindness and encouragement.
Behind the scenes, the production is part of a larger mission driven by leaders in the community like Tim Campbell. Through his work with the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, Campbell helps bring cultural programming to nearly 100,000 people each year. His vision is rooted in connection: creating spaces where diverse communities can come together through shared artistic experiences.
Entire cast of Pete the Cat at Mizel’s Denver Children’s Theatre.
“Live theatre invites audiences into something communal and alive,” Campbell said. “For children especially, it opens the door to creativity, learning, and confidence.” With programs like Pete the Cat, that door is flung wide open, welcoming first-time theatergoers and seasoned patrons alike to a crash course in performance art.
What makes this production particularly memorable is its ability to balance entertainment with intention. From pre-show activities that encourage children to guess mimed objects, to post-show “encore talks” that demystify lighting and sound design, the experience extends beyond the stage. It becomes educational, interactive, and deeply human.
At its heart, Pete the Cat is a story about friendship, courage, and saying “yes” to new experiences. But in the hands of this talented cast and creative team, it becomes something more: a celebration of imagination and a testament to the enduring power of live performance.
In a city rich with artistic offerings, productions like this remind us that sometimes the most meaningful stories are the simplest ones, told with heart, creativity, and just a touch of whimsy where all generations can meet with a smile.
by Amber Wyatt | Feb 18, 2026 | Editorials
by Amber Wyatt
Second from left, Susan McCullough playing French Horn.
By any measure, Rhythms of the Cosmos is not your typical brass concert. Presented by the Denver Brass, the multimedia performance blends bold brass sonorities, percussion, lighting, and cosmic imagery into an immersive experience that feels as much like a journey as it does a concert. For a group celebrating more than four decades of music-making, the show is a striking reminder of why Denver Brass continues to captivate audiences across the Front Range.
Founded in 1981 by Kathy Brantigan and her husband, both tuba players, the ensemble was born from a simple desire to make music together. “We founded Denver Brass because we both played tuba,” Brantigan recalled with a laugh. “We wanted to play together. So we had to multiply out from two tubas, how many trumpets do you need to balance out? How many trombones? How many horns?” That playful curiosity ultimately grew into one of the region’s most distinctive musical organizations.
Brantigan believes the ensemble’s longevity stems from both its sound and its spirit. “Brass players have kind of a unique fraternity,” she said. “We all have similar personalities, and we love the power and the heroic sounds that brass makes. It’s really special to play with all brass, it’s a unique sound.” Far from being one-dimensional, she emphasizes that the ensemble 
can move seamlessly from delicate and romantic to bold and triumphant. “I’ve always said goosebumps are guaranteed,” she added. “There are moments at our shows you don’t forget when you go home.”
One of the musicians who has experienced the entire arc of the ensemble’s history is French horn player Susan McCullough, the only remaining original member. “As long as we’ve been in existence, around 45 years,” she said when asked how long she’s played with the group. McCullough describes Denver Brass concerts as constantly evolving. “Everything we do is completely different from the last. One show it’s classical, the next time it’s jazz, then funk. What style is your show? Everything,” she shrugs.
That stylistic freedom is on full display in Rhythms of the Cosmos, which features music inspired by space, time, and motion. Trumpeter and composer Sean Schaffer Hennessey contributed original works to the program, including Guardians of Time. “It’s a tough show,” he admitted. “Brass players get tired, but it went really well.” For Hennessey, the appeal of Denver Brass lies in its emotional breadth. “Each show is kind of a roller coaster through emotion,” he said. “There’s a heart to this group. We take music that’s often orchestral and bring it into a whole different realm.”
The concert’s cohesion owe
s much to conductor Warren Deck, former principal tubist of the New York Philharmonic, who joined Denver Brass after moving to Denver in 2002. Deck’s path to conducting was unconventional. “I never conducted anything,” he said. “I just sat in orchestras and watc
hed my conductors. One day these guys said, ‘Why don’t you conduct?’ and I heard ‘yes’ come out of my mouth.” His approach reflects the ensemble’s adventurous spirit. “You never know what you’re going to get,” Deck said. “That versatility is worth checking out.”
Behind the scenes, Executive Director Becky Wilkins helps shape the show’s narrative arc with Kabin Thomas and Andy Wolfe. “It starts with the theme,” she explained. “For this one, we were talking about rhythm, and we added space.” From there, she works on sequencing the music and layering theatrical elements that curate an experience, lighting, imagery, and sound design, support the audience’s emotional journey. “It’s more than just a concert,” Wilkins said. “It’s a show. You experience all these elements and let the music really sink in, it becomes an almost spiritual event.”
One of the most striking moments features ambient sound recordings from Mars, paired with imagery that evokes isolation and discovery. “The images really took me there,” Wilkins said. “They’re the frosting on the cake, helping convey the story.” Kabin Thomas, narrator of Rhythm of the Cosmos and on-air morning show host and producer at Colorado Public Radio’s Classical station, drives each work to the next, “Space,” Thomas leads, “The final frontier.”
As Denver Brass looks ahead, that spirit of innovation continues with their fans that follow every show. One attendee I spoke with during intermission named Ginny, remarked “I can’t wait for Celtic Mania! The Cosmos is quite different for Denver Brass.” “Rhythms of the Cosmos stands as a powerful reminder of what the ensemble does best,” attendee Richard tells me, “Challenges expectation, stirs emotion, and invites audiences into unforgettable moments.”
If you missed Rhythms of the Cosmos, there’s still plenty to look forward to. Denver Brass continues its season with Celtic Mania on March 7th and 8th at 2:30 p.m. at the Newman Center, followed by Pulse of America on May 17th at 2:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church. Each performance offers a distinct musical experience, showcasing the ensemble’s precision, and unmistakable energy.
As Brantigan put it simply, “There are magical moments you remember from our shows, and they last.”
by Amber Wyatt | Feb 18, 2026 | General Featured
by Amber Wyatt
The iconic facade of Foster & Son Jewelers where craftsmanship, heritage, and brilliance meet.
By any measure, Cherry Creek North has changed dramatically over the past decade. New mixed-use developments rise where parking lots once sat, national brands rotate in and out, and office foot traffic ebbs and flows with rapidly growing technology. Yet tucked between luxury storefronts and minimalist façades are artisans who have quietly shaped the district’s character for decades. Their stories reveal not just resilience, but a deep commitment to community.
Few businesses in Cherry Creek can trace their roots as deeply as Foster & Son Jewelers, a family-owned institution that has been serving the neighborhood since 1959. Long before Cherry Creek became a nationally recognized retail destination, Patricia Foster, known to most as Patty, opened a small jewelry shop in Cherry Creek called “The 14 Karat,” an ode to the 1859 Gold Rush to the Rockies. At the time, the area was still defining its identity, and Patty’s shop quickly became a trusted fixture for craftsmanship, honesty, and glamour.
As Cherry Creek grew, so did the business. Patty’s son, Brien Foster, joined the team in 1987, bringing a new generation of expertise, with his wife Cindi. Together they worked hard to preserve the values that built the shop’s reputation like reliability, community-involvement, and elegance. With the duo’s involvement, the store evolved into Foster & Son Jewelers, a name that reflects both its family roots and its long-standing commitment to quality. Today, Brien’s son Tucker and his wife Katie Foster continue to lead the business, the third generation of the Foster family to work behind the counter.
Brien and Cindy Foster on their wedding day.
Last week, I spent about an hour catching up with Tucker Foster at Foster & Son Jewelers, along with his wife, Katie, and it was one of those conversations that reminds you how much heart and history live inside a family business. Tucker lit up talking about his specialty, Cuban link chains and studded-out grills, and even showed me a few custom pieces he’s currently crafting for a local celebrity whose name, of course, could not be disclosed. A testament to how times have changed.
We also talked about the importance of lineage and carrying the Foster legacy forward, a tradition that has shaped the brand for generations. The couples’ daughter Sadie proudly holds the title of dynasty princess for now, but Tucker assured me that role is only temporary and that an heir to the Foster throne is very much in the plans. Katie shared many of the family anecdotes with me, like the tale of Brien assembling the glistening centerpiece of the store, a chandelier Patty ordered in China which came entirely with Chinese instructions.
Tucker not only has a hand in shaping the business, because, “In many ways,” he admits, “the business shaped him.” Tucker shared stories from his childhood that felt like something out of a movie: making bows for the gift-wrapped jewelry pieces customers bought for their loved ones, then sneaking around the corner to the old Wizard’s Chest location to hunt for Pokémon cards. Today, he and Katie are building their own chapter of the Foster story keeping both the craftsmanship and the family tradition alive but adapting effortlessly to the changes 67 years in the making.
An eclectic selection of wines.
In an era when many jewelry purchases are made online or through national chains, Foster & Son remains a traditional, full-service jeweler, offering custom design, repairs, appraisals, and fine jewelry curated with care. “While it’s awesome to go to Tiffany and Co and the blue box is absolutely stunning,” Tucker said, “you can get a better experience that’s more personalized and less expensive working with a family jeweler.” Their relevance lies not only in longevity, but in relationships. Many customers have been coming to the store for decades returning for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, family repairs, and milestones that span generations.
“In the past, value was in effort. Today, it’s in a brand name,” Tucker says. Oftentimes that brand is a symbol of something. People who shop with Foster and Sons wear the symbol of community, importance of family, and supporting a legacy. Brands like Tiffany & Co, however, charge customers substantial amounts just to wear the name.
That sense of trust has allowed Foster & Son to adapt as Cherry Creek’s retail landscape has shifted. While the neighborhood has seen luxury brands come and go, the Foster family has remained anchored by personal service and expertise that cannot be replicated online. Their in-store experience emphasizes conversation, education, and comfort, values that resonate in a district increasingly focused on experience-driven retail.
Front counter display of various jewelry types.
Foster & Son’s continued presence also reflects Cherry Creek’s evolution from a neighborhood shopping area to a dynamic cultural district. Through decades of development, economic shifts, and changing consumer habits, the store has remained a constant, quietly shaping the character of the area as much as responding to it.
The story of The Vineyard Wine Shop begins with its founder, Robbie Wilson, who established the shop in 1971 after falling in love with wine while living in California. As Clif Louis explains, “Robbie Wilson was the original owner, he got moved over to San Francisco, fell in love with wine, came back to Denver and said, ‘I want to open a wine store!’”
What began as a modest basement operation, accessible only through an alley, quickly became something special. “In 1971 to get to the front door, you’d come down the alley, go through the door, and down the stairs. It was only 500 feet of space to put wine,” Louis recalls, adding that Wilson’s wife Val handcrafted the stained glass windows and shelving that remain in the shop today. From the start, The Vineyard offered a thoughtful, intimate environment focused on discovery and quality rather than convenience.
Tucker, Katie, and Sadie Foster.
The Cherry Creek Mall photographed around 1960.
The second chapter of The Vineyard’s history began when a young Clif Louis entered the picture in the early 1980s. Driven by a lifelong appreciation for wine sparked by his father who “was stationed over in France, he fell in love with French wines, we always had wine at dinner, and dad let me pick the wine.”
Louis approached Wilson looking for work. “I said, ‘I’ll do anything. I just want to learn about wine.’ So he hired me as the stock boy for $4 an hour,” Louis says, noting how quickly he realized how much there was to learn about the industry. After just a year, Wilson offered a life-changing opportunity. “He said, ‘Clif, why don’t you buy me out?’ and I bought him out slowly over three years.” Louis explains.
From that point on, Louis carried forward the same philosophy of accessibility, warmth, and expertise that Wilson had built. “We weren’t the big box mentality. We didn’t want to force customers to buy a $100 bottle when a $20 bottle was just as good,” he says. “We weren’t snooty wine people. We like to sell wine to drink it.”
Under Wilson and Louis’ leadership, The Vineyard became deeply rooted in Cherry Creek’s retail culture as a staple of high society. Louis’ wife Rosella owned The Brass Bed for decades, and today their children continue the multi-generational tradition with White Peacock just down the street. “We both got into retail, and then my kids got into retail, so it really became a family thing here in Cherry Creek,” Louis shares.
The Vineyard Wines original front counter.
Today, The Vineyard remains anchored by the kind of personal service that can’t be replicated online. “Everyone who works here is taking wine classes, they’re trying to get their degrees in wine,” Louis explains. “When a customer comes in, they talk to somebody. We help them find exactly what they like.” And despite assumptions about Cherry Creek pricing, value remains central. “People think we only sell $100 bottles of wine, and that’s not the case. Most of our wines are around $20,” he says, emphasizing the shop’s commitment to quality at every price point.
That personal connection has helped The Vineyard weather major shifts in retail, including grocery stores entering the wine market. “When they passed the law allowing wine in grocery stores, that hit our sales pretty bad, probably down 30%,” Louis admits, yet he remains confident in what sets The Vineyard apart: “In the big box stores you just pull wine off the shelf. Here, everyone’s an expert. We talk, we educate, we connect.”
Clif Louis looks back on old mailers the company distributed.
Despite evolving development and competition, Louis has no plans to leave. After more than four decades, what keeps him rooted isn’t foot traffic or trends, it’s loyalty, history, and relationships built bottle by bottle. “We’ve had very loyal customers. A lot of them know my first name,” he says simply.
As Cherry Creek continues to modernize, The Vineyard stands as proof that progress doesn’t have to erase craftsmanship. Behind its shelves of carefully curated wine is a legacy built on curiosity, community, and conversation, one that continues to carry forward the spirit Robbie Wilson first poured into a small basement shop back in 1971.
Below: Current heiress of the Foster family business, Sadie Foster, daughter of Tucker and
by Jessica Hughes | Feb 18, 2026 | Glendale City News
Book Review —
by Jessica Hughes
Katie Vieira is an educator, wife, mother of three, and now a published author. Into the Field is Vieira’s first book.
Monitoring children’s screen time has become one of the most pressing challenges facing parents today, often compared to regulating sugar intake or substance exposure. Where the 1990s urged families to “D.A.R.E.” kids to avoid drugs, today’s battle is often centered on limiting time spent in front of screens. Which is why, Katie Vieira, an educator, wife, and mother of three wants to help children and their parents combat screen addiction by turning to the outdoors with her debut book, Into the Field.
Vieira began noticing the impact of that struggle firsthand when her two daughters showed increasing dependence on digital devices. “I started to notice my kids were constantly asking for it. That’s all they wanted to do,” says Vieira. “No matter how many times I would give the warning to turn off screens, they threw tantrums and became completely distraught.”
She recalls frequent power struggles, especially with her oldest daughter, over getting outside — an early warning sign that prompted concern. “They showed symptoms of digital addiction like difficulty disengaging from technology, mood swings, declining interest in offline activities, compulsive asking for the technology.”
Digital Addiction, as defined by the National Institutes of Health, is identified as functionally equivalent to all addictions, characterized by the compulsive, habitual, and uncontrolled use of digital devices and an excessively repeated engagement in a particular online behavior.
Wanting to help combat her kid’s digital addiction, Vieira focused on creating structures around screen time while intentionally prioritizing outdoor time. They avoid using iPads for education, treat screen time as shared family time, and use technology as a tool for connection rather than distraction. She acknowledges that balance is difficult to maintain. “It’s hard. It’s a slippery slope because it’s easy to say, ‘just put a show on’ but we can’t necessarily get away from it.”
Katie Vieira and her family.
The idea for the book emerged during one of the busiest seasons of Vieira’s life. She was pregnant with her third child while moving across the country before settling in Colorado. During that transition, as her daughters adjusted to a new home and homeschooling, Vieira noticed signs of digital addiction becoming more pronounced. Determined to help them form connections and spend more time outside, she discovered the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge, which encourages families to match screen time with outdoor time. The challenge responds to data showing children spend roughly 1,000 hours per year on screens — about 2.5 hours per day.
Into the Field is a nature-based adventure story designed to help kids and their parents combat screen addiction through outdoor play. It follows two young sisters — modeled after Vieira’s daughters — who embark on an outdoor adventure to save a friend from screen addiction. Vieira describes the story as portraying an extreme version of the problem. “They are having to save their friend from the video game.” Colorful illustrations by Vieira’s cousin bring the adventure to life, with scenes set amid the landscapes of Tennessee.
The writing process became a family affair. “My girls not only inspired the story, but they actually played a role in writing it,” says Vieira. “I would jot down chapters based off hikes we had just done, after the kids went to bed, and the next morning I would read them the chapter I wrote. They would give some insight on what the kids should wear and sometimes say in certain situations.”
Into the Field is an adventure story designed to help kids and their parents combat screen addiction through outdoor play.
As former classroom teacher with a master’s degree in education, Vieira homeschools her children and emphasizes that technology itself is not the enemy. “I am aware that it is 2026 and still have to use the technology,” she says. “It’s about learning to keep it in their lives in a balanced way.”
She describes the book as magical, adventurous, and family-focused, with a central goal of inspiring outdoor play and creativity. “We have to allow for boredom and force them to be creative without their screens,” she says. “Going outside, allows them to tap into those creative outlets. Allowing them to be imaginative without the stimulus of screens.”
Into the Field is Vieira’s first book, and she has already begun work on the second installment — called Colorado Campground. She plans for the project to become a series, with each book set in a different state. Inspired by her educational background, Vieira also sees Into the Field as a classroom-friendly resource for teachers and parents alike. “My goal is to try and showcase the different biomes across the country, from beaches to mountains,” says Vieira. “I want to weave in social studies and science without the kids really knowing or realizing.”
Through storytelling, geography, and outdoor exploration, Vieira hopes the book series will quietly blend multiple curricula — reading comprehension, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning — while encouraging families to step away from screens and back into the natural world.
Alongside the book, she is also releasing compilation guides and accompanying activities that relate back to each chapter via her Instagram page. You can follow her at @intothefieldbook.
She will also be at the Barnes & Noble in Glendale for a book signing on March 22, from 1-3 p.m. You can also reach out to her directly at intothefield@gmail.com.
