2011 Denver International Film Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dialogue:Denver Opening Reception at Robischon 8/21