Joan Jett |
DENVER – The 32nd annual A Taste of Colorado will host Joan Jett and The Blackhearts on the Main Stage on Sun., Sept. 6, at 7:30 p.m., presented by 103.5 The Fox. The four-day, free admission, food, music, arts & crafts, and entertainment festival will take place in Downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4 through Sept. 7.
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts are best known for their hit record “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Since forming the band, Jett has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, which include “Bad Reputation,” “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and “Crimson and Clover.” The band released its latest album, “Unvarnished,” in 2013 and continues to tour the globe.
Jett has also produced a number of albums for other bands such as Circus Lupus and Germs. In 2015, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Jett has acted in movies and television series, as well as the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, “The Rocky Horror Show.” In 2010, she executive produced a film about her life, “The Runaways.”
In addition to the Main Stage, five other entertainment stages located throughout the Festival will serve up a continuous menu of music, including the KBCO World Class Rock Stage, the KYGO Country Stage, and the Colorado Heritage Stage presented by Westword.
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 presented by 630 KHOW 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 KidzStage presented by MIX 100, and the KidZone will feature play equipment, plus a great variety of free, hands-on craft activities for children of all ages. Kids and adults also can enjoy carnival rides and games Saturday through Monday, presented by KOOL 105.
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, and felting, along with the popular blacksmith demonstration.
Sponsors of this year’s Festival are: 9NEWS, Albert Bartlett, All Copy Products, American Medical Response, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Blue Moon, Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Coast 2 Coast Communications, Colorado Access, Colorado Lottery, Colorado Native, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Costco Wholesale, Courtyard by Marriott Denver Downtown, Cutarelli Vision, The Denver Post, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc., Eldorado Natural Spring Water, Ford Experience Tour, LBA Realty, Levinson Eye Clinic, L.L. Bean, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Nathan’s Famous, PEPSI, Residence Inn Denver City Center, Sport Clips Haircuts, Sturgeon Electric, TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown, WAHL Mobile Grooming Tour, and XingTea.
Festival hours are Friday, Sept. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 7, 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, www.instagram.com/ATasteofCO, or call (303) 295-6330 for more information.