Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Donald's Self-Service Drive-In


Donald's Self-Service Drive-In at 5151 E. Colfax. This was an after school (East High) hangout. They had a great jukebox in the rear of the dining area. The owner had some trouble with Disney who thought he was ripping off Donald Duck. He pointed out that the Donald's mascot was a goose and not a duck. Disney backed off.

 

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Friday, September 26, 2014

Is Denver Children's Home Haunted??

Located at Albion Street and Colfax Avenue and continuing to provide youth services today, this building was known as the Denver Orphan’s Home in the late 1880’s. In 1888, a fire broke out in the building, killing several children on the third floor. Though numerous exorcisms have been conducted in the building over the years, the sounds of children playing, as well as whimpers and cries continue to be heard on a regular basis. In addition to the children, the female spirit of a ghostly bride has been seen floating down the third floor steps and across the 50 foot length of the second floor hallway.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Street Fraternity

Street Fraternity
Mission: a place of brotherhood and personal growth for urban young men.
*see hours and location details below


Inclusiveness & Diversity Statement
The Street Fraternity is a brotherhood of men who welcome and are committed to a diversity of experiences, ages, ethnicities, histories, national origins, citizenship statuses, opinions, marital statuses, sexual orientations, disabilities, arrest records, religions, political affiliations, and other protected classes as required by law.  All participants, employees, and volunteers will actively support this Inclusiveness & Diversity Statement.  We have chosen to include only males as participants in order to focus our learning, resources and achievements on the unique needs and attributes of young men.  We welcome women’s involvement as parents, on our Advisory Team and Board, and within our partner agencies.

Goals
  • Attract urban young men’s consistent voluntary participation.
  • Gain an understanding of our participants and their backgrounds.
  • Help participants identify their opportunities, challenges, and goals.
  • Build our brotherhood & leadership.
  • Develop positive warriors who understand how to balance aggression with respect, integrity, and ethics.
Our Current Participants
  • Over 90% of our participants are former refugees from Bhutan/Nepal, Burma/Thailand, and countries of East, Central and West Africa.  Many languages are spoken here.
  • Participation averages 30 – 50 young men each night.
  • Our young men live in the East Colfax Avenue area near the Aurora/Denver border.
  • Many are high school aged and mostly attend either Aurora Central HS or the New America School in the Aurora Public Schools, or George Washington HS or South HS in the Denver Public Schools.  Others have either completed or dropped out of high school.
Activities
  • Food: with the assistance of some of our young men we prepare and serve food each night thanks to our partnership with “We Don’t Waste” (www.wedontwaste.org) and Food Bank of the Rockies (www.foodbankrockies.org).  Rice is a major food here.
  • Sigma Chi Music Studio: a computer based music recording studio and vocal booth funded by 3 Sigma Chi donors, and designed and assembled by Chris Guillot (www.cherrysoundstudios.com).
  • Active/Aggressive Room: nightly our young men release aggressive energy and workout on our 2 large heavy punching bags and other boxing and workout equipment. We will grow the intentional instruction of self-defense and physical conditioning as we find the appropriate partners.
  • Computer Lab: our 3 donated desktop computers and 1 donated Google Chromebook are used primarily for social media like Facebook and YouTube, and homework and job searches & applications.
  • Library: a quieter room, the library has 4 bookcases of fiction and nonfiction books, a popular chess board, and chairs & a couch that invites dialogue.
  • Meditative / Prayerful Room: our quietest room, which features yoga mats, Zuffa meditative cushions, waterfall, music, and bookcases honoring the religious backgrounds of our young men (Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, as well as unaffiliated).
  • Ping Pong: this is the most popular activity.  Non-stop ping pong.
General Information
  • Open Mondays – Thursdays, 4 pm – 9 pm (winter), and 5 pm – 10 pm Spring, Summer, & Fall.
  • Located in the 3,000 s.f. refurbished basement of the Disabled American Veterans’ building, 1 ½ blocks west of Yosemite St. (Aurora / Denver border) on E. Colfax Ave.  Our entrance and parking is in the rear of the DAV building.
  • Opened for business on April 1, 2013.
  • Our “drop-in” environment allows participants to freely enter and leave as they wish, and choose to move from one activity area to the other as they wish.  Over time we build our relationships and our brotherhood.

Contact Info:
Street Fraternity
8720 E. Colfax Ave., #100
Denver, CO 80220
Office:  720-389-6381
(Located 1 ½ blocks west of Yosemite Street, the Aurora/Denver border; our entrance & parking is in rear of Disabled American Vet’s building)
http://streetfraternity.org/24/

Monday, September 22, 2014

Harold and Maude coming to Colfax!

Vintage Theatre presents
Harold and Maude
by Colin Higgins
Directed by Pam Clifton

October 3 - November 8*, 2014
Harold, dear, stop playing with your food.

Vintage Theatre presents “Harold and Maude” October 3 through November 8 at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m: Thursday November 6 @ 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 8 @ 2:30 p.m.. Tickets are $26, $21 in advance and available online at www.vintagetheatre.com or by calling 303-856-7830. Group discounts for 6+ are available.

Harold is the proverbial poor little rich kid. His alienation has caused him to attempt suicide several times, though these incidents are more cries for attention than actual attempts. His peculiar attachment to Maude, whom he meets at a funeral (a mutual passion) is what saves him and what captivates us.

This highly anticipated play, based on the hit 1971 film, features Director Pam Clifton and stars Debbie Persoff as Maude and Jose Zuniga as Harold. 

Vintage Theatre presents
“Harold and Maude”
Oct. 3 - Nov. 8*
Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:30 p.m.; Thurs. Nov. 6 @ 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 8 @ 2:30 p.m.
$26 ($21 advance); Groups of 6+ $18
303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.com
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010
*Please note Date Change from (Oct 17 - Nov 16)

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Scene on Colfax: Rev. Jim Norris and Flipper

Girl Wreck presented Flipper's two-night stand at the Lion's Lair on Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30, 2012. Although a legendary punk band in its own right, many remember the Bay-area outfit best for being immortalized by Kurt Cobain on an episode of Saturday Night Live, when the late Nirvana frontman wore a homemade T-shirt with the band's name emblazoned on it, a marker design that was then later shamelessly appropriated by Forever 21. He also wore the Flipper shirt in the In Utero jacket.

Recently the honorable and Colfax lovin' Rev. Jim Norris was presented with one of 15 collector's edition posters from the event!!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Scene on Colfax: Les Claypool of Primus

Les Claypool & Larry Lalonde's new book - Primus, Over the Electric Grapevine

Coming to the Tattered Cover Bookstore on Colfax Avenue Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 pm, Les Claypool and Larry Lalonde from Primus will discuss and sign the new book Primus, Over the Electric Grapevine: Insight Into Primus and the World of Les Claypool ($24.95 Akashic Books), an oral history of the legendary band Primus, with a star-studded cast of interviewees. This fascinating and beautifully curated oral history tells the tale of this truly one-of-a-kind band. Compiled from nearly fifty all-new interviews conducted by journalist/author Greg Prato—including Primus members past and present and many more fellow musicians—this book is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the band, as well as admirers of the musicians interviewed for the book. Adam Reshotko, book and music buyer at Twist & Shout, will moderate this event.


Line tickets, if supplies last, will continue to be available through the start of the event with the purchase of the new book. Seating at the event is "open seating," and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

$24.95
ISBN-13: 9781617753220
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Akashic Books, 9/2014

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Aurora Fox 30th Anniversary Gala

The Aurora Fox is proud to be celebrating 30 years of live professional theater in the heart of Aurora’s Cultural Arts District. Like most theater companies, ticket sales and supplemental grants alone do not cover the costs of putting quality shows onstage. The community is invited to join the Fox for an evening of dinner and entertainment and a chance to raise funds for the ongoing development of relevant art in Aurora. Thanks for your continued support!

Monday, September 15, 2014

Crossing Colfax: Short Stories by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers

"A good story is a good story wherever it comes from, and this place is full of them.” – from Charlie’s Point of View.

Playboy Magazine once called Colfax Avenue “the longest, wickedest street in America.” A hundred years ago, it was the main road into and out of Denver, Colorado. East Colfax was the address to have for many of the city’s elite, and West Colfax was a trail that led to the mountains and dreams of Gold Rush riches. A 105-acre tuberculosis sanatorium for the poor once fronted the street – the Golden Hill Cemetery still houses many of the White Plague’s victims. 

Colfax Avenue has been a part of almost every major era that defines the American West. It has housed the richest and the poorest, supported massive public works and the seediest criminal enterprises. If that isn’t the stuff of great fiction, we don’t know what else qualifies. We invite you to explore Colfax Avenue – its past, present, and future. Its greatest moments, real or imaginary, and its darkest secrets. 

Tales of romance, action, fantasy and more – Colfax has seen it all: • Billy Shump has seven seconds to save a life – and ruin his own • Mike Ashford learns that skimming off other people’s dreams isn’t nearly as satisfying as finding his own • Mech apocalypse refugee Kal must decide how far he’s willing to go in order to survive • Detective Marc Davis works a missing child case that puts his solid lack of faith in question • Sugar thought she hit rock bottom, until her unique talent catches unwanted attention • Jackie tries to save a homeless man from alien abduction • And eight other tales inspired by Colfax Avenue Crossing Colfax includes stories from authors Warren Hammond (KOP series) and Linda Berry (Trudy Roundtree Mystery series), and past Colorado Gold writing contest finalists and winners, including Zoltan James, Martha Husain, Angie Hodapp, TJ Valour, and more.

About the Authors

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and educating writers seeking publication in commercial fiction. To that end, the organization strives to: • Provide an environment of support and encouragement among members • Stimulate interest in and appreciation for the art of writing • Act as a dissemination point for information concerning commercial fiction writing • Bring together authors, editors, agents, and other related professionals for the mutual benefit of all RMFW hosts the Colorado Gold Writers Conference each September and sponsors an annual writers Contest for unpublished authors. We also sponsor critique groups, publish a newsletter, host monthly events on the craft and business of writing, and periodically publish an anthology of short fiction showcasing the talents of our members. For more information, please visit www.rmfw.org.

Buy the book today on Amazon.com!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Colfax Avenue food truck explosion leaves one with facial burns


DENVER — An explosion on a popular food truck Friday night left one restaurant employee with facial burns, the Denver Fire Department said.

A pair of Denver Biscuit Company food trucks were parked behind the company’s brick-and-mortar location near Colfax Avenue and Adams Street, firefighters said. Workers were switching out a propane tank shortly after 8 p.m. when one of the tanks began leaking, and somehow ignited.

There was a small explosion that sparked a fire on one of the Biscuit Buses, firefighters said. The blaze was quickly contained, but one employee suffered burns to the forehead. The person was conscious and alert while being taken to the hospital, firefighters said.

The victim’s condition was unknown Saturday.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Nugg's Ice Cream on a Sunny Day

The recent, almost abnormally cold weather has me thinking as soon as it warms up later today I'm headed for ice cream at Nugg's! (5135 E Colfax Avenue). Maybe this time I'll try the Toasted Coconut...


Jonny Barber (Photo by Sophia Barber)

Friday, September 12, 2014

Park House 2 Year Anniversary Party

It's time for the Park House 2nd Anniversary Party!  This year should be even better than last with some great bands outside in the parking lot on Saturday, and on the stage inside to round out the night.
Saturday
September 27, 2014
2:00pm - 11:45pm
Outdoor Stage:
Special Honky Tonk Set featuring John Macy and Friends
Johnny Miller (Groundscore) and Erinn Lukes (Thunder and Rain)
Dragondeer
Dead Larry
Indoor Stage:
Ignatius Reilly
John Macy and Friends features Steel Guitarist and member of Casey James Prestwood & The Burning Angels. John runs a studio full time and is a session steel guitar player. John has worked with Nitty Gritty Band, Richie Furray, Los Lobos, Ricky Skaggs, and local’s The Rail Benders.  He will have some very special friends out with him!
Johnny Miller of Groundscore and Errin Lukes of Thunder and Rain come together as a great Folk and Bluegrass duo made up of two up-and-coming Denver musicians.  
Dragondeer is a psych-blues band from Denver, Colorado whose singular, reverb drenched take on old school blues coupled with inspired improvisation has the band making fans in both roots circles as well as indie clubs across Colorado and beyond.  
Dead Larry’s powerful blend of high energy rock, dance and funk shakes the foundation of modern music. From rock driven sea shanties to pulsating dance beats. From Beatle-esque harmonies to spine chilling screams. From shake-yo-booty funk jams to orchestral themes of space and time travel. Dead Larry is one thing: Original. The band was formed in a basement in high school, and after nearly 10 years of writing, touring, and chasing the dream Dead Larry has a grown to be one of the most prominent independent rock bands coming out of the Midwest. 
Ignatius Reilly combines Alt Country with a hint of rock n' roll. The Denver based band formed in late 2012. Brock Elam on guitar and vocals. Jeff Lane on drums, percussion, and a five gallon bucket. Ethan Ice on keyboards and Eric Bullock on guitar round out the band. Each member brings a diverse background and their own songs and voices to the music. The band blends acoustic numbers with raucous electric boogie. Ignatius Reilly is quickly becoming part of the thriving Colorado music scene having played shows around Denver and in the mountains.
More acts to be announced!! Stay Tuned for Details.



Thursday, September 11, 2014

Hotel Newhouse

Photo by Jonny B.
Looking for some good stories about the Hotel Newhouse...I mean, there's bound to be a few, right?? Please inquire within: info(at)colfaxavenue.com. Thanks!



40 West Arts Presents an Evening in India

40 West Arts Presents RIOT3: An Evening In India!
Sat., October 11th, 7pm, 40W Gallery & The Edge Theatre Company Revel in the colorful decor and warm atmosphere of India, rich with the aroma of Tandoori Chicken, Chai Tea & other authentic Indian cuisine, followed by a masterful sitar and table performance. Plus, handmade jewelry, henna tattoos & CDs available for purchase. Limited seating-Purchase tickets here: www.40westarts.org/Riot3.html

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

CLFX x Chocolate Skateboards Release Party

303 Boards

CLFX x CHOCOLATE SKATEBOARDS Release Party

Join us Friday Sept 12th at 5:00pm at 303 Boards (1338 East Colfax Avenue) for our Limited edition CLFX x Chocolate Skateboards collaboration deck release party. We will be hosting a mani-pad contest with prize giveaways and free pizza and (beer 21+)!

Boards available in store and online Friday Sept 12th.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

ArtBots opens at DAVA September 12th



ArtBots

This exhibition explores relationships between art and technology through a playful and artistic investigation of robots. DAVA youth created a variety of robots using found materials, drawings and short film. Art robots by guest artists Shane Evans and Dan Sorensen add another layer to the exhibition. The exhibit opens to the public Friday September 12th from 4 to 7:30 pm with a reception and a special screening of short films by DAVA students created at the Colorado Film School. The exhibition will be on view until November 18th, 2014. DAVA (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts) is located at 1405 Florence St., one block south of East Colfax in the Aurora Cultural Arts District. 
DAVA Job Training students integrated artistic and technological research into the fabrication of robots. They worked with guest artist Shane Evans to master basic technology and include movement, light and sounds. Student “artbots” are 2 to 4 feet tall and made entirely out of recycled materials. Younger students from DAVA’s Open Studio imagined robots through drawings. They also deconstructed old toys to reassemble them into interactive robots. 
Guest artist Shane Evans smaller sculptural robots, made from repurposed metal, will be exhibited at DAVA. Paintings by Dan Sorensen contribute to the imaginative aspect of robots in art. Dan also inspired younger students during a robot drawing workshop at DAVA. 
Short films produced by 24 DAVA Job Training students with Professor Geoffrey Chadwick at the Colorado Film School explore the theme of robots in the context of science fiction, romance, comedy or action shorts. This exhibit is free and open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday or by appointment. 







Downtown Aurora Visual Arts is a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to strengthen the community through the arts with youth as its primary focus. For more information about our programs, visit www.davarts.org, or call DAVA at 303 367 5886.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Fall Events at the MLK, Jr. Library!

 

Bolivian Dance Performance
Sat., Sept 20, 4:00 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Sambos Illimani Colorado USA Bolivian Dance Troupe don their native costumes for a brilliant dance show including the most popular Bolivian dance of present times. No registration required. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora 303-739-1940 or auroralibrary.org

Chalk It Up to Art
Fri., Sept. 26, 2014 3:45 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Discover the wide world of chalk!  It’s more than hopscotch. Use your imagination to decorate found objects painted with chalk board paint.  Put your own designs on a bird house, wooden bowl or table. No registration required. All ages. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora 303-739-1940

Altered Books
Fri. Oct. 17, 4 pm Martin Luther King Jr. Library Ages 12-17
An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into a different form, altering its appearance and/or meaning. Learn how to take an old book and create it into a piece of art that you will want to show off. Space is limited and registration is required (20). Call 303-739-1940

Museum of Dreams Live Theatre Show by the Millibo Arts Theatre.
Sat., Oct. 18, 1:30 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Enjoy the magical world of a mischievous ghost haunting the Museum. Old hats, bags, trunks and cases contain heart-warming stories that are an introduction to Colorado history. No registration required. All ages. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora 303-739-1940

Halloween Special Show
Fri., Oct. 31, 2014 4:00 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Get ready for ghoulish good times as Cerridan the Witch, enchantress extraordinaire, amazes her audiences as she is transformed into a witch and tells creep-tastic Halloween tales. No registration required. All ages. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora 303-739-1940

Music@Martin Luther King, Jr. Library Greg Price, acoustic guitarist returns!
Sat., Nov. 15, 2014 2:00 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
No registration required. All ages. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora 303-739-1940

Holiday Ornament Making
Friday, December 12, 2014 3:30 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Decorate the holiday tree at the library with your own hand-crafted ornaments. Materials provided. No registration required. All ages. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora 303-739-1940

Paint Swirled Ornament
Fri. Dec. 19, 4 pm Martin Luther King Jr. Library Ages 12-17
You see many beautiful and whimsical ornaments in department stores around the holiday season.  Would you like to decorate your Christmas tree with something a little more personal by designing your own ornaments? Space is limited and registration is required (20).
 Call 303-739-1940 for more information. 9898 E Colfax Ave. 80010

Saturday, September 6, 2014

30 MILES OF CRAZY! Book Release Event


Saturday, September 20th, 6PM
MUTINY INFORMATION CAFE
2 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80209

For over the last year, the weekly webcomic 30 MILES OF CRAZY! has been documenting life, characters, stories, and ‘Tru-ish Tales’ of the bars and city, centering around what Playboy magazine called ‘The Longest, Wickedest Street in America’: Colfax Avenue. Denver is full of local color, from infamous street people, to historic bars, Beat literary history, to El Mesteno (or Blucifer as most people cheekily refer to him.) 30 MILES tries to tell some of these stories, humanize and explain to people about this city and street, why people choose to come here, and share the universality of these stories - even though you may not understand Denver & Colfax, you may be able to recognize these people in your own city.

To celebrate the release of the new 30 MILES collection of the first year (and then some) of stories, we are hosting a book release party at Mutiny Information Cafe on Saturday, September 20th at 6PM.

The event will include reading from a collection of local Denver authors and cartoonists: Noah Van Sciver, Jason Heller, Lonnie Allen, Daniel Crosier, Nick Plumber, Rich English, Jim Norris, Jake Fairly, Tameca Coleman, Jonny Barber, Karl Christian Krumpholz and many others. 

For more information, please contact:
Karl Christian Krumpholz
617-230-3576
karlchristian@gmail.com
http://karlchristiankrumpholz.com/

About 30 MILES OF CRAZY!
“Harsh and beautiful…. After 5 hospice referrals this week, I need this series to keep my humanity” - Theresa Allison (Geriatirician & Palliative Care Doctor, commenting on the ‘FUNERAL OF CGK story line, pages 63-76)

“Only a mind as warped, unnatural, and savage as Karl Christian Krumpholz’s could have conceived the idea of celebrating that sinister snake called ‘Colfax’. And what’s worse, he pulls it off admirably, which will only serve to add to the serpent’s ever-growing evil. Which was probably Karl’s plan all along.” - Frank Kelly Rich, Editor of Modern Drunkard Magazine.

“Though 30 MILES OF CRAZY! has, as its subtitle, “True-ish tales of derelicts, bars, and denizens of low places,” the book is a love story, really. It documents Krumpholz’s love of his town, his friends, his lover, and, above all else, other people. Certainly there are moments in this book that focus on the raw, f**ked up, and desperate aspects of humanity, but Krumpholz’s portrayal of everyone and everything, while not exactly reverential, is suffused with understanding and affection.
It’s also pretty f**king funny in parts.” - Daniel Elkin, Comics Bulletin

About Karl Christian Krumpholz:

Originally from Philadelphia and Boston (where he picked up the annoying habit of saying ‘wicked’), Karl Christian Krumpholz is the writer/artist of such comics as Angst Boy Comics, Sturm und Drang, Schadefreude (all self-published), Byron (SLG Publishing), Vincent Price Presents (Bluewater), Show Devils (Mother Mind) and who’s artwork has appeared in Image Magazine, and Modern Drunkard Magazine. He also designed artwork for Denver’s ADRIFT Tiki Lounge, Album covers for Barstool Messiah (Bastards of Bacchus and 13), provided artwork for the documentary ‘Neal Cassady: The Denver Years’ for Colorado Public Television, as well as illustrating his daily adventures int he weekly webcomic 30 MILES OF CRAZY! He also hates writing about himself in the third person. It’s creepy.

Friday, September 5, 2014

3 arrested for blocking Denver's Colfax Avenue in protest for $15 wages for fast-food workers

COLLEEN SLEVIN, Associated Press — Three people were arrested Thursday for blocking traffic during a demonstration in favor of paying fast-food workers $15 an hour.

McDonald's worker Christian Medina, the Rev. Patrick Demmer, the senior pastor at Graham Memorial Community Church of God in Christ, and college student Tucker Plumlee sat down in crosswalk on busy Colfax Avenue during a lunchtime protest outside a McDonald's. They were taken into custody to cheers from around 100 protesters after police warned that they would be arrested if they refused to leave.
Dozens of protesters were also arrested in some of the other 150 cities across the country where fast-food workers and their backers demonstrated as part of a campaign called "Fight for $15." Organizers had warned there could be civil disobedience to bring attention to the cause.

Denver's protesters included fast-food workers as well as members of other unions, including the Service Employee International Union and the AFL-CIO. They marched from the parking lot of the Colorado Education Association parking lot down the sidewalk to a McDonald's a few blocks away, chanting "Hold the burger, hold the fries. Make my wages supersize." They waited for traffic lights to cross the streets, but when they got to the restaurant across from the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, protesters began marching continuously around the intersection. They dispersed after police moved in, but the three who would be arrested sat down and refused to leave.

Elizabeth Guevara, 45, a single mother of an 11-year-old son who works at another McDonald's, said she struggles to pay for rent and utilities with her earnings. Guevara, one of 14 Colorado workers to attend a convention for fast food workers in Chicago this summer, said she earns $7.75 an hour even though Colorado's minimum wage rose to $8 an hour in January under a voter-approved law that ties the wage to inflation.

"'We're asking for $15 because that's enough to cover our basic needs," she said in Spanish through a translator.

The National Restaurant Association said in a statement that the protests are an attempt by unions to "boost their dwindling membership."

Thursday, September 4, 2014

TOUR DE FAT: Denver, Colorado

City Park: 9/6/2014

New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat To Stop in Denver on
September 6 for A Day of Bikes, Beer and Bemusement

Don’t miss this day of crazy costumes, eclectic entertainment and New Belgium libations

It’s the best way to celebrate the summer, complete with costumes, bikes, music, performers, contests and beer. New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat is coming to City Park in Denver, Colo. on Saturday, September 6, 2014. The daylong event is free, yet all donations and proceeds from beer and merchandise sales go to Denver-area non-profits. In total the 2013 season raised nearly $536,000, with the Denver stop bringing in $77,017. This year, all funds raised in Denver will go to Bike Denver and The Denver Cruisers.

At Tour de Fat friends, family and neighbors are all invited to come enjoy eclectic entertainment, brewing education, a bicycle revival and even a fashion show of the best Tour de Fat costumes. In the afternoon, the stages heat up with acts like The Handsome Little Devils and Lucius.  

The event kicks off with a costumed bicycle parade that winds through city streets. The parade begins and ends in City Park, where the rest of the day’s entertainment shines from musical acts to yo-yo performers, bike contests and even vaudeville acts.
Throughout the day, kids of all ages can ride funky bikes in the bike corral, eat delicious fare, relax in the grass, and participate in games and activities such as a “Thousand Person Dance Contest,” which will determine the winner of a 2014 New Belgium Cruiser Bike. Everyone 21 and older can sample new and classic favorites from New Belgium, including the brewery’s flagship brew, Fat Tire, New Belgium’s year-round offering, Snapshot Wheat, and selections from the acclaimed Lips of Faith series.

No bike? No problem! Tour de Fat is partnering with Denver B-cycle to provide bikes to participants who are missing some wheels. For just $20, people can rent a B-cycle for Tour de Fat. The bike just needs to be returned by midnight on September 6. To take advantage of this deal, purchase an $8 membership at any B-cycle kiosk, before Tour de Fat, using the promotional code 9614. The first 100 people to take a picture with their B-cycle and then post it to Twitter or Facebook, tagging Denver B-cycle, can get a free beer token by showing off the post at the Denver B-cycle tent.
“This is our 15th year of Tour de Fat and it’s been an incredible journey. This really is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday – there isn’t much that can beat the fun that comes with dressing up, riding a bike, drinking beer, listening to music and just having a great day with old and new friends,” said Matt Kowal, New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat Impresario. “There really is no excuse not to experience the magic yourself!” 
Car-for-Bike Swap
This year, New Belgium will once again encourage one brave role model to step on stage to trade in his or her car keys and pledge to live car-free for one year. Each swapper is awarded a stipend to buy his or her own commuter bike. We’re now on the hunt for a swapper in Denver. Car-for-Bike Swappers are chosen after submitting an application describing why they are ready to give up their vehicle for the gift of two wheels. To apply, visit: http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/denver.aspx.
Tour de Fat Details
Date:                                      
Saturday, September 6

Location:                              
City Park

Registration:            
10:00 a.m.

Ride Times:                         
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


Main Stage
10:00 a.m. — Ride Registration
11:00 a.m. — Ride Launch
12:00 p.m. — Fashion! (Best Costumes of the Tour de Fat)
12:20 p.m. — The Reals Band
1:20 p.m. — The Slow Ride Race
2:30 p.m. — Car for Bike Trade
3:35 p.m. — 1,000 Person Dance Contest – winner receives a New Belgium cruiser bike!
4:00 p.m. — Lucius
5:00 p.m. — Finale

Stage Stage
12:30 p.m. — Nigel Blackstorm
1:30 p.m. — The Handsome Little Devils
2:50 p.m. —Yo-Yo People
4 p.m. — Lee Zimmerman

Grotto Stage
12 p.m. — Andy Babb
1:15 p.m. — The Knew
2:30 p.m. — Ark Life
3:40 p.m. — The Parlor Pickers