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.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 16, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
Once recuperated from those New Year’s parties, grab a cup of hot cocoa, slip on your coziest, warmest pair of socks, and conjure up mental pictures of your hopes, fears, and promises for 2023.
January is a great month to squeeze uncertainty out of your life and make sure pressing questions get answered. You can be certain this month will bring the snow to make your feet and fingers glow.
Here are our winter windfall choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to ring in the New Year, give the winter blahs the cold shoulder, and signal the awakening of life for the rest of the season:
3 Kick off the New Year Jan. 5 watching the National Western parade starting from Union Station at noon. Then giddy-up and go to the livestock, rodeo, and horse show taking place at the National Western Complex, Jan. 7-22. Information: 303-297-1166.
3 Make time to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute and humanitarian awards Jan. 10 at DCPA’s Boettcher Hall, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 Enjoy viewing the exotic beauty of blooms on rare orchards during Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens Jan. 12-Feb. 20. Information: 720-297-1166.
3 Experience the bluegrass music of Nederland’s Yonder Mountain Sting Band playing at the Mission Ballroom Jan. 13-14, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
3 Hey sandwich lovers: Hungry for a good old sandwich for lunch or dinner? Inga’s Alpine Tavern features 10, including three chicken, two Reubens, and a Philly Cheesesteak. The Grinder has ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and pepperoncini. Information: 720-389-8203.
3 Need doggone good daycare, grooming, and training for your dog? Located on East Colfax between the Park Hill and Hale neighborhoods, Dog House Denver is in a 6,328-sq.-ft. building with two outdoor play yards totaling nearly 1,200-sq.-ft. Information: 303-320-5664.
3 For delightful showbiz diversion, see Fabulous Fanny Brice playing the JAAMM Series at the Elaine Wolf Theatre Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 For vibrating music, do not miss the interpretations of Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes at the Newman Center Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Join the Symphony as it contrasts Mozart’s classical style with today’s composers at Boettcher Jan. 27-29, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 303-523-7876.
3 Every dog must have his day! For a doggone good time, Valley dog lovers should plan to start the year running with their mutt at the 5K for the Dogs at the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock, Jan 9, 9 a.m.; Jan. 10, 2 p.m. After the run, there is a short .5-mile walk, where you and your dog can walk together. There is a raffle with numerous prizes, an auction, and a local food truck for food purchase. The fun, enjoyable Bark at the Buddy Center will give you and your pooch a change of scenery, providing stimulation, reducing anxiety and alleviating boredom. The Center is a full-service shelter offering adoptions, pet admissions, and more. All proceeds go toward caring for animals. Information: 303-751-5772.
Start the first month of the year right: January is the month of recovery and preparation. A time for comfort, for good food and warmth, the touch of a friendly hand, and talks beside a blazing fire.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
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.
