by Valley Gadfly | Dec 17, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
City meets country. Mile High urban Cherry Creek construction chaos combines forces with cowboys as the 112th National Western Stock Show kicks off the New Year Jan. 6-21. Whether we want to acknowledge it, Denver is turning a cold shoulder on the Valley’s country heritage as the cowboy theme is too cliché for today’s city slicker.
The environment is no longer rough, wild and open. Like riding bulls at this year’s National Western rodeo, Denver’s surreal bull market tends to put cowboys down.
Here are our warm-up choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to step back in time and cowboy it up in boots, chaps and cowboy hats for a hearty good time:
3 Steer your steed to the Western American Art Symposium in the DAM’s Lewis Sharp Auditorium Jan. 4, 10 a.m. Focus is on regionalism and its impact on artists working in the West. Information: 720-913-0130.
3 Watch a cattle drive with horses, cattle, cowboys-gals, tractors and bands at the stock show parade Jan. 4 at 12 p.m. Information: 303-892-1505.
3 For fast, funny entertainment herd the gang over to Lowry’s John Hand Theatre to see Rumors playing Jan. 6-Feb. 3. Information: 720-530-4596.
3 See a wide range of hunting, fishing and camping gear at the Sportsmen’s Expo at the Convention Center Jan. 11-14. Information: 800-454-6100.
3 So you’ve found the perfect bunkhouse (home) in the perfect cow pasture (locality). Now it’s time to be the tall hog at the trough with the perfect mortgage from Stone Creek Mortgage. Information: 303-573-1200.
3 Lookin’ for good grub at a spot where you can sit a spell and chew the fat? With yummy Italian concoctions and cowboy cocktails Viale Pizza & Kitchen is a tasty cinch on Colorado Blvd. Information: 303-495-3065.
3 Lasso time to see Mary Louise Lee playing Billie Holiday once more at Aurora’s Vintage Theatre, Jan. 12-Feb. 18. Information: 303-856-7830.
3 Catch the Nashville music group Banditos playing backwoods bluegrass, doo-wop and soul at the Larimer Lounge, 8 p.m. Information: 303-291-1007.
3 For a whopping good time get eye to eye with a steer that weighs more than your car at the Stock Show & Rodeo at the National Western Complex, Jan. 6-21. Watch sheep dogs herd their fluffy friends and be dazzled by trick roping. Rodeos are held each day with pro riders, ropers and a slew of animals strutting their stuff. For kids there’s a Stick Horse Rodeo and Farmyard Follies. Information: 303-893-1505.
In popular usage “cowboying it up” is derived from rodeo, and is the phrase used to tell a participant to mount a bull or a horse depending on the event. It is akin to telling runners in a track meet to take their marks and set. Today cowboy up in Denver applies to apartment towers that have kicked living up a notch, not living space above the barn.
Reckon most country folks would dub Denver’s urban living as “WAAAY UP.” Granted reclaimed lumber from developments in town makes building barns cut-rate.
So much for tall in the saddle! Next up are more lofty buildings in what was once cow pasture. Besides the issue of a place to park horses, the meadow is soiled. That’s why some call Denver’s cowboy city planners deranged. Wishing you a fun-filled ride into the New Year. Just remember if you wear cowboy clothes you are “ranch dressing.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 20, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Go dashing through the snow — it’s the crackling, relaxing, romantic time of year. Just don’t let the horses’ hooves lull you to sleep or you’ll miss Colorado’s snowcapped peaks. Furthermore, for the outdoorsy types, hot chocolate and marshmallow roasts await in the Cherry Creek Valley’s old school holiday winter hideaways. Come on get jolly!
‘Tis the season for snowy adventures — sleigh rides, snowmobiling and skating are really grand. Go ahead and bust out some holly and follow your winter folly.
Here are our happy holiday (hold the tinsel) choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to add sugar and spice and make everything nice this festive season:
3 Timothy P. and his Stocking Stuffers return to play western, bluegrass and folk music. You’ll enjoy holiday favorites plus some fun surprises at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec. 1-4. Information: 303-987-7845.
3 Ogden Theatre hosts Sing It To Me Santa public school music benefit with LA Band The Record Co. Dec. 9, 8 p.m. Information: 303-832-1874.
3 ELF The Musical brings splashy, sugar-sprinkled but enjoyable family entertainment to DCPA’s Buell, Dec. 13-17. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Santa and kids mingle plus crafts, music, cookies and hot chocolate at the Glendale Sports Center Dec. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Sunflower Bank is your source for banking solutions to achieve 2018 business and personal goals with locally informed decision-making. Denver headquartered with $4 billion in assets. Information: 303-389-2611.
3 The Salvage Restaurant (Summit Steakhouse) is this year’s holiday go-to-spot for big groups and out of town guests. Half-priced happy hour drinks, steaks, escargot and Beef Wellington with crab. Information: 303-751-2112.
3 St. Martin’s Choir does Christmas tunes from British composers at Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 See the sky sparkle over the 16th St. Mall this New Year’s Eve. Display of fireworks is at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Information: 303-892-1112.
3 Infuse your soul with holiday magic as Ballet Ariel creates its own special production of The Nutcracker at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec. 9-23. Ariel’s production of Tchaikovsky’s famous score features beautiful costumes, exciting choreography and guest artist Paul Noel Fiorino as Drosselmeyer. Performances are Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 & 23 at 2 p.m. Evening shows are Dec. 16 & 22 at 7 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Dig in! There’s snow on the ground in the mountains and often in and around town this month. Maybe you will finally land that double axel! There’s free skating in the heart of the city at Skyline Park (including Christmas) through Feb. 14. There are also public skate sessions and lessons at the Big Bear Arena in Lowry (8580 E. Lowry Blvd.).
Whether you’re all about the hot toddies, mountain views, or the warm glow of a fire at your favorite dining spot this is the season to rekindle that holiday magic.
The selling season has arrived! Holiday mail, emails, social media posts and TV ads arrive daily. The best gifts are total surprises, something the recipient wouldn’t dream of buying. Or a donation to a favorite cause, requiring no recycling or wrapping paper. May an abundance of the white stuff plus friends, happiness and fun fill your holiday.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 23, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
“It was a dark and stormy night, suddenly, a turkey rang out!” Those are Charlie Brown’s words after Lucy told him to write a Thanksgiving novel. It’s been 44 years since A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving made its way to our TV screens, but it still reminds us of the true meaning of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season.
Sure, turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie star on our gratefully plentiful holiday tables, but we all know it’s really our loved ones who make Thanksgiving special.
Here are our healthy and fresh choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to add more food, love, friends and generosity to your traditional November recipe:
3 Good grief, don’t miss out on the Denver Film Festival screening more than 200 titles including three red carpet galas at the Ellie, Nov. 1-12. Other events are at the Sie Film Center. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Get in the holiday mood shopping the Colorado Country Gift Show with 450 booths in the Denver Mart, Nov. 3-5. Information: 800-521-7469.
3 Hip-hop over to the Buell Theatre for Breakin’ Convention, the big hip-hop dance festival with workshops, Nov. 4-5. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Embrace the holiday spirit by attending the Lowry Fall Wine Tasting in Eisenhower Chapel Nov. 10, 6-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Enjoy Thanksgiving without cooking by feasting on the annual classic roast turkey spread at the Monaco Inn Restaurant, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. A half-dozen other scrumptious choices also offered. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Thanksgiving is the only holiday allowing a little shuteye mid-event. Hence, keep a happy-healthy home with better mattresses and better sleep from SleepNation with three Valley locations: Information: 720-443-4421.
3 Enjoy Epic Night with 12 bands, dancing, free food-drinks at Swallow Hill’s Tuft Theatre benefit Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Join the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot at Wash Park to make the big meal satisfying Nov. 23, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-433-8383.
3 Book your plans now for The Bookies Small Business Saturday in Glendale Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. After two days off they’re throwing open the doors for the Author Showcase. Hear authors speak throughout the day as you shop and enjoy entertainment. Furthermore it’s a day to celebrate independent bookstores and the usual store discounts apply. On day after Thanksgiving it’s fun shopping. Information: 303-759-1117.
Your Thanksgiving menu likely won’t include toast, popcorn and candy, as was the case for the Charlie Brown TV special based on Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip. Nevertheless, today the Peanuts comic strip is as synonymous with Thanksgiving as turkey, pumpkin pie and awkward family conversations about politics and religion.
In that TV special Lucy enticed Charlie Brown to kick the football because it was a Thanksgiving tradition. Now the NFL has ostensibly pulled the same trick on us.
A parade, big meal and mind-numbing football games highlight Thanksgiving. So why is it more appetizing than others? For many of us it delivers four days off. How awesome is that? It’s also universal, inclusive and nap friendly. Plus thankfulness makes us happy. Share your good fortune with food banks or soup kitchens and bon appetite!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 25, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Soon falling leaves of red and gold will drift by your window. Why is autumn in the Cherry Creek Valley so engaging? Glittering leaves and shimmering clouds rekindle our imagination and make it seem like an exotic land. Yeah, fall has its pumpkin spice and latte craze, but it’s nature’s glow that lifts us up when we’re feeling down.
In addition to the season’s superb color effects, autumn is the crowning glory of the year in Valley gardens, bringing fruition to months of consideration, care and toil.
Here are our cool, crisp choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so you can revel in the autumn moonlight while Halloween creeping and foliage-peeping:
3 Fall is the perfect time to rekindle your love for music and the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest at the Marriott Tech Center is filled with audio and home entertainment equipment, Oct. 6-8. Information: 303-779-1100.
3 This is the mellow season and you’ll find good books to read at The Bookie’s Local Author Showcase Oct. 7, 2-4 p.m. Information: 303-759-1117.
3 Start the season by selecting a pumpkin at Four Mile Park’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival Oct. 7-8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Catch glittering leaves and a sparking diamond at Diamonds In The Ruff at Infinity Park Event Center Oct. 14, 6 p.m. Information: 303-922-6331.
3 October is National Chili Month so catch the 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser at Joy Wine & Spirits Oct. 15, 12-4 p.m. Taste top restaurant and homemade dishes. Activities for the kids. Information: 303-744-6219.
3 Revive and renew your home with fall fabrics to fit your style and budget at Boris’s Upholstery. Select from a huge choice of upholstery, drapery, cushions and pillows. Foam cut to size. Information: 303-751-2921.
3 Wear a warm autumn sweater and catch Something Rotten set in the 1590s playing at DCPA’s Buell Theatre Oct. 17-19. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Find warm fall wearables and fashion accessories at the Fiber Arts Sale at Englewood Civic Center Oct. 26-28. Information: rmweaversguild.org.
3 Autumn swings full and fun during the 10th Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies & Music Fest opening Oct. 26 and running through Nov. 12. The 18-day festival at the Mizel Arts & Culture Center (JCC) offers a wide array of events from a showing of Ron Suskind’s award-winning film Life Animated to jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman and operatic bass Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell. Information: maddjcc.org/ jaamm.
This is a very special time of year as the temperature gets discernibly lower, the days much shorter and the nights noticeably longer. October heralds the transition into the colder winter months, and the natural world puts on a final flurry of amazing activities before slowing down until the warm sunshine of spring finally returns again.
The average daily maximum temperature in Denver is between 61-69 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the days continue to cool quickly during October.
Rarity has always set hearts aflutter. And the reds, golden-yellows and browns at this time of year are like music. They enhance our mood and shape our perception of reality while magically rekindling nature’s glow and duality of the season. That’s why during autumn we call a large colorful pile of leaves “the Great Barrier Leaf!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 30, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Mint is one of the first greens to arrive in spring and one of the last to depart at summer’s end. Its magic secret: It makes us feel good. Its exuberant freshness elevates our mood, boosts our alertness and motivates us while soothing frazzled nerves. Yes, the flowers of summer are beginning to droop and wither because the sun is getting closer.
The Four Lads seasons shift lyrics: “Though summer turns to winter and the present disappears, the laughter we were glad to share will echo through the years.”
Here are our end of summer choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so the crisp air, mountains of color and crunch of leaves underfoot add moments to remember:
3 Catch this season’s big Broadway premiere before it slides out of town. The pre-Broadway opening of Disney’s musical Frozen is warming up at DCPA’s Buell Theatre through Oct. 1. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Keep the last flames of summer hot by viewing the film Barbeque followed by a cook-off at the Sie FilmCenter Sept. 5. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Renée Fleming’s sumptuous voice joins the Colorado Symphony to heat up Boettcher Concert Hall Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 Toast to summer’s end Sept. 15 with cocktails and music at the Blue Moon After Party on the 16th Street Bridge, 6 p.m. Information: 303-455-7190.
3 Let Del Frisco’s classic bar and grill take you to new heights with bold fall food and drinks. Enjoy amazing autumn nights perched on the patio for Cherry Creek North’s best dining. Information: 303-320-8286.
3 View the beauty of summer through the artwork of 30 plus artists displaying work interpreting memories of summer at Arts at Denver on Old South Gaylord St., Sept. 15-Oct. 7. Information: 3003-722-0422.
3 Enjoy a mellow day touring homes, a library and church in the historic Baker District Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-424l-7620.
3 Join the fall Hop, Skip and Jump 5K plus toddler trot and infant crawl at the Children‘s Museum Sept. 17, 9 a.m. Information: 303-561-0110.
3 Live theater is always marvelous, and productions at the John Hand Theater in Lowry are ideal fall entertainment. The regional premiere of The Mystery of Love & Sex opens Sept. 9 and runs through Oct. 7. It’s a compelling story of a complex relationship that is an entertaining and explosive look at race, sexual identity and family dynamics. Performances are Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Information: 303-562-3232.
There are two different dates that mark the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. For meteorologists, summer ends on Aug. 31 and autumn begins on Sept. 1. But astronomers say summer ends on Sept. 21 and autumn begins on Sept. 22. Therefore, be shifty and choose the end date as your seasonal garnish and recipe for high spirits.
Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t kick back, relax and enjoy the sights and smells of fall. A cuddly fuzzy feeling is slowly replacing hot and humid.
Unlike this summer’s hot, cold and wet weather, autumn doesn’t tease us. Instead it delivers cooler temperatures. We love summer, but autumn is when mint magic spices up our lives and adds a splash of earthiness. As Helen Hunt Jackson understood: “September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 24, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Every month, but especially during the summer, flowers add enjoyment and meaning to our lives and community. Across cultures and time they speak a universal language of enjoyment, respect, appreciation and love. They articulate our underlying need to reach out, to bond, and to express compassion, concern and understanding.
This is the 50th anniversary of San Francisco’s Summer of Love. That era’s Flower Power theme is still relevant and, in fact, is as significant and timely today.
Here is our bouquet of choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to add beauty, vitality and enjoyment to inspire a smile and feeling of joy to each day:
3 Wednesdays blossom with music at the Shady Grove Picnic Series with the Rocky Mountain Jewgrass, The Deltaz, La Pompe Jazz & Atomga at Four Mile Park Aug. 2-23, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Fashion flowers with an adult and kids Serenity Project fashion show at Wings Over The Rockies Aug. 5-6, 7 p.m. Information: 719-640-7469.
3 Love blooms on stage each weekend as On Golden Pond plays the John Hand Theater in Lowry Aug. 7-28. Information: 720-530-4596.
3 Chill out tasting food and enjoying wine at Cherry Creek North’s Food & Wine along Fillmore Plaza Aug. 12, 6 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 For a love affair between wine, food and music make Brik on York this summer’s hangout. You’ll enjoy global wines, Neapolitan pizza and Italian-influenced fare in exposed-brick digs. Information: 303-284-6754.
3 Wilting in the heat? Locally owned Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery can keep you cool, offering consultations on sun-blocking shades, screens, shutters plus custom draperies and blinds. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Enjoy ice cream and the Six Foot Joe & The Red Hot Rhinos concert at The Gardens on Havana Aug. 22, 6 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Become a budding collector buying at Artists In August Show at Wings Over The Rockies Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Enjoy a bouquet of beer from 20 breweries showcasing their top brews at Glendale’s Bruises+Brews Beerfest at Infinity Park Aug. 27, 12-4 p.m. As the City says, “beer and rugby are better together.” Admission includes a ticket to the RugbyTown 7s tournament (The “bruises” part!). There will also be a few distilleries and a couple of hard ciders available. Join rugby fans and beer aficionados. Information: glendalebeerfest.com.
Each summer flowers beautify nature and the scenic view around us. Flowers have been radiating, exuding and symbolizing peace throughout the millennia. Rooted in opposition to the Vietnam War, the Flower Power movement was centered in San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury district. Hippies living there were dubbed “flower children.”
The area became the focal point of psychedelic rock music. In the summer of 1965, the Beatles’ hit single All You Need Is Love served as the movement’s anthem.
As you enjoy flowers this summer, consider their ongoing potential to express the best of human character and action. Flowers offer much more than just beauty. They embody our hopes and wishes that transcend place and time. As the First Lady of Flowers Lady Bird Johnson often suggested: “When flowers bloom so does hope.”
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
