Denver Creative Happenings

2011 Denver International Film Festival

2011-11-08T13:37:00.008-07:00

I'm honored that I was able to get in to see the first screening (3 sold out shows) of the French film The Fairy. Next up for me will be the South Korean film Arirang by director Kim Ki-Duk. The film is actually a personal diary that he shot himself with a Mark II Canon video camera - he lived alone in an isolated mountain camera for 3 years (this could be a beautiful to see alone in a theater filled with filmgoers).

Arirang

Saturday, November 12th at 4:45pm

$13 general, $12 student, $11 DFS member

* buy now (these films have been selling out fast!)

The External World, a David O'Reilly Animated Film

2011-03-03T11:47:00.003-07:00

I've just started following Change the Thought in Denver, Colorado www.changethethought.com I love the motion graphics and animation work that they do, as well as what they follow - getting other creatives to recognize and appreciate this amazing world of animated graphics. Check out the new animated short film by David O'Reilly that recently premiered at the Venice Bienniale and Sundance Film Festival - http://www.theexternalworld.com/
Haunting, funny, and visually stunning work. Worth the 30 minute review.

'Test Market' A Fundraiser for Create Denver - 11/20

2010-11-18T17:01:00.003-07:00

YesPleaseMore pop-up store is hosting a fundraiser Saturday night in support of Denver Office of Cultural Affairs' (DOCA) Create Denver initiative.

Saturday, November 20 / 8:00 p.m

Glenarm Great Room (Ste. 262), Denver Pavilions

$15/$40 Purchase tickets at www.DenverMagazine.com/YesPleaseMore

Test the lip-smacking culinary craft of Foodie Call while dining with Denver's most infamous monsters, The Horndribbles (includes "Test Market" admission)

Questions? E-mail hello@yespleasemore.comYesPleaseMore POP-Up Store is a recent recipient of the Mayor's Design Award.

Ad2 Denver Portfolio Book Review 9/28

2010-09-28T11:35:00.004-06:00

Tonight Ad2 Denver hosts a portfolio book review with Kaitlyn Winkler of the Miami Ad School, San Fransisco. "How to Put Together a Killer Portfolio" will feature Kaitlyn's professional review of your portfolio as well as thoughts on social media and the digital world and your creative place in this maze of visual information. It's free for members of Ad2, $15 to the public. Check out www.ad2denver.com for more information.

Event Date: Tuesday, Sept. 28th

Time: 6-9pm

Location: Breckenridge Brewery, 471 Kalamath Street, Denver

What to bring: Flat art book or laptop for digital book review

YesPleaseMore Pop-up Store in Denver

2010-08-19T12:01:00.003-06:00

I love this place! www.yespleasemore.com is a brilliant local artists pop-up store located in The Devner Pavillions on the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. I couldn't decide between the clear resin cuff bracelet, the French writing graphics t-shirt, or the bicycle drinking glass, so I got all 3. Well, one is a gift for a friend. She will be psyched! Next week they are hosting an event to celebrate the final day of the 2010 Summer Camp:

8/25: The Fabric Lab Button Making + Theatre + PechaKucha #11

Closing day of Summer Camp 2010!

Bring the family to make buttons with The Fabric Lab! Professional actors will perform in-store at the top of every half hour starting at 5 p.m. Finally, the YesPleaseMore POP-Up Store hosts PechaKucha #11 featuring designers from the store! RSVP on Facebook by clicking here.

The Fabric Lab Button Making: 2-4 p.m.

In-Store Theatre: 4-8 p.m.

PechaKucha #11: 8:30-10 p.m. FREE

YesPleaseMore is located on the 2nd floor of The Denver Pavillions next to Barnes and Noble Bookstore.

David B. Smith Gallery Opening, Denver: 1.15.09, 6pm

2010-01-12T16:40:00.003-07:00

Looks like this is going to be a gorgeous show. I'm especially fond of the new minimalist pieces by Regan Rosburg - a friend but also a fan of her art! http://www.davidbsmithgallery.com/artist/show/regan-rosburg

Exhibiting artists featured: Ricky Allman, Emil Alzamora, Gregory Euclide, Christina Empedocles, Lori Field, Regan Rosburg, Kristen Schiele & Mike Stilkey

1543 A Wazee Street Denver, CO 80202
p 303.893.4234 f 877.893.4234
info@davidbsmithgallery.com

Scot Lefavor's New Works at Andenken Gallery 10/16

2009-10-15T14:01:00.002-06:00

I'm so happy to hear that Scot has a new show of works at Andenken this weekend. His style that hails from traditional signpainting and retro typography is always fresh, agressive and creatively stimulating - plus he's just s super cool cat. Some of the best art openings that I have seen in this city have showcased the work of Scot Lefavor - we won't be disspappointed at this one.

Andenken Gallery

2990 Larimer Street, Denver

Opening Reception: 8pm to 1am

Andenken - http://beautyandthestreet.org

Scot - www.scotlefavor.com

CAFÉ NUBA DOCUMENTARY FEST, Denver (10/1 - 10/3)

2009-09-30T09:44:00.002-06:00

CAFÉ NUBA DOCUMENTARY FEST CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL ARTS ACTIVISM & SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH SPOKEN-WORD, FILM & MUSIC Three-night film festival combines live music + open mic with performances by featured spoken-word artists including Abiobun Oyewole of The Last Poets.

For schedule and ticket information go to www.denverfilm.org or www.cafenuba.com or call 303-595-3456. Tickets are $15/night ($12 for DFS Members, Auraria Students w/ ID or if you purchase a 3-nite package) andwent on sale Monday, September 14th. Film/Time/Costs: $15/nite, includes 5-7p.m. open bar cocktail lounge, and 7:15 p.m. showtime

CAFÉ NUBA DOC/FESTHIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, October 1st: The Café Nuba Documentary Fest officially kicks off with a pre-film cocktail reception emceed by local poet, Lady Speech, and screening of the gritty doc, “Say My Name” (2008) directed by Nirit Peled. Described as a candid portrayal of young ambitious women trying to survive as lyricists, rappers, and mothers, the film is a provocative dialogue on class, race, and gender. Proceeded by “What If I Told You?” (2009) by Jennifer Johns. Featured Poet: NYC’s Queen GodIs (HBO’s Brave New Voices) with sounds from DJ CaveM. TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=5SQIc2hNtIY

Friday, October 2nd: The Festival centerpiece takes on an Afro-fusion tone with “Homegrown: HipLife in Ghana” (2008) by director Eli Jacobs- Fantuazzi. This award-winning film about Ghanian hip-hop troupe, V.I.P. (Vision In Progress) documents ten years of their journey from the ghetto in Accra to their first international tour. Proceeded by “What Is Poverty?” (2009) by Jennifer Johns. Featured Poets: Molina Soliel + Aju with Asia Jazz Project with sounds from DJ CaveM. ++Nuba Afterparty at DELITE, 30 So. Broadway, 21+, No Cover, Drink & Food Specials, 10pm-2am.TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=S7kC5TiCMMw

Saturday, October 3rd: Closing night films take a look at the roots of the contemporary poetry scene through the eyes of the Civil Rights arts organizers. "The Last Poets: Made in Amerikkka" (2008) directed by Claude Santiago – captures the veteran Last Poets in their element where the narrative unfolds amidst the backdrop of a special 40th Anniversary show in France where 5 of the 7 remaining living members of the group are reunited for a one-time performance for the ages. Proceeded by “What Is Sustainable Living?” (2009) by Jennifer Johns. Featured poet/activist: Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets + the SlamNuba Team – sounds from DJ CaveM

++Nuba Afterparty hosted by Flobots.org at the Meadowlark Bar, 2703 Larimer, 18+, $5 door, 10pm-2am.TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=hdFXaDj0dYk

Denver 48 Hour Film Project

2009-07-30T10:15:00.004-06:00

I'm in the 48 Hour Film Project this year with team "Circles of Confusion". I'm pretty confident in our ability to create a great piece in just two days, but the fact that we are competing on a cross-continental level (80 cities on the tour) makes it seem somewhat impossible to win - although the thought of going to Cannes for the premiere is quite motivating for me, and hopefully for my team. Check out the webpage for the cities that the tour is going to this weekend. Don't think that I can post on location. We don't exactly want the other teams knowing what we're up to. But, I'm just excited for the ride anyway..... http://www.48hourfilm.com/

Animation Film Festival in Annecy, France

2009-06-12T04:30:00.003-06:00

Yes there is a film festival on the other side of this picture - The International Animation Film Festival in Annecy, France www.annecy.org.

Animators, directors and industry people from all over the world come to this market event to showcase the hottest short and feature films in 2d and 3d animation, software and media services. You'll meet a lot of artists from Paris, South Korea, and most recently, South America. I have been to industry parties hosted by Argentinian, Finnish, Swiss and Norwegian animators. Some of the best moutain beach parties in the world are here, with lots of champagne and canapes. Tomorrow I am going to see the premiere of Adam Elliot's Mary and Max - the creator/director of Wallace and Gromit. My girl back in Colorado from Bristol is going to be very jealous!

www.annecy.org

June 8th - 12th, 2009

Communikey Kilowatts Performance - Fox Theater, Boulder 4/18

2009-04-16T11:01:00.002-06:00

I've got my ticket - do you? Communikey has got a lot in store for this 2nd annual exerperimental, sustainable, live-music and visual arts festival in Boulder. I am especially excited about the Saturday night headling performance at The Fox with:

Future Simple Project
Mr. Projectile
kiloWatts - http://www.myspace.com/kilowatts
Thomas Fehlman
Lux Lucidus
Movax

To check out the other events happening on this weekend, go to Communikey's website for descriptions and schedules at www.communikey.us

Kilowatts and special guests
The Fox Theater, Boulder
$20 - http://foxtheatre.com/Store/ChooseTicket.aspx?sid=15406
9pm to 2pm

2009-03-16T13:41:00.003-06:00

Plus + Gallery Opens New Site with new paintings by Karen McLanahan

Friday, March 13th - 6pm

2501 Larimer Street, Denver

www.plusgallery.com / 303.296.0927

Cafe Nuba 10 Year Anniversary Party!!

2009-02-23T15:29:00.003-07:00

Join Cafe Nuba on Saturday, February 28th in celebrating 10 years of spoken word and music showcasing local and national talent! This not-to-be-missed event is presented by BluBlak Media at the Mercury Cafe in downtown Denver and will be hosted by the (ever) beautiful, Ashara Ekundayo - Cultural Jedi of our "fair" city.

This Saturday's party will feature spoken word performances from:
Roger Bonair-Agard (Brooklyn)
Will Evans (Columbus)
Nuba Goddesses - Lady Speech, Isis, Day Acoli
and the Slam Nuba Team

Resident DJ: S.D.
Video Arts: dBom
Live Painting: Thomas & Jay Paul Apodaca
Live Band Performance: The Reminders (CO Springs)

Mercury Cafe
2199 California, Denver
Doors: 7:30pm
Cost: $10-$15 (sliding scale)
ALL AGES ARE WELCOME.

DON'T MISS IT - THESE PARTIES ROCK!!

CAFE NUBA "Obama is Mr. President Edition" - 1/30

2009-01-27T15:33:00.003-07:00

It's time for another CAFE NUBA spoken word, poetry and music showcase - this one at The Crossroads Theater in 5 Points. I was just there the other night for a wonderful little night of local theater and the venue really is a great local spot - small but intimate; ready to make you wish there were a few more rows of seats in front of you for when Cafe Nuba's poets start breaking down their celebratory energy for our new President, Barack Obama!!!!! Yes, this month's show is the "OBAMA IS MR. PRESIDENT EDITION". I am DEFINTELY going to this one. Join me for a night of fierce poetic expression, relentless joy and possible anxiety about our next Presidential term. Check out the entertainment:

OPEN MIC & FEATURED GUESTS:
Sunni Patterson - New Orleans
Sabrina Gilbert - Brooklyn
Katie Wirsing - Denver
Zin - Houston
Chosen - NYC

Plus:
Chair massages, Africentric vendors and vegan delights from Solar Cafe

Doors open: 8pm (16+)
Location: Crossroads Theater, 2590 Washington Street, Denver
Cost: $10

SAVE THE DATE: Cafe Nuba 10 Year Anniversary Party. February 27th

AFROBLU for World Aids Day - 12/13, Denver

2008-12-08T17:12:00.002-07:00

Join hostesses Peju Alawusa and Ashara Ekundayo for another one of their after hours dance rituals, AFROBLU - for WORLD AIDS DAY 2008 -www.myspace.com/afroblu.
This national NextAid fundraiser www.nextaid.com promotes aids education and financially assists the youth in Africa orphaned by AIDS. Come get wild at another soulful house, afrobeat party with guest DJ IVY, Blackridge and resident DJs RJ Duran & CES in the name and energy of our fellow African peoples!!! Located at Bar Standard in downtown Denver, expect sumptuous cocktails, high fashion, fabulous people and a fabulous time!

AFROBLU - Afterhours Dance Ritual Remix
for World Aids Day 2008
Bar Standard
1037 Boradway, Denver
9pm to 2am
$5 at the door / 21+
Additional donations are always accepted!

Trunk Show at The Fabric Lab 11/15

2008-11-14T10:58:00.002-07:00

This week The Fabric Lab (www.fabriclab.com) presents a fashion designer trunk show called "Prototype". A small studio it is, but the union of the neighboring cupcake shoppe The Shoppe (www.theshoppedenver.com) , as well as the media sponsor FM Magazine (www.fm-mag.com), will make it another hip-to-be-seen art party with live music, cupcakes, and of course, PBR. I don't have much info on the designers but the scene is always super fun. Actually, the last time I was on east Colfax for an art party the boys in blue had helicopters overhead. It must have been The Denver Roller Girls fashion show on the storefront sidewalks that they couldn't get enough of - way extreme, but a good story none the less. See you there!!

The Fabric Lab
3105 East Colfax Avenue, Denver
Call to RSVP - 303.321.3604 or www.thefabriclab.com/prototype

Damien Hirst Works at MCA/Denver

2008-10-13T22:03:00.004-06:00

Three Damien Hirst pieces are currently being shown in The Large Works Gallery at the Musuem of Contemporary Art/Denver. (Sorry, this isn't one of the pieces being shown.) But expect to see a formaldehyded steer, a medine chest filled with pharmaceutical containers and a beautiful butterfly painting. As a single presentation it isn't the most striking show, but Damien Hirst's work should be seen by anyone who has even a slight interest in contemprary art - right now he IS contemporary art.

The opening night party was super fun; with funky cool people and a great pop/electro-punk band from Denver. Definitely check out the exhibit on one of the Friday late night evenings - open till 10pm, get a cocktail on the roof too.

Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver

1485 Delgany (Delgany and 15th)

www.mcadenver.org

303.298.7544

Street Works & Oriental Photography at The Lab 9/24

2008-09-05T18:09:00.004-06:00

Wow....with marketing illustrations like this from one of the most sophisticated gallery/museums in Denver, I have to say that The Lab continues to humor and impress me. Btw Lab, are you "at the trailing edge" because you are in Lakewood?

The Lab at Belmar hosts its new exhibition opening on September 24th, In Plain Sight: Street Works & Performances, and Orientalist Photography: Japan in the Baumatsu-Meiji Period, 1868-1912. The exhibition host two gallery shows, a performace on opening night and a curator's talk the following evening. In Plain Sight proposes to be the full-examination of the important late 1960s phenomenon of street works and performances - dedicated years where a few NYC writers took their poetry readings off stage and created an experiential dynamic environment for poets, artists and dancers. Their point was to show that artists and poets were not to be constrained by the assumption that art should be contained and perhaps approachable. John Perreault will recreate a 1971 performance entitled, Critical Mass. Sounds totally interesting and nostalgic, doesn't it? (Perraeault was the art critic for The Village Voice from 1966 to 1974.)

Orientalist Photography is a collection of 19th century photographs using a simple and early Collodian process. The resulting images are warm and rich in detail of tourist photos from early 20th century Japan. Curator, Mark Sink's great grandfather originally collected the pieces as a New York society photographer.

Opening Reception
Wednesday, September 24th, 6-8pm (Members 5-6pm)
Performance by John Perreault, 7:30pm

Curators Talk
Thursday, September 25th, 6:30pm
Members $5/General $10

The Lab at Belmar
404 S. Upham Street, Lakewood
http://www.belmarlab.org/

Dope Communikey at the Beatport Lounge 8/29

2008-08-20T19:26:00.001-06:00

Dialogue:Denver Opening Reception at Robischon 8/21

2008-08-20T19:24:00.001-06:00

Gimme Gimme Pillow Toast Friday Night!!!!

2008-08-05T21:55:00.002-06:00

I LOOOOOOOOOOVE GIMME GIMME PILLOW TOAST! THEY SAY.......

It's for cosplay-ers and observers alike - everyone is welcome! Map and contact information at www.gimmegimmepillowtoast.comThere will be performance by Mr. Pacman’s Turbo Team – a high-action 16-bit spinoff of local 8-bit rockers Mr. Pacman. Also, Japanese/Panamanian Hip Hop artist Ichiban will showcase his rhymes in a special performance before his upcoming CD-release party. Check out his page.What is COSPLAY? It’s where anime otaku (fans) make costumes of their favorite anime, manga or video game characters. This contest is to get the fans geared up for the huge anime convention Nan Desu Kan in SE Denver in September.In keeping up with our party traditions, there will be a new cupcake invention: Pocky cupcakes! Other Asian snacks will be served as well as iced green tea and boba samples from Wystone's World Teas!There will be Japanese pop and rock music and a video screen with clips from Asian videos/movies and a showing of Mr. Pacman’s
Half-Hour of Power!Prizes for the best costumes (and some door prizes!) will include: $50 gift certificates for Gimme Gimme Pillow Toast, free dish at Snooze restaurant, free Pocky for a year, FOUR (4) passes to Nan Desu Kan (!), a membership to the Japan America Society of Colorado and several items from the new Wystone’s World Teas in Belmar, including a GIANT gift basket!Cosplay-ers: Here are the categories: Best male costume, best female costume, best group, best professional (not made by you) costume and best original character/costume.There is no advance signup, but you will be asked gather at 7:45 p.m. to let us know the name you go by and whom you are portraying so we can announce it. Feel free to bring a reference photo for the judges.

Gimme Gimme Pillow Toast

Belmar, Lakewood

8/7/08 - 6pm to 9pm

Forever Darling II, Space Gallery 8/2

2008-07-31T19:04:00.006-06:00

I just found out that this party is $25 instead of free, but it sounds like it might be worth the credit card swipe. Space Gallery is hosting its second fashion market event presented by Fallene Wells (Let Em Have It!), 8 local designers, models by Donna Baldwin Talent, DJ Segue, and I've been told, champagne! Classy!! Designers will be on hand after to market and sell the clothes so you can leave the runway party with the runway looks - but still come dressed to impress, please. Portion of the Proceeds benefit Dress for Success.

IN KIND SPONSORS:

Fuel Cafe

Encore Catering

Great Divide Brewery

Sip Wines

Donna Baldwin Talent

Sundari Skincare

AG Hair Cosmetics

Denver Fabrics

Art in the City

Brown Palace Flower Shop

Marguax Brauker

Media Sponsors: Westword Magazine, Denver Magazine and This Week in Denver

ADDITIONAL DESIGNERS:

Incroyables: Melissa May

Cyclops Merchandise: Abby Fisher

La Rencontre: Beth Bickel

iammister: Noel Weisenbacher

Smooch: Stephanie Ohnmacher

James Etc: James Silvrant

Joie De Vivre: Mollie Brackett

Space Gallery

Saturday, August 2nd 8pm

765 Santa Fe Drive (Santa Fe Arts District), Denver

http://www.letemhaveit.net/

Ticket purchase: 720.201.1897

"Tattoo Detour" at Robischon Gallery 7/18

2008-07-16T19:55:00.002-06:00

Robischon always presents a wonderfully sophisticated art show. It feels weirdly educational as well as brings a sharp representation of local and global contemporary art. Balas' work is also being shown at mca/denver and an opening reception will be held in the artist's honor on the 18th as well. I guess it's a Robischon/MCA night for us. Sounds cool....especially if you're going to the rooftop cafe!

Robischon Gallery (www.robischongallery.com)
1740 Wazee Street, Denver
303.298.7728
Friday, July 18th 6-8pm

Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver
(www.mcadenver.org)
1485 Delgany, Denver
Friday, July 18th 6-10pm

Communikey/MATMOS at the Boulder Theater - 7/15

2008-07-09T20:00:00.004-06:00

Originally my blog was Boulder/Denver pARTies until I moved to Denver full-time and decided that my time was better spent going to Denver-based events. Fortunately, Communikey (Boulder) makes it here today because the things that they are doing in the progressive music/art community feel like they should be in the "big city". Communikey has hosted a few events since their big debut of the electronic arts festival this past April, (of which I had the pleasure of being a venue sponsor when I was the events director at BMoCA) but this one seems like another great festival-like contributer to the somewhat predictable Boulder music scene.

The duo of Matmos' cosmic pop, synthesized music will perform at The Boulder Theater on Tuesday, July 15th accompanied by the interactive, public, digital art installation phonografitti. Matmos, who has toured with Bjork, usually presents its audience with something like "contact microphones brushing human hair, the pages of a Bible turning, rock salt being crunched underfoot, aspirin tablets being thrown at a drum kit from the other side of a room, amplified crayfish nerve tissue and — oh yes — the very real sound of human fat being sucked through tubes during liposuction surgery." - Sound on Sound Magazine

Supposedly works from their new album, Supreme Balloon, will bring mostly tempered synthesizer tracks.

This show should bring you unique entertainment as well as the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the hippest people that live in the Boulder area. This all ages show is $15 and tickets can be purchsed at the door. I'd love for it to sell out but I don't believe that it will.

Boulder Theater

2032 14th Street, Boulder

303.786.7030

http://www.bouldertheater.com/

July Andenken Show 7/3

2008-07-02T19:45:00.006-06:00

It may just be my undying love for Andy Warhol's work but I love anything that has to do with soup cans and art, (especially soupcanart).

Check out Andenken again this Thursday and view the work of Jef Kopp (above), Sandi Calistro, and Ian K. Millard. Other artists showing include; Kill Pixie (Australia), Fafi, Koralie, Alexone and Amandine Urruty (France). As always they'll have drinks, a Dj and a fire sculpture.

Andenken Gallery, 7pm
2990 Larimer Street, Denver
http://www.andenken.com/
http://www.beautyandthestreet.org/

VIS-A-VISAGE @ Object + Thought 6/27

2008-06-15T08:32:00.000-06:00

I have really come to like the shows and the vibe that Object + Thought has been putting out this year in the RINO District of downtown Denver. The location of the space is little out of the way for the regual art hoppers, but I like that. It gives them more room to space themselves from the hecticness of the typical art event scene of the city.

Friday, June 27th at 6pm, O+T will present Vis-A-Visage an intern-curated group show (nice!) that will not only feature some of our best local talent but some international flavor as well from Germany and Canada. Plus, we have the return of local fav Jenny Morgan back from NYC. I've heard they have special snacks for us this time as well as more beautiful botanical scultures from the impressive Vain and Babylon. I'm excited for this show. You are bound to see lots of interesting Denver creatives there too.

Object + Thought

3559 Larimer Street, Denver

http://www.objectandthought.com/

Lemonade On Fire @ Sliding Door Gallery - 6/6

2008-05-27T19:18:00.000-06:00

There is lots to see of our favorite Denver artists this June First Friday, but don't forget to go to Sliding Door Gallery to see the lasted works by Tony Zellaha and Nathan Abels. Tony's work (pictured) gives a glimpse into simple lands governed by shape, color and space giving way to an underlying sense of the mystery. Nathan's paintings are brooding and atmospheric and describe a sense of uncertainty primarily through landscape-based imagery.

Sliding Door's opening is 6 to 10pm at 554 Sante Fe Drive. http://www.slidingdoorgallery.com/

Also on June 6th in Denver:

"Molten" @ Space Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Drive

Exhibiting artists: Trevor Alyn, Alicia Bailey, Andrew Chapman, Rafa Jenn, Jeff Navarro, Regan Rosburg, Ryan Rosburg, Heather Seeley, Katie Taft, Jason Tielke, Rutherford Witthus

http://www.spacegallery.org/

"Merge" @ Andenken Gallery, 2990 Larimer Street

Exhibiting artists: Amanda Marie, Scott Lefavor, Vincent Comparetto

http://www.andenken.com/

(My suggestion for the evening is Andenken, Sliding Door and then Space, in that order.)

New Exhibition Opening at The Lab 5/22

2008-05-11T20:39:00.000-06:00

Check out the new exhibit at The Lab featuring the unique pairing of recent contemporary paintings with early silent nonfiction films. Bedroom Paintings refers to painting that aspires to immediate pleasurable effects. Silent Films shows films from a historic period but emphasizes the aesthetic power of the films versus its film history significance. The Lab will ask its viewers to reflect on the extent to which history matters when looking at images......yes, you need to see this in person. The Lab offers a beautiful space and they always puts on a qwerky yet sophisticated event. (Plus the people are pretty cool too.) Don't miss an opening at The Lab!

The Lab at Belmar
404 S. Upham Street, Lakewood
303.934.1777
http://www.belmarlab.org/

OPEN WALL 2008 @ BMoCA, May 8th

2008-05-07T15:18:00.000-06:00

OPEN WALL @ BMoCA

Thursday, May 9th

7 to 10pm

FREE for members

$10 for the public

1750 13th Street, Boulder

303.443.2122

Join the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art for their annual OPEN WALL event. Artists frmo the community are invited to hang one piece of work for the evening in the museum while dancing to tghe rockin' beats of a DJ with tasty libations and special treats. This event is FREE to members or to those who purchase a BMoCA membership at the door for $35.

The Line-Up:

Live music by DJ Dsern, Denver and DJ data:bass of Urban Allyance, Longmont

Video art by aeonchild

Cupcakes by The Shoppe, East Colfax, Denver

Beer by Avery Brewing Company

Tea by Pixie Mate

Communikey Festival of Electronic Arts @ BMoCA (4/18 - 4/20)

2008-04-08T14:33:00.000-06:00

Electronic Arts Festival: A Collaboration with Communikey

The Communikey Festival of Electronic Arts is a three day event facilitating the exposure of global digital media to both local communities and traveling enthusiasts. Seven music performances held at a variety of Boulder venues, including the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, will showcase digital creativity in the form of visual art and music by diverse artists from around the globe. Coupling art and panel discussion, the festival hosts a full day of forums and five audio-visual installations to present an enriched cross section of artists who reflect the current horizon of digial media arts.

Opening Night Artist Cocktail Party: Decibel Festival Spotlight

Friday, April 18th @ BMoCA 5:00 to 8:00pm
Tickets are $10
This opening night festivity will be held in the Union Works Gallery at BMoCA with live music by DJ Greg Skidmore, Jerry Abstract aka Former Selv, and Kris Moon. Please RSVP to (ME!) Keleigh Asbury, BMoCA Director of Special Events, at 303.443.2122 x18 for this private engagement.

Black Box Theater Performance at BMoCA: Sound; Structure

Saturday, April 19th @ BMoCA
6:00 to 7:00pm Cocktail reception
7:00 to 9:30pm performance
Tickets are $30
Held at The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, in the classic black box theater, Sound; Structure explores relationships between our internal world and the structure of life. a very limited capacity will make for an exclusive engagement with Jamie Drouin and Karl Kleim presenting RMI/RMX, Shuttle358 and collaborative efforts of Greg Davis and The Wind Up Bird.

Outdoor Music Event at Civic Plaza (next to BMoCA)

Sunday, April 20th 1:00 to 7:00pm
FREE!!
BMoCA is also hosting the FREE outdoor community event for the festival at the Civic Plaza (next to The Dushanbe Teahouse/next to BMoCA) the following day. Expect great live music performed by the various artists participating in the festival. The event is all ages and free to the public!

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

1750 13th Street, Boulder 303.443.2122

http://www.bmoca.org/
http://www.communikey.us/

Beauty and the Street Tonight at Andenken Gallery

2008-04-03T12:24:00.000-06:00

Join Andenken Gallery for another taste of the beautiful people and their illustrious work of the street. Andenken always presents a stellar show complete with a one-of-a-kind art space, a great new artist, live music by Od Nosdam and cocktails. This month's show features the work of Antonia Diaz & David P. Madson entitled, "Get it Through Your Thick Skull."

Show starts at 7pm and is free; cash donation bar for those 21 and up.

Andenken Gallery

2990 Larimer Street, Denver

www.andenken.com

www.beautyandthestreet.org

RiNO District is so APRIL HOT right now!

2008-04-01T16:43:00.000-06:00

I was really impressed when I got the latest edition of the RiNO Arts District newsletter, RiNO Crow. I was at Object + Thought Friday night for Jay Droeger's photography show and got the latest little glimpse of the creative energy of this area. So much is going on this month, I decided just to list the gallery names and web addresses and a link to the newsletter itself.

Rino Crow www.rivernorthart.com/crow

APRIL FIRST FRIDAY EVENTS in River North Area Denver

Object + Thought/3559 Larimer St/6-9pm http://www.objectandthought.com/
+ gallery/2350 Lawrence St/Open till 8pm http://www.plusgallery.com/
Ironton Studios & Gallery/3636 Chestnut St/6-9pm http://www.irontonstudios.com/
Stripes Gallery/3309 Blake St/6-9pm http://www.stripesgallery.com/
CaShi Gallery/3458 Walnut St/10am-9pm http://www.cashigallery.com/
Plinth Gallery/3520 Brighton Blvd/6-9pm http://www.plinthgallery.com/
Square 101 Gallery/3309 Blake St/6-9pm http://www.square101.com/
Hinterland/3254 Walnut St/6-9pm www.sabinaell.com/hinterland

Denver First Friday After Hours Party: Moto Gallery 28th/Walnut http://www.artinthecity.com/

Best Of RiNO Spring Tour/Saturday, May 17th/11am-5pm http://www.rivernorthart.com/ for schedule and event details

Untitled #13 (RIFF) at the DAM 3/28

2008-03-24T17:21:00.000-06:00

I have managed to go to the last three Untitled events and it's impressive how they are able to offer us something new and unique at each one. This month's Untitled #13 is (RIFF) and features:

Live internet guitar lessons;
The Bowed Piano Ensemble from Colorado College - a unique group of student, faculty and staff musicians exploring the direct sounds that strings make from a grand piano;
Trumpet player Hugh Ragin performing live jazz;
Denver's favorite Buntport Theater comedy performance of The Joan and Charlie Show;
The Kaivalya Hoop Dancers from Boulder;
A cash bar as always;
AND 2-for-1 tickets to the Inspiring Impressionism exhibit.

These performances and activities do not all happen at once inside the DAM, so you can pick and choose at different times during the evening which ones to attend. (They happen throughout the museum.) Oh, and they always have snacks too!

Friday, March 28th - 6pm to 10pm
Tickets are $10 per person or FREE for DAM members.

The Denver Art Museum
100 E. 14th Avenue, Downtown Denver
720.865.5000
denverartmuseum.org

Japan Nite 2008 at the High Dive, Denver 3/19

2008-03-16T19:20:00.000-06:00

I've never been to a show on this tour, but I love the girl on the flyer and I love Japanse pop culture and music. Japan Nite US Tour 2008 looks like quite a lineup with the following acts that I hope/assume are all hailing from JAPAN:

Petty Booka: 2 cute Japanese girls on Hawaiian guitar http://sister.co.jp/pettybooka/
The Emeralds: 3 guys, a little Elvis a little punk http://www.myspace.com/theemeralds
Ketchup Mania: girl headliner punk trio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crGmj0bSb2U
Detroit7: trio with 2 girls, alternative/rock/garage http://www.myspace.com/detroit7
The Beaches: new wave, reggae punk http://www.myspace.com/comeonthebeaches
Scandal: "the most powerful Japanese girl band" http://www.myspace.com/scandal4

After having the chance to go through the band's websites and myspace pages, this is definitely better that Japanese pop culture. There is a whole lot of punk, garage and rock music to hear.

Japan Nite US Tour 2008 - http://www.myspace.com/japannite

The High Dive - 7 South Broadway, Denver (720) 570-4500

Wednesday, March 19th, 8pm - $10

DAM's Untitled #12 (Anomaly) 2/29

2008-02-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

This month's Denver Art Museum fifth Friday event, Untitled #12 (Anomaly), features a bit of the unusual in the usual location. From 6 to 10pm one can experience the fixated works in the existing galleries as well as:

Live music by artists Andrea Ball, John Common, Britt Rodemich and BDRMPPL
DJs Tim and (the original panytliner)
Theatrical performances by Buntport Theater
Cash bar and delicious snacks by Gourmet Fine Catering

Friday, February 29th
6pm to 10pm
$10; FREE to members

100 E. 14th Avenue, Downtown Denver
720.865.5000
denverartmuseum.org

ARTOPIA at VINYL 2/23

2008-02-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

I honestly have to say that I know of NO other art event happening in Denver this week besides Westord's 12th Annual ARTOPIA being held at Vinyl nightclub this Saturday night, February 23rd. ARTOPIA looks to highlight the area's up-and-coming visual and performing artists, musicians, fashion designers, culinary masters and cocktails creators. ARTOPIA will also be awarding $4,000 EACH to 5 local artists in a ceremony being held during the event. I'm not sure about the quality of the entertainment quite yet, but they sure have brought a lot to the line-up:

Live music

The Swayback
Hearts of palm
Bela Karoli
Cocktail Revolution

Fashion

Metroboom
Unity
Westside Sinners
Sirens on Third

Food

Theorie
nine75
Sushi Hai
much more than I can post.....but those are the good ones!

Vinyl Nightclub
1082 Broadway, Denver
Saturday, February 23rd ; 7 to 10:30pm
$25 in advance;$35 at the door (Tix at www.westword.com)
*Postion of the ticket sales goes to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Colorado

Gimme Gimme Pillow French Toast at SNOOZE 2/9

2008-02-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I am so hungry looking at this....so I guess that means if you're hungry too we'll see you at SNOOZE on Larimer Street in Denver this Saturday to try out the "Honey Toasto" French toast dish created by the Belmar shop Gimme Gimme Pillow Toast and the chefs at SNOOZE.

Gimme Gimme Pillow Toast is a cool little Japanafile shop in Lakewood (445 S. Saulsbury Street at the Belmar Shopping Center) that imports Japanese clothes, paraphenalia, gadgets and collectibles. They approached the chefs at SNOOZE to come up with this lovely dish (pictured) of "a scrumptous cross between bread pudding and french toast, made with cinnamon challah bread, embedded with baked apple bits, topped with cinnamon whipped cream and drizzled with carmel sauce!" -Gimme Gimme

The event will give people the opportunity to sample this wonderful morsel as well as sample some other Asian snacks and get a listen to some cool Japanese pop and rock videos and music. There will be a cash bar, hopefully providing sugarless cocktails, and some limited edition t-shirts available that I'm sure will be sweetly fun. Kudos for coming up with a unique and yummy event guys!

SNOOZE- 2262 Larimer Street, Denver (corner of Park Avenue and Larimer)
Saturday, February 9th
6pm to 9pm
You MUST RSVP to www.gimmegimmepillowtoast.com or at 303.872.7706

"URBAN POETICS" Poetry Slam at the DAM on 2/15

2008-02-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Get ready for the real unexpected at the Denver Art Museum on Friday, February 15th with podslam.org and Cafe Nuba for the premiere spoken word event "URBAN POETICS".

This high energy and incredibly well produced poetry slam will showcase 16 of the top U.S. poets as well as live music by Les Nubians with Queen Godis and DJ Moni. They actually have $2000 in cash prizes for the winners who will be judged by the event's audience and you'll see high def film slam pieces on the ceilings of the Hamilton building. This is also a great way to celebrate African American history month as many of the featured poets are African American.

Get your $15 tickets now at the DAM box office:
100 E. 14th Avenue, Downtown Denver
720.865.5000
denverartmuseum.org

Barack Obama In Denver at DU 1/30

2008-01-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

I went to hear Barack Obama speak at the University of Denver this morning and I have to say after hearing him rally the Denver community around his campaign to become the next president of the United States..I believe that he can do it. I think that for anyone who has yet to hear him speak, you need to do it now!

You may have heard that everyone in the Democratic party is supporting the same issues with slightly different methods, but Barack may be the only one that can get you to listen to him without cringing, then believe him, and THEN actually want to become a better person for your neighbors, yourself, and yes, even your country. Plus, a cute little appearance by the nervous Denver Bronco Rod Smith and a heart-warming introductory speech by the lovely Caroline Kennedy, this was a really moving and motivating community event. So, SO glad that my office crew and I skipped work together to go even if 20,000 people showed up for 9,000 seats!

Please check out the link on the Denver Post today just minutes after the rally.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_8119048

Untitled #11 at The Denver Art Museum 1/25

2008-01-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

This months Last Friday mixed-media event at The DAM entitled Untitled #11 (You Are Here) features a more Buddhist approach to its late night parties. Guests will:

be introduced to the meditative concept of flow
learn about the interconnectedness of the local food movement
read about the yogi book by RAM DASS (Be Here Now)
hear live music performances by local bands Hot IQ's (lounge, fuzzed-rock, classic pop) and D. Biddle (folk, punk, pop)
see the quirky comedies of the Buntport Theater Company (www.buntport.com)

The Denver Art Museum is doing a fantastic job with these events by creating new and very interesting themes to tantilze all of the senses AND by supporting local artists and businesses. For a museum of national ranking it's nice to see things localized!

Friday, January 25th
$10; FREE to members
6pm to 10pm

100 E. 14th Avenue, Downtown Denver
720.865.5000
denverartmuseum.org

Exhibit Opening at THE LAB at Belmar 1/23

2008-01-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Once again THE LABORATORY OF ART AND IDEAS (http://www.belmarlab.org/) will showcase another progressive fine art show, this time featuring Denver talent Phil Bender with LAST PLACE and Mary Lucier of NYC with her exhibit PLAINS OF SWEET REGRET.

Phil Bender's large collections of discarded everyday objects reflects a symbol of a lost Western society paired with a sense of nostalgia. It brings the viewer to a place of familiarity and awe of the common art installation.

Mary Lucier's video installations of the North Dakota plains invites viewers to see the beauty of the landscape while witnessing the loss of its serenity through typical modern day influences.

THE LAB
404 S. Upham Street (Belmar)
Lakewood, CO 303.934.1777

1/23/08; 6pm to 9pm
Free to the public

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art Opening 01/18

2008-01-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

BMoCA will host its first exhibition and exhibit opening of 2008 this Friday evening featuring four contemporary artists of Asian decent and influence; Jumi Janairo-Roth (Phillipines), Wang Jing (China), Susan Lee-Chung (Korea), and Hiroshi Watanabe (Japan). This show already hosts a dynamic list of international artists so the artwork itself will sure to be a welcome addition to Boulder's art scene.

You'll find traditional Chinese paintings mixed with American pop culture taking a satirical look at China today, a mixed-media installation with common large-scale labor items adorned with vibrant paints and fabrics, a photography and video installation investigating alter egos, and a Japanese photographer interpreting modern day North Korea in his own dialogue.

With three unique galleries to curate at BMoCA, this show will stimulate the intellect with questions about contemporary Asian society and guide the eyes through the beauty of its aesthetic culture. Show runs January 18th through May4th 2008.

1750 13th Street Boulder/303.443.2122
www.bmoca.org/exhibitions
5:30 Members only preview
6:30pm Public opening; FREE

FINAL ART EVENT EVER! at Capsule Gallery 1/4

2008-01-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine from Boulder and I are heading to Denver tonight, after a quick stop at The Kitchen Upstairs for tasting hour (www.thekitchencafe.com), to the last night and hopefully unique and exciting art event at Capsule Gallery, 554 Santa Fe Drive at 7pm.

"Capsule Gallery specializes in showing the cutting edge work of emerging contemporary artists. We also run a monthly art festival, Art-O-Mart, have an on-site community screen printing shop, affordable artist's studios, have the occassional band play, and run professional development classes and seminars for artists. All that, and we throw a kick-ass party, too. We exist to support independent culture for independent people!" -Capsule