Stand-up comedy is an intensely competitive and subjective field, requiring years of perseverance to build a reputation and voice as a comedian. Perhaps subconsciously, standards have been set in the field based on subjective humor and even world viewpoints. In many of her performances, Andrea Marie Soderberg noticed a particular discrepancy in the lineups she saw.

“Women were not getting as many opportunities as men to be on shows,” says Sodergren. “It was often a pretty male-dominated lineup. Maybe, there’d be one or two females.”

In particular, she recognized the challenges mothers faced in the field, as their personal commitments increase the difficulty of making their way through the scene. As a solution to these problems, Soderberg founded Moms Unhinged, a comedy troupe that shines the spotlight on mothers.

The shows poke fun at the ups and downs of life – marriage, divorce, motherhood, online dating, and more – in an environment that emphasizes women’s experiences, but is open for everyone to share a laugh about the absurdities of everyday existence.

Outside of Moms Unhinged, Sodergren explores navigating life’s challenges in the tragicomic performance Life: A Delightful Show About Fear and Grief. In each show, the trio of Sodergren, Elaina McMillan, and Katie Mason discuss themes of addiction, love, loss, and acceptance through stand-up, spoken word, and stories.

“We’re trying to dive into the sanctity of those emotions, but also be able to laugh and find the funny parts about them,” says Sodergren of the show’s heavy subject matter. “People do leave the theater feeling much lighter; people talk about the experience as being very transformative and cathartic.”

“There’s a real desire for women to be able to see themselves on stage like this in a way that hasn’t been as prevalent,” says Sodergren. “It’s just a really beautiful thing to see people gather and laugh; people leave the theater feeling lighter and more connected.”

Moms Unhinged will perform at the Boulder Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut Street, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, starting at 7 p.m. They will also perform at The Louisville Underground, 640 Main Street Suite B, on Wednesday, April 29, starting at 7 p.m. Learn more and buy tickets at momsunhinged.com.

For good unknown sure is not had; or had,

And yet unknown, is as not had at all.

In plain then, what forbids he but to know?

Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise.

John Milton, Paradise Lost

Eve’s story is embedded in Becky Kivlovitz O’Connor’s bones. Captivated by the Genesis figure’s portrayal in John Milton’s epic Paradise Lost as a University of Texas at Austin undergraduate, O’Connor memorized a section recounting Eve’s decision to take the forbidden fruit.

“When I was reading Paradise Lost, I was shocked by his depiction of both Eve and Satan,” the Boulder-based writer said of a formative undergraduate Milton class. “They were the most developed, interesting, empathetic characters, and you ended up following their storylines more emotionally than any of the others.”

Something about Milton’s Eve resonated more with O’Connor as time passed. “As I grew and became a mother, a teacher, and a wife, I felt Eve’s story in my core,” she said.

Hired by Louisville Middle School in 2021, she wrote Eve, her first work of fiction, alongside her narrative unit students.“It had just been on my mind, the way that women are kind of put out to pasture,” said O’Connor, “and what society expects from a woman, a mother, a teacher, and a wife.” Milton’s Eve flowed from her bones onto the page and took the form of a novel: Eve.

The book has completely changed O’Connor’s writing trajectory; she has since completed four-and-a-half manuscripts, vicariously living through these exciting adventures instead of feeling cramped in a cubicle.

These myths are particularly relevant for O’Connor now. The half-Israeli woman led Palestine youth camps in her college years, and she and her father happened to be on-site during the antisemitic Pearl Street attack. For her, retellings like this give these myths more of a humanist perspective.

“Eve really picks apart our inherited beliefs and analyzes the impact of inheriting blindly, versus inheriting critically, these stories,” says O’Connor, “especially on women, but I think on anyone looking to exist in a meaningful way.”

Becky O’Connor’s debut novel, Eve, is published by Histria Fiction, and it released widely on March 3rd. Her audiobook reading is released through Simon and Schuster Audio.

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Democracy needs journalism more than ever. For 25 years, we’ve told the truth — your support helps us keep doing it for the next four and beyond. Administrations come and go. Our team stays, ready to lead no matter who’s in charge.

The post Artist Spotlight: Comedy Troupe Moms Unhinged | Local Author Becky O’Connor appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Illustrations and Design by Jackson Fojut

I’ve done a lot of fundraising over the years for nonprofits, campaigns, and causes I believed in. But this one’s different. This time, it’s for the work I’ve spent my life supporting.

My career came of age in a free press. I got my start in independent media at 21, on the advertising side, which was always enough to sustain the work we were doing. We never used to have to fundraise to be journalists.

For years, good journalism was funded by good advertising. That was the deal, and “Church and State” was gospel; the two should never marry. It worked until corporations swallowed up local media and that balance broke.

I am very proud of the work we produce for the community, which local businesses have sustained for 25 years. A huge thank-you to all the local organizations that have chosen Yellow Scene as a vital platform for reaching their neighbors. They understand that content is king; it’s what drives engagement and trust. For two and a half decades, Yellow Scene has delivered Boulder County & the North Metro directly to their doorsteps.

That’s what the Gala is about: not just raising funds, but raising hope. It’s the one night a year when we turn the hard work of journalism into joy, when readers, advertisers, and neighbors all share the same dance floor and remember why local stories matter.

Publisher’s Assistant Extraordinaire, Peter Constas. Photo by Dustin Doskocil, Dosko Photo.

The world has changed over the last 25 years. The common belief is that people don’t read because of digital disruption. I read an article once that called that lazy thinking. Besides, 86% of books are still sold on paper, and while Gen Z uses tech as much as the rest of us, they are more actively separating themselves from it. (See Peter Constas’ newest article, Confessions of a Digital Marketing Manager. He breaks down why, as a Gen Z, he left his digital marketing job for print).

Journalism didn’t die; hundreds of thousands still want to work in the field. It’s just that six major conglomerates own 85% of all media in the country. Today, Yellow Scene is the last and only locally owned, independent outlet serving all of Boulder County & the North Metro with authentic journalism.

I admire my peers at the Camera, who continue to show up and do the work despite operating under a hedge fund and with limited resources. They produce good work, and I love that together we can cover more stories in our shared backyard. We both know we need each other, and a piece of that was lost when the Boulder Weekly closed. I’m also grateful we still have KGNU, a vital source of local radio and community storytelling.

While I’m proud that Yellow Scene still adheres to old-school journalism principles and has never accepted any kind of pay-to-play content, we’re not swimming in resources either. Local advertising is no longer enough to sustain local journalism.

Digital saturation has us ignoring 87% of online advertising (while 50% of users rely on ad blockers), and more clients are realizing that social media alone isn’t enough to sustain a business. (After hosting plenty of events over the years, I can tell you social media alone is not enough to promote one).

People still read; they just need more platforms that recognize content is king. But journalism costs money, and sponsored content is free for outlets to publish. So we are left with a sea of “lifestyle” magazines filled with nothing but paid content.

Over the last 25 years, Yellow Scene has been free to pick up at newsstands, mailed free to homes, available online with no paywall, and free of influence on our journalism — and we intend to remain free. Through community support, we stay unapologetically unbought and unbossed. We’re hyper-local, rooted in Boulder County’s neighborhoods, small businesses, schools, and civic halls, because an informed community is a stronger community.

If we’ve got to fundraise to do journalism, we’re going to host a PARTY!

And this year’s party ROCKED THE HOUSE. The Pamlico Sound had the dance floor full all night. Guests came out dressed up, and for those who didn’t, we had glow necklaces, stick-on tattoos, feather boas, and even a few light-up bunny ears. But mostly, we danced the night away.

The Pamlico Sound, Oct 16th 2025, Yellow Scene 25th Anniversary Gala at The Louisville Underground

The Louisville Underground at TILT! proved to be the perfect venue, with guests flowing between the dance floor and the skee-ball lanes. We carried on the silver-and-gold theme; Peter in a shimmering silver turtleneck, me in a golden jumpsuit, and together we soaked in all the love.

We took the stage to thank everyone for their support and to reaffirm what the night represented: the power of truthful, local reporting. But mostly, we were there to party.

Magical Awakenings with Dan Liss offered tarot readings to curious party-goers, while Carnivale photo cutouts gave guests a chance to strike a pose and make memories. The Pamlico Sound is gearing up to release their new album Fun Key Van Gel Is Uhm and fundraises to keep their art alive. Jackson Fojut, our resident artist, created all of the designs for this year’s Gala, so that $8 a month helps support local artists as well.

We have a few choices today: sell out the journalism, quit, or fundraise. And since we’ve got an army of journalists who want to keep communities informed, we’re still selling ads, choosing fundraising — which is simply valuing the local news you get from your local platform — and making a few smart adjustments to keep Yellow Scene strong.

The first of those adjustments is that we’ll gradually begin to move our free home delivery to sustaining supporters. You can still pick us up in newsstands for free and find us online for free, but home delivery will begin to move to sustaining supporters. Eight dollars a month gets the printed copy delivered to your home and keeps local journalism in the community. We also know that readers retain seven times more information from print, and honestly, it’s a damn, nice, escape from the screen.

We’re honored to once again be part of the Colorado Media Project’s end-of-year Matching Grant, which kicks off on November 1, 2025. Through December 31, your support goes twice as far during this year’s #LocalNewsIsAPublicGood campaign. All donations are tax-deductible, including sustaining supporter contributions.

This means your $8 monthly contribution counts as $96 during the matching period. Our goal is $5,000, which comes down to just 52 new sustaining supporters — a small number with a big impact on keeping Yellow Scene independent, unbought, and unbossed.

Become a sustaining supporter at yellowscene.com/support or contribute through Colorado Gives at coloradogives.org/story/YellowScene

The room was filled with community: readers of Yellow Scene, supporters, local business owners, even elected officials, but all fans of authentic, local reporting. Most of all, the room was filled with love and a lot of dancing. That’s the point of the Gala, and of everything we do: to remind ourselves and our community that truth still has a dance floor.

Great local Yellow Scene partnerships to support:

I can not thank the staff and freelancers enough, because they are the lifeblood. But these local organizations are too.

The Aaron Harber Show

Alpaca Connection

Art Night Out Lafayette

Aspen Winds on Fall River

Bennetts Karate

Berkelhammer Tree Experts

Bluebird Music Festival

Blue Mountain Ranch Youth Camp

Boulder Chamber

Boulder Comedy Festival

Boulder Hybrids

Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra

Boulder Rock Club

Boulder Taco Fest

Bricks Retail

Busaba Thai

The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

Chiropractic Center of Erie

Colorado Green Plumbing

Colorado in a Basket

Colorado MahlerFest

Colorado Mountain Kava Company

Colorado Mountain Ranch

Cottonwood Farms

Crystal Ski Shop

Crystal Springs Brewing Company

D&K Tire & Service

Downtown Boulder Partnership

Dugout Grill & Bar

Efrains of Boulder

Elevated Communities Gently Used Clothing Boutique 

Energy Arts

Eric Olson Master Jeweler 

Erie Animal Hospital

Erie Social Club

Exploring Minds Academy 

Fowler Group

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance

Georgia Boys BBQ

Great Clips

Groundworks Art Lab

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar 

Harlequins Gardens

Hoshi Motors

Ivy Rose

Jaipur Indian Restaurant

Jasper Animal Hospital

Jax Outdoor Gear

Kalita Grill Greek Cafe 

Keene Smiles

KGNU Community Radio

Lafayette Chamber

Larkridge

Lee Hill Peat

Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company 

Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA)

Louisville Chamber

Longmont Museum

Longmont Theater Company 

Mana Thai Comfort Food 

Marcos Hot Dogs & Tacos

Moe’s Broadway Bagels

Monkton Guitars

Morning Glory Cafe

Moutus Theater

Moxie Bread Co

Kerix Health

Paragon Service Dogs

Paul’s Coffee

Paul Dart: Realtor

Pellman’s Automotive Service  

Piripi

Ras Kassa’s Ethiopian Restaurant 

Reinholt Tree Care

Rocky Mountain Equality

Roots Music Project

Rumbo 52 Cocina & Cantina

SALT

Santiago’s

School of Rock Boulder 

Taj Mahal 3 Restaurant & Bar

The Aaron Harber Show

The Sink

Si Senor! Real Mexican Food

Snarf’s Sandwiches 

Sojourneys Academy

Southpaw Electric Co. 

Spot Climbing Gym

Stacy’s Kitchen

Sugarbeet

Tangerine

Taylor Moving and Storage

Valar Aesthetics

Village Coffee Shop

YMCA of Northern Colorado

The post The Gala Was Grand! Celebrating 25 Years of Truth, Justice, and a Free Press appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

More than a hotdog stand, these Dogs are Gourmet

Fat and juicy, this sausage is one you’ll want to sit down for.
Rocket Dogs, the newest addition to the Tilt! Pinball and The Louisville Underground family, boasts not only gourmet and creative hot dogs, but also a smattering of sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Just like its older sibling establishments, Rocket Dogs has been deeply embedded in the Louisville community since its conception.

“If you come down and get a dog,” says Steve Long, founder and longtime Louisville resident, “most of the employees you interact with live here; the meat comes from one of the Louisville sausage companies, the beer is local. We aimed to be so ingrained in the community that you can’t separate Louisville from us.”

For Long, being a part of the community is more than just buying local products; his businesses can be seen as sponsors for local school fundraisers, nonprofits, and city events. Long knows his community, and he knows his clients. “I have gotten to watch so many kids grow up; they start coming in [to Tilt!] when they are just yay-high, “he gestures about three feet tall, “and now many are graduating from college.” This is what drives him to keep creating spaces.

Long’s sense of community can be seen in his perfect pairing: the Sonoran Dog, a  Top Rope Mexican Lager from The Post, and a game of Rocky and Bullwinkle Pinball. He explains, “It is inspired by the bacon-wrapped hot dogs sold in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico and Arizona. It’s smothered in pinto beans and pico de gallo, it’s not the kind of hot dog you just pick up and eat; you need a fork to really dive in.” These hot dogs remind him of time spent south of Colorado, enjoying different cultures and people, a kind of one-world society he’s brought to this small town.

If Long represents community, then his business partner, Mark Oberholzer, showcases the fun. His light and jovial nature shines bright immediately, and it’s essentially how he got involved in the business. “When Steve [Long] started Tilt!, he was the only one running it. I was a big pinball guy growing up, so I was there all the time.” Oberholzer goes on to explain that over time, he and Steve became good friends: “I would be playing a game late, Steve would want to go home, so he would give me the keys to lock up.”

As time went on, Long started to burn out running the pinball arcade alone and decided to close down. But Oberholzer wasn’t going to let that happen. “We bought in and moved the business to where it is now.”

It’s this teamwork that made Rocket Dogs possible. Oberholzer’s charismatic joy filters through to all employees, making them excited to show up day in and day out.

His perfect pairing? The Fancy Pants Hot Dog with a Crystal Springs Blood Orange Kölsch and a game of Addams Family pinball. “It’s a prosciutto-wrapped dog topped with whipped goat cheese, fig jam, a honey drizzle, and some arugula, so I can tell my wife I ate some greens.”

The last piece of this trifecta is creativity. Enter Chef Ben Keisler, the mastermind behind the deluxe menu. Keisler grew up in the restaurant industry, with his grandparents running The Old Louisville Inn, now 740 Front Street. “I grew up in the back of the restaurant and learned to really love cooking. I moved to Boulder to go to culinary school and have been cooking at various restaurants around town since.” While the newest addition to the trio, Keisler, expresses the same enthusiasm for the establishment as his counterparts, “I jumped when this opportunity came up. It was great food, really fun, and great vibes.”

Keisler’s love for his menu is shown in his perfect pairing, where he couldn’t pick just one entrée. For him, it’s a toss-up between the Sticky Thai Chicken Sandwich or the Seattle Dog, paired with a Crystal Springs Orange Kölsch, and a game of cornhole on the shop’s front patio. “The sandwich is tossed in Thai sticky sauce that we make in-house, caramelizing the garlic, ginger, green onions, then adding a whole bunch of Asian sauces.” He goes on to say that it’s served with spicy peppers and red onions, all presented on a choice of brioche or gluten-free bun.

To find your own perfect pairing, you can either enjoy Rocket Dogs at their storefront or order from next door at Tilt! Pinball, Louisville Underground, or Crystal Springs Brewing.

Like Journalism Like this? Consider becoming a Sustaining Supporter, and we can cover even more.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. For 25 years, we’ve told the truth — your support helps us keep doing it for the next four and beyond. Administrations come and go. Our team stays, ready to lead no matter who’s in charge.

Plus you get the hard copy delivered to your home—reading is good.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Off the Menu: Rocket Dogs 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. 

Proudly independent and locally owned.

LOUISVILLE, CO — October 4, 2025 — Yellow Scene Magazine is celebrating 25 years of independent journalism the best way we know how: with a dance party. The 25th Anniversary Fundraiser Gala will take place October 16 at The Louisville Underground, featuring Boulder’s own high-energy funk/soul band The Pamlico Sound.

Now celebrating 25 years, Yellow Scene remains the last locally owned, independent news outlet—print or digital—serving all of Boulder County. We’re proud supporters of nonprofit peers like KUNC and KGNU, but no other locally owned print news outlets continue to serve the region.

That independence matters. Yellow Scene is one of the rare platforms that does not accept sponsored content. What is sponsored content? Paid articles—but they aren’t tagged as advertising; they appear as actual articles. We choose to write the articles ourselves, thank you (and it won’t be about a car dealer unless they did something beyond fantastic—or, on the other end, less than fantastic).

And yes, we still print. We believe deeply in the power and permanence of the printing press.
Because print is real—you hold it, turn the pages, and when the content is compelling, you stop and read. Studies show we retain more information and place more trust in what we read in print. It lasts longer, it feels more personal, and it’s free of algorithms, AI, and digital noise. People actually prefer reading in print—so long as it’s good content. For us, it’s also a welcome break from the screen, a reminder that journalism is about connection, not clicks.

So when the going gets tough for independent media and you’ve got to do a fundraiser, what else is there to do but throw a party?

At our first Gala in 2023, Denver’s own Los Mochochetes brought the house down. Last year, the fabulous DJ Drake kept the crowd moving. This year, The Pamlico Sound brings the funk.

The Pamlico Sound is known for its “Jive Church” interactive experience, complete with an 11-piece band and four powerhouse vocalists. They’re electric—so we asked them to headline the Gala.

We’ll have glowy things, tattoos, a silent auction, and even a fortune teller. Dress however you want. No stilt-walkers this year—the ceilings are too low. Publisher Shavonne Blades will be rocking a gold disco pantsuit, and the band will bring more than enough energy for everyone.

Tickets are $25 and support the continuation of Yellow Scene’s independent journalism. Become a sustaining supporter and get the printed magazine delivered to your mailbox.

Turns out, keeping journalism alive can be a lot more fun than it sounds.

Tickets: https://fundrazr.com/YSGala2025

Yellow Scene Communications Team
advertising@yellowscene.com
303-828-2700 x500

The post Yellow Scene Celebrates 25 Years with a Funk-Filled Fundraiser Gala; Oct 16th, 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Many — well, at least some — people of Longmont, Lafayette, Firestone, Erie, and other smaller towns in the North Central Colorado Urban Area know their identity is more significant than the shadow of Denver and Boulder. Any city or town has a valuable character. The crucial essence of community is the need for local community engagement to build connective bridges. Appreciating local culture fosters connectivity and empathy. That is a lesson to heal the wounds of division and recognize that people are not as different as they seem. Deep down, most of the population wants the same things. We want love. We want security. We believe our ideas are right and just. We need community. Live music fulfills these needs. Stern natives and wide-eyed tourists alike appreciate and understand that spectacular attractions are everywhere, and are not limited to Colorado’s most famous locations, such as Denver, Boulder, or Vail. Successful art, art showcases, and visionary curation inspire and enlighten. This article reviews some of Northern Colorado’s optimal musical event hosts.

Nissi’s Entertainment

Located at the edge before West Boulder Road becomes East Boulder Road, on the southern side of U.S. Route 287, Nissi’s is 20 minutes from Denver and just outside Boulder, Colorado. In Longmont, Nissi’s Entertainment lineup typically covers bands. The main attraction is music; the gourmet scratch menu food contains devoted-serial portions. Nissi’s is the heart of Lafayette, a quaint and comfortable suburban area with expansive plains surrounding. Maintaining its unique cultural intrigue, its rejuvenated fatigue is far enough from Denver’s capital city hustle and bustle.

Nissi’s is a let-your-guard-down haven for bedroom dance lovers, finessing enthusiasts, and casual enjoyers. When people are out of their comfort zone, they grow. That is the need for live music. The venue is relaxing, obviously prioritizing fun.

Nissi’s features dark lighting and strobe projections. Depending on the night, the mysterious mixture of lavender, green, red, burgundy, and brightness, or darkness lack thereof, fills the walls. That is aesthetic ecstasy innovating the systems at the core of living — the function of culture. On an average evening, people reward monotonous daily routines with survival, openness, and embracing through the dancefloor’s entrance — expressions expanding and reflecting self-actualizing musical enlightenment manifested into the molding movement takeover of physical form. The honest intention of creation and performance is what matters at the end. Nissi’s is a service.

Muse Performance Space

At 164 E Boulder R in Lafayette, “The Muse” Performance Space shares a building with Snow-Hut and Russell Auto Services. The building does not appear glamorous; with its unassuming brown brick façade, the joint appears to be a typical office space. However, inside is an unpretentious, cozy, cool jazz hipster sanctuary-as-art-gallery. The Muse is a non-profit; music is the priority.

Fans know and love The Muse for its diverse musical styles, including laid-back jazz, rock, and singer-songwriter elements. They can kick back where lounge furniture would fit, but general admission standing floor and fold-up chair seating suffices. Enjoy a drink, and appreciate the inspiration that is well worth the money. The Muse is a noteworthy, busy listening party with a transforming weekly lineup.

Dog House Music Studios and Lafayette Music Fest

Kenny and Liz Vasko founded Dog House Music Studios after his mother died of cancer. Kenny quit his accounting job to pursue his musical ambitions. Liz power-houses the marketing operations. The company is lovable. While writing this article, Dog House Music earned 5 stars with 117 Google Reviews.

Dog House is a supreme one-stop Willy Wonka factory for musical artists and their audience. Dog House offers 23 recording studios, marketing support for musicians such as custom branding kits, live shows and music promotion, and live music. Their valiant hearts support individualistic creative principle.

Vasko co-founded the Lafayette Music Fest, a one-day festival that showcases local bands throughout Lafayette. The festival is an inspiring transit system thoroughfare of the area’s independent music scene, platforming performers and venues. This scene entity is just as captivating as any artistic happenings in the Denver and Boulder metro areas. The festival’s curation makes the Lafayette music scene special.

Lafayette has plenty of personality. What would our culture be without music and art to bring light and joy into our world? Everyone needs imagination.

Bricks on Main

Bricks on Main is one of the more popular downtown Longmont locations. Not only a music venue, the business earned its fans for regional community business artisan retail, and an outdoor market. All these attractions make Bricks on Main a prime location for tourists and locals seeking fun and leisure downtown. Patrons can enjoy great food and drinks with a cozy, welcoming, and home-style feel.

Every Tuesday at 6 p.m., Bricks on Main hosts an open mic. Wednesday evenings at 6 are usually for karaoke. The Refit Dance Class meets once a week, either on Wednesdays or Sundays at 12:30 pm. Expect live shows every other night of the week (except Mondays). The venue features a mix of blues, jazz, and rock, with musicians from diverse backgrounds.

Bricks on Main proudly presents everything from stripped-down singer-songwriter jams to full-band performances. In a world where social media and international affairs dominate much of the narrative, Bricks on Main has a grassroots culture. It gives musicians and businesses bright happiness for their patrons, engaging audience participation. Bricks on Main relates to all these venues for the heroic act of championing local creatives.

Non-profit — Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation

Northglenn Arts, the city’s cultural services division, is made possible through Northglenn Arts & Humanities Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization formed in 1990. It provides community-enriching creative expression opportunities and performances throughout Northglenn, including the Parsons Theatre, Festival Lawn, city parks, and schools.

Northglenn Arts engages the city. Musical non-profits financially support the integrity and esteem of Colorado’s creative culture. Accessible art is essential in a critically competent, educated, and liberated world. Championing less-experienced artists or performers to grow facilitates pride in significant Colorado artistry. Artistic access nurtures an ecosystem of ecstatic self-actualization, self-awareness, social awareness, and insight.

Without those masters of perspective, imagination, and attitude expressing and sharing their inventions, our communities would be bleaker, darker, and ignorant. When a society loses art, it has failed. Art is the final frontier of faith.

Honorable Mentions

In downtown Longmont, “The Speakeasy” at 301 Main St is a distinct aesthetic portal into a vintage pastiche of the 1920s and early 1930s.

The Louisville Underground has an appropriate name. The venue is located at “The Corner,” 640 Main Street, Louisville, CO, and has an off-the-radar feel. Soon, it switches from comedy and musical acts on Fridays and Saturdays, such as silent discos and bands.

In Longmont, @ 350 Terry St Suite #120, Abbott and Wallace is an intriguing distillery with a rustic atmosphere. They regularly have bands and musical acts perform on Friday and Saturday @ 6 p.m.

In Longmont @ 1265 Boston A, Left Hand Brewing Co. makes some of the finest beer in Colorado and hosts live music frequently.

In Longmont @ 1640 S Sunset St, Oskar Blues is a brilliantly eccentric hub famous for its fantastic food and beverages. It also showcases monthly music.

@  2025 Ionosphere St, The Longmont Social is a tap room and kava bar with a cultured vibe, with various activities, including axe throwing, VR games, and live music!

Thanks to all who understand this urgency. Whether for profit or non-profit, everyone must make a living. Musicians and artists need local venues to get their big break or take a break from touring to ride the relevancy wave near their home base. The populace needs these venues. Showing appreciation is an important service for the great inspirational and emotionally fulfilling fruit they grow for our communities. The arts are the foundation of a joyous world. Lovely music and art teach purpose: The highest form of reasonable meaning, and the fortitude to stay alive. Community organization is surviving and thriving in the East-of-Boulder Area, Colorado music scene.

Like journalism like this? Support the local press that’s been telling the truth for 25 years. Become a sustaining member and get our monthly print edition at home. We’ve weathered 9/11, floods, fires, economic crashes—and some deeply chaotic years. With your support, we’ll keep going. Because democracy still depends on journalism.

The post Appealing East Boulder County Summer Venues appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Howlin Goatz, Wendy Woo, and The Ghost Towners @ The Fox Theater

With Howlin Goatz bluesy Americana, Wendy Woo’s echoing power pop stylings, and The Ghost Towners’ country-rock dynamic, this unique showcase of local Colorado talent offers up diverse sounds with a consistent rock ‘n’ roll energy. And you know that this all ages show is going to be a party because the show falls on Wendy Woo’s birthday and she plans to celebrate in style. Join the festivities at Fox Theater on January 23. Tickets are on sale for $15 from Fox Theater.

Yachty Got Back @ Nissi’s

The Ultimate Yacht Rock experience comes ashore in Lafayette as Yachty Got Back takes over Nissi’s. With three female and one male vocalists, a talented four-piece horn section, and an expanded rhythm section, Yachty pays tribute to the best in ‘70s and ‘80s soft rock classics. All aboard for this campy extravaganza on January 31 with tickets starting at $15 a piece from Nissi’s.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists with Spells @ The Oriental Theater

Long-standing indie punk darlings Ted Leo and the Pharmacists make a stop in Denver as they tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their renowned fourth album Shake the Sheets. The record, which was released in 2004 on now-defunct powerhouse pop-punk label Lookout! Records, Shake the Sheets cemented the reputation of a band that was already rapidly on the rise in the early 2000s. Sharing the stage will be local Denver-based band Spells who describe their style of garage rock as “vacation rock.” This stop on the nostalgic tour takes place on January 25 and tickets start at $29.50 from The Oriental Theater.

Global Roots Ensemble @ The Muse Performance Space

Send your soul on a trip around the world when world music collective Global Roots Ensemble brings their musical cornucopia of modal jazz, Indian ragas, Delta blues, and folk to Lafayette. Having played everywhere from jazz clubs in Denver to music festivals in India, the seasoned band brings their talents home to spark your imagination and feed your musical heart. Happening on January 12, tickets are $25 from The Muse Performance Space, but they do run $10 for kids and students.

SocialFuse, Half Zen, Britt and the Boys, Grey Matter Circus “Live on the Lanes” @ 100 Nickel

Rock out while you knock the bowling pins out with this evening of guitar-driven alt-rock bands based in Colorado. Rescheduled from November 8, the show promises to be worth all the wait as Denver-by-way-of-Littleton band SocialFuse’s unique blending of powerful pop melodies and edgy rock guitars will soothe the savage soul of any die-hard rock fan. Grab your bowling ball on January 31. Tickets run $13 at 100 Nickel but keep in mind that signing up to bowl costs extra. Any tickets you may have purchased for the cancelled November date will be honored as well.

Paizley Park: A Tribute to Prince @ The Louisville Underground

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to pay tribute to the late rock legend Prince. Sadly, Prince died at all too young an age in 2016, leaving a gaping hole in the music world. While nobody could ever truly replace Prince, Philip Lamar and his band Paizley Park are keeping the spirit of The Artist alive with Lamar’s spot-on takes on Prince’s vocal style. This loving tribute takes place on February 1 and tickets start at $17.50 from The Louisville Underground.

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The post Scene Stealers | Jan 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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November Line-UP

We have a great line-up of shows for you in November including our TV Game Show Night, an improv show, stand-up comedy, and live music from Stacey Turpenoff and Weary Bones Duo, plus a throw back 70’s disco party with DJ Nepal. We cap off the month with a holiday special comedy show featuring Bad Santa himself, David Testroet.

This Saturday Night’s Stacey Turpenoff Band show is Bring a Friend Night for our VIPs. Enter code VIP on the Eventbrite ticketing page and get  50% off. Bring along a friend or another couple and double your fun. Stacey has one of the best voices around and she will be playing your favorite music from Linda Ronstadt, The Doobie Bros, Little Feat and more. Get ready to dance!

The post November Events at The Louisville Underground appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

From left: David Weingarden, Ian Steele, Daniela Acosta, Marc Gitlin, Stacy Gitlin, Rita Valente-Quinn, Steve Long, Kenzie Rosen-Stone, Armando Peniche, Mark Oberholzer. Photo credit: Paul Wedlake

Keeping performance and music alive in our communities

As we continue our Heroes series, we turn this month to our stages. These rooms are sacred places, the places we go to get lost in a crowd, to share a story, to learn and love and dance and cry. These are rooms bathed in cool light, filled with exalted souls, the hearts of strangers intertwined and filled with moments that will never again exist in quite the same way but live on because they were shared. They are the places we spend nights with our friends and lovers. They exist for us, the audience, clapping hands, raised voices, full hearts. No matter how heavy life can get, we have our stages to go to to let the worries of the rest of the world fall away for a few hours so we can breathe and laugh and remember what it is to be weightless. The people that run these venues do so for that reason, because they themselves know the power of performance and how important it is for people to have places to go to get a little lost. 

We spoke to 9 representatives from vastly different kinds of venues. Some are solely for music, some for theater and opera, some for comedy, some a mix of it all. While the purposes of these spaces might be quite disparate, each person we spoke with truly believes in the importance of music and performance in their communities.

David Weingarden spoke to this idea quite beautifully. Weingarden is the booking manager for z2 Entertainment, Colorado’s largest independent music promotion company which is responsible for the management of Boulder’s Fox Theater and Boulder Theater as well as Fort Collins’ historic Aggie Theater, among many others. Also a member of the Colorado Independent Venue Association, Weingarden told me, “Art, music and culture, that’s the most important thing to a community. I think that not only because it just makes it different and less homogenized, but it really brings communities together. There’s not much better than hanging out with your friends and going to see live music, especially with a band that you love.” He went on to highlight the importance of venues from an economic perspective, describing a study done in Chicago that found that, for every dollar spent on concert tickets, 12 dollars are given to the community. Before a concert, people tend to get drinks and food. We take Ubers and hire babysitters. This all serves to support the community as a whole.

“Art, music and culture, that’s the most important thing to a community. I think that not only because it just makes it different and less homogenized, but it really brings communities together. There’s not much better than hanging out with your friends and going to see live music, especially with a band that you love.”

Grace Barrett, the communications director for Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, echoed this idea. She told me, “Planet Bluegrass is somewhere that people can come and escape and be their best selves. Philosophically, it is so important for people to have that outlet.” She also spoke about how the venue brings in attention and business for Lyons, feeding the soul of the community while also supporting it financially.

“Planet Bluegrass is somewhere that people can come and escape and be their best selves. Philosophically, it is so important for people to have that outlet.”

This theme of community support recurred throughout all of the conversations I had. Kenny Vasko, who runs the practice and recording studio Dog House Music in Lafayette with his wife, Liz, recently threw the first ever Lafayette Music Festival. This was a massive boon for the town as it took place across 6 different venues and featured local acts, shining a light on the incredible musicians that call Boulder County home. This was the culmination of years of work for the Vaskos. Kenny told me, “I always want to be in the business of making people happy” before telling me how Liz, who has a degree in community development, was the first to truly recognize Dog House’s potential. Kenny told me, “When she first saw Dog House, the first thing she thought was ‘wow, this is a community.’” They then put their efforts into using their business to support their home and the musicians they share it with as much as possible.

“I always want to be in the business of making people happy.”

Boulder’s Roots Music Project is a non-profit that dedicates itself to this idea. Run by musicians and music lovers from Boulder County, Roots is a music incubator that advocates for social justice while providing a platform for local musicians. I spoke with Ian Steele, the sound and stage manager for the organization. A life-long musician himself and a truly cool guy, he told me:

“Our philosophy is to foster and grow the music community in Boulder and the whole Front Range. To do that is to connect fans to artists and music professionals, and venues to clients. We are very lucky to have the family that we do and the connections that we have.”

Motus Theater is another group that combines performance with social issues. I had the opportunity to speak with producing director Rita Valente-Quinn and program director and performer Armando Peniche. Both immigrants and incredibly warm people, they told me about Motus’s mission. Valente-Quinn said, “Our mission is to create original theater, conversation about critical issues of our time, and build alliances across segments of our community and country.” Motus uses monologues to tell the stories of immigrants and the effects of colonialism in America. Peniche discovered Motus by participating in a currently ongoing series titled “UndocuAmerica,” an autobiographical monologue project in which young leaders with DACA status collaborate with Motus’ Artistic Director, Kirsten Wilson, to write and perform their stories. Motus and visual artist Edica Pacha collaborated in a mural project that featured the “UndocuAmerica” monologists in murals put up around Denver and Boulder in the summer of 2022.

“Our mission is to create original theater, conversation about critical issues of our time, and build alliances across segments of our community and country.”

This sense of liberation through performance was another recurring theme in these conversations. Melissa McGowan, executive director of Lafayette’s multimedia space the Arts Hub, described having performance in her blood, saying “[her] family started a summer theater for children” that she worked at as a youth. Since, she’s worked in performance spaces from a young age and has brushed with just about every type of performance there is in her career, including haunted houses and renaissance fairs. McGowan incorporates her extensive experience into the Arts Hub as it is home to dance troupes, community plays, educational shows for kids, and much more.

Faye Lamb, president of the Longmont Theater, and Daniela Acosta, founder of the Boulder Opera Company, also hold performance deep in their souls and have for quite some time. Each of them spoke about their illustrious careers with humility and a kind of reverence. Lamb told me she has “a tremendous passion for the creation of art. I look at these as art. I don’t use the word entertainment, but people need a place to go and then tap their toe or be happy.”

“I look at these as art. I don’t use the word entertainment, but people need a place to go and then tap their toe or be happy.”

Acosta grew up in Spain where she discovered her love of opera but didn’t start performing professionally until moving to New York. She now uses her company to share that love with people who otherwise may not have been exposed to the art form, striving to make it accessible for the curious but not fully sold. She told me:

“I love to tell a story through singing and acting and emceeing and moving people in a way that no other art can do.”

Steve Long, who owns Louisville Underground, and Marc Gitlin, owner of Nissi’s in Lafayette, understand a simple truth about owning venues: they are places for people to go and just have a good time. Louisville Underground features a wide variety of acts. They host comedy nights, open mics, improv, local bands, Halloween silent discos, and much more. Long told me:

“We’re a small intimate venue. How many friendships and connections are made through people attending events?”

Gitlin furthered this sentiment. Nissi’s just moved from it’s previous location to a new one and revamped itself in the process. A big room ready to be filled with music, Nissi’s features local music acts, comedians, as well as speakers and activists that raise money for social causes. Gitlin spoke to me about the need for variety in a more suburban place such as Lafayette, saying:

“I have to be eclectic, because we’re not in an urban area. I reach different demographics that enjoy different things. I noticed venues that were mostly rock bars would be limited to 50 or 60 people. I found early on about a location that you can’t depend on one kind of thing.” 

These people keep light alive when things get dark. They provide us joy and inspiration, stories and music, that which defines a person, that shapes character. Give it up for them.

STANDING (from left): Kenzie Rosen-Stone, Mark Oberholzer, Rita Valente-Quinn, Armando Peniche, Daniela Acosta, Marc Gitlin, Stacy Gitlin. KNEELING (from left): Ian Steele, Steve Long, David Weingarden. Photo credit: Paul Wedlake

The post The Heroes: Stages of Boulder County appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The Song of the Lorax at Dairy Center for the Arts

Visit the Dairy Center for the Arts for a fascinating, immersive experience combining live music with spoken word, incredible photos and sound installation. The Song of the Lorax is a new multimedia show that includes live music performed by the Ivalas String Quartet with a forest sound installation, spoken word, and photography by conservation photographer T.J Watt. The exhibit is designed to inspire viewers to understand the worsening effects of climate change, but also to offer hope for the future. Nov. 26 and 27 at the Carsen Theater, Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder. Tickets range from $10–$30 at thedairy.org. All proceeds benefit the Ancient Forest Alliance.

The Goonies 80’s band at The Louisville Underground

Sometimes, you just wanna enjoy your favorite hits from the 80’s played by a live band, and no one in Colorado delivers better than The Goonies. The Boulder-based quartet is a peerless high-energy party band that skims the catalogue of all of your favorites, ranging from A-ha to Bonnie Tyler to The Cure, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Joan Jett, the Human League, MJ, Prince, Pat Benetar, Journey, Madonna, and dozens more. And they’re a perfect match for getting together with friends during the holiday season at The Louisville Underground, 640 Main Street in Louisville on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $18 at thelouisvilleunderground.com.

Camp Christmas by the Denver Center of Performing Arts

Camp Christmas at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park

One of the biggest and most popular new Denver traditions is back for another dazzling year of lights and spectacle. Visit the immersive winter wonderland that is the Denver Center’s Camp Christmas. It’s a 6-acre landscape filled with decorations, music, memorabilia, and more. You can bring the family to visit the Jolly Old Elf himself on select days, enjoy seasonal cocktails and hot cocoa throughout the tour and, of course, grab the perfect ‘gram-ready photo at tons of different holiday photo installations. Tickets range from $8–$25 at DenverCenter.org. The installation runs through Jan. 2, 2022 at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 S. Yarrow Street, Lakewood.

Al Franken at Boulder Theater

You might remember Al Franken as the former Democratic Senator from Minnesota who served from 2009 to 2018, when he stepped down amid allegations of sexual misconduct. But long before his stint on Capitol Hill, he was a popular comedian and one of the original staff writers on Saturday Night Live where his trademark character Stuart Smalley seeped into national consciousness. He’s back on tour now, with his comedic sights set firmly on his stint in the Senate and his experience with one of the more contentious “me too” movement moments. At the Boulder Theater, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50, bouldertheater.com for more information.

White Christmas at BDT Stage

Relive the magic and holiday wonder of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as BDT Stage spruces up for the season. This perennial favorite captures the original splendor of the Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye film — live and on stage. Enjoy the story of singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they join with sisters Betty and Judy Haynes to perform an annual Christmas show. Holiday tickets always go fast, and with a delicious dinner included, this ticket is sure to sell out well in advance. Nov. 13–Jan. 8, 2022 at BDT Stage, 5501 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder. 303.449.6000 or bdtstage.com. Tickets range from $70–$80.

Sound of Music at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Another local dinner theater is bringing out the classics — this time with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Sound of Music. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse presents this popular musical featuring all the classics — from “My Favorite Things” to “Do Re Mi” and “16 Going on 17.” Both dinner and show-only options are available, plus select Wednesday shows are dessert-only options, so there are a variety of prices and meals for every taste and budget. Tickets range from $29–$66, Nov. 26–Jan. 30, 2022. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 970.744.3747 or coloradocandlelight.com. 

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