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2023 Historic Folsom Juneteenth – Underground Railroad Network to Freedom – 1854

Folsom Juneteenth vs. a “need” for a California State Parks to fabricate a story of early California Pioneers of Pan African Descent (1840-1875) presupposes that earlier source documents from the “Gold Book” all destroyed. An agreed upon fabricated notion of Black Miners Bar with a 2022 Juneteenth USA team soon will be challenged by International, National, Regional and Local stakeholders. Freedom is never free

Salient research and source documents Joe Louis Moore in collaborative partnership with US Interior Department – National Parks Service – California State Library – California State University Sacramento means nothing in 2023 for a season or two… soon come source documents in broad daylight that validate the establishment of Leidesdorff Ranch, Historic Negro Hill, Mormon Island and Negro Bar – Gold Mining District.

2023 Historic Folsom Juneteenth events restoring our Interior Department / National Park Service to include in their National Underground Railroad Project, Reclaiming the Past: California Pioneers of Pan African Descent along the Historic American River Parkway (1840-1875).

Joe Louis Moore served as the President of the Sacramento African American Historical and Cultural Society from 1997-2005.

From 1998-2005, he organized and directed the Juneteenth Celebrations at Negro Bar State Park in Folsom, California that focused on the history of nineteenth century African Americans in California using historical re-enactments, arts, storytelling, and exhibitions, the journey continues in a good way.

Joe Louis Moore was born to Viola Vivian Washington Moore and Raymond Moore on November 15, 1946 in Fontana, California, the ninth of ten children. He grew up in Fontana and San Bernardino, California where he graduated from high school. After a stint in the Air Force, he attended the New York Institute of photography where he received a Certificate in Industrial Photography.

Upon completing his studies in New York, he attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California where he specialized in color photography and printing. Joe moved to Chicago where he worked for Johnson Publications as a staff photographer for Ebony and Jet magazines.

In 1970, Joe and his wife, Shirley moved to the Bay Area where in 1991 he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Humanities from The New College of San Francisco. In 1994, he received a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from San Francisco State University where he specialized in African American Arts and produced the groundbreaking art exhibit “Black Power, Black Art: The Black Arts Movement of the 1960s.”

He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while working at the University of California’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a scientific and technical photographer until his retirement, after 27 years, in 1997.

After three decades in the Bay Area, Joe and Shirley moved to Sacramento in 1997. That same year he founded the “Reclaiming the Past: African Americans Along the American River” project.

He also served as the President of the Sacramento African American Historical and Cultural Society from 1997-2005.

From 1998-2005, he organized and directed the Juneteenth Celebrations at Negro Bar State Park in Folsom, California that focused on the history of nineteenth century African Americans in California using historical re-enactments, arts, storytelling, and exhibitions.

In 2000 Joe Louis Moore’s Juneteenth events were chosen by the National Park Service to be included in their National Underground Railroad Project, one of only two projects in California to be selected for that honor.

Joe participated as a guest speaker and served on numerous arts/humanities conferences, committees, boards, and panels including: the National Endowment for Humanities Landmark Grant Teacher Education on the Gold Rush (2014); Del Paso Boulevard Art Selection Committee for the Sacramento Arts Commission (2006-2007); “Reclaiming the Past,” California State University, Sacramento, (2003); Nevada State Council on the Humanities (1999); “Art and City Planning,” Sacramento Chamber of Commerce (1999); “Art and the Black Power Movement,” UC, Davis (1998); Oakland Neighborhood Arts Commission (1995-1996); and “Art and Technology,” San Francisco Art Institute (1994).

In 2001, Joe Louis Moore received a Library Services and Technology Act grant to develop and direct the Underground Railroad Digital Archive, an online archive of primary sources about slavery in California that is now part of the special collections of the library at California State University, Sacramento.

In 2003, he produced a symposium – “From Slavery to Freedom: Preserving Nineteenth Century Documents for the Twenty-First Century” at California State University, Sacramento.

He also developed and curated several photographic exhibitions including “This Light, This Air: Dorothea Lange’s FSA Photographs of the Central Valley” (2008-2009); “The Legacy of the Panthers,” photo exhibition and catalogue (1997); and “Black Power, Black Art: The Black Arts Movement of the 1960s.” His publications include articles and photo essays in California History Magazine, several National Park Service publications, and Black World Magazine.

In 2004, Joe Louis Moore received Sacramento County Historical Society’s Education Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to regional and local history. In 2010 he developed and served as director of the Black Overland Trails Wagon Project.

With the support of an array of community organizations, the State Parks Foundation, the Center for California Studies, and the Sacramento History Center, he assembled a team that reconstructed a replica of an overland wagon based on the covered wagons constructed by nineteenth-century master wagon builder and former slave Hiram Young of Independence, Missouri. The wagon and historical information about the black men and women who undertook the overland journey to the West is now permanently on exhibit at the Marshall Gold Fields State Park in Coloma, California and is used year-round as an educational resource for thousands of students and other visitors to the park.

At the time of his death, Joe had developed and was directing the Sitka Project, a recreation of California’s first steamboat, the Sitka, a bold business venture of black pioneer William Alexander Leidesdorff in 1847.

The project will continue and when completed the Sitka will be docked in Old Sacramento as a teaching resource for educators, students, and visitors who will learn about African Americans in early Sacramento, the delta waterways, and the ethnic diversity of the region.

After a long and courageous battle, Joe Louis Moore succumbed to cancer on April 20, 2015.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

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Hundreds of Things to Do in Colorado This Summer

Summer’s here, bringing hundreds of great events to metro Denver and beyond. We’ve rounded up all the cool events in Colorado’s hottest season for our Summer Guide, which is inserted in the June 8 issue of Westword; they’re also presented below in chronological order, with specific categories (art, dance, film and more) at the end of the list. (You can find music festivals and concerts here.)

Are you ready for summer? There are hot times ahead!

JUNE

Through June 11: Denver Fringe Festival: The Denver Fringe Festival, created to support independent artists and to bring fringe theater — bold, original, innovative and experimental — to creative venues at a reasonable price, supports emerging artists, access to the arts and bringing artists and audiences together to cultivate community. In 2023, the fest will host more than 55 fringe performances at a dozen venues in the Five Points/RiNo District from June 8 to June 11, 5 to 11 p.m. Tickets: $15 individual show, 10 percent discount on four or more tickets. Schedule and tickets at denverfringe.org.

Through June 11: áyA Con: An all-inclusive family festival hosted by and highlighting North American Indigenous creators. Friday, June 9, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m; and Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., McNichols Building, 144 West Colfax Avenue. áyA Con Creative Hub, with panels, art-making and community booths with interactive activities: Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Martin Building, Level 1. Futurism Fashion Showcase: Sunday, June 11, 7 to 9 p.m., Sturm Grand Pavilion, Level 2; Denver Art Museum, 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway. Weekend pass, $30 and up; single-day pass, $15 and up; ages 18 and under free, ayacondenver.art.

<a href="https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/original/17023916/chalk-art.jpg" rel="contentImg_gal-16949463" title="Show your true colors at the Denver Chalk Art Festival. – Michael Rieger" data-caption="Show your true colors at the Denver Chalk Art Festival.   Michael Rieger” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge

Show your true colors at the Denver Chalk Art Festival.

Michael Rieger

Through June 11: Colorado Medieval Festival: Jousting matches, cosplay contest, live music, aerialists, mermaids, festival bazaar and more: Friday, June 9, 3 to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June  11, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; free to $20. Savage Woods, 1750 Savage Road, Loveland, coloradocastle.com.

Through June 11: Denver Greek Festival: Authentic, traditional Greek food and drink, live Greek music, traditional dance entertainment, a Greek boutique, art, church tours and more at the 56th annual festival. Friday, June 9, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, June 11, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; free to $5, tickets at Eventbrite. Assumption of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral of Denver, 4610 East Alameda Avenue, thegreekfestival.com/home.

Through June 11: 47th Annual Parker Days: A weekend of music, food, beverages, carnival rides and more family fun in downtown Parker: Friday, June 9: 4 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 10: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 11: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (carnival only opens on Thursday, June 8, 4 to 10:30 p.m.); festival admission is free, carnival wristbands are $35 to $99 (individual ride tickets $10/ten). Downtown Parker, 19751 East Mainstreet, Parker, parkerdaysfestival.com.

Through June 16: LitFest: An eight-day celebration of writers and readers, with week-long and weekend advanced workshops, craft seminars, readings, salons, business panels, agent meetings and parties. Prices vary; some events free. Lighthouse Writers Workshop, 3844 York Street, lighthousewriters.org.

June 10: Douglas Land Conservancy Plein Air Community Day: Try your hand at painting outdoors to compete for prizes, all ages. Saturday, June 10, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (art judging and awards, 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.); $10 to $40. Sandstone Ranch Open Space, Ranch Entrance, 8309 South Perry Park Road, Larkspur, pleinairartistscolorado.com.

June 10: Westword‘s Out to Brunch: Start your weekend deliciously at this inaugural event with unlimited bites from some of Denver’s best brunch slingers, plus beer, bottomless brunch cocktails, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, natural juices, hot coffee and more. Saturday, June 10, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (VIP entry at 11 a.m.), tickets $40 (GA)-$65 (VIP), York Street Yards, 3821 Steele Street, westwordouttobrunch.com. SOLD OUT!

June 10: Five Points Jazz Festival: Celebrating the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the West,” with a second-line parade and performances by local jazz musicians featured on eleven outdoor and indoor stages. Saturday, June 10, noon to 8 p.m., Welton Street Corridor, between 25th and 29th avenues, free, artsandvenuesdenver.com.

June 10: Hearse Con Public Day/Morbid Curiosities Carnival: Public car show focused on classic hearses, ambulances and limos, with live music, hearse girls and Morbid Curiosities vendors. Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $20. Stampede, 2430 South Havana Street, Aurora, facebook.com/hearsecon.

June 10: Rendezvous Gala: An elegant, Western-chic soirée supporting the mission, education programs and preservation of the Four Mile House. Saturday, June 10, 6 to 10 p.m.; tickets start at $150. Four Mile Historic Park, South Forest Street, fourmilepark.org.

June 10: Snowmass Rendezvous: Bringing favorite Colorado breweries, wineries, distilleries and more to the valley for an afternoon of bottomless adult beverage tasting. Saturday, June 10, 2 to 6 p.m., $45. Snowmass Village, on the mall, base lawn and turf rink, Snowmass, snowmassrendezvous.com.

June 10: Summer Farm Fest: Free community event with farm tours, art projects, food and drink from local businesses, games, music and new friends. Saturday, June 10, noon to 2 p.m. Mountair Park Community Farm, 5600 West 13th Avenue, Lakewood, sproutcityfarms.org/events/mountair-park-family-farm-fest.


June 10: Summer Festival: Hosted by the Historic Westminster Art District, with vendors, food trucks, beer tasting and live music. Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aar River Gallery Sculpture Garden, 3707 West 73rd Avenue, Westminster, aarrivergallery.com, 303-426-4114.

June 10: Summer Splash: Orchard Town Center’s newest free summer event will turn Town Center Drive into a water park. Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., free, Orchard Town Center, 14697 Delaware Street, Westminster, theorchardtowncenter.com. 

June 10-11: Denver Chalk Art Festival 2023: Saturday, June 10: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, June 11: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., free. 123 West 12th Avenue, in the Golden Triangle Neighborhood, denverchalk.art.

June 10-11: Highlands Art Festival: A new summer art fair in the trendy Highland neighborhood. Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free. Highlands Masonic Lodge, 3550 Federal Boulevard, coloradoartshows.com.

June 10-11: Presenting Denver Dance Festival 2023: 
Featuring eight Colorado artists and dance companies across multiple genres of dance. Saturday, June 10, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 11, 2 p.m., $35, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 East Iliff Avenue, presentingdenver.org.

June 10-11: (e)revolution Consumer Expo/The Big Gear Show: A two-day consumer show where the public can learn about and test a wide range of e-bikes, including commuter, cargo and mountain categories, co-located with a first-of-its-kind outdoor gear festival allowing brands to engage their fans and customers. Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m.; tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door (children twelve and under free with paid adult). Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, e-revolution.bike, thebiggearshow.com.

June 10-11: Unicorn Festival: Spend a beautiful weekend in a magical world! Ongoing entertainment and activities all day long, including unicorn corrals, photo ops, a dragon slide obstacle course, mermaid lagoon, Storytime Cottage, character selfies, karaoke and more. Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., $15 to $79 (kids 2 and under free), Clement Park, 7306 West Bowles Avenue, Littleton, unicornfestivalcolorado.com.

June 14: The Sink 100th Anniversary Movie: Step back in time and witness history come to life as The Sink celebrates its 100th anniversary. Wednesday, June 14, 7:30 p.m., $15 at axs.com. Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder, z2ent.com.

June 15: History Colorado’s Queeridescence: A Prismatic Masqueerade: A 13+ alcohol-free event that embraces the full spectrum of self-expression. Thursday, June 15, 7 to 10 p.m.; admission: $10 to $20 (free for children ages twelve and under, must be accompanied by an adult guardian). Grant-Humphreys Mansion, 770 Pennsylvania Street, historycolorado.org/lgbtq-coloradans.

June 15-16: We Are Here. The Drag Guide to Pride: The House of L’Whor presents a full-coverage survival guide. Thursday, June 15, and Friday, June 16, 8 p.m.; tickets: $32.50 to $42.50. The Perplexiplex, Meow Wolf Denver, 1338 First Street, meowwolf.com.

June 15-17: Colorado BBQ Challenge 2023: Colorado’s longest running barbecue competition, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Thursday, June 15, through Saturday, June 17. Center Village, 509 Copper Road, Copper Mountain, coppercolorado.com.

June 16-17: Vail Craft Beer Classic: Take in the mountain views at Vail Village while sipping craft beer from fifty-plus breweries from across the state at Grand Tastings. Early-access tickets only: Friday, June 16, 3:30 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 17, 1:30 to 5 p.m., $69 per session. Ford Sculpture Garden Park, 522 South Frontage Road East, Vail, vailcraftbeerclassic.com.

June 16-17: Venture Out Fest: Kick off the season with two full days of free activities, including the high-flying DockDogs competition, free e-bike tours, volleyball, yoga classes, fly-fishing demonstrations, slack-lining, North Face camp-cooking demonstrations, gear demos, free music and more. All day Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17. Winter Park Resort, 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, winterparkresort.com.

June 16-18: 126th Annual Strawberry Days: Free community festival with live music and entertainment, family activities, an arts and crafts fair, a food court and an old-fashioned parade. Friday, June 16, 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, June 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; most events free. Two Rivers Park, 740 Devereux Road, Glenwood Springs, glenwoodchamber.com.

June 16-19: Capitol Crossroads: A Citywide Scavenger Hunt: Historic Denver hosts an innovative way to uncover more about the city you love while enjoying a fun activity with family, friends or on your own.
Friday, June 16, through Monday, June 19; $10 to $18. Capitol Hill neighborhood, historicdenver.org.

June 16-Aug. 11: Louisville Street Faire: Weekly community street fairs on summer nights. Fridays, 5:30-9:30 p.m., June 16-August 11, free, Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front Street, Louisville, downtownlouisvilleco.com.

June 17: Daybreaker Den Together Tour: Welcome to Daybreaker’s ten-year anniversary Together Tour across the country, with a theme of “Togetherness.” Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $40. Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee Street, daybreaker.com.

June 17: Denver Underground Pride Fest 2023: An evening of drag performers, comedy and vendors. Saturday, June 17, noon-2 a.m., $15. Seventh Circle Music Collective, 2935 West Seventh Avenue, 7thcirclemusiccollective.org.

June 17: Lake Dillon Beer Fest: Taste beers from over thirty Colorado breweries in one of the most dramatic settings around. Sunday, June 17, 1-4 p.m., $10-$50, kids 12 and under free, Lake Dillon Amphitheater and Marina Park, West Lodgepole Street, Dillon, townofdillon.com.

June 17: Medianoche Market: Farmers’ market-style artisan event with local vendors and ten brand-new barrel-aged beers including Medianoche variants, collaborations and four wildcard staff picks. Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; market is free, VIP hour tasting ticket, $50. WeldWerks Brewing Co., 508 8th Avenue, Greeley, eventbrite.com.

June 17: Mutt Market: A mini-expo of dog-focused vendors, plus fun dog-friendly workshops, Mailman Dunk Tank, Paw-casso art station, special prizes, games, entertainment and food trucks for humans. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley. Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free (RSVP at Eventbrite, Aspen Grove, 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, aspengrovecenter.com/event/mutts-market.

June 17: The Storybook KiKi Ball: The House of Flora, Denver Chapter, exemplifies the healing, power and ferocity of ballroom culture. Saturday, June 17, 8 p.m., $25, Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station, 1338 First Street, meowwolf.com.

June 17: Visionbox, All the World: Outdoor Festival of Solo Shakespeare: A one-hour performance of scenes and soliloquies from Richard III, Othello and Hamlet. Saturday, June 17, 7 p.m., $10-$25. Greek Theater, Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, visionbox.org.

June 17-18: Cherry Blossom Festival: Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake, cultural performances and Japanese artwork and wares won’t want to miss the 49th annual Cherry Blossom Festival (“Sakura Matsuri” in Japanese). Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, Sakura Square, 1255 19th Street (marketplace vendors on Larimer Street), cherryblossomdenver.org.

June 17-18: Flux Fest Pottery Pop-Up and Market: A celebration weekend of artisan and food/drink vendors, demonstrations and live raku firing. Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free. Flux Studio and Gallery, 377 South Lipan Street, fluxstudiodenver.com.

June 17-18: Juneteenth Music Festival: One of the largest and longest-running Juneteenth festivals in the nation, with a parade, hundreds of vendors, concerts, ethnic food and this year’s headliner, Musiq Soulchild. Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, free (VIP options $50-$100), Welton Street Corridor in Five Points, juneteenthmusicfestival.com.

June 18: Reach 4 Peace Picnic: Annual Father’s Day picnic designed to promote community awareness and togetherness, and recognize outstanding fathers with Father of the Year awards. Sunday, June 18, noon to 4 p.m., free. Silverman Park, 12875 Andrews Drive in Montbello, struggleoflovefoundation.org.

June 21: High Line Canal Summer Scamper: A summer solstice 5K evening run to benefit the High Line Canal Conservancy. Wednesday, June 21, 5 p.m., registration: $30 to $120. highlinecanal.org.

June 22: Mortified Rainbow! Special Pride Edition: Already a hit in over twenty cities worldwide, Mortified stars adults sharing their most angst-ridden teenage diary entries, artwork, and more — in front of total strangers. Now taste the Mortified rainbow in this special Pride edition with Ryan Warner. Thursday, June 22, 8 p.m., $25 in advance, $30 at the door, Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Avenue, getmortified.com.

June 23-25: Blues From the Top: The Grand County Blues Society presents a lineup including Grace Potter, Samantha Fish with Jesse Dayton, Devon Allman Project and special guests Jimmy Hall and Larry McCray, Blood Brothers with Mike Zito and Albert Castigila, Shemekia Copeland and more. Friday, June 23, 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $70 to $300 (children 12 and under free with adult ticket purchase). Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 U.S. 40, Winter Park, eventbrite.com.

June 22-Aug. 31: Terminal Bar Station Yappy Hour: A festive dog-friendly gathering complete with rescue partner Soul Dog Rescue, local pet businesses, special cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Doggy Ice Cream Sandwiches and more. Every last Thursday of the month, June 22 (Pride Week) through August 31, 4 to 7 p.m. Terminal Bar, Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop Street, denverunionstation.com.

June 23-25: Blockwide Pride at Dairy Block: Celebrate pride all weekend long with pop-ups, swag and samples. Kickoff Happy Hour at Milk Market: Friday, June 23, 5 to 7 p.m., with DJ Buddy Bravo, continuing through Sunday, June 25. Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee Street, dairyblock.com/events.

June 23: The Whisky X: Taste, discover and learn about more than sixty premium whiskey brands and cocktails — the best of bourbon, American, Irish, Scotch, rye, single malt and more. With special host Shakey Graves, food trucks, cigar lounge and more. Friday, June 23, 6 p.m.; tickets: $50 to $125. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Boulevard, tixr.com/groups/thewhiskyx.

June 24: The BigWonderful Beer Fest at Winter Park: More than thirty Colorado breweries, cideries and distilleries will line up at the base of the resort and throughout the Village, pouring unlimited samples for thirsty hikers, bikers and music lovers all day long, joined by live bluegrass music and forty craft vendors offering a variety of outdoor apparel, locally made jewelry and fashions. Saturday, June 24, noon to 6 p.m.; shopping and music free, $35-$125 for Beer Fest testing session, 2 to 6 p.m., Winter Park Resort, 85 Parsenn Road, eventbrite.com.

June 24: Reds, Whites and Brews: Enjoy unlimited wine and craft beer tastings, live music, vendors and food in beautiful downtown Steamboat Springs. Saturday, June 24, noon to 5 p.m.; $45 to $80. Yampa Street between 10th and 12th streets, Steamboat Springs, redswhitesandbrews.

<a href="https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/original/17023929/freedia.jpeg" rel="contentImg_gal-16949463" title="Big Freedia will headline Denver PrideFest's Center Stage at Civic Center Park. – Alexander Le'Jo" data-caption="Big Freedia will headline Denver PrideFest’s Center Stage at Civic Center Park.   Alexander Le’Jo” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge

Big Freedia will headline Denver PrideFest’s Center Stage at Civic Center Park.

Alexander Le’Jo

June 24-25: Denver PrideFest: The weekend kicks off with the Pride 5K on Saturday, June 25, followed by the two-day Denver PrideFest at Civic Center Park. The Fest includes over 250 exhibitors, thirty food and beverage vendors, and live performances all weekend long. Sunday begins at 9:30 a.m. with colorful floats, marchers, music and more at the annual Coors Light PrideFest Parade on East Colfax Avenue. Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 25, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., free. Civic Center Park, 101 West 14th Avenue, info and a rundown of official Pride events at denverpride.org/official-events.

June 24-25: Bacon and Bourbon Festival: Weekend-long celebration of all things bacon and bourbon, along with live music and Camp Bacon for Kids. Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, June 25, 1 to 5 p.m.; admission: $25 to $75. River Run Events Plaza, 140 Ida Belle Drive, Keystone, keystonefestivals.com.

June 24-25: Snowmass Art Festival: A free three-day event showcasing local Colorado and national artists, representing a wide array of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass, wood and more. Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free, 49 Village Square, Snowmass Village, Brush Creek Road, gosnowmass.com.

June 28: Bike to Work Day: Join Way to Go and thousands of Denver-region residents for Bike to Work Day this summer. Wednesday, June 28. Information and registration at biketoworkday.co.

June 29: Costumina: A Fan Expo Kickoff: Meet up with your favorite groups in the galaxy, imbibe on cosmic cocktails and mocktails, and celebrate spirited fandom at Meow Wolf (all ages). Thursday, June 29, 5 p.m.; admission: $35 to $50 by timed entry, 5 p.m. and after. Meow Wolf Denver, 1338 Firstst Street, tickets.meowwolf.com/denver.

June 29-July 2: Blunt Force Drama, Ruin: Ruin draws on historic primary source material to paint a fictional portrait of the tumultuous and violent early years of Colorado’s colonial history. Thursday, June 29, through Saturday, July 1, 7 p.m., Sunday, July 2, 2 p.m., $24-$29. Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder, thedairy.org.

June 30-July 2: FAN EXPO Denver: Experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming during three days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities. Friday, June 30, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $38-$129 (VIP packages sold out), Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, fanexpohq.com.

June 30-July 15: Green Box Arts Festival: A multi-week, multi-disciplinary cornucopia of arts performances, exhibitions, classes, camps, conversations and parties in Green Mountain Falls, including the permanent light installation Skyspace, by James Turrell. In 2023, Green Box will unveil five new artworks, host the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Shakespeare’s Pericles by Theatreworks, and a cavalcade of workshops, camps, music, movies, puppet shows and play, stunt dogs, hikes, yoga and more. June 30-July 15, with both free and ticketed events. Green Box Campus, 6990 Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls, schedule and tickets at greenboxarts.org.

JULY

July 1: Cherry Creek Arts Festival: An innovative outdoor fine-art event featuring 260 juried artist exhibitors selling original artworks, family-friendly art activities for people of all ages, live music, immersive art experiences and food and drink. Friday, July 1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (accessibility hour, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.), Saturday, July 2, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, July 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free admission ($30-$190 VIP pass), Second Avenue from Clayton Street to Adams Street and between Second and Third avenues from Detroit Street to Adams Street, in Cherry Creek North, cherrycreekartsfestival.org.

July 1: Midsommar’s Eve Market: RitualCravt showcases local artists and makers in the storefront, vending original art, handmade products, clothing and wares, as well as aura photos by Aura Weaver. Saturday, July 1, 5 to 10 p.m., free. RitualCravt, 7700 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, ritualcravt.com.

July 1: Glendale Fireworks Celebration: Continuing the tradition of celebrating the community, Glendale hosts its annual fireworks show from Infinity Park. Guests are invited to sit inside the stadium, in the stands or on the field, or on the turf field to the south of the stadium — both will be great viewing locations. Saturday, July 1, gates at 7 p.m., free, Infinity Park, 4599 East Tennessee Avenue, Glendale, infinityparkatglendale.com.

July 1: Four Mile Historic Park’s Independence Day Celebration: A fun-filled day of music, crafts, historical re-enactors and live demonstrations. Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $8-$10 (kids 6 and under free), Four Mile Historic Park, 715 South Forest Street, fourmilepark.org.

July 1-4: 4th of July Celebration, Winter Park: KowTown Gravel Bike Race: Saturday, July 1; Camper Rig Rally: Saturday, July 1, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; 5Point Film Festival: Saturday, July 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Fitness in the Park Sunday: Sunday, July 2, 9 a.m.; Rendezvous Run for Independence, Tuesday, July 4; Winter Park 4th of July Celebration & Concert, 5:30-10 p.m. Rendezvous Event Center, Hideaway Park, 78821 U.S. 40, Winter Park, playwinterpark.com.

July 2-3: Red, White, Brews & Tunes: Celebrate the 4th and soak up views of the Ten Mile Range with a mashup of live music and mountain activities. Sunday, July 2, and Monday, July 3. Schedule, band announcement and details TBA. Copper Mountain Resort, coppercolorado.com.

July 3: Big Belmar Bash: A community gathering with music, kids’ activities, eighty local vendors, food and drinks, culminating in a drone light show by Sky Elements at 9:15 p.m. Monday, July 3, 5 to 10 p.m., free. Belmar, 439 South Teller Street, Lakewood, belmarcolorado.com.

July 3: Independence Eve: Gather at Civic Center the night before Independence Day to celebrate country, culture and community, and experience the sweet sounds of the Colorado Symphony and other local artists, a spectacular light show on the City and Country Building, and a fireworks finale unlike any other show in the country; food trucks on site. Sunday, July 3, 4 to 10 p.m., free. Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, civiccenterpark.org.

July 4: 4th of July in Frisco: Pancake breakfast, fishing derby, followed by the Frisco 4th of July parade and a concert with Yonder Mountain String Band on Main Street. Tuesday, July 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., free admission; pancake breakfast $10 for adults and $5 for kids 8 and under. Main Street, Frisco, townoffrisco.com.

July 4: Independence Day Celebration: Breckenridge comes alive with patriotism, parties and the annual Main Street Parade, as well as athletic competitions, live music, family activities and a few favorite small-town traditions. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Main Street and Riverwalk Center, Town of Breckenridge, gobreck.com.

July 4: Park Hill Parade: Denver’s largest Independence Day march, with floats, marching bands, costumed performers and lots of decorated bikes. Tuesday, July 4, 1:30 p.m., free. Parade route is on 23rd Avenue between Dexter and Krameria streets, parkhillparade.com.

July 6-8: 11th Annual Colorado Burlesque Festival: Three nights of blowout showcases for local and traveling performers, including headliners Chris Ooh!, Paris Original, The Maine Attraction, Moscato Sky, Trojan Original, Mod Carousel, Luminous Pariah, and many more. Opening Night Gala: Heavy Metals: Thursday, July 6, $25 to $180; VIP Showcase: Animal Kingdom, Friday, July 7, $30 to $200; and CBF Spectacular: Black and White Gala, Saturday, July 8, $25 to $220; weekend pass, $75 to $520; all shows, 7 to 11 p.m. ReelWorks, 1399 35th Street, thecoloradoburlesquefestival.

July 7-8: Colorado Brewers Rendezvous: Sample different and unique beers from more than sixty specialty craft brewers from around Colorado by the banks of the Arkansas River. Pre-vous: Twenty brewers, exclusive beers and limited tickets, Friday, July 7, 6 to 8:30 p.m., $70, SteamPlant Event Center, 220 West Sackett Avenue, Salida. Rendezvous: Saturday, July 8, 1 to 5 p.m., $20 to $120, Riverside Park, Sackett Avenue and D, E and F streets, Salida, coloradobeer.org.

July 7-9: Colorado Black Arts Festival: The Colorado Black Arts Festival proudly presents its 37th annual celebration of African American art and culture, with live music and performances, visual arts, People’s Marketplace, food court, Senior Pavilion and the Saturday morning Boogaloo Celebration Parade. Friday, July 7, 1 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 8, 11 to 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free. City Park, 17th Avenue and York Street, colbaf.org.

July 7-22: Square Product Theater, Things We Will Miss: A collage-style devised work exploring the (potential) collapse of the Anthropocene, Things We Will Miss is a personal meditation on the climate crisis and the beauty and inevitability of impermanence. Thursdays through Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., through Saturday, July 22; Saturday, July 15, 3 p.m.; Monday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.; tickets are name-your-price, $5 to $50. Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder, thedairy.org.

July 8-9: Alpine ArtAffair: A fine-art and fine-craft showing in its 49th year, with artists in painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, metalworks, fiber and mixed media. Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, Rendezvous Event Center at Hideaway Park, 78841 U.S. 40, Winter Park, winterparkalpineartaffair.com.

July 13: Taste of Arvada: More than seventy metro Denver and Arvada restaurants, craft breweries and non-food vendors will display their finest culinary bites, sips and offerings. Thursday, July 13, 6 to 8 p.m. (VIP early access, 5 p.m.); tickets $15 to $50. Apex Center, 13150 72nd Avenue, Arvada, arvadachamber.org.

July 13: Top Taco Denver: At Top Taco, festival-goers sample unlimited taco tastes and signature tequila cocktails from more than fifty of the best restaurants in Denver, voting for their favorites to crown four categories of awards: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Cocktail. Thursday, July 13, 6 to 10 p.m.; admission: $89-$169. Westminster City Park, 10455 Sheridan Boulevard, Westminster, toptacofest.com.

July 13-16: Hanuman Festival: Join renowned leaders in yoga, mindfulness, farming and climate consciousness for a bliss-filled weekend of transformation. Thursday, July 13, through Sunday, July 16; passes $60-$479. Yellow Barn Farm, 9417 North Foothills Highway, Longmont, hanumanfestival.com.

July 14: Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale: Once a summer, Cherry Creek North businesses offer phenomenal sales and discounts to clear their racks and make way for fall merchandise, while savvy shoppers hit the sidewalks for the best deals in shopping, dining and more. Thursday, July 14, through Sunday, July 17, Cherry Creek North between University and Steele streets and First and Third avenues, cherrycreeknorth.com.

July 14-15: Bastille Day: French Fest: Step into a world of French delights as you wander through the festival, savoring the flavors of authentic French cuisine from gourmet food and wine vendors. Friday, July 14, noon to 9 p.m., and Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., free. Fillmore Plaza, rmfacc.org.

July 14-16: Pearl Street Arts Fest: A celebration of visual art in Downtown Boulder, the 43rd annual Pearl Street Arts Fest includes a variety of art, from whimsical and modern sculptures to traditional watercolors, oils and more. Friday, July 14, 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free. 1300 block, Pearl Street Mall, boulderdowntown.com.

July 20: The Big Eat: An annual party celebrating the Denver area’s vibrant and dynamic independent restaurant scene, with bites from more than fifty locally owned restaurants and beverage brands. Thursday, July 20, 6 to 9 p.m., $85, proceeds benefit EatDenver. Outdoor Galleria, Denver Performing Arts Complex, eatdenver.com.

July 21-23: Taste of Mexico: An extensive schedule of cultural activities, including language classes, live music, sotol and mezcal tastings, lucha libre, celebrity chef dinners, a street mercado, taco and margarita tours and family-friendly crafts. Friday, July 21, through Sunday, July 23, full schedule TBA. Larimer Square, 1430 Larimer Street, larimersquare.com.

July 22: Tennyson Street Fair: Celebrate the Berkeley community at a new festival with live music, a makers’ market, Tennyson Street businesses, Creekside Beer Festival and more. Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., free. Tennyson Street between West 41st and West 43rd avenues, tennysonstreetfair.com.

July 22-23: Colorado Dragon Boat Fest: The largest Dragon Boat Festival in the country, with more than twenty food vendors, a huge Asian Marketplace of gifts, artisans and organizations, Dragonland interactive children’s area and more than 100 performances on five stages. Schedule TBA, Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, free, Sloan’s Lake Park, 1700 Sheridan Boulevard, cdbf.org.

July 22-23: Cheesman Park Art Fest: A charming event with an outstanding lineup of artists and craftsmen and nationally ranked as one of the Top 100 Shows of the Decade by Sunshine Artist magazine, the Cheesman Park Art Fest has you culturally covered, from live music beneath the trees to Denver’s best food trucks. Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, Cheesman Park, 1599 East Eighth Avenue, dashevents.com.

July 26-October 1: Bright Nights at Four Mile: Handcrafted larger-than-life Chinese lantern sculptures will illuminate the night as you walk among, and even through, these radiant displays that come together in an enormous interactive exhibit. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 7 to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 11 p.m.; tickets, $13 to $25, on sale now for members and starting June 26 for general public. Four Mile Historic Park, 715 South Forest Street, fourmilepark.org.

July 28-30: Breckenridge Food & Wine Festival: Main Street Station Plaza and the Village at Breckenridge transform into a beautiful mountainside vineyard starring an array of 300 varietals created by top wineries. Wine-pairing dinner: Friday, July 28, 5 p.m., Sauce on the Maggie; Grand Tasting: Saturday, July 29, 1 to 6 p.m., Main Street Station and The Village; Sunday, July 30, Brunch and Vines, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sauce on the Maggie; $325 all-access pass, $75 Grand Tasting ($200 VIP, free for designated drivers), Main Street Station, 505 South Main Street, and The Village at Breckenridge, 535 South Park Avenue, rockymountainevents.com.

July 29: Heritage Fire: A live-fire, open-air culinary experience showcasing an all-star cast of more than 25 chefs who specialize in whole animal cookery alongside an outstanding 21+ showcase of wineries, breweries and craft distilleries. Saturday, July 29, 4 to 7 p.m.; tickets: $99-$175. Snowmass Base Village, Snowmass, gosnowmass.com.

July 29-30: Summerfest Fine Art & Music Festival: The Center for the Arts Evergreen’s 43rd annual two-day Summerfest includes live music from local bands, food trucks and spirits vendors, a children’s craft and activity area, and nearly 100 artist booths. Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5 at the door (kids ten and under free). Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, evergreenarts.org.

July 29-30: VegFest Colorado 2023: A two-day celebration of plant-based living, respect for our planet, sustainability and kindness toward our fellow earthlings. Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $15 to $80 in advance, prices higher at the gate. Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer Street, Auraria Campus, vegfestco.com.

July 30-August 11: Frequent Flyers 25th Annual Aerial Dance Festival: Offering eleven days of community and professional-level immersions and classes, a never-seen-before faculty Showcase Performance, a variety of workshops and much more. Friday, July 30, through Tuesday, August 11, à la carte registration online; public Showcase Performance: Friday, August 4, and Saturday, August 5, 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 6, 2 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder, tickets TBA. Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, 3022 East Sterling Circle, #150, Boulder, frequentflyers.org.

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The Colorado State Fair turned 150 last year!

Colorado State Fair

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

August 3: Denver Burger Battle: Denver’s top burger restaurants compete to determine once and for all who really has the best burger in town. Thursday, August 3, 5:30 p.m.; tickets: $79 to $149, Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer Street, denverburgerbattle.com.

August 4-5: Olathe Sweet Corn Festival: Serving free, all-you-can-eat roasted Olathe Sweet Corn donated by Tuxedo Corn in Olathe since the first festival 33 years ago, plus a parade, a car show, a demolition derby, karaoke and live entertainment. Friday, August 4, 6 p.m. (Burnout Contest and Street Dance only), and Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. till the cows come home, free. Country star Collin Raye performs at 8 p.m. Saturday; concert tickets $15 to $30 (kids twelve and under get in free). Downtown Olathe, olathesweetcornfest.com.

August 4-6: 2023 Fraser Mountain Mural Festival: A platform for local, Front Range and national artists to compete for cash prizes as well as generating creative energy and raising awareness for the Fraser Center for Creative Arts. Painting begins Friday, August 4, at 9 a.m.; murals finished and award made Saturday, August 5, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; live music and public viewing Sunday, August 6; frasermountainmuralfest.com.

August 5: Winter Park Uncorked: Laze away the afternoon enjoying delicious food, live music and fine wines. Saturday, August 5, 1 to 5 p.m.; admission, $20 to $70. Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 U.S. 40, Winter Park, playwinterpark.com.

August 5: Littleton Twilight Criterium: A full day of bike racing, including professional men’s and women’s races, at the midpoint in a new national criterium series formed in collaboration with USA Cycling and America’s best criterium races. Throw in a beer garden, live music and a cruiser ride for the family to make it a perfect day. Saturday, August 5, 3 to 10 p.m., spectators free. Register to compete through August 2, starting at $40. Downtown Littleton, Main Street and Prince Street, littletoncrit.com.

August 6: Snowmass Plein Air Art Festival: More than twenty Colorado artists descend on Snowmass to spend four days painting the natural beauty and splendor of the surrounding landscape. Guests and locals are then invited to view the artwork and purchase their favorite pieces to take home. Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Base Village, 49 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, gosnowmass.com.

August 10-13: Vail Wine Classic: A premier destination event where master winemakers and enthusiasts gather to enjoy wine in Vail. Head for the hills for a mountainside tasting of hundreds of high-end wines, spirits and food, during a weekend of grand tastings, wine dinners and paired lunches, seminars and more. Grand Tasting: Friday August 11, and Saturday, August 12, 2 to 5:30 p.m., $119-$179; Best of the Fest: Friday, August 11, 7 to 9:30 p.m., $225. Various locations in Vail, full schedule at vailwineclassic.com.

August 11-13: Loveland Sculpture in the Park Show and Sale: Heralded as one of the finest outdoor juried exhibitions of three-dimensional artwork in the United States, Sculpture in the Park showcases over 2,000 pieces of sculpture created by 160 sculptors from around the world. Patron Party: Friday, August 11, 3 to 8 p.m.; Public Viewing: Saturday, August 12, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 13, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; tickets: $10 (kids 14 and under free). Benson Sculpture Garden, 2908 Aspen Drive, Loveland, sculptureinthepark.org.

August 11-20: Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA): Local, national and international artist talent and organizations, both traditional and unconventional, mingle together to create an eclectic mix of music, dance, film, visual arts and family entertainment at this ten-day creative celebration. Friday, August 11, through Saturday, August 20, both free and ticketed events. What Will Have Been, performance by 2023 BIFA resident artists Circa Contemporary Circus: Saturday, August 19, 7:30 p.m., $25-$65, Riverwalk Center, 150 West Adams Avenue, Breckenridge, breckcreate.org/bifa.

August 12: Monster Day Greeley 2023: A family-friendly celebration of all things monster, with the debut of the Greeley Gremlin mascot, wandering monsters, music, entertainment, face painting, costume contests, demonstrations and more. Saturday, August 12, noon to 6 p.m. Downtown Greeley, monsterdaygreeley.com.

August 12: Bizarre Cat Bazaar: Downtown Nederland street fair celebrating Nederland’s historical honorary cat mayor, Fred, with music by Los Cheesies, a costume contest, vendors and a Cat Walk Through Town. Saturday, August 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtown Nederland, bizarrecatbazaar.com.

August 12-13: Estes Park Wine Festival: Ticket includes a wine glass, wine tote and unlimited tastings, along with live music, retail vendors, artisans and food vendors. Saturday, August 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tickets: $35 to $110. Bond Park, 260 Park Lane, Estes Park, estesparkwinefestival.com.

August 17-19: Palisade Peach Festival: Celebrate Western Slope farmers, families and businesses who make Palisade’s world-famous peaches so amazing, at a town festival with orchard tours, live music, a pancake breakfast, the Palisade Peach Fest Parade, food events and more. Thursday, August 17; Friday, August 18; Saturday, August 19, at Riverbend Park, 451 Pendleton Street, and other Palisade-area locations; daily fest fee $15 to $40 in advance (children three and under free); find schedule and tickets at palisadecoc.com.

August 19: Cidermass: Enjoy live music and libations from over thirty different distilleries and cideries from all over the country. Saturday, August 19, 1 to 4 p.m., $40-$50. Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Village, gosnowmass.com.

August 19: Pajama Jog 5K: Professionally timed 5K race, where participants can choose to run, jog or walk. Proceeds benefit Sleep Tight Colorado’s mission to provide sleeping bags to the homeless of Colorado. Saturday, August 19, 8 a.m. check-in; registration: $30-$40. City Park Pavilion, 2001 Steele Street at Ferril Lake, sleeptightcolorado.org.

August 19: Paws for a Dip: The city pool opens its waters to canines and their humans for a day. Saturday, August 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $5 per dog and one human companion, $1 additional humans (children 12 and under free), proof of current pet vaccinations required. Thornton City Pool, 2141 East 95th Avenue, Thornton, thorntonco.gov/festivals-events.

August 19: 24th Annual Lafayette Peach Festival: Taste some of the 600 peach pies and 2,500 servings of peach smoothies prepared when Old Town Lafayette is flooded with over 30,000 tons of peaches from Morton’s Orchards and Tate Orchards at peach-truck locations along Public Road. Saturday, August 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Old Town Lafayette, lafayettecolorado.com.

August 19: Denver Zine Fest: Denver Zine Fest is back! Saturday, August 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free. Globeville Center, 4496 Grant Street, denverzinelibrary.org.

August 19: SmashFest Golf Tournament: 10 Barrel Brewing wants to be your caddy for a day of drinking beer outside and playing golf at America’s highest golf course, in Copper Mountain. Saturday, August 19, 10 a.m. shotgun start for teams of four; team registration $260. Copper Creek Golf Course, 104 Wheeler Place, Frisco, coppercolorado.com.

August 19: Westword‘s Tacolandia 2023: Enjoy unlimited taco samples from over forty taquerias, restaurants and food trucks, 21+ event. Saturday, August 19, 4 to 7 p.m., ($60 VIP, $35 general admission). Civic Center Park, 144 West Colfax Avenue, westwordtacolandia.com.

August 20: Summer Farm Hop and Farm Fest: Summer Farm Hop tour of Elk Run Farm and Yellow Barn Farm, and Farm Fest, a vendor market hosted by the Stalk Market, with local farmers, artists and small businesses, plus live music and food. Sunday, August 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Farm hop, $35; Farm Fest, free; register at tickettailor.com. Elk Run Farm, 12191 North Foothills Highway, Longmont, and Yellow Barn Farm, 9417 North Foothills Highway, Longmont, yellowbarn.farm.

August 25-26: 127th Old-Fashioned Loveland Corn Roast Festival: Celebrate the fresh corn harvest with a parade, roasted corn, live music, food vendors, a kids’ zone, the Loveland Rotary Duck Race, corn-shucking and more. Friday, August 25, 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, August 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (downtown parade, 9:30 a.m.), free. Fairgrounds Park, 700 South Railroad Avenue, Loveland, visitlovelandco.org.

August 25-26: Overland Expo Mountain West: The premier overlanding event series in the world: No other event offers the scope of classes taught by the world’s leading experts alongside a professional-level trade show that brings together all the camping, vehicle and motorcycle equipment and services you need. Friday, August 25, and Saturday, August 26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, August 27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, info and ticketing at overlandexpo.com/mtn-west.

August 26: Thornton Barrel & Beer Festival: Sample beers and wines from all over the state. Saturday, August 26, 4 to 8 p.m.; $40 to $85, $10 to $15 for designated drivers. Carpenter Park Pavilions, 3498 East 112th Avenue, Thornton, thorntonco.gov/festivals-events.

August 26: 2023 Boulder Taco Fest: The best tacos from top restaurants and food trucks, a curated list of craft breweries, tequila tasting, high-flying luchadores, live bands and free fun for the kiddos. Saturday, August 26, noon to 7 p.m.; tickets: $30 to $90 (one free children’s ticket per paid adult ticket, ages 14 and under). Boulder Civic Area and Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, bouldertacofest.com.

August 26-27: Art in the Park: The Parker Artists Guild hosts an annual town showcase of original painting, photography, glass, wood, metal, jewelry and pottery. Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free. O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Drive, Parker, parkerartistsguild.com.

August 26-27: Summer Art Market 2023: ASLD’s most popular event of the year. Come to our doorstep in the West Wash Park neighborhood to shop the best in local artwork, with more than 100 Colorado artist vendors, plus cold beer, food fresh from the grill and Sweet Action ice cream. Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission. Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant Street, asld.org/summer-art-market-current.

August 26-27: Evergreen Fine Arts Festival: The 57th iteration of this popular juried fine arts festival will include works by local artists in a wide range of mediums. Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free. Buchanan Field, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, evergreenfineartsfestival.com.

August 26-September 4: Colorado State Fair 2023: Ten exciting days of PRCA Rodeo competitions, carnival, monster trucks, demolition derby, livestock events, celebrity concerts, produce judging, art exhibits, fair food and more. Saturday, August 26, through Monday, September 4; gate admission: $7 to $15 (free for kids 4 and under), some separate event tickets on sale now; full schedule TBA. Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Avenue, Pueblo, coloradostatefair.com.

August 27: Planet-Based Living Festival: Enjoy a beautiful late summer day in the park while supporting local vendors, feasting on delicious planet-friendly cuisine, learning from how-to exhibits and workshops, meeting representatives from community nonprofits and listening to live music. Sunday, August 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., free. Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Boulevard, Boulder, planetbasedlivingfestival.org.

August 31-September 3: Yampa Valley Crane Festival: The festival features guided crane viewings, bird and nature walks, expert speakers, films, crane and bird art, and activities for children and families. Schedule and event fees TBA July 1, registration opens July 15. Events happen across the Yampa Valley, in Steamboat Springs, Hayden and Craig, coloradocranes.org.

September 2: Keystone Oktoberfest: Dig out the lederhosen and bring out the family for Keystone’s Tenth annual Oktoberfest. Saturday, September 2, 1 to 6 p.m.; most events free. River Run Village, 100 Dercum Square, Keystone Resort, Keystone, keystonefestivals.com/festivals/oktoberfest.

ONGOING EVENTS

ART

Art à la Carte! Mobile Art Studio: Westminster’s mobile art studio offers hands-on art instruction for all ages to small groups in a neighborhood setting. June 13: Whimsical Bunnies, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Moonlight Landscapes, 7 to 8 p.m., Downtown Westminster Pavilion. June 20: Creating Flipbooks, 9 to 10 a.m.; Solar Prints and Suncatcher, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; The Science of Frescos, noon to 1 p.m., Amherst Park, 13085 Pecos Street, Westminster. Tuesday, June 27: DIY Vinyl Record Clocks, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; DIY Clocks, 7 to 8 p.m., Downtown Pavilion. July 6: Are you a superhero? Show us!, 9 to 10 a.m.; Making Art With Bubbles, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Paper Weaving, noon to 1 p.m., Nottingham Park, 4800 West 92nd Avenue, Westminster. Tuesday, July 11: Painting in the Park,  5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Collage in the Park, 7 to 8 p.m.; Faversham Park, 6109 West 73rd Avenue, Westminster. July 20: Painting in the Park, 9 to 10 a.m.; Painting Landscape in the Park, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Fantastical Structures, noon to 1 p.m.; Amherst Park. August 1: Painting Cats, 9 to 10 a.m.; Magical Sunset Painting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Summer Blossoms, noon to 12 p.m.; Westminster Center Park, 4801 West 92nd Avenue, Westminster. August 8: Mask Making, 9 to 10 a.m.; Collage Journals, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Four Page Storybooks: noon to 1 p.m.; Faversham Park. August 19: Painting in the Park, 9 to 10 a.m.; Painting Landscapes in the Park, 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.; Cotton Creek Park, 112th Avenue and Stuart Street, Westminster. August 26: Fantastical Structures, 9 to 10 a.m.; Collage in the Park, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Cotton Creek Park, cityofwestminster.us/artalacarte.

Art Night Out Lafayette: A free night out on the town every second Friday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m., with vendors from the Firsthand Art Market, food trucks, beer and wine tents, street performers and live music after 6:30 p.m. June 9: Brandywine and the Mighty Fines; July 14: Hazel Miller and the Collective; August 11: Dog House Music and Tier Two Live Present; and September 8: Cass Clayton. Festival Plaza, 311 South Public Road, and along Public Road between Cannon and Emma streets, Lafayette, facebook.com.

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: agriCULTURE: Art Inspired by the Land, June 8 through October 1, in collaboration with the Longmont Museum; more information at agriculture.stqry.app. Whole-cast(e) Pop-Up Shop and Exhibition, June 13-25. agriCULTURE Off-Site Events: Gravity Fed: FutureFarmers Procession, Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Boulder JCC’s Milk & Honey Farm, 6018 Oreg Avenue, Boulder, free; Sundays at the Farm: Agricultural Heritage Center, Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 8348 Ute Highway, Longmont, free; Sundays at the Farm: Boulder JCC’s Milk & Honey Farm, Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free. Museum admission: $2 per person, free on Saturdays and Wednesdays during the farmers’ market on 13th Street. BMoCA, 1750 13th Street, Boulder, bmoca.org.

Colfax Art Jams: A series of free concerts, with local food vendors, artisans, makers and musicians: Every second Saturday, June 10 to September 9, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, June 10: Neon Garden; July 8: Taste the Fax; August 12: Skate the Fax; Sept. 9: Dancin’ on the Fax. Fletcher Plaza, 9800 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, facebook.com.

Dairy Block First Friday ArtWalks: Southern Kindness Gallery hosts First Friday showings of quality, family-friendly, Western-inspired works at an affordable cost; every first Friday through September 7, 5 to 9 p.m., Dairy Block Alley, 1800 Wazee Street, dairyblock.com/events/first-friday-art-walks.

Denver Art Museum: Exhibitions: Her Brush: Japanese Women Artists From the Fong-Johnstone Collection, through July 16; Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion, July 9 through Sept. 24; reimagined permanent displays from the collection: Arts of Africa, Islands Beyond Blue: Niki Hastings-McFall, Treasures From the Oceania Collection and the Modern and Contemporary Art Galleries. Events: Untitled: Artist Takeover: Curated by Navajo comedian Joshua Emerson and visual artist/curator Drew Austin, Friday, July 28, 6 to 10 p.m., included in museum admission. Ucross Symposium: Curating Native American Art: Monday June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Tuesday, June 13, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $20 to $100. Museum gate admission: $12 to $19 (free for members and youth ages 18 and under); 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, denverartmuseum.org.

Denver Public Art Summer Tours: Denver Arts & Venues brings back favorites and expands the series to include several new tours in 2023. June 7, 7 p.m.: City Park Public Art Sunset Tour. June 12 and August 14, 6 p.m.: 14th Street and Denver Performing Arts Complex. June 17, 10:30 a.m.: Horses! Horses! Horses! — A Denver Public Art Family Tour. June 18, July 16, August 13, 10 a.m., and August 19, 11 a.m.: City Park. July 17, 6 p.m.; August 3, 12:30 p.m.; September 18, 6 p.m.: Civic Center Park and Golden Triangle. June 20, July 18, August 9, August 29, September 12, 12:30 p.m.: Colorado Convention Center. June 20, July 18, August 9, August 29, September 12, 12:30 p.m.: Colorado Panorama: A People’s History Tour. June 8, 3:45 p.m.; June 18, 10:45 a.m.; June 25, 9:45 a.m.; July 6, 3:45 p.m.; July 16, 5:45 p.m.; July 23, 9:45 p.m.; August 6, 10:45 a.m.; August 20, 9:45 p.m.: Downtown Denver Public Art Bicycle Tour. June 22, July 20, August 3 and August 24, 3:45 p.m.: Allen True Denver Public Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour. All tours $5 (kids under 10 admitted free). denverpublicart.org/tours.

First Friday Art Walk: Every first Friday of the month, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Third Friday Collectors Night: Every third Friday of the month, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays on Santa Fe: Every last Sunday of the month, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Art District on Santa Fe, Santa Fe Drive between 13th and Alameda avenues, and Kalamath and Inca streets, denversartdistrict.org

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art: Exhibitions: Dave Yῡst—Evidence of Gravity & Other Works, June 21 through October 1; Dave Yῡst Artist Talk: Wednesday, September 13, details TBA. Museum admission $10-$12 (members free); visitors ages 13 and up welcome. 1201 Bannock Street, kirklandmuseum.org.

Marguerite Humeau, Orisons: An unprecedented 160-acre earthwork by artist Marguerite Humeau paying homage to Colorado’s San Luis Valley, the world’s largest alpine valley. Saturday, July 29, 2023, through June 30, 2025. Opening Celebration: Saturday, July 29, 4 to 9 p.m., Frontier Drive-Inn, 105 East County Road 11 North, Center, free, RSVP at Eventbrite. General viewing begins July 30, by advance reservation only. The reservations system will open in July.

MCA Denver: Exhibitions: Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe, and Anna Tsouhlarakis: Indigenous Absurdities, Wednesday, June 14, to September 10. Summer Exhibitions Opening Party: Wednesday, June 14, 7:30 p.m., $25 to $75. Museum Programs: Cinema Azteca, Spanish-language film series: Tuesdays, through August 29: June 13: No; June 20: Amores Perros; July 11: Ixcanul; July 18: Pelo Malo; July 25: Mejor No Hablar (De Ciertas Cosas); August 8: Oriana; August 15: Plaza Catedral; August 22: 25 Watts; August 29: La Yuma; screenings $5 to $15 at MCA Denver at the Holiday, 2644 West 32nd Avenue. Mixed Taste 2023: An interactive lecture series where even the most mismatched subjects find unexpected common ground in an interactive lecture series, Wednesdays, July 12 to August 16. July 12: James Baldwin and Sneaker Culture; July 19: Anton Chekhov and Night Mayors; July 26: Orphism and Hip Hop; August 2: Boy Bands and the Southern Border; August 9: Ice Core Sampling and Guatemalan Coffee; August 16: The Penal System and Radical Imagination; admission: $5 to $20 single pass, $30 digital season pass. B-Side Music Fridays: Live weekly Colorado musicians’ showcase on MCA Denver’s rooftop garden, July 7 through August 25; admission $25 to $30 at MCA Denver at the Holiday, 2644 West 32nd Avenue. Museum admission: $7 to $10 (children and teens ages 0-18 free; penny admission for Colorado Residents, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3 and every first Saturday of the month). 1485 Delgany Street, mcadenver.org.

McNichols Building: Eyes Wide Shut: Visual Meditations on the Plague, through June 30. Marcos Garibay, áyA con Ofrenda, June 8 through 15. Tales in Textiles: Mid-Century Style: June 8 through August 27. Vibrant Accessibility: June 8 through August 27. 144 West Colfax Avenue, mcnicholsbuilding.com.

Monte Vista Art Walk: Every third Friday: June 16, July 21, August 18, 4 to 8 p.m.; free. Downtown Monte Vista, beginning on the first block of Adams Street, montevistachamber.org.

Smash Fine Arts Festival: A highly selective boutique outdoor fine-art exhibit showcasing top-tier national artists, with live violin, piano and acoustic guitar music and fine catering. Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11; Saturday, August 12, and Sunday, August 13; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free. Fillmore Plaza, Fillmore Street between First and Second avenues, smashinthesquarefestival.com

Yard Art Contemporary 2023: Denver neighborhood-based contemporary weekend art events featuring some of Denver’s notable fine-art 2-D and 3-D artists: Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 100 Gaylord Street. denver.org.

THEATER

Benchmark Theatre: Benchmark strives to stimulate conversations about the universal, nourish the imaginative spirit of its community, and support programs that nurture young artists and audiences. Stonewall (world premiere): June 9 through July 1. Rock of Ages: July 21 through 23 and July 28 through 30. Jeremiah (world premiere): August 11 through September 2. Tickets: $18 to $30. 1560 Teller Street, Lakewood, benchmarktheatre.com.

Catamounts: Pushing the boundaries of traditional theater to incorporate the musical trends, storytelling techniques, community rituals and expressive media used in popular and contemporary culture. Pride of the Farm: An outdoor immersive theater experience inspired by the biography of former Colorado Attorney General John Metzger, Wednesdays through Sundays, through June 25, $30, Metzger Farm, 12080 Lowell Boulevard, Westminster, cityofwestminster.ticketspice.com. The Estate Sale: An immersive art and theatrical installation conceived of by Brad Ramsey in collaboration with the Catamounts, and written and directed by Josh Hartwell, Thursdays through Sundays through June 24, $25-$35, reserve by timed entry, People’s Building, 9995 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, thecatamounts.wellattended.com.

Central City Opera: Central City unveils a Shakespearean season in 2023 with a trio of operas and musicals adapted from the Bard’s dramatic canon. All shows in repertory on selected Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays; times vary. Romeo and Juliet (Charles Gounod): June 24 through August 5; Kiss Me Kate (Cole Porter): Saturday, July 1 through August 5; Othello (Gioachino Rossini): Six-performance limited engagement, July 15 through August 6. Central City Opera House,
124 Eureka Street, Central City, centralcityopera.org.
 
Colorado Shakespeare Festival 2023: Since 1958, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has delighted audiences with professional theater on the CU Boulder campus. The Two Gentlemen of Verona: June 11 through August 13, select dates and times, $23-$85, Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre. The Winter’s Tale: June 24 through August 12, $20-$76, University Theatre. King Lear, by Lauren Gunderson, July 8 through August 12, $23-$85, Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre. One Man, Two Guvnors: July 22 through August 13, $20-$73, University Theatre. University of Colorado Boulder, cupresents.org.

Colorado TINTS (Colorado Theater in Non-Traditional Spaces): I’m Harvey Milk: The life story of early LGBTQ+ leader Harvey Milk: Thursday, June 29, and Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., $15. A Destination of My Own: Life Story of Richard Durham: Saturday, July 1, 7 p.m., and Sunday, July 2, 2 p.m. (Premiere VIP Reception: July 1, 5:30 p.m., $30). The People’s Building, 9995 East Colfax Avenue, theatrixdenver.wellattended.com.

Creede Repertory Theatre: CRT’s award-winning company produces big city quality repertory productions in a spectacular location from May through September. Mainstage Theatre: Dear Jack, Dear Louise, through September 16; Clue on Stage, June 10 through September 2; Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, July 15 through August 25. Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre: Mountain Octopus, through August 26; The Royale, June 18-September 2. CRT Mainstage, 124 Main Street, and Ruth Humphrey Brown Theatre, 120 Main Street, find additional events and ticket deals online, creederep.org.

Lafayette Arts Hub: See summer fare at Lafayette’s community-run cultural center and theater. Beauty and the Beast: June 9 through 18; Rock of Ages: July 21 through 30; Fridays through Sundays, $15 to $28, [email protected], 420 Courtney Way, Lafayette, artshub.org.

Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre: A world-class theater located in beautiful Grand Lake, where each season promises to bring outstanding professional theater to the Rocky Mountain region.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, through August 26; Pirates of Penzance, June 16 through August 25; Something Rotten, July 1 through August 24; Cabaret 2023 benefit, July 22, $175; Almost Heaven, September 1 through 30. Repertory tickets, $30 to $60; Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, 800 Grand Avenue, Grand Lake, rockymountainrep.com.

Shakespeare in the Sangres: WCPA presents a play each evening in our beautiful outdoor amphitheater behind the Jones Theater in Westcliffe. Measure for Measure: Fridays through Sundays June 16 through July 1, $5 to $20. Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts, 119 Main Street, Westcliffe, jonestheater.com.

Square Product Theater: Things We Will Miss: A personal meditation on the climate crisis and the beauty and inevitability of impermanence, July 7 through 22, $5 to $50, sliding scale. Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder, thedairy.org.

Theatre Aspen: Fortieth-anniversary season. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, June 22 through July 8; Doubt, July 14 through 29; Rent: August 4 through August 26; Solo Flights: New Works Festival, September 7 through 14; theatreaspen.org. 

Vintage Theatre: Classics and cutting-edge theater, classes, improv and staged readings that challenge, entertain and grow an audience and artistic family alike. Bond-Trimble Theatre: Driving Miss Daisy, through July 9; Reptile Logic: A Corporate Dismemberment, July 28 through August 13. Nickelson Auditorium: In the Heights: June 22 through July 30; tickets: $20-$38. 1468 Dayton Street, Aurora, vintagetheatre.org.

FILM

Film on the Rocks: Annual outdoor film series, with Colorado-grown pre-show entertainment. Mondays, 7 p.m.: June 12: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark; June 19: Black Panther; July 10: Top Gun: Maverick; July 24: Mamma Mia!; August 21: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; $20, $35 VIP; Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, denverfilm.org/programs/film-on-the-rocks.

Month of Video (MOV): A month-long exhibition, event and curatorial platform held citywide during the month of July, featuring exhibitions with a diverse array of video works, including video art, video games, performance art for video and more. Saturday, July 1, through July 31: Complete info and programming TBA at denvermov.com, and on Facebook and Instagram.

Movies Around Town, Arvada: Free movies on a giant inflatable movie screen in some of Arvada’s favorite parks. June 16: Field of Dreams: Wood Run Park, 8255 Hoyt Way, Arvada; July 14: Top Gun: Maverick: Homestead Park, 5640 West 63rd Avenue, Arvada; August 11: School of Rock, 5200 Carr Street, Arvada; September 8: People’s Choice: Forest Springs Park, 6650 Kendrick Drive, Arvada; all films start at dusk, arvadafestivals.com/movies-around-town.

2023 Movie Nights at Infinity Park: Grab your chairs, a blanket and some drinks, and make your way to Glendale for free family movies under the stars. June 12: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; June 26: Encanto; July 10: Top Gun: Maverick; July 24: DC League of Super-Pets; gates open at 6 p.m.; movies screen at 7 p.m., Infinity Park, 4599 East Tennessee Avenue, Glendale, infinityparkatglendale.com.

Northglenn Arts Summer Movies: Buy dinner at a food truck and cuddle up for a free movie on the Great Lawn. June 21: Coco; June 28: Selena; July 12: Top Gun: Maverick; July 19: Hook; all films at dusk; Northglenn Recreation Center Great Lawn, 1 East Memorial Parkway, Northglenn, northglennarts.org/programs/summer-movie-series.

Summer Films: The Historic Elitch Theatre Foundation resumes a free family favorite, with screenings now inside the theater. June 16: Top Gun: Maverick; June 30: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish; July 14: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; July 28: Coco; pre-film entertainment at 6:30 p.m., film at 8 p.m.; admission is free, or a $5 donation; Historic Elitch Theatre, 4550 West 38th Avenue, historicelitchtheatre.org/events.

Sunset Cinema: Free outdoor film series with a foodie theme, live music curated by Dazzle, local food trucks, and cinema-style snacks and beverages available for purchase. June 13: Chef; June 27: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory; July 11: Tampopo; July 18: The Hundred-Foot Journey; July 25: The Menu. Doors at 6:30 p.m., entertainment at 7:15 p.m., films at dusk; free, RSVP at Eventbrite. Galleria, lower terrace, Denver Performing Arts Complex, artscomplex.com/events. 

Thornton Neighborhood Movies in the Park: Free family films outdoors in Thornton Parks. June 3: Space Jam: A New Legacy, Carpenter Park, 3498 East 112th Avenue, Thornton; June 9: The Emperor’s New Groove, Community Park, 2141 East 95th Avenue, Thornton; June 17: Top Gun: Maverick, Trail Winds Park, 13405 Holly Street, Thornton; July 1: Puss-N-Boots, Fallbrook Farms, 14189 Madison Street, Thornton; July 14: Aladdin, Trail Winds Park; July 15: Jurassic Park, Community Park; July 29: Up, Carpenter Park; August 4: The Lion King (live-action version), Carpenter Park Fields; August 12: Paddington, Trail Winds Park; September 9: The Lost City, Community Park. Doors at 7 p.m., films at dusk, thorntonco.gov/festivals-events.

DANCE

Sans Souci Film Festival: A dance film festival connecting filmmakers with audiences around the world. Twentieth Anniversary Festival: September 1 through September 3. Festival Premiere 2023: Friday, September 1, 6:45 to 9 p.m.; tickets: $32. Additional events/screenings TBA. Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway Street, sanssoucifestival.org.

Swingin’ Denver: Live Music Parties: Every first Wednesday, July through November, 9 to 11:30 p.m., $12 to $20, Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe Street. Hot House West Swing Orchestra: Join Boulder Swing Dance, Dance Laugh Love and Swingin’ Denver for a very special Flatiron Stomp dance party, July 22, 7 to 11 p.m., $20-$75, Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Road, Boulder. Swingin’ Under the Stars, weekly on Saturdays, 7:30 to 10 p.m., through September 2, free, Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th Street. Summer Swing Nights at Aspen Grove: Fridays, August 4-August 25, 6 to 8 p.m., free, BARBOX Garden, Aspen Grove, 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, swingindenver.com.

Vail Dance Festival: Twelve days of dance performances, workshop and talks, including NOW: Premieres, the UpClose series and a roster of international dance stars, Friday, July 28, through August 7. Performances: July 28: Opening night, with Martha Graham Dance Company, L.A. Dance Project, Brazilian tap force Leonardo Sandoval and BalletX, $30-$150, 7:30 p.m. July 29: Martha Graham Dance Company, 7:30 p.m., $50-$115. July 30: UpClose | Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century, 6 p.m., $10-$95. July 31: L.A. Dance Project, 7:30 p.m., $50-$115. August 1: Dance for $20.23, with Brazilian tap dancer Leonardo Sandoval, contemporary ballet troupe BalletX, ballroom stars Denys Drozdyuk and Antonina Skobina, and more, $10.23-$20.23. August 2: Music From The Sole: Brazilian dancer/choreographer Leonardo Sandoval and bassist/composer Gregory Richardson: Tap dance and live music come together in the acclaimed production I Didn’t Come to Stay, 6 p.m., $50-$100, Vilar Performing Arts Center, 68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek. August 4: International Evenings of Dance I, 7:30 p.m. $10-$150. August 5: International Evenings of Dance II, 5 p.m. $10-$150. August 5: International Evenings of Dance III, 8 p.m., $30-$150. August 6: BalletX, 7:30 p.m., $65-$105. August 7: Now: Premieres, 7:30 p.m., $30 to $125. Shows at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, 530 South Frontage Road East, Vail (unless noted), vaildance.org.

MARKETS

Colorado Fresh Markets: Get fresh products, browse local finds, enjoy tasty food trucks, meet up with neighbors and listen to music in a friendly and charming open-air market setting. Cherry Creek Fresh Market and Makers Markets: Saturdays through November 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from June 14 through August 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Cherry Creek Shopping Center, First Avenue and University Boulevard, coloradofreshmarkets.com.

Boulder County Farmers’ Markets: Farmer-run nonprofit markets featuring more than 150 local vendors to host the longest market season in Colorado. Boulder: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., through November 17; and Wednesdays, 4 to 7:30 p.m., through October 4; 13th Street between Arapahoe Avenue and Canyon Boulevard, Boulder. Longmont: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through November 18; Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont. bcfm.org/markets. Also offering Curbside Pickup Online Markets year-round in Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette and Denver, bcfm.localfoodmarketplace.com/Index.

Centennial Outdoor Market: Saturdays, June 17, September 16 and October 28, 9 am. to 3 p.m. 12835 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, facebook.com/people/Centennial-Outdoor-Market.

City Park Farmers Market: The perfect Denver Saturday morning experience. Saturdays through October 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Park Esplanade, 2551 East Colfax Avenue, cityparkfarmersmarket.com/saturdaymarket.

Denver Bazaar’s Night Bazaar: The Bazaar returns to four locations this summer, including longtime favorites and brand-new neighborhoods, with 40+ craft vendors, food trucks and street food, fashion trucks, market bars, live DJs or bands, cocktails and more. RiNo: Fridays through September 1, 5 to 9 p.m., 2424 Larimer Street; Lowry: Third Thursday, June 17 through August 17, 4 to 8 p.m., 7070 East Lowry Boulevard; Platte Street: Every first Saturday through August 5, 1553 Platte Street. Sloan’s Lake: Second Saturdays through August 12, 4 to 8 p.m., 16th Avenue and Raleigh Street. Admission free, Shop & Sip passes, $30, denverbazaar.com/nightbazaar2023.

Denver Makers’ Markets: Local handmade artisans, crafters, farmers and vendors to browse both indoors and out. Arapahoe Community College: Fourth Saturdays through November 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5900 South Santa Fe Drive. Aspen Grove: Saturday, July 15, Swing Nights, August 4-25, 3 to 8 p.m., 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Lakewood: First Saturdays through September 2, Lamar Plaza, 6677 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood. Park Hill: Sundays, July 28 and September 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 6035 East Colfax Avenue. Midtown: Sundays, June 25 and August 13, The Shed, 1625 West 67th Avenue. denvermakersmarket.com/events.

Englewood Markets: Saturdays, July 1 and August 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway, Englewood, englewoodco.gov/our-city/events/upcoming/englewood-markets

Firefly Handmade Market: A trip to a Firefly Handmade leads you to the intersection of craft, local and small batch. Summer Market 2023: Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1000 Block of South Gaylord Street, between Tennessee and Mississippi Avenues. Fall Market 2023 at Downtown Boulder Fall Fest: Friday, September 12, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Pearl Street Mall, 1303 Pearl Street, Boulder.
fireflyhandmade.com.

Havana Street Global Market: A globally inspired market place with products from around the world. July 16, July 30, August 13, August 27, September 10 and September 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Havana Exchange Shopping Center, 2802 South Havana Street, Aurora, onhavanastreet.com/events/havana-street-global-market.

Havana Street Global Night Market: Event will celebrate cultural diversity through business, with a mix of vendors from around the world selling products ranging from food, crafts and art to handmade jewelry and more. Saturdays, June 12, Seoul Hospitality Group/ Leezakaya, 2710 South Havana Street, Aurora; July 15 and August 12, Sam’s No. 3, 2580 South Havana Street, Aurora; all markets 5 to 9 p.m., free admission, bonfireeventco.com.

Hobnob Events Farmers Markets: Local vendors provide Colorado-grown produce, tasty baked goods, specialty meats, gourmet food items and more. South Pearl Street Farmers Market: Sundays, through November 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1400-1500 blocks of South Pearl Street, between Iowa and Arkansas avenues. Central Park Farmers’ Market: Sundays, June 25 to October 8, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Founders’ Green, 7601 29th Avenue. Highland Square Farmers Market: Sundays, through October 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard. Denver Union Station Farmers Market: Saturdays, through September 9, 1701 Wynkoop Street, jarmanandcoevents.com.

Horseshoe Market: Denver’s home for unique shopping experiences and Lucky Finds™. Summer Horseshoe Market: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Breckenridge Brewery, 2990 Brewery Lane, Littleton. Fall Horseshoe Market: Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Regis University, 50th Avenue and Lowell Boulevard, horseshoemarket.com.

Larimer Square Summer Market Series: Shop a curated collection of more than a dozen top Denver makers and artists this summer at Larimer Square. Sundays, June 25, July 23 and August 27, noon to 4 p.m., Larimer Square, 1430 Larimer Street, larimersquare.com.

Made by Us Markets: Supporting local artists and small business is our love language! Pride Pop-Up: Sunday, June 11, noon to 6 p.m., Number 38, 3560 Chestnut Place. Modern Nomad Pop-Ups: Saturdays, June 17, June 24; July 8 and July 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 2936 Larimer Street. Cider Sundays Pop-Us: Sundays, June 18 and July 16, noon to 6 p.m., Stem Cidery, 3040 Blake Street, mbudenver.com/calendar.

Metro Denver Farmers Markets: Southwest Plaza Farmers Market: Saturdays, through Oct. 28, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Southeast Parking Lot, Wadsworth Boulevard and Bowles Avenue. Highlands Ranch Farmers Market, Sundays, through October 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9288 Dorchester Street. Lakewood Farmers Market: Saturdays, June 10 through September 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 9077 West Alameda Avenue. Aspen Grove Farmers Market: Wednesdays, June 14 through September 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, denverfarmersmarket.com.

NoBo First Friday Market: A vendor village filled with artisans, makers, foodies and food trucks, performance and live music. First Fridays, through September 2, 6 to 9 p.m., 4939 Broadway, Boulder, noboartdistrict.org.

A Paris Street Market: One of the region’s oldest open-air, vintage, antique and artisan markets. Every first Saturday, July 1, August 5 and September 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, Aspen Grove, 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, aparisstreetmarket.com.

People + Produce Farmers Market Series: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through September 24, Belleview Station, 4855 South Quebec Street, peopleandproducebvs.com.

Wheat Ridge Farmers Market: Wednesdays, through September 27, 5 to 7 p.m., Wheat Ridge Poultry, 5650 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, wheatridgepoultry.com.

SPORTS / RECREATION

Barr Lake State Park: Offering recreational programs in archery, biking, birding, boating safety, conservation, fishing, hiking, nature and more. Barr Lake Nature Center, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/BarrLake. Register at cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/pages/calendar.

Bluff Lake Nature Center: Offering free, downloadable self-guided tour itineraries and scavenger hunts, bird walks, guided Forest Bathing and Qigong and Mindfulness Walks, after-school programs and summer camps, nature play stations and more. Open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Bikes and dogs not allowed. 11255 East Martin Luther King Boulevard, blufflake.org.

Colorado Rockies: Home games: June 8: San Francisco Giants. June 9-11: San Diego Padres. June 23-29: Los Angeles Dodgers. June 30-July 2: Detroit Tigers. July 14-16: New York Yankees. July 18-19: Houston Astros. July 28-30: Oakland Athletics. July 31-August 2: San Diego Padres. August 14-16: Arizona Diamondbacks. August 18-20: Chicago White Sox. August 28-30: Atlanta Braves. September 1-3: Toronto Blue Jays. September 11-13: Chicago Cubs. September 14-17: San Francisco Giants. September 26-28: Los Angeles Dodgers. September 29-October 1: Minnesota Twins. Tickets: Starting at $19, mlb.com/rockies/tickets/single-game-tickets. Coors Field, 2001 Blake Street, mlb.com/rockies.

Colorado Rapids: Home games: June 21: San Jose Earthquakes. June 21: Vancouver Whitecaps FC. June 24: Los Angeles Galaxy. July 4: Portland Timbers (Block Party and 25th annual 4th Fest fireworks). July 8: FC Dallas. July 15: Houston Dynamo. July 31: Deportivo Toluca FC (Leagues Cup Group Stage).Tickets: $15-$225, coloradorapids.com/tickets. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, coloradorapids.com.

Denver Union Station Fitness on the Plaza: Local instructors offer a variety of fitness categories Saturdays, June 10 and June 24, 8 a.m., free, RSVP in advance. Wynkoop Plaza, Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop Street, denverunionstation.com/events.

Larimer Square Fitness on The Square: SweatNET will be taking over Larimer Square, bringing some of the city’s top fitness studios to Denver’s most historic block. Third Saturdays, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, 10 to 11 a.m., $20 (SweatNET members free), Larimer Square, larimersquare.com/events.

Rooftop Rodeo: For more than a century, the PRCA-sanctioned Rooftop Rodeo has been a thrilling highlight of Estes Park’s summer season. Opening Night: Wednesday, July 5. Rooftop Rodeo Parade: Thursday, July 6, 10 a.m., Downtown Estes Park. Family Night: Thursday, July 6. Fiesta at the Rodeo: Friday, July 7. Paint Estes Park Pink: Saturday, July 8. Military Night: Sunday, July 9. First Responders and Locals Night: Monday, July 10. Gates, 5 p.m.; pre-show, 6:30 p.m.; rodeo, 7 p.m.; tickets: $17 to $35 (children two and under get in free). Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park, rooftoprodeo.com.

Snowmass Rodeo: Celebrating 48 years of rodeo action in beautiful Snowmass Village. Every Wednesday, June 21 through August 16, 5 to 8:30 p.m.; tickets: $10 to $25. Snowmass Rodeo, 2735 Brush Creek Road, Snowmass Village, snowmassrodeo.org.

Stretch & Sip Yoga: Your invitation to unwind and relax with a 60-minute yoga session on a rooftop patio. Every Saturday, June 3 through August 26, 9 a.m., donation-based. Hilton Garden Inn Union Station, 1999 Chestnut Place, woodiefisher.com.

Summer Boot Camp: Four-week outdoor fitness series in Sculpture Park geared to serve all fitness levels. Mondays, July 10 through July 31, 7 a.m., free. Sculpture Park, Denver Performing Arts Complex, artscomplex.com/event.

Yoga on the Rocks: Start your day with an exhilarating workout at the most awe-inspiring venue in the world. Most Saturdays, June 10 through August 12, 7 a.m.; $18 per session, $85 five-pack, $160 season pass. Red Rocks 
Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, redrocksonline.com.

Yoga in the Plaza: Join CorePower Yoga at Belmar every Saturday morning for a 60-minute yoga experience. Saturdays, June 10 through August 26, 8:30 a.m.; free, RSVP required. Belmar, 7337 West Alaska Drive Lakewood, belmarcolorado.com/event.

Museums and Attractions

Chatfield Farms: A 700-acre native plant refuge and working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in southern Jefferson County. Offering children’s summer camps, tours and workshops. Events: Lavender Festival: Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided Meditation Series: Wednesdays, June 14 through July 5, $18, $15 member per session. Seasonal Discoveries Tour: Saturdays, July 8, July 22, August 19, September 2, 10 a.m.; Sundays, June 18, July 30, August 6, August 27, September 10, 10 a.m., $5-$11. Colorado Connections: Chatfield Farms: Sunday, July 10; Friday, August 25; $7-$16. Gate admission, Free to $10. 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, botanicgardens.org/chatfield-farms.

CitySkate: Downtown Denver’s first-ever roller rink, with free mini golf, local food, beer and events throughout the summer. June 16 through October 1: Fridays-Saturdays, 3 to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 3 to 9 p.m., free admission, Skate rentals: $9 for adults, $7 for kids 12 and under, Skyline Park, 1601 Arapahoe Street, summerindenver.com.

Colorado Renaissance Festival: Take a magical tour through time and legend: Situated on over thirty beautiful acres, the festival presents ten stages of nonstop entertainment, over 200 village artisans and delicious food fit for a king. Saturdays and Sundays, June 17 through August 6, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, $12 to $28, 650 Perry Park Avenue, Larkspur, coloradorenaissance.com.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Curiosity Cruiser: Your friendly neighborhood museum on wheels! The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is hitting the road in a pop-up vehicle, stocked inside and out with fun activities for some on-the-go wonder for all ages. Find dates and locations or book the Curiosity Cruiser at dmns.org.

Denver Botanic Gardens: Known for its wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres, reflecting an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Also offering lectures, art exhibits, plant society shows and sales, summer concerts and special events throughout the year. Denver Rose Society Show: Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18; Colorado Mycological Society Mushroom Fair: Saturday, August 5, and Sunday, August 6; Water Garden Society “Blossoms,” Saturday, August 12; Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society Show: Friday, September 1, through Sunday, September 3. Gate admission: free to $15. 1007 York Street, botanicgardens.org.

Denver Zoo: One of Colorado’s most vital cultural cornerstones, the Denver Zoo is dedicated to providing an intimate, inspiring and informative firsthand encounter with the wonders of nature. Open daily at 10 a.m. (8:30 a.m. members). Summer gate admission: Free to $24. 2900 East 23rd Avenue, denverzoo.org.

Elitch Gardens: Colorado’s only world-class combination theme and water park, with exciting new family shows, Dive-In Movies, a free summer concert series and stunning fireworks extravaganzas that will light up the Denver skyline. Open daily through August 19, and weekends and holidays through October 29.
Daily gate admission: $66.99 online; season tickets $139.99. 2000 Elitch Circle, elitchgardens.com.

History Colorado Center: Artifacts and stories intermingle to tell the tale of Colorado and the American West. The museum is designed for multi-generational audiences and consists of over fifteen exhibits spanning four floors, capturing the spirit of Colorado. Ongoing Exhibits: Borderlands of Southern Colorado; Rainbows & Revolutions: History of LGBTQ+Coloradans; Return of the Corn Mothers; The Dry: Black Women’s Legacy in a Farming Community; The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever; The World in Denver: The Photography of Robert Weinberg; Virgil Ortiz Revolt 1680/2180: Runners + Gliders and more. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission: Free to $14. 1200 Broadway, historycolorado.org/history-colorado-center.

Lakeside Amusement Park: A family-friendly, neon-lit amusement park with attractions for all ages, ranging from the Cyclone roller coaster to a calm Merry-Go-Round, and an unforgettable scenic train ride around picturesque Lake Rhoda, with mountain views. Open daily except Tuesdays through August 20, and weekends and holidays through September 10. Spectator Admission: $5; All-Access Pass: $15-$30; ride coupons 50 cents each. 4601 Sheridan Boulevard, lakesideamusementpark.com.

Meow Wolf Denver / Convergence Station: Enjoy immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. Events: Adulti-Verse, themed 21+ nights every first Wednesday of the month, 5 to 10 p.m. Galleri Gallery: Abby Gregg, Biophony, through June 30. Vortex 2023, August 25-27, The JunkYard, 1098 Yuma Street, meowwolf.com. General admission starts at $45; Colorado resident admission starts at $35. 1338 First Street, meowwolf.com.

Molly Brown House Museum: Historic Denver’s Molly Brown House Museum is committed to enhancing the city’s unique identity by telling the story of Margaret “Molly” Brown’s activism, philanthropy and passion through educational programs, exhibits and stewardship. Exhibits: The World Is Changing, through August 27. Events: Art on Penn: Seurat-Style Sip & Paint: Saturday, June 10, 5 to 7 p.m., $25. Under the Lens: Food at the Fair: Tuesday, June 27, 6:30 p.m., $25. 1340 Penn After Hours: Sexy Sarah: Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., $20. Under the Lens: Innovation: Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 p.m., $25. Under the Lens: Representation at the Fair: August 22, 6:30 p.m., $25. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission: free to $20. 1340 Pennsylvania Street, mollybrown.org.
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Our Journey | On Colorado’s Central Plains: Explore the small-town attractions of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties on the Central Plains of Colorado, using Our Journey’s free travel kit that includes free admission to twelve museums through Labor Day, as well as information on upcoming events and unique places to visit in a day or a weekend. Memorial Day to Labor Day. Call 800-825-0208 or email [email protected] for an Our Journey travel kit. Learn more at ourjourney.info.

Water World: America’s largest water park, with more than fifty slides and on seventy-plus acres. Open daily through August 19 and weekends through September 3. Admission: $14.99-$54.99; Splash Passes start at $134.99. 8801 Pecos Street,
 Federal Heights, waterworldcolorado.com.

<a href="https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/original/17062525/summercover.jpeg" rel="contentImg_gal-16949463" title="Westword" data-caption="   Westword” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge

These listings were compiled for our annual Summer Guide, inserted in the June 8 issue of Westword and available here in digital form. For updates, see our weekly Things to Do lists. Send information for additional events to [email protected], and watch for our Fall Arts Guide in September.
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Hair loss can be difficult, cancer patients say — and some want better access to options

White Coat Black Art26:30Hair Loss Part I: The trouble with wigs

Cairo Gregory doesn’t think about her hair too often — anymore.

For much of her life, she says she didn’t have the “greatest” relationship with her hair. Gregory, a 16-year-old student in Toronto, had at one point straightened her hair so much, it ended up damaged. So she cut it short — “I hated it,” she said.

But eventually, as she learned to style her hair, she grew to love it. So last year, when her hair started falling out in her second week of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, she says she found the loss difficult. Like many of those going through chemotherapy, she made the decision to completely shave her head as she started shedding.

“I think that was probably the most upsetting part for me,” she told White Coat, Black Art host Dr. Brian Goldman.

“When it fell out, it was like my entire Instagram [timeline] was just hair videos, like new hairstyles because I’d gotten really into that at that point. So it really sucked when it was like something that actually really, really became important to me at that period of time.”

Smiling young woman with closely shaved hair poses for photo.
When she began losing her hair during chemotherapy, Gregory enlisted a friend to help shave it off. (Submitted by Cairo Gregory)

Despite advances in cancer treatment, little has changed with respect to its effects on hair. Chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells in the body — including hair. For many patients, that means losing their locks during treatment.

That can have an impact on a person’s self-confidence and how they feel about themselves during treatment. But alternatives, like wigs and cold-capping procedures that can protect a patient’s hair, are out of reach for many patients due to price and availability.

For Gregory, the problem was compounded by a lack of hospital resources and alternative hair options for people of colour, she said.

“There isn’t a pamphlet that they hand out for people with curly hair to go find wigs. There should be one,” she said.

Wigs can be pricey, but free alternatives exist

Losing hair during cancer treatment can be a shocking experience. Some patients say losing hair can make the psychological burden of chemotherapy feel heavier, given they don’t look like themselves.

“Obviously nobody wants to feel sick, but I didn’t want to look sick,” said Tammy Wegener, who was treated for breast cancer in 2022. “I wanted to feel that I had some peace of mind, that my kids had some peace of mind going through all this.”

That’s something Mona Rozdale says she hears often.

“At the end of the day, everybody wants to feel like themselves, and when you strip something that you’re so used to having, you don’t know life without it,” she said.

Rozdale is responsible for the Canadian Cancer Society’s wig and breast prosthetics bank lending program, which is free.

WATCH | U.S. task force recommends starting routine mammograms at 40:

Routine mammograms should start at 40, U.S. task force says

1 month ago

Duration 2:01

A U.S. medical task force is recommending routine mammogram screening for breast cancer should start at 40 not 50, especially in people in high-risk categories.

She says wigs can be a helpful solution to those facing hair loss. But they can also be pricey. On average, a good quality wig made from human hair can cost around $2,500, according to Rozdale. But cheaper synthetic wigs are starting to look more realistic.

When Gregory couldn’t find a wig that fit her style — or budget of around $500 — at a hospital boutique, she opted to have her mother’s hairdresser make her one at a discount.

Scalp cooling is resource-intensive

Some people being treated for cancer have kept their natural hair with a process known as scalp cooling or cold capping.

Patients wear an intensely cold helmet before, during and after chemotherapy that constricts blood vessels in the scalp. It involves chilled caps that are swapped out regularly, or a machine that pumps cold liquid through an attached cap. In doing so, chemotherapy is less likely to reach and damage hair follicles, potentially reducing hair loss.

Woman in a chair, wrapped in a knitted blanket, wears a helmet like cap at a hospital.
Tammy Wegener decided to try scalp cooling during her treatment for breast cancer, for both herself and her family. (Submitted by Tammy Wegener)

With limited data on its efficacy and a high price tag, however, cold capping is not widely available across Canada.

“The greatest limitation is chair time. It is a resource-rich type of use of the machine,” said Dr. Shannon Salvador, gynecologic oncologist at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal and an associate professor at McGill University.

“When you have a patient who has to come for chemo every single week, that’s a great deal of time for them and a lot of time in the hospital to be able to come and use the machine.” 

But Salvador, who has studied the effectiveness of scalp cooling, says there is evidence it does work for some patients.

In a 2021 study she co-authored, published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology Reports, over half of patients who were on a smaller weekly dose of a chemotherapy drug retained about 50 per cent of their hair when using a cold cap. The cold cap treatment didn’t work for those on a larger dose. 

Cold caps limited at Canadian hospitals

Cold capping is not available to people with certain types of cancer, such as blood cancers, and those being treated with certain types of chemotherapy.

White Coat, Black Art reached out to several cancer centres in Canada, and found scalp cooling offered at just a handful of hospitals, often at the patient’s expense.

Wegener, 49, was able to access the treatment for free at Saint John Regional Hospital after a scalp cooling machine was donated by a nurse at the institution. 

LISTEN | Why advocates want scalp cooling available at more hospitals:

26:30Hair Loss Part II: Cold Capping

Salvador says she expects hospitals will still rely on donations and external support for scalp cooling technology, rather than funding them directly.

“We need to acknowledge that, in Canada, we are in a socialized health-care system where we need to place the money where it’s going to do the most benefit,” she said. 

“Unfortunately that does mean turning away things that are of great emotional benefit to patients, but may not play a great deal in their actual clinical care.”

Woman poses for a selfie
Wegener says she was able to keep most of her hair thanks to the cold cap, noticing only some thinning. (Submitted by Tammy Wegener)

Cold capping was a success for Wegener, who says during her chemotherapy treatment she noticed only some thinning of her hair and eyebrows. Based on her own experience, she hopes to see it in more places.

“Not that it’s for everybody and not everybody sees the results I saw with mine,” Wegener said. “But I think it still should be an option for everyone.”

Growing back

Gregory, the Toronto student who is still anxious about her cancer potentially returning, has become more comfortable with — and without — her wig. 

She went to class bald for the first three months of the school year, in part because she also lost hair on and around her face, making the wig look unnatural. But she has since confidently worn wigs to school, and now has enough of her natural hair to add in braids.

“That took a year. It’s almost been a year since my hair started going back,” she said.

“I think by next summer I could probably wear a ponytail wig and then hopefully, like maybe a few summers after that, I won’t wear wigs anymore at all.”

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Babyface’s Tiny Desk Concert Was A Black-Ass Musical Family Reunion Showcasing His Impact Across The Past 50 Years

Kenneth Edmonds, professionally known as Babyface, is one of the most sought out songwriters in modern times. So, it was only fitting that when the NPR Tiny Desk Concert series wanted to kick off Black Music Month, they called the musician. Babyface didn’t hold back, giving the series one Black-ass musical family reunion showcasing his impact across nearly fifty years.

Outside of his solo catalog, as a producer, he’s worked with some of the biggest names in music, including the late Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Usher, and recently Ari Lennox. His setlist offered a tasting of those past collaborations. With backing support from fellow vocalist Tank, Chanté Moore, and Avery Wilson, Babyface opened up with his classic 1987 song “Two Occasions,” recorded as part of the group The Deele. The entertainer followed that up with his solo 1989 song, “Whip Appeal.”

Known as the woman whisper, when transitioning to Karyn White’s “Superwoman,” which he wrote and produced, Babyface shared how he’s been able to create music from the women’s perspective. “When I was a kid, I was always falling in love and getting my heart broken,” he said. “So when that would happen, I would write these really sad songs. Then I realized I probably was feeling the same hurt women were feeling.”

The remainder of the set included a cover of Madonna’s “Take A Bow,” Mary J. Blige’s “Not Gon’ Cry,” Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk,” “Change the World,” Fall Out Boy’s “Thnks fr th Mmrs,” Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love To You” and “End Of The Road,” and closed with Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” off of the Waiting To Exhale movie soundtrack that Babyface produced.

The band consisted of Babyface on both the keys and, at times, the guitar, musical director Erskine Hawkins II as additional support on the keys, Antoine Porter on the guitar, Walt Barnes Jr. on bass, and Reggie Regg on drums.

Although the series features Black artists throughout the year, this subsegment is dedicated to celebrating their contributions to the art form on a much grander scale. The outlet said, “Together, these artists represent the past, present, and future of Black music.”

Watch the full performance above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

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Rising artist Buffalo Nichols is learning ‘How to Love’

Making his way through a world that at times resembles a “Living Hell,” out on the road promoting his self-titled debut album — “like an eagle with a broken wing misses the skies above” — rising artist Buffalo Nichols is learning “How to Love.”

Nichols makes a stop along that journey on Saturday night at Hotel Congress.

Raised in Milwaukee’s predominantly Black North End — the 2020 Census reestablished Milwaukee’s status as one of the most segregated cities in the United States — as a young man, Nichols discovered the guitar, which proved to be a key moment for him.

The instrument captured his fascination.

“I started playing acoustic guitar around the age of 12,” Nichols said. “I am self-taught.”

Digging through his mother’s record collections — listening to Son House, Keb’ Mo’ and Skip James — Nichols took to woodshedding, fervently searching for guitar riffs to master.

Within a few short years, Nichols realized that playing guitar was the thing that he wanted to do the most.

“It became my obsession,” he said.

Comprised mostly from demos, that early dedication and mastery of his instrument resulted in “Buffalo Nichols” (Fat Possum Records, 2021), his debut album — Fat Possum’s first solo blues artist signing in nearly two decades — digs deep into the wellspring of blues music.

A virtuosic player, fluid in many genres, Nichols is apprehensive about the labels and expectations of being a blues artist.

“I didn’t want to be called a blues artist,” he told the Sentinel in an interview.

Inspired by his years traveling — everywhere from West Africa to Ukraine — Nichols’ influences, like his worldview, expand in infinite directions, although the blues may serve as the bedrock for this recording,

“I‘m trying to do something different, and traveling outside of America was a big part of that,” he said. “The American music industry is very rigid.”

“It doesn’t have to fit neatly in a box.”

Acknowledging the genre’s origins — tracing back a complicated history and dire circumstances for Black Americans — serves as Nichols’ North Star.

“Part of my intent is putting more Black stories into the genres of folk and blues,” Nichols said. “Listening to this record, I want more Black people to hear themselves in this music that is truly theirs.”

As an artist, Nichols is more interested in transformation than reclamation.

* * *

Before embarking on his present path as a solo artist, Nichols diversified.

“I’ve played many different types of music: African, folk, bluegrass, Caribbean music,” Nichols recalled. “Early on I played in metal and punk bands. I also did short stints making indie music and being a DJ.”

“I was trying everything that I could.”

During this period Nichols spent time in different cities, with Milwaukee as homebase.

“I feel that Milwaukee is similar to a lot of cities that I have seen all over the country. It’s very industrial. And like most industrial cities, its heyday was 20, 30, 40 years ago. There are little pockets of the city that have been invested in and renovated. But a lot of the city remains forgotten. I see a lot of places like Milwaukee as I travel: Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland….”

* * *

Now calling Austin, Texas, his home, Nichols sheds light into an existence “Living in Hell.”

“I can’t speak for the rest of us. I guess that I’m out of luck.” Nichols said, breaking into laughter.

“That song was very specific to being a young person in a city like Milwaukee where it seems you can’t catch a break. Whether you are trying to do good or wrong, you are always going to be up against huge obstacles,” Nichols reflected.

“It may seem a bit poetic… But the idea is, you feel like maybe the only release is not being here because you can’t find a way to make things work. And hopefully there is a God and a heaven, that would be some form of relief.”

“Some days I feel like that. And other days I feel like it doesn’t get any better than being a human on Earth.”

* * *

“It took me a while to decide to be a singer of my own songs,” Nichols said. “I had to find my own voice.”

Inspired by American bluesmen and West African guitarists like Ali Farka Touré, Nichols put down his ESP electric guitar and picked up a Recording King resonator — an acoustic guitar that produces sound by transmitting string vibrations to one or more spun metal cones — and a slide.

Blending various techniques — finger-picking and slide on acoustic, resonator and electric guitar — Nichols set about developing his fluid sound.

“Part of my style comes from the fact that I didn’t really try to emulate any blues guitar players,” he said. “I learned some things from Bukka White, Blind Willie Johnson and Skip James. But for the most part, what I am playing, that’s where it starts, then I just try to be creative with it.”

“My influences come more from a songwriting standpoint,” Nichols said. “Some of it is lived experience, some of it are things that I’ve seen from other people, and some of it is totally imagined and fabricated.”

Initially, Nichols was drawn to the resonator for the same reason that other blues artists gravitated towards it: The sheer volume of it.

“Slide guitar has a vocal quality to it. And to me that is really what the blues is all about: The singing. I want to have an instrument that is like a back-up singer.”

“The originality comes from the character of the artist.”

“For me, music starts with emotions,” Nichols declared. “I’ve always been an emotional person. Music is the place that I go to sort that stuff out.”

* * *

In a genre pioneered by black artists — very much like what Little Richard and Chuck Berry did with rock ‘n’ roll — but one that has largely been appropriated by white artists, Nichols brings the blues of the past into the future by providing a perspective that doesn’t lean heavily into stereotypes.

Nichols’ mission statement is uncomplicated.

“As an artist, it is simply to make art.”

“At the end of the day, all I can do is make music,” Nichols said. “Everything else is out of my control.”

Possessing a curious and open mind, Nichols is focused on exploring the limits and reaches of his self-expression.

“Currently, I believe that people can be inspired simply by watching someone give themselves fully to something that is not destructive.”

“And if enough people are inspired by that, they inspire change,” Nichols opined. “And I don’t have to stand on a pedestal and make overt statements. I can just live by example.”


“It doesn’t take much. Sometimes all it takes is a little kindness, a small gesture, for things to feel better.”

* * *

Thoughtful and unflinchingly direct, Nichols doesn’t shy away from hard and important conversations when compelled to do so.

“I’m not afraid to ruffle some feathers if I know people are listening to me.”

As evidenced on “Another Man,” unequivocally the hardest hitting track on “Buffalo Nichols” — originally recorded during the 1940s by folk singer Vera Hall — Nichols updated the chain-gang lament, completely rewriting the lyrics, so as to reflect the Black Lives Matter era.

“When my grandpa was young / He had to hold his tongue / ‘Cause they’d hang you from a bridge downtown / Now they call it ‘stand your ground’ / Another man is dead.… / No need to hide behind a white hood / When a badge works just as good / Another man is dead… / 21st century don’t mean a thing to me / Because it might as well be 1910 / They’re killing women, killing men / Another woman is dead.” – Excerpt from “Another Man” by Buffalo Nichols

It was seeing “ignorance and obliviousness” that inspired Nichols to record “Another Man.”

“It seemed important to have some kind of record of what was going on during that time,” Nichols said pensively. “So people looking back can get an idea of the climate of 2021.”

* * *

Touring through the world at large, ill at ease with what he observes, Nichols takes heed.

“There isn’t much that doesn’t trouble me,” Nichols said with a laugh. “There is plenty to be worried about if you are paying attention.”

“It’s an eternal debate as to whether or not the artist brings life to it or distracts from it,” Nichols mused. “I think that it is a bit of both.”

As corporate greed promulgates an unsustainable paradigm based on infinite growth — where the economy is seen as an abstract entity, separate from the natural world — Nichols focused his consternation.

“Right now, the issue of climate change is concerning,” he said. “Traveling you can see who is causing it, who is suffering, and who is benefiting.”

“Probably the most pressing thing is capitalism. It’s the thing we have to struggle with every single day and can’t really ignore or avoid,” Nichols declared. “Whether you are a humanitarian able to live well or you are a struggling artist trying to figure out how to get through the week, the one thing that we all have in common is that we are under the foot of capitalism; a very brutal form of it.”

* * *

Bringing stories to life, as a songwriter Nichols draws inspiration from everywhere, as with hope.

“That is something that I am always looking for. And it can be hard to find sometimes,” Nichols said contemplatively. “But every once in a while you see people tap into the positive side of humanity.

“Every time I see basic human decency — people helping strangers, starting a GoFundMe for someone or helping the elderly across the street — I think, ‘Maybe there’s a chance.’”

“If I could make it easier for other people to be themselves, to move freely and to be creative then I think that I would be happy with that.”

* * *

As for the future, Nichols said exuberantly, “I have a new album coming out in September.”

“More of this, blues all over again,” Nichols said. ‘It will just show a different side of me.”

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Hued Songs organization inspires Black South Florida artists

(WSVN) – A group that brings music and dance to South Florida streets is preparing to hit the stage, and it’s an opportunity for many of them to have their moment in the spotlight. 7’s Karen Hensel shares their story.

These South Florida artists are making their voices heard.

But many have found it difficult to be seen and recognized for their talent.

J’von Brown, singer: “I actually was considering, I’m like, ‘Why am I doing this?’ I’m like, ‘I don’t see anyone that looks like me.’”

J’von Brown is a classically-trained singer, born and raised in Broward County. He says he hasn’t met too many Black opera singers, which has made it difficult for him to find the right people for inspiration and guidance.

Kunya Rowley is also from South Florida. As a former opera singer himself, he had the same problem.

Kunya Rowle, founder, Hued Songs: “I would look around, and there weren’t a lot of people that looked like me, and a lot of stories like mine.”

In 2017, he started Hued Songs, a charitable organization that supports singers, musicians, dancers and composers.

Kunya Rowley: “And so, a big part of our mission has been to be a vehicle and a platform where Black artists, artists of color can be seen, heard, and most importantly, paid for their work.”

Throughout the year, Hued Songs hosts concerts and performances across South Florida.

Walk down a street like Calle Ocho in Little Havana, and you may find yourself in the middle of a performance.

That’s the group’s goal: bring that art to the people, no matter where they live.

Kunya Rowley: “We perform in classrooms. We’ve performed under the Metrorail.”

Some of the performances are free, including their biggest production yet: a full-scale concert called “The Juneteenth Experience.”

Kunya Rowley: “Juneteenth is our national holiday, now federally recognized holiday, that commemorates when the last enslaved folks were freed in Galveston, Texas.”

We visited the group as it prepared for the June 19 event.

“The Juneteenth Experience” not only lets J’von and the other artists showcase their talents to a wider audience; it’s also a chance to get kids across South Florida interested in music, dance and poetry.

J’von Brown: “I’m for, like, being a Black artist who impacts our youth, our communities to say, even if it’s not something that you want to do, it is available to us.”

Kunya feels the same way.

Kunya Rowley: “Our work is rooted in a sense of belonging, showing people who we are and finding ways to build connection.”

And that connection starts with creating beautiful music.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

“The Juneteenth Experience” takes place June 19 at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Admission is free, but registration is required.

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2023 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Jimmie Allen dropped from record label following second sexual assault lawsuit

This story contains details of sexual assault.

Country musician Jimmie Allen is being sued for sexual assault by a second woman who claims he secretly filmed the alleged incident.

The new lawsuit comes less than a month since the rising country star was accused of alleged sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, sex trafficking and emotional distress by his former manager, who also claimed she was filmed against her will.

The lawsuit filed Friday in Tennessee federal court alleges that the “Best Shot” and “Warrior” singer sexually assaulted another woman at a Las Vegas hotel last summer and secretly recorded the encounter. She is seeking a judgment against Allen, along with an unspecified amount in monetary damages and legal fees.

The filing has apparently led Allen’s record label BBR Music to drop him as an “active artist” on its roster after it suspended him in the wake of the earlier allegations from his manager, according to Variety. The label said Friday that it has “dissolved its relationship” with Allen.

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The second woman — identified as “Jane Doe 2” in the legal documents obtained Friday by The Times — alleges that in May 2022, she was approached at a Nashville airport by the musician’s bodyguard, Charles Hurd, who is also being sued, along with his employer, Aadyn’s Dad Touring.

Jane Doe 2 alleges that Hurd followed her into the airport and asked if she knew who Allen was, told her that he was a country musician and that Allen wanted her phone number, suggesting they hang out in Nashville later that evening. She said that after a fun evening, Allen allegedly told her he’d be leaving for a tour but would keep in touch.

In the following months, Jane Doe 2 alleges that she and Allen shared daily texts and FaceTime calls. Allen allegedly proclaimed his love for her and shared visions of their future together. According to the suit, he also repeatedly said he was separated from his wife and told Jane Doe 2 that she would be a good stepmother for his children.

The suit states that the alleged assault took place in Las Vegas in July 2022. Jane Doe 2 claims that she was invited to meet Allen in Las Vegas and was assured she would have her own hotel room, per her request. The country musician also introduced her as his girlfriend, and his bodyguard, who showed her his two firearms and told her he was an air marshal, which made her feel safe, she alleges.

When the three of them went to hang out in Allen’s suite at the Cosmopolitan hotel, she was told that her own room was being prepared and that Hurd’s room was next door, she says. Hurd then allegedly excused himself, leaving Jane Doe 2 alone with Allen.

According to the legal documents, Allen then instructed Jane Doe 2 to wait on the balcony, and he disappeared into the room where she assumed he was setting up some kind of romantic surprise. Per the suit, at no point did Allen disclose that he was planning to film their sexual encounter. While Jane Doe 2 states she did consent to sex, she alleges she repeatedly informed Allen that she was not on birth control and asked him to please pull out during intercourse, which she states he agreed to.

As the alleged sexual encounter transpired, she asked Allen again to pull out but says that he refused, told her he wanted to get her pregnant and ejaculated inside of her against her will. Then he “passed out on the bed,” the lawsuit says.

Jane Doe 2 states that she was so distressed that Allen had refused her repeated requests that she got up to leave, desperate to find a separate hotel room and purchase a Plan B pill. The suit claims that as she walked past the closet to leave, an interior light switched on, catching her attention. That is when she discovered that Allen had set up his cellphone to record the alleged sexual encounter.

She stopped the recording and deleted the video, but couldn’t delete it from the “recently deleted” folder without Allen’s passcode, she tried to wake him, but he wouldn’t stir, so she took his phone with her and left, crying, shaking and in a panic, the lawsuit said.

“With nowhere to go,” she called her friends from her personal cellphone and sobbed that she wasn’t safe and needed to get away from Allen.

“Her friend Jill Doe called a different hotel, disclosed the assault, and the hotel arranged for a room,” according to the suit. Upon returning home, she took Allen’s phone to her local police department and reported the assault and the surreptitious recording.

The local police department told her they would report the incident to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.

Allen’s attorney did not immediately respond to The Times request for comment regarding the second lawsuit filed Friday.

Last month, Allen denied any wrongdoing when The Times reached out for comment regarding the first lawsuit filed by his former manager.

“It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever,” Allen told The Times in response to the first suit. “I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years. During that time, she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely.”

Allen said that his manager hired a lawyer to reach out for money after things ended between them, which led him to question her motives.

Elizabeth Fegan, the attorney representing both Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, said “that is categorically not true,” in a statement to The Times.

Fegan also said that a payout was never requested; however, on Friday, she confirmed that both Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 are seeking unspecified monetary damages in the lawsuits, which will be decided by the court.

Since Jane Doe filed her case last month, Fegan’s law firm has heard from others who share similar experiences with Allen, she said.

“Jane Doe 2’s filing demonstrates to me that there is a vivid, distinct pattern of behavior. We intend to show it’s a pattern of deceit, manipulation, and ultimately of force,” Fegan said Friday in an email. “The law is clear — anyone who has given consent in sexual activity has the right and the ability to revoke consent at any time. Just as no means no, stop means stop. If one participant doesn’t stop, it is sexual assault.”

Allen, who auditioned for the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011 but was cut before the live rounds, has been slowly climbing the country music ladder over the last decade. In 2021, he won the CMA Award for new artist of the year, the second Black artist ever to land the honor.

In April, Allen and wife Alexis Gale announced via social media that they were calling it quits after three years of marriage, but also revealed that Gale was pregnant with their third child. A week after the first lawsuit was filed, Allen released a statement on social media addressing what he called an “affair” and seemingly blaming the music industry for his behavior.

“I want to publicly apologize to my wife Alexis for humiliating her with my affair. I’m embarrassed that my choices have brought shame on her. That’s something that she did not deserve at all,” he said, adding that he wanted to apologize for being a poor example of a man to his children.

“The business takes so much from you. It’s full of temptations that can cripple you and ruin everything you’ve built. I’m ashamed that I wasn’t strong enough to withstand them. I will no longer be a victim of my weaknesses.”

Fallout came swiftly for the Grammy-nominated country musician. Aside from being dropped by his record label, he was terminated by his publicist, United Talent Agency severed ties with him, he was removed from Sunday’s CMA Fest lineup in Nashville and dropped as the commencement speaker at Delaware State University’s graduation ceremony.

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Weekend’s Chicago Blues Festival already off to lively start

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The Chicago Blues Festival has kicked off in Millennium Park, and it’s bringing attendees from near and far.

“I’m crunk, I’m fired up, and I’m ready to go,” said festival goer Trina Mathis

Mathis said she and her husband traveled from Florida for Blues Fest, while visiting family in Michigan.

“We found out that you guys were having a Blues festival this year…We actually got off the plane…We left Florida about 3 a.m. this morning, so we could get to Detroit early enough to get a rental car to drive all the way over here for the Blues festival,” Mathis said.

She said it was a stop she had to make.

“I absolutely love, love the Blues music. It’s very heartfelt, and I think it crosses all genres,” said Mathis.

Blues Fest
Trina Mathis (right) and her family traveled from Florida to attend the Chicago Blues Festival. Photo credit Carolina Garibay

For others, like Denise DeRoss, the Fest was an impromptu stop.

“I saw that we were having the free Blues Festival, and I thought it would be a great day to listen to some music in this sunshine,” DeRoss said.

Over 180,000 people are expected to attend the Fest this weekend.

This weekend you might also notice several photographs surrounded by vines and flowers at Pritzker Pavilion.

They’re part of a photography installation entitled “The Rhythm Within Our Blues.”

“It’s told through the eyes of Black artists from the South Side… I thought that was very important to make sure we are amplifying the voices and platforms and narratives of artists in this art form,” said Ennerèssa LaNette, executive director of Bronzeville’s Praize Productions.

Blues Fest
The photo series “The Rhythm Within Our Blues” is featured in and around Pritzker Pavilion this weekend during Blues Fest. Photo credit Emilly Silveira Andrade

The nonprofit organization is part of the Millennium Park Residency Program. She said  the photos displayed this weekend are the work of three Black photographers.

“They took pictures of Blues artists and young people who are now learning instrumentation, who will be the next generation of Blues, people who are now actually musicians already, instrumentation, so I wanted to show all aspects when it comes to Blues,” LaNette said.

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How Can the Links between African and Asian Artists Be Reframed?

An unusual geometric framework is introduced by art historian Joan Kee in a new book that sets out to transcend rigid ideological identities 

When discussing Black and Asian relations, many still look to the 1955 Bandung Conference and the legacy of the Cold War-era Non-Aligned Movement that offered up the term ‘Afro-Asia’. However, in a contemporary media landscape eager to push reductive reports of Black-on-Asian violence in the us, and the sanctimonious handwringing of old European imperial powers regarding Chinese neocolonialism in Africa, the terms of Afro-Asian engagement are long overdue an update. American art-historian Joan Kee’s new book is a reformulation in which ‘Afro’ and ‘Asia’ are loosed to orbit and collide with one another in new ways, presenting nuanced and timely approaches to exchange.

Kee explores various ‘Afro Asian’ entanglements through a series of chapter-length case studies, which range from the aftermath of mid-twentieth-century wars to contemporary geopolitics. Kee proposes geometry as a tool to visualise bonds between ‘Afro Asian’ people and artists. Her framing is more than the simple arithmetic commonly used to tally the worth of their lives and work – the addition of artwork to a Eurocentric canon, the multiplication of voices that supposedly equals consensus, or even division along rigidly identitarian lines. Mathematical concepts such as transversality, adjacency and angles of incidence are deployed, casting Black and Asian cultural figures and their communities as tangents that reinforce each other’s trajectories, cross paths and veer towards each other. Her writing unearths and unpacks artworks, practices and relationships, from Joo Myung Duck’s photographs of interracial Koreans to Faith Ringgold’s use of the Buddhist thangka in her work, that typify her reframing of artistic engagement between Black and Asian members of the global majority.

Throughout the book, Kee focuses equally on practices of artmaking and relationship-building in the US, Asia and Africa. Her chapter chronicling the multi-decade friendship of Los Angeles-based artists Melvin Edwards and Ron Miyashiro is a highlight, whose sculptures – though aesthetically distinct – endorse each other’s critiques of issues such as gentrification and social turmoil in their shared local community. For Kee, the alliances in her examples are stronger than the often-talked-about relation of ‘influence’, a bond that doesn’t necessitate reciprocity, or even a human connection. Rather, Kee reveals how parallels rooted in shared spaces and experiences allow these artists’ works to corroborate each other’s internal worlds.

Joo Myung Duck, Ilksan, 1971. 6 5/8 x 9 7/8 in. Gelatin silver print
Joo Myung Duck, Ilksan, 1971. 6 5/8 x 9 7/8 in. Gelatin silver print

In a work with clear political implications, Kee is adamant that progress lies in something beyond solidarity. While she doesn’t criticise those exploring models of coming together, she infers that as we gather around in acts of solidarity, we root ourselves too firmly in rigid ideological categories and identities. Her critique departs from Mao-era depictions of Third World unity and the brown nations of the world standing shoulder to shoulder, but feels equally applicable to the lukewarm social media politics of today. Kee’s ‘Afro Asia’ pushes against restrictive representations that limit expression and stifle a global majority ‘whose actualization is constantly ongoing’. Instead, she suggests sovereignty, or embracing a work of art on its own terms – ‘to consider the work as a realm governed by its own negotiations with other entities including individuals, groups, works, and ideas’. Rather than rise to solidarity’s demand that we present a unified front – for whom? – Kee’s sovereignty locates our chance to grow alongside one another in the nuances of the artworks like those she brings together.

However, foregrounding the perspective of artworks often presents an incomplete picture. Kee’s optimistic readings frequently sidestep a thorough reckoning with lived experiences of ‘Afro Asian’ interaction. Her varied roster of references elides discussion of Black artists working consistently in Asia, and Kee firmly puts a pin in testimonies of tensions encountered during attempts at crossing these boundaries. She touches briefly on John Emmanuel Hevi’s inflammatory midcentury critique of his studies in Maoist China; meanwhile Howardena Pindell’s reflections on the ‘debilitating struggle’ she felt as a Black woman in Japan comprise little more than a cursory introduction. The oversight raises questions about the limits of Kee’s hopeful gloss in a contemporary landscape of exchange. Despite such concerns, Kee’s rich interpretive geometry is a fractal that arcs towards the future.

The Geometries of Afro Asia: Art Beyond Solidarity by Joan Kee. University of California Press, $85 (hardcover)

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Kaytranada: Photos From the Billboard Cover Shoot

In February, when Kaytranada’s stage manager, Tamir Schlanger, texted him to ask if he had a vision for his Coachella performance, the artist responded with screenshots of the giant metallic head from The Wiz, the 1978 musical film featuring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. He wondered: Could Schlanger replicate it, but with his own head?

Out of context, the images were menacing — the almighty wizard, spewing smoke and lasers — but funny, too; one featured Richard Pryor’s character, a failed politician from New Jersey named Herman Smith, peeping up sheepishly through the hole in The Wiz’s eye. All smoke and mirrors. Was the 30-year-old producer-DJ commenting on the steely facade of celebrity? Was the production meant to highlight the dichotomy between Louis Kevin Celestin, the shy kid born to Haitian immigrants who grew up in a quiet Montreal suburb, and the Grammy-winning musical wiz better known as Kaytranada?

“There really was no thought process at all, honestly,” Kaytranada admits about a month after his performance, emphasizing that the decision was purely aesthetic: He was just a fan of the movie and noticed his own physical resemblance to The Wiz’s face. “I just wanted to make something iconic,” he says.

Prior to his Coachella performance, there was little disputing Kaytranada’s accomplishments behind the scenes, where he had cultivated a reputation as a personally reserved but musically boisterous tastemaker. Over the course of two albums, 2016’s 99.9% and 2019’s Grammy-winning Bubba, he established himself as a go-to producer and deft collaborator, a singular artist able to adapt his sound to the strengths of everyone from hip-hop stars like Chance the Rapper to experimental R&B singers like Kelela while still maintaining his distinct style: a feel-good blend of dance, R&B, Afrobeats, disco and hip-hop. In the process, he also became one of the biggest gay Black artists in a genre of increasingly influential music founded by gay Black artists.

Read the full Kaytranada Billboard cover story here.

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