Sunday, November 30, 2014

Red Coach Motor Inn

The Red Coach Motor Inn neon sign at 9201 E. Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Red Coach Inn


The International-style Red Coach Inn, located at 6560 West Colfax Avenue. Presumably built in the 1940s, this was originally the Sundown Auto Motel. It might have changed a bit since then, but still has interesting, overhanging eaves that seem to be flowing west down Colfax toward the mountains. (courtesy The Denver Eye)

Friday, November 21, 2014

Clock Manor on Colfax



Orville Hagans was an horologist who started the American Academy, School of Horology here in Denver. He was also a writer, he edited the magazine American Horologist and Jewler (which is now called Horological Times).

In the 1950s he ran Clock Manor at 1901 East Colfax. Here is a description, no doubt written by Hagans himself:

Clock Manor houses one of the finest collections of clocks and watches, open to the public, in all of the world. Here is found a presentation of the Story of Time and the artistry of the clockmaker throughout the ages. This private collection has been assembled from the four corners of the world and is a fine exhibit of rare timepieces.

Later in the 1960’s Orville Hagans moved to Bergen Park in Evergreen and took Clock Manor with him.

 Clock Manor Museum in Evergreen
 
Hagans’ description of the museum:

The World’s Most Unique Foundation of Time in all its phases. The huge 22 ft. Floral Clock adorns the center of our spacious sloping lawn and is controlled by a Master Clock inside the Museum building.

I would make a bet that the similar Elitchsfloral clock was designed by Hagans, as well. (courtesy The Denver Eye)

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Marilyn Manson coming to The Fillmore Auditorium


Special Guest TBA
Fillmore Auditorium
February 11
Showtime 7:30 pm / Doors 6:30 pm

Marilyn Manson has confirmed the details of his upcoming ninth album, The Pale Emperor. Late last month, the goth-metal singer shared the punkish, depressing first single from the record – "Third Day of a Seven Day Binge" – and now he has revealed the other nine on the record, which is due out on January 20th. The iTunes edition of the album comes with three additional tracks. 


As a special offer for fans attending Marilyn Manson’s upcoming tour in support of his new album, fans who purchase tickets will receive a digital download of the album for every ticket ordered. This offer will be redeemed via a promo code at MusicRedemptions.com.  Codes and redemption instructions will be delivered via email to customers after their order is placed via MusicRedemptions.com.

In October and early November, Manson played a handful of concerts in southern California, where he gave three Pale Emperor tracks – "Third Day," "Cupid Carries a Gun" and "Deep Six" – their live debuts. One of those shows took place on Halloween at the West Hollywood club the Roxy, and Manson was joined by special guests Johnny Depp and Ninja from Die Antwoord for his encore performance of "The Beautiful People."

Depp has played guitar with Manson a couple of times in recent years. In 2012, the actor made a surprise appearance during the singer's headlining set at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards to play "The Beautiful People." That same year, Depp played guitar on Manson's cover of Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," which was included among the bonus cuts of Manson's last record, Born Villain.

Manson himself has been busy acting recently. Earlier this year, he appeared as white supremacist Ron Tully on Sons of Anarchy and voiced the character of Shadow on ABC's Once Upon a Time. In recent years, he has made appearances on Californication, Eastbound and Down and Wrong Cops. Manson also contributed the Pale Emperor tracks "Cupid Carries a Gun" to the series Salem.

The tumultuous relationship Marilyn Manson has cultivated with the public through his genre-defying music and anti-status quo message of thinking for oneself has resulted in sold-out tours, protests, legal battles, adoration, hate, more than 50 million records sales, award-winning distilled spirits, several Grammy nominations and, most importantly, a long list of some of the most enduring and powerful singles ever, such as “Lunchbox,” “Get Your Gunn” “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” “The Beautiful People,” “Antichrist Superstar,” “Tourniquet,” “The Dope Show,” “I Don’t Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me),” “The Fight Song,” “Mobscene “Heart-Shaped Glasses,” “Coma White” and “If I Was Your Vampire.”

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 @ 10:00 AM
at the Fillmore Auditorium Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or call 800 – 745 – 3000.

Tickets are $49.50 GA ADV and $55.00 GA DOS plus applicable service charges.

For Private Box seating and other VIP ticket option information, please call (303) 837-1024. 

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.                                                                                                                                                                                    
THIS SHOW IS AGES 16+       
CONNECT WITH US ON THE WEB
www.livenation.com  / www.facebook.com/LiveNationCO  /   www.twitter.com/livenationco 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Colfax Avenue Bus Tour

*** ActiveMinds.com presents a Colfax Avenue Bus Tour! * * *
Thursday, December 4, 2014, 1:00-4:30 pm (1:00 reception, giveaways, gift card drawings; 1:30 bus departs)

Take a bus tour of Denver's famous Colfax Avenue. On this tour you will learn about the evolution of this avenue from neighborhood street to its designation as US Highway 40. Each city along the route has something to share about the rich history of Colfax. Lakewood retains many of the motor hotels servicing auto traffic from the early to mid 20th century. Denver's portion has gone through many incarnations as well, including its seedier elements. Learn about the city's efforts to improve Colfax's image along major stretches of the avenue. Continue along into Aurora to see the major redevelopments occurring at the old Fitzsimons Hospital. Colfax is a microcosm of Denver society and this tour will help us learn about ourselves. Come join the fun!

Location: The Granville, 1325 Vance St, Lakewood, CO 80214... map.
Cost: $35 per person
To register: Mail check made out to "The Granville" to 1325 Vance St, Lakewood, CO 80214. Tel: 303-274-4400. Be sure to include your contact info (including phone and e-mail) and write "Active Minds Bus Tour 12/4 " on your check.
Please note: This tour is likely to fill up, so we recommend registering as soon as possible. The bus is not handicapped accessible. Parking is available in the lot to the northwest of the building.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Painting on the Gogh

Anistacia saw this guy painting while driving (and texting) down Colfax Avenue recently...Not sure what the subject matter was, or if it was water color or oils, but I digress..

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Ignite Theatre presents "Dreamgirls"


"Dreamgirls"
Music by Henry Krieger
Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen
Directed by Keith Rabin, Jr.
Music Directed by Trent Hines

Runs December 27, 2014 - January 18, 2015

Winner of six Tony Awards, "Dreamgirls" is set in the fabulous sixties-a time when we were dancing to the new beat of countless girl and boy groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Shirelles. During this revolutionary time in American music history three friends form The Dreamettes and learn hard lessons about love, trust and the changing tastes of the American public. "Dreamgirls" features the unforgettable hits "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "One Night Only" and "Listen."

Ignite Theatre presents "Dreamgirls" December 27 - January 18 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 East Colfax Avenue. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays and Monday, January 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $27 Adult, $19 Student, $24 Group (6+). Call 720-362-2697 or online at www.ignitetheatre.com.

The cast includes Anna High (Effie Melody White), Shanna L. Woods (Deena Jones), Shandra Duncan (Lorrell Robinson), (Curtis Taylor, Jr.), Justin Spann (James "Thunder" Early), Randy Chalmers (C.C. White), Erica Lyn Cain (Michelle Morris) and Pierre Andre McNair (Marty). The cast is completed with ensemble members Robert A. Burse, Brittney Caraway, Joseph Graves, Carlos Jimenez, Jasmine Jones, Michael Lee, Thairone Vigil-Medina, Tashara May, Shamae Matthews, Katherine Paynter and ShaShauna Stanton.

Henry Krieger, Tom Eyen and the Dreamgirls producers denied any connections between the musical's plot and the Supremes' life stories. The similarities between the show and actual events that occurred with The Supremes lead to belief that the creators did actually base the musical's story on that of The Supremes; however the producers denied any connections to avoid lawsuits.

Ignite Theatre presents
"Dreamgirls"
Award winning musical of an up-and-coming girl group and the trials that comes with fame.
Dec. 27 - Jan. 18
Fri./Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. & Mon., Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
$27 Adult | $19 Student| $24 Group (6+)

720-362-2697 or online at www.ignitetheatre.com

Ignite Theatre @ the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, Co 80013

Friday, November 14, 2014

Aurora History Museum presents Growing Home

Mark Your Calendars! It's finally happening two weeks from today! We will open the new "Growing Home" exhibit in the new Ruth Fountain Gallery with Trolley Trailer No. 610 (which used to run up and down Colfax Avenue) on Sat., Nov. 22 at 11 a.m.! Don't miss the wonderful celebration. The ribbon cutting will be at 11 a.m. and the day will be filled with music including: 

11:30 - Reville 3 - an Andrews Sister Tribute Act
12:45 - Mile High Banjo Society - playing ragtime
3:15 - The StanleyTones - playing old-time western and bluegrass


Enjoy a kid's craft, a fun scavenger hunt, and conversations with the folks that made it happen! All FREE! See you then!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Don't Miss: Amanda M. Faison and Colorado Matters at the Tattered Cover

Join 5280's food editor Amanda M. Faison on Wednesday, November 12, at 7 p.m. for an author talk and book signing at the Tattered Cover Book Store on Colfax Avenue. Ryan Warner, Colorado Public Radio's host of Colorado Matters, will interview Faison and chefs Dana Rodriguez (Work & Class) and Kelly Whitaker (Basta, Cart-Driver). The topic is 5280: The Cookbook but there will be plenty of discussion about Denver and Boulder's vibrant—and ever-changing— restaurant scene. Bonus: samples.
7–9 p.m., free, 2526 E. Colfax Ave., 303-322-7727

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

First Lady Michelle Obama Recognizes Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA)


Local nonprofit honored at the White House as a Top Creative Youth Development Program for generating positive youth outcomes through its Job Training in the Arts!

Aurora, CO. – Local eighth-grader Boris C. shared the stage with First Lady Michelle Obama yesterday as he accepted a 2014 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (NAHYP Award) on behalf of Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the Aurora community through the arts, with a primary focus on youth engagement.

Each year, the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award recognizes 12 of the country’s best creative youth development programs for using engagement in the arts and humanities to increase academic achievement, graduation rates, and college enrollment. Chosen from a pool of more than 350 nominations and 50 finalists, DAVA is one of 12 organizations being honored. Specifically, DAVA is receiving this award for its Job Training in the Arts program. Youth in this program learn art, design, and computer fundamentals in addition to life skills, such as teamwork, responsibility, critical thinking, and practical problem solving.

 “It is an incredible honor to be recognized for this award, and we are proud to bring it home to our community,” remarked Susan Jenson, executive director of DAVA. "This recognition validates our efforts over the last 20 plus years to impact the economic vitality of Aurora by engaging youth in the arts and opening their eyes to a future of possibilities.”



First presented in 1998, the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award is the signature program of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH). The awards are presented annually in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

“You can’t help but be moved by these kids, who show us the transformative power of the arts and humanities,” said Rachel Goslins, executive director of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. “They are staying in school longer, getting better grades, graduating from high school and going on to college at significantly higher rates than their peers. And they’re building skills that will last them a lifetime.”

In addition to their recognition at the White House, DAVA will receive a $10,000 award and a year of communications and capacity-building support from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

To learn more about DAVA and creative arts programming, visit www.davarts.org. And to arrange for an interview with a representative from DAVA, including a young person positively impacted by the organization’s Job Training in the Arts program, contact Barefoot PR at 720.515.4282.



Other 2014 NAHYP Award Winners:

¡City Arts! Community AfterSchool Program
Providence ¡City Arts for Youth!, Inc.
Providence, RI

CPS Shakespeare!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago, IL

Delta Blues Museum Arts and Education Program
Clarksdale, MS

everybody dance! after-school program
The Gabriella Foundation
Los Angeles, CA

Project STEP, Inc.
Intensive String Training Program for Black and Latino Young People
Boston, MA

Workshop Houston
Middle School Program
Houston, TX

New Ballet Ensemble
Memphis, TN

New Vic Usher Corps
The New Victory Theatre
New York, NY

Publicolor, Inc.
Continuum of Design-based Programs
New York, NY

Teens Make History
Missouri History Museum
Saint Louis, MO

TeenSpace Circle of Mentoring
Santa Ana Public Library
Santa Ana, CA


About Downtown Aurora Visual Arts:
Founded in 1993, Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA) has been building community through the arts for over two decades. By providing a safe learning environment for youth ages three to 17, DAVA programs reinforce 21st century life skills, build self-esteem, and connect youth to the community. DAVA represents a unique combination of arts education and youth development, demonstrating how quality arts programming during after-school hours form a critical framework for long-term youth success. Each year, DAVA programs impact approximately 1,400 young people, and support the programming of partner organizations. DAVA is as an anchor in the Aurora community, contributing to the development of a creative workforce and preparing young people for lifelong success. www.davarts.org

About the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards:

The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award is the nation’s highest honor for after-school arts and humanities programs. The awards recognize and support outstanding programs that lay new pathways to creativity, expression, and achievement outside of the regular school day. These programs excite and engage a range of students, cultivating imagination, collaboration, discipline and academic success, with demonstrable results. They also provide safe harbors after-school, weekends and evenings for children and youth in some of our country’s most at-risk urban and rural settings. www.nahyp.org

About the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities:

Created in 1982 by Executive Order, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) is an advisory committee to the White House on cultural issues. The PCAH works directly with the Administration and the three primary cultural agencies—National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—as well as other federal partners and the private sector, to address policy questions in the arts and humanities, to initiate and support key programs in those disciplines, and to recognize excellence in the field. Its core areas of focus are arts and humanities education, cultural exchange, and community revitalization. Mrs. Michelle Obama, like other first ladies before her, serves as honorary chairman of the committee, which is composed of both private and public members. For more information, visit: www.pcah.gov



Monday, November 10, 2014

Art Bazaar opens at DAVA December 5th

Start your holiday season at DAVA (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts) this year! Join us for our annual holiday show and sale of original art by DAVA youth and local artists. Youth at DAVA create special works of art year round and this is their contribution to the holiday spirit of giving. Proceeds from this exhibit support year round art programs for youth at DAVA.  DAVA is located at 1405 Florence Street, one block south of East Colfax Avenue in the Aurora Arts District. The exhibit opens with a reception from 4 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday December 5th, 2014. Works will be on display until January 9th, 2015.

DAVA is a wonderful destination for handmade holiday gifts. Following the theme of cultural connections, youth experimented with a wide range of materials and techniques to create original pottery, jewelry, wearable art, lamps, paintings, prints, baskets and ornaments. Many students used traditional craft techniques and patterns in their work. You will find treasures to keep or give away!

Guest artists contribute to the wide selection of artwork. The exhibit will include ambrotypes and cyanotypes by Ameet Patel reflecting his cultural heritage, original collage works by Elizabeth Truglio highlighting Colorado’s cultural landscapes, and original pendants by Nicole Banowetz. In addition, Kuru Street will contribute recycled plastic gift boxes and animal sculptures made out of flip flops rescued from the shores of South Africa.

The exhibit is free and open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday and by appointment. For more information, e-mail gallery@davarts.org or call 303 367 5886.

DAVA 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 our new website at www.davarts.org, or call DAVA at 303 367 5886.


Viviane Le Courtois
Program Manager (Gallery and Studio)
DAVA (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts)
1405 Florence St.
Aurora CO 80010
303 367 5886 (office)
303 526 8064 (cell)


21 Years of Youth Succeeding Through the Arts!



Ameet Patel
 Winter Hills by Elizabeth Truglio
Print by Gabriel (age 7)


Sunday, November 9, 2014

We Are Fever now showing at Love Gallery

"We Are Fever"

Works from Tina Lugo, Tom Bond and Rebecca Green

Oct 24th - Nov 22nd 

Thank you to everyone who came out to the "We Are Fever" opening!  We feel so lucky to have been able to share the artwork from these three amazing artists.  If you weren't able to make it, you can check out what Scott Bailey of 1/1 Magazine had to say about it here. Or you can stop by and check it out for yourself until the 22nd of Nov.

Ltd. edition prints along with the originals are available at www.LoveGalleryDenver.com

Saturday, November 8, 2014

The Old Apple Tree Shanty


The old Apple Tree Shanty restaurant which opened in 1949 was located at 8710 East Colfax Ave. at Xanthia Street. The Apple Tree Shanty graced the east Denver city limits on Colfax Avenue until the late 1990s.

Their specialty dish was beef tenderloin tips seared in a unique cast aluminum apple mold with a removable lid. The mold and lid were heated to a high 400 degree temperature on the apple wood grill, then the seasoned tips were stuffed in the mold and topped with the hot lid. The dish was served in the mold on a white plate. The beef came out perfectly seasoned and seared to medium rare. This dish was accompanied by a giant loaded baked potato.


In the 1990s it became the Del Rio restaurant and then most recently became The Word religious bookstore. As of 2014 the property was for sale for $324,000.

Here's hoping someone buys the property to open a restaurant or café again! (courtesy East Montclair Neighborhood Association)



Friday, November 7, 2014

Fillmore East Plaque Unveiled at Site of ‘Church of Rock ‘n’ Roll’

More than four decades after its closing, a commemorative plaque was recently unveiled at the site of the Fillmore East, the legendary East Village concert hall at 105 Second Avenue that presented the biggest stars of the music world from 1968 to 1971. The Fillmore East is now a bank. How fortunate are we in Denver that The Fillmore Auditorium on Colfax is still open as a live music venue!!

Read more about the Fillmore East dedication ceremony here.
 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Fax-Mayfair BID is now Official


FROM THE FAX PARTNERSHIP:

Fax-Mayfair BID Official!

Additional City Funds Approved for Streetscape Planning

Election Day brought a long-hoped-for milestone on East Colfax -- the final creation of the Fax-Mayfair Business Improvement District. An annual assessment was voted in by property and business owners to fund economic development, public improvements, safety and advocacy activities. In addition, the Denver Office of Economic Development has awarded a $150,000 grant to offset start-up costs and fund a streetscape master plan for the district.

"It's all about making this section of Colfax a thriving area for both consumers and businesses," said Jamie Harris, president of the new BID board and owner of the Mayfair Center at 14th and Krameria Street. Other board members include Candace Wickstrom, owner, City Floral Greenhouse & Garden Center; Dan Murray, owner, Suburban Toppers; Barbara Macfarlane, co-owner, Marczyk Fine Foods; Mark Berzins, executive, Little Pub Company; Dave Emick, owner, Emick's Auto Service; and Maurice Bennett, co-owner, Mayfair Center.

Back in the late-80s, restaurant owner Paul Samaras and partners organized Colfax United to clean up the street and improve its image. But the area continued its steep decline. By 2004, a group of concerned citizens formed the Fax Partnership, which secured city funding for business support programs, marketing and other initiatives. However, there is a limit to what a grassroots, nonprofit organization can do.

"The Fax Partnership really laid the groundwork for where we are today," said Harris. "We're honored -- and eager -- to take the baton and move the area to the next level."

The Fax-Mayfair BID includes all businesses from Elm Street to Monaco Parkway, including the Mayfair Town Center between Colfax and 14th, Kearney and Leyden. While the BID will serve as a catalyst for the rest of East Colfax, it is possible that other areas could eventually be included within the service boundaries.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Max Mosko's Hi-Way Motel




Max Mosko's Hi-Way Motel, formerly at 10210 West Colfax Avenue at Lewis St. *Note that Lewis no longer has an intersection at Colfax.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Hollywood Film Shot at the Pig'n Whistle on West Colfax


This 9News report from 1996 shows how Denver spectators tried to sneak a glimpse of the filming of Switchback starring Danny Glover and Dennis Quaid. Originally filmed under the name "Going West," one of the scenes from Switchback was shot at Eddie Bohn's Pig'n Whistle, where they temporarily converted the restaurant sign to say "Tall Indian Motel." (courtesy Corky Scholl)