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Play Your Way Through A Colorado Summer

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Our Top Picks for Festivals and Fun

By Rebecca Treon

Summer is one of Colorado’s most beautiful seasons, when warm weather beckons us outside to enjoy all the state has to offer, from high-country adventure to the bustle of the city. Festivals abound both in the Mile High City and further afield, offering everything from live music to food and wine — all with the purpose of bringing community together for an immersive experience. We’ve gathered some of the state’s notable summer festivals below.

Denver Chalk Art FestivalJune 2-3 in Larimer Square

Denver Chalk Art Festival follows street painting traditions that originated in 16th century Renaissance Italy when artists began transforming asphalt into canvas using chalk. The artists were called “madonnari,” after their customary practice of recreating chalk paintings of the Madonna. Historically, madonnari were known for their life of travel and freedom, making their living from coins received from passersby. Along with the hundreds of visual artists you’ll see creating masterpieces along Larimer Square, there will also be a selection of talented musicians on hand. www.larimerarts.org

Folk West in Pagosa Springs
Various times this summer

Far-flung Pagosa Springs is nestled in Southern Colorado’s San Juan mountain range, and is host to Folk West, which puts on two festivals during the summer: the Four Corners Folk Festival (August 31-September 2) and The Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass event (June 8-10). The Four Corners Folk Festival has hosted the likes of Los Lobos and Bela Fleck; Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass has featured the Tony Furtado Trio and the Lil Smokies, among others. Camp under the stars and enjoy all the folk and bluegrass you want at these two festivals. www.folkwest.com

GoPro Mountain Games
June 7-10 in Vail

Head up to Vail to watch the top national event in the outdoor industry. Under human power, outdoor athletes compete in 11 sports and 27 disciplines for more than $120,000 in prize money. Lifestyle events include the GoPro Outdoor Reels film series, the Mountain Click photography competition, interactive expo area, Gear Town, the Mountains of Music concert series and the Outside Adventure Film School. www.mountaingames.com

Vail Craft Beer Classic
June 14-17

What could be better than enjoying a great craft beer or spirit in a picturesque mountain setting? All the greats will be on hand for you to try, including Odells, Great Divide, 10th Mountain, Boulder Beer, Breckenridge Brewery, Broken Compass, Colorado
Cider Co., Epic Brewing, Left Hand Brewing, Oskar Blues, Telluride Brewing, Tito’s Vodka and lots more! Enjoy sips, bike rides, parties and hikes at this fun event! www.vailcraftbeerclassic.com

25th Annual Colorado BBQ Challenge
June 14-16 in Frisco

A popular tradition since 1993, the 2018 BBQ Challenge in Frisco features bands, pig races, kids’ activities, the annual Fire Fighter Cook Off, food sampling, whiskey tasting and much more. Fun for kids and adults, and this will be some of the best barbecue you’ll enjoy. Hogback tickets are the official currency and are good for everything from beer to BBQ to berry kabobs. This is a Kansas City Barbecue-sanctioned competition, and winners of the Frisco Challenge are eligible to compete in the American Royal – the “World Series” of Barbecue. www.townoffrisco.com

Aspen Food & Wine Classic
June 15-17

The food and wine world’s premier event unfolds with much fanfare every summer in the mountains of Aspen, where celebrity chefs, world-class wine experts, and exhibitors gather to bring the best of the culinary scene to our front door. From chef-prepared dinners by the hottest names in the industry to workshops on wine and tastings and after-parties galore, this is the summer’s hottest ticket. www.foodandwine.com

Denver Barbecue (BBQ) Festival
June 15-17, Sports Authority at Mile High

Father’s Day practically screams barbecue, and this year, Dads, you’re in luck: it’s the inaugural year of the Denver Barbecue Festival, bringing together the country’s best pitmasters for an event of epic, um, pro-portions, with tickets benefitting Food Bank of the Rockies. Sports Authority at Mile High is the place to be, with two BBQ-consuming options: Saturday and Sunday admission is free with live music and food (plus beer and drinks) for purchase; ticketed all-you-can-eat Pit Passes (including a Friday Preview Party) have all-access. Honored award-winning pitmasters include local favorite Jason Ganahl (GQUE BBQ), Big Moe Cason (Des Moines, IA), Scott Roberts (Driftwood, TX), and John David Wheeler (Horn Lake, MS) among other award winners. www.denverbbqfest.com

Colorado Renaissance Festival
June 16-August 5, Larkspur

Each weekend during the summer, the town of Larkspur is transformed into a magical place, as hundreds of costumed merrymakers create original works and entertain crowds. This year marks the festival’s 42nd season, and will be a memorable experience with rollicking music, wonderful food and performances galore. www.coloradorenaissance.com

Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 21-24

Now in its 44th year, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is a rare treat, and performers include bluegrass superpickers, soulful songwriters and a variety of musical superstars sprinkled into the mix. The festivarian audience is a loyal bunch, and many attendees are going on their 20th consecutive year (or more!). The setting of the festival, in the rugged San Juan Mountains surrounded on three sides by the spectacular Telluride Box Canyon, makes this a special event. www.bluegrass.com/telluride

BRAVO! Vail
June 21-August 2

Four of the world’s greatest orchestras make their summer home at Bravo! Vail. All summer long, internationally renowned musicians and acclaimed soloists perform powerful classical masterworks and sensational pops programs in the beautiful setting of Vail. Plus, experience intimate chamber music concerts performed by world-class soloists throughout the Vail Valley. Featuring the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. www.bravovail.org

Colorado Tiny House Festival
June 22-24, Adams County Fairgrounds

The Colorado Tiny House Festival is returning for its second year – bigger and better than ever! Doubling in size, the festival features a uniquely diverse assortment of small living structures from tiny houses on wheels to container homes, a semi-trailer conversion, schoolies, van conversions, teardrops, yurts and more. The Colorado Tiny House Festival will blend the spirit of the tiny living movement with the most up-todate information on going tiny, simplifying your life, minimalistic living, and living greener. In addition to tours of nearly 40 unique small living structures, attendees will enjoy expert speaker presentations, hands-on workshops, a product and service marketplace, food, drink, and more. www.coloradotinyhousefestival.com

Westword Music Showcase
June 23 in Golden Triangle

Now in its 24th year, the Westword Music Festival offers more live music than ever at various venues throughout the Golden Triangle neighborhood. After polling some 200 people in the music biz, who nominated 800 musical acts, Westword whittled the selection down to 150 — half of which will perform at the festival. In the lineup: national headliners like Galantis, St. Lucia, and Tracksuit Wedding, plus slews of local bands (guests are encouraged to vote for their favorites). The main event takes place on two outdoor stages (and other venues) from noon until 10 p.m. VIP tickets are also available, with access to perks like shade, food and drink, and a private entrance. www.westwordshowcase.com

Cherry Blossom Festival
June 23-24, Sakura Square in downtown Denver

A thrilling celebration of Japanese heritage and culture through live entertainment, food and drink and a marketplace of informative exhibits and demonstrations. www.cherryblossomdenver.org

Telluride Wine Festival
June 28-July 1

The historic mining town of Telluride is the ideal backdrop for an intimate four-day food and wine festival that immerses guests in a complete gourmet experience. The 37th annual Telluride Wine Festival assembles chefs like Tom Coohill and John Tesar for wine pairing dinners and more, but the real focus is wine, with winemaker seminars, reserve and grand tastings, and a culinary village. www.telluridewinefestival.com

Colorado Lavender Festival 2018
June 29-July 1, Palisade

Every year in Palisade in western Colorado, visitors flock to gawk at the endless variety of lavender that thrive under clear blue skies, a dry climate and lean soils. The beautiful landscape derives from snowmelt waters from the Rocky Mountains, which nourish the high-altitude farms where the lavender is cultivated. The festival includes educational seminars, great food and wine, and an intriguing array of artisan products. www.coloradolavender.org

Vail Jazz Festival
July 1-August 24

From jazz legends to emerging artists, the Vail Jazz Festival showcases a variety of styles, from swing, salsa and blues to Brazilian and American songbook. Featuring performances by some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians, this season’s lineup includes more than 75 performances and 200 artists. www.vailjazz.org

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 6-8, Cherry Creek North

This world-class and award-winning celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts tranforms the tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North into a high-end gallery. Through engaging cultural and arts education experiences, thousands of visitors interact with 265 visual artists, performing artists, sponsors and other cultural organizations. More than 2,100 artists apply annually, making CCAF one of the most competitive juried shows in the nation. This year’s festival features 265 national and international artists, in 13 different media categories. Wander over to Artivity Avenue for hands-on demonstrations and interactive art-making at the Janus Henderson Art Experience. This year, Arrow Electronics features Handsome Little Devils as they provide surprise popup performances throughout the festival site. On Culinary Avenue, patrons will enjoy a selection of 22 unique and tasty delights fit to satisfy any festival foodie. Four food trucks will also be located throughout the festival site. www.cherryarts.org

Central City Opera’s 2018 Festival

Experience the extraordinary at Central City Opera’s 2018 Festival July 7 through August 5. This year, main stage productions include “The Magic Flute” (beginning July 7) and “Il Trovatore” (beginning July 14). Both world-class performances will be brought to life in the historic 550-seat jewel box opera house in Central City, Colorado. Patrons will experience the grand talent of opera singers who perform at top-tier venues such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and are the first to see young talent who are accepted into the competitive Bonfils- Stanton Foundation Artist Training Program. Graduates of this program perform throughout the world to critical acclaim. In addition to the two main stage productions, Central City Opera’s 2018 Festival will feature two one-act operas: the 40th anniversary of “The Face on the Barroom Floor” and “Acis and Galatea.” These one-act operas will be performed in various locations in Central City, beginning July 25. Wrapping up the 2018 summer season, Central City Opera is excited to announce “Encore: A Musical Revue,” August 8, 9 and 11. Conceived by Curt Olds, who is a past apprentice and principal artist with Central City Opera, “Encore: A Musical Revue” is an exhilarating and eclectic mix of old and new pieces of music theater, from Broadway and Off-Broadway composers. www.centralcityopera.org

Slow Food Nations
July 13-15 in Larimer Square

The Slow Food movement began in Italy in the late 1980s, dedicated to preserving traditional foodways and combatting fast food and lifestyles. Today, more than 160 countries participate in the movement, with 150 chapters in the United States. Slow Food Nations will host a takeover of Larimer Square that celebrates flavor, culture, and exploring food. There are several free events like the Taste Marketplace, featuring more than 100 culinary exhibitors offering samples, or Eat Street, a block-long pop-up food and drink court. Ticketed workshops run for $50 with topics like The A to Z of Olive Oil and The Ancient Art of Tortillas, where you can expand your culinary knowledge. www.slowfoodnations.org

Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
July 14-15 in Steamboat Springs

One of Colorado’s most colorful weekends takes place each summer in the picturesque setting of Steamboat Springs. Now in its 37th year, balloons lift off over Bald Eagle Lake, and the image is nothing short of magical. The colorful balloons dot the Yampa Valley sky, and local vendors offer great food and hot coffee, while just minutes away kids can enjoy Art in the Park featuring arts and crafts, performances and an interactive children’s area. On Saturday as the sun sets, head back to the mountain area and watch in wonder as the colorful balloon glow lights up on Mt. Werner. www.steamboatchamber.com

Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival
July 28

This rustic mountain town is transformed into a picturesque mountainside vineyard, featuring a tantalizing array of varietals from top wineries. An enthusiast’s choice of nearly 300 wines, complemented by mouthwatering small dishes selected to accompany each vintage. Add to this some great live music, and you’ll want to make this a mainstay of every summer vacation! www.rockymtnevents.com/breckenridge-food-wine

Vail International Dance Festival
July 28-August 11

Celebrating its 30th anniversary season, the 2018 Vail Dance Festival is a two-week showcase of the beautiful world of dance, with showstopping performances by acclaimed artists from around the world. www.vcf.org/arts

Underground Music Showcase
July 27-29 in Denver

The Rocky Mountain region’s largest indie music festival returns to Denver’s Baker/South Broadway neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to discover new musical acts as you stroll along the eclectic streets lined with unique restaurants, bars and shops. The multi-day event showcases local bands and national acts, including comedy and podcast recordings, panel discussions and live music. Sponsored by Two Parts, tickets and information are available at www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com

Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival
August 9-12

Celebrate great food and drink in a spectacular setting at the 12th annual Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival. Showcasing the culinary wizardry of local chefs, exclusive wines and more. Sip custom blends, sample great tequilas, indulge in a fabulous wine dinner, participate in hands-on mozzarella making or take a port and cheese excursion. Fun for foodies as well as anyone who appreciates a great glass of wine at altitude! www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/activities/summer-activities

Velorama Colorado
August 17-19

RiNo Art District is the place to be for the second annual Velorama entertainment experience. Celebrating the arts, music and cycling, this is a one-of-a-kind “festival” where you’ll be treated to national music acts including Wilco and Death Cab for Cutie, hundreds of vendors, a Bike Expo, and independent craft makers of beer, cider and wine. www.veloramafestival.com

“Happy City: Art for the People”

“Happy City: Art for the People” is a six-week, citywide art intervention with the purpose of breaking down personal, emotional and social barriers, while nurturing individual and collective well-being. The project is produced by The Denver Theatre District with artistic direction by Black Cube and is inspired by British artist Stuart Semple. “Happy City” brings together more than 10 artists’ perspectives to address ideas of happiness and community wellness, in an effort to imagine a more connected society. The initiative includes a series of artwork interventions by local, national and international artists spread throughout public spaces of downtown Denver. Artists include Theresa Anderson, Matt Barton, Milton Melvin Croissant III, Carlos Frésquez, Vince McKelvie, Kelly Monico, Zach Reini, John Roemer, Stuart Semple, Joel Swanson and Frankie Toan. The installation sites include streets, alleyways, billboards, video screens and Union Station, among other locations. In addition to the installations, the “Happy City” initiative will present “Happy Talks” and “Happiness Unpacked: a panel discussion,” deeper conversations exploring the intersection of art, mental wellness and civic participation, and engaging programming initiated and supported by nearly a dozen community partners. www.happycitydenver.com

CALENDAR

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Event Lineup

MARCH

March 1-April 1
Hamilton
Buell Theatre
The national tour of the highly acclaimed musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, about America’s founding father, Alexander Hamilton. A wonderful blend of hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, this is the story of America then, as told by America now.

March 1-11
The Great Leap
Ricketson Theatre
When an American college basketball team travels to Beijing for an exhibition game in 1989, the drama on the court goes deeper than the strain between their countries. Tensions rise right up to the final buzzer as history collides with the action in the stadium.

March 1-April 22
First Date
Garner Galleria Theatre
When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friend, manipulative exes and protective parents.

March 3
Trevor Noah
Bellco Theatre
Africa’s most successful comedian and host of the Emmy and Peadbody Award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central comes to Denver for one fabulous night. Noah was the subject of David Paul Meyer’s award-winning documentary You Laugh But It’s True, the story of his remarkable career in post-apartheid South Africa.

March 5-April 23
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Garner Galleria Theatre
Jazz legend Billie Holiday’s troubled life story comes to life through the songs that made her famous, including “God Bless the Child,” “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Strange Fruit” and “Taint Nobody’s Biz-ness.”

March 5
Lorde
Pepsi Center
This New Zealand songwriter and singer rose to prominence with the release of “Royals” in 2013, making her the youngest solo artist to reach a No. 1 single since 1987. She curated the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1; the lead single “Yellow Flicker Beat” was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Song.

March 6
G-Eazy
1STBANK Center, Broomfield
His career started when he opened for superstars such as Drake and Lil Wayne, and following his college graduation he released “Must Be Nice,” which landed at #3 on the ITunes Hip Hop Chart. His most recent album, “The Beautiful & Damned”, was released this fall, and is a huge hit among his rapper fans.

March 8
Justin Moore
1stBANK Center, Broomfield
The country music singer was named 2014 ACM New Artist of the Year. His single “You Look Like I Need a Drink” is climbing the country charts, following up his second consecutive No. 1 album release of Off the Beaten Path. He has several gold-certified #1 hits and has sold more than 7 million digital downloads.

March 9
Jim Jefferies Live
Bellco Theatre
Jeffries stops in Denver as part of his 2018 tour across the United States and Canada. The tour follows his successful Netflix comedy special, “Freedumb”. Jefferies has garnered strong popularity for his controversial views delivered in original and entertaining standup performances.

March 10
L.A. Dance Project
Gates Concert Hall
A wonderful performance featuring a fresh, contemporary vision of dance and stylistically diverse repertory. The audience will be treated to a night of bold musicality, dynamic movement and ballet.

March 11
k.d. lang
Paramount Theatre
For more than a quarter century, k.d. lang has entertained fans with her blend of country-rock with a bit of punk thrown into the mix. Her best-known hit, “Constant Craving,” earned her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She has collaborated with the best, including Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and Tony Bennett, who declared her “the best singer of her generation.”

March 11
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Carnival of the Animals
Boettcher Concert Hall
An enjoyable performance especially for kids, as the symphony performs some of the best-known pieces from French composer Camille Saint-Saens, with each movement depicting a different animal from the royal lion to the graceful swan.

March 14
Bon Jovi: This House is Not For Sale Tour
The Pepsi Center
The band has been rocking it for more than three decades and has earned their place among global rock royalty. Bon Jovi will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this April!

March 16-17
Denver Gay Men’s Chorus Presents British Invasion!
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Now in its 36th season, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus entertains audiences with old and new works. Recent chorus highlights include DGMC’s participation in the 2016 Film on the Rocks Prince Tribute. DGMC is devoted in its commitment to commissioning new works, including “I Am Harvey Milk” by Andrew Lippa.

March 16-18
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5
Boettcher Concert Hall
Pianist Zhang Zuo (Zee Zee) performs Beethoven’s vigorous and demanding Piano Concerto No. 5. Zee Zee has been dubbed “full of enthusiasm and glamour, radiating the vigor of youth” by Chinese Gramophone.

March 17
The Harlem Globetrotters
The Pepsi Center
Since 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained more than 144 million fans in 122 countries and territories worldwide, popularizing the slam dunk, fast break, the forward and point guard positions and the figure-eight weave.

March 17-18
Amsoil Arenacross
Denver Coliseum
A thrilling spectacle as riders are jammed onto the track in a nail-biting chase where anything goes. The event is a mixture of sports and entertainment, and only the strong — and the fearless – will make the grade.

March 17
Sam Bush
Boulder Theatre
This American bluegrass mandolin player is hailed as the originator of Newgrass style. His achievements have earned him three Grammys, including Album of the Year for “O Brother, Where Art Thou” in 2001.

March 17
Harlem Globetrotters
1stBank Center
Since 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained more than 144 million fans in 122 countries and territories worldwide, popularizing the slam dunk, fast break, the forward and point guard positions and the figure-eight weave.

March 20
The Illusionists Present Adam Trent
Ellie Caulkins
Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent, the breakout star of the world’s bestselling magic show “The Illusionists,” presents an immersive entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music perfect for the entire family.

March 20
Kid Rock’s American Rock ’n Roll Tour
Pepsi Center
This rockin’ recording artist has had a slew of hit singles, and his 2018 tour will introduce fans to his brand-new album, Sweet Southern Sugar. Drawing his musical influence from The Beastie Boys and Bob Seger, his work is a combination of hip hop, rap, rock, country, blues, funk, heavy metal and soul.

March 22, 24
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert with The Colorado Symphony
1stBANK Center
Performed for the first time in full in Colorado, this performance relives the epic score by John Williams. The score was named the greatest American film score of all time by AFI in 2005. A screening of the film will accompany the concert.

March 22-April 15
This is Modern Art
The Jones
Graffiti crews are willing to risk anything for their art. But when one crew finishes the biggest graffiti bomb of their careers, the consequences get serious and spark a public debate asking, where does art belong?

March 23
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – John Denver: A Rocky Mountain High
Boettcher Concert Hall
Musical legend John Denver is honored in this special concert. The two-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter preforms classic songs in archival video footage, backed by live performances from his former bandmates and full symphony orchestra. A wonderful multi-media treat.

March 24
Paula Poundstone
Paramount Theatre
The host of NPR’s #1 weekly comedy news quiz summed up Paula Poundstone when he said, “Air becomes funny having been breathed by her.” She’s hailed as one of the funniest comedians performing today, and her newest book, “The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search For Human Happiness,” was best described by Lily Tomlin who said, “I laughed. I cried. I got another cat.” She will truly keep you in stitches!

March 24
John Hiatt
Boulder Theater
American rock guitarist, pianist, singer, and songwriter Hiatt has a far-reaching repertoire, including new wave, blues and country. He’s been nominated for numerous Grammy Awards and has received several distinctions in the music industry. He remains one of the most respected and influential American singer-songwriters.

March 27
Romeo Santos
Pepsi Center
Romeo Santos is a singer, songwriter, actor, record producer and former lead vocalist of the American bachata band Aventura. His solo career includes seven No. 1 songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart and 11 No. 1 songs on the Tropical Songs chart.

March 28
Buddy Guy
Paramount Theatre
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has had a major influence on rock superstars including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix. At age 81, he’s still going strong, and Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #23 in the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” His work continues to keep the blues alive.

 

APRIL

April 4
Jeff Dunham: Passively Aggressive
1stBANK Center
This incredibly talented ventriloquist is the consummate entertainer, and holds a Guinness World Record for “Most Tickets Sold for a Stand-up Comedy Tour.” With more than 1 million YouTube subscribers amassing more than 1 billion views, Dunham and his cast of characters (Walter, Peanut, Achmed and Me) are beloved by his fans.

April 4
Jake Bugg
Bluebird Theater
“Lightning Bolt” and “Slumville Sunrise” made him famous, but it’s his latest work, “Hearts That Strain” that is creating a buzz for its largely acoustic emphasis, as well as for his collaboration with Miley Cyrus sibling Noah Cyrus in “Waiting.”

April 5
Dan Auerbach
Paramount Theatre
The former Black Keys frontman released his solo album, “Waiting On A Song,” acclaimed as a love letter to Nashville. His music is a mix of blues and rock, and his newest work contains collaborations with acclaimed songwriter John Prine.

April 5-29, 2018
A Picasso – All’s Fair in Art and War
Cherry Creek Theatre at The MACC
Paris 1941, German occupation forces have dragged Pablo Picasso from his favorite café into a dark basement storage vault. The Third Reich’s cultural attache, Miss Fisher, interrogates the cubist master to verify three of the master’s works for the Ministry of Propaganda’s “degenerate” art exhibition. Through their thrilling power play, truths are revealed and tensions rise when art, politics, sex and lies collide.

April 6-May 6
Native Gardens
Space Theatre
Dealing with neighbors can be thorny, especially for a young Latino couple who move into a well-established DC neighborhood. Though their neighbors have the best intentions, their newly budding friendship is tested when they realize their shared property line isn’t where it’s supposed to be.

April 6-8
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Coplands Rodeo
Boettcher Concert Hall
Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Litton’s tenure concludes with this rollicking piece of American Rodeo: Ballet In One Act. Litton recorded and released the performance with the Colorado Symphony, and it was named one of Colorado’s best classical albums of 2016. Cellist Alban Gerhardt joins Litton onstage for a rare performance of Barber’s Cello Concerto.

April 7-28
Disney’s Aladdin
Buell Theatre
A thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

April 8
Disney On Ice: Frozen
Denver Coliseum
Kids and adults alike will thrill to this dazzling ice show, replete with special effects and beloved musical score. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie with special appearances by other Disney characters.

April 11
Judas Priest
Budweiser Event Center, Loveland
For nearly 40 years this British heavy metal band has wowed fans, and their 2008 album “Nostradamus” was the highest-charting album of their storied career. They won a 2010 Grammy for Best Metal Performance, are a VH1 Rock Honors recipient, and have sold more than 50 million copies of their albums. They are truly one of the greatest metal bands of all time.

April 12
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Paramount Theatre
Bradlee’s PMJ has garnered more than 740 million YouTube views and 2.7 million subscribers since its creation in 2009. Bradlee continues to add new arrangements every week, featuring interpretations from artists such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Radiohead, Maroon 5 and more.

April 13-14
Bela Fleck: Concerto for Banjo and Orchestra No. 3
Boettcher Hall
Bela Fleck has been nominated in more categories than any other artist in Grammy history, and has won 14 awards. The king of the banjo performs with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in this regional premier.

April 14
Toughest Monster Truck Tour
Budweiser Events Center, Loveland
Watch six of the nation’s toughtest monster trucks, including Bigfoot, Quad Chaos, Dirt Crew, Heavy Hitter and Dawg Pound. The event also brings back Megasaurus, the transforming, fire-breathing, car mangling dinosaur robot.

April 14
The Dixie Dregs
Boulder Theater
This American band formed in the 1970s and continues to pave the way with a unique instrumental sound that fuses hard rock, southern rock, progressive metal and classical forms. The band remains a loose collection of its former members, reuniting briefly for short tours and rare studio work.

April 14
David Feherty: Live Off Tour
Paramount Theatre
This professional golfer and TV personality is a entertainer. He won five European championships during his career, and played on the PGA Tour. His books include A Nasty Bit of Rough, Somewhere in Ireland a Village is Missing an Idiot, and David Feherty’s Totally Subjective History of the Ryder Cup. He’s smart, quick and very very funny.

April 18
Branford Marsalis
Fort Collins Colorado Lincoln Center
Saxophonist, composer and bandleader Branford Marsalis has been described as “arguably the most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist.” Marsalis, with his father and brothers, were group recipients of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award.

April 19
311/Method Man & Redman
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Method Man is a rapper, actor and record producer, a member of the East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tan Clan, and half of the hip hop duo Method Man & Redman. Redman is a member of Def Squad.

April 19-21
Return to the Cabaret
Fort Collins Colorado Lincoln Center
The High Performance Dance Theatre delivers an inspiring performance where you’ll be entertained by dancers and singers. The show is inspired by cabaret-style musicals and clubs, and takes you back to a time when jazz was alive and hot!

April 20-21
Lewis Black
Paramount Theatre
This comedian, author, playwright, social critic and actor is best known for his angry demeanor and belligerent comedic style, in which he often simulates having a mental breakdown. His comedy routines often escalate into angry rants about history, politics, religion, or any other cultural trends.

April 20
Flosstradamus
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Curt Cameruci, or Flosstradamus is an American DJ and producer, who has produced iconic tracks like Major Lazer’s “Original Don” “CROWD CTRL,” “Mosh Pit,” and “TTU (Too Turnt Up). The latest single is “Back Again.”

April 20-May 27
The Who’s Tommy
Stage Theatre
After a traumatic incident, young Tommy retreats from the world around him. But a newfound talent for pinball introduces him to the fame and fortune of success. Tommy and his family give new voice to The Who’s iconic 1969 concept album as they navigate the troubles and joys of being alive.

April 20-22
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Wagner The Ring Without Words
Boettcher Concert Hall
Music Director Brett Mitchell leads the orchestra through the fundamental sequences of Wagner’s Ring cycle in this piece which normally takes days to perform in its entirety.

April 21
Spring with the Children’s Chorale
Boettcher Concert Hall
A memorable performance by the internationally acclaimed Colorado Children’s Chorale that includes a wonderful repertoire ranging from opera to pop. The performance blends creative artistry with an infusion of theater.

April 21
Wild Child
Bluebird Theater
This Texas band is really a seven-piece pop mini orchestra, presenting violin, ukulele, cello, keyboards, trumpet, harmonica, drums, guitar, trombone and bass. Their latest album, Expectations, is an artful combination of their indie-pop sound that has shaped so many of their hits.

April 24
Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles
Memorial Hall, Pueblo
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band! The historic album is brought to life in its entirety for this psychedelic multimedia spectacular. A note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles.

April 27
The Velveteen Rabbit
Gates Concert Hall
Kids and adults will be charmed by this celebration of the enduring power of love. Known for their athleticism and passion, the ODC dancers seamlessly navigate the many roles that bring this story to life, in this tale of the enduring relationship between a boy and his stuffed rabbit.

April 28
The Comedy Get Down
Bellco Theatre
Four groundbreaking comics come together for a night of hilarity. Featuring Cedric ‘The Entertainer,’ Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley and George Lopez. From sitcoms, to standup to radio and books, these comedians are not to be missed.

April 28-29
Carmen
Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center, Pueblo
A story of love, jealousy and fate, Carmen will leave you breathless. This one-act ballet written in 1967 by Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin is based on the Bizet Opera with original choreography, and will captivate you from the moment the dancers take the stage.

MAY

May 1
“Weird Al” Yankovic – The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour
Paramount Theatre
He’s a singer-songwriter, parodist, record producer, satirist, actor, voice actor, music video director, film producer, and author. Weird Al is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts.

May 2
Maks, Val & Peta Live on Tour:  Confidential
Bellco Theatre
Dancing With The Stars hottest stars, Maks and Val, present a spectacular dance show that combines the elegance of the ballroom, some confidential revelations and a true love story.

May 2
George Ezra
Ogden Theater
This soulful artist with the beautiful deep voice is gearing up for the release of his third album, “Staying At Tamara’s”, an album of positivity and hope written during a tumultuous time. With songs such as “Pretty Shining People” and “Get Away”, this will be a memorable performance.

May 3
X Ambassadors
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Their gold-certified album, VHS debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, and the platinum- selling “Renegades” spent 12 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Alternative chart. The band recently released “Ahead of Myself,” their first single off their forthcoming set.

May 3-4
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Jurassic Park in Concert
Boettcher Concert Hall
Featuring the iconic musical scores of John Williams, you will experience this groundbreaking film set to the beautiful performance of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Jurassic Park was the highest- grossing film of all time in 1993, and won three Academy Awards.

May 4
An Evening With Michael Wolff
Paramount Theatre
Wolff is an author and journalist and contributor to USA Today, The Hollywood Reporter and the UK edition of GQ. But he is best known for his recent tome, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which quickly rose to No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

May 5
Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family
Band/Leftover Salmon
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Phil Lesh performed with the Grateful Dead and uses the songbook as the impetus for much of this band’s music. What began as a house band is now so, so much more. Colorado band Leftover Salmon serves up a mix of rock, folk, bluegrass, Cajun, soul, zydeco, jazz and blues. Their music is always entertaining, always evolving.

May 6
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Pirates of the Symphony Seas
Boettcher Concert Hall
Christopher Dragon conducts this quirky program that takes you on an adventure to an island of swashbuckling delight. A symphony of treasure that is sheer fun and entertainment for kids and adults.

May 8
P!NK Beautiful Trauma World Tour
Pepsi Center
From her first album “Can’t Take Me Home” in 2000, this singer/songwriter has turned out the hits. She’s a Grammy winner, topped the Billboard charts and sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. She received the BMI President’s Award for “her outstanding achievement in songwriting and global impact on pop culture and the entertainment industry.”

May 10
The Purple Xperience – The Greatest Prince Tribute
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
This tribute to one of Rock’s greatest icons showcases the talent of Marshall Charloff, who’s vocals and artistry are reminiscent of the incredible talents of Prince. A great night of singing and dancing to classic songs including “Purple Rain”, “1999”, “Raspberry Beret” and more.

May 10
Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train
The Pepsi Center
These Rock and Roll Hall of Fames inductees have been performing for more than three decades, and they have sold more albums than any other duo in music history. In 1987, Daryl Hall and John Oates were deemed the No. 1 selling duo in music history, a record they still hold today.

May 11-13
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Mozart’s Elvira Madigan
Boettcher Concert Hall
Mozart’s sprightly Overture to The Marriage of Figaro conducted by Ken-David Masur opens the performance, leading to pianist Orion Weiss and the Colorado Symphony performng Mozert’s Piano Concerto No. 21, often called “Elvira Madigan”.

May 12
Start Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute
Ogden Theatre
This 7-piece Talking Heads Tribute band recreates the musical genius of the band. A fun celebration of this new-wave band who took the ‘80s by storm. You’ll love the sounds as the band performs hits such as “Psycho Killer”, “Burning Down the House” and “Once in a Lifetime”.

May 13
Modest Mouse
Red Rocks Amphitheater
This American rock band, formed in 1982, derives its name from a passage from the Virginia Woolf story, “The Mark on the Wall”. Their work draws strong influence from groups such as Pavement, the Pixies, XTC and Talking Heads.

May 14
Khalid
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Khalid’s debut album, “American Teen,” was best described by TIME Magazine: “Preternaturally soulful 19-year-old Texan singer-songwriter Khalid has a way with beats – and words — that speaks to the Modern American experience of youth in a natural, resonant way.” Enough said.

May 17
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Musique Nouveau
Boettcher Concert Hall
Guest conductor Edwin Outwater conducts a quartet of modern composers. Principal Violist Basil Vandryes offers an intricate pace for viola and the orchestra then delves into the beauty of five more feature works. The evening’s centerpiece is Mason Bates’ spectacular Anthology of Fantastic Zoology.

May 17
Three Dog Night
Paramount Theatre
When this iconic rock band formed in 1967, it helped introduce mainstream audiences to the work of many songwriters, including Paul Williams (An Old Fashioned Love Song), Hoyt Axton (Joy to the World and Never Been to Spain), Laura Nyro (Eli’s Comin), Harry Nilsson (One), Randy Newman (Mama told Me Not to Come) and Leo Sayer (The Show Must Go On).

May 18-June 24
Human Error
Garner Galleria Theatre
After an unfortunate mix-up by their blundering fertility doctor, Heather is mistakenly impregnated with the wrong child. Now two very different couples face sharing an uproarious nine-month odyssey of culture shock, clashing values, changing attitudes and unlikely – but heartfelt – friendships.

May 19
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Rock On!
Boettcher Concert Hall
Take a trip back to the Rock and Pop hits of the 1970’s and 1980’s with three dynamic musicians. Featuring the works of Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen and many more.

May 20
Elephant Revival
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Their latest album, “Petals” is a journey into new territory for the Colorado band. Their music is rooted in American and Celtic song craft, but “Petals” is infused with a more modern classical approach.

May 24
Celtic Woman
Budweiser Events Center
For more than a decade, the Irish group has celebrated Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage through a fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary song craft. Their 2016 release “Destiny” was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best World Music Album.

May 25
Taylor Swift
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Swift is a seven-time Grammy winner and the youngest recipient in history to win a Grammy for Album of the Year. Her latest album, “Reputation”, was the top-selling album in the country when it was released in 2017.

May 25
The Devil Makes Three
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The band’s fourth album, “I’m a Stranger Here”, was recorded at Dan Auerbach’s Nashville studio. The album is a compilation of part road songs, part heartbreak songs and part barnburners, accompanied by great harmonies and strong acoustic guitar and bass elements.

May 25-27
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – Bernstein and Mahler
Boettcher Concert Hall
The centennial of Leonard Bernstein’s birth is marked in a program highlighting the maestro as both composer and conductor. From Bernstein’s spirited Overture to Candide to Bernstein’s Serenade, capped off with a performance of Mahler’s Titan Symphony.

May 26
Bill Maher
Buell Theatre
(May 27 at Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs)
Comedian, political commentator and television host Bill Maher is best-known for his HBO political talk show Real Time with Bill Maher and the late-night show, Politically Incorrect. His repertoire spans a wide range of topics, including religion, politics, bureaucracy, political correctness and the mass media.

May 27
The Disco Biscuits
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
This jam band from Philly draws inspiration from a variety of musical genres, melding electronic and rock into a style described as trance fusion. They are true rock artists with a technological flair.

May 27
James Taylor & His All Star Band
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
This prestigious rocker has earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and 5 Grammy Awards. His lineup of hits includes “Fire and Rain”, “Country Road”, “Mexico”, “Carolina in My Mind”, “Sweet Baby James” and so many more. James Taylor was honored with the 1998 Century Award, Billboard Magazine’s highest accolade for creative achievement.

May 29-June 10
School of Rock The Musical
Buell Theatre
Based on the hit film, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight-A students in grade-A rockers. The hilarious musical features new songs form Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first ever live kids rock band.

May 30
Vance Joy
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The Australian singer-songwriter hit it big with his single “Fire and the Flood,” which was featured on his 2014 debut album, “Dream Your Life Away.” His behind-the-scenes video set that accompanies the song gives fans a glimpse into Vance Joy’s life on the road.

May 30
Paul Simon
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Rock ‘n Roll great Paul Simon has received numerous awards, including 12 Grammys. He was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his Simon and Garfunkel days, and his song “Mrs. Robinson” was named in the top 10 of The American Film Institute’s 100 Years 100 Songs.

SPORTS

DENVER BRONCOS – All games played at Sports Authority Field

 

 

DENVER NUGGETS – All games at Pepsi Center

 

COLORADO AVALANCHE – All games played at Pepsi Center

 

DENVER PIONEERS – All games played at Magness Arena

 

 

World-Class Exhibits Wow at The Denver Art Museum

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Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism

Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926), Autumn, Portrait of Lydia Cassatt, 1880

Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism has been extended through Monday, Jan. 15, at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). The exhibition features more than 80 remarkable paintings by 37 women artists, created in Paris from 1850 to 1900, a time of great social, cultural and artistic change. These women from across Europe and America migrated to this epicenter of art to further their careers. They range from well-known artists such as Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt and Rosa Bonheur, to painters who are lesser-known in the United States, including Anna Ancher and Paula Modersohn-Becker.
While Paris was known as a cosmopolitan city in the late 19th century, society was still very restrictive for women. They were not allowed to attend the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts)—the country’s most important art academy—until 1897, and it was not socially acceptable to frequent public spaces, such as cafes, to work on their art and mingle with their peers without a male companion. Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism traces how women pursued their artistic aspirations, despite societal challenges, and helped create an alternative system that included attending private academies, forming their own organizations and exhibiting independently.
A fully illustrated exhibition catalog is available in The Shop at the Denver Art Museum and online. Her Paris is a special ticketed exhibition; advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets for youth five and under free, ages 6-18 are $5. #HerParisatDAM

Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926), Autumn, Portrait of Lydia Cassatt, 1880. Oil on canvas; 36-5/8 x 25-5/8 in.
Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris.
Photo: Bulloz ©RMN-Grand Palais/Art Resource, NY. Courtesy American Federation of Arts

Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie

Through July 8, 2018

Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie is the first in a contemporary art series at the DAM featuring contemporary artists. Xiaoze Xie has a lifelong passion for books. In his worldview, books are conveyers of prestige and signifiers of collective cultural knowledge: repositories of historical meaning, cultural conflict and political strife. For Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie, the artist has created still-life paintings of books, videos and installations based on banned and forbidden books in China. Born in a small town in Guangdong Province, China, at the beginning of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1966, Xie now splits his time between studios in Beijing and Palo Alto, California, where he is the Paul L. & Phyllis Wattis Professor of Art at Stanford University. New Eyes On rotations will be featured every six months in the Logan Gallery and Fuse Box on level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Conversation with a Curator: Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie

Jan. 5, 4 p.m

Curator Rebecca Hart will discuss how artist Xiaoze Xie studies books to understand their role in society, much like the Chinese scholar-artists of bygone centuries. Meet at 4 p.m. in the elevator lobby of level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Conversations with Curators feature lively discussions with different curators on the first Friday of the month. Included with general admission; no reservations are needed.

Xiaoze Xie, The Morgan Library and Museum (f138), 2017. Oil paint on canvas; 48 x 82 in. Collection of Jerry Neumann © Xiaoze Xie
Xiaoze Xie, The Morgan Library and Museum (f138), 2017. Oil paint on canvas; 48 x 82 in.
Collection of Jerry Neumann. © Xiaoze Xie.

Exchange

Jan. 12, 6-7:30 p.m.

How does art play a role in helping us discuss contemporary social issues? Find out at the DAM’s new program, Exchange. Come face to face with artworks that can help us explore the pressing questions we have about current events and lend your voice (or maybe even find it) as part of our unfolding conversation. Using Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie as a starting point, we’ll explore the theme of free speech with comic Janae Burris, poet Jen Harris, Sarah Magnatta from the University of Denver and Jim Walsh, founder of the Romero Theater Troupe. Meet in the elevator lobby on level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Included with general admission, which is free for members.

ALSO ON VIEW

Then, Now, Next: Evolution of an Architectural Icon

Through Feb. 25, 2018

Punctuating the DAM’s North Building revitalization project, Then, Now, Next: Evolution of an Architectural Icon is an exhibition on the renowned modernist building, its history and its future. The exhibition features historical photos, original architectural sketches, building models and project renderings to tell the story of the North Building’s evolution. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Linking Asia: Art, Trade, and Devotion

Through April 1, 2018

Linking Asia features approximately 150 sculptures, ceramics, textiles, scrolls and other multi-dimensional works from 20 countries spanning 2,000 years. Linking Asia will dive deeper into the exchange of ideas, beliefs and techniques along the Silk Road trade routes, which profoundly affected the development of Asian art. The presentation explores themes such as artistic inspiration and cross-cultural hybridization of styles, trade by land and sea, ink art trends in East Asia and religious link s before the 20th century. Works on view from the DAM’s Asian art collection will include visitor favorite Shiva, King of Dancers (Shiva Nataraja) and many on view for the first time, such as objects from three shipwrecks. Guided tours are available daily at 2 p.m. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Stone sculpture of Six-Armed Dancing God Ganesha created in India in the 1000s-1100s. In the Asian art collection of the Denver Art Museum.
Six-Armed Dancing God Ganesha, 1000s–1100s, India.
Stone; 24.5 x 14.5 x 4.5 in. Denver Art Museum: Museum purchase. 1968.24

Ganesha: The Playful Protector

Through Oct. 28, 2018

Ganesha: The Playful Protector was developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Widely worshiped since the 400s, Ganesha originated in India as a Hindu god who removes obstacles and is known for granting wealth and success. Imagery of Ganesha has crossed both geographic and religious boundaries, inspiring numerous representations throughout the Asian subcontinent over time—all of which are surveyed in the exhibition to showcase the iconographic changes of this popular Hindu deity. Sculptures, paintings and textiles provide a spectrum of ancient to modern representations of Ganesha. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Past the Tangled Present

Through Oct. 28, 2018

Inspired by imagination and the joy of discovery, Denver artist Jaime Molina’s interactive and immersive installation gives kids and adults alike the opportunity to sit on boxes painted with faces, play in a garden of fabricated cacti and experience an imaginary place where paintings on the walls flow into 3-D objects. During the year the installation will be on view, Molina plans to work with groups to paint different sections of the mural and installation. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Stampede: Animals in Art

Through May 19, 2019

Stampede: Animals in Art brings together more than 300 objects from the DAM’s collection, demonstrating how animals have captivated artists throughout history. Stampede creates an opportunity for visitors to discover and consider the role animals play through themes such as personal connections with animals, how animal materials have been used in art, how animals are used to tell stories or represent political ideas and how artists use animals in imaginative ways. Also included in the expansive display is an interactive space where visitors can learn about the creative process behind the Never Alone video game created by Native North Alaskan storytellers. Guided tours are available daily at 1 p.m., and a Spanish tour of Stampede is offered on Free First Saturday. Both the exhibition and tours are included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Papua New Guinea artist, Malagan Figures, mid-1900s. Wood, paint, fiber and shell;
Papua New Guinea artist, Malagan Figures, mid-1900s.
Wood, paint, fiber and shell; 88 x 12 x 41 in.
Denver Art Museum: Gift of Joan and George Anderman, 2001.177A-C

ADULT LECTURES & PROGRAMS

Beyond America’s Heartland: Regionalism and the Art of the American West

Jan. 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

This symposium focuses on regionalism, a specifically American art form. Guest speakers will expand upon the well-known artist triumvirate of Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry and Grant Wood to explore regionalism’s impact on artists working in the West. Tickets are $25 student, $55 DAM members, $65 others. For additional information, visit http://denverartmuseum.org/westernsymposium, or email symposium@denverartmuseum.org. Sponsored by the Petrie Institute of Western American Art.

Fiber Art in the Museum with Steven Frost

Jan. 5, 12 & 19, 2–4:30 p.m.

Taking inspiration from the DAM’s current exhibitions, this artmaking course introduces participants to working with fabric, yarn and thread in a contemporary art practice. The course will consist of several material experiments and one major project, a soft or fabric sculpture influenced by artworks in the collection. Students will visit the museum’s collections for inspiration, listen to brief weekly lectures on textile art history and integrate sewing, weaving, embroidery and pattern making into their final project. $65 members, $75 nonmembers.

Mindful Looking

Jan. 16, 1 p.m.

This month, get to know Willy, Argus and Lucky, the whimsical, expressive and impressive sculptures by Deborah Butterfield (now in their new home in the Hamilton Building), with DAM teaching specialist Molly Medakovich. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for Mindful Looking as we slow down and savor a single work of art. Included in general admission, free for members.

Barbarian Tropes Framed Anew

Jan. 17, noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.)

Professor Tamara Bentley’s talk will examine three Chinese incised lacquer folding screens produced between 1665 and 1800. Her analysis will highlight the ways in which these Chinese screens borrowed “foreigner” imagery both from earlier Japanese Nanban screens and from earlier paintings of Mongols hunting. Those “barbarian” constructs were even marketed back to Europe. Tickets range from $5-$10. Sponsored by the Asian Art Association, a DAM support group, and Curator’s Circle.

Artist seated on skateboard drawing on sidewalk in downtown Denver.
Shantell Martin at work in downtown Denver. Photo by Jon Paciaroni.

Logan Lectures Spring 2018—Artists on Art: From Any Angle

Shantell Martin: Jan. 17, 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

This spring, DAM Contemporaries celebrates artists speaking about their work with four fresh perspectives. The first speaker is London-born and New York-based Shantell Martin. Her largest artwork to date covers the sidewalks of a downtown Denver plaza for the next 2-3 years. Known for simple, strong black and white marks that invite viewers to share in her creative process, her aesthetic offers immediate engagement. Tickets go on sale Dec. 26: Free for DAMC members and students with valid ID, $10 DAM volunteers, $15 DAM members, $20 nonmembers. The Logan Lecture series is sponsored by Vicki and Kent Logan in affiliation with DAM Contemporaries, a DAM support group.

Animate Architecture in the Yucatán Peninsula

Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m.

Ancient Maya art offers a window into a world imbued with supernatural forces, a place where rulers interacted with gods and mountains were anthropomorphic beings. The same blurring between the natural and supernatural realms was reflected in the built environment, where structures could be living things. Art historian Dr. Meghan Rubenstein specializes in the ancient Americas. Her lecture will explore the concept of animate architecture using examples from the Puuc, Chenes and Río Bec regions in Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Tickets available at the door. Sponsored by Alianza de las Artes Americanas, a DAM support group.

Untitled logo, yellow text on black background

Untitled 2018 Season Kicks off with Nathan Hall and Laura Ann Samuelson

Jan. 26, 6-10 p.m.

In 2018, Untitled: Final Fridays get even more creative! Join us for the season kick-off and our first artist-designed lineup as composer Nathan Hall and dancer Laura Ann Samuelson guest curate the night’s events. Stop by for a night of offbeat art and fun! Produced with local creatives, Untitled Final Fridays is the museum’s monthly late night program featuring workshops, performances and tours with a twist. Experience the museum in an entirely different way—every time. Included in general admission; free for youth 18 and younger. College students with valid ID receive 2-for-1 admission to Untitled Final Fridays.

FAMILY FUN

Free First Saturday

Jan. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy the museum’s art collections and non-ticketed exhibitions without spending a dime! Check out some of the DAM’s many family-friendly activities and enjoy bilingual fun with a free Spanish language tour of Stampede: Animals in Art at 1 p.m., Create-n-Takes and the storytelling program Cuentos del Arte at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free general admission tickets are available onsite starting at 10 a.m. (Special exhibition ticket required for Her Paris.) Free First Saturday is made possible by Your 6 Hometown Toyota Stores and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). #ThanksSCFD #GraciasSCFD

Rustic signpost in Walk in the Woods pointing way to Stampede, aspen tree trunks to the left side

A Walk in the Woods

Through May 19, 2019

Explore animal-themed artmaking activities in the DAM’s newest family space on level 3 of the Hamilton Building. Created to celebrate Stampede: Animals in Art, A Walk in the Woods includes interactive activities including a birdwatching challenge, building with branches and the chance to create your own shadowbox displaying your favorite animals. Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Create Playdate

Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Drop in with your little ones, aged 3 to 5, on the second Wednesday of the month. Meet up with other tots and their grownups for story time, artmaking and more! Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Foxy and Shmoxy: Art Detectives

Jan. 14, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Two smart and hilarious foxes are ready to solve art mysteries in the galleries. Bring the whole family to help Foxy and Shmoxy sniff out clues and unseen treasures in the museum. To find the foxes, visit the Family Activity Cart on level 1 of the Hamilton Building, pick up a letter from the Fox Box and follow the riddles into the galleries. Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Actors in Art Emergency: Stampede Edition, an original play at the Denver Art Museum

Winter Break and Art Emergency: Stampede Edition

Through Jan 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Dec. 25)

During Winter Break at the Denver Art Museum, the 3-D Studio, Create-n-Takes and much more will be available daily (except Dec. 25). See performances of the family-friendly play, Art Emergency: Stampede Edition, at 11 a.m. weekdays during Winter Break (except Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and 4). Included with general admission, which is free for kids 18 and younger. Special exhibition ticket required for Her Paris; free for kids five and younger, $5 for youth 6-18.

ARTISTS ONSITE

3-D Studio and Weekend Artist Demonstrations

Through May 19, 2019

Explore the expansive and varied realm of 3-D art in the 3-D Studio. Build an abstract sculpture at our Purely Paper activity, draw inspiration from Stampede to create your own animal at Wound in Wire or become part of the art as you work together with family and friends to contribute to a collaborative sculpture designed by artist Pam Fortner.

Every Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m., see an artist at work on 3-D art, from sculpture, to 3-D printing, to drawings that turn 3-D right before your eyes! Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Weekend Artist Demonstrations in January – Saturdays & Sundays, noon–3 p.m.

January 6-7: Cal Duran, Clay Totem Design

January 13-14: Judy Gardner, 3-D Printing

January 20-21: Andryn Arithson, 3-D Animal Puppetry

January 27-28: Bonnie Roman, Handmade Paper Sculpture

NORTH BUILDING RENOVATION PROJECT

To expand access during the renovations, the Hamilton Building is now open seven days a week. Enjoy DAM exhibitions, programming and hands-on creativity every day of the week—including Monday! Note: The museum will be open Dec. 24 and Jan. 1, but closed on Dec. 25.

For ongoing information about the North Building renovation, visit denverartmuseum.org/north.

DAM WEBSITE LAUNCHES BILINGUAL PAGES

The DAM website has added several pages in Spanish, offering information on hours, admission prices, parking details, exhibitions, and family and kids programs, including bilingual options. For more information, visit https://denverartmuseum.org/bienvenidos.

Note: This is an overview of January happenings and does not include all exhibitions, events and programs available at the DAM this month. Please visit the museum website for complete information.

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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Holiday Happenings for the Whole Family

By Rebecca Treon

Spending time with family and loved ones is what the holidays are all about—making memories and celebrating traditions both new and old. From Thanksgiving until we welcome 2018, there are plenty of things to keep people of all ages busy in and around Denver. Below, we’ve col- lected some of our favorite activities around the metro area to help your family celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Thanksgiving

The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot has been bringing runners to historic Wash- ington Park for more than 40 years. While grownups can tackle the four-mile run, little (turkey) legs can run the quarter-mile fun run before enjoying post-race entertainment. www.unitedwaydenver.org/turkey-trot

When LoHi standard Rosa Linda’s closed after 30 years, The Squeaky Bean took up the annual tradition of feeding area homeless and hungry at Thanksgiving. The Squeaky Bean, Warren Tech, We Don’t Waste and Denver’s Community teamed up the past two years to continue the event. Today, the Thanksgiving Feed event continues with the support of Warren Tech Central, North and its satellite programs, DHA and Denver’s community. Last year, they fed more than 6,000 of Den- ver’s hungry. The whole event runs on the generosity of volunteers and donations; to participate, email tsbfeed@gmail.com; to donate contact acreswarrentech.com.

Downtown Denver’s Winter in the City program kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with the Grand Illumination, so after you’ve finished bargain hunting on Black Friday, head downtown to the City & County Build- ing. At 6 p.m., holiday lights will be lit from Civic Center to Union Station and all points in between, turning Denver’s downtown cityscape into a glittering holiday wonderland. www.visitdenver.com

Chanukah

On December 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Jewish Community Center (JCC) will host a family-friendly community Chanukah celebration, Light Up Your Chanukah, including latkes, music, crafts, stories, and dreidel games. www.jewishcolorado.org/event/community-light-up-your-chanukah-celebration

Pro tip: Hosting your own Chanukah celebration? Get your latkes from Littleton-based Latke Love (www.latkelove.com) and other Chanukah treats and eats from Glendale’s East Side Kosher Deli (www. eastsidekosherdeli.com).

Christmas

Starting November 17th, Denver’s Skyline park is transformed into a Euro- pean-style holiday market, with vendors from Ukraine, Ireland, Germany and other countries — not to mention local artisans — selling high-quality, handmade gifts. The Denver Christkindl Market features hand-carved wooden figurines, hand-made candles and ornaments, along with German food, Glühwein (hot mulled wine), live German music and traditional carols. www.denverchristkindlmarket.com

The town of Golden, nestled in the foothills outside of Denver, transforms itself into the ultimate place to celebrate Christmas, western style. Kicking off with the Candlelight Walk on December 1, a procession of thousands of people will walk, holding candles, down Washington Street, illuminating each block with lights as they go. Afterward, find everything from roasted chestnuts to hot cider and Santa Claus. The following day, December 2nd, along with December 9th and 16th, Golden hosts its popular Olde Golden Christmas Parades, filling the town’s historic down- town with traditional decorations and fun activities for the whole family. The parade features cowboys on horses, floats, march- ing bands, classic cars, elves on unicycles, the Grinch in a Corvette, and of course, Santa Claus. Following the parade, enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides.

Since 1956, Cascade, Colorado — just minutes outside of Colorado Springs — has been home to the North Pole and Santa’s Workshop, a charming Christmas-centric village. At this North Pole, the ice never melts, and visitors can explore the wares in several shops, experience 25 rides and attractions, see magic shows, lis- ten to music, and of course, visit Mr. Claus himself. www.northpolecolorado.com

For an unforgettable ice skating ex-perience, head to Evergreen Lake, the world’s largest groomed outdoor ice rink. Nestled among the pine trees of the foot- hills, you can skate the day away before sitting in front of a roaring fire in the stone fireplace, sipping hot cocoa. www.evergreenrecreation.com

Nothing is more in the holiday spirit than festive gingerbread houses, and at Stir It Up Cooking School, families can create candy sidewalks, ice cream cone trees, and gumdrop-lined rooftops on their own houses at one of their popular gingerbread house workshops. www.stiri- tupcooking.com

New Year’s Eve and Beyond

Bring your family to experience the sights, sounds, and celebration of New York City’s Times Square ball drop — all before bedtime. Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum features rainbow confetti, bubble wrap fireworks, art proj- ects, music, special characters, and best of all, hourly countdowns and ball drops. www.mychildsmuseum.org

Nothing wraps up the holidays like the National West- ern Stock Show (January 6-21), which draws visitors from all over the west for a plethora of western activities, from livestock competitions, horse shows, fiddling competitions, ro- deo (of course) and much more. In true Colorado tradition, The Brown Palace Hotel leaves its holiday décor up through the last day of the exhibition, culminating in a viewing and photo op with the Grand Champion Steer on January 19th, on display in the lobby. This is the 73rd year the Brown has hosted the rose-bedecked steer. Enjoy high tea surrounded by elegant holiday decorations (there are more than 4,800 ornaments used!) before taking a photo with rodeo royalty. www.brownpalace.com

With so many holiday goings-on, making memories will be some of the most fun you’ve had all year, and remind you why Denver is one of the best cities to visit — or live!

9NEWS Parade of Lights Marches Downtown Denver into the Holiday Season

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43rd Annual Parade of Lights to take place in Downtown Denver December 1 & 2

DENVER – (November 28, 2017) – One of Downtown Denver’s greatest traditions, the 9NEWS Parade of Lights (Parade), presented by American Furniture Warehouse and produced by the Downtown Denver Partnership, will take place this Friday, December 1 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 2 at 6 p.m.

For more than four decades, the Parade has been one of Colorado’s largest and most cheerful holiday traditions. Hundreds of thousands of people gather along the two-mile route through Downtown Denver to see 11 twinkling floats, 3 giant balloons, marching bands performing holiday classics, and performers adorned with more than three pounds of glitter. And, of course, to see Santa Claus.

This year’s Parade will feature a new Ice Castle float, conceived and constructed by the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) Apprenticeship Training Program. The Ice Castle features state-of-the-art lighting and usage of fiber optics and programming not seen before in the Parade, and brings a glimpse of the Northern Lights to the center city. The design was chosen following an IECRM contest and constructed by a volunteer team.

“The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is a treasured holiday tradition gifted to our community by the Downtown Denver Partnership and our member businesses,” said Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “The center city buzzes with energy, excitement and holiday cheer as hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors alike experience the entertainment put on by more than 1,400 Parade participants, 350 Parade volunteers and 200,000 lights.”

Parade enthusiasts have an opportunity to purchase a number of unique items and experiences, such as, the chance to join Santa in his sleigh during the 43rd annual Parade of Lights, giving you the opportunity to watch the Parade up close and personal. Funds raised from these items will help ensure the Parade of Lights tradition continues for years to come. Please note: All Parade items close December 1. Starting in December you’ll be able to purchase new exclusive Denver experiences like a stay at the Four Seasons or the Oxford, fine dining packages and admission to popular attractions such as the Clyfford Still Museum. For additional information on the auction and how to support the Parade, please click here.


Where to Watch
The Parade of Lights begins at 14th and Bannock Streets, where spectators can get the best seats in the house by purchasing grandstand seating directly in front of the City and County Building. A limited number of grandstand tickets are available through Altitude Tickets by calling 1.866.461.6556 or online at www.altitudetickets.com.

Spectators can view the Parade for free along the two-mile route on Tremont Street between 14th and 17th Streets, on 17th Street from Tremont to Arapahoe Street, on Arapahoe between 17th and 15th Streets, and on 15th Street from Arapahoe to Glenarm. Visit www.denverparadeoflights.com for a map of the Parade route.

Those who cannot make it to view the Parade in person can watch a live telecast on Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. on 9NEWS (Live) as well as repeat broadcasts on 9NEWS on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., Dec. 24 at 2 a.m., Dec. 25 at 5 a.m. and on KTVD Channel 20 on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 25 at 8 a.m.

How to Get There
Parade viewers are encouraged to use public transportation. The 16th Street Free MallRide Shuttle provides free services and passes by the California, Stout and Union Station Light Rail Stations. The Free MallRide shuttle will not operate during the one-hour Parade, but will run before and after.

RTD’s Light Rail provides uninterrupted service before and after the Parade with parking available at RTD park-n-Ride locations with some lines experiencing delays during the Parade.

COLORADO’S HIDDEN TREASURE

in Dining & Nightlife/Front Range Activities/Front Range Attractions/Front Range Dining & Nightlife/Front Range Shopping/Shopping/Uncategorized by

GOLDEN, COLORADO SHINES OUT WEST

by BRITTANY BANDEMER

It’s no secret that Colorado’s real estate market is booming, spurred by an influx of out-of-staters making the Centennial state their home. While many consider Denver or Boulder favorable places to settle down, they often overlook one of Colorado’s most beautiful and understated municipalities: the city of Golden.

Golden rests in a basin against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, below the North and South Table Mountains. On one side the city is marked by the prominent “M” for the School of Mines; on the other with the infamous “G” of Golden. Golden’s prime location serves as a focal point between Denver, Boulder and Evergreen, and offers a direct route to Black Hawk and canyon access – bypassing traffic to the slopes.

The city’s history is traced to its establishment in 1859. Proudly proclaimed across its welcome banner in the heart of downtown, Golden’s slogan is simply, “Where the West Lives,” and this declaration couldn’t be truer. This city is rich in history and continues to embody that spirit with barn wood trimmings, stucco-styled homes and architecture reminiscent of the Old West.

Yet for all its storied past, Golden is becoming increasingly modern, with red cobbled brick lining pedestrian walkways and immaculate landscaping  – lending the town the uniquely dichotic feeling of being in two periods at the same time.

While technically a college town, home to the School of Mines, Golden does not resonate with that trait. A top-notch university, The School of Mines was recently rated the top engineering school in the nation by College Factual. Clearly, the college is not home to lackadaisical students. In fact, these students are ambitious and disciplined learners, attending the university not for a good time, but for the most advantageous career achievable. While they may go out on the weekends to the Swig Tavern, students are more likely to spend their free time studying or experiencing the great outdoors.

Golden’s myriad outdoor activities attract athletic enthusiasts by the droves. Colin Endsley, an outdoor adventurer who has lived in Golden for a little over a year says, “Golden is great in that you can walk in any direction from town and find some trail to fall into,” and truly there aren’t enough trails to behold. Golden’s trails are perfect for hikers and cyclists – Lookout Mountain serving as a popular route for the avid cyclist – and the views from each trail are spectacular, ranging from downtown Denver to DIA and back to the formidable Rockies.

Yet the ample trails are just a sampling of what Golden offers. There are also water sports such as tubing and kayaking (when the water flow is safe) from the Clear Creek River, and fishing for Rainbow and Brown trout for the avid angler.

Of special note is Golden’s popularity for the extreme sport of hang gliding. Windy Saddle Park offers a great launch point for hang gliders, and these colorful contraptions can be seen sashaying down the mountain most Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months.

Outdoors aside, one of Golden’s leading attractions is its quaint downtown, a charming and unassuming destination for tourists and locals alike. Downtown Golden is privileged to have so many locally owned restaurants and shops that could keep the body feasting and the mind entertained for days. Home to the infamous Coors Brewery and seasonal farmer’s market, the area embodies everything regionally Colorado.

Notable boutiques include Spinster Sisters Co., which now offers three locations in the Denver metro area (Golden serving as its home base). Opened in 2011, its founder Kelly Perkins calls her products “an alternative to the witches’ brew of 

chemicals that many mod

ern skin care products represent.” From body scrubs to men’s shaving cream, Perkins and her team will keep your skin singing and fantastically fresh, no matter how dry Colorado’s air may be.

Sharing a storefront with Spinster Sisters is Baby Doe’s, a retailer showcasing relaxed and bohemian styles for the laid-back mountainista, as well as the craftsmanship of more than 40 regional artisans. Now under new ownership, Baby Doe’s offers a fresh look and feel that is sure to keep visitors stopping in to shop at one of the downtown area’s well-known establishments.

While the shopping is great

, the dining options are varied and delicious. If you’re looking for a good beer and a good time, there’s the Golden Moon Speakeasy and Buffalo Rose with live music weekly. If you’re following your taste buds and looking for superb dishes, you can venture over to Woody’s Pizza or Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar; Indulge has perhaps the best iced tea in Colorado, which they’ll bring to you by the pitcher.

When you’re ready for dessert, a must-visit is the family-owned and operated Gold Mine Cupcakes. Recently  named by MSN.com as one of the top 16 best bakeries in the U.S., the bakery offers delicious, made-from-scratch creations served fresh by an even sweeter staff. Gold Mine Cupcakes will surely satisfy your sweet tooth with its assortment of 35 flavors and specials daily.

With all these successful businesses and the city’s incredible geography, it’s no wonder people are choosing to explore and settle down in Golden. The once outdated homes are constantly under renovation and are becoming prime real estate for those looking to live the mountain lifestyle, while not sacrificing proximity to the Denver area.

In the future, more local businesses will continue to take root and make their home in Golden. Thoughtful development and growth will only add to the area’s allure as a destination spot for visitors looking for something unique and special, and locals wanting to stake their claim in this unsung gem of Colorado’s landscape.

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Welcome To The Home Ranch

in Activities/Hotels & Resorts/Mountain Activities/Mountain Hotels & Resorts/Uncategorized by

SUMMER VACATION AWAITS IN CLARK, COLORADO

by MONICA PARPAL STOCKBRIDGE

When it comes to vacation, many people just want to get away from it all. Whether that means powering down from a high-stress job in the city, or physically abandoning day-to-day obligations, we often feel compelled to leave home in order to relax, rest and perhaps even enjoy a new adventure.

Arriving for the first time at The Home Ranch – the state’s only Relais & Chateaux affiliated guest ranch and all-inclusive, family-friendly summer vacation destination – there’s a very real, very refreshing sense of isolation. Nestled in the heart of the Elk River Valley, 18 miles north of Steamboat Springs and bordering thousands of acres of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest land, you immediately feel a long distance from wherever you journeyed. But that distance is welcome. You begin to unwind from the bustling, city-light drenched, mile-a-minute lives we lead. Fresh mountain air expands your lungs, and blue skies dazzle your view. As General Manager Brooks Bradbury and Guest Services Manager Selina Heintz greet you upon check-in, they take your bags with warm smiles and a delightfully unexpected greeting: “Welcome Home.”

Finding Home in Clark, Colorado

It all began nearly 40 years ago, when Toledo, Ohio residents Ann and Steve Stranahan (brother of George Stranahan of Colorado whiskey fame) met Ken and Sharon Jones, cattle ranchers from Montana. The four decided they would start their own ranch. The Stranahans were vacationing in Steamboat Springs with their four children when they discovered a 580-acre swath of alpine ranchland in the Elk River Valley, in a small settlement called Clark. This was during what locals call a “Three-wire-winter” – meaning the snow was so high that it reached the tops of the barbed-wire fences separating the roads from the cattle ranches.

From first glance, the Stranahans were transfixed with the area. Later, Ann would write a poem about the experience of seeing the land for the first time, exploring the several hundred acres on cross-country skis with Steve.

The Stranahans purchased that land, “laying impermanent claim,” as Ann writes,  to the natural beauty they discovered there. The land they would eventually transform into a guest ranch would change their lives, and change the face of Clark itself. It was here they established The Home Ranch.

Staying at The Home Ranch

The owners intentionally modeled the ranch after early western homesteads – not the imitation ski chalets popular in the late 1970s, but a more rustic, low-lying look somewhere between a high-country cabin and a farm cottage. As the property has grown, they have added private cabins alongside the main lodge house. Today, there’s a barn that hosts Wednesday night dances, and a spot for weekly bonfire cookouts. There’s a garden and greenhouse, a downright swanky chicken coop, and a hay pasture for grazing horses – 78 of them to be precise, including an irritable yet adorable miniature horse and a beloved donkey named Poncho.

All of this creates a summertime playground for guests of all ages and abilities, who plan their weeklong stays with equal parts respite and recreation. You might learn to fly fish in the gently babbling Elk River, or perfect your horsemanship skills on long back-country rides. You might choose to join a guided hiking trip along the 11-mile Zirkel Circle – practically untouched by Front Range 14er-baggers – or charter a hot air balloon ride for an exhilarating journey high above the rugged peaks. There are constant diversions for kids, from horseback riding to pond fishing to arts and crafts – and, of course, plenty of afternoon ice cream breaks at the local Clark Store.             

For many, simply wandering the property between hearty gourmet meals proves fulfilling. That’s because The Home Ranch treats guests to all-inclusive haute cuisine by Executive Chef Jonathon Gillespie, who sources locally (and we mean locally) as much as possible. Beef comes from neighboring Sand Mountain Cattle Company, and charcuterie is made in-house. Pork, poultry and produce, including lettuce, carrots, corn, peas and radishes, along with herbs and flowers, are raised and grown onsite. Plus, desserts by Pastry Chef Douglas Short round out every meal, and freshly baked cookies stacked on a platter in the foyer make irresistible late-night snacks.

During meals, guests sit at long community tables, sipping rare wines and Colorado craft beers, unwittingly laying the foundation for lifelong friendships. What might begin as a conversation over breakfast flapjacks and fresh-squeezed orange juice will often continue over barbecued chicken and grilled whitefish on the patio at lunch. By dinnertime, over dishes of Colorado lamb chops or Parisian-style gnocchi with Home Ranch garden greens, those same guests are exchanging family photos and email addresses, already making plans for a return trip at the same time next year.

The Ranching Way of Life

Part of the magic of The Home Ranch is how it trots the line between high-class and high-country. There’s an admirable success in providing a luxury experience on an otherwise harsh landscape (the growing season is an impossible 59 days, and winters regularly reach 40 degrees below zero). Yet, that unflinching emphasis on hospitality lives alongside an undying respect for the land and those who have lived and worked it for generations.

In fact, the Home Ranch and its neighboring ranches have made it a mission over the years not only to create a destination getaway for discerning travelers, but to protect and preserve the surrounding land and ranching way of life by placing more than 8,000 acres of the Upper Elk River Valley into a permanent conservation easement, meaning the land will remain undeveloped for generations to come.

This wasn’t always a popular notion in a place where land developers mine profits in hills that were once mined for gold. Finding like-minded individuals to keep the land pure and undeveloped, however, has enhanced the beauty of the landscape. Over its lifetime, The Home Ranch has grown from 580 acres to 4,000 – land that encompasses hayfields and hillsides where horses graze and calves are born in the spring, where herds of deer gather and graze, and where guests can hike, bike, and fish on land that likely will remain this beautiful for centuries.

Welcome Home

It may seem impossible that this place – with its vibrant green hills, distant frosted peaks, gentle horses and graceful river – could ever truly be home. But in the communities that form over meals and around bonfires, in the shared experiences on the land, and in the stories of days gone by, there lies an inescapable sense of belonging. You may be far from home, but you’re right where you need to be.

Learn more and book your stay at homeranch.com

A Home of Your Own

Some guests visit The Home Ranch year after year before finally deciding to move permanently to Clark. For those who cannot imagine life anywhere else, there’s the Murphy-Larsen Ranch: a conservation-oriented residential project managed by The Home Ranch that offers ownership opportunities in a breathtaking setting. Learn more at www.murphy-larsen.com

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MEET THE BEATLES

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By Angela Youngman

The year was 1967, and it was the Summer of Love in San Francisco. Hundreds of thousands of flower children gathered in Haight-Ashbury, and in cities all over the country. In London, similarly themed gatherings took place in Tottenham Court Road where experimental groups like Pink Floyd played, and at Speakers’ Corner, beat poet Allen Ginsberg spoke at a Legalize Pot rally.

     It was also the year a seminal pop album was released by one of the most iconic music groups the world has ever known. Fifty years ago, The Beatles released “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” containing songs such as “With a Little Help From My Friends” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The music world gasped. This was a visionary, themed collection of songs wrapped in musical experimentation, which included everything from Indian instruments to crescendos from a 40-piece orchestra, never heard in the context of pop.

     The Beatles already dominated the music charts. This was the era of the Merseybeat, when the Liverpool-born band was producing hit-after-hit. “Sgt. Pepper” was released on June 1, 1967 and was an immediate success, spending 15 consecutive weeks at number one on the American charts. Time Magazine hailed it as “a historic departure in the progress of music.” The following year, “Sgt. Pepper” won four Grammy Awards as well as Album of the Year, marking the very first time a rock album had done so.

    Not surprisingly, half a century later, Liverpool is celebrating the occasion in grand style with the Summer of Love Music Festival in the city where Beatlemania still rules.

     Almost every street in the city carries memories of the Fab Four, for it was here that John, Paul, George and Ringo were born and raised. This northern English city is a busy port, with its own very distinct character, facing the river Mersey and the gray waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Mersey Ferry crosses the river regularly, just as it did when the famous mop tops played concerts on one of the boats.

     Today, you can take a combined tour of Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road, the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, respectively, where they wrote and rehearsed many of the early songs that made the Beatles famous. Walking through the rooms of these homes is like stepping back in time – almost as if the Beatles had never left.

     Walk just a few more minutes and you’ll arrive at Strawberry Field, the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home well-known to Lennon. As a child, he used to attend summer garden parties here. A replica of the red gate he would walk through is one of the most-photographed places in Liverpool. It was this site that inspired him to write the classic, “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Travel around the city and other images can be found – Penny Lane where McCartney and Lennon caught buses into town; a statue of Eleanor Rigby sculpted by another famous ‘60s performer, Tommy Steele; and, of course, statues of the Beatles. A Magical Mystery Tour bus travels to all of the main sites, and passengers stop off at each destination to take photographs.

     Then there is the infamous Cavern Club. Take a look at Lennon’s statue slouching against the wall before passing through the entrance and down the stairs for an absolute must-see on any Beatles fan’s bucket list. Check out the mural celebrating all the bands that played here during that incredible period: Gerry and The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, The Shadows, Stevie Wonder and – right in the center – The Beatles. The Fab Four played the Cavern Club 292 times in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, developing a sound that would eventually lead them to international stardom.

This is also one of the sites used by the annual International Beatleweek Festival each August. It features 70 bands from 20 countries, including bands such as The Original Quarrymen, The Bootleg Beatles, Cavern Club Beatles and Hamburg Beat. Another of the Festival’s venues has special links to the Beatles – the local church of St. Peter, Woolton, in Liverpool. The church was where John Lennon was introduced to Paul McCartney at the Woolton Garden Fete on July 6, 1957. (John Lennon had actually been playing at the fete as part of The Quarrymen.)

     Out on Pier Head, in the old Albert Dock, is another essential part of the Beatles legacy: “The Beatles Story.” Sit down for a virtual drum lesson, overseen by none other than Ringo Starr. Admire John Lennon’s piano, his glasses and scrawled sheets of paper containing the beginnings of some of the greatest songs ever written. Inspect George Harrison’s first guitar. And watch video interviews with McCartney, Starr, George’s widow Olivia Harrison and Yoko Ono as they recall their own memories, along with the countless photographs of screaming crowds, about the unique pressures the young musicians experienced. New on display this year are replicas of the costumes worn on the “Sgt. Pepper” album cover. Another rare display item is an alternative print of the album cover. It’s a little-known fact that Sir Peter Blake shot several alternative covers to the album, which were discarded in favor of the famous one. This alternative incorporates various alterations to the familiar collage background, as well as the positions of each Beatle.

     For the ultimate in Beatlemania immersion, there’s the Hard Day’s Night Hotel, named after the band’s first motion picture. Owners Bill Heckle and Dave Jones, who also own the Cavern Club and Cavern City Tours, live and breathe all things Beatles, having spoken to them, their families, friends and people who have worked with the band over the years. Although none of the Beatles have stayed at the hotel, Ringo’s son, Jason Starkey, and his grandchildren stepped inside a couple of years ago. Other visitors include McCartney’s brother, Mike McGear; May Pang, Lennon’s former assistant and infamous “lost weekend” girlfriend; as well as his younger half-sister, Julia Baird.

     Wherever you go in the hotel, the story of the Fab Four is outlined in words, art and memorabilia. This is a Beatles world where you can sleep in themed rooms, with original Beatles-related artwork on the walls created by “the World’s Greatest Beatles Artist,” Shannon McDonald. No two rooms are the same; each tells the unique story of the world’s most-famous rock-and-roll band, from birth to the present day.

     To complete the visit, Beatles fans can dine in the restaurant amid a plethora of memorabilia. Blakes Restaurant is named in honor of Sir Peter Blake, the pop artist who created the iconic artwork for the “Sgt. Pepper” album cover. All the walls are covered in stunning Beatles artwork. Also on display are 60 original items relating to the artist’s distinctive work on the “Sgt. Pepper” cover.

     What more could any Beatles fan want? This is pure Beatles heaven.

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COLORADO’S HIDDEN TREASURE

GOLDEN, COLORADO SHINES OUT WEST by BRITTANY BANDEMER It’s no secret that Colorado’s real estate market is booming, spurred by

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

A GUIDE TO COLORADO’S TOP SUMMER FESTIVALS by MARIAN TUIN Picture yourself surrounded by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains;

Food Trucks at Civic Center

in Attractions/Festivals/Front Range Attractions/Uncategorized by

THE FOOD KEEPS ROLLING IN

CIVIC CENTER EATS PRESENTS THE CITY’S LARGEST FOOD TRUCK EVENT

On a warm sunny day, consider taking a stroll through Civic Center Park, a vibrant, historic area at Colfax and Broadway that marks the city’s hub of culture and government. Within walking distance of the stunning architectural campus, you will find the Denver Art Museum, The Denver Central Library, the Clyfford Still Museum, the U.S. Mint, The Colorado State Capitol, the 16th Street Mall and the Golden Triangle Museum District.

      But the tastiest part of the outing takes place right in the middle of the park, where food trucks line up every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to offer passers-by  some of the tastiest fare in the city. The weekly event is called Civic Center EATS, and is produced by Civic Center Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization that is working to reclaim the area as the vibrant community asset its founders envisioned.

     It’s literally a party every week, when Metro Denver’s largest gathering of gourmet food trucks serve up an incredible array of great food, enticing downtown employees, residents and visitors to experience the beauty of the Civic Center. The event is highlighted by gorgeous views and live music, all enjoyed under cover of umbrella-shaded tables or in the sunshine.

     In the mood for some great BBQ? Or something lighter like a salad or wrap? Maybe you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and crave some Ethiopian fare or an Indian dish. The choices are all there, and the most difficult part of your lunch will be deciding first which truck to try, and then … the hardest part of all … what’s for dessert?

     The trucks make their appearance on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., May 2 – October 5. Civic Center EATS posts ongoing events, food truck lists and music lineups on a variety of social media:

Facebook: @CivicCenterEATS

Twitter: @civiccenterpark

Instagram: @civiccenterdenver

Hashtags: #civiccentereats #CCEATS

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