by Valley Gadfly | May 22, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
May was full of promises, but what with buckets of rain most days plus snow on Mother’s Day everyone we talked to “was predictin’ that the summer’d never come.” Thus like most of us I’m hoping Oscar Hammerstein’s “June is bustin’ out all over” tune comes true. Because the “feelin’ is gettin’ so intense jest because it’s June, June, June!”
Summer is a promissory note signed in June (summer begins June 21), its long days are spent and gone before you know it, and due to be repaid next January.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so mellow that the gentle June day breeze will allow you to bask in the sun with exposed skin agleam:
3 Don’t let June flicker by without seeing the Monday Movie Madness shows at Glendale’s Infinity Park Stadium. Dates are June 1, 15 and 29. The free movies start at 8 p.m., gates open at 7 p.m.
3 Attend a stunning summer evening at Vineyard Wine Shop’s Rosé Soiree at the Inn at Cherry Creek June 6, 6-9 p.m. Information: 303-355-8324.
3 He’s a master on the grill and the life of every tailgating party. He also loves good clothes. So find dad a Father’s Day gift he’ll love and wear from the cozy and well stocked Sully & Co. Information: 720-398-8064.
3 Roar into June to see 5,000 classic cars at the Cruzin’ Havana Car Show and Poker Run June 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 For fun and excitement catch the National Rugby Championships at Infinity Park, June 13-14. Information: www.glendaleraptors.com.
3 Enjoy a fun, healthy 2.5 mile Walk For Autism at Sloan’s Lake Park with entertainment and a kids zone June 14, 8 a.m. Information: 720-214-0794.
3 You can’t top the food, fun and live music at Beats On The Creek adjacent to Coohills on Tuesdays, June 16-Aug. 4. Information: 303-623-5700.
3 Drum up friends and beat it to the Auraria Campus for the free Pan People Music Festival June 20, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 720-222-9553.
3 Summer blossoms with an array of art markets but the best quality art destination is the Summer Art Market (SAM), June 13-14. Free, it showcases fine art produced by members, faculty and students of the Art Students League on the streets surrounding the League building at 200 Grant St. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, until 5 p.m. Sunday. There’s food, live music and entertainment. Information: 303-778-6990.
Summer Solstice (June 21) marks the beginning of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun at the highest degree of angle. Places in the hemisphere experience the longest hours of sunlight throughout the year on that day. Solstice is rooted in both ancient mysticism and nature.
What is one to say about June, the time of a perfect young summer? It is the fulfillment of earlier month promises, and as yet no sign its beauty will ever fade.
In June your hair gets lighter, the skin darker and the music louder. You can hear Nat King Cole’s distinct, mellow voice singing, “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Those days of soda and pretzels and beer.” You quickly understand why Tin Pan Alley’s Charles Tobias added: “You’ll wish that summer could always be here.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 24, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
May is one of the most beautiful months of the year. The garden begins to sprout, wild flowers start to bloom plus trees and grasses are turning green. The first full moon over the Valley is on May 3, 9:45 p.m. “Once in a Blue Moon” — a second full moon in the same month — often occurs in May. It’s May 21 of next year, again May 18, 2019.
The Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May. Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May. Moreover, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May.
Under a flower moon here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment because it’s May. It’s May the month when we can all say, and yes you may:
3 Get a May attitude ladies and attend the Women with Hattitude luncheon on May 7. The Women’s Voices Fund event supports playwrights and directors in DCPA’s Seawell Ballroom. Information: 303-446-4815.
3 Rare art sale at Philadelphia Print Shop May 4-15 is a supernatural delight featuring 19th Century through WWII prints. Information: 303-322-4757.
3 Everyone yell Mayday this month and begin heading to the Valley’s largest garden center. Paulino Gardens specializes in trees, shrubs and rose bushes plus vegetables and herbs. Information: 303-429-8062.
3 For Mother’s Day give mom a chocolate high at the Colorado Chocolate Festival in the Denver Mart, May 8-9. Information: 303-347-8252.
3 Fly high in May with rugs from Ten Thousand Villages’ Oriental Rug Event at Augustana Church, May 13-16. Information: 303-316-8773.
3 Go with your heart or on a whim, but do attend the Children’s Future fundraiser at Sullivan’s May 15, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-545-5254.
3 Mom will spoon to the moon when you treat her to brunch the second Sunday in May at the Inn at Cherry Creek. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Make it a May to remember by learning to launch your own business at CFU’s Un-Job Fair in Lowry, May 30. Information: 303-399-0093.
3 Think about the moon when you attend the annual Colorado Corks & Cuisine event May 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. You are sure to write a song about the heart because it will howl with delight in the moonlight at Four Mile Historic Park. You’ll sample the fruits of local wineries, distilleries, breweries, and culinary artists while raising funds to support the park’s preservation and education initiatives. Information: 720-865-0815.
May was first named for Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. The snow and ice are usually gone, but the hot temperatures haven’t arrived yet. When the moon gets big and bright it’s like walking on moon craters causing us to get hungry. We’re in luck because it’s National Barbecue, Salad, Salsa and Strawberry Month.
Fragrances waft through the air from the forsythia, violets and jack-in-the box that bloom in May. Birds build their nests this month to sit on eggs that will soon hatch.
It’s May; it’s May, that gorgeous holiday, declared Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe in the musical Camelot. “It’s mad, it’s gay, a libelous display with those dreary vows that everyone takes and everyone breaks.” Or to paraphrase another song, they don’t bark and they don’t bite, they keep loose because it’s moonlight in May.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 27, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Spring flowers come along and cheer us up at a time when we most need it — after surviving this year’s wintry weather. Speaking for myself, it isn’t going too far to say flowers help me convalesce as I recuperate from this year’s blustery barrage. Many people are just beginning to catch spring fever as this month gets underway.
Others, like myself, “think spring” much earlier than that despite the cold, snow and ice. Officially, of course, the first day of spring or vernal equinox was March 20.
Here are our sun-drenched choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to create color, warmth, renewal and re-growth to add a little “spring” in your step:
3 Robins are busy making nests. The days are getting warmer and the Denver Auto Show at the Convention Center April 8-12 is a sure sign it’s spring and time to rev new-fangled engines. Information: 303-228-8000.
3 View the ’67 Family Dog rock posters in the Byers-Evans Gallery to imagine artistry of the past through May 10. Information: 303-620-4933.
3 Spring is the time when everything feels fresh and new. Sully & Co. can help men spring into the season with casual, comfortable and classy clothes sure to make you feel like a new you. Information: 720-398-8064.
3 Music is a beautiful spring rite, especially when Natasha Peremski plays Brahms at Boettcher on April 10, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 For a fun spring fling attend the Families First fundraising dinner-dance at DTC’s DoubleTree Hotel April 18, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-745-0327.
3 Taste, savor, experience spring by enjoying lunch or dinner at the recently spruced up Ambli’s Gourmet Eatery & Wine. Information: 303-355-9463.
3 Brighten up your spirits by taking in the film screening of Arise at the Denver Botanic Gardens April 22, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3580.
3 Proclaim spring’s arrival by participating in Doors Open Denver as event showcases the city inside and out April 25-26. Information: 303-446-2266.
3 Take a spring stroll to help homeless pets by attending the 22nd annual Dumb Friends League Furry Scurry in Washington Park May 2, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants will enjoy refreshments, contests and demonstrations plus appetizing treats from local food trucks. Funds raised during this event allow the League to provide care for sick or injured animals and much more. Information: 303-751-5772, ext. 1378.
Yes, we know April can be a transition time with unstable weather producing storms or snow. Still, spurts of sunshine have given us spring fever. If pussy willow shrubs were people, they’d fall into the spring fever camp with us. They display their fuzzy catkins while winter is still entrenched, one of the first plants to herald spring.
Often thought of as wild shrubs, you can grow pussy willows in landscapes. Along with early spring flowers they lighten our spirits after a long dreary winter.
Early blooming flowers are the surest sign of spring. The Valley’s many days of sunshine produce some of the top flowers in the nation. The intensity of our light creates flowers with extra brilliance. Cultivating flowerbeds is the secret to growing blushing beauties just as sweet April showers do spring May flowers.
— Glen Richardson
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 26, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
’Tis time to re-imagine the luck o’ the Irish as spring buds. As sure as shamrocks are growing in the land, this is the month to begin making your own good fortune. Give a wink to Saint Patrick’s Day and leprechauns will be near you to spread luck along your way. Resurgence of green reflects our desire to integrate nature and green in our lives.
According to Irish myths and folklore, good luck will pursue you morning and night, thus your pockets will be heavy and your heart light by merely pushing your luck.
Here’s our lucky charm choices for shopping, dining and entertainment sprinkled with stardust to be sure it’s as grand as if you lived in Ireland’s green countryside:
3 Rugby began in Ireland in 1854 and is sure to be a lucky charm when the Glendale Raptors play their opening home game in Infinity Park Stadium vs. the Barbarians on March 7, 3 p.m. Information: glendaleraptors.com.
3 It’s a bit o’ Irish luck as the Philadelphia Print Shop West In Cherry Creek holds a sale of fine art prints March 9-15. Information: 303-322-4757.
3 If you think you are having transmission trouble and you don’t know where to find a four-leaf clover, good fortune will be yours if you pick locally owned AAMCO Transmission. Information: 303-462-2626.
3 Join Leprechauns — those independent thinkers — at the Maverick Thinkers Gala in the Grand Hyatt Denver March 10. Information: 303-974-2900.
3 If you enjoy spirited musical fantasy catch the Katharina Treutler concert March 17 at Grant-Humphreys, 7 p.m. Information: 303-894-2505.
3 For platefuls of Irish grub you’ll love, contemplate Monaco Inn’s corned beef and cabbage served on St. Paddy’s Day. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 To plan for love that never ends attend the Season of Love wedding showcase in the Seawell Ballroom March 21. Information: 303-572-4466.
3 The luck of the Irish will follow you as you tweet for hidden cash On Havana Street March 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 The 53rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set to march off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. It is a festive and fun event that celebrates Irish culture and heralds the start of spring. It’s the largest St. Paddy’s parade west of the Mississippi as well as the largest annual parade in Denver. More than 200,000 people line the route to enjoy horses, stagecoaches, floats, marching bands and Irish-themed fun.
Four leaf clovers are rare enough to have inspired legends and song. Such leaves bring good luck to their finders. There are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every four-leaf clover found. In addition, each leaf is believed to represent something: The first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love and the fourth is for luck.
Even so, collectors are not deterred — due no doubt to the luck o’ Irish — and have had the good fortune to have recorded finding as high as 160,000 four-leaf clovers.
Should the luck of the Irish begin to enfold you could even find a five-leaf clover. Some four-leaf clover collectors — particularly in Ireland — regard the five-leaf clover known as a “rose clover” as an exacting treasure. So begin looking for those lucky clovers this spring and you’ll soon find joy and be in the green, and that’s no blarney!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 2, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
This is the month lovers take sweethearts to enjoy everything from classical music to blues, from hip hop to pop and opera to honky tonk. We listen to artists as diverse as Marilyn Manson, Yo Yo Ma, Billy Joel and Raul Midón. February love fables are magic. We venture beyond ourselves, tell tall tales and do things we would never do alone.
Personal encounters and mythical ventures are no longer figments of imagination. We trust that our blemished love tales will play to wacky lyrics and inaudible guitars.
Here’s our openhearted love-chart choices for shopping, dining and entertainment for fairytale fun so when the love bug bites you and your love won’t soon depart:
3 For fairytale Valentine’s fun the Denver Jewish Film Festival is a treat movie lovers won’t want to miss. Choose from 28 films showing in the Elaine Wolf Theatre at the JCC, Feb. 4-15. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 Enjoy the beauty of love during the Art Student League’s Delectable show in the Carson Gallery, Feb. 4-March 14. Information: 303-778-6990.
3 Make your home a spot in love universe by selecting colorful stones and tiles from CAPCO, the state’s largest distributor. Designers will be your cupid and help you create a beautiful space. Information: 303-759-1919.
3 Thinking of birds, bees and blooms? Then go to the Convention Center’s Colorado Garden & Home Show, Feb. 7-15. Information: 303-932-8100.
3 Enjoy the “sweetest sound around” at Dakota Blonde’s annual Valentine’s Day concert Feb. 14 in Daniels Hall at Swallow Hill, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Spice up Valentine’s Day with Prime Rib, Filet Mignon or NY Steak served with Lobster Tail at the Monaco Inn. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Share a sidesplitting musical comedy with your sweetheart as Jane Lynch entertains at DCPA’s Ellie on Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Make a V-Day date to see the romantic musical comedy The Fantasticks playing at the Aurora Fox through Feb. 15. Information: 303-739-1970.
3 Give love a twirl as Ballet Ariel performs “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and other dances at the Cleo Robinson Theatre, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Feb. 22, 3 p.m. The breathtaking music by Paul Dukas made famous in Disney’s Fantasia is brought to life by dancing goblins and a bumbling apprentice. There are also excerpts from the classical ballet Raymonda, including the beautiful grand pas. Information: 303-945-4388.
In Shakespeare’s time about 400 years ago, the second month of the year was called “Feverell.” In Isaac Newton’s time 100 years later it had become “Februeer.” The modern name, February, is only about a hundred years old. Despite its status as the shortest month, February is packed with an array of Valentine events.
It was Carl Jung (1875-1961) that said the meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: If there is any reaction, both are transformed.
Later Thomas Dewar warned us that love is an ocean of emotions entirely surrounded by expenses. Mark Twain recommended that when you fish for love, bait with your heart not your brain. Finally, it was John Lennon who said, “All you need is love.” May your February be truly fabulous and your inner coyote continue to howl!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Dec 22, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Giddy-up: The New Year is here! Like a command — as to a horse — it’s time to go ahead and get-ahead, only much faster. For the most part those rodeo cowboys and gals and their National Western followers ride into town to horse around. However, you should ride the range the way our frontier ancestors did, tall in the saddle.
Like those cowboys of yesteryear you shouldn’t just head your steed out but also up! Be warned you’ll have to rabbit hop around prickly plants and scrubby hillsides.
Here are our rockin’ to and fro choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to stay straight in the stirrups and start the New Year right by making a solid hoofprint:
3 Enjoy giddy-up glamour in our cowtown for a day as Texas Longhorns are herded from Union Station down 17th St. Jan. 9. It’s the stock show parade of horses and marching bands. Information: 303-297-1166.
3 If you’re dreaming of water and summer, attend the 30th Denver Boat Show at the Convention Center, Jan. 9-11. Information: 303-859-1284.
3 Attention cowboys: It’s not just horses that need shoeing, so do you! The best cowboy and work boots in the Valley are at Dardano’s on S. Colorado Blvd. Plus they know good hoof care. Information: 303-692-9355.
3 Rope the best cowboy art in town during the Denver Roundup Exhibition at Saks Galleries in Cherry Creek, Jan. 10-25. Information: 303-333-4144.
3 Enjoy the action of rodeos, livestock and horse shows by attending the National Western’s 16-day run, Jan. 10-25. Information: 303-297-1166.
3 Hungry? Don’t feed on the lowly Jimson weed! Get back in the saddle and ride to Shells & Sauce for top Italian grub. Information: 303-377-2091.
3 Warm up to the New Year during the Denver Winter Brew Fest fundraiser at Mile High Station, Jan. 23-24, 6 p.m. Information: 720-946-7721.
3 Get your kicks in to knock out cancer at the CU Hospital gala at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center, Jan. 24. Information: 720-848-7722.
3 It’s the time of year you start itching to see the first blooms of spring. Escape the cold and be transported to a floral wonderland during Denver Botanic Gardens’ Orchid Showcase, Jan. 9-Feb. 23. See hundreds of orchid blooms spread among the fragrant collection in the Orangery & Marnie Pavilion, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It will quench your thirst for bursts of spring and chase away the winter blues. Information: 720-865-3680.
For Valley residents our cowtown history is a local asset that keeps getting better with age. For out-of-town visitors here for this month’s Stock Show this old cowboy town is now something else all together. Skyscrapers are replacing pastoral structures that epitomized the old West. Does it make you wish Denver could go back in time?
Instead, modern cowpokes are experiencing the dramatic clash of yesteryear’s cattle country ideals with the financial sway of today’s big city municipal forces.
With the National Western in town you’ll be seeing stuff ‘bout boots ’n’ spurs. But being a cowboy isn’t about wearing fancy hats or riding a horse on weekends. Still, if you’re feeling down, saddle up. Just don’t go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Whoopi-ty-aye-yay and Happy New Year!
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
