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.
by Valley Gadfly | May 20, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
Fresh and alive, June is bustin’ out all over: To paraphrase the lyrics to Rogers’ and Hammerstein’s song: “You can see it in the ground, hear it in the trees, smell it in the breeze.”
For sure a cloud of doubtin’ Thomas’s is likely again predictin’ that this year summer will never come. But it’s coming: “You can feel it in your heart. Look around! Look around.”
To lift you into the blue sky, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so great white clouds keep floating by to bring you joy and happiness because it’s June:
3 Start June’s magic at the Lowry Beer Garden Benefit June 9, 5 to 9 p.m. You’ll enjoy food, libations, and ice cream at the Beer Garden and adjacent Rocket Ice Cream while supporting the Lowry Foundation. Information: 303-366-0144.
3 Dance into June at Secret Garden themed Storybook Ball at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The Ronald McDonald fundraiser is June 3. Information: 720-382-7203.
3 Select produce, flowers, products, and cuisine on Saturdays at Cherry Creek Fresh Market at 1st & University, June 4-24, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-442-1837.
3 Annie Booth, Dawn Clement, and Carmen Sandim perform solo Piano Conversations at Dazzle@Baur’s June 14, 6 p.m. Information: 303-839-1500.
3 Hungry for fresh baked French-European breads, pastries, and sweets? Detour Bakery at 1479 S. Holly St. has yummiest treats in a cheery atmosphere. Popular spot also has delicious quiche and sandwiches. Information: 303-756-2020.
3 Get the home financing you need, when you need it with ChoiceLine from Bellco Credit Union. You can lock in up to three fixed-rate advances. Upshot: You can use the money as you need it. Apply on line. Information: 1-800-BELLCO-1.
3 It’s June, Denver Greek Festival time on the Greek Orthodox Cathedral campus, June 17-19. Enjoy Greek food, music, and dancing. Information: 303-388-9314.
3 The Dumm Friends League Band and the movie Happy Gilmore play Infinity Park June 24, gates open at 6 p.m. Information: infinityparkatglendale.com.
3 The former L’Chaim2Life confab returns as the Kavod on the Road Conference, June 9-10, 9 a.m. to noon. Day one is a kickoff concert with The Klez Dispensers and a resource fair at BMH-BJ on Monaco Parkway. Day two is at Temple Emanuel with keynote speaker Rabbi Laura Geller, author of Getting Good at Getting Older, speaking from 9 to 10 a.m. She is followed by a choice of three workshops from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Information:303-399-1146.
Half the year is gone, but hey, welcome June. Start by simply taking it easy and don’t rush things! As June begins to roll in you have to fall in love with summertime all over again.
A little bit of summer is what the whole year is about. Moreover, the warm days and cool nights common to the Cherry Creek Valley’s June climate are unmatched anywhere.
Everybody has something worthy to grow and celebrate, forget and forgive, rediscover, and appreciate this month. “Just because it’s June, June, June!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 21, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
It’s May! It’s May! The Merry Month of May! Hurray, there is finally spring in our step. Flowers are blooming, birds chirping, gardens growing, and we can begin entertaining outside.
May is the closest we get to paradise here on earth. As the days lengthen, sunny days outshine the cloudy ones, and we can finally put the snow shovels and heavy blankets away.
To help you spring forth, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so you’ll have time to celebrate, reflect, plant, play, and rejoice in all the month has to offer:
3 Start May by joining Denver Kids for their breakfast May 3 in the Seawell Ballroom, registration at 6:45 a.m., program 7:30 a.m. You’ll be helping Denver Public School students succeed. Information: denverkids.org./breakfast.
3 Start your spring garden early by going shopping at the annual Spring Plant Sale at Denver Botanic Gardens, May 6-7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 You’ll make May memorable by attending Denver Young Artists New Morning for the World at Boettcher Concert Hall, 2:30 p.m. Information:303-893-4100.
3 Keep May very merry by enjoying Fabled Journey’s mystical music concert at the Wash Park Center for Music, May 14, 7:15 p.m. Information: 917-771-0433.
3 Monaco Inn Restaurant has been a perennial favorite for families on Mother’s Day by blending Greek and American styles. Serving specials plus full Greek & American menu Mom will love, May 8, 3 to 9 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Make your home and building’s interior and exterior sparkle this spring by calling Emerald Isle Painting. In business for 20 years they offer expert experience, providing both high quality work and products. Information: 303-322-4753.
3 Don’t miss the Colorado Symphony and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble’s tribute to its founder at Boettcher, May 20, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 Take the family to see work for sale during Denver Arts Festival at Central Park’s Conservatory Green, May 28-29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information: 303-330-8237.
3 Volunteer to participate in Colorado Uplift’s one-day May 7 event to impact communities and schools through a variety of service projects. This year you, your family, colleagues, friends, and neighbors will be able to choose which project site they would like to help at. Sites will be announced by the time you receive the Chronicle. Just one day of volunteering will significantly help Valley schools and communities. Information: coloradouplift.org/big-lift.
May is this year’s — and each year’s — most exclusive month when it comes to days of the week. No other month in a single year starts or finishes on the same weekend as does May.
Whether it’s World Press Freedom Day or National Buttermilk Biscuit Day, there’s something official for you to celebrate every single day throughout the month of May.
The end of May means “longer days, more time to sit and watch the pendulum swing,” sings Michael Buble. Just MAY-be his Crazy Love song hits the right chord.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 4, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
Jared Grant in Tootsie Photo Credit: Teg Folks
Reinvents 40 year Old Movie with Fresh Perspective and Laugh Out Loud Moments
By Mark Smiley
Tootsie opened on March 29 2022 at the Buell Theater with laugh out loud funny moments and a modern twist on a classic Hollywood movie. Robert Horn’s book in particular tries to bring the film’s dated gender politics into the 21st century without necessarily rewriting the original film’s plot wholesale. Julie Nichols’s character was more confident than she was in the 1982 movie, Michael Dorsey’s character did not hit on every woman in sight, and say goodbye to gay panic. The musical is a fresh take on classic movie.
Tootsie is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Robert Horn. The musical is based on the 1982 American comedy film of the same name written by Larry Gelbart, Barry Levinson (uncredited), Elaine May (uncredited) and Murray Schisgal from the story by Gelbart and Don McGuire. The musical made its world premiere try-out at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago in September 2018. Like the film, the musical tells the story of a talented but volatile actor, Michael Dorsey, whose reputation for being difficult forces him to adopt a new identity as a woman in order to land a job. The original movie revolved around a daytime soap opera, while the show involves a Broadway musical. His one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime – as the star of a new Broadway musical.
TOOTSIE features an original score by 2018 Tony Award-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and the book by Robert Horn (13; Dame Edna, Back with a Vengeance). The comedy in this musical flows smoothly
and the secret is more than the book; it’s the songs. Mr. Yazbek is one of the few composer-lyricists working today who can set jokes to music and make them pay.
The company is led by Drew Becker as Michael Dorsey, Ashley Alexandra as Julie Nichols, Tony Payton Reilly as Sandy Lester, Lukas James Miller as Max Van Horn, Jared David Michael Grant as Jeff Slater, Kathy Halenda as Rita Marshall, Steve Brustien as Stan Fields, and Adam Du Plessis as Ron Carlisle. The cast competently trekked through the musical numbers and kept the audience engaged. Jared David Michael Grant who played Dorsey’s roommate, Jeff Slater, has been with the production since September 2021. His training as a musical theater major in Chicago and his work on the Showtime series, The Chi, prepared him for this show stopping role. His acting, one liners, and facial expressions made an otherwise enjoyable show, a hit.
Tootsie runs through April 10 2022 at the Buell Theater. For tickets, visit www.dcpa.org.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 18, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
’Tis the month that begins with practical jokes, public humiliation, and nonstop fun. So, April 1st is just like any other day. Woefully, it’s often best to believe nothing, and trust no one.
It is true, nonetheless, that this is the month of sun and shadows following April showers. Yes, April weather includes both rain and sunshine and, very often in the Valley, both together.
To help you blossom and enjoy springtime bliss, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so you’ll enjoy the season as the days grow longer and warmer:
3 Make this your laugh-fest month by enjoying the hilarious rock-and-roll romantic comedy about good guy Josh Cohen — played by two actors — at DCPA’s Garner Galleria Theatre April 1 to May 1, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-4100.
3 You’ll stay in stitches by going to the JFS Executive Luncheon at the Convention Center with comedian Amy Schumer, April 5, noon. Information: 720-248-4633.
3 Catch the Sun Mart Trio with East High grads A.J. Nowell, Eli Acosta, and Jakob Rose playing at Dazzle@Baur’s April 9, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-1500.
3 Don’t miss this year’s Children’s Diabetes Lunch-Fashion Show fundraiser at the Hilton City Center April 12 beginning at 10 a.m. Information; 303-863-1200.
3 Treat the family to Four Mile Historic Park’s Egg Hunt April 16. Search for thousands of eggs in the 12-acre park; plus hop on hayride, get photo with Easter Bunny. Hunts are 9 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Are you plumb sure there’s not lead in your water? Lead can get into the water as it moves through lead-containing fixtures, plumbing, and service lines. Let Denver Water’s Lead Reduction Program check. Information: DenverWater.org/Lead.
3 The Colorado Symphony Chorus hails Easter with a performance of Maher’s Resurrection at Boettcher April 16, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Enjoy the mellow, gentle ukulele ballads of Indie pop singer Robin Skinner playing Fillmore Auditorium April 19, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-837-0360.
3 For blockbuster entertainment — an evening filled with music, dancing, food, and drinks (included in ticket) — make plans to attend One Epic Night April 23, 6 p.m. The Swallow Hill fundraising event at its Yale location will have live performances on three stages, with 12 local bands. You’ll hear blues, bluegrass, jazz, rock & roll, folk, and more. Night’s proceeds support Swallow Hill’s numerous community outreach programs. Information: 303-777-1003.
April is a favorable month for vacations, weddings, and countless outdoor adventures. In fact, April is so trendy and popular that parents have named their daughters after the month.
Musicians often use the name in lyrics when writing songs. Moreover, religious traditions honor some form of April hallelujah, for this is the season of amazing redemption.
Pitter patter, listen to the rain! A gush of bird-song, a patter of precipitation, a cloud, and a rainbow, it’s suddenly sunshine and perfect blue. As the trees say, what a re-leaf!
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
