Colorado Crush: Taking Street Art To Another Level
Amazing artwork on display at Colorado Crush (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The block was hot! (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Colorado Crush couldn’t have been more properly named; every street artist literally crushed it during this year’s art party. We perused through the dog walkers and art aficionados, breathing in the paint fumes, the aromas of street tacos and the sweet, sticky scent of the rich Rino art culture. We couldn’t have been more impressed with the artists performing the live paintings (seeing as how we struggle applying paint to canvas in the privacy of our own apartments) but countless creative souls braved questionable ladders and scaffolds,, oil slicked alleyways and innumerable prying eyes to beautify the Rino district.
Dope piece by Instagram users: @scribeswalks and @mikeroane (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Instagram user and the talented Mr @Detour303 (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The seventh annual ‘The Crush’ drew in artists from all corners of the globe, showcasing those with more traditional street art talent alongside those who err on experimental. With densely saturated pigment in the style of fauvist expressionism, neons akin to the city streetscape and urban jungle also serving as their canvas. Giving the artists a full week to complete their own masterpiece, the seven day stint gives us all fresh art to enjoy for a full 365 days. After the winter comes, leaving this year’s works weatherbeaten and shodden, the next Colorado Crush will inevitably roll through town, presenting artists another chance to perfect the Rino landscape.
Denver Arts | Appreciating the Greatness of Leonardo Da Vinci
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Denver Food+Wine | Too Much to Try, Too Little Time
Our weekend was overflowing with cocktails, fine wines, spirit samplings, and countless Colorado-based culinary creations. We only attended two of the five days' worth of the Denver Food + Wine events, and I am thankful we didn't commit to more as we were sauced by the 4pm close of Saturday's Grand Tasting. Before you accuse us of a low tolerance, let us explain the series of events.
Photo by Nick Adorni
Friday night was a cocktail competition where eleven local celebrity bartenders competed for guest's votes for the “Best Cocktail" in Denver. While the cocktails were sample-sized, they were unlimited until they ran out, which each bar/tender eventually did, and each one contained a different spirit, usually along with various liquors. So by the end of the night you had pretty much consumed everything on the market except beer. If you granted a bartender your "best cocktail" token, then you were rewarded with a full size beverage. It was a tough call for us between about three of the cocktails.
Friday's Shakedown event
There were also restaurants in attendance showcasing Southern-inspired bites vying for guest's tokens. It was a clear standout for us, and most others as it won the competition, with a bone-in short rib atop mashed potatoes and fried onions from Ted's Montana Grill. Between all of the cocktails and food samplings there was hardly time to rest or even walk to the restrooms across the way. There was also live music and tables available outside of the event tent, but no one really made it over there, too caught up in all the excitement (and body heat) inside. The night ended with all of the cocktails having ran dry and the announcement of the winners. "Best Cocktail" for the night was awarded to Shawn Williams of Bar Dough and his tequila+prosecco concoction.
A night's sleep and a needed lazy morning later it was our job to get back out there and drink more . . . over 700 wines and spirits to be exact, and also find room for food from forty Colorado restaurants. We weren't sure we were ready for all this and wanted to start slow and take it easy. But when we walked in there was an Absolute Vodka Bar with various full size cocktails, a Woody Creek Distillers tent with more handcrafted drinks, a Campari Tiki & Rum lounge, St. Germain's bar, AND a Patron Tequila lounge all luring us in with festive drinks, comfy couches and fun flair. It was seriously impossible to start slow.
The Grand Tasting was indeed grand in size, volume and variety. We couldn't make it to everything, and hardly had time to even relax in any of those nice lounges, because (and here's our main complaint) the event was only three hours! To give you an idea of its grand scale, there were multiple main tasting tents, two VIP tents, chef demos and seminars, and all the sponsored lounge bars with full cocktails. Another reason we couldn't make it into every tent and bar was you absolutely needed some restraint and a game plan as far as what you would be tasting in order to avoid a digestive disaster. We don’t know what method they used to arrange the participants within the tents, but we think it could have been better. We felt like if you were there to truly “Taste”, it was overwhelming and difficult to do so in a thoughtful manner. First off, there were just so many different varieties of wines to try, and on top of the unbelievable selection of wine, there were all the different types of spirits as well. Thus, you sort of stuck to a category because it was hard to keep switching taste palettes from tequila to sake to whiskey to vodka, then try throwing in a Red Zin and some sushi! It would have been smart and more approachable and enjoyable for guests if the restaurants/dishes were placed next to spirits or wines that would complement and if the wines would have had some added structural arrangement such as region or variety.
Photo by Nick Adorni
Now we're not ones to complain about how there was so much to choose from, we just wish there had been more time to immerse ourselves and soak it all in a bit better! So all that being said, we totally think it was worth the $125 price tag, and knowing it all goes to charity makes it an even easier ticket to purchase. Everyone went home with a new Riedel wine glass, thoroughly wined and dined, educated if that's what you'd aimed for, and not needing to spend any money (or even any more time awake depending on your BAC), once the event ended.
We wish we had taken some Resqwater home with us. . .
Tiffany Candelaria
Diverse Crowd & Music Made for a Magical Jazz Aspen Snowmass Experience
The first day of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Experience this past Friday started off rainy with clouds covering the surrounding mountain tops. The JAS Experience didn’t open untill five Friday so we hoped it would clear up and warm up a little by then. At five pm we got to one of the parking lots where shuttles were running back and forth continuously bringing people to and eventually from the festival grounds. The clouds had cleared and the site itself wasn’t too crowded even though the first artist stated in an hour. Friday kicked off with Andy Grammer and Train and was Ultra5280’s very first taste of the JAS Experience.
Some of the people I hung out with all weekend were longtime residents and had seen many a JAS, which meant they knew the layout and where to park and all those helpful things. We came prepared each day with lots of layers of clothing, empty water bottles to fill, sunscreen, a blanket to sit on before the site really fills up, and money for food and drinks. There was a good variety of vendors, I only tried a couple, and Bar tents with Patron cocktails, beer, wine and hard cider. Prices were decent at $6 for beer and cider, but the Patron cocktails were small, full of ice, and $11.
What was nice, was the back area of JAS on the other side of the street that offered a respite from the crowds and lines in the main stage area. This back lot was created for patrons to take a break or eat food from the various vendors (this was the only area selling food) at the long picnic tables or to enjoy your drinks from the large, shaded Patron Bar at small high tops set up in the grass. Even better was you could still hear the music from the main stage and could also see it being played on two large TVs. At the far end of this back lot was a second stage created for talented, yet generally unknown bands to play the “Outside Music Lounge”. This stage offered a steady rotation between the big acts on the main stage and introduced us to some different sounds. One such sound was an Americana band, half Nashville, half New York based JD and the Straight Shot complete with three guitarists and a violin/fiddle (I learned it’s the same instrument but the name depends on the genre being played).
There was one more JAS area to explore, however this area was for the big spenders, the VIP section. Not surprising for this type of music festival, the VIP section spanned the entire left side of the main stage lot, it was huge. Luckily I was with some Patrons who had VIP tickets and they told me all about it each night! As was clear to see from the GA section, there was a long tent lining the entire left side full of food and open bars with linen tables and flower arrangements. Outside of the color-lit tents were more of these elegant tables, some sponsored lounge tents, servers hand passing hors d'oeuvres, heat lamps and those fancy trailer portable potties. Oh to live that VIP life. . . or even just knowing someone who was living it is great (they brought me free drinks)! Thanks to red wine, my puffy jacket and the masses of people around me, I stayed cozy and content through the headlining acts despite my Phoenix roots. It gets cold up in the Rocky Mountains when the sun dips below the tips, especially as signs of Fall have already started up there.
I’m not going to describe all of the individual shows, but rather the diverse lineup we saw, and this was not only between the bands, but also within their set lists of songs! We got to hear so many amazing covers of classic hits over the course of the weekend, every headliner played at least one. Train started things off Friday night with the words, “Dearly beloved, We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life…” When a band opens with a line like that you know you’re in for a ride. They played all the songs we know from the band including ones we didn’t realize are their songs. And holy cow can they play the hits! Not just their own hits, but Classic hits like “Hotel California”, “Under Pressure” and their opener, Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” starting the party of a show. Train held onto the crowd’s attention and captivated us through to the epic end when they belted out “Ground Control to Major Tom”. Wow. Train really took us on a memorable ride that I recommend you take some time.
Saturday’s headliner was the experience I had been looking forward to for months, when I first caught wind that The Killers would play JAS. They haven’t made a new album since 2012, which I’m guess is just one of the reasons The Killers only play occasionally at big shows and festivals now days. I’m pretty sure another is because their music demands a big venue with a large sound system because their sound is so large and their songs are anthems the whole crowd belts out and that make girls’ hearts melt. Especially when Brandon Flowers sung to us Saturday, “I can’t help, falling in love with you” in that Elvis impersonation no less, swoon.
Stevie Wonder was the man most of the Aspen area locals had come to see, being that he is one of the most critically and commercially successful musical performers of the late 20th century. I heard this show was nearly a decade in the making and he was paid top dollar to headline JAS. It was clearly a good choice as Sunday’s tickets sold out and brought in roughly 95,000 people. He came on around 8pm and sang and played the piano while grooving to his sound as he’s known to do. He played crowd favorites like “Superstition”, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, and “You are the Sunshine of My Life”. After about thirty minutes he had his opener Corinne Ray Bailey come on stage and sing with him. She was in disbelief when he asked her to sing “My Cherie Amour” for him while he played piano, but her voice was stellar. After a couple of duo songs in that fashion, Stevie Wonder turned into a DJ with a stage name I couldn’t really hear but all of the hits we knew. He played oldies like The Beatles and The Temptations, to newer hits like Whitney Houston and MJ’s “Pretty Young Thing”. For the next forty minutes JAS was a giant sing-along, dance party led by Stevie Wonder!!
Our night was complete, heck our whole weekend, maybe even whole month was complete after the incredible music we had heard and performances we’d seen. What made JAS even better in my opinion was at the end of each night you could hop on a shuttle and go to sleep in a warm, soft bed instead of staying in a tent on the ground where you had just partied all day, surrounded by the thousands of people who’ve been surrounding you since the start. At JAS, each day you and those around you were refreshed and renewed (hopefully) for another magical day of music in the mountains.
Words & Photos by Tiffany Candelaria
This Weekend | Drinkable Denver Events
Summer, like all great things, doesn't last forever. We're holding on to backyards-and-beer days this upcoming mid-September weekend, and thus we decided to let you in on our late summer secrets. Here's some amazing Denver events, from the beer garden, to the backyard brewery, to the Denver Art Museum, this weekend will surely be one to remember when winter comes and we're all holed up with Netflix and your furry pet for a cuddle partner.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH
National Sour Beer Day @ Avery Brewing Company
Sure to leave a sour taste in your mouth only in the best way, come celebrate sour beers at one of our favorite local breweries. Avery has prepared six different beers on tap, and many more in the bottle.
All day Saturday, 11 AM- 11 PM
Tickets here.
Oktoberfest @ Pikes Peak Brewing
11 AM - 11 PM
Bring out your wooden clogs and get your jive on. Come play some games, drink some beer, listen to some music, drink some beer, eat some food, drink some beer, hangout, and lastly, drink some beer.
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Shakedown & Denver Food + Wine Festival @ Pepsi Center grounds
Friday & Saturday
A multi-day extravaganza showcasing talented chefs from across the state and their creative culinary creations served alongside hundreds of wines and spirits. The Grand Tasting unites Colorado’s culinary leaders – award winning chefs, mixologists and wine professionals – and leads guests on a culinary journey through the state’s acclaimed, and expanding, dining scene. The open layout allows guests to eat, drink and explore the creations of more than 40 top restaurants and more than 700 wines and spirits from the region’s most lauded wine professionals. Friday night's Shakedown is a Southern-inspired evening of soulful bites and cocktails, paired with live music while eleven local celebrity bartenders compete for guest votes for the “Best Cocktail in Denver.”
Denver's Tour de Fat @ City Park
Tour de Fat is New Belgium Brewing’s traveling celebration of all things bicycle, honoring mankind’s greatest invention. Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, to increase awareness and participation in cycling as a sustainable form of transportation, Tour de Fat has grown into a national rite of passage for cycling advocates and bon vivants alike.
10 AM - 5 PM
City Park, Denver, Colorado United States
Get tickets here.
Tour de Fat After Party @ Illegal Pete's Colfax
Have you ever been at a party, and it ends too quick!?! Now you need somewhere else to go to talk about all the awesome shenanigans!
Well, when Tour de Fat Denver is a wrap, come on over to Illegal Pete's Colfax for some $3.50 Fat Tire, Sunshine, and Citradelic Drafts and $5.00 Tart Lychee Drafts (while it lasts). Oh, and Queso...lots of queso.
6 PM - 10 PM
The 2016 DAM Friendship Powwow @ Denver Art Museum
One of DAM's longest-running events, the 27th Annual Friendship Powwow and American Indian Cultural Celebration will feature American Indian dancers, drum groups, working artists, hands-on activities, artist booths, and more. The DAM’s Friendship Powwow is a celebration of the vitality of American Indian cultures.
Surprisingly, we actually don't recommend drinking during this event, despite our beer theme, as it is happening at 10 AM and it's a family event.
Throughout the day, visitors can watch colorful dance competitions, participate with artists in hands-on activities, and enjoy their first (or 101st!) piece of fry bread. Stop by the Native Arts Artist-in-Residence Studio, focused this summer on the artistry and creation of powwow regalia. Also, don’t miss the American Indian art collection on levels two and three of the North Building.
The powwow will take place on Acoma Plaza (between the Denver Art Museum and Denver Public Library).
Social Dances and Special Performance—10 am
Grand Entry—11 am
All powwow activities and general museum admission are free.
*Pictured: Sarah Ortegon (Eastern Shoshone/Northern Arapaho), former Miss Native American USA and this year's Denver Art Museum Friendship Powwow Head Woman Dancer. Pictured with Sarah is Sean Carlton (Dineh).
The two were captured by a photographer while doing the 'potato dance' where dance couples compete against one another in giving it their all to keep from letting the potato fall to the ground. Not as easy as it looks ;-)
(Denver Post Photo 2015)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH
Iska Daaf Band Members Nathan Quiroga Benjamin Verdoes
Rubedo, Iska Dhaaf (NY), Two Tone Wolf Pack and The Original Ills @ Syntax Physic Opera
7:30 PM- 2 AM
With a killer local lineup, this Syntax show is sure to please, so come dance with us and feel the feels.
Boulder Pridefest @ Central Park
Pridefest is Boulder County's biggest LGBTQ event of the year, featuring over 100 vendor booths, a Beer Garden featuring Avery Beers, a full line up of bands and performers at the Band Shell, a youth and family area, a health and wellness area, plenty of food trucks, a visibility march and the Big Gay 5K.
This year's performance lineup:
11:15 to 11:45 Bethel Steele
11:45 to 11:55 Big Gay 5K Awards
11:55 12:55 Wheel Chair Sports Camp
12:55 to 1:00 Mile High Drag Kings
1:00 to 1:45 The Pryde
1:45 to 2:00 Jill Brzezicki
2:00 to 2:45 Rubix
2:45 to 3:00 Jill Brzezicki
3:00 to 3:45 Mariachi 3
3:45 to 4:15 Haus of Fish Candy
4:15 to 5:15 Mouths of Babes
5:15 to 6:00 Cat Jerky
Codename: SuperDuperFan Can Release @ Odd13 Brewing
Odd13 Origins Series is back, and they're releasing canned taproom exclusive IPA's! Come drink more beer!
Buy a case and receive a free pint glass on Sept 11th only.
*Limit one case per person.
Labor Day Weekend Done Right
With Riot Fest, tons of free events, listening parties, and Labor Day festivities, this weekend is guaranteed to be lit. We've compiled the most adventurous, wild, and out there events (we mean you, cat yoga @ The Cat Collective) to make it easy fro you to plan your weekend itinerary. Consider it our gift to you. There's something for everyone in the land of the free, particularly this weekend (Free First Saturday @ Denver Art Museum). Come out to hang, get loud or chill out all across town and start September with a smile.
THURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST
Listen to CRL CRRL hosted by Ultra5280 & more
We've teamed up with CRL CRRL to bring you a special listening event, held in CRRL's personal studio. RSVP at FASORLAB.com for details and address. There will be complimentary Red Bull, Breckenridge Brewery Beer and a food tasting by Buddha Bao.
B-Sides Music Thursday @ The MCA
Loanword & Milk Blossoms
Every Thursday. OPEN LATE!
Music 6PM-8:30PM.
Members always FREE | Non-Members $5 admission after 5PM.
All ages. Come early, capacity limited.
#bsidemusic
B-Side Thursdays is MCA Denver's summer rooftop music series, presenting the best up and coming colorado bands and side projects of well-known Denver bands and musicians.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND
Riot Fest & Rodeo Denver
Friday through Sunday, come get loud with your favorite punk bands from your angst filled youth.
Riot Fest is a multi-day music festival specializing in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop. Carnival Rides, amazing food vendors, sideshow performers, and more add to the atmosphere of this independent music fest.
We're going to be posted up at Riot Fest all weekend long. We're excited, and you should be too.
If you haven't already, get your ticket now. Or, enter to win two free tickets on our Instagram. We're giving out two each day until the festival comes around.
A Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival sure to please, JAS Experience will host Stevie Wonder, Duran Duran and more. Be sure to check out their website for more info, because the fest is hosting an array of events all weekend long, including evening events.
More info and tickets here.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD
8:30 9:30 AM @ The Denver Cat Company
Ever wished a kitty would steal your yoga mat right as you're ready for savasana? Well, now you have the opportunity to share your yoga practice with our sweet cafe kitties. Your payment of $16 will include a visit with the cafe cats while you hone your practice, as well as a cup of coffee or tea to get your weekend started on the right paw.
Yoga instructor Reni is kindly donating her time for this slow flow yoga class that we hope will become a regular feature at Denver Cat Company.
Space is very limited so reserve your spot soon!
Ticket information here.
HVN with Wes Watkins @ The Larimer Lounge
Doors open at 7 PM.
Local musicians Kid Astronaut and Daniel Iyere together create the 'sound and vibration' duo HVN. Come feel the good vibes at Larimer with us this weekend.
Get tickets here.
Free Entry @ Denver Art Museum
10-5 PM.
If you're like us, you've been meaning to make it out to the DAM every weekend. Well, now's your chance. Forget your Saturday morning hangover, drink some coffee, eat some Torchy's, wash your face and come see the feats of human creativity we house here in the Mile High city.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
All Day Happy Hour at Avanti
Collective eatery with rotating restaurants is offering cheap eats and drinks all day to celebrate Labor Day weekend. A great way to pocket-friendly-public-drunk. In case you weren't sold on this already:
$4 Loose Leaf from Odell Brewing Co
$5 60 minute IPA from Dogfish Head Beer
$5 Well Cocktails
$6 House White, Red, and Rosé
Labor Day Beer Bust @ Denver Wrangler
4 PM - 8 PM
With DJ Craig C, this charity event is not one to miss. Post with #BeerBust and pay $10 for a cup and receive Coors Light or Killian's from 4-8 PM. Enjoy $3 SVEDKA drinks from 5-Close and support your favorite charity with a cash donation!
Burgers, Brats, Dogs, and our Red White and Blue Frozen drinks will top it all off!
And stick around after with Craig C to sing along to your favorite musicals with Show Tune Sunday!
Hosted by HeyDenver and Team Colorado of the Rockies
Rooftop Rumpus @ Bar Standard
7 PM - 12 AM
No Cover
21+
A celebration of Labor Day Weekend, catch one of the best sunsets in the world from this amazing rooftop. We're ready to party with all of you! Best of all, NO COVER, and you can head downstairs at midnight to checkout Tachas to keep your party going. 21+
Wine & Dine for a Very Fine Cause
The Denver Food + Wine Festival (DF+WF) celebrates its twelfth consecutive year September 6-11. A multi-day extravaganza showcasing talented chefs from across the state and their creative culinary creations served alongside hundreds of wines and spirits.
Photo credit Nick Adorni
The weeklong festival will feature an array of events ranging from $40 up to $250 for a VIP experience. DF+WF is co-sponsored by the Colorado Restaurant Association and Southern Wine and Spirits and is the only food and wine festival of which all proceeds directly benefit charities. Beneficiaries this year are Kroenke Sports Charities, MSU Denver, Denver Post Community Foundation, and The Colorado Restaurant Assc. Education Foundation. You know how we like to wine and dine for a good cause!
Photo credit Nick Adorni
The Festival’s Grand Tasting hallmark event is Saturday, September 10, 2016 held on the grounds of The Pepsi Center (7th Avenue and Auraria Parkway), opening at noon for those who bought a “First Tasting” ticket, 1pm for GA until 4pm. The Grand Tasting unites Colorado’s culinary leaders – award winning chefs, mixologists and wine professionals – and leads guests on a culinary journey through the state’s acclaimed, and expanding, dining scene. The open layout allows guests to eat, drink and explore the creations of more than 40 top restaurants and more than 700 wines and spirits from the region’s most lauded wine professionals. In addition to wine there will be heavy hitting libations such as an array of Devotion and Hanson Vodka flavors, Dulce Vida organic tequilas, Leopold Bros. many spirits, Old Smoky Distillery’s Moonshine, and locals Spring 44. For guests interested in additional unique experiences, the VIP Lounge at DF+WF will feature specialty wines selected by Southern Wine & Spirits Master Sommeliers, paired with tastes from 12 upscale restaurants, Viking Culinary Stage demonstrations by celebrity award-winning Chefs, and a silent auction.
Photo credit Nick Adorni
Favorites returning from past Grand Tastings include Patrón Spirits Bar & Café; Woody Creek Lounge; Campari Tiki Lounge; Deutsch Redemption tent; Treasury Wine Estates; Trinchero Family Estates; and an Absolute Vodka tent. Sounds like we should prepare for some serious day drinking!
New Attractions to this year’s Grand Tasting event include the Elijah Craig and Heaven Hill Bourbon + Bluegrass Lounge. Local bluegrass band, Lonesome Days will be playing while Elijah Craig bourbon will be pouring. Guest can also chat with Lynn House, Heaven Hill Brands’ national brand educator and master mixologist. If you’re a regular pizza eat/maker, you’ll enjoy the Weber Mobile Grill Academy with specialists providing interactive “best techniques” to grill pizza. For those food fanatics who love the entertainment and celebrity side of things, you’ll want to periodically stop by the Wolf Specialty Appliance Culinary Stage featuring Chef/Owner Giorgio Rapicavoli, Eating House, Bravo’s Chopped winner, Forbes’s “30 Under 30” for food, and James Beard Rising Star Semifinalist!
Photo credit Juliette Coughlin
The night before the big Grand Tasting is a fun Friday night cocktail party and contest on Pepsi Center property! Celebrity bartenders from the Colorado Bartenders’ Guild will compete for the title of Denver’s “Best Cocktail” Friday Sept. 9th during SHAKE DOWN. This will be a Southern-inspired evening of soulful bites and cocktails, paired with live music while eleven local celebrity bartenders compete for guest votes for the “Best Cocktail in Denver.”
For those who love to brunch, and with all of Denver’s amazing breakfast spots it’s hard not to, Sunday, September 11 is the first annual festival dedicated to brunch, Rise + Dine. It will showcase the city’s favorite morning eateries such as Lou’s Food Bar, Corner Office, McLoughlin’s, Rosenberg’s Bagels, Sarto’s, Snooze, Syrup, and The Squeaky Bean. Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas while noshing on food, enjoying mimosas and striving to make the most impressive Bloody Mary. In fact, you could be a part of Bloody Mary history! The DF+WF Bloody Mary bar will be competing for the world record of “Largest Bloody Mary Bar,” by featuring more than 57 accouterments this year. Truly a once in a lifetime brunch opportunity!
Photo credit Nick Adorni
Tickets are still available for all of the events https://denverfoodandwine.com/event-schedule/ and they can be purchased here: https://nightout.com/festivals/3612/events/tickets#.V8XsCixTHct
Saturday’s Grand Tasting Restaurants:
Ameristar Resort & Casino
Bistro Colorado
Carbon Café & Bar
Colorado ProStart
Colorado Western University
Degree Restaurant
Del Friscos Grille
Froozer
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Jill’s Restaurant
Jim N’ Nicks BBQ
La Patisserie Francaise
Lavazza/Italco Foods
Luke’s A Steak Place
Maggianos
Nature Nate’s Honey
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Postinos
Range Restaurant
Rhein Haus Denver
River & Woods-Open Blue Cobia
Simms Steakhouse
Skinny Pop
Solitaire Restaurant- Woody Creek
Texas de Brazil
The Fort
The Noshery
Uno Mas
-Tiffany Candelaria
11 Better Things to Do Than Sleep This Weekend
FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH
3715 Chestnut Place, Denver, CO 80216
$20-$30
4:30 PM
An outdoor festival located at 3715 Chestnut Place, in Denver's River North Neighborhood. RiNo Music Festival will donate $1 per ticket sold to the River North Arts District.
Buy tickets.
@ Larimer Lounge | 21+
Headliners: Last Of The Easy Riders (ALBUM RELEASE)
Openers: The Savage Blush, High Plains Honky, The Patient Zeros
Doors open at 8 PM | Show starts at 9 PM | $10
Free entry with a RiNo Music Festival Wristband!
High Plains Comedy Festival
8/25-27
Occurring across multiple venues on Broadway and the Paramount Theater – 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver.
$5 – $42.50 (Pay per show)
The High Plains Comedy Festival this weekend will showcase local and national talent with over 100 acts in three days. In addition to traditional stand-up there will also be themed shows as well as podcasts and showcases. You have the option to select which shows you want to attend – ranging over three days there is plenty of opportunity to check out some fresh acts. The festival is being put on by TruTV.
Buy tickets.
NedFest, A Music and Arts Festival
8/26-28
Nederlands, Colorado
$32-$420;
The Nederland Music and Arts Festival is an annual three-day outdoor music and arts festival in the music world’s reknowned Nederland, Colorado. We host a wide range of music from bluegrass to rock and roll, with a hint or two of jazz. Onsite camping is available next to the Barker Reservoir and NedFest is very kid friendly, with kids 12 and under free, a kids’ tent and activities, and a special teen price too. Artists and craft vendors ring the field. Colorado microbrews and mead are on tap and we always have a varitey of food vendors.
Get tickets here.
SATURDAY 8/27
Colorado Synth-Pop Night
8/27
7 p.m.
The Walnut Room: 3131 Walnut St., Denver
$12-15
The Walnut Room is excited to host the rad evening of dance-able jams and it will be a dance party to remember. Snag a ticket now so you have time to dust off your dancing shoes.
Tickets here.
The Color Run
8/27 at 8 a.m.
Coors Field
$39.99
The Color Run® is the largest 5K event series in the world. This year’s theme, “The Color Run Tropicolor™ World Tour” is coming to Denver on Saturday, August 27 and kicking off at 8 a.m. in the Coors Field Parking Lots. Make sure to register to experience all the fun and leisure of an island-style vacation full of music and crazy colors. Brand new this year Color Runners will be bathed in a tropical array of colors as they pass through the shade of palm trees, inflatable arches, and island-style music. A fun thing to do with friends or family the 5K has partnered to support the Colorado Children’s Hospital.
Stay Up Saturdays Presents DJ EARL ( Teklife )
@ Pearls, 608 E 13th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80203
Tickets here.
A night of Footwork and Juke in Denver.
Brought to you by FASORLAB, Ultra5280, Breckenridge Breery, Skyy Vodka, RedBull.
Not So Secret Summer Music Bash
8/27th
17th and Lawrence
4-10pm
FREE
Featuring an undisclosed lineup with multiple stages, hosting top local acts from rock to bluegrass—and one big, bad headlining band the people of Denver love. Come for discounted Buds all day long with 100% of the proceeds going to Folds of Honor, an amazing organization providing scholarships to the children of fallen or wounded American soldiers. And to make sure you get home safely, use the code BUDAMERICA to get $15 off your first Uber ride.
SUNDAY 8/28
7 PM
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, Colorado 80465
Tickets here.
See The Head And The Heart live at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre with The Tallest Man On Earth on August 28 in Morrison, CO.
Firestarter @ BAR BAR
8 PM - 1 AM
2060 Champa St, Denver, Colorado 80205
Featuring Progressive Punk bands
Firestarter, Capstan, Young Go-Hards & Black Dots
$5
Tickets here.
Vegan Van | Rebirth Lunch
11 AM - 2 PM
Nooch | Vegan Market
10 E Ellsworth Ave, Denver, Colorado 80209
11 Things to Do In Denver This Weekend
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18TH
Ratio Beerworks' Air Guitar Throwdown
7 PM
Make a submission video of you shredding on the invisible axe and send it in through the event page. Winners of the submissions will get to compete against touring air musicians with local celebrity judges. If the invisible lime light isn’t for you still stop by the brewery to watch people going all out and to enjoy some beers. Plus, this is the official release of Major Nights Lime Gose beer.
View the event page here.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19TH
Channel 93.3 and Ultra5280 Present The Epilogues Farewell Show with support from South of France, Eros and The Eschaton and Flaural. Come check out the farewell show of our good friends and amazing Denver staples The Epilogues. Go to our Instagram for a chance to win tickets!
7 PM // Summit Music Hall // $9.33-$35.00
FuckUp Nights @ Globe Hall
7:30 PM
4483 Logan St, Denver, Colorado 80216
FuckUp nights comes to the United States from its original home in Mexico City. It serves as a great opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs and hear them talk about their failures rather than their successes. Hear from Matt Selby the executive chef at Punch Bowl Social, Shauna Lott owner of the Long I Pie Shop and co-owners of the Knotty Tie Co. Jeremy Priest and Mark Johnson. Admission includes a PBR and there are Q & A portions after the speaker as well as an opportunity for networking.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20TH
Adult Prom With School House Kitchen and Libations
20$ Advance & 25$ Door
An adults-only prom to remind you why you forgot about high-school. To follow up the success of last years under the sea theme, the popular restaurant and bar announced this year’s theme will be “A Galaxy Far, Far Away.” Costumes are encouraged over formal wear but if you can make it both that would probably be ideal. Tickets are on sale now on School House‘s website and cost of admission will include all you can eat buffet, games and one glass of grown up punch.
The 3rd Annual Boulder Craft Beer Festival 2016
This festival brings together the best craft breweries from Boulder County and beyond for a tasting party, offering attendees samples of Boulder's best beers. The festival includes live music and food for purchase.
Please note: a limited number of tickets are available. The event sold out during sales for the previous fests.
GA tickets: $35
VIP: $50
Sleep Tight Colorado's 6th Annual 5K Pajama Jog
City Park, starting at 8AM.
Support a great cause and appear in a costume for contest prizes!
The 5K is professionally timed and participants may choose to run, jog, or walk.
100% of the proceeds goes toward buying sleeping bags for Colorado’s homeless. Be a part of the action and sign up today online.
6th Annual Denver Pet Expo
August 20, 10AM to 5PM & August 21, 2016, 11AM to 4PM
Denver Merchandise Mart star Free Admission $5 Parking
Prize giveaways, adoption opportunities, rescue groups and a Petfinder.com adoption event, discounted vaccinations, microchipping and heartworm & flea preventatives, And much more!
Bring Your Pet!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
Tequila, Taco and Cerveza Festival @ Mile High Station
2 PM
Emphasis on Tequila! This is a traveling event that showcases Mexican brews, international tequilas and local tacos. The tickets will open the doors to a tequila flight, games and a chihuahua race. Also included in the ticket is a branded shot glass and you can cast your vote for the El Hefe Taco Champ.
Get Tickets here.
Hockey Dad w/ Muuy Biien & Slow Caves
Hi-Dive
7 S. Broadway
Denver, CO, 80209
Hockey Dad hails from Australia, and they've honed their sound surfing and skating, growing up in a small coastal town together. Influenced by surf punk and pop, and touring with bands such as Bass Drum of Death, Hockey Dad is a touring band you don't want to miss.
$10-$12
Doors 8:30 PM / Show 9:00 PM
This event is 18 and over
TheyShootn: Alchemy at Goodness w/DJ Low Key
Special guests DJ Morse Code (LA/Pools), DJ Harvey Dent (Baltimore), DJ RAYtard & RUMTUM!!!
2 PM - 9 PM
@ The Meadowlark
2701 Larimer St, Denver, Colorado 80205
Don't miss a live art exhibit featuring Armando Geneyro, Blake Jackson, John Rehnstrom, Chris Haven, Victor Domingo & Meeg Conroy, prints & Goodness Polaroid Project posters, a contest for the freshest throwback jersey, happy hour from 2-5pm & more on The Meadowlark's magical patio!
Join the e-mail list at DJLowKey.com before the party or wear a Goodness button/patch/tattoo to skip the $10 cover charge and get in for free.
Labor Day Weekend | Music in the Mountains
Still deciding on Labor Day Weekend plans? Want to do something epic and unforgettable that doesn't require too much planning or budgeting. . . How about a long weekend in awe-inspiring Aspen/Snowmass watching performances by The Killers, Stevie Wonder, Duran Duran and Thievery Corporation?!
This year’s JAS Labor Day Experience lineup is one of the most diverse in JAS’ 25-year history (probably why this music festival hasn’t been on many of our radars yet). Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to present and preserve jazz and related forms of music through world-class events, performances, and education programs. Their Labor Day Experience is an open air, dance oriented festival of popular, R&B, rock, funk, blues, and soul music, in Snowmass Town Park with the (epic) Elk Mountain Range as the backdrop.
The festival kicks off Friday Sept. 2 with Train and Andy Grammer, Saturday evening you’ll see The Killers, Thievery Corporation and Black Pistol Fire, to name a few. These first two nights’ end with an “After Dark Silent Disco Party” for an added $25 featuring a dance party with dueling DJs until 11:30pm. On Sunday, Sept. 4th, iconic singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Stevie Wonder will grace the crowds with his headlining performance. Stevie is one of the most celebrated figures in popular music, with 49 Top Forty singles, 32 #1 singles and worldwide sales over 100 million. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. What makes this music festival even more enticing, this will be the only Colorado appearance this year for many of the artists.
Given the collection of talent, spanning multiple genres and eras, along with a spectacular setting and array of food, drinks, VIP options, and vendors, JAS Experience ensures everybody has an exceptional Labor Day weekend. Keeping the crowds content is crucial during day-long festivals, and even though JAS Experience's days aren't as long as some of the big name music festivals, there will be a good lineup of food and booze options. These include Bangkok Happy Bowl, Cowgirl Lemonade, Francesca's, Havana Cabana, Hickory House Ribs and Windy City Eats, to name a few. There are also beer, water and cocktail stations throughout.
Tickets to the JAS Labor Day Experience are still available, individual or 3-day passes, as well as JAS Deck tickets. Deck tickets include complimentary beer, wine, water, afternoon grille fare, private restrooms and an elevated viewing platform. This year’s festival will offer an added opportunity to meet, drink and take photos with Broncos players past and present during the “Broncos Experience at JAS” Saturday Sept. 3rd for an additional cost. If you are looking for a low-cost way to experience the festival, you can still sign up to become a volunteer via their website.
To purchase tickets visit www.jazzaspensnowmass.org or call 866-JAS-TIXX (527-8499). Tickets are also available at the Belly Up Box Office in Aspen.
Tacolandia: The Blueprint For a Perfect Taco Festival.
Let's "taco bout" this amazing event.
Our fair city is slowly becoming a hub for all things considered tacos. With the rise of niche owned restaurants as well as out of town chains (Torchy's and R Tacos), it's pretty easy to find a good taco in Denver nowadays. Now when it comes to taco festivals...well those can be hit or miss. We have attended our fair share of decent festivals (Top Taco) as well as some pretty (Denver Taco Festival) nightmarish ones. At this point our taco expert staff has come up with three essential ingredients to pull of a great festival.
1. Location, location, location.
2. Organization and variety.
3. Other activities (music, car shows, games, dancing, etc.).
The colorful Baile Folklorico dancers on hand.
A perfect venue should include plenty of space, a decent amount of grass, plenty of shade and for fun maybe throw it at the home of the defending Super Bowl champions. Tacolandia had all of the above (could have had a bit more shade, who are we to complain we had VIP treatment and an umbrella table all to ourselves). The layout was set up perfectly along the Noble Energy Sports Legend Mall, typically reserved for an epic tailgate experience during Sundays. A green patch of grass separated two sides of the festival with taco slanging experts stationed on each side. A stage was setup within the middle providing for entertainment the whole day (more on that below).
Peyton Manning is enjoying himself after retirement.
This was hands down one of the most organized taco festivals we have ever attended. Along with great organization was the amount of variety options to choose from. Albeit we got in an hour before everybody else we were able to hit up about 80 percent of the taco tastings before we had to shut it down due to the possibilities of heat stroke and the overdose of tortilla filled morsels of heaven. The people at Westword handled everything pretty well, although lines did build up at various points, they seemed to move quickly from station to station. The VIP section was placed towards the back of the mayhem and could have used an extra station or two for beverages in this case Estrella Jalisco's (name drop). All in all great organization and an abundance of choices to select from.
This Camaro tho!
A good festival always has various different activities to do while enjoying the fest itself. This one had it all from traditional Baile Folklorico dancers, to a car show that would make Jay Leno jealous, to great music to compliment the great cultural event. Music by iZCALI (one of our favorite local groups) provided some good ol' fashion Spanish rock. Cars from every era adorned the back lot of the festival with some awesome customized automobiles that had us drooling like this Camaro above.
Some of our favorite tacos:
Best Fish Taco-Southside Kitchen
Best Al Pastor-EL Aguascalientes and Los Chingones
Best Korean Pork-Ursula's Food Truck
Best BBQ-R Tacos
Best Mexican Street Corn-Lola's
Best Cabrito (Goat) Tacos-Work and Class
The Best Images of San Diego Comic Con
Our good friend Jason Pendleton recently came back from the San Diego International Comic Con a few weeks ago. We asked him to send in a few photos for us to share with you. This comic con is the worlds largest and plays host to many studio panels. industry insiders, gamers, cosplay, and hobbyist of the industry. Armed with his camera and smile Jason sent us some amazing photos and we want to share them with you. (All images are copyrighted)
Jason Pendleton is photographer based in Wyoming and has an impressive portfolio. We consider him one of the best concert/event photographers around. Check out his site HERE.
Check Out More Photos from The San Diego International Comic Con Here
13 Denver Events That'll Make Your Weekend
FRIDAY, 8/12
TICKET GIVEAWAY!
We are looking to give away two tickets for Children of Pop, Curious Wav and Julian Church of Air Dubai at Lost Lake this Friday. Take a selfie with your best friend and Tag @FASORLAb & Ultra5280 to enter! Winners announced Thursday!
8/12 @ LOST LAKE LOUNGE
Doors open at 8 PM, show starts at 9 PM
$10
Buy tickets here.
BOHEMIAN NIGHTS @ NEWEST FEST: A truly free festival showcasing local Colorado bands in downtown Fort Collins.
8/12-14, 12 PM- 11 PM
Get tickets here.
SAVE THE ALES: Located in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood with 40+ local breweries, food, and live music. All proceeds from the event go toward Conservation Colorado’s work to protect Colorado’s land, air, water, and people.
V.I.P. Tasting: 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
General Admission: 7:00 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.
V.I.P. Tickets: $60, GA Tickets: $35
Designated Driver Tickets: $20
More info here.
JACKALOPE ART AND CRAFT FAIR- @ THE SUMMER 2016 CARNATION FESTIVAL
Friday 8/12, 4 PM- Saturday, 8/13 @ 11 PM
@ Anderson Park- 4355 Field St Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
The fair will span over a 2-day period on Friday August 12th (4pm-11pm) and Saturday, August 13th (12pm-11pm). During this time 200+ artisans and crafters will get a chance to feature and sell their work, while giving attendees a chance to meet the maker behind their one of a kind goods.
THE WHEAT RIDGE CARNATION FESTIVAL: Featuring the Zoppe Circus as the main attraction, the Carnation Festival is one of the oldest and the strongest community festivals in the Mile High.
8/12 - 8/14
Events span from 3 PM- 12 AM.
Check their website for more info.
TICKET GIVEAWAY!
QUEENS CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL:
Two Day Event at City Hall featuring performances by The Gaslamp Killer, Esta., Taylor McFerrin, Masego + Traphouse Jazz Band, Louie Lastic, Michael Christmas, Chase N. Cashe, Waldo, Reese LaFlare, Trev Rich, Spydatek, Povi, Turner Jackson, Pries, Tnertle + Lily Fangz, Future Heros, CRL CRRLL, Sur Ellz, Kid Astronaut, U.T.I.C.A, LXST BXYS, Jilly.FM, Bigwheel Electrosoul, YaSi, Write Minded, Curci and more.
Tickets range from $35- $60.
All sales are final.
Check out our Instagram to enter our contest for two free festival tickets!
Purchase tickets here.
8/12, 7:00 PM- 8/14, 1:30 AM
BROODS @ THE OGDEN
Ages: 16 & Over
Doors Open @ 8:00PM
$22.50 - $25.00
Door Price: $25.00
Get tickets here.
SATURDAY, 8/13
CORONA ELECTRIC BEACH BASH:
2 PM - 8 PM
Lincoln St Station Bar and Grill– 776 Lincoln St, Denver, Colorado 80203
FREE EVENT, but you MUST RSVP here: info@findyourelectricbeach.com
TAPPED BREW FEST
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022
Tapped Brew Fest will feature a giant beer pong tournament and energy flip cup. 50+ breweries will be present, live DJ's and a LED Jenga station.
Tickets here.
THE BIG WONDERFUL'S TOP SECRET SHOW
Golf Clap, Ben Silver of Orchard Lounge, Rose Quartz, The Reminders and more.
Get more info here.
THE DENVER FLEA
8/13- 8/14 10AM-6PM
Located at City Park
FREE
More event info here.
Support our local creators and businesses.
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS- 1940's Jazz Themed Dance Party
FREE
1701 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202
5:30 PM- 9:00 PM
A 1940's Jazz themed outdoor dance series at the historic Denver Union Station. The live music and swing dancing activities will take place next to the water fountain on Wyncoop. ZoZo Outdoor is a proud sponsor of the summer dance series.
More info here.
SUNDAY, 8/14
TICKET GIVEAWAY!
TACOLANDIA HOSTED BY WESTWORD
4-7 PM @ Sports Authority Field
You can grab your tickets during a special presale that starts at 10 a.m. today and ends at 11:59 p.m. Friday here.
Check out our Instagram for a chance to win two free tickets to Westword's Tacolandia!
This giant celebration of Mexican street-style tacos will feature samples from forty-plus restaurants — including El Trompito Taqueria, Tacos Jalisco, Tortas a Toda Madre, La Loma Restaurant, Tamale Kitchen, Yareth’s on 54th, Bubba Chinos, Burrito Giant, El Taco de Mexico, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Lola Mexican Fish House and Los Chingones, with more to be announced — along with Estrella Jalisco beer, spirits and lots of spicy entertainment, including cars as hot as those tacos.
Adrenaline Junkies and ZORBing Enthusiasts Find a Home at Lawson Adventure Park
Lawson Adventure Park recently opened just outside of Idaho Springs, an outdoor funhouse for children and adventurous, non-conforming adults who act like children. We made it out to the park grounds early to ZORB, rock climb, and pretty much die on the Gyro Extreme.
The ticketing building is right off of I-70 and we stopped their first to get harnessed. Naturally we were a group of adults paired with two small and excited boy scouts but that did not deter us. We got all strapped into our harnesses and nodded with the same gusto as we took in the varied rules and regulations. After a few giggles and “Get in the van” shouts on our behalf, we were all piled in, harnessed up and off to achieve our weeklong dream of ZORBing.
The first task we were handed was a challenge course. We were locked in by metal hooks to a web of wires overhead, and required to transfer often. The hooks were hard to get the hang of and made us all feel like we had crab hands, and were generally confusing. The hooks are triggered by finicky magnets that only unlocked when you pushed the claw against the wire just so, instigating a few frustrated, overzealous bang-arounds. Our patient trip guides came to show us the way multiple times, advising us to “be gentle now”. Their expertise was welcomed and needed. We finally got the hang of the hooks and we were climbing up the rope net like any good boy scout should.
The challenge course was aptly named as it was definitely a challenge. The cargo net sprawl marked the beginning of our day and adventure at Lawson. Although our visit was a few days ago our shoulders are still sore from attempting to scramble up the net like a Navy Seal. Once we pulled ourselves up onto the platform the world was ours to take. From a miner’s swing to a rope bridge and a moon walk we moved carefully through the challenge course like 4 adult toddlers in the treehouse of our dreams. We ended the ropes course with a short zip line and an easy rappel to the ground.
From there we decided to venture to the bungee trampoline, Gyro Extreme, bull riding and rock climbing wall. The bungee trampoline was way more of a workout than expected but also helped you defy gravity and master those pesky backflips. On a side note, the harnesses for the trampoline, rock climbing and challenge course have a tendency to ride up. Take it from us, harnesses and Levi’s cut-offs do not mesh. Wear pants.
The Gyro Extreme is intense. So intense that similar models are used to train astronauts. Yeah, those people that go into space and save the planet, otherwise known as Matt Damon. The longest you are allowed to be in the spinning sphere of terror is 2 minutes, but you’ll probably ride for shorter. Before entering the metal circle we were told a cautionary tale of a carnival worker in Florida that allowed his friends to ride for 7 minutes as a “hook up” which ultimately led to their demise... Oh Florida. Although making us feel like we had just woken up from a rough night out with a horrible case of the spins, we highly recommend this element for the adventurous and daring soul.
The rock climbing wall had three varying levels for the novice, intermediate and extreme climber. Making it perfect for anyone looking to try climbing in a safe environment and all the way up to the more experienced looking for a fun challenge.
On our way to try the Via Ferrata we were mesmerized by a lone bull, horns billowing in the wind. We each took our turn mounting the wild spirit and each time we were thrown off in fits of laughter and a determination to beat the best time of the person behind us.
Next up was the much anticipated and highly acclaimed Via Ferrata. The entire staff was giddy with excitement telling us about the climbing adventure, “It’s very popular in Europe” and “We’re the only place in the US that has this”. With high expectations we jumped into our harnesses, went over some safety techniques and were ready to ascend the Via Ferreta. The 150 foot rock face was adorned with metal rods to assist with the climb while our helpful leaders hoisted us up the mountain. From the top we were able to gaze out over Idaho Springs and see the rolling tree tops and hills. It was a truly unique accomplishment and experience. After belaying down the mountain we were ready to take on the ZORBS.
The ZORBing balls were already inflated and loomed in the distance as we approached the top of the hill. We meticulously took off our shoes and socks as we watched our guides fill the balls with 3 gallons of water. Once inside we watched them slowly close up the hole we came in through and exhaled deeply as our last chance for escape disappeared. Note: this is not for the claustrophobic or small space spaz. All fear evaporated once we tipped ourselves over the edge and rolled down the embankment akin to the boulder from Indiana Jones. We splashed and laughed our way to the end, our first experience ZORBing and definitely not our last.
The Lawson Adventure Park sits high off interstate 70 and offers a little bit of something for everyone. In a couple of months the park will be unveiling cabins, yurts and campgrounds- the ideal family getaway for a quick weekend out of the city. If you’re an adrenaline junky looking for a fun activity or a family looking for some bonding time away from iPhones and city lights, Lawson Adventure park is definitely a smart choice. We will be back to master the bull, beat our time on the Gyro and run off into the distance in our ZORB balls. For more information on the adventure park visit: http://lawsonadventurepark.com/
GAME OF THRONES® LIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCE - AN IMMERSIVE MUSIC AND VISUAL EXPERIENCE FEATURING RAMIN DJAWADI
Concept art of Game of Thrones® Live Concert Experience
Enter the world of Westeros with the Game of Thrones® Live Concert Experience -- an immersive music and visual experience that will bring the Seven Kingdoms to life on a scale never seen before. Using state-of-the-art technology, Game of Thrones® composer Ramin Djawadi, along with a full orchestra and choir, will take fans on a musical journey through the realm - from King's Landing to Winterfell, along the northern stretches of the Kingsroad to The Wall and across the Narrow Sea to Braavos, Meereen and beyond. Fans of the groundbreaking, critically-acclaimed and Emmy® Award-winning show will finally have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Game of Thrones® universe through the breathtaking score created by Ramin Djawadi.
As rich as the stories, intrigue and world of Game of Thrones®, Ramin's celebrated music for the show resonated immediately with fans as the meticulously constructed songs underscored the emotional weight of key moments between beloved characters, lent scale to massive battle sequences or brought to life songs referenced in the books. Ramin's relentlessly popular title track alone has become instantly recognizable as a pop culture phenomenon in its own right. Fan enthusiasm for the music from Game of Thrones® continues to grow with each season.
The tour, produced and promoted exclusively by Live Nation inpartnership with HBO Global Licensing, will use innovative music tour production and video technology that will recreate the various realms found throughout Westeros and Essos as well as showcase footage from the show in addition to all new imagery created exclusively for the tour. Beginning its journey on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 in Kansas City, Mo., the highly-anticipated tour will visit 28 cities across North America with shows scheduled at famed live music venues including Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Forum in Los Angeles as well as arenas in Montreal, Boston, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Washington DC and more.
Tickets go on sale starting Saturday, August 13 at www.livenation.com. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Wednesday, August 10 at 10:00 a.m. through Friday, August 12 at 10:00 p.m.
Ramin Djawadi's previous credits include the Grammy® nominated score for Marvel's 2008 blockbuster, Iron Man. Other film credits include Pacific Rim, Clash Of The Titans and Warcraft. In addition to Game Of Thrones®, Ramin also garnered Emmy® Award nominations for other television projects including Flash Forward (ABC) and Prison Break (FOX). Among Ramin's upcoming projects is the highly anticipated HBO® series, Westworld.
Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones® is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years, and only the lust for power is eternal. The Emmy®- and Golden Globe Award-winning series has captured the imagination of fans globally, making it one of the most popular shows on television.
"For the past six seasons of Game of Thrones, I have been tremendously inspired to compose music to David Benioff's and D.B. Weiss' extraordinary adaption of George R.R. Martin's epic 'A Song of Fire and Ice' series," says Ramin Djawadi. "Now, by combining the music with state of the art technology, we are going to bring the astonishing world of Westeros to fans in a live and unique concert experience."
"For seven years, Ramin has been blowing our mind with his music's force, subtlety, and endless inventiveness," said Game of Thrones® creators/executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. "The GoT Concert Experience will be unique in the history of concert tours, an eye-popping, ear-splitting, phantasmagoric blend of the show's visuals and Ramin's powerful compositions. We are more excited for it than anyone."
"Game of Thrones has one of the most engaged audiences in television," said Josh Goodstadt, Vice President, HBO Global Licensing. "We can't wait to see fans and newcomers alike immerse themselves in Ramin's incredible music and the world of Westeros through this epic concert experience."
"Live Nation is honored to be partners with HBO and Ramin Djawadi in bringing fans of the hit series a spectacular live experience centered around the music of Game of Thrones and performed using cutting edge technology to create a show unlike anything seen before," says Omar Al-Joulani, SVP, North American Touring at Live Nation.
Robert Plant Would Be Proud | A Led Zeppelin Chef's Tasting @ Nocturne Jazz
Image: diningout.com
Nocturne’s jazz lounge turned foodie haven is making waves in Denver’s culinary scene. Not only are they a pioneer in their industry, they’re forging the path. “More than just jazz and a proper cocktail, Nocturne explores how the arts of food and music can be combined. From lighter ‘sound bites’ of cheeses and charcuterie to a full five course chef's tasting menu, Nocturne has something to appease all appetites.” For the past year Nocturne has wowed their diners with vivid and creative interpretations of iconic albums and artists and this rendition was no exception.
Each season Chef Greg Weadick and the Nocturne culinary team select an iconic album that becomes the weekly rendition performance and inspires a special “Renditions” menu to complement. This season’s album is Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy performed by the Dave Devine Trio every Wednesday starting at 7pm through the first week of September. Ultra5280 indulged in the complete sensory experience which paired the recognizable rolling riffs of Led Zeppelin’s musical catalogue with a culinary experience imbued with innovation and enthusiasm.
For every Rendition the culinary team studies, the chosen album in depth “to bring a thoughtful expression of musical ideas to the table through texture, color, flavor, and technique.” Not only is the Chef enthusiastic about the menu he is creating, but the culinary team, the Sommelier and even the wait staff were noticeably excited to share, discuss, and hear feedback on the dishes and paired drinks. The band was equally excited to play Led Zeppelin songs and Houses of the Holy was the first CD Dave Devine purchased with his own money back in the 80s. All of this enthusiasm and passion for the album is apparent and makes for a magical evening in a venue to match.
The Dave Devine Trio interpreted the album into a jazz format as Nocturne is a jazz club, and with only a drummer, standup bassist and guitarist, they recreated the album in a way that was recognizable, yet also jazzy and improvisational. “The idea is to start with the song’s version the audience knows and then find ways to exploit small features of the song without losing the overall vibe each one creates,” explains Devine. This was appreciated as we went there wanting to hear Led Zeppelin, wanting to know the song, hum along, and listen in anticipation for the big buildups and crazy crescendos we love in Led Zeppelin’s music. “Using recognizable parts from the songs (guitar riffs, specific bass lines and drum patters, etc) establishes that recognizable tune, then I try to incorporate as much of the vocal melody with my guitar part as possible,” says Devine. “We deviate from these parts throughout the song however to build tension, and then resolve back to them to create a sense of arriving, or going back home.” In addition to the improvisation the Trio imparts, the set list itself is different each week, spanning the entire catalogue and the band experiments during every performance to keep things interesting for them as well as for repeat guests.
The Renditions menu for this season was extremely interesting, either turning very common ingredients into things we had never seen before, like a tomato sponge, or utilizing ingredients that we had to Google to figure out. The Chef’s Tasting menu is composed of five courses for $55 that we feel truly translates the selected songs into a tangible, edible display. The tasting began with Over The Hills And Far Away which featured duck prosciutto, stone fruit tartar and lavender panna cotta, a batch of ingredients that would not typically be found together within the circumference of your plate. The saltiness of the prosciutto was offset by the creaminess of the panna cotta and together they all melted inside your mouth as if in a brackish sanctuary. Perhaps the most intriguing dish of the evening followed next, set to the tune of Zeppelin's classic, The Song Remains The Same, but presenting itself as something far from the norm. The dish featured a tomato sponge that held the composition of a marshmallow, briny oysters, scallop chips and seaweed ice. The innovativeness and exploratory instincts within the second course were uncomparable. The chef and staff have full creative authority over composition of the meal leading to 100% authenticity within their dishes... and we can truly say we’ve never tasted anything like it.
The meat and potatoes of the tasting were presented in the next two courses. Rain Song covers the four seasons, so the culinary team created a dish that incorporated the tastes, sights, and crops of each of the four seasons. We really enjoyed this hearty spectrum of the seasons featuring smoked pork cheek in a fig ragout representing summer, spring onion confit, onion ash for autumn, and a good sprinkling of Gruyere Truffle snow. The Ocean followed suit and highlighted the salt and robustness of life under water. The dish revolved around a perfectly cooked piece of black cod and sauteed greens with just a hint of chile peppered throughout the plate that added an interesting heat to the dish. The course ended with a stegosaurus dessert (not actual name) inspired by Zeppelin’s song, D’yer Mak’er. Brownie and raspberry chips stuck out of the coconut mango sorbet reflecting the shape of the prehistoric spines of the stegosaurus. All of this was placed atop a spiced chocolate pudding which added a thoughtful heat to an otherwise sweet end to our meal.
While the five course menu is highly recommended from your Ultra5280 staff, Nocturne also has a bunch of regular and delicious staples. For those who want a safe standard they know they’ll enjoy, there are sandwiches with house made pomme frites and a chimichurri hanger steak cooked to your preference. A personal and staff favorite is the Garden salad composed of hydroponic red oak Bibb lettuce, arugula, shaved carrot and fennel, cherry tomatoes, roasted beets, dragon beans, and roasted pepper vinaigrette - featuring many vegetables from their own garden!
From drinks after work to late night bubbles (50% off after 11pm) and date nights to anniversary celebrations, Nocturne has a bit of everything to impress anyone. Our love of jazz and great food has finally come to fruition and found a home within RiNo’s Nocturne. You can experience the Led Zeppelin 5 course dinner/jazz every Wednesday night from 6:00pm to 12:30am. For more information visit: www.nocturnejazz.com
Reviewed by Tiffany Candelaria
Venturing Inside A Donald Trump Rally
I’ll start by explaining myself and my bias, I was Bernie delegate this year for my Congressional District in Colorado, and while I don’t consider myself a Bernie or Bust-er, I do consider myself a conscientious voter who’s support and trust must be won to earn my vote. As a lifetime Democrat it has been a painful experience to feel my voice being muted and disregarded by my party and the media, all while being expected to fall into line and join the Hillary train without any motivation other than the Never Trump movement. Trying to be as open and unbiased as I could muster, I decided I would attend the Trump rally that was happening in Colorado in the days after the Democratic National Convention. I had spent the last year hearing the media incorrectly portray Bernie and his supporters to skew support towards Clinton. It was with this experience I figured I owed Trump at least a chance to prove that he wasn't the monster that the media said he was, especially since the recent Wikileaks showed that Clinton campaign had been actively pushing for a media smear campaign against him.
When I walked into the rally I was struck by the perfection of the location they had chosen, it was an aeronautical museum filled with fighter jets and a gigantic American flag hanging at the end of the hanger. It screamed American values and showed support for the military, what more could want out of a backdrop?
The media had to arrive early, so we had a long wait between our arrival and Trump’s speech. In those three hours I spent my time meandering around the crowd and was struck by the normalcy of everyone there. I had expected that my liberalness would stick out on me like a sore thumb, and that insults would be hurled in my direction. That wasn't the case for the most part, everyone was incredibly nice to me, save for one woman whom after giving me permission to take her family’s photo (I’ve not included it for the sake of her children's’ privacy) came running after me to investigate if I was a liberal.
The one thing that stood out most was the incredible lack of diversity of the crowd. Out of a crowd of about 7,000, I saw only a handful of people of color. Trump’s vision of a great America is clearly one of absolutely no diversity. It was obvious from the crowd that Trump has tapped into the ignorance of the #AllLivesMatter movement that is incapable of understanding that bringing everyone up to the same socio-economic level doesn't mean that their own rights and freedoms will be removed.
The speakers before Trump seemed to try and counteract this lack of diversity in the crowd, but instead that only seemed to highlight it. The first speaker was a gay man whom ran a business in Colorado whom argued that the Left doesn't own the support of everyone in the LGBTQ community and that the GOP cares about the LGBTQ too. It was painful to listen to his words given that the GOP just fought to place conversion therapy and revoking equal marriage rights on their party platform a week earlier. He also had to awkwardly plead to get the crowd to do a chant of “Lock her up” during which I heard one man scream, “Hang her” repetitively. The next speaker was an alternate delegate at the RNC whom was a black female. During both speakers it seemed as if the crowd was justifying the institutionalized racism and homophobia of the GOP platform as being okay because these two speakers agreed with it.
When Trump finally spoke, I was horrified with the disjointedness of his speech. It was utterly incoherent due to the lack of his attention span. He bounced from one idea to another and back again with no rhyme or reason. It was painful to watch and difficult to try and keep up with. His arguments weren't thought out and the specific facts he used to justify them were based on data that was conveniently skewed to make his point but in proper context actually did the opposite. For the most part his speech just felt like the ramblings of your crazy uncle that likes the sound of his own voice a little too much. But, there were some scary notes to it, most notably when he spoke of the usefulness of torture and that he believed it to be an effective, ethical and reliable source of information despite a vast amount of research that has consistently pointed out the opposite to be true.
The thing about this rally was that it wasn’t the Fascist horror show that I was expecting; instead it was just a sad display of ignorance and fear mongering. These were people that were goaded into believing that the elevation of people that are different than them be it culturally, ethnically, religiously or otherwise, would cause danger to their lives or lifestyle. These are people that were told by the 24-hour news cycle that “Islamic extremism” is the most dangerous thing in their life or that there is an impending race war. It was these fears that Trump has able to tap into and exploit. That is what is scary about Trump more than anything that he is vocalizing the fears and ignorance that white America had previously been too politically correct to voice proudly. I don't think Trump is the monster the media has made him out to be, not because his ideas and opinions aren't scary, but rather because they give him credit for a level of sophistication and thought to his campaign that simply doesn't exist.
-Words and photos by Emily Brie Equi (Special Contributor)
Weekend Itinerary
We know that you're tired. It's Friday. You made it through the week, but are considering being a homebody for the next two days. Odds are, if you're reading this, you camped out for Basscenter, or went to Red Rocks, or replaced your blood with beer at UMS and destroyed your hearing for a good cause. We also understand that you take things to the limit. You're not willing to call it quits. You are going back out this weekend to taste the sweet milk of Denver's teets. Here's the sitch on Denver's weekend events.
FRIDAY AUGUST 5TH
Untold Stories, a solo exhibition by Denver artist Rashelle Stetman.
6 PM - 10 PM
@ Battery 621-- 621 Kalamath St, Denver, Colorado 80204
Sabor, a celebration of the cuisine of the Americas.
5 PM - 9 PM
Denver Botanic Gardens-- 1007 York St, Denver, Colorado 80206
August's First Friday Art Walk, featuring free parking, a beer garden, and a luxury shuttle.
6:30 PM - 11:59 PM
Art District on Santa Fe-- 828 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, Colorado 80204
SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH
2016 Sesh Fest Hosted by Two Parts, dozens of breweries paying homage to session-style beers. Plenty of food, lawn games, and music to complement Colorado craft beer.
2 PM - 6 PM
Special Occasions Events at Highland Masonic Center
3550 Federal Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80211
Yoga @ Ratio with The Yoga Mat
11 AM
2920 Larimer St, Denver, Colorado 80205
The Denver Olympics and Beer Fest, a place to showcase what you really learned in college. This event is put on directly by a non-profit organization that raises money to fight blood cancer.
10 AM - 6 PM
Civic Center Park-- 101 W 14th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mile High Soul Club w/ Guest DJ Gordy G
9 PM - 2 AM
Syntax Physic Opera
554 S Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80209
The Five Points Brew and BBQ
11 AM- 8 PM
2736 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205-2914, United States
Black Shirt presents Champagne Charlie, with special guest Kiel Grove
7 PM - 10 PM
3719 Walnut St, Denver, Colorado 80205
On Black Shirt's Pallet Stage $5 advance tickets.
Sususa Time Machine, hosted by Stay Up Saturdays and CRL CRRL, with guest DJ, our own Robert Castro of Ultra5280
9 PM
Stay Up Saturday's at Pearl's
608 E 13th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80203
SUNDAY AUGUST 7TH
Jazz in the Park with Mohoden
City Park Jazz
6 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday BBQ Series @ Larimer Lounge
1 PM
2721 Larimer St, Denver, Colorado 80205
16+
$5 EARLYBIRD, $9 ADV, $13 DAY OF
Sesh Fest Is This Saturday - Day Drinkers Unite!
When: Saturday, August 6, 2016
2:00pm - 6:00pm MDT
Where: Highlands Masonic Events Center
Price: $30
Tickets: https://nightout.com/events/sesh-fest-2016/tickets#.V6IhsfkrLcs
This year's Sesh Fest features dozens of breweries paying homage to session-style beers at the Highlands Masonic Events Center. With a new location comes plenty of food, lawn games, and music to complement Colorado craft beer! Sesh Fest invites breweries to pour beers of the lighter, more sessionable variety, which means they are all under 5% ABV — all of them designed with your day drinking pleasure in mind!
What's included with the ticket? Bottomless session beer samples, access to all the games, grass and turf to relax on, sunshine (says our meteorologist intern), and a fancy new tasting glass you can keep. Each attendee will be welcomed with a cold beer and then it's an all out sesh!
Meet The Breweries:
CAUTION: Brewing Company
TRVE Brewing Co.
Ratio Beerworks
Strange Craft Beer Company
Dad & Dude's Breweria
Call to Arms Brewing Co.
Alpine Dog Brewing Company
The Old Mine
Something Brewery
Breckenridge Brewery
Elevation Beer Company
Wonderland Brewing Company
WestFax Brewing Company
Sanitas Brewing Company
Great Divide Brewing Co
Cerebral Brewing
Mu Brewery
Fiction Beer Company
Colorado Cider Company
Upslope Brewing Company
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery
Baere Brewing Company
FATE Brewing Company
The Brew on Broadway
Black Bottle Brewery
Storm Peak Brewing Company
Spangalang Brewery
FERMÆNTRA
The Post Brewing Company
Beryl's Beer Co.
Wit's End Brewing Company
Ska Brewing Company
Little Machine
14er Brewing Company
*Tickets at the door will increase to $35*
7 Denver Events to Consider For Your Weekend Plans
Here's a breakdown of Denver's best events for this late July weekend. We may not be able to do it all, but why not do the best? We hope to see you out there with us. Ubers, get your engines ready. This weekend is going to be popping (bubbles) all over the city.
We know it's not easy living here. While you're having a mid-summer crisis deciding wether to go to your favorite brewery, attend a foodie festival, or to dip your toes in something new, we decided to make things a little easier on you. Here's a breakdown of Denver's best events for this late July weekend. We may not be able to do it all, but why not do the best? We hope to see you out there with us.
-The Ultra5280 Team
7/23: STAR WARS NIGHT @ COORS FIELD
Coors Field is to be transformed into a galaxy far, far away. Tickets include seating in a special Star Wars section and a free Star Wars tee. Come out and see The Rockies play The Braves in a battle of good and evil.
Purchase tickets here.
7/22-7/23: SUMMER BREW FEST @ MILE HIGH STATION
Get first taste of great brews with exclusive, limited admittance VIP hour, with special MouCo, a cheese sampling and Weldwerks beer pairing.
7-10 pm General admission.
$35 advance/$45 day of event Friday or Saturday
Day of tickets available online until 4:00pm. Cash only at door.
Purchase GA tickets here.
Souvenir glass included!
7/23: DENVER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL @ CIVIC CENTER PARK
FREE
With over thirty international restaurants, a milieu of world music and a beer garden, this event will be sure to please. Come dance, eat, drink and play in the heart of Denver at Civic Center Park. Come dance, eat, drink and play in the heart of Denver at Civic Center Park.
7/23: ROCK AGAINST THE TPP @ SUMMIT MUSIC HALL
FREE
Guitarist Tom Morello (Prophets of Rage, Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave), popular punk band Anti-Flag, Golden Globe nominated actress Evangeline Lilly (Lost, The Hobbit, Ant-Man), Denver-based hip-hop outfit Flobots, and Downtown Boys will perform a free concert in Denver at Summit Music Hall on Saturday, July 23rd to mobilize opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The event will launch multi-city roadshow featuring high profile performers and speakers to defeat dangerous, anti-democratic deal.
At Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. Doors open at 6pm, show runs until 11:30pm. Sign the petition for tickets here.
7/22-7/24: TATTOO MASQUERADE
Centrally located in the heart of downtown Denver, Tattoo Masquerade at the Downtown Convention Center will unite thousands of tattoo artists, painters, vendors, performers, and art lovers from all across the nation. Tattoo Masquerade, a revolutionary 3-day inaugural event, will feature more than 140 tattoo, vending, and live art booths, in addition to entertaining performances, music, and more.
Get tickets here.
7/23: BUBBLE RUN
9 AM @ The Great Lawn Park
101 Yosemite St, Denver, Colorado 80230
Clad in white t-shirts, Participants run, walk, dance and play across 3 miles of absolute fun! Waves start every 3-5 minutes. Then, at each kilometer, participants will run through the Foam Bogs where there is enough colored foam to cover you from head to toe!
Each of the four Foam Bogs along the course are represented by different colored foam.
Get tickets here.
Poets Row @ Black Shirt Brewery
Catch Poets Row with opener Delaney Davis. Their heartfelt folk hails from Denver, and is an act you don't want to miss out on.
Located right off the brand new A-Line 38th Street Light Rail stop. $10 advance tickets, $15 at the door.