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.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 21, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Don we now our gay apparel for holiday merrymaking. This is the season to be jolly: Fa la la la, la, la, la, la. Now garish tinsel! Now latkes! Now cider and punch! On cocoa! On toasty holiday drinks! This is not the season for subtlety. This is the season for good old-fashioned family fun, whether festive Christmas lights or eight nights of lights.
The music to Deck the Halls is believed to be Welsh in origin and reputed to have come from a tune called “Nos Galan” dating back to the 16th century.
Here are our holiday jingle, mingle and mix choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill the season with joy and deck out the blazing Yule before us:
3 Catch the Valley’s all-time family-fave holiday production, Colorado Ballet’s Nutcracker featuring dazzling costumes and onstage blizzards. Shows are at the Ellie, Nov. 29-Dec. 27. Information: 303-837-8888.
3 Dash over to Sixth Avenue United Church to view and buy ceramics and jewelry at the Denver Potters Show, Dec. 4-7. Information: 303-377-5535.
3 The hot cider and cookies will be delightful during Paulino Gardens Christmas Open House, Dec. 5-7. There’s great gift ideas plus daily drawings for poinsettias and gift certificates. Information: 303-429-8062.
3 View “When Wishes Come True,” the Arts at Denver holiday show with an Encore reception Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m. Information: 303-722-0422.
3 Enjoy Colorado Hebrew Chorale’s Hanukkah Concert with candle lighting and food at Four Mile Park Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-0815.
3 Feast in The Weber at the Inn at Cherry Creek featuring special Christmas (Dec. 24-25) and New Year’s Eve menus. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Slip into the Roaring ’20s and flap into the New Year at the White Rose Gala in the Ellie, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Information: 303-321-4304.
3 For a crackling New Year’s Eve take in the spectacular fireworks along the 16th Street Mall, 9 p.m. and midnight. Information: 303-534-6161.
3 Celebrate the season in Victorian fashion with the family during A Colorado Christmas at Four Mile Historic Park, Dec. 14, 12-4 p.m. Holiday-themed activities include traditional games plus arts and crafts. Learn the history of Christmas in the Cherry Creek Valley while visiting Father Christmas. There will be roasting chestnuts and families can help decorate the Four Mile Tree. Information: 720-865-0800.
The air is crisper, Jingle Bells can be heard on the streets, holiday wreaths top buildings and the Valley’s business districts are twinkling with festive lights. From the rich history anchored in the holiday hustle and bustle on Larimer Square, to the glow of frosty window displays in Cherry Creek, the season is always a rich mix of holiday life.
Cherry Creek and the Mall were once the crown jewel for holiday shopping. Will holiday magic miraculously brighten the district’s construction-damaged image?
Enjoy the month in merry measure, while I tell of Yule time treasure: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not included! As you take pleasure in hot buttered rum, don’t forget to share with loved ones. Nor be surprised if Deck the Halls sneaks its way into your head. ’Tis the season to jingle, mingle and mix: Fa la la la, la, la, la, la.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 24, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
If we take the time to lay it on the line akin to the lyrics in the Guns ’N’ Roses song November Rain, we’ll be way too full to go walkin’ in the rain following Thanksgiving dinner. It is the Meal of the Year and never comes in a Limited Edition. By the time we’ve finished feasting we’ll have likely eaten an entire week’s grocery list.
Thus be thankful that if those clothes fit a little too snug it’s because we’ve had enough to eat. And cleaning up the mess just means we’ve been surrounded by friends.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment that will translate into long-term memories filled with copious amounts of food and fun — Gobble, Gobble:
3 Get in the holiday mood during the Denver Assistance League lunches, brunches and boutique shopping events to raise funds and open the festive season in the Bosworth House, Nov. 5-9. Information: 303-322-5205.
3 Volunteer to participate in the annual Thanksgiving Outreach to feed the homeless downtown Nov. 8, noon-6 p.m. Information: 303-893-8363.
3 Enjoy a bit of holiday history during Living History Day at Four Mile Historic Park Nov. 9, noon-3 p.m. Pan for gold, sample a treat cooked on a wood stove, take a horse-drawn wagon ride. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Rock into the season by viewing photos of the Legends Of Rock at the Robert Anderson Gallery, Nov. 14-Jan. 3. Information: 303-388-1332.
3 Go holiday styling to the VOA fashion lunch honoring Mariel’s Denise Snyder at the Pinnacle Club Nov. 14, 11 a.m. Information: 720-264-3333.
3 Celebrate a luscious Thanksgiving dinner with roasted turkey and six other choices at the Monaco Inn, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Here’s a brilliant idea, see stunning jewelry by Cartier on display in the Denver Art Museum, Nov. 16-March 15. Information: 720-865-5000.
3 Sample French wines, entrees and desserts plus music during Beaujolais & Beyond at McNichols Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-443-1763.
3 Viewing the dazzling decor during the annual L’Esprit de Noel holiday home tour and Marche de Noel is always a Valley holiday highlight. Presented by the Central City Opera Guild, this year’s event tours five homes in the Glenmoor Country Club Nov. 14-15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a patron party in the clubhouse Nov. 13, 6-9 p.m. Tickets are available at all King Soopers. Information: 303-292-6500, ext. 114.
Out of all the holidays, Thanksgiving is particularly steeped in tradition. It is about remembering the kindness of strangers, unforgettable acts of generosity, hilarious tales of cooking misadventures. It’s nice to think back on memories that put a smile on our face: Mom’s stuffing, the elegant wine and above all lump-free mashed potatoes.
It is a time to enjoy festive tablecloths, decorations and irresistible aromas in a home filled with food and spices and particularly the laughter of family and friends.
Ah, those aromas: Turkey, cranberries, candied yams, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. But a life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your good fortune. May you be blessed with family, friends and fond memories this Thanksgiving.
— Glen Richardson
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 29, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
This is the month of monstrous peril: Grave robbers, ghoulish experiments, scary costumed creatures and flickering jack-o’-lanterns. Halloween is outrageous and yet we love it. Like Frankenstein, through the gloom we see the “creatures” yellow eye open and its limbs begin to twitch. Each October we again become archetype mad scientists.
To enjoy Halloween you need a big imagination and a scary spirit. It captures something fundamental about our evil, suppressed rage and disturbing dark impulses.
Through troubling dreams of monster-haunted suspense, here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill you with fearful fun and fairy tale fantasies:
3 Select monstrous pumpkins while enjoying fantastic fall family fun at the Pumpkin Harvest Festival in Four Mile Historic Park Oct. 4-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Make crafts, dance to live music. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Feast on mega stereo systems and latest headphone technology at Audio Fest in the Marriott Tech Center Oct. 10-12. Information: audiofest.net.
3 See 13 exciting new art sculptures being installed this month along Havana Street — 6th Ave. to Dartmouth. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Catch the regional premiere of the family life drama The Outgoing Tide at Lowry’s John Hand Theatre, Oct. 10-Nov. 5. Information: 303-562-3232.
3 Being unnerved by your car’s slipping or leaking transmission? Don’t be spooked, take it into locally owned AAMCO Transmission on West Alameda for a maintenance special to unmask problems. Information: 303-462-2626.
3 Transport your taste buds to India and enjoy the exotic and authentic flavors at Little India. Information: 303-871-9777 or 303-298-1939.
3 Enjoy Colorado Symphony’s zany musical Spooktacular with costumed musicians at Boettcher Hall Oct. 26, 1 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 Sink your teeth into Colorado Ballet’s gothic horror drama Dracula playing at the Ellie Caulkins, Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Information: 303-339-1630.
3 Escape the Halloween funk for a night and take in the John Denver Tribute in the Buell Theatre at the DCPA Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Enjoy the music of John Adams and his nine-member band. The performance celebrates the Wilderness Act and features John Fielder’s wilderness photographs. He has chosen images to marry with 24 John Denver songs including Rocky Mountain High and Annie’s Song. Information: JohnFielder.com.
Most of us are fragile characters. Our ordinary thoughts can be grandiose and delusional. Truthfully we are often cowardly, fearful, spineless and weak. Yet during the Halloween season we are “galvanized” into sudden activity like a jolt of electricity. We develop a carnivorous appetite that is scary, stomach turning and spine chilling.
The shock is that this season can also be a quest to understand what life actually means. What makes human existence more than the low hum of an electrical connection?
Eek, this is the month when you can be “anything” you imagine. Maybe that is what this freakish, wacky season is all about: To remind us to be audacious, impulsive and daring and not get trapped in the everyday routine of our “normal” identity. Akin to Frankenstein inventing the safety match, this could be the time for striking successes.
— Glen Richardson
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 29, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Hot, chic, typical, crazy, outrageous, amazing, innovative or tacky, fads and trends come and go and are the bookmarks of a certain time. As the hot weather slowly comes to a halt we’re feeling a bit contemplative about where to go and what to do. But autumn will fly by in a flash so take advantage of the crisp weather and fall foliage.
A fad, like food trucks, is a practice or interest that we follow for a period of time with exaggerated zeal. Strange as it may be, fads and trends reshape what we do.
So in the name of turning over a fall leaf, here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to keep you as trendy as the hottest, latest outrageous fad:
3 Beautiful flowers never go out of style and the Dahlia is among the prettiest. See large arrangements on display at the Dahlia Society Show at Paulino Gardens, Sept. 6-7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-429-8062.
3 For fab free fall fun take in the Cherry Creek East’s Jazz Concert in Pulaski Park Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m. Information: www.cherrycreekeast.org.
3 Zoom in on American West color photography at opening reception at Robert Anderson Gallery, Sept. 12, 5-8 p.m. Information: 303-871-0800.
3 To be safe attend the Public Safety Expo at South High’s parking lot with food and live music Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 720-210-4056.
3 Make a good night’s sleep more than a passing fad by trying better mattresses for a better price from the recently opened SleepNation in Century 21 Plaza on South Colorado Blvd. Information: 303-954-9435.
3 For fabulous weekend football brunch specials plus happy hour all day hang out at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Hop, skip and jump with the kids as they crawl, trot and run the kid course at the Children’s Museum Sept. 21, 9 a.m. Information: 303-561-0104.
3 Start a trend by watching Latin, Mexican, & European films showing at CineLatino in the Sie FilmCenter Sept. 25-26. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 This month’s hottest, hippest stage show is Grace playing at the John Hand Theatre, Sept. 4-27. This is a darkly funny, often hilarious, deadly serious and provocative play. Basically the story is an exploration of human assumption about how God, goodness, faith and causality operate. Performances are Thursday through Sunday plus a show on Monday, Sept. 27th. Information: 303-999-9143.
Whether we want to admit it or not we latch onto fads in fashion, pop culture, technology, and yes, even fads in foods. Every month it seems there’s a new “it” something. Smartphones, today’s mega technology trend, will likely seem ridiculous to people in 15 years. We’ll probably just have chips on wristwatches or in our heads.
Every eatery serves the latest craze — desserts with bacon, catfish croquettes, kiwi cocktails. But soon the fad fades, and the flavor of the week will settle into obscurity.
For fall fun get lost in a corn maze, go for a hayride or take a hot-air balloon ride. How about renting a cabin in the mountains or tailgating at football games? The latest wacky fad is banning automobile parking on city streets. You see cars are just a passing fad. Then again I’m going to start writing letters again once the email fad passes.
— Glen Richardson
