by Valley Gadfly | Apr 17, 2026 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
There will be not one, but two, Full Moons over the Mile High City in May! The first moon, the Full Flower Moon, reaches its peak over Denver on Friday, May 1 at 11:23 a.m.
The second full moon, the Blue Moon, occurs on May 31 at 2:45 a.m. local time. Once in a Blue Moon is an idiom that refers to an event that happens vary rarely, or almost never.
With Earth precisely sandwiched between the Sun and the Moon this month, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so you will enjoy brighter days ahead:
Kevin John Edusei conducts Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and Jess Gillam plays the saxophone for the concerto. The program, The Rite of Spring, is in DCPA’s Buell Theatre May 1, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Don’t miss multiple Grammy-winning singer Alejandro Fernandez entertaining at Red Rocks May 7, 8 p.m. Information: 720-865-2494.
Catch Swedish indie folk singer, guitarist Jose Gonzalez playing at the Mission Ballroom May 11, 8 p. m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Try the recently opened Chicken Riot located in the former Truffle cheese shop on E. 6th Ave. Eatery marries Texas barbecue’s bold techniques with the tasty traditions of Northern Mexico. Information: 720-967-7678.
Freshen up your home for spring with interior plaster and drywall repair by The Wall Rebuilders. They will repair any age house, old or new. Phone for free estimates. Information: 303-698-1057.
The 16- to 18-piece Count Basie Orchestra entertains at the Lone Tree Arts Center, May 13, 1:30 p. m. Information: 720-509-1000.
Pianist, vocalist, and composer Dawn Clement plays at Dazzle Denver in the DCPA complex, May 17, 5 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Grammy-nominated musician Jontavious Willis plays in Swallow Hill’s Tuft Theatre, May 22, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Support Ronald McDonald House Charities by attending the Storybook Ball at Wings Over the Rockies, May 8, 6 p.m. The Snoopy fundraiser takes you into a world where doghouses become airplanes, scarves flutter in the wind, and guests become part of a soaring story of help and hope. Information: 303-832-2667.
May is the time when the flowers bloom, the birds sing, and the Cherry Creek Valley awakens from its winter slumber. Lawns along neighborhood streets are turning green.
The merry month of May in Denver brings a mix of warm temperatures, occasional rain, and beautiful sunny days. It is an ideal time to explore the Mile High City’s natural surroundings.
Allow the Full Moons in May to be a symbol of calm, consistency, and a guiding light this month. Do you know who conducts the spring orchestra this month? The May-stro.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 1, 2026 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Welcome to April, the first full month of spring! No-fooling, despite starting with April Fool’s Day, this month features 30 days of blooming flowers, patio dining, and April showers.
April in Denver brings a distinct charm as the city awakens from winter. The weather can be quite variable, ranging from pleasant 70-degree sunny days to an occasional snowstorm.
With the soft laughter of April suns and the shadow of April showers, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so spring and happiness will come:
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera is back to thrill Denver audiences featuring Maria Bjornson’s original design. The beautiful, spectacular production is in DCPA’s Buell Theatre April 1, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Don’t miss the Los Angeles-based pop rock band Lany entertaining in the Mission Ballroom April 7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Catch comedian, writer, and podcaster Charlie Berens playing at the Paramount Theatre April 11, 5 p. m. Information: 303-623-0106.
After a four-year wait, Uchiko has finally opened in Cherry Creek’s Ginny Williams space, featuring lunch and happy hour specials. Standout space has sunlit dining room, sushi bar, plus lively front bar. Information: 303-444-1922.
Looking for a special space for your special occasion? With an 8,600 sq. ft. ballroom, plus 360 degrees of high-definition screens Infinity Park Event Center will make your event distinctive. Information: 303-248-7100.
Chicago Indie rock band Ratboys and violinist Julia Steiner entertain at the Bluebird Theatre, April 13, 8 p. m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Hip hop duo Black Violin plays the violin and viola at the Paramount Theatre April 21, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Vocalist Lucia from Veracruz, Mexico, sings jazz, Latin, and pop at Dazzle, April 28, 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5200.
Hear New York fashion designer Zang Toi at the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show. Event raises funds for The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation as it honors type 1 heroes at the in the Sheraton Denver downtown hotel April 7, 11:30 a.m. Information: 303-863-1200.
April is the angel of months, the young love of the new year. It marks the transitional period when the Mile High City shakes off its winter slumber and slowly bursts into bloom.
The days grow warmer, the flowers start to blossom, and the promise of sunny afternoons fill the air. It’s a time to admire the majesty – and quirkiness – of Mother Nature.
Winter’s done, and April’s in the skies. A time for new hope. And of new energy to go after your goals and your dreams. Haven’t you heard the joke about April? April-ly not.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 18, 2026 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Time marches on: We’ve arrived in the no-man’s-land month of March. Indeed, this is the month when we spring ahead and lose an hour of sleep. The month is all about transitions.
March in Denver is known for high variability; it can be sunny and 70°F one day, and drop to 10°F the next. It’s Denver’s snowiest month, averaging 8.5 to 11.5 inches of snowfall.
In March of last year (2025), Denver recorded a warmer-than-average mean temperature of 45.8°F. Here is our fall in and count off choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment:
There’s trouble in River City, and you won’t want to miss Meredith Wilson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man. Production is in DCPA’s Buell Theatre, March 1, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Catch Israeli-born jazz guitarist Christian Loffer — with 10 award-winning albums —playing at the Bluebird Theater March 8, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Are you ready to rock & roll? Kentucky country-rock band Ole 60 plays folk and country in the Mission Ballroom March 12, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Looking for a platter of shellfish for lunch or dinner? Cherry Creek’s Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood on 2nd Ave. is a neighborhood favorite. Try the yummy and unique lobster stuffed Knuckle Sandwich. Information: 303-333-2462.
Thinking about sending your kids to summer camp? Iliff’s Summer Adventure Day Camp — kindergarteners through age 12 — includes field trips, organized sports, arts-crafts, along with STEM activities. Information: 303-757-3551.
Mexican-born stand-up comedian Felipe Esparza who won Last Comic Standing plays the Paramount Theatre March 14, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
DJ-electronic music producer Crankdat — whose remixes have earned millions of plays — entertains at Red Rocks March 27, 7 p.m. Information: 720-865-2494.
Milan’s Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil, with guitarist Marco Coti-Zelati, plays Summit Music Hall, March 31, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-487-0111.
Attend the St. Baldrick’s Cancer Foundation fundraiser at Chopper’s Sports Grill on South Madison St. in Cherry Creek March 7, 1 to 5 p.m. In its 25th year, funding gives hope to babies, toddlers, children, teens, and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Contact Ryan Leopando for information: 720-277-8082.
March has glorious days of 60-degree weather. But alas, the accompanying wind will blow your winter coat off. Still, the sunshine will make you think of crisp mountain air.
Blossom by blossom, spring is beginning. March on, it’s a command. Do not tarry, spring growth and warmer weather means Spring fever’s restlessness and daydreaming.
Why is spring such a great time to start a gardening business? Because you can rake in the cash. Do you know why the computer went to the beach on spring break? To surf the net!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2026 | Valley Gadfly
Aahh February! Welcome to the month of love, laughter, and beautiful surprises. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch. It’s the month when we celebrate romance.
At the heart of it is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14. It’s a day dedicated to expressing love through heartfelt gestures, thoughtful gifts, and quality time with those we love.
The year’s shortest month is named for Roman purification rituals. It also features Super Bowl Sunday. Here are our tease and freeze choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment:
Experience the thrill of the roaring 20s, as the Colorado Ballet does F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. With original score by Carl Davis, show is at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Feb. 1-8, 7 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Enjoy the music of Israeli-born jazz guitarist Gilad Hekselman — with 10 award-winning albums — playing Dazzle Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Singer, bassist Mashell Ndegeocello entertains by singing-playing funk, soul, jazz, and rock at the Newman Center Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Looking for a V-Day or any day dining spot with a friendly staff and remarkable service? Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café is a culinary institution with a standout menu of Italian comfort foods and wine in a cozy setting. Information: 720-328-9481.
Want your kids grades K to 8th grades to participate in no-contact winter indoor rugby? Start them on Saturdays in February with the Glendale Raptors at the Glendale Sports Center. Information: GlendaleYouthRugby.com/winter-rugby.
Colorado’s “Front Range Darlings” Dakota Blonde perform their annual Valentine Concert in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Catch the witty Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1 — a romp filled with humor —playing at Boettcher Concert Hall, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Instrumental band Drama and vocalist Via Rosa entertain with rock and electronic music at the Mission Ballroom, Feb. 27, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Attend the elegant 14th Annual Kaleidoscope Gala at the Ritz-Carlton February 21, 5 p.m. Benefiting Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, event supports sick children, infants, and their families. Assistance includes everything from rent payments to donor milk for premature infants. Information: 720-644-8767.
February can often seem like a difficult month. It’s the last month of winter, so you are likely fed up with waking up on cold, dark mornings, and driving to work in the dark.
Many of us feel like February is just January pretending it’s still cold. Yet, in the heart of winter, February brings warmth and love. There’s everything to hope for and nothing to regret.
Roses are red, violets are blue. If you think finding love is hard, try getting a reservation on Valentine’s night. What did the hamburger buy his sweetheart? An onion ring.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Wipe the slate clean, it’s 2026! Time to start from scratch and make a fresh start, make a new beginning. Who knows, this January could be your lucky penny, your four-leaf clover.
It’s a chance to motivate yourself, uplift others, set new goals, and embrace exciting opportunities ahead. You don’t have to be perfect, just be yourself, and that is enough.
January is not about expecting, hoping, and wishing; it’s about doing, being, and becoming. Here are our “chasing dreams” shopping, dining, and entertainment choices:
There’s still time to see the holiday tradition Blossoms of Light®, celebrating 40 years at the Denver Botanic Gardens through January 12. The event showcases the plant collections during the winter months. Information: 720-865-3500.
Guitar virtuoso group the Stanley Jordan Trio show off their “touch technique” and music at Dazzle Denver January 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
The symphony plays Rachmaninoff Rhapsody for piano and orchestra at Boettcher Concert Hall Jan. 9-11, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Looking for BBQ with richness and flavor? Riot BBQ’s thin al pastor ribs, and brisket tacos on bison tallow tortillas feature rich, bold flavors. The laid-back atmosphere is a memorable smokehouse experience. Information: 303-872-6862.
Want to add a fun, fitness element to your life this year? Participate in Glendale Sports Center’s adult coed soccer, volleyball, men’s basketball, table tennis, and pickleball leagues. Call Kelly Legler for dates, times. Information: 303-630-4711.
Catch the music of Grammy-winning mandolinist and singer Chris Thile playing at the Newman Center January 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Hairball brings their Rock & Roll concert with lights, sound, and smoke to the Paramount Theater January 16, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Montana quartet Kitchen Dwellers plays a fusion of bluegrass, folk, and rock music at the Mission Ballroom January 24, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Attend this year’s Denver Animal Shelter’s strongman event, Battle in Mile High. Event is being held January 24, 8 a.m. at Prost Brewery. Shelter is raising funds to help animals in need, and every dollar counts. The Denver Animal Shelter is an adoption center and shelter for dogs and cats. Information: 720-913-1311.
Snow falls to the ground soft and white. Sometimes it falls all through the night, wintertime is here. January is a month of reflection, transition, and emotional contrast.
The truth is that January makes everyone a little bit demoralized. Whether it’s because of the cold, shorter days, or the end of the holidays, it’s tough to maintain a positive attitude.
A New Year’s Resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. What happened to the man who shoplifted a calendar on New Year’s Eve? He got 12 months.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
December is the official start of winter, colder weather, holidays, family gatherings, and the last month of the year. Shorter days, the nights are colder, and most of the trees are bare.
Ho, ho, ho: ‘Tis the season of snowy peaks, mistletoe, wrapped gifts, hot chocolate, and holiday music. Households in the Mile High City begin putting up holiday decorations.
The peace and serenity of Denver’s mild weather helps us enjoy holiday festivities. Here are our Christmas time’s a-coming choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment:
The Nutcracker returns to the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season Dec. 1-28. There’s dancing mice, sugar plums, swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Information: 720-865-4220.
Charlie, Snoopy, Linus, & Lucy do A Charlie Brown Christmas at Boettcher Dec. 6-7, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Join Christy Wessler’s 21st annual Holiday Sing Along at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Hungry for crepes before Christmas? Wash Park West’s Bon Ami Bistro & Creperie on the corner of Alameda Ave. & Pennsylvania St. has nearly 20 to choose from. Open for brunch all week long. Information: 303-862-4959.
See the newest — and perhaps the most unique — addition at Wings Over The Rockies, the AV-8B Harrier. It was the first vertical-short take-off and landing aircraft to enter service with the U.S. military. Information: 303-360-5360.
The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays the Music of Taylor Swift at the Bluebird Theatre Dec. 13, 11 a.m. Information: 303-777-1666.
Catch the musical tribute A John Denver Christmas playing in the Paramount Theatre Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
End this year at A Night In Vienna listening to polkas, waltzes, and marches at Boettcher Concert Hall Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Party with a purpose this month by attending the 5th Annual Denver Winter Ball at The University Club December 13, 7 p.m. The Fire & Ice themed night of elegance, and dancing, raises money to help Denver children and families facing hunger. All profits go to the Food Bank of the Rockies. Information: 303-349-9262.
The final month of the year brings a unique blend of holiday cheer, winter wonder, and reflective moments. It’s the perfect backdrop as you anticipate opening all of those gifts.
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to be jolly with the holiday spirit in the air and the atmosphere being a celebratory one. What’s the snow man’s favorite relative? Aunt Arctica.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
