Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient is a record-holding troupe devoted to shadow casting, an art they showcase in union with Rainbow Cult. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jolee Harston, the Head of Marketing, in anticipation of the upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Play, which has been entertaining at Denver’s Meow Wolf installation over the past few years. Tickets are available for this year’s Summer Beach Party Extravaganza on July 9th and 10th.

Tommy Milo: Given the improvisational aspect of the Rocky Horror performances, from a rotating cast to ample room for ad libbing, has there ever been a feeling that the text of Rocky Horror has been changed for a new audience?
Jolee Harston: Part of the joy of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and shadow casting is that we are constantly working on adding/updating callbacks to be relevant to current events. We have a callback script that we mostly stick to, but we work together as a cast to come up with new jokes and bits, as well as checking in with any callbacks that may not feel appropriate in the current day and age. The original callback script for Rocky Horror is still very present in our performance.

Photo provided by rockyhorrordenver

Milo: After attending multiple shows, I’ve noticed small changes to the cast’s traditions and catch phrases. How do you meet the moment and remain conscious of the audience and surroundings while making changes like these?
Harston: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, at its core, is a film meant to challenge norms and remain somewhat shocking. We try to find a balance between still bringing humor and pushing boundaries, while also being aware of certain things in the Rocky community that may have worked at one point, but no longer hold the same meaning and may be considered offensive. Language is ever-changing, and that gives us an opportunity to be creative and find new ways to express certain sentiments in a new way.

Photo provided by rockyhorrordenver

Milo: There was a recent controversy surrounding the PACE Center performing arts in Parker, Colorado, having to do with the censorship of LGBTQ flags. In such a contentious time for representation and diversity among the performing arts, how does Rainbow Cult break the mold?
Harston: I can’t speak for Rainbow Cult, but Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient breaks this mold by being LOUD, PROUD, AND UNAPOLOGETIC about the message of the film and our cast’s beliefs. Before every show, our MC delivers a speech where we clearly state our shows are not a place for hate in any form – racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and F*CK NAZIS. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has historically been a safe place for the queer community and those looking for freedom and rebellion. The film and shadow casting community is about breaking gender norms, and we hope anyone who comes to our performances leaves with a little more freedom and confidence to express themselves authentically in all areas of life.

Photo provided by rockyhorrordenver

Yellow Scene’s 2026 Summer Support Drive is underway with a goal of 1,000 Sustaining Supporters by summer’s end.

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Join the Summer Support Drive and keep local journalism strong.

The post Spotlight: Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Play appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

SANTA FE, NM (May 3, 2024) —The creator of extraordinary, mind bending immersive experiences, Meow Wolf, is announcing that its sixth permanent exhibition will be located in a movie theater in Los Angeles—a city that, much like Meow Wolf, is constantly evolving. 

Meow Wolf began in 2008 as a DIY collective of Santa Fe artists who repurposed junk into staggering immersive art spaces and threw raucous warehouse parties, as seen in the documentary Meow Wolf: Origin Story. When George R. R. Martin helped them open their wildly successful first permanent installation, House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, the artists embarked on a meteoric rise in which they transformed the scrappy collective into a Certified B Corp. They went on to build awe-inspiring interactive worlds that have transported almost 10 million guests into breathtaking realms of imagination in Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, soon Houston, and next, Los Angeles.

Los Angeles stretches out in all directions, not just physically but culturally. It’s a city that doesn’t follow; it often leads and sometimes, races ahead of itself. This frenetic creativity, daringness to dream, sprawling magnitude, and futuristic alignment is exactly why Meow Wolf has chosen Los Angeles as the home for its next dream oasis. 

“For years we’ve made trips to Los Angeles, dreaming of creating something in its layered and ever-changing network of creativity,” said Sean Di Ianni, Co-Founder of Meow Wolf and Senior Creative Director of Meow Wolf Los Angeles. “L.A. is more than a physical place; it extends deep into the global landscape of human imagination, constantly pushing its own bounds. Meow Wolf Los Angeles will stretch these cinematic horizons by weaving together an unpredictable tapestry of art, story and interactivity.” 

Known for being hard to explain but easy to enjoy, Meow Wolf exhibitions are genre-defying. Unlike conventional escape rooms, selfie museums, or immersive projection mapped tours, they’re fully fleshed out and interconnected interactive worlds with underlying storylines that invite a unique experience for every person who visits them. Meow Wolf Los Angeles will encapsulate their signature style of maximalist fantasy woven together with a decidedly Angelino twist: cinematic mythos, mysterious eggs, absurd glitz, the fantastical spells cast by Hollywood, and novel connections to their existing Meow Wolf worlds in other cities, all that thrive under an overarching cosmic Meow Wolf Universe. 

“This is more than an immersive experience,” said Jose Tolosa, CEO of Meow Wolf. “We want it to be a part of the city’s ongoing narrative of growth. Being in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, we’re humbled to add to the dynamic interplay between art and entertainment here. Meow Wolf Los Angeles will blur the lines between reality and fantasy, inviting everyone to become part of a living, breathing spectacle.” 

Meow Wolf is proud to be the first Certified B Corporation in the entertainment industry. For each location it inhabits, Meow Wolf collaborates with local artists to create a masterpiece that is an ode to the city they call home. Expect a full sensory love letter to the Los Angeles art scene, its history, and its legacy. 

Can’t wait to see it for yourself, Angelinos? Omega Mart, Meow Wolf’s trippy grocery store instagrammed by celebs like Alicia Keys and Katy Perry, is just a three hour drive away and it’s open now. Additional details about the L.A. exhibition’s grand reveal, theme, and more will be announced in the coming months. Meow Wolf Los Angeles invites travelers of all ages to an unforgettable experience through living, breathing art. 

ABOUT MEOW WOLF 

Meow Wolf is not your typical arts and entertainment company; they’re the creators of extraordinary, mind-bending experiences that transport millions of adventurers of all ages into breathtaking realms of imagination and wonder. As the proud recipients of numerous accolades, including Time Out’s #1 Immersive Experience in the US (2023), Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies (2024, 2022 and 2020), and USA Today’s Top 10 Best Immersive Art Experiences (2022), Meow Wolf is committed to engaging curious seekers through the magic of discovery and play. They are distinct in their collaboration with hundreds of visionary artists who infuse creativity into every Meow Wolf experience. The journey began with the THEA Award-winning House Of Eternal Return in Santa Fe (2016), a mystery house with hidden passages and mesmerizing art exhibits. In Las Vegas, Omega Mart (2021) presented a surreal grocery store experience. Denver’s Convergence Station (2021) appeared as a maximalist architectural marvel linking four alien worlds. In July 2023, Meow Wolf unveiled The Real Unreal in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and plans to open a new location in Houston in 2024. As a certified B-Corporation, Meow Wolf leads in themed entertainment, innovating and celebrating human imagination. All are invited to join a journey that defies convention, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. 

The post Meow Wolf Announces City For 6th Permanent Exhibition: Los Angeles, opening 2026 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Joint statement from Meow Wolf, Live Nation and FriendShip on missing person.

We want to take the time to address our friend and colleague, Mark Henry Martinez, known to many as DJ Subset.

Mark has been missing since November 22, 2023, and his absence is deeply felt by the entire community.

Mark is a cherished member of the music world, whose talent and spirit are irreplaceable, and our thoughts are with him and his loved ones during this uncertain time.

We remain hopeful for Mark’s safe return and are actively supporting efforts to locate him. We encourage anyone with information regarding Mark’s whereabouts to contact the Seattle Police Department at 206-787-5401. Your help is invaluable in these efforts.

We appreciate your support and understanding. We stand together in hope and solidarity, looking forward to a positive resolution.

The post DJ Subset Reported Missing appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Ah, the crisp smell of a cool overcast day as the clouds gradually threaten rain. Leaves the color of sunset dance a wind-led ballet across the street, parting as a woman ambles through the neighborhood, sipping spiced apple cider from some local shop. A black cat curls into a cinnamon bun on their human’s lap as she surfs the web for jack-o-lantern ideas. A man peruses the candy aisle, searching for a bag that has all his personal favorites. 

At the time of writing, it’s still 97 degrees outside and my seatbelt hasn’t stopped trying to fuse to my arm. Not one of the above has come to pass yet, and if you’re like me – a person that becomes a cornered animal in the heat – then Spooky Season always comes as a welcome change of pace. While it’s never too early to talk about and plan for Halloween, it is admittedly much easier and more practical as the season draws near.

Starting with the most mysterious of any of the traditions I could find, we have the Headless Horseman of Lafayette – cue thunder crack. Every year on All Hallows Eve an unknown pumpkin-headed horseman rides around the city. This nightmarish figure has strayed a touch west of his original haunt –but he is just as terrifying, if not significantly less violent, than his depiction in Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow.

While it’s never too early to talk about and plan for Halloween, it is admittedly much easier and more practical as the season draws near.

Moving north, we’ll stop at Briggs Street in Erie on October 28th. Boo! on Briggs Street is an annual event between Moffat and Cheesman with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and a storefront decoration contest. Trick-or-treating starts at 3pm and lasts until the event ends at 6 pm. The event is completely free, but if you want to flaunt your creative chops in the costume contest, there is a small $5 registration fee. Registrations start at 3 at the stage at Briggs and Moffat, with the contest kicking off at 4:30.

A newcomer to the arena is the Monster Mash Party. While this is only its second year, its first was a smashing success. Hosted by the Superior Youth Leadership Council at the Superior Community Center on October 28th from 6 – 8 pm, this free event includes a costume contest – split up by age group for fairness – live DJ playing all your favorite spooky songs, pumpkin decorating, a variety of games, and all the treats and snacks you can eat. If that isn’t enough, there are plans this year to partner with the Superior Chamber of Commerce to offer a Trick-or-Treat Street like the aforementioned Boo! Details are still in the works, so make sure to follow the Superior Youth Leadership Council on Facebook to stay up-to-date.

Moving up to Longmont, we have nearly a full month of free Day of the Dead celebration. Starting Saturday, October 14th, and going until November 5th, the Dia de Muertos exhibition at the Longmont Museum’s Swan Atrium will feature art from Local Artists and community-built altars. Opening day of the exhibit, Longmont will also host its annual Dia de los Muertos Family Celebration from 11am to 3pm at 4th Avenue and Main Street. The celebration will feature street food, arts and crafts, music and dance, cultural education, altars, and the iconic Gigantes Procession–a parade that features various mini-floats and decorations to honor the season. If this sounds like a lot, it is, which is why a free shuttle service will be available to ferry you between activities so you can experience everything this mini-festival has to offer!

Also in Longmont, Outworld Brewing is hosting a Halloween costume contest on the 31st, and given the atmosphere and decor of this incredible bar, this will be an unmissable event. Celebrations start at 11am and continue until just about midnight meaning you can spend the entire day here if you wanted.

… given the atmosphere and decor of this incredible bar, this will be an unmissable event.

On to a very family-friendly event in Louisville, we have the Halloween Spooktacular on October 30th at the Louisville Public Library. Open to kids 2 to 5 years old – as well as their caregivers – this event kicks off at 10:15am in the Library Meeting Room and goes until 11am. During this time, enjoy spooky stories, and songs, and crafts – as well as trick-or-treat around the library.  

Over in Westminster we have Boo at the View. This event is returning for its second year after a very successful debut in 2022; over 1,000 people showed up the first time around. Hosted on Saturday, October 28th – a very popular day for Halloween celebrations – from 3-6pm at the West View Recreation Center Part tailgate, part trick-or-treat, children will be able to walk around the parking lot, collecting candy from car to car. This free event will also have onsite hayrides, crafts, face painting, and a balloon artist.

Out in Lyons is the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund Rave to the Grave on Friday, October 27th. Details are still being finalized for this event, but if last year is anything to go by, Rave to the Grave stands to be a resounding success. Featuring live music at Lavern Johnson Park, Rave to the Grave managed to raise over $39,000 in 2022. With a pre-rave happy hour starting at 6, and various food trucks, this 21+ event drew in hundreds. Registration is required to enter, with a suggested $25 donation to LEAF.

For something more family-friendly in the Lyons area, be sure to check out the Lyons Spooktacular Parade the following day, Saturday, October 28th. Games and activities abound, all culminating in downtown trick-or-treating. I made sure to confirm the return of one key activity; the Stone Cup Chili Cookoff. Activities kick off at Lyons Elementary from 4-5:30pm, with the parade and trick-or-treating following shortly after. Be sure to keep an ear to the ground for the most up-to-date information.

Moving on to Thornton we have Harvest Fest on October 7th and its two satellite events: the Fishing Derby at Grandview Ponds and the Pancake Breakfast at the Thornton Active Event Center. Harvest Fest is a community event held at Thornton Parkway and York Street at Community Park that will feature live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden for those no longer disadvantaged with youth, business booths, craft booths, and a skate park competition. The event will run from 10am to 5 pm on Saturday, October 7th.Admission for the Pancake Breakfast is $3 for Children and Seniors and $5 for Adults. Once you’ve had your fill, stop by the Fishing Derby at Grandview Ponds from 8 am to 11 am. This event isn’t for us lame adults, but is open to children 4 to 12 years old and is just $1 per kid.

With all of this happening in one day, there’s something for everyone.

Stanley Masquerade Ball hosted by, of course, Seayonce, will start Saturday at 7pm in Estes Park and features “the spookiest and most glamorous Halloween celebration of the year.” Not your typical masquerade, there will be comedy, a mystery, cabaret, and drag to keep you entertained and in the spirit. Can’t wait for the night to get started? Join the Magical Brunch Event that morning from 10am-1pm but make sure to reserve your spot.

And finally, last on the list–but certainly not least  is Boulder. If dancing is more your speed, check out the Motown Haunted Prom on, you guessed it, Saturday, October 28th. Featuring a live band covering all of your Motown & Stax Records favorites, this single-night dance party is guaranteed to have you dancing in the street. And if you love to dance but are terrified of any public attention no matter how small, liquid courage will be served at a full bar on site. Doors open at 7 pm so you could feasibly add this to the end of your night after one of the other mentioned events. Motown Haunted Prom is located at Roots Music Project,  4747 Pearl Street V3A in the big blue building. There will  even be a giant hand pointing to the door in case our excellent directions aren’t concise enough for you. Tickets are $25 ahead of time, $30 at the door, and there are $200 booths that can accommodate up to 5 people if you prefer something more private.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Meow Wolf. For the uninitiated, Meow Wolf is an immersive art exhibit/psychedelic experience that is near impossible to do justice with words.

But I’ll try.

This year, Meow Wolf is putting on two separate events during the month of October! Starting off with Wednesday, October 4th at 5:00 pm, Adulti-Verse: Spooky-Verse is a 21+ immersive experience celebrating everything spooky. To give a better idea of what the event has to offer, perhaps it is best to use their own description from their website: 

“Wander in the realms of the wonderfully weird as we celebrate this spooktacular season at Convergence Station. Costumes highly encouraged!” 

While that might not clear much up at all, with Meow Wolf at the helm, this is guaranteed to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Following this, on Saturday, October 28th is the 2nd Annual SpooKiKi Ball. Once again, I think it is best to go to the source for information on this event: 

“In 1979, Ballroom Icon, Paris Dupree, created the revolutionary dance movement known as vogue. Vogue was and still is the celebration of Black and Latino Trans and Queer people highlighting their beauty, talent, and ability to leave their mark in a world that tries to erase them. The House of Flora (@kikihouseofflora) is a KiKi house that originated in Portland, Oregon est. 2016 by Legendary Passa Flora, and in 2018, the house expanded its roots in Denver, CO, under the direction of Valentino Valentine, AKA Mother Flora…. The House of Flora has been seen elevating the subculture of Denver, collaborating with both local and large-scale companies, and building safe spaces for BIPOC QTs since 2018.”

The post Something Spooky This Way Comes appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

My first visit to the Pavilion in Denver’s Cheeseman Park started out fine. Everything was as one would expect from a large park in a big city: couples walked dogs or flexed Pilates poses while others played frisbee or volleyball throughout the park’s well-kept green grass. However, as I was in search of Meow Wolf’s first Monster Battle in Denver, I had hopes of something much more fiendish. I continued along the sidewalk with my hope slowly drifting away when I caught a beat on the wind. The beat thumped to a new rhythm, rising over the giggles and chatter from people on park benches and grass. I followed the beat along the winding path until it swelled to a nearly overwhelming thump. And, that’s where they were. The monsters were vibing in the Pavilion up a small hill.

Just like that I was in a different world. Here’s a list of monster battles I’m familiar with: King Kong vs. Godzilla, Freddy vs. Jason, Abbott and Castello Meet Frankenstein. So, I was expecting to see costumes inspired by Gwar and Slipknot warring to see which of the two is the edgiest band. However, what I witnessed was much less Souls-inspired and somewhere between creatures from Adventure Time — playful designs with vibrant colors inspired clouds and candy — and the images comedian Patton Oswalt’s presents in his stand-up bit that details his battle with insomnia. The bit is titled Vestibule of Dreams. In it he discusses his belief that everyone’s dream has their own troupe to play out the scenarios — the nightmare group has their own players and costumes, as does the school dream, as does the sex dream, and so on. I won’t spoil the rest of the bit, but that idea is essentially the experience that is the Meow Wolf: Monster Battle—all the troupes, both dreams and nightmares, came out at once to throw a party.

Up on the hill a DJ’s fired up their wheels of steel in front of the sectioned backdrop that displayed flashing lights orbiting behind him in fluid shapes. The horde of dancing monsters formed in front of him: there was costume made of white reflective material to create a sort of ice cream princess; a couple furry beast-faced monsters in red onesies that could have been minions from Cuphead; a man blew bubbles from a tiny wand all while looking like a biblical prophet aside from his glasses and rainbow-colored ram horns.

At the base of the hill, where the two giant fountains lie empty, performers whirled hula-hoops lit with fluorescent lights and juggled bowling pins of the same design all while doing flips or riding on roller skates. One man came with a “best I could do at the time” energy. His costume was him being full belly-out in a bathrobe wearing nothing but boxers and sandals. Meanwhile, on the other side of the park, a young woman wore nothing but a black fishnet onesie with matching thong underwear and cattail and sparkling pasties.

Then, just when I felt I had a grasp of what this event was, a group of cyclists led by a man in a purple vest with his hair styled in purple devil horns rode in like the Wheelers in Return to Oz. They flowed into the venue with a serpentine weave, in and around the fountains spinning and popping wheelies, amplifying the moment with their own energy and music.

The magic began to fade when the sun went down. The purple devil-horned cyclist blew a whistle, and they all snaked away as fast as they came in. The little clumps of monsters scattered across the venue began to thin. I decided it was time to head back into normalcy, following along the sidewalk truly thankful that Meow Wolf put on such an event for those of us who, on random Thursday, decided to not stay in to watch TV or go to the park for yoga or to post on IG, but instead decided to track the footsteps of the wild things and let them lead the curious ones to a moment a lot less ordinary.

The post A Party for Dreams and Nightmares: Meow Wolf’s First Monster Battle in Denver appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

BOULDER, CO – On Saturday September 9th The Boulder Housing Coalition will be hosting their third annual silent auction and fundraiser party at DV8 Distillery, 6pm – midnight.

The virtual silent auction is open now, including donations from Rocky Mountain White Water Rafting, Meow Wolf, Boulder Psychic Institute, Body and Balance Chiropractic, and many more. The online format allows you to participate in the fundraiser even if you can’t attend the in person event.

Bidding will end at the in-person event, featuring live local bands, poetry, drag, and burlesque. All tickets include complimentary catering by Savory Cuisine, Postino, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

For more than twenty years, the Boulder Housing Coalition has been the preeminent cooperative housing organization in Boulder. All funds raised will directly help the small nonprofit maintain and improve upon the economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable cooperative houses which are home to around 65 low-income families and individuals. Boulder Housing Coalition residents are scholars, activists, artists, and change-makers who make incredible contributions to Boulder – contributions that they would likely be unable to make without the help of these permanently affordable co-ops. Donations may go to up-keeping the infrastructure of the buildings to make them safer and more energy efficient, installing solar panels, paying for professional mediators to support co-opers through conflict, hosting trainings in social justice issues and cooperative skills, and, hopefully someday soon, starting a fifth co-op!

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.dv8.fun/event-details/the-boulder-housing-coalition-fundraiser
Silent Auction can be found at: https://givebutter.com/c/0d5lZW/auction

www.bhccoops.org
LIly@bhccoops.org

The post You’re Invited to The Boulder Housing Coalition’s Third Annual Silent Auction and Fundraiser Party! appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The best part about living in Colorado for music fans is the summer. From Mishawaka to Red Rocks to Levitt Pavilion, the opportunities abound for concert-goers to enjoy music in the natural splendor of the Centennial State’s summer season. Here’s a must-do planner for your entertainment dollar. There’s something here for every budget. Sunscreen is mandatory.

June 3: Michael Franti & Spearhead

Michael Franti & Spearhead take the stage for an intimate acoustic evening at 8 pm at the Boulder Theater as part of their Big Big Love Tour 2023. Tickets for the show start at $72 and are available for purchase at BoulderTheater.com.

June 9: The Burroughs

If you took a southern church revival band, dropped it in Greeley and added 200% more funk, you’d have one of Colorado’s best live shows. Join The Burroughs at Meow Wolf in Denver for their honey imastar album release party. Doors open at 8 p.m., tickets are $15 at Meowwolf.com.

Stafford Hunter

June 11: Stafford Hunter and Jazz Explorations

Recently relocated to Colorado, Trombonist Stafford Hunter was described in glowing terms by AllAboutJazz.com: “Yes, the (trombone)has its shortcomings, yet in the case of Hunter.. the musician does not. Musical interpretive genius is the unyielding and overriding factor…Hunter states this clearly, emphatically.” See him live for free at City Park Jazz in Denver at 6 p.m. Visit CityParkJazz.org for more information.

July 1: Flobots

Homegrown hip-hop darlings the Flobots make their Levitt Pavilion debut on the tail-end of their popular United States of Mind tour for what will be a fantastic, free show. Though their last full-length album Noenemies dropped in 2017, the band has released multiple singles since, and continues to bring smart, social commentary to the Colorado rap game. Doors open at 6 p.m., RSVP to get your tickets at LevittDenver.org.

July 2: Toad the Wet Sprocket

It’s been 34 years since Toad the Wet Sprocket’s first album Bread & Circus (Abe Records, 1989) dropped to little fanfare. It wasn’t until their third outing, Fear (Columbia Records, 1991) that the band catapulted into national consciousness, thanks to two singles —  “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean” — charting on Billboard’s Top 20. Now touring in support of their new compilation album All You Want, they stop in at Mishawaka Amphitheatre for a Poudre River session. Doors open at 7 p.m., tickets are $44+, visit TheMishawaka.com for more info. 

July 20: Cypress Hill with The Colorado Symphony

Cypress Hill became the first hip-hop group to have two albums on the charts at the same time when Black Sunday (Ruffhouse Records) debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 on this date back in 1993. They’re upping their game for this 30th anniversary as they’ll be joined by the Colorado Symphony at Mission Ballroom in Denver to revisit the incredibly popular record, which went triple platinum. Doors are at 7 p.m., tickets are $66.50+, visit MissionBallroom.com for more information. 

Aug. 9: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Ziggy Marley

Ziggy Marley isn’t the only great act joining Trombone Shorty at Levitt Pavilion in Denver for this one. Mavis Staples and the Robert Randolph band are in tow as well, and we shouldn’t be surprised if everyone’s on stage at the same time. Doors open at 5 p.m., tickets are $52+, visit LevittDenver.org for more info.

Aug. 17: Flogging Molly

Irish folk-punk septet Flogging Molly’s legendary hits like “Drunken Lullabies” and “Devil’s Dance Floor” have cemented them firmly in the hearts of punk lovers the world over, thanks to their irrepressible energy and the powerful social commentary in their songwriting. And while they’re approaching 30 years on the road, they remain as bombastic as ever. Catch them at Mission Ballroom. Doors open at 7 p.m., tickets are $58+, visit MissionBallroom.com for more information.

The post Spotlight on Sounds of the Summer appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Meow Wolf redefines what an art exhibit can be, offering fully interactive and immersive experiences across several states.

Meow Wolf’s name drew me in. I love the juxtaposition and contradiction built into such a simple phrase. I was asked several times by friends and family, what is Meow Wolf? I’m still not sure. After chasing its narrative across three states and spending hours in each exhibit, I can only hope to give you a brief glimpse into a seemingly infinite world.

My best stab at it, Meow Wolf is an interactive, immersive art exhibit with a narrative to uncover. It is a visual and auditory stimulus so intoxicating you need a moment before registering what your brain is experiencing. The longer you look and linger, the more is revealed. Lights shift, sounds change, and a story reveals itself piece by piece. Meow Wolf is a world built on prismatic colors and strangely familiar locations with undercurrents of unease and unanswered questions.

Making sense? Of course not. You need to visit to understand. Essentially, each Meow Wolf location starts off as something normal — a grocery store, an airport, or a family home — and presents a narrative to uncover and rooms to discover. Whether it’s reading through the newspapers scattered around the dining room or clicking through files in the corporate office, the deeper you look, the more there is.

Meow Wolf’s three locations — Santa Fe, Denver, and Las Vegas — span the West. The journey to all three is easier than expected. Santa Fe can be reached by car, and Las Vegas is just a cheap flight away. If you fly Frontier at the right time or risk it with Spirit, you can get to Vegas round trip for under $100.

Credit: Christopher DeVargas for Meow Wolf

Desert decadence on a budget 

Flying on a weekday budget flight was not the most glamorous way to enter Vegas.

The theme of this trip was something different. Art galleries are cool, museums are nice, amusement parks have a certain appeal, but Meow Wolf is something different altogether. I wanted my journey to reflect that. I have road tripped across the West most of my life, I had been to Las Vegas and Santa Fe half a dozen times. I wasn’t looking to sip frozen drinks on the Strip or buy turquoise jewelry from a lady on a rug.

I did Vegas a little differently than most — on a weekday, off the Strip, on a budget, and alone. I decided to forgo the Bellagio fountains and Elvis impersonators.

I stayed right on the corner of Fremont Street. Fremont may lack the impressive resort properties, but it is still lined with characters and vices much like you expect in Sin City. It’s also about half the cost to go out around here. No $25 rum and Cokes on this street.

Vegas has a more artsy scene than the bachelor party and corporate crowd may realize. There is the Arts District, AREA15 — where Meow Wolf is located, and Container Park on Fremont Street, where I found a great happy hour at Bin 702. With $6 cocktails and affordable charcuterie boards, day drinking was never more appealing.

Fremont at night hosts live music on several stages and even on a weekday, the street was lively with groups of visitors and local characters vying for a taste of that desert nightlife. Travel tip: Don’t buy any weed on Fremont. It was overpriced and underwhelming.

Omega Mart is located in AREA15, an emerging alternative arts location that hosts the extensive Meow Wolf exhibit as well as other places to get a drink, grab a bite, and admire the artistic side of the city.

Credit: Christopher DeVargas for Meow Wolf

I’ve never been in an art exhibit where pure joy and wonder are so apparent on the faces of strangers. I caught myself staring in childlike amazement, shaking my head in wonder at how transformative Meow Wolf can be. People appear and disappear in front of you, revealing secret passages that connect divergent worlds.

Omega Mart was my first bite of the never-ending Meow Wolf feast. I knew going in that there were layers. Things were not all as they seemed. First stepping inside, if you didn’t look too hard, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a local grocery store and Omega Mart, but looking even the tiniest bit closer starts to reveal more.

“There are the waders, the swimmers, and the deep divers,” Michael, my guide, told me. That statement became apparent as we moved through the experience. Some people gazed with astonishment at the visual art or were amazed at the secret passages or soundscapes. Some were drawn into the story, picking up objects to read them, connecting some of the dots, and following the basic plot. A few others, however, were deep divers reading every loose piece of paper, turning over every item, scanning QR codes, and translating secret messages.

That is the beauty of Meow Wolf. There is something for everyone, at all levels, to enjoy. You can dive as deep as you want or wade through wide-eyed.

Photo by Austin Clinkenbeard

Something familiar, something new

What can I say about visiting Denver or Boulder that hasn’t been said before? What is there to do that is not just the same old sh*t — walk Pearl Street, check out the Flatirons. These days, there really needs to be a draw to bring locals to Boulder, even though as an out-of-towner, I did enjoy both.

I suggest visiting the other downtowns. I stopped by the Erie Social Club. Even on a weekday it was buzzing with patrons, clearly the place to be. Not far away, I grabbed tacos and a margarita at chef Fausto Felix’s place, The Dugout. There are hidden gems sprinkled throughout North Metro that aren’t always on the tourist brochure.

Boulder has its charms, and one of the brightest is the Hotel Boulderado. From the instant I pulled in to the second I checked out, the staff was fantastic. I regret arriving at the hotel so late. I wished I had more time to explore the grounds and find a place to work.

Hotel Boulderado. Photo by Austin Clinkenbeard

My room was just what I needed after escaping Las Vegas: quiet, spacious, stately. I was able to spread out and feel clean and comfortable after the minor debauchery in the desert. The room had a view of the Flatirons which was stunning. There were even two TVs. I had a wonderful night’s sleep.

It’s hard to leave a nice hotel — I found myself skipping my breakfast plans to have coffee and work in the lobby and enjoy my room. My tour at Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station in Denver was fast approaching. I walked through the hotel’s skywalk and made a note to set up with my laptop here later.

Initially Convergence Station appears as something it is not — in this case, an airport. Visitors are quickly transported to C-street, a trash-chic alley that may have been my favorite section of all. Every building offered something inside, a movie theater with lo-fi clips playing, a convenience store with Omega Mart products, and a Chuck-E-Cheese-esque playhouse that offered a glimpse of something more.

There are hidden “Easter eggs” to discover at each location, and I was fortunate enough to view a few different ones here in Convergence Station. I was transported through a black hole, saw a castle filled with light, and played a song with complete strangers. Every sense is engaged when diving into the experience. “Is this real?” a young kid wondered out loud as they gazed at the walls. None of the adults in the room could give an answer.

One of the most representative experiences was talking with a woman outside the exhibit. She was already beyond thrilled to explore but had little idea what was inside. We talked as a group about the ability for immersive art to connect complete strangers and inspire creativity from basic interactions. Once inside we ran into her again where she was clearly immersed in the magic of discovery. Its the human connection that helps make this experience such a unique one.

Photo by Jess Bernstein

Dinner that night was at Spruce Farm & Fish in the Hotel Boulderado. I had been operating on a budget and finally was able to have a taste of luxury. First up were oysters from the East Coast. I typically like their brininess and size compared to those from the West Coast. They were paired with a glass of sparkling wine, crisp and palate cleansing. One pro tip: Sparkling wine goes with just about anything. Next was the salmon salad — something not only my waiter recommended, I also overheard the table next to me gushing over it. The salmon was cooked perfectly. It practically melted on my fork. I’m not a kale fan by any means, but this time it worked. The Dijon dressing tied it all together with the balance of acidity.

My final course was the ribs. They weren’t necessarily fall-off-the-bone as my waiter told me, but they packed a punch in flavor and texture, just like he said. I had a smoky old fashioned which was a great complement to the meal. The ribs were very good, but honestly the salmon stole the show.

After a long walk, drinks at The Sink were just what I needed. Getting off Pearl Street and exploring the college neighborhood was a nice change of pace. The bartender was friendly, the vibe was very low-key, and the prices were absolutely perfect. It’s a great spot to enjoy some old Boulder history and people watch.

Photo by Austin Clinkenbeard

Where it all begins

Road trips through this part of the country remind me of my childhood. My family preferred to drive, so visiting family in Colorado meant stopping off in Santa Fe or Las Vegas quite often. It felt right to be back, to be somewhere familiar while exploring something entirely unknown.

I love New Mexico. It’s probably the history, being part of the Spanish Empire and then Mexico for so long, and the thousands of years of Native American cities and cultures that pre-date even that. History shows when cultures collide, great food is often a result. Even though it wasn’t green chile season, the food in Santa Fe was the best of the trip.

I had no idea there was such a food truck culture down here. Hands down the best was Fusion Tacos. I actually walked right past this truck the first time because of the name Fusion. I was looking for something authentic, forgetting that neither word has a claim on deliciousness. The quesabirria were tender and dripping with sauce.

Luckily my hotel was located close enough to walk to the House of Eternal Return, the original Meow Wolf location. What began with an empty bowling alley, a dream, and a hit fantasy author, turned into the house of art that spawned it all.

It is immediately apparent that something is wrong. There is a home, but the entire family is missing. The place is swarming with agents in protective suits. What would be a nice family house is turned upside down with snippets of universes colliding and people with unique powers. The music and lighting hint at mystery.

Convergence Station. Every building offered something inside, a movie theater with lo-fi clips playing, a convenience store with Omega Mart products, and a Chuck-E-Cheeseesque playhouse that offered a glimpse of something more. Photo by Austin Clinkenbeard

I followed the Reddit suggestions of where to begin and started my dive into the beginning of the Meow Wolf world at the end of my travels. Meow Wolf represents the “accessible unknown.” Some of the most innovative elements are the sound art, the curated sound tracks, and audioscapes that emanate from each room. Sometimes visitors can interact with the sounds, sometimes they hold a message if you listen closely enough. The numerous artists that helped sculpt such a sensory experience deserve praise. I know I need to return immediately.

For dinner, one place in particular caught my eye — Jambo Cafe, an African and Carribean restaurant. When the waitress lit up after my order of goat stew, I knew I was in for a treat. The spices were a great balance to the gaminess of the goat but I could have used a little more heat. There was an older couple next to me with the husband complaining about this or that the entire time. He was skeptical of his order — until he took a bite. “Wow, this is good,” is all he muttered for the rest of the meal.

The next morning happened to be my birthday. I decided to get out early and stroll the farmer’s market, which is more of a craft market than a food one. I did find a delicious morning meal at a pupusa stand. Having just spent two months in southeast Asia, I was arrogant. Spicy green chile? No problem. The second my eyes started to water and my mouth was screaming, I remembered just how intense the flavors down here can be.

Photo by Jess Bernstein

My night out consisted of two spots off the main streets, Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery and Leaf & Hive Brew Lab. Both had fantastic ratings on Google and were within somewhat of a walking distance. Twenty-five minutes seems a lot closer on paper than it does in real life.

Tumbleroot is a must. I was early to arrive, but as the crowd filled in, the night took off. I was given a free cocktail for my birthday before sauntering my way down to the food options. Fries piled high with chiles and salsa awaited me. At one point I asked to use the restroom and came face to face with a Mexican band and dozens of enthusiastic fans. Much like Meow Wolf, I had no idea what each threshold held.

Leaf & Hive was my final stop of my birthday tour. I was expecting an atmosphere similar to Tumbleroot but was instead surprised with live comedy. I joined in the laughs and ordered a drink. After the set I stepped outside with the performers and chatted for a bit. I always admired standup artists. There are no editors to filter content through and there can be so much truth in a joke.

Ossuary Library. Photo by Nikki A. Rae

The road back to Denver

Driving back to Denver to return my car presented a few obstacles. My flight wasn’t until 10:30 p.m., and each email from Spirit meant further delay in my departure. I needed to find some roadside attractions and pitstops to fill my time. Taos was one.

Taos holds so much history. The old town is great, harkening back to frontier days, but the nearby Native American living village holds so many more stories. It has been continuously occupied for over 1,000 years and represents the trade hub between Mesoamerica, the Plains Tribes, the Southwest, and more. You can still buy silver and turquoise jewelry here that has been highly valued for countless generations.

Meandering back to Denver, I stopped at as many scenic views as I could. The plains spreading out before the mountains evoked so many emotions, those of nostalgic loss for the tribes here before and of growth for the settlers who came after.

Photo by Jess Bernstein

I pulled over in Pueblo for a pitstop. It was well past lunch, and I needed to stretch my feet. The Riverwalk was a perfect layover. Although no restaurants caught my eye, the stroll along the channeled river was a nice way to break up the time.

Along the way was Garden of the Gods. I know many readers may not be a huge fan of Colorado Springs. It’s Focus on the Family territory after all. It’s still worth driving through to check out these unique rock formations.

MEOW WOLF. Some of the most innovative elements are the sound art, the curated sound tracks, and audioscapes that emanate from each room. Sometimes visitors can interact with the sounds, and sometimes they hold a message if you listen closely enough. Photo by Jess Bernstein

Where am I?

People are there one moment, transported away the next. Passages to what you thought was a familiar place quickly become unrecognizable as you enter a new world. The storefront you first entered is just that — a front. Behind the freezer section, alien worlds are converging, and something unusual is taking shape.

What I found most immersive about each Meow Wolf location was the use of not only visual effects like projections, changing lights, and painted works, but the incredible acoustics that created unique audio sensations in each space. Audio is art here. There are interactive lasers that trigger sounds, songs for each mood and room, and even places to stand where only you can hear voices revealing more clues.The entire home is an interlocking labyrinth of fever dreams. The only sense missing from the experience is scent.

I finally hopped on my plane, so tired I was hardly conscious. I crossed another time zone. I blinked and was in another state. In a way it felt like traveling through one of the hidden portals at Convergence Station. I had been on the road for a week, taking three flights and driving over 800 miles. Not even a month before, I was in Southeast Asia making my way through Bali and Bangkok. I’m writing this from Lake Tahoe, on the California and Nevada border. Falling through one door and ending up somewhere completely different makes sense in a chaotic sort of way. So does Meow Wolf when you embrace it.

The post Where Worlds Collide: Art, Mystery, and Narrative Describe the Meow Wolf Experience appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

FEBRUARY 21, 2023 AT CONVERGENCE STATION
11 AM – CLOSE

TIX

Denver, CO – Aliens of the four Converged Worlds of Meow Wolf Denver have been notified of the Earth Custom of “Fat Tuesday:” the human practice of gorging oneself on food and party times amidst cheerful parades and shiny beads. The aliens thought this sounded pretty alright. They’re throwing an all-day and night party at Convergence Station that will include:

• Tarot Readings!
• Vampires (of course)!
• Find-The-Baby!
• Beads!
• Art Vendors!
• Mask & Crown Maker Station!
• Creole Specials (with vegetarian options) at Cafe Du’Meow

The streets of the Converged Worlds will be alive with the sounds of New Orleans jazz. If you can’t be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, consider spending it amidst the Carnivale of senses that is Convergence Station!

About Meow Wolf

Recognized in Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies (2022 and 2020), Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company that creates immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company’s first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation, House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world’s first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas and their third permanent installation in Denver opened in September 2021, Convergence Station. Meow Wolf recently announced their next upcoming exhibitions, opening in Grapevine in 2023, and Houston in 2024. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

The post Let the Good Times Converge: Meow Wolf Announces All Day Meowdi Gras Party appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

MEOW WOLF ANNOUNCES THREE HALLOWEEN PARTIES IN AND OUTSIDE OF CONVERGENCE STATION + SPOOKY SURPRISES ALL WEEKEND

• 10/26: MONSTER MASH BASH ADULTI-VERSE (21+)
• 10/28: KENT WASHINGTON III & FRIENDS
• 10/29: HALLOWED HOWL AT FILLMORE AUDITORIUM FEAT. SG LEWIS & FOLAMOUR
• 10/29: HOUSE OF FLORA’S SPOOKIKI BALL AT CONVERGENCE STATION
• HALLOWEEN FRIGHTS ‘N THRILLS THROUGHOUT THE EXHIBITION ALL WEEKEND LONG

Denver, CO (October 20, 2022) – Aliens of the Converged Worlds may not fully understand Earth customs, but it doesn’t stop them from celebrating with maximalist zeal. This Halloween will be no different. Meow Wolf, the immersive arts and entertainment company with a popular location in Denver, is announcing many chances to celebrate this spine-chilling season inside and out of the Convergence Station exhibition. In addition to these ticketed events, the alien worlds of Convergence Station will come alive all weekend long with haunting Halloween delights. Guests are highly encouraged to wear costumes.

October 26th: Monster Mash Bash Adulti-Verse at Convergence Station (21+) – TIX
Wander in the realms of the wonderfully weird as we celebrate this spooktacular season with creature-feature cocktails in hand. Surprises, delights and frights will reveal themselves throughout the Converged Worlds such as monster movies, thriller dance lessons, Frankenplushes for sale, and more! Costumes are highly encouraged for this event – but a reminder, masks covering the entire face are not allowed.

Adulti-Verse takes place the 1st and last Wednesday of the month, and is for grown-lys only at Convergence Station. Enter the Adulti-Verse from 5-10pm and browse our exhibit at your own 21+ pace. After 5pm, ALL visitors must be 21+ and over (photo ID required). During these adults-only exhibition hours, all normal admission rules apply.

October 28th: Kent Washington III & Friends – an INTLHAUS Showcase (18+) – TIX
Kent Washington III is a culture cultivator and recording artist out of Colorado Springs for over ten years. He’s debuting and headlining his own International Hip-Hop and R&B Series called @intlhaus. INTLHAUS was created by Kent Washington III to provide an eclectic international hip-hop and R&B experience for music lovers worldwide. Joining Kent Washington III are DNA Picasso, LPEEZ, Myell Westcoast, Ivvy Jones, Indigo Jones, and DJ sets from DJ Ronin, Hexkitten, and KYJU. Halloween costumes are encouraged!

October 29th: Hallowed Howl at the Fillmore Auditorium Featuring SG Lewis and Folamour (18+) – TIX
Meow Wolf has joined forces with Live Nation to bring a night of deep house and funk to the Fillmore Auditorium with SG Lewis and Folamour playing our Hallowed Howl party. Brought to you by the team behind Vortex, the recent festival that 303 Magazine called “a living, breathing embodiment of Denver’s artistic community” and “a totally unique sensory experience,” this party aligns the same spirit but imbued with modern disco vibes.

The immersive concert experience will feature art installations by Andrea Fischer, Gigi Douglas, and Victor Rivera. Concert-goers can also interact with performers ranging from dancers and acrobats to magicians. For example, Frick Frack Blackjack is a troupe that plays Blackjack with guests (not using money) and identifies as “a team of traders, collectors, and oddities hustlers, but they don’t want your money, they’re after your shoelaces.” Tickets are on sale here.

October 29th: SpooKiKi Ball at Convergence Station Featuring House of Flora (18+) – TIX
Celebrate Halloween and the revolutionary dance movement of Vogue with House of Flora! Vogue is an art form that highlights the beauty, and talent of Black and Latino Trans and Queer people–and celebrates their ability to leave their mark in a world that tries to erase them. The House of Flora (@kikihouseofflora) is a KiKi house based in Portland, OR est. 2016 by Passa Flora. In 2018 the house expanded its roots in Denver, CO under the direction of Valentino Valentine AKA Mother Flora. The SpooKiKi Ball will feature a competition in different categories with plenty of flora flavah.

DECEMBER 3RD’S DANCEPORTATION: DEEP DARK & DANGEROUS TAKEOVER

MEOW WOLF’S SIGNATURE IMMERSIVE DANCE PARTY WILL BE CURATED BY DEEP DARK & DANGEROUS AND FEATURES:

• LIVE PERFORMANCES BY HEADLINERS TRUTH + OTHER DJS AND PRODUCERS ON THE LABEL
• ACCESS TO THE ENTIRE EXHIBITION
• SURPRISE IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCES THROUGHOUT VARIOUS ALIEN WORLDS
• MORE SPECIAL GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

TIX ON SALE NOW

Denver, CO (October 25, 2022) – Danceportation is an immersive dance party pulsing through the worlds of Convergence Station. Concert-goers can experience stunning live performances on several stages scattered across psychedelic projections and sentient universes. December’s Danceportation features a takeover by the music label Deep Dark & Dangerous. World-renowned producers and DJs TRUTH headline the all-night dance party along with other special performances curated by the label: Distinct Motive, Coltcuts, Mesck, Woven Thorns, Digital Vagabond, Die By The Sword, Yoko, Sling Wave, plus visuals by Glass Crane and Actualize. Additional musical guests will be announced leading up to Danceportation. In true Meow Wolf fashion, the evening will be peppered with magical surprises. Tickets are $70 and available here.

About Meow Wolf
Recognized in Fast Company‘s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies (2022 and 2020), Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company that creates immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company’s first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world’s first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas and their third permanent installation in Denver opened in September 2021, Convergence Station. The next permanent exhibitions will open in Grapevine, TX in 2023, and Houston, TX in 2024. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

The post MEOW WOLF: Halloween is approaching! + Deep Dark & Dangerous Takeover for Dec 3rd DANCEPORTATION appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

MEOW WOLF’S WILDLY POPULAR ADULTI-VERSE 21+ NIGHTS RETURN TO CONVERGENCE STATION

• NEXT ADULTI-VERSE AUG 24 IS IN COLLABORATION WITH DENVER MODERNISM WEEK (TICKETS + INFO)

• RECURRING EVERY FIRST + LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH 5-10 PM

Denver, CO (August 10, 2022) – Don your dapper attire + celebrate the return of Convergence Station’s Adulti-Verse! There’s an extra special twist this round – Meow Wolf has partnered with Denver Modernism Week to bring guests a night full of swanky cocktails, swing dancing, and vintage fun!

Guests can enter the Adulti-Verse from 5-10pm and browse the mind-bending exhibit at their own 21+ pace while imbibing a cocktail or two.

This event is for grown-lys only. After 5pm, ALL visitors must be 21+ and over (photo ID required). During these adults-only exhibition hours, all normal admission rules apply.

ONE YEAR OLD! MEOW WOLF DENVER’S CONVERGENCE STATION ANNOUNCES INTERGALACTIC BLOCK PARTY DETAILS + NIGHTTIME DANCE PARTY LINEUP FOR CONVERGIVERSARY SEPT 17:

• DAY PARTY: ALL AGES INDOOR/OUTDOOR BLOCK PARTY W/ $15 ADMISSION!

• NIGHT PARTY: 21+ PARTY THROUGHOUT EXHIBITION FEATURING

• JUNGLE (DJ SET)
• THE JUAN MACLEAN (DJ SET)
• KIM ANN FOXMAN
• COLORADO PERFORMERS CLAYTON K, M. LIN, AND DEEDZ

Denver, CO (August 16, 2022) – Convergence Station, Meow Wolf’s third permanent immersive art installation, announces the lineup of entertainment for its “Convergiversary Party” on September 17 to celebrate one year since it opened its quantum transit station doors. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards the Sun Valley Youth Center and Denver Indian Center.

The Day Party is an all-ages intergalactic block party both inside the exhibition and outside in the parking lot. Festival-goers can expect food trucks, a beer garden (Liquid Lawn), Creation Station (great for kids and all ages!), an art village, entertainment from local DJs, VJs, drag performers, and access to the entire exhibition! Admission is only $15.

The Night Party is an exhibition-wide takeover a la Danceportation that will boast bars, performers, DJs, and producers throughout the exhibition. The British electronic music project Jungle headlines the night with a DJ set, supported by The Juan MacLean (DJ set), Kim Ann Foxman, and local performers Clayton K, M. Lin, and Deedz. Tickets to the nighttime event are $99.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our one earth year anniversary,” says Convergence Station’s General Manager, Alex Bennett. “It honestly feels like it has been 4.13376z years since we opened, but the converged worlds have a tendency to distort time and space. We invite all of Earth (and Denver) to come celebrate with us on September 17, 2022!”

In the past year, Convergence Station has:

• Welcomed over a million visitors (the million mark was reached in mid-June)

• Won a Tourism Star Award from VISIT DENVER and an Art & Business Partnership Award from the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)

• Been featured in CNN, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, Forbes, Artnet, Colossal, and more, “referred to as a “colorful” and “mind-bending experience” by CNN, and recommended to anyone “looking to get their mind blown, and then blown again” by The New York Times

• Been visited by Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa, Reggie Watts, Lance Armstrong, Bob Weir, Halsey, and other notable travelers

• Changed the selfie game on Instagram forever with Ossuary Library and Numina’s Guts of Guts, leading the top spots to snap a pic

• Employed 300 Denver creatives

• Invested $615K+ to over 150 diverse Denver arts organizations

• Created our Good Neighbor Agreement with the Sun Valley Community Coalition, detailing our support and commitment to the Sun Valley neighborhood

• Partnered with 40+ vendors (must be local, small businesses, minority/and/or women owned, B-Corp, or feature community involvement) for our café, HELLOFOOD

• Launched the Highlights of Convergence Audio Description Tour designed specifically for visitors who are Blind or have low vision

• Hosted performances in its concert venue, The Perplexiplex, such as GRiZ, CloZee, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Deadmau5

Thanks for the MEMs!

About Meow Wolf

Recognized in Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies (2022 and 2020), Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company that creates immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company’s first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation, House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world’s first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas and their third permanent installation in Denver opened in September 2021, Convergence Station. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Press Contact

Erin Barnes
Public Relations Manager, Meow Wolf
Ebarnes@MeowWolf.com | 720-369-4305 (cell)

The post Coming up from Meow Wolf: Adulti-verse and Convergiversary appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally when masses of Americans come out of their winter shells and start stretching toward the sun and other activities to get their blood pumping. This year, we are “especially hungry,” in the words of Erin Barnes of Meow Wolf, to experience something more socially connecting than just a BBQ or hike. That’s why, as public relations manager, she scheduled their Danceportation PARTY PORTAL event over this long holiday weekend, and it was a hit. Over four floors, a rotating cadre of DJs pumped music into arenas of art that seemed designed for this endeavor. Partygoers danced, explored, laughed, talked, and breathed all throughout the different metaverses created inside that awkward-seeming white building sitting hunched between the freeways in downtown Denver.

Photo credit: Michelle Mead

Choosing to embark in social gatherings again like dance parties is a big decision after two and a half years of living with Covid. Meow Wolf has been especially cognizant of how COVID has shaped our world, since the Denver installation opened during 2021; they began their life at 65% capacity and have been sitting there since. The PARTY PORTAL series of events isn’t a stunt to try and up those numbers, though: all other Meow Wolf installations have raves once a quarter, and we’re well behind the curve because of COVID.

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

There is no pushing the envelope when it comes to safety. Every employee is tested every two weeks, and training for other potential risks is ongoing. Every employee recently underwent training to recognize when someone has been rufied or when someone may be attempting to roofi another. That sense of safety was very tangible among the partygoers throughout the night, a distinct difference from a regular club setting. Meow Wolf staff is also equipped with appropriate overdose countermeasures (such as Narcan or Naloxone) to assist in the rare case someone would need it. Security and other staff say drug use at Meow Wolf and their special events is rare, and the experience at Danceportation bears that out. Partygoers were all about immersing themselves in the pre-prepared psychedelic experience of the installation, elevated by the added art of the DJs. What a truly ecstatic communal experience, without the need for any additional stimulants. Although regularly placed carts provided alcohol, there were mocktails, coffee, and even MoonWater (it’s locally bottled Denver water). 

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

The entirety of the art encompassing the visitor to Meow Wolf was enhanced exponentially by the talented performances of the DJs and the expert sound systems. The seamless joining of each area of the installation made Convergence Station transform into the living piece of art it truly is; the dancers in their exciting and artful club wear only heightened the entire experience. The respect and joy present in this environment was almost startling after such a long time apart from social outings. Six hours dancing and playing Disco Bingo at this event will fill your cup for a long time.

Photo credit: Michelle Mead

From the time we entered the installation to when we left, we were greeted with joyful beings tangibly excited to share this experience with us. Watching dancers break dance for the first time since we were in high school provided a nostalgia shot. The communal feeling of serenity and happiness as we traversed each area of each floor is definitely an experience worth repeating. The installation seemed to throb and bounce itself with the beat of the DJs and the heartbeats of the partygoers. The costumed docents were full of life and energy, their smiles and engagement almost contagious. We left feeling tired but uplifted, excited to share the next Danceportation event with friends and family. 

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Checkout the Meow Wolf website for future Danceportation and PARTY PORTAL events.

The post Danceportation: Just the Ticket to a Joyful Trip appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Youth on Record’s Block Party and Community Celebration will bring together close to a thousand community members on June 11th for a day-long youth-led music festival. This is a Youth-Led and Youth Designed event with support from Youth on Record (YOR) Staff. The event will take place from 11 am-5 pm at the Youth on Record Studio and neighboring streets. Plus, day-long performances will feature a talented lineup of YOR students!

The event is free to the community and will include engaging block party activities and a variety of workshops including art-making opportunities with Beats by Girlz and Meow Wolf, live yoga and meditation with Better Buzz Yoga, and a career advancement panel with the University of Colorado Denver College of Arts and Media. View more information here. There will also be delicious food, fun swag, and community vendors filling the streets!

A few things you can look forward to are:

• Live music from Youth on Record students
• Free swag and snacks
• Workshops from 3 tracks: Career Advancement, Health and Wellness, and Art Making
• YOR Podcast and Student Art listening rooms
• Career Advancement Panel with University of Colorado Denver College of Arts & Media
• Art Making with Beats by Girlz
• Crafting and face painting with Meow Wolf
• Yoga and Meditation with Better Buzz Yoga
• Cooking class with MamaJAH
• Free T-shirts and swag for youth – grab and go at Youth on Record
• Logo and T-Shirts designed by Dead Boyfriend / Fellowship Graduate 
• Kids’ crafts and family-friendly programs
• Free meal vouchers for the Denver Housing Authority residents in the Mariposa neighborhood

The post Youth on Record Celebrates 8th Annual Block Party appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Meow Wolf Sign. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Meow Wolf has only called Denver home since Sept. 2021, but it has won over everyone to step inside with its wonderful weirdness. It is an interactive art exhibit, but that description sounds stuffy. A more exciting description would be that Meow Wolf is an adventure across time and space.

Convergence Station, the third installment in Meow Wolf’s interactive art galleries, is like falling through the TV screen into a sci-fi movie. Each room holds something wildly different from the last. Now, to take the multi-dimensional experience to yet another level, Convergence Station is host to live music and dance parties.

Castle at Meow Wolf. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

To make the experience as immersive as possible, they don’t just cater to the sense of vision. One room is dark with large touch screens. Manipulating the lights on the screens changes the sounds being played in the room to engage the sense of hearing as well as the part of the brain that is stimulated by music.

Touch screen to manipulate sound. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Music is a powerful force, so in addition to hosting concerts, they created Danceportation as part of their PARTY PORTAL series, a dance party throughout the levels of Meow Wolf with live music performances. This is different from their concert series because the artists are performing throughout the exhibit and not just in the Perplexiplex on the first floor.

Danceportation. Photo: Glen Ross, courtesy of Meow Wolf

To accommodate yet another sense, there will be a bar with alcohol, mocktails, coffee, and snacks to get you through the night. Be sure to keep your body fueled appropriately, so you can dance the night away.

A dancer at Danceportation. Photo: Glen Ross, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Convergence Station’s first dance party took place in February and was a smash. Based on feedback from the event, the next one promises to be even better. With an earlier start time of 10:30 p.m., even mere mortals can experience Danceportation without throwing their schedules too out of whack.

Behind the DJ at Danceportation. Photo: Glen Ross, courtesy of Meow Wolf

The next scheduled Danceportation will be on Saturday, May 29 and will feature Anthony Naples, DJ Stingray 313, Gee Dee, Henry Wu, re:ni, Seb Wildblood, Al V Dam, Black/Tuesday, Deedz, JoeUnit, Mars, and wngdu. Doors open at 10:30 p.m.; music starts at 11 p.m., and the event ends at 3 a.m. Tickets are $85 per person and are available for purchase online.

Looking down on the crowd and the DJ at Danceportation. Photo: Glen Ross, courtesy of Meow Wolf

The post Meow Wolf Danceportation: Yet another dimension of Convergence Station with live music appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Longmont, CO cracker company takes large leap to further community expansion.

Isaac Olson and Shane Stinn, co-owners of MECO Coffee Collective on Main Street in Longmont, CO opened their new business model in the Summer of 2021, which also houses the production, manufacturing and distribution of MECO Cheesy Bits, a five ingredient, cheddar cheese cracker company made with real food for real people. The goal for both businesses is to bring together local Colorado artists, crafts-people, entrepreneurs and community under one roof through an inviting, attractive and diverse coffee shop that is guided by passion and love.

These five ingredient cheddar cheese crackers have been popping up all over Boulder County in such places as Simply Bulk, The Niwot Market, Asher Brewing Company, The Rayback Collective, Cured, Beyond the Mountain Brewing and more. You can also find track them moving North at Lucky’s Market in Fort Collins. Most recently, MECO Cheesy Bits has acquired an account with Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station, where they hope to coincide with Meow Wolfs’ mission to provide support to Colorado MECO At Meow Wolf Denver Longmont, CO cracker company takes large leap to further community expansion businesses, big and small. Having this vision as part of MECO’s mission statement tremendously solidified the relationship between the two companies and in February of 2022, the contract was executed for the placement of MECO Cheesy Bits Original Cheddar, Bacon Cheddar and Jalapeño Cheddar flavors in Meow Wolfs onsite cafe.

You can find out more information about both MECO Cheesy Bits and Meow Wolf Denver by visiting the websites provide and if you have not had a chance to visit this ginormous interactive art display in downtown Denver, than you should set aside a six hour chunk of your week, go down and enjoy the array of eccentric art styles and end your experience in their cafe, munching on some Cheesy Bits.

Resources

MECO Cheesy Bits
627 Main Street, Longmont, CO 80504

Email: contact@mecolongmont.com

Website: www.mecolongmont.com

Meow Wolf Denver:

Convergence Station, 1338 1st Street, Denver, CO 80202

Website: meowwolf.com/denver/

The post MECO At Meow Wolf Denver appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The Snow Queen at Broomfield Auditorium

The original fairy tale The Snow Queen dates back to the mid 1800s, and was written by none other than Hans Christian Andersen. Since then, it’s become one of the more popular stories for children, and has been adapted and translated into myriad formats. From Jan. 28–30, Dance Etoile Ballet is presenting the ballet version of this perennial favorite. It tells the story of Gerda, who embarks on a journey to the palace of The Snow Queen to save her friend. Featuring choreography by Marie-Jose Mapannet and original music by Bruce Klepper, The Snow Queen might just become your new favorite winter tale. See it at the Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road, Broomfield; tickets range from $15 to $25 at www.dansetoile.org.

Steve Vai at Boulder Theater

Crowned the 10th Greatest Guitarist in the world by Guitar World magazine, the only controversy some will attribute to Steve Vai’s recognition is that he wasn’t higher on the list. A pure virtuoso who studied under Joe Satriani with more than 15 million album sales as well as three Grammy Awards, his work with legendary icons like Frank Zappa certainly deserve notice. And while that work is relatively peerless in its own right, Vai’s solo efforts and production work is prolific — as is his scoring work on movie and video game soundtracks. And of course that amazing guitar battle in the movie Crossroads where he shows up as the “Devil’s Guitarist.” Catch him live on Feb. 2 at the Boulder Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40 at www.bouldertheater.com.

Source: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Natani Notah at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Natani Notah is a contemporary Native American artist who has been featured in Forbes, Art in America, and Sculpture Magazine, and she’s bringing a compelling new exhibition to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. Titled “Inner Lining,” this exhibit combines natural and synthetic materials to create pieces intended to evoke a conversation about resisting colonization in the present-day United States. The artist works with textiles like faux fur, scraps of leather, and tiny seed beads to create posable sculptures that resemble limbs and other body parts that defy definition. On display from Feb. 3–May 30 at the West Gallery at BMoCA, 1750 13th Street, Boulder. Admission is $2. Visit www.bmoca.org or call 303.443.2122 for more information.

The Odd Couple at Longmont Theatre Company

As the tinsel goes back into storage and holiday theatre rings its closing bell, Longmont Theatre Company is relying on the plentiful laughter from Neil Simon’s classic The Odd Couple to keep things light in the post-holiday theatrical season. The timeless story of clean-freak Felix Unger and his poorly matched roommate Oscar Madison comes to the stage for a short run – only two weekends – so you’ll want to book your tickets early to one of the six performances. Tickets to The Odd Couple run $30 online at longmonttheatre.org and the show runs Feb. 4–13 at 513 Main Street, Longmont. 303.772.5200

Head for the Hills at Meow Wolf

“So often we get caught up in the business end of the music industry that we forget the type of influence we can have on helping others.” That was a poignant comment from guitarist/vocalist Adam Kinghorn in our interview a few years back with Head for the Hills (April, 2019). The pandemic definitely hit this road dog of a band hard, but they haven’t lost a beat, musically speaking. Just check out their new release, “Number One Hit Single” which has notes of The Eels and the Elephant 6 collective bursting from the pop-smart track at www.headforthehillsmusic.com. Catch them on Feb. 18 at the sprawling venue inside Meow Wolf in Denver at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $18 online at www.meowwolf.com.

Curtains at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

While there are no lack of mystery-filled plays out there, the whodunnit musical is a bit less common. Thankfully, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is presenting the popular hit Curtains running Feb. 10–March 13. This mystery-musical tells the story of a small musical theatre whose leading lady suddenly dies on stage. With the entire cast and crew as suspects, a local detective has his work cut out for him. Thankfully he, too, is a musical fan. The original Broadway production of Curtains was also a huge hit, garnering eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. See it at 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. Tickets range from $29–$65 and are available online at ColoradoCandlelight.com; call 970.744.3747 for more info.

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