Former ‘Idol’ Winner David Cook to Play at A Taste of Colorado

DENVER – Rock singer-songwriter David Cook will perform at the 31st annual A Taste of Colorado on Sun., Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. on the Access Health Colorado Main Stage presented by MIX 100. The four-day, free admission, food, music, and entertainment Festival will take place in Downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1.

Cook was crowned the season seven champion of “American Idol” in 2008. He made chart history soon after with a record-breaking 14 launches on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart from his eponymous platinum-selling debut.
  
After releasing his second album in 2011, Cook relocated to Nashville in June 2012. Since moving, he has focused on honing his songwriting skills. His latest project is a studio album, which will feature songs to be performed at A Taste of Colorado.
  
In the years since being crowned the “American Idol” winner, Cook has enjoyed success in both professional and charitable endeavors. His songs have sold over two million tracks, with the singles “The Time of My Life” and “Light On” both platinum-certified. From a charitable aspect, Cook has raised over three million dollars for brain tumor research and funding, and traveled thousands of miles to perform on USO Tours for soldiers in both Kuwait and Iraq.
  
In addition to the Access Health Colorado 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. Plus, a fireworks light spectacular will illuminate Civic Center Park on Friday, Aug. 29, and feature synchronized lights on the City and County Building along with choreographed music.
  
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 275 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 Colorado Access Health 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, Access Health Colorado, Aggreko, LLC, 2014 Air National Guard Mobile Experience, Albert Bartlett, All Copy Products, Allstate®, American Family Insurance, American Medical Response, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Blue Moon, Coast 2 Coast Communications, Colorado Access, Colorado Lottery, Colorado Native, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Costco Wholesale, Courtyard by Marriott Denver Downtown, Cricket Wireless, Cutarelli Vision, The Denver Post, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc., Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, 2014 Ford Experience Tour, Grand Lodge on Peak 7, LBA Realty, Levinson Eye Clinic, Lowe’s, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, PEPSI, Residence Inn Denver City Center, Sparkling ICE, Sport Clips Haircuts, State Farm®, Sturgeon Electric, and TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown.
  
Festival hours are Friday, Aug. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 1, 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.