by Valley Gadfly | Jun 23, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Who doesn’t love the month of July? It’s the summertime, the sun is out, and the days last longer. Plus, we celebrate the 4th of July with food, friends, family, and fireworks.
It’s time to hail the U.S. of A. with groovin’ patriotic songs from the nation’s best-loved pop, rock, hip-hop, and country music artists. We just want “our piece of the American pie.”
To get you fired-up and set to shout-out to America, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Pay homage to our county as you enjoy summer’s second month:
Blast into July to the sounds of Denver Concert Band’s Independence Day Instrumentalists playing at Four Mile Park’s Independence Celebration July 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See history, as re-enactors mine for gold. Information: 720-865-0800.
Park Hill’s July 4th Parade, starting at 1:30 p.m. with floats, costumed characters, and classic cars captures the holiday’s historic spirit. Information: 303-918-6517.
Relax to the rhythms of Billboard’s top Smooth Jazz guitarist Gregory Goodloe, as he entertains at Dazzle@Baur’s July 8, 7 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Shop the streets for not-to-miss sales and discounts at Cherry Creek North’s 16-block Sidewalk Sale July 14-16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
Oh, time for some beers and sunshine at Comrade Brewing, open noon every day, just East of Quebec on Iliff Ave. World Beer Gold Cup’s 2023 Winner for Chili Beer, their 4th Gold in five years. Mmm, oh, yeah. Information: 720-748-0700.
When the family screams for ice cream, head to Heaven Creamery in Cherry Creek, serving 500 rotating flavors, plus frozen desserts. More: Also bringing savory crepes back to Cherry Creek this summer. Information: 303-635-6779.
Experience the Brass Band Extravaganza, featuring the finest-rowdiest horn and percussion players at City Park, July 16, 6-8 p.m. Information: 303-744-1004.
Catch Cypress Hill doing their album Black Sunday with the Colorado Symphony at the Mission Ballroom July 20, 8:30 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
This year’s indoor-outdoor Summer Brew Fest at Mile High Station, is the hot spot for music and beers July 22, 1-4 & 6-10 p.m. Information: 720-946-7721.
End July listening to 150 bands on Broadway from 6th Ave. to Alameda at the Underground Music Showcase. Information: undergroundmusicshowcase.com.
Swallow Hill Music’s Shady Grove Picnic Series ends with three Thursday evening shows at Four Mile Historic Park July 6, 13, and 20, 6:30 p.m. Miguel Avina kicks things off with folk ballads, pop, and indie sounds. High-energy stage antics by Los Mocochetes follows with politically charged lyrics. The series ends with Colorado-based string band High Lonesome doing hard-driving bluegrass with good pickin’ and two- and three-part harmonies. Information:303-777-1003.
To really sense what it means to be an American, listen to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” Song is from his 1984 country music album “You’ve Got A Good Love Comin.”
Bruce Springsteen’s super-patriotic, “Born in the U.S.A.” is a song where he scream-sings the title. It’s about a Vietnam vet who returns home to find life isn’t the way he left it.
It’s Woody Guthrie’s lyrics, “this land was made for you and me,” that reminds us the U.S. isn’t for a specific group, but rather, it’s all of us who make it an amazing place to live.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 22, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
As summer warms up, we begin to feel the vibes of June. Solstice with a melodic touch. “I’ll Follow the Sun,” chip in the Beatles. Some “Summer Breeze,” please, add Seals & Crofts.
June is the sixth month of the year and the third of five months to have a length of less than 31 days. Every day lasts just a little bit longer, making breezy summer evenings a real treat.
To tune you up for summer, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to help you find the rhythm to set the mood so you’ll swing and sway into joyous June:
Chill with the family at Four Mile Historic Park as the Shady Grove Picnic Series returns June 3-July 29. Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe kicks off the series on June 3, followed by Dakota Blonde June 10, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Get a taste for vintage wine and classic art at the Denver Art Museum’s cool and tasty annual Uncorked fundraiser June 9, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-855-6000.
Kick into the season enjoying food, music, and dancing at the 56th Denver Greek Festival on the Greek Cathedral campus, June 9-11. Information: 303-388-9214.
For fun musical evenings, plan twilight serenades at Denver Botanic Gardens as musicians perform June 12-Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Get in on the fun of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by registering for Glendale Sports Center’s adult coed Soccer Summer League. Games are Wednesday nights, June 14th to Aug. 16th. Information: 303-639-4711.
For fab food and fun this summer, stop for dine-in specials at Cork & Cleavage. Try Monday’s Western Burger, a New York Strip on Wednesday to 7 p.m., and Hickory Smoked Wings on Sundays to 9 p.m. Information: 303-388-9601.
Catch the talented English singer-guitarist Robyn Hitchcock playing at Swallow Hill. She sings in Daniels Hall June 16, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Enjoy Japanese art, Taiko drumming, at this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival in Sakura Square downtown June 17-18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-951-4486.
Hear Olivia Goodreau, 17-year-old LivLyme founder, inventor-author at Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel June 21, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481
The King of Country George Strait and Grammy-winner Chris Stapleton sing at Empower Field at Mile High June 24, 5:45 p.m. Information: 720-258-3000.
For an unforgettable Rendezvous Gala, make plans to attend this year’s Four Mile Historic Park fundraiser, June 10, 6-10 p.m. Savor tasty bites and dinner from Relish Catering with complimentary cocktails. Colorado Music Hall of Fame Entertainer of the Year Eric Golden entertains in the Grove. Then play blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette in the Poker Saloon. Complete the evening grazing on late-night snacks and sweet treats. Information: 720-324-8550.
Launched in 1982 as “Fête de la Musique,” in France, June 21st is World Music Day. There are 4,000 musical events in 120 U.S. cities including Denver, 1,000 cities worldwide. On June 21 or any June day, musicians young and old, amateur or professional, of every musical persuasion, are urged to pour onto parks, plazas, and porches to share their music. Nothing is as rare as June in Denver. Savor the sight of our stunning sunsets and towering panorama of mountain peaks. Now, if ever, come Cherry Creek Valley’s perfect days.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 21, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
“April is the cruelest month,” T.S. Eliot wrote. Cold snaps and harsh winds last month were unkind. But May is here, so say goodbye to April showers and say hello to May flowers.
“The Lusty Month of May,” is how Lerner and Loewe described it for their Broadway musical Camelot. In short, the lyrics stated of May, “There’s simply not a more congenial spot.”
Here are our “Make May Memorable” choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as you Go Round the Maypole and begin to feel a sense of renewal and energy as gardens grow:
3 Don’t miss seeing-hearing celebrated Israeli “guitar god” Rotem Sivan and his band entertaining at Dazzle@Baur’s May 3, 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Enjoy concerts, learn to play the fretted string dulcimer during Colo. Festival at Saint James Church May 5-6, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: ColoDulciFestinfo@gmail.co.
3 Delight as DYAO’s musicians and the Symphony Chorus do Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall May 7, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-433-2420.
3 Joyce DiDonato performs in the Ellie for Opera Colorado’s 40th B-Day Bash, followed by dinner in the Seawell Ballroom May 13. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Enroll your youngsters — Boys & Girls Grades K to 8 — in Glendale Youth Rugby’s Spring Try League, May 1-June 24. Practices are Mon. & Wed. at Infinity Park, games on Sat. Players are placed on teams according to age, weight, and ability level. Infor-mation: 303-630-4713.
3 Treat mom and the family to a delicious Mother’s Day meal at popular pub, Alpine Tavern. Choices include a huge selection of sandwiches and sweets. Enjoy a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere with a patio and a caring staff. Serving 11 a.m. to midnight. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 Catch the Denver Brass season finale Ain’t Misbehavin’ with bites and bodacious brass in the Seawell Ballroom May 21, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-832-4676.
3 Enjoy concerts under the glow of candlelight by the Nexus Strings Quintet at Wings Over The Rockies May 25, 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.
3 View fine arts and crafts at 24th Denver Arts Festival with music and Kids Art Zone at Central Park’s Conservatory Green, May 27-29. Information: 303-330-8137.
Attend and bring friends to Rooting for Change, a night of art, giving, and connection at Raices Brewing Co. May 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The fundraiser is sponsored by Circle, the local non-profit that mentors and equips young people in education and community work. By supporting the celebratory night, attendees will enjoy a catered meal, two drink tickets, a folkloric dance performance by ArtisticCo Dance Company, and live art by painter-muralist Julio Mendoza. Attendees can also bid on donor-contributed wellness and experience-based items during silent and live auctions. Circle works with young people, schools, and other organizations to address systemic inequity and interpersonal inclusiveness. Information: 720-324-8550.
May has always been an inspiration for writing songs that teach us about spring weather. Moreover, the songs stimulate us to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mothers’ Day, and Memorial Day. May’s full moon, called the “Flower Moon,” appears on Friday, May 5, reaching peak illumination at 11:36 a.m. Step outside to see that big, bright disk here from 11:47 a.m. to 3:32 p.m.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 21, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Ahoy: All hail the wettest month of the year. April is famous for May flowers and the second-most popular chocolate holiday of the year. Bees buzzing, flowers blooming, birds singing.
But April is more than just rain and Easter-Passover, and there are a bunch of parents with a daughter named April to prove it. No foolin’, the namings are not April Fools’ Day pranks.
Here are our April shower choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so you can sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds, and of bowers due to the lure of April days despite rivers of rain:
3 Get in the holiday hunt by taking the kids to Glendale Sports Center’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Infinity Park Turf Field April 1, 10 a.m. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Swing into spring at the Colorado Rockies Home Opener when they play the Washington Nationals at Coors Field April 6, 2:10 p.m. Information: 303-292-0200.
3 Swing and sway as saxophonist Peter Stoltzman plays tunes from new album Spiraling Inward at Dazzle@Baur’s April 12, 7 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Join Colorado Symphony and singer Randy Jackson for concert of Pink Floyd music at Boettcher Concert Hall April 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 For a storied good time, book time each month on Tuesday for Family Fun Hour at The Bookies, 4:30 p.m. Hours from top of month: Spanish Hour, Family Book Club, Musical Story Time & Fun Game Hour. Store is on Mississippi Ave. in Glendale. Information: 303-759-1117.
3 Just named best regional bank and best for customer service by GoBakingRates, trust MidFirst Bank to help you, your family, and business reach financial goals. Offices in Cherry Creek and on S. Colorado Blvd. offer personalized service, trained staff. Information: 303-376-3800.
3 Catch Denim & Diamonds country music artist Nikki Lane as she entertains at the Bluebird Theatre April 17, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
3 Actor, comedian, and vocalist Colleen Ballinger — known for Miranda Sings — entertains at the Paramount April 20, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
3 Clarinetist Anthony McGill’s Pacifica Quartet perform the Brahms Clarinet Quintet at the Newman Center April 26, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, food, and drink at Swallow Hill Music’s annual mini music festival taking place this year at the venue on E. Yale Ave. April 15, 6 to 10 p.m. Known as “One Epic Night,” event features bands, beers, bites, and boogie for a cause. This year’s edition will feature several bands on three stages entertaining with blues, bluegrass, jazz, rock and roll, folk, and more. Featuring lots of dancing, proceeds from ticket sales, donations, sponsorship, and silent auction items will help finance music therapy, school enrichment events, concerts, and early childhood music education programs for Swallow Hill’s city-wide community programs. Information: 303-777-1003.
Denver’s April weather will be warmer than usual, but with above-normal precipitation. Month averages 2.56 inches of rain, but one in four is wetter. Single day downpour record is 6.47 inches.
In the last 30 years, April has been one of three snowiest months. However, April 2022 tied for the fourth least snowy on record. It’s been 30 years since Denver had an April with no snowfall.
Rain or shine, cultivate joy, it’s in short supply. Get outside, plant flowers, have a picnic. Remember, a true friend is someone who thinks you’re a good egg, even if you’re cracked.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 22, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Top ’o’ the Month to Ya’: March is named for the Roman god of war, Mars. But we think of it as the beginning of spring, as March brings the Full Worm Moon and Daylight Saving Time.
March 12 is the start of Daylight Savings, which begins at 2 a.m. that day. Hint: Don’t forget to “spring forward” and set the clocks one hour ahead, or you’ll find yourself late for everything.
Here are our Irish spring choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so your heart will be light and happy, your smile big and wide, plus your pocket has a coin or two inside:
3 With his 21st studio album out, Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band bring music of 15 soul music greats to the Ball Arena, March 2, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
3 For a Celtic Awakening, listen to Denver Brass’ Irish tenor sing Emerald Isle melodies at the Newman Center, March 10-12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 March downtown to see step dancers, floats, and marching bands at annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 11, stepping off at 9:30 a.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
3 View over 30 Israeli-Jewish films with “talk backs” during Denver Jewish Film Festival in the Wolf & Pluss Theatres, March 11-19. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 Swing by Inga’s Alpine Tavern on St. Patrick’s Day for good pub grub while listening to the music of GT & The Sidewinders rockin’ Americana band playing from 7-10 p.m. Open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. serving craft cocktails, beer, wine, and creative bites. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 For interior plaster and drywall repair that’s done right and looks super, rely on The Wall Rebuilders. Now in their 24th year, Dan & Laura Pino are known for quality, speed of service, and honesty. Repair, remodel or fix anything. Free estimates. Information: 303-698-1057.
3 Enjoy musical magic as the Denver Young Artists Orchestra & Colorado Symphony play together at Boettcher Hall, March 15, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 See singing, dancing, storytelling, food, and art by 100 Indian tribes during the March Powwow in the Denver Coliseum, March 17-19. Information: 303-934-8045.
3 Catch clarinetist Roger Campbell as he leads the hottest jazz band since the Swing Era playing at Dazzle@Baur’s, March 22, 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Join the tribute, as the Colorado Symphony and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble honor Cleo Parker Robinson — the founder, artistic director & choreographer — for her storied accomplishments. Her 50-year-old institution includes Youth-Junior Youth Ensembles, a Dance Academy, plus an International Summer Institute. The Park Ave. West three-level historic facility seats 240 for concerts, recitals, dances, and theatre. A celebrated artist, cultural leader, and champion of the arts for nearly a half-century, she remains a pillar of the community to this day. The tribute is at Boettcher Concert Hall, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
St. Patrick’s Day is the main event in March and Irish eyes are smiling: Flowers will soon bud, and this month’s major holiday is just one huge social, minus gifts, and little stress. Leprechauns, laughter, and green, Oh my! Refreshing-tranquil green is linked to money and luck. The Cherry Creek Valley soon will again become our “Green Green Grass of Home.” As the Irish say, “To all the days here and after, may they be filled with fond memories, happiness, and laughter.” But, don’t press your luck by ironing four-leaf clovers!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
For being the only month with less than 30 days, February sure has a lot going on: Chinese New Year, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, plus Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.
The season’s big holidays are o’er. But take heart, there are 50 food feasts this month. It was writer Virginia Woolf who said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well!”
Here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so February doesn’t feel like it will last forever. Valentine’s Day is linked to “lovebirds” and an early spring, so let it frolic forward:
3 View an acre of gardens plus 650 exhibits at this year’s Colorado Garden & Home Show in the Convention Center Feb. 2-12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information: 303-932-8100.
3 Lisa Loeb, who had top hit “Stay,” and who has her 15th album out, entertains at Temple Emanuel fundraiser Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-388-4013.
3 Catch chart-topping jazz-soul vocalist and actor Rajdulari as she brings her Valentine’s Day Show to Dazzle@Baur’s Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Head to Cherry Creek’s Pelican Bay Lake House Feb. 12 for the Mardi Gras Crawdad Boil. Music is by Bluekrewe plus food, 4 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-220-5253.
3 For all you desire Feb. 14th, make the Monaco Inn Restaurant your Valley Valentine’s Day retreat. Specials you’ll love at irresistible prices, with full bar and extensive wine list. Plus, sweets to swoon for! It’s a holiday hot spot, so make reservations early. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Hardwood floors are beautiful, easy to clean, and last forever, so keep your floors par excellent by relying on Above Parr Hardwood Floors. Expert installation, refinishing, staircases, rails & water damage restoration at affordable prices for 35 years. Information: 303-333-7277.
3 Love valentine masterpieces as Jeffrey Siegel plays Schumann and Chopin at the Arvada Center Feb. 15, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.
3 Enjoy Symphony space faves from Close Encounters to Star Wars at the Intergalactic Spectacular in Boettcher Feb. 19, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 Catch country singer Ingrid Andress who’s joined by country-soul artist Madeline Edwards at the Bluebird Theater Feb. 25, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
3 Quench your thirst for a burst of spring colors by taking the family to the Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens through Feb. 20. The colorful blossoms are complimented by exotic bromeliads and other lush tropical foliage plus citrus trees. Between the scent of the citrus blossoms and the bright colors of the orchid flowers in the Orangery, you’ll forget that it is still winter. In the Marnie’s Pavilion you can learn about repotting and caring for orchids from the Horticulture staff. The Orangery is a walkable greenhouse, while the Marnie’s Pavilion has floor-to-ceiling windows, a two-story waterfall, plus lots of orchids, ferns, and other tropical plants. Information: 720-297-1166.
Despite being the shortest month of the year, February can be chock-full of cold and snow. The Farmer’s Almanac warns Denver should get ready to, “shake, shiver, and shovel!” this month.
Last year (2022), Denver did not see measurable snowfall until December 10. It was the second longest snowless streak in city history. Expect snow and windier conditions in the coming 28 days.
But time Marches on: This February’s freeze will end, flowers will bloom, and we will once again be out of the house enjoying the sunshine. Warm up with coffee, its “Feb-BREW-ary!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
