While Fighting for the Good Stuff

by French Davis, illustration by Stephanie Mott

Child pornography is bad. Okay. I think it’s safe to say we’re all in agreement on that one, right? (I mean, except for maybe the freaks over at NAMBLA.) (more…)

July 2008

by French Davis

Why Buy Ice Cream?
Summer is magic for a child. School’s out, the world is alive with all kinds of creatures, the days are long, the nights are warm and the neighborhood pool beckons. From the smell of sunscreen and lighter fluid to the chimes of the ice cream truck, there’s no shortage of amusement for a child in the summer. Take a few moments to experience it together and learn a new skill (and, not have to fork over any more cash to that ice cream guy with his creepy white hat). Learn how to Make Your Own Ice Cream. Admission includes supplies. Dairy Queen Franchise Agreement not included. [July 25 at 2:30 p.m., Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, Lafayette, $15, 303.665.0469]

An Easy Checklist
Ever seen local trumpet whiz Bob Montgomery trade solos with himself (trumpet in one hand and a flugelhorn in the other)? Have you had the chance to truly appreciate the Queen City Jazz Band’s commitment to traditional and Dixie styles? For that matter, have you spent any time enjoying the picturesque beauty of Roosevelt Park? Well, now you can do all of the above at the Longmont Jazz Fest. Bring your own chair. [July 18-20, Roosevelt Park, Longmont, free, www.longmontjazz.org]

10,000 Wayniacs
It’s hard to gauge exactly when Wayne Newton became a cliché, but we’re pretty sure it was in the early ’80s, when he became a “Vegas” act. It wasn’t until he appeared in the National Lampoon disaster Vegas Vacation that his clichéd status entered the national consciousness. It’s been long enough for Mr. Las Vegas to have become a playwright’s inspiration—thus the production 10,000 Wayniacs: Very Short Plays Inspired by Mr. Las Vegas. [July 17-20, Mary Miller Theater, Lafayette, $7, 720.209.2154]

The Novelty of a Dozen Musicians
As gas prices climb, bands like Funkiphino are going to become even more of a disappearing art. That’s because there’s a dozen players on stage boasting a full horn section and blowing through classics by artists ranging from Michael Jackson to Tower of Power to their own groovalicious compositions—seriously well-developed arrangements that sound good enough to be off of the Stax session. So, get out to see ’em while you can at the Erie Concerts in the Park Series. [July 12 at 5 p.m., Coal Creek Park, Erie, free, 303.926.2700]

July 2008

by French Davis

Eight signs it’s time to get central air or evaporative cooling… (more…)

July 2008

by French Davis, photo by Michael Weintrob

Charlie Hunter plays the bass. Sure, he’s a guitarist and composer (prolific as all get out—he’s dropped 20 albums in 17 years and appeared on a slew of others, ranging from D’Angelo’s Voodoo to Les Claypool’s Highball with the Devil). (more…)

July 2008

A Bit of LoDo in Longmont’s Trendiest ‘Hood

by Brian Ball, photo by Julie Levy

There are a lot of places in the world known for their dynamic nightlife: New York, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rio. South Africa, on the other hand, has never come to mind. Tusk, a high-end African safari lounge in the Prospect neighborhood, is working to change that image while bringing a youthful club vibe to Longmont. (more…)

July 2008