festival

Mile High Holiday Mart 2013 – Get a Jumpstart on Holiday Shopping

/ DenverSpeax

Get ready – this weekend has a ton of cool events going on in and around the Denver area. One of which will help you get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping, so definitely mark your calendar!…or be one of those people rushing around with 1000s of your city friends finding gifts at the last minute… no thanks!

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Denver Skyline – Picture Courtesy of the Denver Junior League, Nov 2013

We’ll pick the latter, and show up to Denver Junior League’s Mile High Holiday Mart, running this Friday, November 22nd – Sunday, November 24th, 2013; children 12 and under are free, however tickets for adults range $10 (in advance) – $12 (at the door). Different than previous years, the event will be held at Denver Marriott Tech Center.

Per the Junior League’s website:

Public Shopping Hours
Friday, November 22nd: 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday, November 24th: 11 am – 4 pm

Flier Courtesy of the Denver Junior League, Nov 2013

Also take a look at the Junior League’s website for other special events happening at the Mile High Holiday Mart 2013.

This is a great way to not only kick off your extensive holiday shopping, but also to pick up some unique gifts from various local and guest vendors. Not sure about you, but it’s important for us to have unique gifts for our friends and family that they CANNOT find in department stores or other retail chains, not only because we are new to the area but also because we like to support our local Denver economy.

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Denver Broncos – Orange Ride 2013 – Bikes & Football

/ DenverSpeax

Late last night, my friend Michael told me of this glorious event occurring this Sunday, October 27th – The Orange Ride! It can’t be true… mixing bikes with football?! Yes. Ohhhhh, yes, my friends –

it’s true.

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Click on the picture to get more info on the Denver Broncos Orange Ride happening this Sunday, October 27th, 2013. Credit: Denverbroncos.com, Oct 2013

Not only do I love football, but I also love getting outside and riding my bicycle. We’re so fortunate to live in a city where bike riding is encouraged not only as a means for fitness and transportation, but also for fun! 2013 marks the year for the 4th Annual Orange Ride in which fans are encouraged to wear orange and “ride to the game”.

Like the above flyer states, there are two ways to master the Orange Ride – ride to the game from home, OR meet up with 1000’s of your closest, orange-clad pals at the Denver Pavilions  at 10 am to party and THEN ride at noon.

And, please – don’t forget your orange. You don’t want to be heckled, do you? See you there!

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The Story Portal – How cool is THAT?

/ DenverSpeax

An interactive stage built around the idea of sharing real, true, and raw experience, The Story Portal is trying to raise money for further improving this project, and taking it to the grand stage of Burning Man in August 2013; visit their official website to lend your support. Check out their Facebook Page and see what they’re all about – it’s a very unique and interesting concept of community that I think would be incredible to experience live!

Credit to the StoryPortal’s official site for the video posted here.

https://www.facebook.com/TheStoryPortal
http://thestoryportal.org

Colorado Irish Festival – July 12-14, 2013

/ DenverSpeax

Driving to Littleton the other morning on my way to breakfast, I saw a sign advertising the 19th annual Colorado Irish Festival coming up this Friday through Sunday in Clement Park, Littleton, CO. Back in Michigan, there were two Irish Music Festivals that we made sure to attend every year – the music is so wonderful, the beer is always flowin’, and it’s a great way to hang out with family / friends! So of course, immediate reaction: I’m going.

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Map of the Festival, courtesy (and credit to) Colorado Irish Festival’s Official site for posting.

I checked out the site to see what to expect. Tickets range in price, and this late in the game, can either be bought at a local King Soopers, or at the gate. The tickets at King Soopers will be a bit lower in price, and save you from having to wait in line at the gate. For ticket pricing for each day, click here to be taken to the ticket info through Colorado Irish Festival’s site. There is even a VIP ticket option that gives you special viewing access to the main stage, snacks, and private bar (to name a few benefits). The festival opens Friday night, with FREE admission from 5 – 6 pm, and closes at 10 pm. Saturday, the Festival will be open from 10 am – 10 pm, and Sunday is open from 10 am to 7 pm. Scared of the parking situation? No worries – parking is free at Columbine High School, with shuttles available to bring you and your family to and from the Festival. For more info regarding what’s allowed on the premises, what bands are playing, and where to be at what time, click on the map to the left.

Kids 12 and under are in FREE with adult, so this is a perfect opportunity to get outside with the kids, and enjoy some good Irish fun! Even if attending for one of the three days, I think the ticket prices are well worth the experience!

Hope the festival kicked off right today – looking forward to stopping by tomorrow!

The UMS – Underground Music Showcase

/ DenverSpeax
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Credit: https://www.facebook.com/umsdenver – Please visit their site for additional information! (click on pic)

DenverSpeax can’t wait for this local festival to show its face July 18 – 21st, 2013! With over 400+ performances in 20 venues, many of which supporting local acts, this is going to be an event to NOT miss this summer. Also, per the UMS Facebook page, tomorrow night at 3 Kings Tavern on Broadway you can hang with some of the bands, drink some Breckenridge brews (possible free-ness going on there as well), and purchase discounted UMS tickets. 

Write the festival dates AND the event tomorrow down on your calendar – hopefully see you all tomorrow night! Let’s make a sweet showing and support UMS. 

Make Music Denver! – FREE event – Friday, June 21st

/ DenverSpeax

Make Music Denver! - FREE event - Friday, June 21st

(Credit: Make Music Denver Official Website, June 2013.)
Make Music Denver is making their 2nd Annual showing this Friday, June 21st, presented by the Downtown Denver Partnership and the Downtown Business Improvement District. Per the website (click on picture), downtown Denver will support musicians from 520 cities and 106 countries at varies venues from 8 AM to 8 PM. This event is FREE and for ALL AGES. Take a peak at the site for venue and additional info. Also, check out Make Music Denver’s Facebook page, and like ‘em. Support local events, local artist, and local movements. See you there!

Westword Music Showcase – Are you ready?

/ DenverSpeax
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Denver’s Most Popular Music Festival – Credit: Westword Music Festival’s Official Site (click photo to visit!)

This Saturday, June 22nd, Denver hosts 150+ bands on 12 (or 13 – the website says both) stages, filling the Golden Triangle Neighborhood and beyond with sound from multiple genres. Taking place from 12 pm to 10 pm on Acoma Street in between 11th and 12th, Tickets range between $30 – $100 and are non-refundable as this is a rain or shine event. Please keep in mind that while the main, outdoor stage IS all ages, other stages may be restricted to 21+ and 18+. Check the website for further details regarding restrictions.

Denver is well known for its talented local music scene. Home to great venues like the Ogden, the Fillmore, and the Bluebird, it’s no sweat for a festival such as the Westword Music Showcase to pick 150 local bands out of the Denver music crowd. Even better, Denver has so many great locations outdoors that, paired with the amazing summer weather, create incredible concert venues.

A few things to keep in mind regarding this show:

  • Chairs are not allowed, but blankets are totally fine.
  • You are unable to BYOB & snacks, but there will be plenty of restaurant sponsors available as well as alcohol for sale. All cash basis – ATM’s will be scattered.
  • You can ride your bike, but it can’t come in with you. Make sure to bring your Ulock and lock that baby up outside.
  • Your four-legged friend will need to have a nice, quiet night. No animals allowed, unless they’re service animals.
  • Leave your toy / squirt guns at home. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
  • It’s going to be a hot one! Bring your suncreen, a floppy hat, and empty camelpack or large water bottle. Stay hydrated.

With that said, let’s get down to the music. A few bands really caught my attention:

The Mowgli's in Kansas City - Credit: Mowgli's Facebook Page Photos

The Mowgli’s in Kansas City – Credit: Mowgli’s Facebook Page Photos

The Mowgli’s
No, it’s not just because my dog’s name is Moguly. I’ve heard this San Fran-based band on Denver’s Modern Rock Channel 93.3 since I’ve been in town, and love their fun, upbeat tempo. Also, for some reason, their music brings me back to freshman year of college, hanging out in my best friend’s dorm room at MSU listening to The Polyphonic Spree… with a handful of folk. The two bands have similar positive, group vocals that really pick you up, which is probably why I made such a crazy reference. Either way, the Mowgli’s musical definition of spreading joy, love, and unity totally bursts out of each song I’ve heard; what else can you expect from an 8-piece band whose lives have been intertwined since childhood? Looking forward to seeing these guys on the Main Stage at 3:05 pm this Saturday.

BLKHRTS - Gothic Rap group based out of Denver, CO.

BLKHRTS – Gothic Rap group based out of Denver, CO. Credit: BLKHRTS Facebook Photos.

BLKHRTS
Powerful. This gothic rap group’s music is so incredibly mood-influencing, and full of power not only due to their smooth-running voices, but also due to the steadily building beats the tracks are laid on. Denver’s own BLKHRTS, influenced by Sex, Drugs, Violence, Money, Death and LOVE (per their facebook page), is so hard to pinpoint a musical influence due to their originality. Their music, website, and entire presence screams contagious creativity that I can’t wait to see on Saturday. BLKHRTS will be at the City Hall Amphitheater at 5:15 pm.

Fresh Breath Committee
Classically smooth beats with mindful rhymes describes this hip-hop / rap genre group, Fresh Breath Committee. A distant reminder of Tribe Called Quest, this 7-member group consists of 5 talented MC’s, all featured on their own self-titled record label, Fresh Breath Committee LLC. This is definitely a group I’ll be considering for my own personal summer soundtrack while chilling in City Park. Take a peak at their Facebook page to check out their songs before the show Saturday; they’ll be at the City Hall Street Level stage at 6 pm.

There’s a few to get you started. Again, check out the schedule, scope out some band’s pages, and prepare yourself for a Saturday of awesome music in our most awesome city. Hope you have a great time, and we’ll see you there!

Come find DenverSpeax at the Westword Music Showcase this Saturday, June 22nd.

Come find DenverSpeax at the Westword Music Showcase this Saturday, June 22nd.

Riot Fest – Denver, CO – September 2013

/ DenverSpeax

Riot Fest - Denver, CO - September 2013

The Riot Fest line-up looks sick this upcoming September. Make sure you tell your boss that weekend is BOOKED. Credit: (Denver) Riot Fest

Although two tiers of the 2-day Riot Fest Show (Saturday, September 21st – Sunday, September 22nd) have already been sold out, DenverSpeax is totally committed to 8+ tickets to this incredible line up in Byers, Colorado. If you haven’t checked out the line-up yet, I urge you to click click click. Bad Religion? Blink 182? Devotchka? Yes, please!

Camping is yet to be announced, but we’ll be snatching up some spots for a little adult-friendly camping time.

Hope to see you there – grab your tickets quick.