The creative process is ever-changing and often requires taking a look back to locate the way forward. The Arvada Center’s three summer exhibitions celebrate this fact by using the past as a guide to finding a way to and through modern times.

“I hope people come away from the galleries with a new understanding of what they can perceive,” said Olive Witwer-Jarvis, exhibitions manager and associate curator at the Center. “The personal stories and struggles on display provide a new look at what’s important.”

Melissa Furness — Embedded: A Mid-Career Survey, Haley Hasler — Origin Stories and Past is Present is Past is Present are all on display at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Aug. 24.

Set up in the Main Gallery, Embedded is an engrossing look at the career of an artist who is constantly finding new ways to explore themselves and the world around them. Broken up into subsections like In Ruins and Gathering Moss, Furness’ shows that she’s a conceptual artist of the highest order. Guests will see work that was created in places as disparate as Ireland and China, each with unique subjects and mediums worked into beautiful paintings.

History and its impact on our current times is a subject Furness — a professor at the University of Colorado Denver — returns to in fascinating ways, from making surreal recreations of well-known works to displaying discarded bricks from China.

“My work explores human nature and struggle as it manifests itself in relation to contemporary society and the remains of the past,” Furness said in a provided statement. “I am interested in what one culture upholds as significant — objects and ideals that we revere versus those that we discard or discount as unimportant. What does what we throw away say about us as a people versus what we place on a pedestal or seek to preserve?”

The Upper Gallery is home to Origin Stories, where Fort Collins artist Haley Hasler paints portraits that take her friends and family and put them in elaborately staged settings. The end results are transporting, at once familiar and slightly foreign.

“This show includes work from the past as well as my newest body of work,” Hasler said in a provided statement. “The beloved, everyday people around me are transformed in my paintings into gods and goddesses of the everyday realm.”

In Past is Present is Past is Present, located in the Theatre Gallery, visitors can see how Colorado artists use their ancestry, religious and cultural iconography, and mythology to shed a light on contemporary concerns, like our tumultuous political climate and missing Native women and children. The works are fascinating examinations of the artists’ relationship with the past and provide a window into the things that matter most.

“These exhibitions question what’s important and why,” Witwer-Jarvis said. “What makes something like the Mona Lisa so important, when there is so much happening in people’s day-to-day life?”

For more information, visit https://arvadacenter.org/galleries/current-exhibitions.

Go for a Moonlit Ride in Castle Rock

Castle Rock’s Pedal the Moon bike ride goes from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 and departs from Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive, at 7 p.m. As dusk starts, riders will follow the East Plum Creek Trail for about 6 miles to Festival Park.
According to provided information, the terrain is suitable for all riders and participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights and other items. There will be a decorating station for those who want some glow-in-the-dark decorations. At Festival Park, riders can relax and enjoy some music while participating in some giveaways.
Full details and registration information is available at https://www.crgov.com/3184/Pedal-the-Moon.

Feel the Artistic Power of ‘Mutual Terrain’

RedLine Contemporary Art Center is celebrating Denver Month of Video with Mutual Terrain, curated by Adán De La Garza and Jenna Maurice. The show is on display at the Center, 2350 Arapahoe St. in Denver, from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, Aug. 3.

According to a provided statement from the curators, “Mutual Terrain’ brings together six artists whose works reveal the land as a living presence — one that remembers, resists, and responds. This exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to the natural world, not as separate from it, but as deeply entangled within it.”

The show encourages and rewards patience, so be ready to take your time. Find more information at https://www.redlineart.org/mutual-terrain-denver-month-of-video-mov.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Car Seat Headrest at Mission Ballroom

Virginia’s Car Seat Headrest are one of the most ambitious bands in the indie rock world. Over the course of their career, they’ve experimented with all kinds of stylistic approaches, from kind-of rock operas to just straight up ripping rock albums. You never quite know what you’re going to get, but the lyrics are always extremely literate and the music is top-notch.

In support this their latest release, The Scholars, the band is coming to the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. They’ll be joined by openers Slow Fiction for what’s sure to be an evening of great, adventurous live music. Get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: Art Through the Distortions of History appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

There are some musicals that are just made for the summer, and “Rock of Ages” certainly falls into that category. The show not only captures some of that wild freedom of the best summer days, but also is full of quintessential 80s songs.

“The show is all about bigger and better. It embraces the big hair of the time and has all the great music,” said Leslie Bonnell, marketing coordinator at the Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, which is staging the show to close its season. “It brings out all the elements of the 80s that people find so nostalgic and fun.”

Produced with Veritas Productions, “Rock of Ages” runs at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave. in Parker, through Sunday, July 20. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Kelly Van Oosbree (who also does the choreography), the show takes place at one of the Sunset Strip’s last venues and features a group of music fans coming together to chase their dreams and save the soul of the strip.

“I love a good, smart comedy, and that’s what this is,” Nancy Evans Begley, co-founder and producing artistic director with Veritas Productions. She is the executive producer, assistant director and production manager for “Rock of Ages.” “My producing work started with putting together a team and we have an incredible one for this show.”

In addition to a top-notch crew, the show also features performers guaranteed to blow audiences away with their musical skills. Most of the cast is new to the PACE Center, which adds an extra level of excitement for both performers and audiences.

Many theaters end their season during the spring, so having the opportunity to see a show during the summer makes for a special treat. And the PACE Center leans into this fact.

“The season is a little off-set from everybody else’s, which gives patrons the opportunity to experience shows at different venues and then come here during the summer,” Begley said. “This is the kind of show that is perfect for people who don’t like musicals, because they can still sing-along and laugh at the dialogue.”

The show is recommended for those 14-years-old and older, but Begley sees this as an opportunity for parents to have a night out where they’re able to just enjoy themselves.

“We say leave the HOA, leave the board, leave the student council stuff behind and come relive your favorite decade and favorite music,” she said. “In a time when our day-to-day is filled with tension and negativity… you can escape that for two-and-a-half hours. We hope you walk out of the theatre saying, ‘That was really fun. Let’s do more of that.’”

Information and tickets are available at https://parkerarts.org/event/rock-of-ages/#event-description.

FAN EXPO Denver Brings the Pop Culture World to Fans

It’s time for the Mile High City to get its fandom on with the annual FAN EXPO Denver, held at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6.

This year’s event will play host to some top-tier guests, ranging from Star Trek’s William Shatner and Mae Whitman to a slew of Superman performers (a role very close to my heart) like Brandon Routh, Tyler Hoechlin and Tom Welling. In addition, there will be plenty of cosplaying, collector’s items to buy and panels to watch.

Go celebrate the best of pop culture by visiting https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/.

Independence Day Goes Big at Northglenn

If you don’t want to head to downtown Denver for your July 4th festivities, the City of Northglenn has you covered with events that last for most of the day and provide attendees of all ages with something to do. Held at EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11800 Community Center Drive in Northglenn, activities begin at noon with a car show.

Throughout the day, attendees can take part in a duck derby, listen to music from performers like Skool Daze, Chicano Heat and Jacob Larson, and pick up food from vendors (if they don’t bring their own picnics). Fireworks will close out the evening at about 9:15 p.m.

For full details, visit www.northglenn.org.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Wu-Tang Clan at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

I can think of no better group to listen to on the day we celebrate our independence than the Wu-Tang Clan, Staten Island’s legendary rap group. They are, after all, for the children. And they represent the collective power of a range of voices when they come together while maintaining their individual perspectives. They’re responsible for some of the genre’s most important music and are the best kind of American success story.

Their final tour is coming to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Greenwood Village, at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4. For the opener, the Wu-Tang will have Run the Jewels, the best modern rap duo. This has all the makings of a legendary concert, so get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: Summer Theater Rocks at PACE Center appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

That’s what makes the Evergreen Mountain Art Celebration such a great event, and it’s even bigger and better in its 8th year. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at the Evergreen North Shopping Complex, 3719 Evergreen Parkway.

The juried fine art and fine craft show highlights 75 professional artists from Colorado and beyond. All of them use a range of mediums, including painting, jewelry, ceramics and more, to create works that honor mountain living and Western, Southwestern and rustic themes.

In addition to the art, visitors can enjoy live music. Colorado Roots Rock Unplugged, a duo that specializes in acoustic versions of classic rock, will be performing on Saturday and Link&Chain, a band of brothers performing reggae, will be on hand on Sunday. There will also be a drawing for a $1,000 Art Festival Shopping Spree at noon on Sunday.  

We interviewed Amber Calanni with Colorado Art Weekend about the event and what visitors should know.

Interview edited for brevity and clarity.

What were you looking for in artists this year?

We want to feature art that fits into the “Mountain Modern” flavor. “Mountain Modern” is a style that blends contemporary aesthetics with rustic, nature-inspired elements, but feels personal and connected to nature and elevated in presentation.

If someone has never attended the Celebration, what should they know?

They should know this festival is more than an art show, it’s a true celebration of Colorado mountain culture and “Mountain Modern” art. It’s free to attend, easy to access and full of authentic charm. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking to explore something new. Evergreen is a relaxed setting where you can enjoy art, meet the artists and connect with a creative community.

Why is it important to celebrate the arts at a time like this?

In a time when so much feels uncertain, the arts remind us of what grounds us; hope, beauty, self-expression and connection. Art gives us a chance to slow down, reflect and engage with something meaningful. This festival also gives families and individuals a reason to get outdoors, support artists and feel part of something positive and inspiring.

What do you hope people come away with?

We want visitors to leave feeling uplifted, like they’ve spent their weekend immersed in something special. Whether it’s a new piece of art, a meaningful conversation with an artist, hearing a great musical performance or simply the peaceful experience of walking the festival grounds, we want guests to take away memories that last well beyond the weekend.

For more information, visit www.EvergreenArtShow.com.

Learn About the Life of a Colorado Hat Maker

The Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., is looking at the history of a renowned hat maker in its new exhibit, Kate Ferretti: The Life of a Colorado Hat Maker.

The exhibit opens on Friday, June 27, and focuses on Ferretti, a nationally-recognized hat maker. She entered the workforce at 13 and went on to build a family business that spanned nearly five decades. According to provided information, “this exhibition explores sources from Ferretti’s family, as well as oral histories from the collections of the Littleton Museum and History Colorado, to help tell the full story of this fascinating local maker’s life.”

For more information, visit https://visitlittleton.org/event/kate-ferretti-exhibit/.

Big Belmar Bash Brings Party to Lakewood

The City of Lakewood is celebrating Independence Day a little early, but with no less pomp and circumstance, with its Big Belmar Bash from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, at Downtown Belmar, 7337 W. Alaska Drive.

The evening will feature something for all ages, including live music and children’s activities. There will also be a range of local vendors selling unique items and plenty of food and drink options.

Of course, the highlight of the night is a drone light show, which will begin at around 9:15 p.m. It will feature a fleet “of 250 cutting-edge drones with state-of-the-art LED lights” illuminating the night and “MIX 100 will provide a curated soundtrack for the drone light show,” according to provided information.

More information is available at www.Lakewood.org/BBB.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Elvis Costello & The Imposters at Bellco Theatre  

Elvis Costello is one of the greatest living songwriters we have and has been proving that repeatedly since his classic debut album was released in 1977. In the ensuing decades, he’s released several bulletproof records and worked with some absolutely amazing songwriters. In celebration of his stellar career, he’s bringing his band, The Imposters, andguitarist Charlie Sexton on the Radio Soul!: The Early Songs of Elvis Costello tour.

The tour is coming to Denver’s Bellco Theatre, 1100 Stout St., at 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. The music of Costello’s early career is some of his best, so this will be performance not to be missed. Get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: Head to Evergreen for an Arts Celebration appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Summer is officially here, which means Colorado truly shows itself as a place with cultural options for every interest and activity. The days are lovely and long, so you’ll want to take advantage of all there is on offer.

I’ve gathered a range of activities to celebrate the start of the season — find something you like and head outside.

Take an Artistic Rest at SeeSaw Art Gallery

There are few things summer is better for than getting some relaxation time, something that SeeSaw Art Gallery, 5 W. Radcliff Ave. in Englewood, is celebrating with its new exhibition, Rest Awhile. It’s on display until Aug. 3.

The first solo show from artist Amanda K. Snyder, Rest Awhile “reflects on how oftentimes it’s the carefree moments in life that are relished most; the instances when there’s permission to relax, let go and reflect,” according to provided information. They become cherished memories and moments we aspire to return to. The exhibit features “rediscovered” mid-century paintings that capture familiar places of leisure.

Find more information at www.seesawgallery.com.

Thornton Pride Throws a Retro Beach Party

The City of Thornton is celebrating Pride Month in the perfect summer way — with a Retro Beach Party.

The free event is held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at the Thornton Arts and Culture Center and Lu Murray Park, 9209 Dorothy Blvd. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the beach and have fun putting together an outfit.

At the Culture Center visitors will enjoy live entertainment and more, while at Lu Marray Park, visitors can dance to music from a DJ and other live performers. They can also dine at food trucks and participate in a range of activities, including arts and crafts, cornhole, limbo, face-painting, beach ball volleyball and more.

This is a great way to blend all the fun of summer with the important recognition of the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. All the details are available at www.thorntonco.gov/community-culture/festivals-events/2025-thornton-pride.

Plenty of Music and Tasty Food at Edgewater Music Festival

Delicious barbeque and killer blues music just seem to go together, which is one of the reasons that people flock to Edgewater every year for the annual Edgewater Music Festival.

The 28th iteration is from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at Citizen’s Park, 5401 W. 22nd Ave. All the proceeds from the event benefit Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver and other affordable housing programs.

Some new features this year include a Harley-Davidson raffle and two stages of live music, including performers like Hand Turkey, Wild Love Tigress and Chris Daniels and the Kings.

Attendees will get to peruse the wares of a fun and eclectic range of vendors, like Puppet Me This, The Metaphysical Shop and Skultin Wire Works. And don’t forget the food—it’s a critical and finger-licking component to the proceedings.

For more information and tickets, visit www.edgewatercomusicfestival.com.

Work Up a Sweat at Lakewood’s Family Fun Day

Summer is the time when you want to be outside and getting really active, so the City of Lakewood is throwing an event to let families do just that.

Lakewood’s Family Fun Day is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at Carmody Park, 2200 S. Kipling St. The aim of the free event is to celebrate fitness for all ages and features a variety of ways to get going.

Some of the events people can participate in are a color run, scooter obstacle course and sports and fitness demos, including Zumba, hip-hop and pickleball. There also will be water games, parachute play and a gymnastics course. Fun prizes will be available for some of the winners.

Attendees can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park and then get a cold treat from Kona Ice to cap things off.

More information is available at www.Lakewood.org/FamilyFunDay.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Tash Sultana at Red Rocks  

Australia’s Tash Sultana is one of those musicians that once you catch wind of, you wonder where they’ve been your whole life. The singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist writes tunes that can get under your skin, with immaculate grooves and a sly wit. There’s elements of pop, blues, R&B and even hip-hop in their music. Plus, Sultana is a top-tier guitarist but can play just about anything — and often does.

Sultana is coming to Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20. It’ll be a great evening of music under the stars, so get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: A Collection of Summer Artistic Activities appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Summer is the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy beautiful public spaces, and if you can add some artistic touches to the mix, so much the better.

That’s just what visitors can do as part of the Foothills Art Center’s annual ARTSWEEK GOLDEN, which runs from Monday, June 16 through Sunday, June 22 at various locations around Golden.

“The event was launched in 2018 by Foothills Art Center to bring creativity into Golden, showcase artists and build community through the arts,” wrote Maura Adamson, executive director of the Center, in an email interview. “At its core, it’s about celebrating creative expression and directly supporting artists by allowing people to engage, connect and buy original work.”

Art fans or budding creatives can participate in a range of events, including:

• Wearable art class — 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 17 in the Foothills Art Center’s Astor House Courtyard, 1133 Arapahoe St. Attendees will work with professional artist Dyanna Csaposs on the art of natural dyeing and painting on silk.
• Create your own tarot cards — 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 at Golden City Brewery, 920 12th St., Building No. 2. Participants will tap into the symbolic power of tarot and how it helps parse the variety of life experiences. All mediums welcome.
• Modern kintsugi – 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20 at Golden City Brewery. All materials will be provided for this experience, which will walk people through this ancient Japanese craft.

Additionally, places like Bob’s Atomic Burgers and The Golden Mill will be donating a portion of their sales to Foothills Art Center.

The capper is the ARTSWEEK GOLDEN Festival, held on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 20 in Parfet Park, 719 10th St. It will feature more than 70 artist booths selling original work, live demos and a local beer garden.

“This year feels especially exciting. We have moved the festival to Parfet Park, right in the heart of downtown Golden,” Adamson wrote. “The park offers grassy space, shade from trees, and a central location that encourages visitors to stay, explore downtown and support local businesses throughout the weekend.”

Supporting local businesses and artists is the driver of the whole event, because these are the things that make a community unique.

“Local artists and creative nonprofits don’t just make beautiful things, they shape the culture and identity of Golden,” Adamson wrote. Supporting them through events like this ensures creativity stays visible, valued and sustainable. When you buy a piece of art or donate to the cause, you’re directly supporting someone’s craft, their small business and the cultural health of Golden.”

The aim is no matter what event a person attends, they come away invigorated and eager to stand behind the creative community.

“We hope everyone leaves feeling inspired and ideally taking home something handmade,” Adamson wrote. “Whether it’s a painting, jewelry, a bowl, a story, or just a renewed connection to art, we want people to walk away feeling like they invested in something genuine. ARTSWEEK GOLDEN is our mission in action, ‘We create stronger community through art.’

For the full schedule and more information, visit foothillsartcenter.org.

Catch Julia Stiles’ Directorial Debut on Amazon

As part of the annual Denver Film Women+Film Festival, actor and director Julia Stiles was at the Denver Botanic Gardens on June 30 to introduce her directorial debut, “Wish You Were Here,” and the film is now available for streaming everywhere through Amazon.

It’s a lovely, quiet film based on a book by Renee Carlino and examines the enduring power of love, despite the challenges it presents.

“This is a total dream come true because the story means so much to me,” Stiles said at the screening. “I think this kind of story is necessary in our world today.”

Watch the film at Amazon.com.

Learn About a Crucial Resource at the South Metro Water Festival

While water is important all year round, during the summer it is more evident just how much we rely on this resource for enjoyment and to keep our daily lives going. To teach families about its importance, South Metro water organizations are hosting the South Metro Water Festival from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock.

The event’s aim is to teach people about where their water comes from and attendees can learn everything from the internal workings of a toilet and how a watershed functions to using a water meter to find a leak and more. There will be science experiments, song and other activities, plus food vendors and a beer after-party.

For more information, visit the events page at https://www.crgov.com/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — James Taylor at Red Rocks  

As someone who has experienced it in person several times, you really should see legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor at Red Rocks at least once in your life. The musician behind immortal songs like “Fire and Rain,” Carolina in My Mind” and “Sweet Baby James” stops at the venue almost every summer, and it’s always a performance full of warmth and top-notch musicianship.

This year’s concerts are at Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 and he’ll be joined by alt-folk group Tiny Habits. It’s the perfect blend of artist and venue, so don’t miss this quintessential summer evening.

Get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: ARTSWEEK GOLDEN Highlights Community Importance appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

June is Pride Month and the Arvada Center is going big with three events that celebrate LGBTQ+ communities all over the state.

“We’re excited to invite the community to celebrate Pride with these three unique events this June,” said Sarah Kolb, marketing and communications director, in a provided statement. “Each event creates a sense of belonging and understanding, and learning through the arts has such a special ability to connect and entertain us. Working with these incredible collaborators from all across Denver allows us to bring events that celebrate pride and community to the Arvada Center, and we’re so grateful for their partnership.”

The first event will be held at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., on at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 and is called Pride In Place: A Colorado Country Concert celebrating LGBTQ+ country and bluegrass musicians.

The free event is hosted in partnership with Jefferson County Public Library and will feature performances from Amy Martin, Trace & Baerd, Morgan Harris Guitar, and Rosales and Summers. According to provided information, each group will take audiences on a journey as they explore important themes like place, sexuality, identity and love.

The next event is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, and is Drag Queen Storytime with Miss Shirley. Another free, all-ages event co-hosted with the library, this one features an interactive story time and the opportunity to get to know Miss Shirley. It will also feature complimentary snacks and drinks.

Finally, there’s the Leather & Lace concert presented by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and Denver Feminist Chorus. The concert is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 15.

“It’s been a while since we’ve collaborated together, so it felt like a great idea for Pride Month to do something fun we haven’t done in a while,” said Dr. Clelyn Chapin, artistic director for the Denver Feminist Chorus. “All our concerts espouse a message that’s important to us and every song we sing has a reason for it.”

The show highlights the uniqueness of everyone’s gender expression and sexuality, which is something both musical organizations do throughout the year with their performances.

“We both have the same goal, but we approach it from a different artistic standpoint. When you put it all together, their style and our style, you get a new combined style that’s really powerful,” said Johnny Nichols Jr., artistic director for the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. “This concert is about the things that bind us together as a community: love, family, friends and organizations that bring us together. The songs we’re singing highlight these experiences.”

Whichever event you attend, you’re going to get a powerful mix of entertainment and connection, both of which are extremely important these days.

“We hope to inspire freedom and openness and give everyone in the audience encouragement to be who they truly want to be,” Chapin said.

“We’re all in a community of love and we should be protecting, supporting and learning from each other,” Nichols Jr. added.

For more information on the Center’s Pride events, visit https://arvadacenter.org/events.

Celebrate All Things Puerto Rico at the Festival Flamboyán

The 40 West Arts District in Lakewood is celebrating the arts and culture of Puerto Rico with the Festival Flamboyán, beginning at noon on Sunday, June 8. The event will be held at The Three Leaches Theater, 1560 Teller St.

The festival will feature an artisan market from noon to 4 p.m., including a book fair, live music, a salsa class and food and drinks. From 5 to 10 p.m. attendees can see El Espectáculo — a variety show with two short plays, improv comedy, spoken word poetry and a special dance performance.

For more information, visit https://40westarts.org/events.

Take Advantage of Annual Aquatic Plant Sale 

The Colorado Water Garden Society is hosting its annual Aquatic Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8 at the Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.

Attendees can browse through a diverse assortment of aquatic plants. like lilies, lotus and many other marginals at the free event. There will also be fertilizer tablets for sale. Additionally, staff will be on hand to share their advice with those in need.

For more information, visit colowatergardensociety.org or contact Vicki Aber at 303-423-9216 or docvicki@msn.com.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Coldplay at Empower Field

I’ve always connected to musicians that wear their hearts on their sleeve, and few bands have done so as wonderfully as Coldplay. They’ve made a career full of music that can be absolutely soaring and moving if you just allow it into your heart.

The band doesn’t tour often, but they’re bringing their Music of the Spheres World Tour to Empower at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St. in Denver, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10. They’ll be joined by openers Elyanna and Willow for what is sure to be a magical night under the stars.

Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader:Arvada Center Hosts a Range of Pride Events appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Ever since the development of film as an artistic medium, women have been some of its most dynamic storytellers, both in front of and behind the camera. They’ve often been denied the recognition they deserve, but with its annual Women+Film Festival, Denver Film strives to ensure the works made by these creative voices are seen.

“We look through hundreds of films — both features and shorts — to ensure our final selections create a welcoming space for underrepresented voices, our local community and people new to the independent film scene,” wrote Ambriehl Turrentine, programming manager with Denver Film, in an email interview. “Getting to see audiences and filmmakers connect, reflect and empower one another through further dialogue is such a beautiful experience and reminder of why festivals matter.”

The festival begins on Friday, May 30 and runs through Sunday, June 1 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave.

Attendees will be able to see features and short films as part of the event, as well as take part in a range of special discussions and activities. One of the event highlights is the annual Barbara Bridges Inspiration Award, which is going to Julia Stiles, who will be on hand to screen her directorial debut film “Wish You Were Here.”

We interviewed Turrentine about the festival, what she hopes audiences take away and more.

Interview edited for brevity and clarity.

What kind of films were you looking for this year?

Beyond the films being directed by and about women, I like to program films with care and purpose by looking for complex stories that can ultimately broaden our understanding of the world and each other. This year’s curated lineup certainly leans into that mission — from our Opening Night film, “Sally,’ which explores the career of astronaut Sally Ride and the sacrifices made in her personal life for social acceptance, to our Closing Night film, “The Librarians,” which showcases librarians (some of whom will attend in-person) on the frontlines fighting against censorship in the US.

If someone has never participated in the festival, what do you want them to know?

For someone new to Women+Film or film festivals in general, I’d want them to know that they are not only welcome to attend but also to participate. Attendees can expect to take a walk with compelling, independent stories from around the globe celebrating women in all their glory as well as engage with filmmakers, panelists and cinephile strangers (who hopefully won’t be strangers for long). This festival is just as much about our audiences as it is what’s presented on screen.

What do you hope audiences come away with?

Our goal is always transformation, so I hope our audiences leave moved, inspired and challenged to assess life differently — whether that be about identity, experiences or the power of storytelling itself. I hope they develop a deeper appreciation for the independent film scene, and especially stories told by women, because there are so many gems out there to be discovered. The films programmed in our festival of course honor women, but they also acknowledge the various societal factors that make each person unique and worthy of understanding — emphasizing that women cannot be defined by their gender alone.

The full schedule and tickets are available at www.denverfilm.org/.

Lakewood Kicks Off INSPIRE Arts

INSPIRE Arts Lakewood is the city’s monthlong celebration of Lakewood’s dynamic arts scene and it begins this year on Friday, May 30 and runs through Thursday, July 3.

The annual event is presented by Lakewood Heritage, Culture & the Arts and features a wide range of free and low-cost arts and cultural experiences at more than 20 galleries, cultural centers, shops and other venues across the city, according to provided information.

For more information, visit Lakewood.org/INSPIRE.

Get ‘On Your Feet!’ at Littleton Town Hall

The music made by Gloria and Emilio Estefan is the soundtrack for a whole generation of fans and also introduced the world to Latin rhythms and culture.

The story of the Estefans is coming to the stage as “On Your Feet!” at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 Main St., from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, June 22. Most performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

With a book written by Alexander Dinelaris Jr. and score built around the Estefan’s music, the show follows the arc of Gloria and Emilio’s careers. Tickets are available at https://townhallartscenter.org/event/on-your-feet/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — billy woods at the Marquis Theater

New York City’s billy woods doesn’t make the kind of rap music that you put on for a good time. His music is searing explorations of the struggles of life at the margins and the fight to have your voice be heard. His latest album, “GOLLIWOG,” uses the rich genre of black horror to chronicle the nightmares and ecstasies of modern living.

In support of the album, woods is performing at the Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the genre’s best—tickets are available at www.livenation.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader:DFF Women+Film Festival highlights power of story appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

The music made by Gloria and Emilio Estefan during their prime is some of the most popular music of its time, and still holds a place of love for many fans. Not only were they massive successes, but they introduced the world to Latin rhythms and culture.

There simply wouldn’t be the enormous success of artists like Shakira, Maluma and Bad Bunny without them.

The story of the Estefans is coming to the stage as “On Your Feet!” at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 Main St., from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, June 22. Most performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a special fundraiser performance for the Denver Actors Fund on Monday, June 9. One hundered percent of the money raised during that performance will go to the fund.

“As a Latina and a person who did grow up hearing Gloria Estefan’s music, this show and story meant a lot to me, because it hits so close to home,” wrote Iliana Lucero Barron, assistant director of the production, in an email interview. “I connect with the cultural aspect, I connect to the familial dynamic, to the dynamic of being an artist, and of course, the joy and celebration of the music and impact it had on the music industry.”

With a book written by Alexander Dinelaris Jr. and score built around the Estefan’s music, the show follows the arc of Gloria and Emilio’s careers, from their beginnings in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami and as members of the Miami Sound Machine, to Gloria’s triumphant return to the stage in 1991. Along the way, the pair encounter plenty of challenges and joys as they navigate the music world.

Taking on the role of Gloria is Andrea Camacho, and she said she immersed herself in several different facets of history to get the character right.

“My approach to her has been studying a lot of her history, Cuban history and the American history of the time she grew up in. I want to be as authentic as I can be, and with all of those factors, I feel as I am able to find her in my own life,” Camacho wrote in an email interview. “As a Venezuelan, I am proud of our abilities as Latines to go above and beyond, to find a better life for the people around us and to chase our dreams.”

Music and dance were a huge part of the Estefans’ lives, and both art forms are among the highlights of the show. To get the dancing right, choreographer Chelley Canales tapped into previous performances from concerts and videos.

“I crafted these numbers by using a blend of resources, most prominently the source material,” Canales wrote in an email interview. “I grew up loving Gloria and dancing to her videos, and it was so fun these past few months to rewatch them and view concert footage with the Miami Sound Machine. The energy they had on stage was incredible. I hope to bring that nostalgia and sense of fun to our stage as well.”

With so much going on in the world, “On Your Feet!” is a great opportunity for people to get carried away by the music and a story that celebrates its empowering ability.

“I hope that people leave with a smile on their face and a rhythm in their step,” wrote director Matthew Americo Zambrano in an email interview. “I hope that for the two hours they are in the theater, they can forget about all the things outside of Town Hall and let themselves be swept up in the celebration of cultura, family, community, music and dance.”

Tickets are available at https://townhallartscenter.org/event/on-your-feet/.

This coverage comes courtesy of a grant from the Littleton Arts and Culture Program. As a matter of policy, funders exercise no control over editorial decisions.

The post Get ‘On Your Feet’ at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

There aren’t a lot of things people can agree on these days, but I think one thing we all can share a love of is Johnny Cash. Over the years, I’ve seen the “God Bless Johnny Cash” bumper sticker on pretty much every kind of car there is.

With that in mind, who better to celebrate on stage than The Man in Black, which is just what Miners Alley Playhouse is doing with its latest production, “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash.”

“We wanted to do a big show that appeals to a lot of people and few things bring people together like Johnny Cash,” said Len Matheo, director of storytelling and community engagement. “Everyone loves his music.”

“Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” runs at Miners Alley, 1100 Miners Alley in Golden, through June 29. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Directed by Kate Gleason and featuring stage management by Christine Moore, the show was created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade. It’s a jukebox musical filled with some of Cash’s most iconic songs, including “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Ring of Fire.”

The show features the acting and musical chops of Mitch Jervis, Clark Destin Jones, Cooper Kaminsky, David Otto, Caitlin Secrest, Michael Phillips, Isabella Duran, Sean Case and Keith Ewer. Each performer is a multi-instrumentalist and brings a huge amount of skill to the stage.

 “This show is not typical musical theater,” said Susan Draus, musical director of the show. “The stage is full of instruments that look so beautiful and we’ve made some changes to give the music a different feel.”

When she first started working on the music for the show, Draus was worried that it would get repetitive, so she reorchestrated to start with a more earthy, simple sound and let it evolve as the show progresses.

“For me, the show is more like an outdoor festival than a concert,” she said. “The atmosphere is really loose — it feels like one big family and party.”

Instead of a traditional biography, “Ring of Fire” uses Cash’s songs to trace his journey from the cotton fields of Arkansas to the Grand Ole Opry and beyond. And the aim is that the show provides audiences with an enjoyable night out while also creating new fans of the music.

“This story goes a lot deeper than many bios do. It’s about breaking into the music world, about being on the road and all the trials and tribulations that come with that,” Matheo said. “I hope people come away with a deep appreciation for Johnny Cash and June Carter’s role in the story.”

For more information, visit www.minersalley.com.

Go On a Creative Forage at Walker Fine Art

Denver’s Walker Fine Art gallery, 300 West 11th Ave. No. A, welcomes summer with its newest exhibition, “Foragers,” which is on view through July 12. The show features six artists — Matt Christie, Theresa Clowes, Kim Ferrer, Jamie Gray, Virginia Steck and Ben Strawn — who use a variety of mediums, including painting, mixed media, and installation, to explore the world through the kaleidoscope of experiences they’ve gathered. As a result, visitors are invited to interrogate the experiences they carry with them and how they shape their world.

Exhibition details are available at https://www.walkerfineart.com/.

Take a Meditative Retreat at Hudson Gardens 

As we head into the hot summer months, everyone could use a little self-care and relaxation. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, is offering to help with that at the Spring Renewal Herbal Meditative Retreat.

The event begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 and is broken into four activities: the first is guided by Kirsten Dehmlow and will teach attendees how to incorporate natural healing practices into their daily routine. Next, Judy Thurman will teach a session on Qigong Movement practices. In the afternoon there will be a hands-on herbal activity and the day will end with a sound bath.

Register at www.hudsongardens.org/event/womens-herbal-meditative-retreat/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Leon Bridges at Red Rocks

In my book, Leon Bridges has yet to miss. In his decade as a professional musician, he’s explored different styles of soul and R&B music, always staying true to his Texas roots while constantly embracing new sounds. Last year’s album, “Leon,” was another extremely strong entry in his catalogue and one of the best albums of the year. Not only that, it’s perfect summertime music.

In support of the album, Bridges is coming to Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 23. The opener for the evening is LA LOM. Bridges’ music will sound amazing at Red Rocks, so seize the opportunity to see him live.

Tickets are available at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: The Music of Johnny Cash Comes to Miners Alley appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Many people think of museums as places that have all the answers, but that’s not always the case. And sometimes that makes for a more intriguing story.

Such is the case for the latest exhibition at the History Colorado Center, The Disappearance of Thomas Riha, which takes a local mystery and investigates the many remaining unanswered questions.  

“This is a true crime cold case that’s never been told publicly in a museum setting,” said Katherine Mercier, exhibition developer and historian at History Colorado. “We felt we finally had the space to experiment with the kind of exhibit we’ve never done before.”

The Disappearance of Thomas Riha will be on display at the Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver in Denver, through March 15.

According to the provided information, the exhibit tells the story of University of Colorado Boulder Russian history professor Thomas Riha, who vanished on March 15, 1969, right in the middle of the Cold War.

The exhibition features never-before-displayed declassified documents from the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is deepened by History Colorado’s archives. Museum researchers had a wide range of materials to use, including the journals of a woman who may or may not have played a role in Riha’s disappearance.

“Despite the case never being solved, we have hundreds of pages in our collection that provide unique insights,” Mercier explained. “We don’t claim to have the answer as to what happened, but we want people to be able to go through the evidence and come up with their own theories. There’s even a space at the end of the exhibition where guests can share them.”

While the mystery is the main draw of the exhibit, Mercier said she also hopes visitors get a glimpse of Colorado’s role as a hotbed of activity during the Cold War. With sites like Rocky Flats and the Air Force Academy, the state saw plenty of intrigue.

“People may not understand how big the Cold War was and how it integrated itself into everybody’s life,” she said. “I hope people think about what it would’ve felt like to be living at the time and how they would cope.”

Riha’s disappearance received a great deal of press coverage at the time, but eventually faded away, leaving everyone without answers. So, this exhibit was carefully designed to also include the stories of the people who were affected.

“The exhibit focuses on the people and lives that were wrapped up in the events,” Mercier said. “Thomas had a family that never got answers about what happened to him. This is ultimately a story about humanity.”

For more information, visit www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/disappearance-thomas-riha.

See How Englewood Works at Civic Center

How well do you know the people who keep your city running? Englewood residents have the chance to meet those behind the scenes at the Celebrate Englewood event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 at the Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway.

Attendees can meet employees and participate in other activities like Touch a Truck, where people can get up close to a fire truck, police cars, bearcat, police motorcycles and command post, and more. There will be vendors and other activities as well.

More information at https://www.englewoodco.gov/our-city/events/upcoming/celebrate-englewood.

Jefferson Symphony Plays Star Wars Score

May 4 may have been more than a week ago, but the Jefferson Symphony will be celebrating the immortal John Williams Star Wars score with two performances at 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at the Mines Green Center, 924 16th St. in Golden.

In addition to the timeless music, Conductor Arturo J. Gonzales will be holding a pre-concert talk at 12:15 and 3:15 p.m. on the day of the concert in Metals Hall. According to provided information, he will discuss the history and composition of the Star Wars Soundtrack, what to listen for, and how to break down John Williams’ brilliant compositions.

Costumes are encouraged and those who wear costumes will get a discount on tickets. Information and tickets are available at https://www.jeffsymphony.org/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Toro y Moi and Panda Bear at the Fillmore Auditorium

There is some music that’s made to get lost in. It’s less about the lyrics and more about the mood, a sonic energy that can transport you if you allow it. In their own ways, both Toro y Moi and Panda Bear, a member of indie rock legends Animal Collective, have been building these musical worlds for years. Their music is very different, but the vibes are strong with both.

The two musicians are a perfect pairing and they’ll be performing at the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St. Denver, at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16. They’ll be joined by Kassie Krut for an evening to carry you away.

Information and tickets are available at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: Can You Solve The Disappearance of Thomas Riha? appeared first on Colorado Community Media.