RMCAD Watertower Art + Craft Market

Don’t miss the Watertower Art + Craft Market on Saturday, July 19th from 10am-4pm at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (1600 Pierce Street). RMCAD faculty, staff, students, alumni and local artists will see their handmade goods. Throughout the day, local bands will provide entertainment and Susie’s Sweets, Buck Creek BBQ and Sweet Bloom Coffee will offer lunch and treats. Bring little ones to the 40 West Arts kids corner for caricature drawing, face painting and jewelry/bubble wand making. Tours of the facility, trivia games where you can win RMCAD goodies and demos will also be offered during the event. This event is free and open to all ages.

Labor of Love

I've been running this website for 10 years as a labor of love, without asking anything in return from the local community, and have reached a point where I can no longer continue to operate without funding. I'm open to any suggestions or collaboration from the Colfax Community, and would love ideas how this site can best serve the people of Colorado, while keeping banner ads and other annoying content from the site.

Contact me at info(at)colfaxavenue.com if you, your business or organization would like to get involved with this site and keep it as a resource for the people of the Great State of Colorado!!


Thanks for 10 great years!!

Sincerely,
Jonny Barber
Webmaster

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.

Double Dutch Bus

Photo by Richard Caccavale

Always something to see on World Famous Colfax Avenue! This bus is a part of the Jewish Food Festival.

30 Miles of Crazy! 53: Neal Cassady

Time for another 'Tru-ish' tale of Colfax and the Mile High City. A new 30 MILES OF CRAZY! (#53)! This week: Neal Cassady or... ANOTHER CASE OF SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION!

Neal Cassady is a Beat Icon and Mile High native... but I'll let the comic tell you about him if you are L7 on the details (oh yeah... I went there.) Even better... Check out the new documentary 'Neal Cassady: The Denver Years' (done by the incredible Heather Dalton... who also helped me with this strip...) which is premiering tonight! at the SIE Film Center in scenic City Park-ish East Colfax. Be there for all the historic docu-drama hijinx. It's a 'real cool scene' as the kids all say... (wait, they don't say that anymore??)


Plus... My artwork is featured in the film!!!! In many places... and animated!!! SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION!!! It will be magical if you like that sort of thing. Be there or... well, you know the rest!


With that.... three... two... one... Musical Accompaniment... and GO, CAT GO!!! (they don't say that either??)


SHARE AND ENJOY!

Missing the Rockbar by Joe Hnida

--"In Denver," Nevaeh explains to me while we do this. "The Brown Palace Hotel on 17th Street has the Ship Tavern. The Oxford Hotel has The Cruise Room. The Four Seasons Hotel on 14th has Edge Bar. The Hyatt Regency on California Street has Peaks Lounge, and the All Inn Motel on Colfax?" She says turning and sweeping her hand towards the structure behind her. "It has Rockbar. It's one of the few dive bars on this stretch of the Fax that actually has a DJ and a dance floor. It's the place where dreams come true."

At first I'm not sure what to think as we approach the entrance. It's an ugly, old, run down building from the 70's with a large vertical neon sign that in red block letters spells out: MOTEL. I'm guessing at a place like this they rent rooms by the hour. The whole exterior of the motel is made of cheap, yellow and white paneling, except for the floor level which consists of various walls of large, grey and white rocks that look like they have just been randomly shoved into the cement. Above the entrance is a black sign with the words, "ROCKBAR," in a 1980's font that seems appropriate for representing a heavy metal hair band.

--The ceiling is low, the lights are dim and as I glance down, the floor under my feet is nothing but darkness. Faces fade in and out of blue and red lights and the booths are red and drab and look like they were taken from a 1960's Rat Pack lounge. I have to throw some elbows and apologize to a few people, but we finally make it to the bar. Once clear, I feel a need to look down and make sure I haven't been stabbed.

--Nevaeh spots me and pulls me up and we start up right where we left off at the Ogden, only the music is different; it's more a fun variety that transitions from The Jackson 5 to Snoop Dogg to The Human League to Montell Jordan to Ray Charles...

My head rises back up and I watch through the discharging veil of smoke as the confined sea of dancers dip, rise, roll and ripple with heads, hands, and beer cans raised to the ceiling.

I'm pretty sure this is the most fun I've ever had. -- Joe Hnida

Love, Hope, Strength: Get on the List!

SAVING LIVES, ONE CONCERT AT A TIME

At Love Hope Strength we turn concerts into lifesaving events. Through our GET ON THE LIST campaign we register marrow donors resulting in matches from concerts around the world. Through unique events, like Everest Rocks and Kilimanjaro Rocks, we build cancer centers, giving people access to early detection and quality cancer care.

LHS was founded in 2007 by leukemia survivors Mike Peters (of the Welsh rock band The Alarm) and James Chippendale (president of Ascend Insurance Brokerage). As the world’s leading rock-and-roll cancer foundation, LHS primarily raises its funds through musical pilgrimages to majestic sites like Mt. Everest, Mt. Fuji and Machu Picchu.

Rather than funding cancer research, LHS focuses on building and supporting cancer centers around the world, boosting awareness of global cancer needs, and expanding international bone marrow databases. One of LHS’s many accomplishments include purchasing Nepal’s first mammography and internal radiation machines and funding the construction of the first children’s cancer center in Tanzania.

Through our partnership with Delete Blood Cancer, LHS frequently spearheads bone marrow drives at concerts and major musical events like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits. LHS has added thousands of people to the national marrow database and found hundreds of matches for patients in need of bone marrow transplants. Headquartered at 4956 Colfax Avenue in Denver, LHS now has chapters in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Australia.

WHAT HAVE THEY ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR?

• Purchased the first mammography machine for the country of Nepal.
• Purchased the first brachytherapy (internal radiation) machine for the country of Nepal.
• Funded a new wing for a cancer care center in Wales.
• Purchased a transport vehicle for a children’s cancer center in New Jersey.
• Conducted thousands of bone marrow drives at venues such as; The Pepsi Center and Red Rocks Amphitheater, festivals such; as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits and on tour with artists such as; Robert Plant, Kenny Chesney, Enrique Iglesias, Big Country, Squeeze, O.A.R. and more.
• Added over 60,000 people to international marrow databases through our partnership with Delete Blood Cancer.
• Located over 900 matches for patients in need of bone marrow transplants.
• Brought supplies to cancer centers in need around the world.
• Hosted the first saliva-based bone marrow registration drive at a concert in UK.
• Funded the making of Everest Rocks, a documentary on cancer survivorship aired on Palladia and NBC’s Universal Sports.
• Funded a Public Service Announcement on the need for bone marrow donors.
• Funded the construction of the first dedicated children’s cancer center in Tanzania which opened in February of 2011.
• Funded More To Live For, an award winning documentary about 3 men in need of marrow transplants.

Get involved today! Visit their website lovehopestrength.org.

Off To Colfax Point on South Park

Hot Wild Sex

"Hot Wild Sex" by Kirsten Easthope

Kirsten recently dropped these by Love Gallery. The gallery will be hung "Salon Style" until mid August, including work from many of the artists they have shown over the last couple years.
Come check it out. Or view the work online at LoveGalleryDenver.com

Heard on Colfax: Joe Uveges

Broadway and Colfax, 1973

Photo Courtesy Denver Public Library Western History Collection

Neal Cassady: The Denver Years

Colorado Public Television and Mother Mind Studios Present
“Neal Cassady: The Denver Years”
at Sie Film Center DocNight Reception and Premiere
June 26, 6 p.m.

June 26, 6 p.m. Denver (April 8, 2014) – Colorado Public Television and Mother Mind Studios will present “Neal Cassady: The Denver Years” at a premiere reception and screening on Thursday, June 26 at the Sie Film Center in Denver as part of the Denver Film Society’s Documentary Night series. The film is directed and produced by Heather Dalton and produced by Joshua Hassel who will be on hand at the reception beginning at 6 p.m., the film screening at 7 p.m. and immediately following for a question and answer session.

“Neal Cassady: The Denver Years” is a documentary based on the autobiographical accounts of Neal Cassady, his troubled youth in Denver and the crucial role that it played in the germination of American beat culture. Neal Cassady was a charismatic, larger then life character. His charm, manic energy, sexual swagger, and free flowing verbosity made him the authentic ‘hero’ of the beat generation. The film features interviews with prominent and historical figures including Carolyn Cassady, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, David Amram, John Allen Cassady, Jami Cassady Ratto, Cathy Cassady Sylvia, Jerry Cimino, Tom Noel, Ed White and Al Hinkle.

“Neal Cassady’s influence on literary and pop culture is well documented,” said Heather Dalton. “As the protagonist for Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, driver of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters bus and through his own writing and lifestyle – Neal exhibited a style and distinct “cool” that cemented his stature as a true American original.”

Within the film we glimpse the creation of Neal Cassady, the man and the myth, and his tumultuous and humble beginnings as a vagrant’s child on the streets of Denver at a time when the city still echoed America’s Wild West. We journey back to see what shaped the most infamous 20th century muse, and examine the love affair between Denver, a culture in transition, and the some of the most influential writers of our time.

By being just himself, Neal Cassady created a foundation for the beat generation and set the wheels in motion for the counter culture revolution that would open up the floodgates for decades of free thinkers to follow. He was introduced to the world as Dean Moriarty in Jack Kerouac’s classic, On The Road and for controversial literary figures Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey, Tom Wolfe and Hunter S. Thompson, Cassady was more then a friend, he was their muse and inspiration.

View the teaser trailer at: https://vimeo.com/user15708721/review/86142183/87ea83e0d5

For ticket sales: www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/detail.aspx?id=26560&FID=82

Summer Dive Spectacular at Casa Bonita!

JOIN US FOR THE SUMMER DIVE SPECTACULAR!

Saturday, June 28, 2014, Casa Bonita will be featuring our Summer Spectacular Acapulco Dive Show Extravaganza between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. This is in addition to all of our regular entertainment including Chiquita the escaped Gorilla, showdowns between the Sheriff and that desperado Black Bart, Pirates walking the plank, Puppet shows, Magic shows, and don’t forget Black Bart’s Hideout. Now let’s see, have we missed anything? OH YEAH, the world’s most exciting restaurant under one roof - the one and only Casa Bonita! AND remember to check out our June Red Hot Deals at www.casabonitadenver.com.

Colfax History: Stanley Motel

Estes Park may have the Stanley Hotel, but Colfax Avenue was once the proud home of the Stanley Motel. Not sure if Jack Nicholson ever stayed there, however...(photo courtesy of the Gardner Family Collection)

Scene on Colfax: Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Booksigning -- Hard Choices

Hillary Rodham Clinton served as the U.S. Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013 after nearly four decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, and Senator. She is the author of several bestselling books, including her memoir Living History, and her groundbreaking work on children, It Takes a Village. Secretary Clinton will sign her new book Hard Choices ($35.00 Simon & Schuster), an inside account of the crises, choices, and challenges she faced during her four years as America’s 67th Secretary of State, and how those experiences drive her view of the future.

This event is a booksigning only. Free numbered tickets for a place in the signing line will be available beginning Tuesday, June 10, at 9 am, with the purchase of Hard Choices at any Tattered Cover location. Each ticket is good for one person to get one book signed. No personalizations or posed photographs.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to take autographed requests for this signing. 

Book List

Hard Choices: A Memoir (Hardcover)

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

$35.00

ISBN-13: 9781476751443
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon & Schuster, 6/2014

Other Editions of this Title

Self Defense Awareness Fundamentals for Everyone (S.A.F.E.)

S.A.F.E. is an advance yet simple self-defense system offered now at Urban Survival Fitness designed for:

• Crime Prevention
• Personal Safety
• Self Defense
• General Wellness

Call Us Today! (720-838-4401)

It's Your Life - Take Control Of It!

Take control of your life today - Enroll in one of our self defense classes - Call Us to Reserve Your Spot!

Classes can be held at our Spacious Facility - Your Facility - In the Park - or at a Reasonable Location of Your Choice

Why Should I Take this Class?

Statistics show that the greater number of defensive methods employed during an attack, the higher the chance of escape.

Get the skills you need to handle various self-defense situations.

The more Prepared You are to Defend Yourself - The Less Likely it is that You will ever have to.

Can I Do This? - Absolutely!

We create an environment where you feel comfortable enough to challenge yourself and discover your strength. Learn to use your entire body, regardless of your strength, size, body type, or level of fitness.

Students of up to 81 years of age have completed this course.

Determination and the Desire to take control of your life is all that is required.

Get the Fulfillment & Freedom You Deserve

How much more fulfilling would your life be, and how much more freedom would you experience if you knew how to recognize and respond to a potentially dangerous situation? Using a Hands-On & Lecture Combo - Students Practice the Self-Defense Techniques Required - To Focus on the Physical, Emotional & Psychological aspects of an attack. Learn counter strategies that will Protect Yourself and those You Love.

Turn Fear into Effective - Self-Defense Energy

Address Lack of Confidence - Helplessness & Anger. Gain new Awareness of your Physical Potential - Emotional Strength & Confidence.

Schedule

Limited Space Available...
Classes forming now...

Pricing

3 hour - Group Classes - $75 / Person
Group Rates Available...

Free Drop-In Pass (Print It!)

Call Us & Reserve Your Spot Today! (720-838-4401)

Yucca Bar & Restaurant

Bright sunshine illuminates this scene representing life in Aurora in 1940. Though it was constantly growing, it retained the small-town feel that made so many servicemen and their families feel at home. Residents fondly recall times at the Yucca Bar and Restaurant across the street, which for many years was a landmark on East Colfax Avenue. (Courtesy Aurora History Museum).

Jesus and Elvis sighted together on Colfax!!

Artistes Nouveaux – Modern Vaudeville at The Historic Aurora Fox

The Aurora Fox presents (for One Night Only)
Artistes Nouveaux – Modern Vaudeville at the Historic Aurora Fox

     The Aurora Fox is pleased to present an evening of Vaudeville with a modern spin. One night only – Saturday, June 28 at 8pm on The Aurora Fox Mainstage (9900 East Colfax Avenue).

Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Tickets can be purchased online at www.AuroraFox.org or by calling 303-739-1970. ($24 – adults/$22 – students & seniors/$20 for groups of 10+ and Season Subscribers).

    About the show:  Join us for an evening of Vaudeville-style variety acts  -- burlesque, comedy, acrobatics, juggling, music and more!  Some sassy, some brassy, all fun.  Featuring Professor Phelyx, Tatiana Tata,

Miss Orchid Mei, Naughty Pierre, SMIRK and Aurora's own “Favorite Irish Jew” - Adam Goldstein.   Recommended for ages 18+.

…nationally renowned acts in the intimate setting of the Historic Aurora Fox

Heads Up When Crossing the Street!

Stories like this one have become all too common in Denver - A man driving a yellow Jeep Wrangler says sun glare was to blame for him hitting a pedestrian on Colfax Avenue near Milwaukee Street.

The pedestrian has a broken arm and some head trauma. According to police, the driver was trying to turn onto eastbound Colfax Avenue from St. Paul Street when he hit the pedestrian.

In order to help counteract this problem, volunteers will be at the corner of Colfax and Broadway offering pedestrians safety tips today. The advice they offer is good, but the ultimate reality is that infrastructure improvements are needed to make Colfax safer for pedestrians. Perhaps Denver could implement some of the measures taken on Boulder's 28th Street: http://katana.hsrc.unc.edu/cms/downloads/ENG.28thStreetMulti-ModalImprovements.pdf

This is part of the Heads Up Campaign with the City of Denver and Denver Police. The volunteers will be handing out cards with safety tips on them and also handing out goodies.

"Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable users of our transportation system. Drivers and bicyclists need to look out for them and pedestrians should put away their electronic devices and keep their 'Heads Up,' especially when crossing a street," Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said in a news release.

The volunteers will be at two Denver intersections Wednesday morning including 16th and Wynkoop streets and Colfax Avenue and Broadway.

Some of the tips they will be telling pedestrians include:

• Always cross the street at an intersection.
• Obey the walk/don't walk pedestrian signals.
• Use the "push to walk" button where available.
• Look both ways before entering the roadway to cross the street.
• Don't be a distracted pedestrian. Put away your electronic devices and stay alert. Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing the street.

The Aurora Fox Children’s Theatre presents SNOW QUEEN

Aurora, CO – The Aurora Fox Little Foxes Children’s Theatre presents Snow Queen by Stacey Lane (adapted from the story by Hans Christian Anderson). Performance dates are June 10 – June 26, 2014. (Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri at 10:00 a.m. & Mon/Weds/Sat at 1:00 p.m.). Tickets are $7 for general admission and $5.00 for groups of 10 or more. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are strongly suggested. Call 303-739-1970 to make reservations.

About the Show: Based on the same story as Disney’s animated film FROZEN, Snow Queen is a tale about the enduring bond of true friendship and how one person can change the world. The Snow Queen (Josie Axne) places a curse that makes people only see the bad around them. When her cousin falls under the spell, Gerda goes on an adventure to save him. Along the way, she teams up with talking flowers and animals, a princess and even a band of robbers. Once at the castle, Gerda uses everything she has learned on her journey to release Kay from the evil spell.

Featuring a cast of 24 kids (ages 8 – 16) as well as two adult actors, this show runs just about an hour and is appropriate for the whole family.

Corky's Corner

Proceeds benefit the Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch of the Denver Public Library, and will be used to fund a sculpture of Corky Gonzales.

Wednesday June 18, 2014
Join us for the Main Event!

6-7 p.m. — Private reception for VIP ticketholders

7-9 p.m. — Screening of 1953 broadcast of Corky's boxing match with Gene Smith

Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

$50 — VIP tickets (includes private reception)
$20 — General admission

Purchase tickets securely online.  Questions?  Call Escuela Tiatelolco at 303-964-8993.  

Thanks to our sponsor:

The Aurora Arts Festival: Reup - Recycle & Upcycle & More

The Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) is pleased to announce its annual Aurora Arts Festival. This year’s theme is Recycle and Upcycle art - ReUp!

This annual event is FREE and open to the public

Event Details: auroraculture.org

“The recycled art movement is gaining popularity worldwide,” says Tracy Weil the Managing Director of the Aurora Cultural Arts District. “We thought it would be a fun spin on an arts festival as there really isn’t anything like it in the Denver Metro area. Our goal is to make this an annual event.”

The festival will be held in Fletcher Plaza at 9898 E. Colfax Ave. Saturday, June 28^th from 10am-8pm. Last year's event drew over 1500 people to the event filled with art, theatre performances and live music. “Our goal this year is to create an even larger event - one that is all inclusive and celebrates the great artists, performers and musicians that have connections to our district,” says Satya Wimbish, ACAD Vice President. Also in attendance to perform will be Aurora’s new Poet Laureate Jovan Mays who will do select readings inspired by Aurora.

This year, we’re collaborating with the City of Aurora Cultural Services Division to really ramp up the event.  The 2014 event will have a special Recycled/Upcycled Fine Arts area that is a juried section of the show.   
“This is the first year that the City of Aurora’s Art in Public Places will be involved with the Arts Festival.  We are looking forward to assisting the Aurora Cultural Arts District in making this festival the “go-to festival for re-cycled/up-cycled art and other fine art,” said Mary Koernig, the Public Art Coordinator for the City of Aurora.

Other activities at the festival include a full music, entertainment & performance schedule. Highlights  include an appearance by local the Gypsy Roma American brass band Gora Gora Orkestar (3:30pm), excerpts from “RENT” by the Ignite Theatre Company (7pm) and starting off the festival is the Aurora Symphony. The festival will also have inflatables for the kids to play on for a small price as well as free interactive arts and crafts. Bring the family! The art district and Downtown Aurora Visual Arts will host several “art activity” booths for youth to create their own recycled art works.

ARC Thrift Stores is sponsoring the 'Art Reimagined' activity areas where budding and professional artists can reuse paintings donated at ARC locations to “add on to.” This is a new trend that’s surfacing where artist gather disregarded paintings from thrift stores and add their own characters and imagery to these existing works, creating a new fresh interpretation. Finished paintings will be displayed at the ACAD Studios and Galleries this Winter to help raise money for the district. (See attached image for an example by ACAD Artist Daniel W. Sorensen)

Also in honor of the festival the Vintage Theatre to host free screening of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ June 28. Aurora’s Vintage Theatre continues its Classic Movies series with “The Wizard of Oz” on Saturday, June 28, 1:00 p.m. This free screening of the 1939 classic is part of the Aurora Arts Festival. The Vintage is located at 1468 Dayton St, Aurora, CO 80010.

Also don't miss the ARTISTES NOUVEAUX MODERN VAUDEVILLE - DURING THE ARTS FESTIVAL at 8pm presented by the Aurora Fox Theatre!

FREE Dance Classes at Kim Robards Dance

9990 East Colfax Ave, Aurora

KRD Sampler Day as part of ACAD Arts Festival

9:00 - 1:30 Free Classes

No experience necessary

All levels; Ages 3 to adult

303-825-4847

Also don't miss the 4:30 PM Free Performance of Ms. Robards original choreography

Guys on Ice - a musical about ice fishing

The Aurora Fox presents
GUYS ON ICE – a musical about ice fishing

The Aurora Fox is pleased to welcome Marvin and Lloyd back for a limited engagement of GUYS ON ICE – The World’s Greatest Ice Fishing Musical Comedy: June 13 and 14 at 7:30pm. The show will be in the Aurora Fox Studio Theatre (9900 East Colfax Avenue). Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Tickets can be purchased online at www.AuroraFox.org or by calling 303-739-1970. ($26 – adults/$22 – students & seniors/$13 for kids under 12). Season Subscribers get in for just $20.

About the show: GUYS ON ICE (book and lyrics by Fred Alley and Music by James Kaplan). Chill out with Marvin and Lloyd, two ice fishing buddies who pass the time talking about good bait, bad football, cold beer, pretty women and some mighty fishy fish tales. With musical numbers like “The Wishing Hole,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit” and “Fish is the Miracle Food”, you may start yearning for an ice fishing shanty of your own. Fun for the whole family.

The temperature is rising, but not for our favorite ice fishing guys, Marvin and Lloyd. They’re making a special appearance at the Aurora Fox for two fun-filled nights in June.

Man Robbed of his Pants on Colfax

DENVER — This surely isn't the first time someone dropped their pants on Colfax, but it may be the first time they were taken at gun point!!

The incident occurred on May 15 around 4:15 a.m. at the corner of E. Colfax Avenue and N. Adams Street. According to the Denver Police Department. Two men approached another man on a Denver street corner then pulled a gun on him and demanded his pants, shoes and backpack.

One of the suspects approached the victim and asked for a lighter, police said. Then, a red car, driven by the second suspect, pulled up to the curb and pointed a silver handgun at the victim. He told the victim to hand over his pants, shoes and backpack.

After the victim gave his belongings to the man in the car, the other suspect got into the vehicle and they drove away.

Detectives described the first suspect as a black male with a light complexion, about 30-years-old, 5-foot-9 and around 165 pounds. He wore brown pants, a plain white t-shirt, Fila shoes and a navy blue baseball cap that didn’t have writing or an emblem.

The second suspect was described as a black male with a dark complexion and 30-years-old. He wore a black dress hat with a brim all the way around it and a blue or red ribbon above the brim. The victim said he spoke with a foreign accent.

They drove a small, two-door,  newer-model, red Ford vehicle with tinted windows in the rear and an out-of-state license plate — the plate number was NVA644 and had blue and green colors.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Scene on Colfax: Dane Colfax Stephenson

Tiny People Photography by Dane Colfax Stephenson

The Lakewood Store

Rolling Route 40: The Hubcap Art Show

Bisant and Mahan - Highway 40 Starlite Drive-in

The Hubcap Art Show celebrates the historic car culture in a brand new way.  The car culture along Highway 40 began decades ago, with the automobile traveling trend of the 1950’s.  Drivers cruised Colfax to the Rockies, stopping in the many neon-lit diners and motels along the way - - and Colfax still has great significance to car aficionados. To honor this heritage, all artists began with the same blank ‘canvas’ - a hubcap of their choice - which they transformed into something magnificent!  Roll into 40West to see these creations.
 

Denver’s famed “Hubcap Annie” will attend the Vintage Car Show on Saturday, June 7^th, 12-2pm at 40 West Gallery, 1560 Teller St!
Meet her, hear some great stories, have her sign her new book for you!

Exhibition:

• June 6th–28th, 2014, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1-4pm at 40 West Gallery, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood, 80214
• Friday, June 6th: Opening event, 4-7pm at 40 West Gallery - and on display at 3 local housing communities
  • Lamar Station Crossing Apartments, 6150 W. 13th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80214 - outdoor installation northwest corner, facing 13th
  • The Meridian Westland, 10695 W. 17th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215
  • Westhaven Apartment Homes, 1430 Nelson St, Lakewood, CO  80215
• Saturday, June 7th: 40W Gallery open 12-4, as well as the displays at same 3 local partners.

Classic Car Show:

• Saturday, June 7th, 2014:  12-2pm Adjacent to 40 West Gallery, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood, CO.  Open to all - bring your classic car with hubcaps on it!
• Meet "Hubcap Annie" - during the car show!  Hear her review of the hubcaps on display - both on cars and in the gallery!

                         
JUROR:  Phil Bender - Legendary Local Artist & Arts Leaders and overall Bon Vivant.

The “Rolling Route 40” show is presented in conjunction with the city of Lakewood’s INSPIRE programming.   Lakewood’s Heritage, Culture and the Arts once again host’s INSPIRE Arts Week from Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 14 with a broad array of free and discounted events presented by art and cultural organizations throughout Lakewood.

The 11 day event showcases the vibrant and rich arts culture that exists in the third largest city in the metro area.  Seventeen organizations are participating in INSPIRE by producing more than 30 events and exhibits during the 11 day event.  (actually, it might even be MORE organizations, when we count the senior centers creating art displays too!)

We are delighted to be part of the fun – which also features great programs and exhibitions offered by Block 7/Belmar, the Lakewood city galleries, the EDGE Theater, the Lakewood Symphony and more. 

http://www.lakewood.org/INSPIRE/

J.Papp - Moonlite Street Scene

Jane Glotzer - Hubcap Reflections

Kelsey Knapp - Fireball

Ken Takahashi - Pikes Peak Planter

Laura S. Schiller - Rainbow Wheel

Lion by Samantha Aseoff, age 10

Vicky Waldschmidt - Mosaic Garden

Nan Lund - Color Wheel Gone Wild

Goosetown's Industry Night

Colfax History: Holiday Drive-In

 

Wish there was still a place on Colfax that was open 25 hours a day!!