WEEKLY EVENTS: January 10, 2014 – January 16, 2014

Dear Denver, How is 2014 treating you?  Has your year gotten off to the kind of start that you were hoping for?

A few weeks ago, I read a blog post called, “Wanna Play a Game?”  It inspired me to think about the kind of life that I want to have, without judging my current life or thinking that I may be “doing it wrong”.  This “game” not only helps you identify what you would like to create in your life, but it also helps you acknowledge the things you have accomplished and the successes you want to maintain.  My list is below.  Take a few moments to jot down your own list and see what happens.

And after that, peep the below list of stuffs to do in D-Town this week.  (And as always, check-out Westword’s 10 things to do for $10 in Denver blog for free/low-cost events this weekend.)

Wouldn’t it be cool if I could pay off all of my credit cards this year?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I was able to transform my current position into the exact job I wanted?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I could have a little yard to entertain friends in?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I had a spare bedroom for guests?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I stayed in shape for the rest of my life?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I always took really good care of myself?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I rarely felt hungover?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I were never cranky again due to lack of sleep?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I always remained a huge part of my nephews’ life?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I could generate revenue from my blog?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I could be the person I wanted to be in the face of any situation?
Wouldn’t it be cool if I were fearless?

Yeah.

Friday, January 10 & Saturday, January 11, 2014 @ 10am – 5pm: Free Day at the Denver Zoo

Come get your animal exploration this Friday and Saturday at the Denver Zoo from 10am – 5pm.  Not sure when to go?  Peep the website to view times for feedings and shows.  FREE.  Admissions are open 10am to 4pm; grounds close at 5pm.

Friday, January 10, 2014 @ 3 – 11pm: Grand Opening at Stem Ciders

The RiNo hood recently gave birth to a new cidery!  Come help them celebrate while sipping on a pint of adult apple juice.  There will be two food trucks, Kuechos and Crock Spot, slingin’ delicious eats, and Lineage Music playing bluegrass from 7 – 10pm. And bring your dancing shoes cause there will be plenty of room to get your groove on.  FREE.  Plus!  If you have yet to try Uber car service yet, download the app, and use the promo code STEMCIDERS for a free ride up to $20.

Friday, January 10, 2014 @ 7 – 10pm: Por Fin Es Friday at Hooked on Colfax

Do you speak Spanish or kind of speak Spanish?  Have you been looking for an opportunity to practice?  Then dust off those tildas and head on over to Hooked on Colfax this Friday night to have some drinks, roll your Rs, and make some new amigos.  Como se dice, “Happy new year, jerk”?  FREE!

Friday, January 10, 2014 @ 9pm: The Rap-A-Thon Part II at The Savoy at Curtis Park

It’s a marathon of raps! The bell tolls at 9pm when the MCs will kick rhymes (freestyles are not necessary) nonstop until midnight. The first Rap-a-Thon was epic; join this crew as they continue making history.  Hosted by Ru Black and Lizzy Brodie.   There are almost 100 MCs on deck, and this event is FREE!  Holla!

Friday, January 10, 2014 @ 9:30pm: Films on Tap: Harry Potter at the SIE FilmCenter

You’ve played drinking games at home, now play them with the Denver Film Society! They give you the rules and thanks to Breckenridge Brewery, the first 50 guests get their first drink on the house! And because there is no score, everybody wins! Drink specials run all night long, with a bar in the theater so you won’t miss a second of the movie (thank god).  Tickets run $7 – $10.  Please drink and watch responsibly; only guests 21 and over will be allowed to attend Films on Tap screenings.

Saturday, January 11, 2014 @ 1pm & 3pm: Duck Duck Dupe at Buntport Theater

On the second Saturday of each month, Buntport presents you with three stories related to a theme.  This month’s theme is: Tradition…Tradition!  Two of these tales are true, but one of them is nothing but a fib.  Can you figure out which one is baloney?  Fun for all ages (seriously grown-ups, this is an event that both you and your kids will enjoy), cute contests, and prizes to boot.  Tickets are just $6 – $8, with $1 off if you dress as a duck, or something pretending to be a duck.  (So in other words, whatever you were planning to wear that day anyway.)

Saturday, January 11, 2014 @ 1 – 3pm: Denver’s Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs

Come taste the best grilled cheese offerings that Denver has to offer.  The general public is encouraged to participate, judge samples, and vote in the peoples choice category.  This event is FREE – yum!

Saturday, January 11, 2014 @ 7pm: “Sweet, Sweet Life: The Photographic Works of John Denver” at Leon

You read that correctly.  For two months, Leon will be showing and selling limited editions of the personal photography of John Denver, as curated by owners Eric Robert Dallimore and Lindsay Giles McWilliams. Come celebrate a beautiful and unique glimpse into John Denver’s life, mind and heart!  FREE.

Saturday, January 11, 2014 @ 7pm: Screening of Dolce Vita at Cafe Max

If you have yet to visit the European-inspired Cafe Max on Colfax Avenue, here is another good reason to.  Starting this Saturday, they will be showing films in their cafe area.  Come enjoy sweet and savory treats, grilled cheese, salads, paninis, coffee, tea, beer, sake, and/or wine amongst the high-design and refined hospitality.  FREE.

Saturday, January 11, 2014 @ 7:30pm: Bettie Page Reveals All at the SIE FilmCenter

Bettie Page Reveals All is an intimate look at the rise, and fall, and rise again of one of the world’s most recognized and controversial sex symbols.  With her razor sharp wit and Tennessee twang, Bettie Page emerges from decades of seclusion to reveal her secret past and narrate her life story.  Plus!  Experience a Bettie Page impersonator and mini burlesque show before this screening.  Tickets run $7- $10.  Can’t make this particular time?  Peep the Denver Film Society website to view additional screenings.

Sunday, January 12, 2014 @ 1pm: Denver Peanut Butter Plan at Bottle and Bottega

Start the new year by volunteering!  The Peanut Butter Plan is simple.  You help make PBJs and pass them out to people in need in the downtown Denver area.  You are invited, whether you are familiar with the homeless issue in Colorado or not, to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference to hundreds or even thousands of people.  Each Peanut Butter Plan participant is asked to donate one jar of peanut butter and one jar of jelly, plus two or more loafs of bread.  After the sandwiches are made (at about 3pm), groups will carpool to the Denver Rescue Mission neighborhood and hand out the sandwiches.  Any leftover food will be donated to the Samaritan House and/or other agencies in need.

Sunday, January 12, 2014 @ 1 – 3pm: Bingo Brunch at the Squeaky Bean

Come nosh on some tasty eats at the Squeaky Bean, and try your luck at the ‘go.  Each week features a different comic, with this week’s host being the very funny Sam Tallent!  (Apparently last week, he had the finalists shotgun a beer to determine a bingo winner, haaaaaaaay.)  Make your reservation today.

Sunday, January 12, 2014 @ 9pm: Buffalo Exchange Holiday Party at the Hi-Dive

Come party down with some of the hippest dressed cats in town.  Men in Burka, Orbit Ok, DJ Babyshoe, and DJ Footer to perform.  There will also be a photo booth onside to capture the memories.  FREE!

Monday, January 13, 2014 @ 9am – 5pm: Free Day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Learn all about science and nature and stuff this Monday at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science from 9am – 5pm.  FREE.

Monday, January 13, 2014 @ 8pm: Drunk on a Monday at the Deer Pile

Sometimes I’ll read about an event and even tho I am not quite sure what it’s all about, I’ll think, yeah that sounds cool.  This is one of those events.  Live music by Live Animal, poetry by Jovan Mays, comedy by Timmi Lasley, live reading by Josiah Hesse, and hosting services by Ken Arkind.  $5 suggested donation and cheap beer!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm: Greater Than Social Club at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret

The Greater Than Social Club is back!  On a new night, with new sponsors, more acts, and at half the price!  Combining music and comedy in Lannie’s basement cabaret setting, this event will make you straight-up pumped to be a Denverite.  This month’s line-up includes comedy by Chris Charpentier and Jordan Doll, music by The Knew and Wiredogs, and hosting services provided by Kristin Rand.  Twice the entertainment as usual!  The entire show will be over by 10pm, so quit your hemming and hawing and just buy a ticket already, geez. $5.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014 @ 6 – 9pm: Shooting Video with DSLR Cameras at Denver Open Media (DOM)

Have a DSLR camera with video recording capabilities, yet not exactly sure how to use it?  In this class, students will learn the basics of shooting video, capturing audio, designing shots with editing in mind, specific camera settings and features, lighting consideration, and advantages to shooting video with a DSLR.  This course will be a mix of lecture and hands-on instruction regarding practical operation and creative possibilities of shooting video with a DSLR Camera.  Students do not need any production or video-shooting experience to take this class.  Upon completion of this course, students will be able to shoot their own videos, and maximize creative and professional capabilities using a DSLR camera.  Class fees are $75 for members and $100 for non-members.  Start your new year’s hobby, yo!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014 @ 8pm: Delusions of Randeur at the Beauty Bar

Denver comedy fans!  Especially those on a budget!  Come check-out this FREE monthly funny ha ha show at the Beauty Bar.  This month’s lineup includes: Matt Wayman, Mara Wiles and Troy Walker.  And as always Randy M. Washington will be joining Kristin Rand onstage for the hottest comedy chemistry since Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption!

Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 4 – 7pm: Ophelia Kick-Off Happy Hour at the Irish Rover

Ophelia is a tale of two styles. The quintessential good girl gone mad.  Subtle hints of citrus round out the complex aroma of Mosaic hops, for a beer so drinkable, it’ll last through multiple acts.  Join Breckenridge Brewery at The Irish Rover in the Baker neighborhood to celebrate the release of Ophelia, their new Spring seasonal!  This FREE party will include complementary Ophelia pints and appetizers!  And come meet the brewers who work hard to make you this amazing new beer!

Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 5 – 8pm: Spirited at Goldyn

Come on out for a spirited night at Goldyn, with an exclusive in-store Dram Apothecary tasting, mini manicures from Base Coat Modern Nail Salon x Gallery ($10 cash), intuitive 20-minute tarot card and palm readings by Linda Kennoy ($15 cash), and shopping (duh.)  Snacks & adult beverages provided.  Hosted by The Scout Guide – Denver.

Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 7:30pm: Movie Interruption: Spider-Man 2 at the Alamo Drafthouse

Come laugh your arse off as  a group of hilarious comedians sit in the front row and crack jokes during everyone’s favorite Spidey sequel, Spider-Man 2.  Tickets cost $12.50.

Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 10pm: Party at Adrift Tiki Bar

 Tyler Snow, Matthew Brown and Shannon Kelly will be dropping their tastiest vinyl amidst the island decor and vacation drinks.  Cocktails, tunes, and dancing.  TGIAF!  FREE.