by French Davis

Small-Town Spooks
This kind of thing is exactly why you don’t live in the city. Only in a cozy small town such as Longmont can you have a costume parade for the whole populace without worrying too much about some nut job protest group ruining all the fun (hopefully). Bring the kids in their Spider-Man and Fairy Princess best to the St. Vrain Memorial building along with the cameras. The parade route heads east to Main Street (on Longs Peak Avenue), then down Main to 3rd, before winding back north on Main, where the kids hit local shops for Trick or Treat Street. The only thing missing is Aunt Bea. 10 a.m., Oct. 25, 700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, 303.651.8404

No Cow Tipping!
Aside from crop circles and roasted corn, cornfields also happen to be awesome for losing yourself. At least, that’s what Anderson Farms says. The self-proclaimed oldest corn maze in Colorado brings everyone out in October as things really get hopping. Pick your own pumpkins, ride wagons, feed animals, practice cow milking—pretty much everything you ever wanted to do on a farm that’s legal. Sept. 20-Nov. 2, 6728 WCR 3 3/4, Erie, 303.828.510.

Watch out, Sandler
Remember that Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore flick where she’s an amnesiac who keeps reliving the same day, forcing Sandler to win her affection over and over again? 40 First Dates was Wedding Singer meets Groundhog Day, and actually pretty funny. Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay Abaire took the same premise and made it more interesting with Fuddy Meers, adding a big dash mystery to the script. Oct. 31-Nov. 15, Longmont Theatre Co., 513 Main St., Longmont, 303.772.5200, , $15+

Since You Can’t Do the Mall Crawl
Colorado’s Halloween traditions have never quite lived up to the good ol’ days of the Mall Crawl on Pearl Street. But since hooligans and overzealous Boulder politicians ruined the fun, we’ve often had to head into Denver for something cool. Not this year—try Nissi’s for a night of dance music and costumed revelry with cover band Deja Blu. Their library includes everything from Joe Cocker to Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin to James Brown. 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31, 2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette, 303.665.2757, $12

October 2008

Monday.6
[ART] Who doesn’t like circles and ellipses? Perhaps Sarah Palin. She seems square, dont’cha think? We think circles are cool; so does CSU art professor Dave Yust. Check out his current exhibit. Through Nov. 16, Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., 720.898.7200

Tuesday.7
[music] Nikka Costa rocks in her own right, but perhaps the coolest thing about her was that her dad Don Costa was an arranger for Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. So once you see her concert, you’re two degrees away from the Chairman of the Board. Which makes you exactly 12 percent cooler than you were before you saw the show. 8pm, Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, 303.322.2308

Wednesday.8
[comedy] Bobby Tessel has killed on Letterman, Leno, and Evening at the Improv. And now, he kills in Westminster. And you can be there. Try not to heckle him about his Saved By the Bell appearance. 8pm, Wits End, 8861 Harlan St., Westminster, 303.430.4242

Thursday.9
[film] Although there’s been much disagreement about the actual temperature paper auto-ignites (whether the title really should have been Celsius 451) the book Fahrenheit 451, and later, the film, still provide plenty of important lessons, even today, more than 40 years after being released. Take your teens to this discussion and remind them about how important the freedom of speech is. 5:30pm, Erie Community Library, 400 Powers St., Erie, 720.685.5200

Friday.10
[beer] Three days. More than 1,900 different beers from more than 400 different breweries, all there for your tasting with the price of admission. Heaven, thy name is Great American Beer Festival. 6pm, Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver, 303.228.8000, www.beertown.org

Saturday.11
No, it’s not a dry lecture about Freudian psychological theory. What Ego vs. Id is, however, is a kick-ass indie quartet that proves Boulder bands don’t all have to play hippie jam music or have a banjo and two mandolins in the lineup. 9:30pm, Waterloo Icehouse, 809 S. Main St., Louisville, 303.993.2094

Sunday.12
[culture] Sure it might be near freezing in Colorado on this day, but that doesn’t mean your heart can’t be in Hawaii. And a great way to help the illusion is the Colorado Aloha Festival. Traditional Hawaiian food, art and artifacts, a live hula performance and more. Mahalo. 10am, Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, 600 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303.651.0401

Monday.13
[music] If you are a fan of the Showtime original series The L Word, then chances are you know Tegan and Sara, who have supplanted the Indigo Girls as the coolest lesbians in rock—so much so that even straight people like them! 7pm, Paramount Theatre, 1631 Glenarm Place, Denver, $33.50+, 303.534.8336

Tuesday.14

[art] Photography as art is a uniquely debated topic, especially when it’s snapshots of the real world. Is it journalism or art? The people and places of Old Mexico lend themselves to the lens of shutterbug Wilfrido Godinez. Decide for yourself if his work is art or journalism or both. Old Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave., Longmont, 303.651.2787

Wednesday.15
[festival] Dead people rock. As long as they’re not trying to eat your brains, anyway. And the Latino cultures know this, thus the awesome celebrations for the dead that occur on Dia de los Muertos. Learn all about how the holiday is celebrated in the coastal and southern jungle areas in Mexico with guest lecturers Julie Marino and Rita Wallace. 7pm, Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont, 303.651.8969

Thursday.16
[film] Independent film is often where the true gems are mined, and when you add a little Halloween spirit to the mix you can unearth some real classics. Head to the Broomfield Independent Film Series: Halloween Spookfest and see what the best and brightest have to offer. 7pm, Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road, Broomfield, 303.460.6800

Friday.17
[music] This will either be truly awesome or suck royally. The Rock Band Live Tour with Panic at the Disco will allow people who play the Rock Band video game to bring their bands and compete to play Rock Band live on stage between sets. It’s kind of like having a Madden tournament on the 50-yard line of the Superbowl during halftime. 7pm, Broomfield Event Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane, Broomfield, 303.410.8497

Saturday.18
[music] There’s no shortage of bad harmonica players out there trying to front a blues band while no one has the guts to tell them they suck. The Delta Sonics are a harmonica-led blues quartet that actually doesn’t suck. In fact, they’re pretty damn good. 9pm, Oskar Blues, 303 Main St., Lyons, 303.823.6685

Sunday.19
[music] Let’s face it, the Blues often devolves into a one-trick pony; 12-bar structures, a blues scale and some overly sentimental lyrics. Taj Mahal has spent a long career making the blues live with the times, blending influences from a host of other cultures and sounds into his approach to this ancient American art form. 7pm, Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder, $32.50+, 303.786.7030

Monday.20
[music] Forget about “dinner and a flick.” Get dressed up and bring her to watch the Colorado Chamber Players performing works by Shostakovich, Glass and Hindemith and prove you’re actually a man of substance and culture. Then, show her your awesome General Lee belt buckle/can opener and watch her swoon. 7:30pm, Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road, Broomfield, 303.460.6800

Tuesday.21
[music] Remember that awesomely fun swing fad that swept popular culture in the late ’90s? So does Joe Jackson, only he tried to do it almost two decades earlier. Sadly, no one was listening then (no Gap ads to really drive it home), but on his next album, things got to rocking. 8pm, Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder, 303.786.7030

Wednesday.22
[sports] It’s a safe bet that Colorado has the most number of professional sports teams whose names didn’t end in “S.” There’s the Crush, Avalanche, Mammoth…Anyone remember the Denver Dynamite or the Denver Gold? Well, add the Rocky Mountain Rage to the list and watch ’em square off against the Colorado Eagles. 7pm, Broomfield Event Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane, 303.410.8497

Thursday.23
[film] Focused on highlighting books that made it onto the silver screen the Erie Community Library’s Teen Book to Movie Night provides the flick and the popcorn, you provide the teen. This installment features the movie Blood and Chocolate based on the novel by Annette Klause. 4pm, Erie Community Library, 400 Powers St., Erie, 720.685.5200

Friday.24
[music] Louisville isn’t exactly crawling with bands; so when one surfaces that’s worth listening to, why not support it? Latch is a homegrown indie quartet that cites Sonic Youth as an influence but sounds more like REM. 9:30pm, Waterloo Icehouse, 809 S. Main St., Louisville, 303.993.2094

Saturday.25
[halloween] Grab the kids and head to the Orchard Town Center for its soon-to-be annual Spook-Tacular Bash, which starts with Mayor McNally reading a spooky story (too…many…political…jokes….), followed by a DJ spinning Halloween tunes, a Scooby-doo bounce house and goodie bags for the ghouls and goblins. 1pm, Orchard Town Center, 14750 Huron St., Westminster, 303.450.8600

Sunday.26
[festival] With the Dia de Los Muertos events planned on Nov. 1 in Longmont, organizers are gonna need a lot of Sugar Skulls, and they need your help to make them. Grab your apron and swing on down for Volunteer Sugar Skull Making Day. 1pm, Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont, 303.651.8969

Monday.27
[music] Jason Mraz remains underexposed, and there lies the key to his success. He’s a happier version of Nick Drake; an American troubadour with the ability to play an acoustic guitar and sing without a trace of irony. He’s toured with everyone from Alanis Morissette to the Stones. 7:30pm, Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St., Denver, $30+, 303.837.1024

Tuesday.28
[literary] If you’re not familiar with Story Corps, you should be. It’s the brainchild of Dave Isay, an award-winning author who set out to document the stories of everyday people all over the country, bringing a mobile sound studio and inviting random strangers in to document their lives. 7:30pm, Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.447.2074

Wednesday.29
[Literary] Lucinda Franks is the first female to win the coveted Pulitzer Prize for The Weathermen, a piece she wrote on Vietnam protest group. She discovered, years later, that her father had been a spy during WWII, and then wrote a memoir about it. Meet her and learn more about this fascinating woman and the stories she tells. 7:30pm, Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.447.2074

Thursday.30
[music] Do you remember that awesome scene (really, one of the best animated sequences in a movie ever) in Who Framed Roger Rabbit where Daffy and Donald Duck play an amazing rendition of the Hungarian Rhapsody over dueling pianos? Well, we hope this Dueling Piano Players performance one ends with exploding cannons, too. 7:30pm, Nissi’s, 2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette, 303.665.8101

Friday.31
[haloween] Who doesn’t love zombies? Their cute vacant stares, sallow, decomposed skin, unquenchable appetite for human brains… They’re totally the life of the party! Now, you can see them up close and in the (rotting) flesh, thanks to this courageous adaption of the famous George Romero, Night of the Living Dead, treatise on American Consumerism for the stage. 8pm, The Bug Theater 3654 Navajo St., $15 General Admission, $13 students/seniors, 303.477.9984

October 2008

by Kin Schotters

The days of Bono touring rampantly stateside, belting out the classic “Sunday Bloody Sunday” made infamous at Red Rocks have long passed. We’re lucky to see U2 pass through town once every few years now. But you still want to hear “With or Without You” live, don’t you? (more…)

July 2008

MONDAY.7
[EDUCATION] Hey, remember that Bugs Bunny special 1001 Arabian Nights? Man that was awesome. Guess what? Apparently, there’s a whole lot more good Arabic Literature that has nothing to do with Elmer Fudd or Daffy Duck. Who knew? Learn more about it. 7 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Blvd., 303.441.4160

TUESDAY.8
[MUSIC] No clue what they sound like, but their name, Lonesome Travel, makes us sad. Kind of like the music at the end of the old Incredible Hulk TV series where Bill Bixby walks away from the camera, trying to hitch a ride. 6:30 p.m., Roosevelt Park, 725 8th Ave., Longmont, 303.651.8992

WEDNESDAY.9
[MUSIC] There aren’t too many acts that have played more shows in town than Chris Daniels and the Kings. And yet, we’re still not bored of their jump-blues-meets-western-swing sound. 4 p.m., Waneka Lake Park, 1600 Carla Drive, Lafayette, 303.665.0469

THURSDAY.10
[COMEDY] News Radio was the funniest show on TV you never watched. Too bad Joe Rogan is more often associated with Fear Factor. At least his stand-up is better than eating live cockroaches. Right? Right? 8 p.m., Comedy Works, 1226 15th, Denver, 303.595.3637

FRIDAY.11
[MAGIC] Five magicians, exotic birds, big-time illusions and not one of ’em is named after a Charles Dickens novel. Who could ask for anything more with Masters of Magic? 7:30 p.m., Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St., Loveland, 970.962.2120

SATURDAY.12
[FESTIVAL] Enough hot air to change the face of the horizon. No, not the Democratic National Convention. The 34th Annual Art in the Park/ Hot Air Balloon Rodeo. West Lincoln Park, Steamboat Springs, 970.879.0882

SUNDAY.13
[MUSIC] You can pretend you’re above it. But we know the truth, and that was you bleating out the chorus to “Come Sail Away” at the top of your lungs after a couple pitchers during karaoke a few weeks ago. Styx and Boston, 8 p.m., Red Rocks, 720.865.2494

MONDAY.14
[KIDS] Pioneer Day Camp starts at Four Mile Historic Park in Denver for kids aged 6-11 who want to learn what it was like to be a pioneer…or prepare for a post-apocalyptic Earth. $90, week-long half-day sessions, 9 a.m. to noon, 715 S. Forest St., Denver, 720.865.0814

TUESDAY.15
[FESTIVAL] Well, maybe it doesn’t really rock, but take your significant other to this Chamber Music Concert at the Breckenridge Music Festival, and it’ll look like you have some class (leave the tuxedo T-shirt at home, Doug). 7:30pm, Breckenridge Riverwalk Center, 970.453.9142

WEDNESDAY.16
[MUSIC] You know what the world needs more of? Jimmy Buffet Tribute Bands? What? No? You disagree? Take it up with Jimmy Bluffet. 7:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 2675 North Park Dr., Lafayette, 303.665.2757

THURSDAY.17
[TRADE SHOWS] From Allstate Insurance to Walgreens (what, the Zoo’s not hiring?), if you’re out of work, the Jobing.com Job Fair has gotta have something for ya. Of course, you might have to knock over a 7-11 for the gas money to get there. Noon to 5 p.m., free, Denver Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver, register online at denver.jobing.com.

FRIDAY.18
[ART] What is it about art that makes people want to walk? Or is it the other way around? Either way, it’s happening in Longmont. The Longmont Art Walk has plenty of art, activities, food and music for the whole family (except your crotchety old Aunt Esther who hates everything). 6 p.m., Main St. in Longmont, 303.678.8417

SATURDAY.19
[MUSIC] Tom Petty? Dave Matthews? The Roots? And, like, 45 or so other bands? Yep, welcome to what they’re calling the first Mile High Music Festival. Lollapalooza ain’t got nothing on this one, folks. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, 720.224.9200

SUNDAY.20
[HISTORY] Ever wondered where Broomfield came from? Nope, it has nothing to do with sweeping. Or does it? Pop on over to the Broomfield Depot Museum and find out for yourself. 2-4 p.m., 2201 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield, 303.466.3663

MONDAY.21
[MUSIC] What’s in a name? Imagery, my friend, imagery. Check out this ’60s and ’70s R&B cover band, Girls on Top. 7:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 2675 North Park Dr., Lafayette, 303.665.2757

TUESDAY.22
[RODEO] The stock show was six months ago, and now you have serious hay fever (as in, an aching desire to smell hay—and cows and horses). Well the Cheyenne Frontier Days is just what the doctor ordered. July 18-27, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 800.227.6336

WEDNESDAY.23
[SPORTS] If you think those bright colors and really tight shorts means cyclists are pansies, then check out the CU Cycling Short Track Series. 4:45 p.m., CU Research Park, 30th St. and Colorado Ave., Boulder

THURSDAY.24
[MUSIC] One part Arlo Guthrie, one part John Lee Hooker and one part Soggy Bottom Boys. Add bourbon and let sit for a few weeks on the windowsill. Strain. That’s the recipe for Russ Chapman. 7 p.m., Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave., Longmont, 303.774.4441

FRIDAY.25
[THEATER] Dave Dahl adapted a bunch of Shakespeare’s works on Henry V into a condensed work centered on his highness’ adolescence. The Longmont Theatre Company’s putting it up during the Taste of Shakespeare. You’re the audience. Free. 7:30 p.m., 513 Main St., Longmont, 303.772.5200

SATURDAY.26
[POLITICS] Why can’t I get a liquor license for the bar in my basement? And what’s up with these crazy mixed-use zoning laws? Well, have some Coffee with Council member Levison and Mayor Lange, and ask them about it—’cause you’re starting to get on our nerves with all these questions. 9 a.m., Civic Center Mall, 350 Kimbark St., Longmont

SUNDAY.27
[KIDS] Nothing says, “I spent the summer reading a bunch of books and now I’m ready to party with a bunch of other kids who read a bunch of books too!” better than a Barn Dance. (It’s a celebration for the Lafayette Children’s Summer Reading program.) Crafts, refreshments and square dancing! Where do we sign up!? 6 p.m., Lafayette Public Library, 775 West Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303.665.5588

MONDAY.28
[MUSIC] No, seriously, we TOTALLY know your acoustic guitar skills are legendary and your voice is freakin’ awesome. We’ll be waiting to enjoy it all this Open Mic Night. Really. You might not see us, ’cause we blend in real well, but we’re totally there, dude. 7:30 p.m., Rock ‘N Soul Cafe, 5290 Arapahoe Rd. #1, Boulder, 303.443.5108

TUESDAY.29
[MUSIC] No, it’s not a serious side effect that occurs four hours after you’ve taken Cialis. It’s Bonerama, five trombones and a tuba rocking New Orleans-styled funk. 8 p.m., Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder, $10, 303.447.0095

WEDNESDAY.30
[MUSIC] Alliteration and ancient Egyptian monarchical reference, all in one name? Couldn’t be anyone other than Denver’s own Pharaohs of Funk. Believe it or not, they’re a cover band. 7 p.m., Starkey Building, 309 S. Public Rd., Lafayette, 303.665.0469

THURSDAY.31
[THEATER] MacBeth has it all: Overambitious warlords, death, an eerie trio of sisters, and funny English. Colorado Shakespeare Festival is one of the premier celebrations of The Bard in the country. Pack a picnic basket and bottle of chardonnay. 8:30 p.m., Mary Rippon Theatre, CU-Boulder Campus, 303.492.0554

FRIDAY.1
[EDUCATION] Mas Cervezas, por favor. There, that’s about the extent of what we know, so we’re gonna head down to this one, Conversations in Spanish. 5 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.441.4160

SATURDAY.2
[BEAUTY] This could be the best event you’ll go to all summer. Serious trophy wife hunting at the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant. 1:30 p.m., Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood, 303.987.7876

SUNDAY.3
[MUSIC] As hard as it may be to believe, not all famous people with three names are presidential assassins. Some are kick-ass Texan singer-songwriters such as Robert Earl Keen. 7:30 p.m., Breckenridge Riverwalk Center, 970.453.9142

MONDAY.4
[EDUCATION] Teach Junior how awesome and fun it is to pay bills and beg for low interest rates on loans to consolidate the bills from your wife’s Home Shopping Network habit with the WOW! Children’s Museum Elevations Credit Union Exhibit. Seriously. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, $7 for kids, free for adults, 303.604.2424

TUESDAY.5
[DANCE] Yeah, we totally thought this one was gonna be way more awesome, too. Still if you’re into Aerial Dancing, you’ll wanna check out Intimate Encounters. 4 p.m., University of Colorado, Charlotte York Irey Theatre, 914 Broadway St., Boulder, 303.492.8337

WEDNESDAY.6
[MUSIC] Dude, James Taylor totally kicks Robert Earl Keen’s ass. 8 p.m., Red Rocks, 720.865.2494

THURSDAY.7
[DISCUSSION] Okay, so are we the only ones who find it a little ironic that the Race in America discussion group takes place in one of the whitest cities in America? Just sayin’ is all… 5:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.441.4160

July 2008

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