Annaleigh Ashford: From Waders to Wicked Tony Award winner to headline Saturday Night Alive

Labeled a “The Teen to Watch” (Rocky Mountain News) when she was only fourteen, Wheatridge-born Annaleigh Ashford was destined for greatness from an early age. Having studied at the Kit Andreé Dance studio, this hometown girl got her start at the age of nine playing Tina Denmark in Ruthless! at Denver’s Theatre on Broadway. Now […]

Getting Spooky In Denver

From the archives: this article was originally published on August 16, 2023 Walking in downtown Denver, you’ll see young couples with dogs, old folks carrying Trader Joe’s grocery bags, and bicyclists racing down Broadway. You might not even be aware of the Gothic subculture living its best life in Denver. In case you’re confused, we […]

Area Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth

Being a teenager is tough. You’re dealing with puberty and hormones; pressure from school, peers and parents, plus self-consciousness exacerbated by social media. Now, consider being an LGBTQ+ teenager. All of the normal anxiety plus the risk of being marginalized, ostracized or outright unwelcome. Fortunately, there are amazing support opportunities right here in our community, […]

Weird Attractions in Denver

Denver maintains an abundance of stereotypes. Behold: the outdoorsy types, wearing Patagonia and hiking every weekend, spending their paychecks at REI. There’s the craft beer types, wearing flannel with the sleeves rolled up (often with tattoos on display), debating the polarizing IPA selection at their favorite local brewery. Denverites are always dog owners, Trader Joe’s […]

Phamaly Theatre Company: Empowering the Community through Education

Phamaly Theatre Company’s “creative home for theatre artists with disabilities” does more than provide opportunities for actors to shine on stages across the Denver metro area. The company aims to transform the entire theatre industry so that all artistic spaces are willing to create accommodations for artists and uplift disabled voices. Until then, Phamaly will […]

Flytraps, Corpses, Joe Pesci: A fact-finding mission to Denver Botanic Gardens

I will be frank: the Denver Center Theatre Company production of Little Shop of Horrors has shaken my gardening confidence. If the story of Mushnik’s Flower Shop taught me one thing, it’s that plant care is a life-threatening and morally fraught enterprise. So, with spring and a sense of doom in the air, I made […]

Black-Owned Restaurants Within 3 Miles of the Arts Complex

Please note: Restaurant hours, locations, and menus are subject change, so please visit the restaurant website or call in advance of visiting. There is no shortage of restaurant roundups that feature Black-owned businesses, but this one is intended to get you to the show on time! These local establishments are all within three miles of […]

Black Musicians Impact Local Music Scene

From the archive: this article was originally published on September 12, 2023 THE WIZ is coming to the Buell Theatre this April. The groundbreaking musical influenced a variety of genres of music and musicians of all ages. We’re fortunate to have Black musicians, based here in Colorado, who have been influential and entertaining, creating their […]

11 Black-Owned Colorado Businesses You Should Visit

This season like many others, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts offers a rich sampling of productions written by or starring Black artists, including the upcoming THE WIZ and The Hot Wing King. To celebrate local Black entrepreneurs and creators, here are 11 Black-owned Colorado businesses you should know and support. THE BETTER MATTRESS […]

Botanical Restaurants & Shops in Denver

Little Shop of Horrors has the entire city of Denver in a botanical frame of mind. Not to worry – there are certainly spots around town with plants that aren’t interested in your blood. Whether you’re looking for a coffee shop, bookstore, restaurant, or bar, these local businesses have got you covered for foliage and […]