Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Brandin' Iron Motel

 1950s photo of the Brandin' Iron Motel on E. Colfax. The saddle is a nice touch!
 
This motel is still there and is just a little further east on Colfax from where the Famous Chef used to be. In 2019, the original sign was uncovered after all the renovations and additions made over the years were removed. Let's hope the new owner restores the original sign!

The original Brandin' Iron Motor Lodge sign, uncovered in 2019. Photo by Colfax Jack.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

5th Annual Tasty Colfax

5th Annual Tasty Colfax
Tuesday July 30th
5:30 to 8:30pm

Sample the rich and varied cuisine along one of America’s most colorful byways. Purchase a $20 ticket ($25 day of the event) and go from restaurant to restaurant to sample a diverse selection of the most tantalizing East Colfax eateries.  Try selections from tacos at Odelay to biscuits from the Denver Biscuit Company and Pizza from Fat Sully’s.   Plus enjoy live music from The Whales, Orange Peel Moses, The Wild Riders and more as you stroll Colfax. It’s only 7 blocks, so don’t worry about the car.   If you have to drive cause you live far and need parking options or if  you have more questions check out the FAQ Page >
Afterevents:
  • SIE FilmCenter Free Movie from 8:30 on or a Free ticket for your next visit with your tasty ticket
  • Park House Tavern after party with Champion playing live at 9pm with your tasty ticket
Click on the names of the participating restaurants to check out their websites.  Download the PDF map of the Tasty route here >

Photo courtesy BluebirdBeat.com
Denver Biscuit Company
Fat Sully’s Pizza
Annie’s Cafe
Church of Cupcakes
Steve’s Snappin Dogs
Bastien’s
Goosetown Tavern
Stella’s / R Bar
The Uber Sausage
The Shoppe
Tommy’s Thai
Odelay Tacos
Udi’s on Colfax
Parkhouse Tavern
Mezcal
Cafe Max
Hooked on Colfax 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Independent Records is Closing

Photo by Colfax Jack
Independent Records on Colfax is closing. There is a "For Lease" sign hanging above the window. Another Colfax institution come and gone...

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Meet & Greet with Johnny Winter


Twist & Shout, at 2508 E. Colfax Avenue, is honored to host a meet and greet with legendary guitarist Johnny Winter. Join us on Thursday, August 1st at 5pm for an autograph signing. Purchase any new Johnny Winter title from Twist & Shout to enter to win a signed Epiphone Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar! Winner will be chosen during the event.

Meet Johnny Winter, and get something signed before his show at the Oriental Theater later that night.

Voted one of the top 100 guitarists of all time in Rolling Stone Magazine Johnny Winter is a guitar hero without equal. Signing with Columbia Records in 1969, he immediately laid out the blueprint for his fresh take on classic blues with a powerful combination of authentic Texas funk and his own high energy interpretation for the legions of fans just discovering the blues via the likes of Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. Constantly shifting between primal country blues in the vein of Robert Johnson to scorching electric slide guitar, Johnny has always been one of the most respected singers and influential guitar players in rock and the clear link between British blues rock and American Southern rock ala the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Throughout the 70s and 80s he was the unofficial torch bearer for the blues, championing and aiding the careers of his idols like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. The Johnny Winter story is the stuff of legend. Born in Beaumont, Texas, in a rough and tumble oil town he grew up listening to and then playing Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll at a very early age. His inclusion in a story about Texas music in Rolling Stone in 1968 ignited a bidding war among record labels for his phenomenal talent. Since 1969 and his self-titled debut, Johnny has recorded almost 40 albums of classic rock and blues and was one of the top arena rock acts in the mid-70s. In the late 70s he produced and played on a stunning series of Grammy award winning albums with Muddy Waters, who affectionately referred to Johnny as his “son.” The recordings served as a “comeback” for his idol while also refreshing his own deep and unwavering love of the blues.

Today Johnny Winter is enjoying an unparalleled resurgence performing to sold out shows worldwide even after a long life full of honors and accomplishments such as a triumphant appearance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival with Derek Trucks, Buddy Guy and Clapton that has been immortalized on the Emmy award winning DVD. In a ceremony with Slash presenting in Nashville, Gibson Guitars released the signature Johnny Winter Firebird guitar that has been his beloved trademark for years. His Live through the 70s, 80’s, Rockpalast and Live in Japan concert DVDs are a hit as are his Live Bootleg Series CDs which all entered the Top 10 on the Billboard Blues charts. Two unique instructional DVDs and I-Pad App. have been produced by Cherry Lane/Hal Leonard to the gratitude of players around the world.

Always one for special appearances he recently performed with the Allman Brothers at the Beacon Theater in Manhattan on the 40th anniversary of their debut. In addition Winter has been headlining such prestigious events as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Swedish Rock Fest, Warren Haynes X-mas jam and Europe’s Rockpalast viewed by millions just to name a few. Warner Bros. has now released a 40th anniversary DVD of Woodstock: 3 Days of Love and Peace the Director’s cut featuring, for the first time, Johnny playing his smoking classic “Meantown Blues.” His latest highly acclaimed release “Roots” (Megaforce/Sony) and recent performance on The David Letterman Show has only added to his Texas-sized reputation. Joining him on this CD is his scorching road-tested touring band consisting of guitarist Paul Nelson, bassist Scott Spray, and drummer Tommy Curiale. Performing now with a renewed vigor and fire to say that he is “back” would be an understatement. In fact, he never left. He is just better than ever.


Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIpmUroL2D4

Website:
http://www.johnnywinter.net/

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Spamalot comes to Colfax!


The Aurora Fox Theatre Company Announces Auditions for SPAMALOT

Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle, Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle

From the Original screenplay by Grahm Chapman, John Cleese,
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin

The Aurora Fox will be holding auditions for SPAMALOT (directed and choreographed by Piper Arpan) on August 6th and 7th, 2013 from 6PM to 10PM at the Aurora Fox (9900 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO 80010). 
Roles are available for an ensemble of 17 funny, sexy people, including 12 men (ages 18 to 70) and 5 women (ages 18 to 50).  All roles will require singing and dancing.  Auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an audition appointment, actors should call (303) 739-1970. 
The Aurora Fox is a leader in non-traditional casting.  Actors of all ethnicities and body types are encouraged to audition. Wheelchairs acceptable.   Members of Actors Equity Association will be considered for all roles, with at least 5 contracts available.
All actors should prepare 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show, and either a one-minute comedic monologue or a joke.
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is a musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  It is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian Legend.

Performance dates April 11-April 27, 2014 on the Aurora Fox main stage.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Blue Star Memorial Highway

Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker on West Colfax Avenue


Blue Star Memorial Highways are highways in the United States that are marked to pay tribute to the U.S. armed forces. The National Council of State Garden Clubs, now known as National Garden Clubs, Inc., started the program in 1945 after World War II. The blue star was used on service flags to denote a service member fighting in the war. The program has since been expanded to include Memorial Markers and Memorial By-ways (since 1994). These markers are used in National Cemeteries, parks, veterans facilities, and gardens.

The Marker is at Abbie Duston Roadside Park on West Colfax Avenue (U.S. Route 40) in Lakewood, Colorado.

Abby Henry Duston
This is from Abby's granddaughter Ann's blog: "While the tiger lilies honor my husband's grandmother, mine, Abby Duston, taught me to love and respect the beauty in the garden. She was a certified flower show judge in Colorado, a real expert. I remember hearing her on the local Denver radio station one morning talking about gardening with another well-known Denver gardener who had his own radio show, Herb Gundel. Her love of flowers and the beauty that they bring inspired her to plant flowers along the roadside of highway 40 (Colfax), the main artery out of Denver in those pre-super highway days to Colorado's mountain resorts and the Western Slope. So dedicated to maintaining her roadside flowers, she and grandpa Duston even hauled water to the roadside flowers. Years after her death when I was in 5th grade (August 7, 1959), she was honored by having a roadside rest area dedicated in her honor,  located in one of the Blue Star Memorial Highway road-side parks. Read about the national Blue Star Highways and read more about Panoramic Park  in Lakewood, Colorado. (Note that grandma's name is spelled wrong--) Highway 40 received designation as a Blue Star Memorial Highway to honor America's armed forces."

Thursday, July 25, 2013

White Mule Tavern

This odd 1968 photo of a westbound Colfax station wagon features the old White Mule Tavern at the corner of Elati St. (once directly across from the Rocky Mountain News), and the A & K Auto Works, which had probably been at this location of 510 W. Colfax since the time motoring became popular. (Courtesy: Retro Denver Metro)

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

It's Hammer Time on Colfax!!

MC Hammer Brings the Jams to A Taste of Colorado
Multi-award winning hip-hop artist MC Hammer will perform on the Main Stage at the 30th annual A Taste of Colorado on Sun., Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is presented by Jammin’ 101.5. The four-day, free admission, food, music, and entertainment Festival will take place Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30  through Sept. 2, in Downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park.
MC Hammer
MC Hammer is often considered a pioneer of pop/rap. His first album, “Feel My Power,” was released in 1987 and sold two million copies. His album, “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ’Em,” featured the popular single “U Can’t Touch This,” which sampled Rick James’ “Super Freak.” The track reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with the album gaining #1 placement for 21 weeks - the first rap recording to receive the honor on pop charts. “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ’Em” went on to become the first hip-hop album to earn diamond status, selling more than 18 million units to date.

Hammer went on to release “Too Legit to Quit” in 1991, which reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. After recording two additional albums and releasing his greatest hits, he began to focus his musical talents in a spiritual way with the albums “Family Affair” in 1998 and “Active Duty” in 2001. To date, Hammer has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and won three Grammy Awards for Best Rhythm and Blues Song (1990), Best Rap Solo (1990) and Best Music Video: Long Form (1990).  
  
In addition to the Main Stage, four other entertainment stages located throughout the Festival will serve up a continuous menu of music featuring rock, country, jazz, blues, and ethnic music and dance groups.

More than 50 of Colorado’s favorite food establishments will be selling a wide variety of small portions to full meals, ensuring that there will be something for every palate. The Fine Dining area will host some of Denver’s finest restaurants. The Albert Bartlett Culinary Showcase features local and nationally-renowned chef demonstrations creating simple, yet elegant meals.

Festivalgoers can shop in more than 280 Marketplace booths for original arts and crafts, home and gift items, furniture, jewelry, imports, and more. Fine Art in the Park will display original works in a variety of mediums created by artists from around the country. Shoppers also can explore the Home & Lifestyles area, which features a variety of exhibitors displaying products and services such as window installation, kitchen remodeling, cookware, basement refinishing, and salons and spas.

There will be plenty of music, magic, clowns, and puppets on the Comfort Dental KidzStage, and the KidZone features play equipment and hands-on craft activities. Kids and adults also can enjoy carnival rides and games Saturday through Monday.

In the Festival of Mountain and Plain area, families can learn about the state’s pioneer past, nature, and the environment. Featured artisans will demonstrate Navajo weaving and culture, spinning, rug braiding, lace crocheting, felting, and quilting, along with the popular blacksmith demonstration. At the Raptor Education Foundation (REF) exhibit, children can learn about birds, their environment, and their interactions with humans.

Sponsors of this year’s Festival are: 9NEWS, Aggreko, LLC, Albert Bartlett, All Copy Products, American Medical Response, APLMED Academy, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Blue Moon, Bluegreen Vacations, Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Mobile Tour, Coast 2 Coast Communications, Colorado HealthOP, Colorado Lottery, Colorado Native, Comfort Dental, Coors Banquet, Costco Wholesale, Courtyard by Marriott Denver Downtown, Cutarelli Vision, The Denver Post, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc.,  Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, Ford Experience Tour, Grand Lodge on Peak 7, LBA Realty, Levinson Eye Clinic, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Nature’s Path, Peach Street Distillery, PEPSI, Residence Inn Denver City Center, Roundhouse Spirits, Sturgeon Electric, SVEDKA Vodka, and TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown.

Festival hours are Friday, Aug. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Festival of Mountain and Plain … A Taste of Colorado is a community celebration that is produced by and benefits Downtown Denver Events, Inc., the Downtown Denver Partnership family’s community events nonprofit organization. The Festival is an opportunity for people throughout the region to come together to experience and appreciate our diverse cultural traditions, and to learn more about our state’s Western heritage. The Festival highlights visual and performing arts in addition to featuring educational programs and culinary demonstrations.
  
Visit www.ATasteofColorado.com, www.facebook.com/ATasteofColorado, www.twitter.com/ATasteofCO, or call (303) 295-6330 for more information.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Cheap Cars

I just had to stop when I saw a sign advertising Cheap Cars on Colfax, but I don't know, $2500 seems a little steep for the Big Wheel...

Monday, July 22, 2013

Charlie Chaplin on Colfax Avenue?

Charlie Chaplin
      Did silent film star Charlie Chaplin get his start on Colfax Avenue? Surprisingly, the answer is yes...just not on the Colfax Avenue in Colorado!

Mack Sennett
     "King of Comedy" Mack Sennett was born on January 17, 1880 in Richmond, Québec, Canada as Mikall Sinnott. He was known as the innovator of slapstick comedy in film.
     Joint founder of the Keystone studios in 1912, Mack Sennett launched the careers of Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, W. C. Fields, Bing Crosby, Fatty Arbuckle, Mabel Normand, Stan Laurel, Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery. In 1917 he left Keystone and founded the Mack Sennett Comedies Corporation which joined forces with Pathé in 1923.
     In 1926 plans for a new city in the San Fernando Valley, California were being developed. It began with the purchase of a 50 acre lettuce ranch at the corner of Colfax Avenue and Ventura Boulevard, along with a 300 acre ranch located at Laurel Canyon. Mack Sennett was looking for a new studio location. A deal was struck and in 1928 Mack Sennett Studios opened and the surrounding area became known as Studio City. At this time the Studio consisted of one office building, a projection room/film editing building, a film library, a two-story dressing room building attached to a large sound stage, a wardrobe building, garage, and a stage with an in ground swimming pool.
     In 1932, Mack Sennett was nominated for two Academy Awards and won an Academy Award for Best Short Subject, Novelty in 1932 for Wrestling Swordfish. In 1937 the Academy presented Mack Sennett with an honorary Academy Award, "For his lasting contribution to the comedy technique of the screen, the basic principles of which are as important today as when they were first put into practice, the Academy presents a special award to that master of fun, discoverer of stars, sympathetic, kindly, understanding comedy genius, Mack Sennett."
     Mack Sennett passed away on November 5, 1960 in Woodland Hills, California at the age of 80.

Mack Sennett Studios, 4024 Radford Avenue in Studio City, CA, is now CBS Studio Center.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Colfax History: Rocky Mtn. Motel

This cool early '50's style Rocky Mtn. Motel sign was replaced with a more modern looking one when the facility was revamped many years ago. The original sign here once caught fire when an electrical short in the "Weekly Rates / Kitchenette" light box sparked and burned, leaving a big black singe mark on both sides of the sign.

The motel, located at 6001 W. Colfax, got a lot of use from the "Rock n' Roll crowd" during the '80's & '90's as it was located right next door to the once rowdy rock club CP's Tavern, and directly across the street from the old Taylor's Supper Club which later became another wild rock venue during those years. (Courtesy: Denver Retro Metro)

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Bonobo Coming to The Fillmore Auditorium

Simon Green, AKA Bonobo, is an artist very much at the peak of his significant powers. His 2010 album 'Black Sands' was the high watermark of his career to date; a masterful record, marrying Green's inimitable melodic genius to cutting edge electronics, bass and drums.


Black Sands went on to sell over 150,000 copies worldwide, and since its release, Bonobo has toured the world with his live band, wowing audiences of thousands at a time with the hypnotic, extended live versions of the album's tracks. He sold out both the Roundhouse and The Forum in London, and played a 22 date US tour that took him everywhere from Ashville NC to New York City. He amassed more than 16 million recorded plays on LastFM and over 301,000 likes on Facebook. The songs 'Kiara' and 'Eyedsown' - both featuring the breathtaking, moving tones of Andreya Triana - have gone on to reach something approaching hit status.

Now, in 2013, he stands ready to take things up yet another notch. The North Borders is another long stride forward - both a natural evolution and a continuation of the electronic palette of Black Sands. Thematic, resonant, addictive and perfectly formed, it's a thrillingly coherent statement piece. With vocal features from no less than Erykah Badu, as well as Grey Reverend (Cinematic Orchestra) and Cornelia (Portico Quartet) it's another finely balanced body of work, leaving room for the beautiful, rich productions themselves to breathe and shine.

Bonobo has a long history of unearthing new talent (Andreya Triana, Bjaika) and The North Borders sees him do so once again. The startling vocals of new collaborator Szjerdene are sprinkled across the North Borders, and Green has yet again found the perfect voice to enhance where he's at. 

With a huge run of international tour dates now underway,  plus a host of weighty press and radio campaigns and a bleeding edge online campaign, 2013 looks set to be Simon Green's year, which is very good news for the rest of us, too. 
               
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
at the Fillmore Auditorium Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or call 800 – 745 - 3000

Tickets are 25.00 GA ADV and $30.00 GA DOS plus applicable service charges.

The Fillmore box office is open Monday - Friday from 12:00 Noon - 6:00pm & Saturdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm.  On days of Fillmore shows, the box office is open from 12:00 Noon – 9:00pm. 
The box office accepts cash, MasterCard, Visa and American Express – No checks!  Service charges may apply. 

THE FILLMORE AUDITORIUM IS LOCATED AT 1510 CLARKSON ST. AT COLFAX.                             
CONNECT WITH US ON THE WEB
www.livenation.com  / www.facebook.com/LiveNationCO  /   www.twitter.com/livenationco 
 Ages 16+

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Light up the night with Save The Signs!


Roniit Coming To The Bluebird Theater

Roniit is an independent Dark Electro Pop artist hailing from the mountains of Colorado. Harnessing her silvery voice and a keen ear for melody, Roniit writes and produces catchy yet somber electronic music.
Her self titled debut album was released in June of 2011 to positive reviews from fans and blogs. With her dark and unique sound Roniit has captured attention locally and worldwide. “Every once in awhile, there is an album that comes along that totally blows you away. Roniit’s self titled release is one such album...” - Migrate Music News.
Since starting in her career in 2011 Roniit has toured nationally, playing 30 cities in 2 months. She has sung on several collaboration tracks with DJs from the United Kingdom, Los Angeles, and New York. Her latest creation is her 6 track EP “In The Shadows.” All music, lyrics and production are her own handiwork, with drums and assistant production by Eric W. Brown.
Catch her show at the Bluebird Theater on August 3rd!

Roniit, seen recently at Tooey's Off Colfax!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Biennial of The Americas Featured Events


BIENNIAL: Mexico Night

Thursday, July 18, 2013 | Civic Center Park

 Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2013, the Biennial of the Americas in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center Denver, Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, Denver Film Society and the Civic Center Conservancy will present a free public festival to celebrate Mexico in Civic Center Park.

The night will be filled with free family activities, live performances of traditional dances representative of Mexico, delicious food, and finally, a special film presentation of Bajo la misma luna (Under the Same Moon) from the Denver Film Society.

This event is free and open to the public.  More information is available at www.biennialoftheamericas.org.

BIENNIAL: Denver Night

Friday, July 19, 2013 | Civic Center Park

Starting at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2013, the 2013 Biennial of the Americas will host Denver Night in Civic Center Park, featuring Nick Cave, eclectic art and music, and members of The Fray.

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation presents Denver Night, a free public event celebrating Denver’s unique cultural community. Adam Lerner and Chris Kallmyer have curated an eclectic evening of music and art, including folk, classical, jazz, rock and avant-garde music in addition to video, art, sculpture, and dance. Contemporary artist Nick Cave will transform Civic Center Park with HEARD•DAM, a specifically choreographed performance in connection with Cave’s exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, Nick Cave: Sojourn.

The event will feature local performers, life-sized horse Soundsuits as well as music and movement in an electrifying and inspiring performance. Made from a variety of materials, Soundsuits are wearable sculptures designed to make sounds as the wearer shimmies and shakes. The live show also includes a dog opera performance accompanied by the Colorado Symphony, as well as a special acoustic performance by members of Denver’s own, The Fray.

This event is free and open to the public.  Visit www.biennialoftheamericas.org for more information.

PROGRAM:
8:00pm Nick Cave, HEARD-DAM
8:30pm You Are My Sunshine – A Reclamation
9:00pm Fox in the Mirror/El zorro en el espejo
9:30pm Tragedy on the Sea Nymph: An Operetta in Three Acts Starring an all Dog Cast
10:00pm members of The Fray, a special acoustic performance

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Eater.com's Top Ten Iconic Greasy Spoons in Denver

Colfax Avenue was well represented in Eater.com's Top Ten Iconic Greasy Spoons in Denver List:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#1 - Denver Diner
This is a Denver institution of greasy food both in the day and at night. Try the Huevos Garcia, a concoction of homefries sauteed with peppers and eggs and smothered in green chile.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#4 - Tom's Diner
Give the giant shakes a chance- particularly the apple pie shake- lots of ice cream and a whole slice of apple pie blended and topped with whipped cream and some cinnamon.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
# 5 - Pete's Cafe & Steak House
Order the Huevos Rancheros, a twist on the classic that here includes meat. And keep in mind, this place takes cash only.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#9 - Pete's Kitchen
Come late night for great people watching and order the Breakfast Burrito Supreme with half red chile and half green.
 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Old Images of Denver and The West

Photo from the Denver Public Library Western History Collection
The Albert L Welch Mansion---Colfax & Grant
Albert Brooks started off in the Denver Business scene with a dry goods store, but he soon realized there was a bit more opportunity in the real estate and investment business. The career change paid off, by 1890 his holdings in the Denver area were worth over $1,000,000.00.
Unfortunately, the Welch family home on the corner of Colfax and Grant was torn down in 1913 to make way for the Argonaut Hotel.



Photo from the Denver Public Library Western History Collection
The former residence of Lawrence C. Phipps at Colfax & Marion in Denver.
This sprawling 26 room mansion was built for Captain William Decatur Bethel in 1886. When Phipps retired from the Carnegie Steel Corporation in 1901 and moved his family to Denver, he rented the home from Capt. Bethel. Phipps purchased the property a few years later.
The Phipps family lived here until the 1930's, when they built another mansion in the Belcaro neighborhood.


Photo from the Denver Public Library Western History Collection
 The Colorado State Capitol Building in 1913, with trolley cars.

Photo from the Denver Public Library Western History Collection
Aerial View of Civic Center Park
You just have to love these old aerial shots of Denver! This one was taken in the 1930's. 

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Thursday, July 11, 2013

H & E Furniture Mid-Century Madness


Colfax Mid-Century Madness, Brooklyn Style
July 19-21 Sale to Raise Funds for New Windows

Take a closer look at the storefronts at H & E Furniture on Colfax and Ivanhoe, and you’ll see some changes. 

A splash of orange, a modern zigzag, a vintage twist.

“We’re bringing a little bit of Brooklyn to Colfax,” says Humphrey Cobb Jr., known as “Humphrey 2” in the family business. “We want that local quirkiness that changes up each month.” July is Mid-Century Madness, focusing on unique furnishings from the 19th, 20th and 21st century. “We call it the theme room.”

With a 10-year background at ABC Furniture in Manhattan, Humphrey 2 has opened a flexible space full of local art, modern, retro and vintage furnishings and accessories. “We’re taking items that have lost their purpose and upcycling them for another 30-year life in someone’s home,” he says.

Father Humphrey 1 and his wife Ernestine (the “E” in the business name) founded the store 19 years ago. They’ve carved out niches for everyone. There’s the “man cave,” a corner with plush chairs and vintage board games, telephones, cameras and other gadgets. The “kids room” has children’s furnishings (and free puzzles for the kids). And the back room, behind the curtains? That’s for the pickers.

“Folks can dig through all of it and find their treasures,” Humphrey I says. “They don’t want things all merchandised.”

As part of their FAX Partnership membership, H & E is taking advantage of a façade grant matching opportunity and needs your help to raise money for new storefront windows. They will be having an extended weekend promotion July 19-21. All Mid-Century Madness items in the theme room will be 20% off all day, Friday-Sunday. Come by and find that quirky item you just can’t pass up and help a local business!

After you’ve worked up an appetite while shopping, head across the street to the Phoenician Kabob from 11am-4pm during the same days and mention “H & E Mid-Century Madness” to try their buffet and a Happy Hour 2 for 1 special. This promotion is exclusive to those shopping at H & E that weekend and you won’t want to miss it!

For more information, see www.thefaxdenver.com; H & E and Phoenician Kabob are on Facebook too.

The FAX Partnership connects people, place and new investment to revitalize Colfax Avenue from Colorado Boulevard to Yosemite Street. The organization works closely with area businesses and the City of Denver on business attraction/retention, marketing, redevelopment and crime prevention.

To receive updates on what’s happening on the FAX, register here for our monthly e-newsletter.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Scene on Colfax: The Hacks

The Hacks are a punk rock band from Denver that really know how to throttle your skull with punk rock n' roll! Look for their song about Colfax Avenue on the brand new ColfaxAvenue.com Compilation Volume 2, available soon at Twist & Shout! Here are some snapshots from their recent gig at the Lost Lake Lounge.

Photo by Terrence Duncan
Photo by Terrence Duncan
Photo by Terrence Duncan
Photo by Terrence Duncan


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Shoebox Emissions

Back when you could still get an emissions test at your local auto repair shop...Shoebox Emissions photo by Jerry Lee.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Greek Town

     Colfax's unique character comes in part from its abundance of ethnic restaurants. In the heart of East Colfax Avenue is Greek Town: the only official cultural town in Denver. Taki Dadiotis, a restaurant owner, was a big force in getting the six-block stretch of East Colfax Avenue from St. Paul St. to Elizabeth St. designated as Greek Town. The district includes an ice cream shop, a pastry shop and the other Greek restaurants.

Gyro's Place
2819 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 321-9658

Greek Town Cafe
2910 E Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 321-1104

Omonia Bakery
2813 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 394-9333

Pete's Kitchen
1962 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 321-3139

Pete's Ice Cream and Coffee
2730 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 316-3900

Satire Lounge
1920 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-2227

Sunday, July 7, 2013

MGMT coming to The Fillmore Auditorium

MGMT
Fillmore Auditorium
Friday, September 6

Live Nation is pleased to announce that MGMT will perform at The Fillmore Auditorium on Friday, September 6.   Special Guest TBA will open the show.  Show time is 9:00 PM.
Doors open at 8:00 PM
Cosmic forces were at work when MGMT's co-founders, Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser met over ten years ago at Wesleyan University. Drawn together by a mutual love of mystic paganism, the duo signed to Columbia Records in the eve of 2006. On a mission to sprinkle the music industry with weirdness and unpredictability the band delivered their debut album "Oracular Spectacular" in 2008. The record garnered the band three Grammy nominations, along with numerous accolades across the globe, including landing at #18 on Rolling Stone magazine's Top 100 albums of the decade. 

2010's "Congratulations" was conceived even before "Oracular Spectacular’s release! The "musically adventurous" eclectic mixture of tracks may have sounded a little confusing to some, but that's only because MGMT's unconventional pop structures reflect the chaotic vibrations of the world -- and who can realistically make sense of that? "Congratulations" debuted at #2 on the US Billboard 200 and #4 in the UK, going on to become one of the most talked about albums of the past decade.

Performing live as a five piece, MGMT continue to entertain through multiple TV appearances (including covering Pink Floyd's "Lucifer Sam" on Jimmy Fallon while decked out in hardened fisherman's gear), a steady stream of music festival performances around the world, curating the latest edition of the "Late Night Tales" music compilation, and remaining precocious and curious under-30 wunderkind. Via their recorded music medium, the endlessly experimental and spontaneous duo have stayed true to their precarious nature.

In November 2011, MGMT performed two nights at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, creating a unique musical performance to coincide with the opening of Maurizio Cattelan's career retrospective All -- an installation of over 100 art pieces dangling from the museum's ceiling through its legendary inner spiral space.

Last year MGMT conquered South America with their live show and in September Ben and Andrew performed as a two-piece for the first time in a decade, as part of the legendary Joshua Light Show. Listening in on the universe's stream of consciousness for inspiration, the duo are currently completing the third MGMT album due for an early summer release. As a band that exists in its own space and time, and is constantly defying expectation, there is no saying what magical gifts MGMT will bestow.

TICKETS WENT ON SALE SATURDAY, JUNE 22 @ 10:00 AM
at the Fillmore Auditorium Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or call 800 – 745 - 3000

Tickets are 35.00 GA plus applicable service charges

The Fillmore box office is open Monday - Friday from 12:00 Noon - 6:00pm & Saturdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm.  On days of Fillmore shows, the box office is open from 12:00 Noon – 9:00pm. 
The box office accepts cash, MasterCard, Visa and American Express – No checks!  Service charges may apply. 

THE FILLMORE AUDITORIUM IS LOCATED AT 1510 CLARKSON ST. AT COLFAX.                             
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