by Mark Smiley | Mar 4, 2024 | General Featured
By Mark Smiley
Photo by Olivier Brajon
Since 2017, CRYSTAL has performed in front of more than 1.9 million people in over 135 cities worldwide, blending the art of skating with adrenaline-inducing acrobatics and aerial feats. In total, the show spans two and a half hours with an intermission.
“CRYSTAL really pushes the boundaries of possibility within the circus arts. The show highlights Cirque du Soleil’s creativity in a new way and encourages audiences to find the magic of the everyday,” says Robert Tannion, Artistic Director, CRYSTAL. “Every time you watch, there’s something new to see and experience. It’s a magical story that springs to life on the ice and we can’t wait to bring it to Denver for the first time.”
Created by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, CRYSTAL takes audiences on a journey of self-discovery. Dive into a world of playful imagination with the show’s protagonist, Crystal, as she learns to see things differently and become whom she was always destined to be: herself.
“The show is about a girl named Crystal who has a breakthrough experience where she sees her life in a different way,” said Crystal Manich, Cirque Crystal’s Artistic Director. “Before she has this experience we see how she struggles to fit in both at home and at school. She is a bit of an outcast. The show is about her journey of self-discovery and finding her voice and becoming a creative force in her own life realizing that she has things to do in order to grow.”
The show features a mixture of acrobats and ice skaters which is rare. In fact, it is the 42nd cirque creation and the company’s very first acrobatic experience on ice. This show features seven traditional circus acts, including trapeze, hand-to-hand, Banquine, aerial straps, hand-to-trapeze, juggling, and hand balancing – all adapted to be performed on ice. CRYSTAL is the first Cirque du Soleil production that uses real snow – the team makes approximately 300 snowballs each week.
“The response has been really great because we have all of the elements of a perfect Cirque du Soleil show but the ice does add an extra element of awe,” said Manich. “You’ll see everything you would expect to see in a Cirque du Soleil show and some surprises because of the uniqueness of the show itself.”
This type is show presents challenges not seen with a typical Cirque du Soleil show. Every arena has different ice and some performers say certain ice may be too soft or too hard in a particular venue.
“What people should expect is to have a great time and to see some of the world’s best performers on the ice in a unique way coming together with these various disciplines,” said Manich. “I think this is a special show.”
CRYSTAL Performance Schedule at Ball Arena:
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 – 7 p.m.
Friday, March 15, 2024 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 16, 2024 – 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 2024 – 12 p.m.
Tickets for Crystal are now available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.
Photos : Matt Baker & Olivier Brajon
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Travel
Shamrocks & Shenanigans Set To Color Denver Green; Then Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes Make Us Good Eggs
by Glen Richardson
May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, the Mile High City is again Shamrockin’ & Rollin’ to Dublin Day in Denver.
Always celebrated with enthusiasm, with a bit of Irish blarney and a touch of magic too, St. Patrick’s Day begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 16 with the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River and one of the largest in the U.S.
With an Irish kiss, plus a snog o’ bliss, this month is egg-stra special with Easter falling on March 31. Hallelujah! Denver ends the month bringing baskets full of spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting.
Mile High March: The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River steps off at 9:30 a.m. on March 16.
Magic Irish March
The parade will start on Wynkoop St. at 19th Ave., turn southeast down 17th Ave. before turning northeast on Blake St. — renamed Tooley St. for St. Paddy’s Day — then continue on Blake St. until 27th Ave. For a good viewing spot, people begin arriving at 6 a.m.
As in previous years, the parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators. It will feature 10,000 plus participants, including Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
The Mile High version is renowned, drawing nearly half a million people downtown on parade day. The St. Paddy’s Day crowd is believed to be Colorado’s largest single gathering in one place.
Pub Grub
Cherry Cricket Ballpark. Both the Cherry Creek and Blake St. locations offer deals in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, but the downtown space offers close access to the parade. Enjoy beer specials all weekend — including green Coors pours — plus Irish dishes such as Irish beef stew. Information: 303-297-3644.
The Irish Rover. This S. Broadway pub with a long lineup of Celtic brews, plus outdoor and rooftop seating, is the perfect St. Paddy’s Day spot. Try the Corned Beef Reuben & Fries, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash. There’s a Tent party on the 17th, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 303-282-4643.
Corned Beef & Cabbage: Slice of Irish- American culture is no longer served in Denver except at Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s. Enjoy for lunch and dinner on Monday March 18.
Monaco Inn Restaurant. Corned Beef & Cabbage originated as part of Irish-American culture, but is no longer served in Denver. A dozen years ago this South Monaco Parkway restaurant started serving the dish as the Saint Patrick’s Day special. Restaurant is closed on Sunday, but is serving on Monday, March 18, for lunch and dinner. Information: 303-320-1104.
Scruffy Murphy’s. Rustic knickknack- filled Irish bar and beer garden on Larimer St. serves up suds, Scotch & snacks, plus live music. Kitchen serves a few Irish mainstays like Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. Information: 303-291-6992.
Easter Ends March
Worship Services
Easter Sunrise Service: Easter begins early with the Colorado Council of Churches’ 77th Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 5:30 a.m. on March 31. Gates open for services in a dramatic and spectacular setting at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship service music begins at 5:30 a.m., with services starting at 6 a.m.
Free and open to the public, seating and parking are on a first-come basis. Reserved parking-seating is sold out. The event is not collecting food donations this year.
Stunning Sunrise: The 77th Easer Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater is March 31, 5:30 a.m. Gates open at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship music begins at 5:30 a.m.
The Blood Brothers — a six-piece band that plays rock, folk, country, blues, and worship music — will entertain. Additional details were not available as the Chronicle went to press. Information: 303-825-4910.
Cathedral Basilica: Holy week at the Basilica on the corner of Logan St. and Colfax Ave. has the church’s most beautiful liturgies. Holy Saturday Vigil is 8:15 p.m., Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral: Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Easter Services are at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., & 11 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children following the 9 a.m. services on the East Lawn. Information: 303-831-1350.
Egg Hunts
Celtic Charm: This rare variation of the three-leaf clover, according to Irish tradition represents luck, love, faith, and hope.
Infinity Park: Get the kids excited about Easter early by taking them to the Glendale Easter Eggstravaganza at Infinity Park’s Turf Field on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. There are three age group hunts: Ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7 to 12. Only one parent is allowed in egg hunts for children under the age of seven. No parents are allowed with children age 7+. Parking is in P1, located on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Park: One of the Valley’s biggest and far from conventional Easter Egg Hunts is at the 12-acre Four Mile Historic Park March 30, with events at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event includes a search for golden eggs, each concealing special prizes.
This year the park has crafted three distinct egg scrambles catering to kids of all ages. The youngest — aged four and under — can partake in a hunt in the kiddie corral. Meanwhile, older kids — aged five-nine and up — can engage in two separate hunts.
Post-hunt includes photos with the Easter bunny, and spring-themed crafts. A kid-friendly concert by Animal Farm features Inspector Magic. There’s also a Victorian Egg Rolling contest plus Magical Egg Chairs. Delectable snacks are available from food trucks, plus shopping at the Spring Marketplace. For adults, the Four Mile Bar features mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and a fully stocked bar. Information: 720-865-0800.
Egg-citing Eating
Egg-citing Egg Hunt: Four Mile Historic Park hosts one of the Valley’s biggest Easter Egg Hunts on March 30, at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.
Edge Restaurant: Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown for their annual Easter brunch. A raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station are usually offered. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s: Celebrate the holiday with breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices usually include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, other choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant: Experience brunch at the indoor-outdoor Easter setting in the ART Hotel on Broadway. Spring omelets, much more, plus a Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones: For a tasty holiday morning in Cherry Creek North, do brunch at this classic bistro in the Halcyon Hotel. Always delightful. Information: 720-772-5022.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Presenting annual Easter special from noon to 8 p.m. Restaurant is serving Colorado Spring Leg of Lamb with Greek potatoes, Greek Salad, and Avgolemono Soup. Menu also has other Greek & American specialties. Saganaki appetizer, plus homemade baklava for dessert. Information: 303-320-1104.
by Jessica Hughes | Feb 19, 2024 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
Green Dot Coalition was awarded a grant of $10,000 through the RiNo Art District Social Impact Grants program.
2024 is shaping up to be a good year for the latest recipients of the RiNo Art District’s Social Impact Grants, which recently awarded an amount of $75,000 — the program’s largest amount to date.
While most people know the RiNo Art District for its extensive collection of mural art and the newest annual art festival, Denver Walls, the district also plays a big role in supporting its local artists, businesses, and community through the RiNo Business Improvement District (BID).
The Social Impact Grant program first became available to local organizations in Five Points, Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, and Cole in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. “We wanted to do something more impactful and to allocate money to organizations doing the hard work in the community,” says Alye Sharp, Deputy Director for RiNo Art District.
Curecanti Spur, mural by Lindz and Lamb at CSU Spur Campus Denver, CO.
To date, the organization has awarded a total of $225,000. The RiNo BID has additionally committed to increasing funding for the Social Impact Grants program every year.
“There were so many incredible organizations nominated this year addressing everything from social justice and food scarcity, to homelessness and youth arts education,” said Sharp. “We are so appreciative of the review committee’s passion for identifying and advocating for these organizations and appreciate our BID’s commitment to directing RiNo’s collective resources towards this important work in our community.”
Among the recipients of this grant are CIRCLE, EGS + Partners, Green Dot, Mo Betta, The People’s Pickle, and Youth Empowerment Broadcasting Organization (YEBO Media), who will each receive $10,000 to support community members in the five historic neighborhoods. Birdseed Collective will receive $15,000 to support their mission of educating and empowering disadvantaged and under-resourced individuals throughout the Denver area through food delivery, environmental equity work, youth-focused projects and events, art accessibility, work with immigrant communities, and more.
Green Dot Coalition is an equity-focused placemaking organization working to translate community vision into green spaces, practices, and policies.
With the goal of placing equity at the center of grant-making decisions, recipients are nominated by a diverse committee of local community members, this year led by Denver City Council District 9 Councilman Darrell Watson.
“RiNo’s Social Impact Grants allow us to amplify and celebrate the extraordinary work taking place every day in our District to address some of our most pressing social issues,” said Councilman Watson. “These grants are an investment in a city that works for everyone, and I’m excited to see how the selected organizations leverage their funds in service of their neighborhoods and their communities.”
Sharp also emphasized that they wanted this grant program to be an easy process for everyone to apply. “It was important that this money be unrestricted. Being able to directly write a check for the recipients is super important.”
Founded by the local artists Tracy Weil and Jill Hadley-Hooper, the RiNo Art District, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit arts organization, was created to help foster a thriving, welcoming, and creative community of artists, residents, and businesses.
As the area’s growth has surged over the years, so did the art district. “Big shifts happened in 2014 when the community came together and wanted to retain some of that creative control of how the district improved,” says Sharp.
Today, the district overlays five historical neighborhoods: Globeville, Elyria, Swansea, Five Points, and Cole. Over the last decade, RiNo Art District has helped form both a Business Improvement District (BID) and General Improvement District (GID) and a community arts educational nonprofit (Keep RiNo Wild) to support the local community.
“It’s a collaborative community of small businesses including galleries and studios, plus an incredible amount of public art,” says Sharp. “There are quite a few working artists in the district with studio space and galleries. It is a place that art is being made every day.”
“We extend our deep gratitude to the RiNo Art District for their generous support to EGS & Partners,” said Sandra Ruiz Parrilla, CEO of EGS & Partners. “This fund will not only strengthen our mission to improve our neighborhoods and offer vital mental health art therapy programs, but will also allow us to grow and get even closer to the community, effectively engaging residents in Elyria-Swansea and Globeville neighborhoods. Together, we will move forward toward promoting environmental and social justice, promoting health, and building a stronger, healthier community. Thank you for being a valued partner in our shared mission!”
To learn more, visit the RiNo Art District at rinoartistrict.org.
Photos provided by: RiNo Art District
by Laura Lieff | Feb 19, 2024 | Glendale City News
by Laura Lieff
Returning for a second year as part of the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) league, the American Raptors team faces fierce competition. In addition to the Glendale team, the SRA league is comprised of six other franchises — defending champions Peñarol Rugby (Uruguay), Cobras Brasil XV, Selknam (Chile), Yacare XV (Paraguay), and two teams from Argentina, Dogos XV and Pampas. All the clubs will be traveling to and from South America and the United States, with several ga
Full Force: Feofaaki Pulu carries the ball in an American Raptors match against Yacare XV at Infinity Park. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
mes slated to be played at Infinity Park throughout the 2024 season.
“With the goal of providing a pathway to international rugby for high caliber players, and creating a fanbase that brings new players to rugby, SRA continues to provide a unique competition over twelve rounds, with teams playing matches at home and on the road,” says Frankie Deges, Media & Communication Manager for Super Rugby Americas. “Additionally, with the inclusion of the American Raptors in 2023, SRA represents the coming of age of the Superliga Americana de Rugby that was first played between 2020 and 2022.”
Launched two weeks before the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, Superliga Americana de Rugby successfully returned in 2021 and 2022. Many have recognized this tournament as the catalyst for Chile’s first-ever qualification for Rugby World Cup, and Uruguay beating the USA Eagles to take the first spot in the Americas Qualifying system.
Strong Team
Comprised of 35 players, the American Raptors staff is excited for the year ahead and is thrilled to have a talented pool of returning and new players.
“The American Raptors’ mission to develop the best young American talent is hitting full stride going into their second season of competing in SRA,” says Patrick Guthrie, Chief Operating Officer of the American Raptors. “Marking a strategic blend of experience and fresh young talent
Tough Tackle: Watson Filikitonga gets tackled during a match against Selknam last spring. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
, the Raptors have expanded their lineup by adding 19 promising new players while retaining the skills of 16 seasoned athletes.”
Key players include Mikey Grandy, who is returning for his fourth season, and Diego Fortuny returning for his second year, as well as newcomers Ignacio Mieres and Facundo Ignacio Pomponio. The club began its 2024 season with a three-match road trip to Argentina and Uruguay before returning to Infinity Park for six straight home games. They will finish the season back on the road traveling to Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile.
Raptors games can be streamed on ESPN+ but the best way to enjoy rugby is attending games at Infinity Park. Since its inception in 2007, Infinity Park remains the first and only municipally-owned rugby-specific stadium in the United States. Known as RugbyTown USA, Glendale continues to welcome rugby teams from around the world to play at the 4,000-seat facility.
In addition to serving as the American Raptors headquarters, Infinity Park has hosted several international men’s and women’s rugby matches over the years including the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup and all three 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers for the United States men’s national rugby team. The venue also served as the United States stop on the 2018- 2019 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and is home to the annual RugbyTown 7s tournament, which takes place annually during the third weekend of August.
For more information about the schedule, and to buy tickets, visit americanaptors.com/schedule-and-tickets.
Home Game Themes
3/17: Raptors Green Out (St. Patrick’s Day) | Giveaway: Green Raptors t-shirt | Wear green to celebrate the Raptors’ first home game.
3/24: Western Day | Giveaway: Raptors Bandanas | Wear your best cowboy/cowgirl attire to Infinity Park.
4/7: Military Appreciation Day | Giveaway: Camo Koozies | Honoring those who served and active military members throughout the game.
4/14: Mental Health Awareness Day | Giveaway: Stress Balls | Raising awareness and promoting positive mental health.
4/21: Colorado Day | Giveaway: Raptors Keychains | Celebrate everything Colorado with local mascots, local colleges, and Colorado food staples.
4/28: Autism Awareness Day | Giveaway: Fidget Spinners | Raising awareness about Autism at the Raptors last home game of the season.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 19, 2024 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
For those who want to hit the slopes but avoid the drive over the President’s Day holiday weekend, Snowstang will be operating and providing service to some of the state’s premier mountain resorts.
Snowstang travels roundtrip to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, and Steamboat Springs every Saturday, Sunday, and President’s Day (Monday, February 19) through mid-spring. All routes board at Denver Union Station, RTD’s Federal Center Station in Lakewood, and at the Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride — upper lot (18560 U.S. 40, Golden, CO 80401).
Roundtrip tickets are $25, except for Steamboat Springs, which is $40. Additional discounts are available for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities. Children ages 2 to 11 ride for $12.50 (with a paying adult). Tickets can be purchased at ridesnowstang.com
“If you like to ski or snowboard but don’t like dealing with the holiday weekend traffic, Snowstang is an ideal option,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “And it’s not just this weekend. If people want to enjoy the variety of activities and special events that’ll be taking place at our partner resorts this winter and early spring, Snowstang is a great travel alternative on any weekend.”
Each Snowstang coach provides seating for 51 passengers, is climate controlled, and has luggage bays, Wi-Fi, a restroom, and USB and power outlets.
“This is our fourth season of serving skiers and snowboarders, and it continues to grow in popularity since it provides a stress-free, safe alternative to get to our world-class resorts,” said CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail Director Paul DesRocher. “Snowstang is also affordable, comfortable, and convenient, dropping passengers off right near the ski lifts.”
by Mark Smiley | Jan 19, 2024 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Ranger S: The cruiser style Ranger S from Heybike is a foldable ebike suitable for commuting to work, grocery store runs, or mountain biking.
In the December 2023 edition of this publication, we reviewed the Heybike Cityrun, an electric bike that most riders would find suitable to have in their garage. Another option to consider from the same manufacturer, Heybike, is the Ranger S.
The Ranger S has a larger motor than the Cityrun at 750W. In addition to the hydraulic brakes, it has a folding mechanism of the Ranger S for those with limited space or that want to tuck it away when not riding.
This ebike excels in urban areas as it features pedal assist to get up to speeds of 28 mph and many safety features making it a good choice for city riding. The pedal assist is a more gradual acceleration which has less of an immediate jerk forward than most ebikes.
Reviews online have touted the comfortable ride quality with its cruiser-style riding position. In our tests, the bike was a comfortable and zippy ride through town. At 72 pounds, it is not the lightest on the market but after riding, it is not something that will weigh on your mind.
Many riders expect a battery that will last. The ebike’s battery life is impressive, offering up to 55 miles on a single charge, ensuring uninterrupted long rides. Also, they expect ebikes to be in a certain price range. At time of press, this bike was listed for $1,299. This price point is c
Foldable: The Ranger S is foldable, making it convenient to store, ideal for those that live in the city.
onsidered affordable for the specs that are included with it.
Riding any bike in most cities is both convenient and sometimes dangerous. Fat tires with splash guards come standard
on this bike, and as most of Heybike’s fleet have, you’ll find large bright lights in front and rear with integrated bright turn signals to inform those around you which direction you are going and be easily seen. And, the horn is loud enough so someone inside a car can hear.
As with most bike computers, the Ranger S features a display for current speed and distance traveled, alongside which power level out of five you’re currently set to and the battery level. Consider downloading the Heybike app to have accurate readings on battery level and so forth.
The battery is removable with a key and can be charged on its own which is a nice feature if you want to only carry the battery into your office if commuting to work.
The Heybike Ranger S stands out as a feature-rich, versatile folding ebike. It balances performance, safety, and user convenience. Whether you’re navigating city streets, commuting, or embarking on mountain biking adventures, the Heybike Ranger S is a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable ride experience.
To learn more about the Ranger S, visit www.heybike.com/products/ranger-s.
