by Valley Gadfly | Jun 20, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
July is a hot date to sing songs hailing the Land of the Free, as we embrace freedom on America’s birthday, July 4, 1776. Fireworks will roar across the sky like the thunder in July.
It’s summertime and the weather’s hot, but at least there’s no snow. With its days of blue skies and time that seemingly stands still, we’re in a spell that connects us to good times.
To help you seize summer, here are our spirited choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, to get you rockin’ into July’s festivals, parades, fireworks, and barbecues:
For a fabulous summer stroll with the family, head to Cherry Creek North for the juried Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 5-7. District streets will be filled with art, plus food & entertainment, starting at 10 a.m. Information: 303-355-2787.
Enjoy an evening of music under the stars as the Colorado Symphony plays Mozart at McGregor Square July 10, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
For French fun featuring artists, shopping, and cuisine, go to Bastille Day at Cherry Creek’s Fillmore Plaza July 12-14, 4-9 pm. Information: 720-447-7961.
Swallow Hill’s Four Mile Park summer concerts end with Sugar Britches tribute to songwriter John Prine July 10. Then Shakedown Street salutes Grateful Dead Band’s eclectic style July 17, 6:30 p.m. Information: swallowhillmusic.com.
Get barbeque for the 4th, and year around at AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q, given the “Bib Gourmand” title for high quality at a good price. Unfussy S. Delaware St. dine-in or take out spot is 29th on Yelps Top 100 BBQ list. Information: 720-851-5571.
Jazz-soul vocalist Tatiana Mayfield sings music of Aretha Franklin, other jazz-soul artists at the Arvada Center July 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.
Cherry Creek North retailers, restaurants, art galleries, fitness studios, and more offer markdowns at Sidewalk Sale, July 18-23. Information: 303-394-2904.
It will make you laugh, cry, and think, so take the family to see the musical Wicked playing at the Buell Theatre, July 24-25. Information: 720-865-4220.
See art, plus multiple stages of performers at the Global Dance Festival in the Stockyards Event Center, July 26-27, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Information: 720-707-0670.
View the work by 150 artists and craftsmen displaying their work at the Cheesman Park Art Fest, July 27-28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 505-373-7363.
Rumble, reel, rave, and party at the Roaring ’20s Gala July 13-14 to help a local non-profit working to create change. Dress in Roaring ’20s attire for dinner, live auction, and dancing followed by Casino Night at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center, beginning at 6 p.m. and lasting until midnight July 14. You’ll be helping Hope Connection & Community give a helping hand to fulfill hopes, dreams, and goals of families and children in need. Information: 303-386-6232.
Named after Julius Caesar, July marks the midway point of the year. For the big party on the fourth, America consumes around 150 million hot dogs to celebrate our independence.
As we March into July to a John Philip Sousa tune, the Dave Matthews Band’s hit song “American Baby” gives us a source of optimism and hope, even when times are tough.
Kaboom: Watch Glendale’s jaw-dropping fireworks — considered the Valley’s premier display — July 2. What will lightning say to annual fireworks? “You stole my thunder!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 20, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Ah, June. It’s a special month for many reasons! It’s the start of summer, which falls on June 20! Plus, it’s not too hot yet, but warm enough to enjoy outdoor barbecues and pool parties.
Plus, there are actually more daylight hours in June, so every day feels a light brighter. But in all, June has a fresh vibe to it. Like the feeling you had as a kid when school was closing.
As June begins “Bustin’ Out All Over,” here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, to keep the birds chirping, sun shining, flowers blooming, and a breeze blowing:
Take the family to view the Chalk Art Festival, as 150 artists paint on the streets of the Golden Triangle — Colfax on the north, Speer Blvd. West & South; and Broadway on the East — June 1-2, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information: 720-244-3393.
Don’t miss the free Five Points Jazz Festival, as it returns to the historic district with food, shopping, and music all day on June 8. Click Here for Information
The Renwick Brothers — Koki (trumpet) and Shota (Sax) — bring new energy to Dazzle, as they return to entertain June 13, 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
You’ll laugh, roar at the “Dukes of Funnytown” — Steve Martin and Martin Short— when they play at Red Rocks on June 14, 8 p.m. Information: 720-865-2494.
Sign up for Wednesday Night Adult Coed Soccer League starting June 5 at the Glendale Sports Center. Played 11 on 11 in two 25-minute halves, June through August at Infinity Park’s Sports Field. Information: 303-639-4711.
Shop Glendale Farmers Market, the newest and finest on Saturdays May 25 to Aug. 31, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. Plus, enjoy food cooked by local talent at the chef’s table. Information: 303-351-1598.
See singer, actress, and dancer Janet Jackson when she entertains at the Ball Arena with rapper guest Nelly, June 16, 8 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
With six studio albums, plus EPs. and singles, Samuel Beam — aka Iron & Wine — entertains at the Mission Ballroom June 17, 7 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Don’t miss world-class musician Hauser — a magician on the cello — when he brings his band to the Paramount June 20, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Enjoy food, sake, and artwork as the Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Sakura Square June 22-23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 4 p.m. Information: 303-951-4486.
Learn about aging at Kavod On The Road, offering workshops, breakout sessions, breakfast-lunch June 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-659-1146.
For an unforgettable evening of entertainment, auctions, cocktails, and dinner attend the St. Jude Gala coming to the Denver Botanic Gardens June 15, 5 p.m. Founder Danny Thomas built St. Jude as a place of healing for kids fighting cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is in Memphis, but treats children from Denver, and statewide. Families never pay for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Information: 720-215-2004.
It’s June, and not a minute too soon! Watch June’s Strawberry Moon rise large and golden-hued over Denver on Friday, June 21, reaching peak illumination at 9:08 p.m. local time.
For most of us, June marks one of the finer tuning points of the year. The days are longer and the nights warmer. Summer has arrived to feed the soul, so everything’s coming up roses.
This is the month to enjoy the outdoors, cookouts, family reunions, and love Dads on Father’s Day. Does June ever feel blue? Only if Julyed to her about summer vacation.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
“It’s mad, it’s gay, a libelous display.” Yes, this ditty from the 1960 Broadway musical Camelot, written by Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe, celebrates the spring in our… steps!
New month, new day, new date, new chapter, new page, new wishes. The month of May is the essence of spring: Flowers are in full bloom, summer is near, making everyone motivated.
Come what “may,” here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as we close out the first two quarters of the year and look forward to a long, and relaxing summer:
Sprint into the month by attending the Denver Mini Derby at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus May 4, beginning at 1 p.m. Kentucky Derby party has a mini horse race, live band, open bar, and a BBQ. Information: 303-656-9595.
Be certain to hear Yo-Yo-Ma perform Elgar’s Cello Concert with the Symphony playing at Boettcher Concert Hall May 5, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy Australian blues rock band The Teskey Brothers from Melbourne, as they entertain at the Mission Ballroom May 11, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
See designers, local boutiques, national brands, hairstylist, makeup artists, and models during Denver Fashion Week May 11-19. Information: 303-888-5455.
For the Love of Spring, swing to Colorado Gold Mart at 1124 S. Colorado Blvd. to sell, or pawn items of value. Best prices for gold, jewelry, watches, diamonds, more! Cash you need at the best possible value. Information: 303-955-5821.
Spoil Mom, the kids, grandkids, and extended family at the Monaco Inn Restaurant on Mother’s Day. Full, regular menu, plus specials sure to please everyone! Serving from noon until 8 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
See the 18-year-old British musician George van den Broek, known as Yellow Days playing the Bluebird Theatre May 12, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Don’t miss “Bad to the Bone” singer George Thorogood and The Destroyers at the Paramount Theatre on May 14, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Enjoy band playing Ellington, Goodman, and Count Basie swing music and beyond at the Arvada Center May 18, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.
Catch the Celtic Women’s 20th Anniversary Tour of traditional & modern music singiing at the Paramount Theatre May 26, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Don’t miss the country duo of Brooks & Dunn as they play the Ball Arena with guest David Lee Murphy & Ernest, May 31, 7 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
For food, drinks and loads of great company, make plans to attend the Harm Reduction Action Center’s annual Spring Fundraiser at the Space Gallery 400 Santa Fe Dr., May 23, 5:30 p.m. Drug Policy Alliance’s Dr. Sheila P. Vakharia speaks. She also signs her new book, with proceeds going directly to the Harm Reduction Action Center. Staff and volunteers for HRAC have cleaned-up over 100 drug areas, and guided and assisted residents. Information: 303-572-7800.
May brightens the Cherry Creek Valley with its sunny skies and colorful flowers. Plus, the minute we can break out those spring clothes, makes us feel that we can conquer the world.
Spring is the season for getting lost in daydreams. How can anyone not expect to gaze longing out the window at the warm, welcoming weather? Spring has officially sprung.
All things seem possible in May. This month, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel totally alive. What did the tree say to heaven-sent spring? What a re-leaf.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 18, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Playing practical jokes on the first day — April Fools’ Day — showers the start of a month known for lovely weather, blossoming gardens, and springtime bliss, as days get longer, brighter.
“April Come She Will,” by the music duo Simon & Garfunkel, signaled that it’s a time of year for change and new beginnings, a time for outdoor adventures, and joyous feelings.
Here are our green traffic light choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as April is a reminder that something better is around the corner and the Valley shouts, “Go!”:
Experience the multi-instrumentalists blending of Celtic, Americana, Folk, and Indie Rock as the Colorado Symphony presents Elephant Revival with Bonnie Paine doing vocals at Boettcher April 3, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Don’t miss the warm and funny River City Musical “The Music Man” playing at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 5-7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Snag seats to grasp the spirit that shot Michael Jackson to fame at the Colorado premiere of MJ at the Buell Theatre, April 10-28. Information: 720-865-4220.
Let the big, and beautiful sound of the city’s giant organs wrap around you again by taking the Organ Crawl Bus Tour on Aug. 12. Information: 303-447-8679.
Host jaw-dropping events for 12 or 1200 your guests will never forget at Infinity Park Event Center. Pick from 8,600-sq.-ft. ballroom, an outside stadium, or small spaces. Unforgettable concerts, festivals. Information: 303-248-7100.
Treat the family to over 100 restaurants featuring more than 20 international cuisines along On Havana Street in Aurora from 6th Ave. to Dartmouth. Select from a range of casual to fine dining spots. Information: OnHavanaStreet.com.
Swing over to the sprawling Topgolf entertainment venue with the family to enjoy the Shalom Park Fundraiser April 17, 6-9 p.m. Information: 303-400-2219.
Catch the Takt Trio — trio for violin, horn, and piano, alongside Brahm’s horn trio – at the Newman Center April 19, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Hatsune Miku sings at Mission Ballroom’s Miku Concert & Expo, plus enjoy Japanese-local artist workshop April 22, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
You’ll love Ballet Ariel’s Silver Anniversary Dance Collection at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 27-28, 7:30 p.m., 28th 1 p.m. Information: 303-945-4388.
Join this year’s “Minds Matter” as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary serving Colorado students. This year’s extra special fundraiser is at Glendale’s Infinity Park Event Center April 27, 6 p.m. You’ll be inspired by the students and their stories while enjoying a crafted dinner and cocktails. Denver-based “Minds Matter” helps high school students from low-income families succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Information: 720-663-7297.
April is really when the stunning, invigorating season starts to feel like it’s happening. Barren trees burst into tiny blossoms, and we can count on a handful of long, perfect days.
The climate is generally warm, creating a season of bliss, of blooming gardens, and a time for romance. The changing nature of the season is a metaphor for changing moods.
April rain is not a cause to complain; it’s busy preparing the terrain for spring to sustain. When April Fools’ Day arrives, believe nothing, trust no one, just like any other day.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
March is a meteorological smorgasbord. The month is full of contrasts: Some days it’s rainy and gloomy; on others, it feels like summer is just around the corner as we shift to spring.
Flu season is finally over, and the days are getting longer. Gardens, and weeds have started growing. Plus, we get more time outside. Daylight Savings starts on March 10.
Here are our magic March choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as lads and lassies look for the Rainbow’s Pot O’ Gold and kiddos hunt for Easter’s Golden Egg:
You’ll be bedazzled as Gregory Goodloe entertains at downtown Jazz Club Dazzle March 1, 6:30 p.m. The singer and R&B-jazz guitarist claims Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Contemporary Number 1 spot. Information: 303-893-5100.
Experience Space Between Threads — a climate weavings & sculptures exhibit — at Denver Botanic Gardens, March 3 to June 9. Information: 720-865-3500.
Catch concert by Planina at Swallow Hill March 9, 8 p.m. Group plays tunes from country of Georgia following 2-week trip. Information: 303-777-1003.
Sinatra sensation Derek Evilsizor brings the Rat Pack’s swing and swagger to Cherokee Ranch Tribute Show March 15, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-688-5555.
Stay fit, have fun by joining the Glendale Sports Center. No joining fees, no contracts, and membership includes classes! Programs appeal to every age, fitness level. Trainers create blueprint, help you execute. Information: 303-639-4711.
March to Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s and Easter deals: Serving Corned Beef & Cabbage for lunch & dinner March 18. Double holiday feast: Serving Easter specials on March 31 from noon to 8 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
Celtic Pipes & Drums, Aubrey Jacobs, & the Celtic Steps entertain for St. Paddy’s at the Newman Center on March 16-17, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7715.
Catch singer-actress Madonna as she brings her London launched Celebration Tour to play the Ball Arena March 19, 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
Hear the Colorado Symphony & Chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem at Boettcher Concert Hall March 22-24, 7:30 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy the playful and inventive repertoire of pianist Ethan Iverson playing jazz and classical music at Dazzle March 28, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner and wine, plus a program to celebrate International Women’s Day at this year’s Junior League of Denver fundraiser at Mile High Station March 8, 6 p.m. The League is currently working to disrupt the cycle of poverty for Denver women and their families. The Great Family Artists dance band performs, plus live and silent auctions. Black Tie is optional at the 12th annual event emceed by CBS’s Lauren Whitney. Information: 303-892-0270.
This March features a hilarious holiday mash-up, as St. Patrick’s Day and Easter go head-to-head. Leprechauns and Easter Bunnies battle for a hill to hide the Pot of Gold or Golden Egg.
Both are spring hooplas. St. Patrick’s is perceived as the middle day of spring in the Irish calendar. Easter is near the vernal equinox, when there are equal periods of light and darkness.
Both holidays adore humor. The Irish are always “Dublin” over with laughter. When Easter Eggs hear a funny joke, they crack up. Irish you a blissful St. Patrick’s Day!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
As February begins, there is everything to hope for — including love — and nothing to regret. “Without Valentine’s Day, February would be…. well, January,” someone supposed.
It was during 1967’s “Summer of Love” that the Beatles first released the song, “All You Need Is Love.” To this day — 57 years later — it’s a message that really can’t be denied.
Here are our shortest month of the year choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as we say goodbye to winter and warm up to brighter, sunnier days with V-Day love in the air:
Enjoy a double-header of entertainment as Michael Kirkpatrick and Elise Wunder do sets at Swallow Hill’s Tuft Theater Feb. 2, 8 p.m. He sings a folk-fingerstyle blend, she adds rhapsody, emotion. Information: 303-623-7876.
Hear “Black Violin” duo Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste play violin-viola music at the Paramount Theatre Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Don’t miss a rare opportunity to hear Welsh pop-punk band Neck Deep playing in person at the Mission Ballroom Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Denver Brass combines creole jazz of New Orleans with hip-shaking rhythms of Brazil at the Newman Center, Feb. 10-11, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7715.
Don’t let rug specials — up to 60% off — slip away from you at Kian Rug Co. store demolition, closing sale. Choose from over 4,000 fine hand-knotted rugs on sale. Modern, contemporary, traditional, vintage, more. Information: 303-355-7400.
You’ll be “head over heels” for the Valentine Specials offered at the Monaco Inn Restaurant on V-Day, 5-9 p.m. Choices: NY Steak & Deep-Fried Shrimp; Lamb Chops with Grilled Shrimp; or Grilled Salmon. Information: 303-320-1104.
The Tierney Sutton instrumental-vocal band entertains with jazz pianist Tamir Henderlman at Dazzle Denver Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Cellist Nicholas Canellakis and pianist Michael Brown play classics and original works at the Lakewood Center Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
See the 80s synth-pop band retelling of The Sleeping Beauty at Wonderbound, playing Feb. 22-March 3, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Information: 303-292-4700.
The Colorado Symphony & Chorus perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Boettcher Hall Feb. 23-25, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 720-865-4200.
Attend the fun, funky, fabulous art auction and fundraising extravaganza Artma at the Denver Design Center Feb. 24, 6-10 p.m. The Morgan Adams Foundation that funds kids’ cancer research created the event for a little girl who believed in the healing power of art. View and bid on the colorful wonderment work by Australian Artist Janine Daddo and the pop culture oil-on-canvas paintings and watercolors of Colorado artist Zoa Ace, others. Information: 303-758-2130.
February is not just special because it’s love month. It’s also the only month with fewer than 30 days. Though it’s usually 28 days, 2024 is leap year, which means leap day is Feb. 29th.
Love, like the weather, is unpredictable: rainy, wet, dry, frigid, foggy, windy, stormy. As Shakespeare asked in Macbeth: “When shall we meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?”
Wishing you a month filled with love and happiness. Remember, February is the month when love blooms and chocolate cravings take over, even when you get butterfingers.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
