by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
December’s holiday lights will again stretch from Glendale-Cherry Creek to the nightly lighting of downtown’s City-County Bldg. Oh, how they glow, spreading the season’s magic.
Lights, glimmering in every color, shine brightly enough to lift the mood of even the sourest Scrooge. From Rudolph’s nose to the Blossoms of Light, they are a symbol of hope.
Here are our bright choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to light up the darkness by adding warmth, love, peace, and joy; regardless of your religious persuasion:
3 Shop Cherry Creek’s Holiday Market featuring 50 local makers and designers on Fillmore Plaza. Open daily through Dec. 24, you’ll enjoy live music, local acts, plus a full bar in a decorated, festive atmosphere. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Catch Clocktower Cabaret’s Dec. 4 night of holiday funk-soul music as 10-piece Spillionaires Band gets you into the spirit of season. Information: 303-293-0075.
3 Take the toddlers to a singalong with holiday characters at Tiny Tots Christmas in the Tivoli Turnhalle, Dec. 10, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Information: 303-355-7855.
3 Blast into the season with the Holiday Brass at Boettcher, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Ballads and carols played by Symphony Brass & Percussion. Information: 303-534-1937.
3 Take time to enjoy lunch or dinner at Inga’s Alpine Tavern during the holidays. The Altitude Jazz Christmas Show is Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Julie Wynn Birr, vocals, and Julie Fredericksen, keyboard, play Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, and Miles Davis. Information:720-389-6203.
3 Give family and friends custom, antique, and vintage jewelry from Morgan Sonsthagen Jewelry this year. Conveniently located near Wash Park and University Hills, they are open Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-733-1710.
3 Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad of Cherry Creek, Dec. 18, 5-11:59 p.m. Enjoy treats, fire juggling, face painting at 299 Milwaukee. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Make it a Charlie Brown Christmas at Dazzle@Baur’s, Dec. 19-24, as Pianist Annie Booth’s Trio stage the tradition for 9th year. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Waltz into 2023 as the Colorado Symphony plays polkas, waltzes, and marches at A Night In Vienna in Boettcher, Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-534-1937.
3 For a magical interpretation of The Nutcracker, delight in Ballet Ariel’s return to the Lakewood Cultural Center for eight performances, Dec. 10-23. Full-scale production has four national guest artists plus local dancers. Travel through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets with lovely Clara and her Prince. Grand finale takes place in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s castle as dancers come together to celebrate with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Information: 303-945-4388.
December has a wavelength all its own: It’s a sort of sublime yearning that can be both saddening and comforting. A sentimentality fortified by a lifetime’s worth of holiday memories. It is also a joyous month, reflecting the excitement of the holidays and time with loved ones. Bleakness sets in January 2, thus making it through winter is an emotional experience.
Enjoy cups of hot cocoa and let the lights and holiday spirit take you over. Where do Santa’s reindeer stop for coffee? Star-bucks! What’s Santa’s favorite chips? Crisp Pringles!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 21, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
November is known for Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, and the last full month of the fall season. As the transition from fall to winter starts, we break out cozy sweaters and stylish scarves.
Family and friends get together for celebrations of all the small and big things that life has afforded us. And, of course, the food is to die for. There’s nothing like tasty pumpkin pie.
Here are our thoughtful choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to help you focus on the upbeat aspects of life despite the challenges, as we reunite with family and friends:
3 With new premieres, red carpets, filmmaker insights, and special guests, plan to see films at the 45th Denver Film Festival, Nov. 2-13. Events are at the Ellie, Denver Botanic Gardens, and AMC 9+CO 10. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Called one of the world’s best saxophonists, Tod Dickow and the Charged Particles are at Dazzle Nov. 11-12, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Catch Grammy-nominated soprano Lindsay Kesselman and the Status Chamber Orchestra at Historic Grant Avenue, Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Information: 303-388-4962.
3 Take the kids to enjoy dance and puppetry at Tiny Tot’s Inside the Orchestra in Boettcher Concert Hall, Nov. 14, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Information: 303-534-1937.
3 For a Thanksgiving feast to remember, reserve space at Monaco Inn Restaurant, noon to 8 p.m. Keep the holidays jolly by booking Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at this long-time holiday hot spot, 5 to 9 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Enjoy retired life in the newly opened Acoya Cherry Creek at 301 S. Harrison St. Spacious residences have concierge service, rooftop lounge, and greenhouse garden. Independent and Assisted Living services. Information: 720-259-1369.
3 Don’t miss this year’s annual Blossoms of Light — a winter wonderland — at Denver Botanic Gardens Nov. 18 to Jan. 7, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 The Justice Ginsburg & O’Connor hit story is at the Newman Center Nov. 26 to Dec. 11, Fri.-Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-399-2660.
3 Don’t miss this year’s Chili, Booze & Brews fundraiser supporting kids and young adults with cancer being held at Infinity Park Event Center Nov. 12, 6 to 10 p.m. The Morgan Adams Foundation food-beverage competition features Colorado craft breweries, small-batch distillers, and chefs from local eateries to “Bring the Heat and the Hope” in effort to end childhood cancer. Cherry Cricket, Big Daddy’s Burger Bar are among supporting eateries. Information: 303-758-2130.
Sadly, many neighbors don’t have a sense of security as Thanksgiving looms: By mid-2022, 32.8% were unsheltered, 33% had food insecurity, with 47.5 property crimes per 1,000!
Hunger abounds, yet everyone deserves to eat. More: We all deserve to feel safe and secure in our homes, communities, schools, and places of work, plus places of worship.
Thanksgiving is a joyous invitation to shower the needy with love, gratitude, and the importance of helping others. What sound does a turkey make in space? Hubble, Hubble!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 28, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
Through autumn’s golden gown we are again kicking our way into October. ’Tis the season of falling leaves, football games, nostalgia, acoustic-guitar picking, and melancholy.
A chill is in the air as long shadows cross dying lawns and we switch to comfy sweaters. We sip mugs of Earl Grey by the fire with friends as we hunker down to our favorite fall tunes.
Here are our harvest-time choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, as “Falling leaves drift by the window; The autumn leaves of red and gold,” as the year grows old:
3 Immerse yourself in the magic of Tchaikovsky’s music as 50 professional ballet dancers perform the famous love story Swan Lake at the Newman Center, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. Hand-painted sets with 150 radiant costumes. Information: 303-871-7746.
3 Pick the perfect pumpkin as you enjoy sights and sounds of fall at Four Mile Park’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival, Oct. 8-9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Catch the cool collaboration uniting East and South High School’s bands as they entertain at Dazzle@Baur’s, Oct. 10, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-1500.
3 Gallop to the Western Fantasy in the National Western complex for dinner and hear country singer Justin Moore, Oct. 15, 5:45 p.m. Information: 303-297-0408.
3 Indulge in dinner & dessert — including Key Lime Pie and New York Cheese Cake — at Inga’s Alpine Tavern on National Dessert Day, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rock band Mikey G & Friends play 7 to 10 p.m. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 Dress up your home for the holidays with furniture re-upholstery, custom banquette, and decorative pillows at Boris’s Upholstery. They custom make drapery, Roman shades, cornice boards, and valances. Information: 303-751-2921.
3 Meander Denver Botanic Gardens amid glowing pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns with gleaming grins and grimaces, Oct. 18-23, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Take the family to hear the Colorado Symphony play Halloween Spooktacular film-TV music at Boettcher Hall, Oct. 30, 2:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Help Hope House Colorado provide a safe, stable home for teen moms and their children by attending the 20th annual Hope House Gala in the newly renovated Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Oct. 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The group’s biggest fundraiser of the year starts with a cocktail hour and silent auction in the lobby. A teen mom speaks, followed by a three-course dinner, live auction, and dance party in the Grand Ballroom. Information: 303-429-1012.
This month gives us time to gather our thoughts, find inner peace, and appreciate the beauty of nature and life. A time to stroll outside to view the picturesque fall panorama.
Relish autumn’s riches: Ripening grapes and apples, swelling gourds and blooming flowers. Go leaf peeping, bob for apples, carve a pumpkin, and drink warm apple cider.
BOO: Don’t be spooked as October ends, but do anticipate that people will start wearing masks again! If you have a covid shot slated for Oct. 31, it’ll be a Boo-ster!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 26, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
“Hey, hey, we’re dancin’ into September. Our souls are singin’, Never a cloudy day.” It’s words to the classic song “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. If you know it, you love it.
It’s not only one of the month’s best songs, it’s also outrageously catchy, not to mention conducive to dancing. It’s a song about September’s good times, change, and celebration.
To mark the shift of seasons, your mood, and mindset, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so come September, “everything wrong is gonna be alright:”
3 For a fast, fun start to the month plan to attend the expanded Art RiNo, Sept. 5-11. The weeklong fest will have art, music, theater, and workshops. Plus, the event is partnering with the Westword Music Showcase. Information: 303-892-1505.
3 Enjoy tastings, seminars, cocktail competition, plus an al fresco dinner Sept. 7-11 at the Denver Food & Wine Fest in Sculpture Park. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Attend John Denver’s 50th Fete at Boettcher Concert Hall as the Symphony shows video of Denver singing Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Catch Emerson Quartet’s 18th and final concert at the Newman Center Sept. 11, 5 to 7 p.m. They’ll play Romantic era masterworks. Information: 303-388-9839.
3 Popular Monaco Inn Restaurant launched lunch again in September serving homemade Greek and American food. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; dinner hours Mon.-Sat., 5 to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Want to be an eco-friendly pet parent? Go to Sustain-A-Bowl, Denver’s first sustainable pet store. Paws-itively the best for pets and the planet. Store has self-wash and grooming facilities. Unique and affordable. Information: 303-862-7018.
3 Watch-listen at free Battle of the Bands in Infinity Park’s Festival Plaza Sept. 17, 6 p.m. Bring a picnic and chairs. Information: infinityparkatglendale.com/events.
3 Blues Master B.B. King’s daughter Claudette entertains with the Hazel Miller Band at Dazzle@Baurs, Sept. 23, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Make plans to attend the Children’s Museum 49th Birthday Bash Sept. 9, 6 p.m. Evening event at the Marsico Campus will feature tasty bites from some of Denver’s top caterers, an open bar, auctions, and dancing. The Birthday Bash is the Children’s Museum’s most important annual fundraiser. All proceeds directly benefit the Museum’s educational programs, exhibits, access initiatives, and general operations. Cocktail attire suggested. Information: 303-561-0102.
This month’s transition to cooler weather paired with falling leaves always makes for a romantic setting. Not to mention, September reminds us that the holidays are fast approaching.
Fall is here, which, if studies can be trusted, ought to be joyful, with nearly 30 percent favoring it above winter, spring, and summer. No wonder the month has inspired so many songwriters.
Awwtumn: It is a time of hot chocolatery mornings, marshmallow evenings, and leaping into leaves, says Winnie-the-Pooh. Get set to jump into the cozy, comfy season.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 22, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
With luck this month we’ll be rewarded with light-hearted days of summer to release us from the rollercoaster of a year it has been thus far. A spell to savor summer’s splendid days.
Time for weekend gatherings and weeknight dinners on restaurant patios as we join friends and neighbors to eat, drink, socialize, and bask in beautiful views to renew our spirits.
To celebrate the Sunday of Summer, here are our wistful August choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so the smell of the lawn makes you want to flop down on it:
3 Make the most of summer’s end by going to Cherry Creek North’s four-day Al Fresco Food & Wine, Aug. 17-20. Culinary roster has 20 restaurant and 20 spirit allies leading to the Fillmore Plaza Grand Tasting. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Attend dog contests, buy products-services at Dumb Friends League’s Cherry Creek North Pets On The Plaza, Aug. 6-7, 11 a.m. Information: 720-272-7476.
3 Enjoy dinner and a performance by the 18-piece jazz orchestra led by Annie Booth playing at Dazzle@Baur’s, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 End summer’s hot days chilling to Classic Vinyl’s music and the movie Yesterday free at Infinity Park, Aug. 12, 6 p.m. Information: infinityparkeatglendale.com.
3 Hungry for French-European breads, pastries, and sweets? Drive to top-tier Detour Bakery on S. Holly St. for a variety of fresh-flaky classic croissants. More: take the family or meet friends for breakfast or lunch. Information: 303-746-2020.
3 Shut out heat today, cold this winter, with window coverings from Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery. Offering Dept. of Energy-certified interior coverings to save you money with Xcel Energy and product rebates. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Relish steak bites paired with cocktails at Denver’s Steakhouse Championship in Sculpture Park at the DCPA, Aug. 18, 6-10 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Enjoy violin, piano, and guitar music at Cherry Creek’s Smash Fine Arts Festival on Fillmore Plaza, Aug. 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 For a cool close to summer, take the clan to the JFS Family Concert at the Mission Ballroom on Aug. 28, 1-3 p.m. Celebrating Jewish Family Service’s 150th Anniversary, it features a Nathaniel Rateliff solo acoustic performance. Food and drinks will be served while you stroll the ballroom learning about JFS’s programs. There will be games and activities for the kids. The nonprofit serves everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. Information: 303-597-5000.
Jonathan Richman’s 1983 “That Summer Feeling” hits all of the summer cliches creating an August shift in our mood. We suddenly realize we’ve only got 31days to glow.
Before you know it, we’ll be heading into autumn again. With lyrics like “Why must summer ever end…” we try to hang onto Nat King Cole’s “Lazy-Crazy Days of Summer.”
August is the last flicker of fun before the freeze comes. Chronicle reporter’s end of summer scoop: “Go out for ice cream, run through a sprinkler, and dance in the sun.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 24, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
“Say it loud and make me proud, ooh I live in America,” proclaim the words of James Brown’s song “Living in America.” It’s hard for most of us to put our patriotism into words.
So we let music legends like Lee Greenwood — “God Bless the U.S.A.,” 1984 — and Bruce Springsteen — “Born in the U.S.A.,” 1984 — sing it out and ignite our 4th of July spirit.
To celebrate freedom, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so your spirit soars to meet our mountains in a patriotic July 4th “Rocky Mountain High” salute:
3 Begin July at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival as it returns to the streets of Cherry Creek North, July 1-3. There are 15 performing artists, food stations, plus activities for the kids, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. Information: 303-355-2787.
3 Keep the festivities going at Four Mile Park’s Independence Day Fête, July 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s live music, games, crafts, and food. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Enjoy marching bands, floats, classic cars, and costumed characters at the Park Hill 4th of July Parade, July 4, starting at 1:30 p.m. Information: 303-919-6517.
3 Revel in Mozart Under the Moonlight as Christopher Dragon leads the Colorado Symphony at the Arvada Center, July 15, 7:30 p.m. Information:720-898-7200.
3 Chow down as top chefs David Grant and Justin Brunson compete in Plant vs. Protein Showdown at Four Mile Park July 30, noon to 6 p.m. Eric Golden and the Honky Tonk Band provide the entertainment. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Buy tickets, foursomes, and sponsorships to this year’s Willie’s Wishes Charity Golf Tournament at Quint Valley Golf Course in Byers. The Shotgun Willie’s event provides scholarships to entertainers. Information: 303-388-9601.
3 Enjoy bites from 60 independent restaurants, plus cocktails, wine-beer at The Big Eats in DCPA’s Galleria July 28, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: Info@eatdenver.com.
3 Shop food, crafts, and products at free Havana Street Global Market at 2802 S. Havana St. in Aurora, July 26 and 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 720-788-8986.
3 Gather the kids and family and celebrate the Fourth of July at Infinity Park Stadium and turf in Glendale, July 1, 7:30 p.m. One of the largest and oldest in the Valley, for the first-time families and friends can view the mesmerizing free show from Infinity Park, preceded by movie shorts and videos on the stadium’s jumbo screen, with food trucks on site. Guests can also bring food and beverages, no glass containers or grills allowed. Information: InfinityParkatGlendale.com.
Cherry Creek Valley citizens remain crystal clear about their love of country. Our laid-back living, rugged individualism, and optimism are as classic as Don McLean’s “American Pie.”
Despite this being the start of the hot-sultry Dog Days of Summer, welcome July as the month dedicated to freedom, independence, and celebration of our country and culture.
As we hail the U.S.A., Greenwood’s lyrics say it all: “The flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away. I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
