WEEKLY EVENTS: January 17, 2014 – January 23, 2014

Dear Denver, I’ve been off the sauce for a little over two weeks now and feeling good.  Gonna do some sober dancing tonight for the first time since I can remember.  Should be slightly awkward, but when in doubt – air hump it out.  Have a great week everyone, stay safe. xoxo.

(And as per youzh, check-out Westword’s 10 things to do for $10 in Denver blog for free/low-cost events this weekend.)

Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 6:30 – 9pm: The Forum Stories: Local Canvas at Battery 621

Come celebrate The Forum Stories’ (TFS) one-year anniversary amongst some of Denver’s most creative spirits.  On this special night of storytelling, you’ll hear the inspiring tale behind such local legends as Ian Cooke, Denver Open Media, Illegal Pete’s, Greater Than Collective, and Icelantic Skis.  Rounding out the evening will be plenty of time for mingling and talking with local beer brewers from Breckenridge Brewery of Colorado and New Planet Beer, who will be on-hand to share their creations.  The best part of it all?  It’s FREE!  (If inspired however, guests are asked to support the storytellers with their patronage and/or to check-out TFS’ fundraising campaign, which will send them on a 6-month tour of the Western United States.)  And after the event, check-out the official after-party at Illegal Pete’s South Broadway, featuring Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds.

Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 7 – 10pm: Fresh Jazz and Crisp Vinyl Series at the Dikeou Collection

Dear office rats working late in LoDo (does that even really happen in Denver?), come mellow out tonight on the 5th floor of The Colorado Building with some free live music and some artsy folks.  The Dikeou Collection’s fourth installment of the Fresh Jazz and Crisp Vinyl Series will feature a very special performance by Denver-based group The Organization, featuring Jeff Jenkins, Dave Corbus, and Alwyn Robinson.  Plus the venerable Ed Battle will be stopping by to perform a few jazz standards.  A special guest will also be DJing rare & classic jazz records from the Collection’s extensive vinyl archive.  Jenkins and his band will play at 8pm.  This event is FREE and open to the public; light refreshments will be provided.

Friday, January 17, 2014 @ 9:30pm: Pink Flamingos  at the SIE FilmCenter

For one night only, you have the chance to see Pink Flamingos on the big screen!  Notorious Baltimore criminal and underground figure Divine goes up against Connie & Raymond Marble, a sleazy married couple who make a passionate attempt to humiliate her and seize her tabloid-given title as “The Filthiest Person Alive”.  This is an American classic.  Tickets run $7 – $10.

Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 9am – 5pm: Beyond the Glue Gun: The Business of Crafting at Share Denver

Beyond The Glue Gun: The Business of Crafting is an all-day crafting workshop to support the local crafting community in making the most of their business.  Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been crafting for years, get insights to the following questions and more:  How should you price your goods?  What items are tax deductible?  What markets should you apply to and how do you get in?  Are you utilizing social media as much as you could?  Admission to this workshop runs $50 – $85; take your crafting to the next level!

Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 10am – 12pm: Barrio E’ Bomba Dance & Percussion Workshop at the McNichols Civic Center Building

Barrio E’ (Neighborhood Is) is a new project based in Boulder serving Colorado communities aiming to build a diverse community that embraces Puerto Rican culture.  The organization was created to foster and develop an artistic space that exposes, educates, and promotes traditional Puerto Rican music.  Barrio E’ will teach Yubá and Sicá Bomba rhythms – percussion, dance, and songs.  They will also provide a historical background of Bomba and what it represents to the community.  Children’s workshop runs 10 – 10:45am; adult workshop from 10:30am – noon.  No previous knowledge of music or dance is required. $15 registration.

Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 1pm & 5pm: More Cowbell! at 3 Kings Tavern

Come witness the young rock stars of Littleton School of Rock light up the stage at 3 Kings Tavern on South Broadway this Saturday.  Experience the classics from Guns N’ Roses, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Blue Oyster Cult, and more!  Showtimes are at 1pm and 5pm.  Tickets are $8 pre-sale and $10 day of show (although I could not find the link to buy advanced tickets – sorry!)

Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 6 – 10pm: Denver Divas Opening Reception at Megafauna

Denver Divas is a boutique series of pop art reflecting select Denver Metro neighborhoods and select pop culture personalities who resonate with urban culture in Colorado.  Come check-out the opening night event with the artist in attendance!  Catered by Gigi’s Cafe at MegaFauna + beverages from local distributors + after-party at Cold Crush from 11pm until whenever = haaaaaaaaaay.

Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 7 – 8pm: Moxie! Presents: The Kristin and Mara Show! at the Voodoo Comedy Playhouse

Denver funny ladies Kristin Rand and Mara Wiles, formerly of LadyFace, have teamed up in their new duo Moxie!  This is their fun-packed sketch show with music and special surprise guests!  $8 pre-sale, $10 door

Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 7pm: Screening of Fight Club at Cafe Max

If you have yet to visit the European-inspired Cafe Max on Colfax Avenue, here is another good reason to.  Come enjoy sweet and savory treats, grilled cheese, salads, paninis, coffee, tea, beer, sake, and/or wine amongst the high-design and refined hospitality while watching a cool movie.  FREE.

Saturday, January 18, 2014 @ 9:30pm: Ultimate ’90s Party at the Alamo Drafthouse

This monthly sing-along dance party features the best music videos of the ‘90s for singing along with, jumping around to, and/or awkwardly slow dancing to (leave room for the Holy Ghost).  From the Fresh Prince to TLC, with plenty of Alanis and Oasis mixed in, there is no excuse for not livin’ la vida loca.  Tickets cost $12.50.

Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 11am – 3pm: Neat Market Vegan Shop-Up + Brunch + Clothing Swap at the Horse Barn

This pop-up market is the coolest, even if you aren’t permanently riding the vegan train.  Bring yo cash and pick-up some fresh pasta, vegan wine, ice-cream, jerky, confectionaries, seasoned seitan, tamales, and tons of baked goods.  Nothing not vegan, son.   To participate in the clothing swap, just bring your stuff to the Plants & Animals table, then pick out whatever you like from the racks!  Also this month, Plants & Animals will be hosting a vegan brunch, starting at 10:30am.  Yum!

Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 10pm: Arguments & Grievances at the Vine Street Pub

Comedians debating what doesn’t really matter.  Give the middle finger to Monday by attending this FREE Sunday night LOL fest.  Debates this month include: Ikea vs. Craig’s List, Mummies vs. Mommies, Greeks vs. Romans, The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones, and the headlining event: Duck Dynasty vs. Duck Tales.

Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 7 – 9pm: Forbidden Bingo at Maloney’s Tavern

Why is Forbidden Bingo so forbidden?  “There are two reasons,” notes Day-Glo-coiffed DJ Rockstar Aaron, who co-hosts the new game night at Maloney’s Tavern in LoDo with the inimitable Sid Pink as a sidekick.  “It’s the first bar bingo in LoDo, and the prizes are so naughty that some would say they are forbidden.”  Rockstar, who’s already a bingo aficionado and therefore thought the game would be a good addition in the trendy downtown bar-and-club district, adds that half the prizes given out for the ten games are items from Denver smut shop Romantix (the rest involve free drinks).  That should explain everything.  $5 menu items, two-for-one drink specials, and FREE to play!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 5 – 7pm: Art from Ashes Spoken Word & Poetry at the McNichols Civic Center Building

Young poets and writers are invited to join Art from Ashes on Tuesdays, starting January 21st, from 5 – 7pm for a FREE writing workshop.  This weekly event will include snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, and guest poets.  It is designed to encourage youth ages 14 – 24 to find the power of their voices through poetry and spoken word.  Each workshop will be different, and participants are encouraged to attend as many as they wish.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 8pm: The Great Debate at Buntport Theater

More comedic debates!  The Great Debate pits teams of non-experts head-to-head, toe-to-toe, and often dumb-to-dumber in lively debates of the inconsequential.  Mundane topics are brought to life by ordinary, but opinionated folks.  You’re bound to be a flip-flopper after listening to compelling arguments on things that never mattered.  This month’s theme?  Value Meals or All That and a Bag of Chips.  Box office opens at 7:30pm, the feud starts at 8:00pm.  $5 – $7, depending on your luck.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 9pm: Meeting in the Ladies Room – ’80s Dance Party at the Hi-Dive

Come on out for an ’80s-inspired dance party with Will the Wolf Murphy of The Swayback.  FREE!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 8pm: 3 Course Comedy: One Year Anniversary at the Deer Pile

3 Course Comedy is a monthly food-based comedy showcase hosted by Adrian P. Mesa and Eric Henderson.  Each month three comics bring food (appetizer, main course, dessert – all vegetarian) and food-based material.  Each show is recorded and released as a podcast available on iTunes and at 3coursecomedy.com.  This month’s comedians include: Jacob Hamel, Nathan Lund and Roger Norquist, plus a special guest appearance by Herbert Elvis Walrus himself (?)  FREE food.  FREE show.  Cheap beer.  Live podcast.  Come help them celebrate one year of bringing you the free goods – and their new night!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 10:30pm: Too Much Fun! at the Deer Pile

And, while you are already sitting on your butt in the Deer Pile, stick around for Too Much Fun!  You’ll laugh your way into Thursday.  Tonight’s show includes headliner Deacon Gray, Ben Roy, Christie Buchele, Matt Wayman, and of course, The Fine Gentleman’s Club!  FREE-style.

Thursday, January 23, 2014 @ 4pm: Chinook Red Ale Release Party at Our Mutual Friend

 Our Mutual Friend will be tapping a limited edition Chinook Red Ale (8.3% ABV) at 4pm.  Taste of the Philippines will be out front, and some soul and jazz will be in the air.  Come get warm Denver.

Thursday, January 23, 2014 @ 9pm: Secret Lover, Pizza Time, Original Sin, and Lisa Prank at Rhinoceropolis

 4 bands for FREE.  Secret Lover, Pizza Time, Original Sin, and Lisa Prank.  Rawk.