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.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
“Ding Dong, Ding,” is how Ex-Beatle George Harrison wrote a joyous guitar riff urging listeners to “ring out the old, ring in the new.” Perry Como released the song “Hot Diggity.”
Will the year 2024 be a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? “Ultimately, we write it. The choice is ours,” submits British author, poet, and lyricist Alex Morritt.
Here are our fresh start January choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as you step into the New Year with new intentions, new goals, new snow, and new beginnings:
For an engaging, special start to the year see the play “Ones Who Return,” based on Ghosts by 19th Century playwright Henrik Ibsen. Dates are Jan. 5-6 and 12-13 at the Firehouse Theater on the Lowry Campus. Information: 303-562-3232.
Swifty Alert: Join the Denver “fanaticism fandom” speeding to the Bluebird Theater for the traveling Taylor Fest, Jan. 6, 6 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Strap on spurs and “steer” your way to the annual National Western Stock Show to see rodeos, cattle, plus a trade show, Jan. 6-21. Information: 303-297-1166.
Catch rare concert by renowned reedman (sax-flute) Joe Anderies and pianist Chuck Lamb at Jazz Denver Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Enjoy the “Art of Living Well” at St. Andrew’s Village. Wellness retirement community has programs, classes, outings to pique your interest. Independent, assisted, rehabilitation & skilled nursing on site. Information: 303-214-2646.
Add Wash Park’s Restaurant Olivia to your 2024 dining list. Renovation of tasty Italian eatery at 290 S. Downing St. has doubled seating to more than 120. Entry is on Downing with 1,200-sq.-ft. expansion. Information: 303-999-0395.
Pacifica Quartet and soprano Karen Slack perform songs from Walker’s Lyric for Strings at the Newman Center, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Rock and Roll into the new year with light, smoke, fire, and pyrotechnics as Hairball comes to the Paramount, Jan. 20, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Symphony contrasts Mozart’s music with today’s composers at Mozart & Now at Boettcher Hall Jan. 26-28, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy Winter Brew Fest’s drinks, food trucks, and karaoke at Mile High Station to benefit Big Bones Canine Rescue Jan. 27, 1-10 p.m. Information: 720-946-7721.
Trees are our shelters and sanctuaries. Thus, as we transition into 2024, help The Park People stand tall in the New Year. In 2023 the non-profit provided 1,500 trees to residents through Denver Digs Trees, up 16% from the previous year. Most were planted in low-canopy, heat-risk areas. Moreover, they added 290 trees in local parks and affordable housing areas. We learn character from trees, values from roots, and change from leaves. Information: 303-722-6262.
January is the month that wipes our slate clean. January is kind of like Monday; nobody really looks forward to it, and it comes immediately after a blissful time off weekend.
Oh, hot diggity, dog ziggety, boom: It’s a New Year and dreams come true thattaway! By shedding the snow, plus our past, a fresh start will replenish our souls to start a new chapter.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 16, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Grab an eggnog, cozy up to your family and friends, and settle in for a month of holiday gatherings, glittering lights, and snowy peaks. It is the official start of winter and cold weather.
‘Tis the month many folks look forward to the most: Reuniting with loved ones, getting warm by the fire, snowball fights, and tacky holiday sweaters, and lots and lots of eating.
Here are our dreamy December choices for celebrating the values that unite us for shopping, dining, and entertainment through togetherness, generosity, and gratitude:
For a dreamy start to the holidays, take the family to Saturday Night Lights in Cherry Creek North Dec. 2-16, 5-7 p.m. Enjoy treats, see acrobats, and jugglers under 600 lit, musically choreographed trees. Information: 303-394-2904.
Join Chabad of Cherry Creek for the first night of Chanukah. Face painting, fire juggling, treats on E. 2nd. Ave. Dec. 10, 5-7 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
For laughs, catch the Ukulele Christmas Extravaganza as 65 ukulele crooners perform at the Lakewood Center Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7485.
Enjoy a blast of Holiday Brass, as the Symphony Brass adds power-brilliance to ballads, carols at Boettcher Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Winterize your sprinkler system to avoid winter weather’s freeze-thaw-freeze cycle if you haven’t yet, prompts Denver Water. More: state’s oldest water utility says to drain outdoor faucets, exposed pipes. Information: 303-893-2444.
For a holiday dining experience like no other, book your reservations early at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. Serving Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 5 to 9 p.m. Good food, good prices, and good service. Information: 303-320-1104.
Relax at the annual Crystal & Himalayan Singing Bowl Concert, as it returns to the Denver Botanic Gardens Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Hear Symphony’s take on Mr. Hound-Dog’s favorites at the Elvis Christmas Spectacular at Boettcher Hall Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Take the kids to the charming, song-infused retelling of Little Red Riding Hood at DCPA’s Randy Weeks Theatre through Dec. 25. Information: 303-893-4100.
Let the Symphony dance you into the New Year enjoying polkas, waltzes, and marches at Boettcher Hall Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Collect new toys for the 16th annual Dolls for Daughters® & Toys for Boys® Toy Drive being held at the National Western Complex Dec. 2, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. They plan to provide a big toy, a small toy, and a wooden toy car to 3,500 children ages birth to 18. To guarantee toys for each child, parents of needy families are required to register for the event. In addition to collecting toys, the group needs Denver Toy Shop volunteers. Information: 720-330-2804.
You can set your watch by it: when December arrives, the same music blares from speakers everywhere. More than any other time, music plays on our emotions this month.
Think of Wham!’s Last Christmas, or Mariah Carey’s holiday earworm: They are songs to get us in a “holiday mood.” A warm mood infused by happy families, gifts, and eggnog.
‘Tis the season to be jolly… fa-la-la! Giving back last year’s fruitcake is compulsory. Relatives are optional. Stir the eggnog, lift the toddy, Happy New Year everybody.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 20, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
The charm of November is folks streaming back to homes and families. It’s the insulator month between the opposing but weirdly harmonious feasts of Halloween and Christmas.
November is known for Thanksgiving, Veteran’s Day, and being the last full month of the fall season. An anthem to the leafless, frostbitten, and dreary days as winter approaches.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as you grasp all the things this year has offered while enjoying a tasty Thanksgiving meal with family and friends:
Begin the month by taking the family to see Mamma Mia. The Greek island paradise story of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told in this timeless hit playing at the Buell Theatre, Nov. 1-5. Information: 720-865-4220.
See new premieres, attend red carpet events, and meet film industry guests at the Denver Film Festival at Sie Film Center, Nov. 3-12. Information: 720-381-0813.
Enjoy music, kids and family activities, plus see military displays at Veteran’s Day Festival in City Park Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 303-263-8160.
View streetwear, active, lifestyle, kids, and high fashion during Denver Fashion Week at York Street Yards, Nov. 11-19. Information: denverfashionweek.com.
For banking you can rely on, look to MidFirst Bank. Strong, stable, and private, it’s nation’s largest privately owned bank. Offices at 101 Cook St. and 2805 S. Colorado Blvd. provide a special brand of banking. Information: 303-376-3807.
Add Hana Matsuri Sushi in Glendale’s CitySet to your holiday dining plans. Enjoy fab food, service, and atmosphere with great wine-sake selection. Treat your holiday guest to chef’s rare seasonal dishes. Information: 303-600-8477.
Entertainment, a Chanukah party, plus Holiday Market in tree-lit Cherry Creek Winter Wanderland, Nov. 16-Dec. 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
Don’t miss a chance to see comedian, actor Paul Reiser as he films a rare stand-up special at the Newman Center Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Join United Way’s 50th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 4-mile walk-run or 1-mile Lil Gobbler run at Wash Park Nov. 23, 9 a.m. Information: 303-433-8383.
Singer Kat Edmonson’s Holiday Swingin’, a blend of jazz, pop, and cabaret, is at the Lakewood Cultural Center Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Join the Colorado French Chamber’s 25th Anniversary, a celebration that transcends time and promises an unforgettable experience. Beaujolais & Beyond is not just a celebration of the finer things in life, but also the art of making a difference. Live and silent auctions showcase exquisite items to support a noble cause. You’ll enjoy live music, fine wines, gourmet delicacies, and entertainment at Reelworks Nov. 16, 6 p.m. Information: 720-447-7961.
The heart and hearth of this month is Thanksgiving, which stimulates the grocery, restaurant, and travel economy. The sun slowly turns traitor on us as the month draws to a close. For some, it only heralds winter and seasonal depression. For others, it brings the winter-holiday season that features: friendship, family, and the camaraderie of the festive season.
Thanksgiving is a good time to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving. What’s the best thing to put into your pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? Your teeth.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 26, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Hello October, we’ve missed you. Awe, “pumpkin spice and everything nice!” Fall is finally in full swing. Albert Camus called autumn, “a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Breathtaking views of colorful leaves, a chance to go pumpkin picking at local festivals, and sporting comfy sweaters. A time to appreciate what we have, and look forward to the future.
As Halloween grows hauntedly close, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to ensure witches fly across the sky, that black cats yowl, and ghosts howl:
Attend Parasol Patrol — Colorado-based non-profit to protect kids from protesters — fundraiser “A Queen’s Cabaret” backed by a live band at the Clocktower Cabaret downtown Oct. 1, 6 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.
Don’t miss the John Denver Tribute with John Adams and Blue Tulip Music playing at the Newman Center Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
For musical magic, hear violinist Emily Switzer perform Beethoven Symphony No. 5 at the Lakewood Center Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Aerialists entertain, followed by Halloween movies, as Wings Over the Rockies celebrates Friday The 13, Oct. 13, 6:30-9:15 p.m. Information: 303-369-5360.
After 14 Jane Austen Mysteries, Stephanie Barron brings the series to a close. With wit, character, and suspense, the Ex-CIA analyst reveals final volume at The Bookies Author Event Oct. 28, 4-5 p.m. Information: 303-759-1117.
For a fun, nutty, and earthy start to the month, attend the Film, Chef Talk Back and Hummus Appetizer Reception at the Elaine Wolf Theatre Oct. 3, 2 p.m. Chef Reggie Dotson of Ash’Kara shares Hummus tips. Information: 303-399-1146.
Enjoy music & performances, plus pick pumpkins at Four Mile Historic Park’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival, Oct. 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
Take a spine-tingling stroll through pumpkin sculptures at Glow In The Gardens for eerie Denver Botanic Garden fun, Oct. 17-27. Information: 720-865-3500.
Take the kids for fang-tastic bites & games at Children’s Museum Harvest Hoot on the Marsico Campus, Oct. 27-28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-433-7444.
Featuring music from films & TV, the Halloween Spooktacular at Boettcher Hall is a concert for boys and ghouls, Oct. 29, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
After a four-year hiatus, make plans to attend Alliance Francaise’s fundraising gala at DU’s Fritz Knoebel Event Center on East Evans Ave. Oct. 14, 6-11 p.m. The Cocktail Attire affair is themed as “La Bella Epoque,” which was the beautiful era of Paris that lasted from 1871 to 1914. Bid big on event’s donated auction items. The magical evening features drinks, accompanied with dinner and French desserts, followed by dancing. Information: 720-568-9976.
The summer sun is fading as the year grows old, and darker days are drawing near. October trees hardly sway before a breeze, as the winter winds begin to feel much colder.
Soon the old autumn sun will bed down in cloud blankets, and there will be days of gray rain before it finally snows. But with reds, golds, and yellows, there’s grandeur in the gloom.
October creates fun family times and gives your home personality. What is the best thing about October? All the cobwebs and dust in your house just become Halloween decorations!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 28, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
You soon begin feeling the shift from summer to fall in the air. September is a month where change feels inevitable. This is the month when the leaves begin to change colors.
It’s still summer, but the days are getting shorter. It’s still warm, but the sweltering afternoons of August are past. You likely won’t need your jacket, but could take it with you.
As you await the fall season, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment “to help you remember the kind of September when life was slow and oh so mellow”:
Support Denver families experiencing food insecurity by attending the 12th annual Fill A Plate For Hunger at Reelworks Denver, Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m. You’ll enjoy a fun cocktail hour, and multi-course dinner. Information: 303-388-6022.
Enjoy food, wine, and spirits during the Denver Food + Wine Festival including a Grand Tasting on Auraria’s Tivoli Quad, Sept. 7-9. Information: 303-830-2972.
Help the Denver Zoo care for and provide emergency animal support by attending the Flock Party with music and eats, Sept. 9, 5-9 p.m. Information: 720-337-1401.
Star Wars In Concert features the Colorado Symphony playing film’s musical scores at Boettcher, Sept. 9-10, 7:30, Sun. 2:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Stop at Boris’s Home Decorating Services to add color, style to your home for the holidays. Custom cushions, decorative pillows, drapery, window treatment, more. Showroom: 1402 S. Parker Rd., Unit A-102. Information: 303-751-2921.
Make sweet September even sweeter by enjoying chocolate entrees, cocktails, and desserts at the Chocolate Lab at E. 3rd & Holly St. Chocolate combined in every dish, cocktail. Enjoy indoor-outdoor seating. Information: 720-536-5037.
Fund home-apartment fire losses at the Our Front Porch dinner-drag show fund drive at Clocktower Cabaret on Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.
Take swing dance classes, enjoy contests, and social dancing at Lindy On the Rocks in the Curtis Hotel, Sept. 15-18, 7 p.m.-12 p.m. Information: 303-883-6691.
Hear artist Patrick Marold, Denver’s Public Art Manager, at Lowry Speaker Series in the Eisenhower Chapel, Sept. 21, 6 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
Bi-annual Latino Suave Fest has a lineup of musicians and performers plus food and drinks at Raices Brewing, Sept. 30, noon-6 p.m. Information: 720-295-2437.
Despite the speed at which summer comes and goes, it’s still such a fun season. Rain plus cold-hot snaps somewhat impeded us; hence, Infinity Park is wrapping up the season with the Colorado Music Experience on Sept. 23. Originally from Denver, Nashville-based indie rock band Wildermiss entertains. Their headline shows have sold out since 2017. Emma Cole sings and plays synth, Joshua Hester plays guitar, and Celeb Thoemke is on drums. Information: 303-692-5799.
It’s the time of year when you don’t need to run the furnace or air conditioner. A chance to recoup, redeem. It’s a return to the routine and back to normal. Or maybe a new normal. The kids are in K-12 or college and the football season is off and running. How many times have you heard a coach proclaim, “This will be our year!” In September, that is possible.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
