As part of the Daniels and Fisher department store, the D & F tower became the tallest structure in Denver. You may have heard or have a memory of May D & F, this is because in 1957 the May Company bought Daniels and Fisher department store and merged their names. The tower remained intact and held the honor of the tallest building in Denver until that same year when it was succeeded by a building at 621 17th Street. In 1971, the remaining building from the original Daniels & Fisher department store was demolished. The tower was saved from the wrecking ball and was turned into lofts and offices.

The D & F Tower is situated comfortably on the 16th Street Mall at the cross street of Arapahoe. It has maintained its old world charm and it is most definitely a highlight in the skyline of Denver. There are four clocks atop the tower, one on each side, and a nostalgic steeple points to the clouds.

Many businesses have taken up residence in the tower over the years. Currently the most exciting new tenant is in the basement: Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret! Established by local Denver celebrity, Lannie Garret, The Clocktower Cabaret adds swing and pizzazz to an evening any night of the week.

Day or Night- The Daniels and Fisher Tower is a sight to be seen!

[photo-Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Cavaliers. The Phantom Regiment. The Blue Devils. The Madison Scouts. The Blue Knights. The Mandarins. The Santa Clara Vanguard.

What do all of these groups have in common?

Well, besides being rated as World Class Drum and Bugle Corps, they are also going to be right here in Denver this weekend, performing at Drums Along The Rockies. At 7:00 PM the first Corps will take to the field at Invesco Field at Mile High, continuing on their journey to the DCI World Championships.

What is Drum and Bugle Corps? You might think it’s nothing more than a marching band that is affiliated with a region, instead of a high school or college. Nothing could be further from the truth. Drum Corps is more than a marching band. Drum Corps is a way of life. You don’t go into it lightly as a musician – you must be talented and willing to work your body to its limits. That is, if you make it past the audition, since you have to compete against more than 8,000 other musicians who want to be in a Drum Corps just as bad.

It is precision marching to music. There are no woodwinds in a Drum Corps – only brass instruments and drum line (with percussion/pit instruments). A colorguard is also involved, bringing an element of theater to the field with brightly colored costumes, flags, and other props to tell a story with the music.

Most Drum Corps are non-profit organizations geared toward younger musicians who want more out of their summers than just playing video games or hanging out. They instill a sense of pride and teamwork as the members go through weeks of rehearsals and then months of traveling to competition after competition. Each season is centered around a single show with a theme. All of the music, choreography and marching drills are planned months (sometimes years) in advance. During the competition, each Corps is judged on musicality, marching precision, and overall performance. Each win in competition brings them closer to the DCI World Championships, where the best of the best go head to head for the title of World Champions.

July 12th, the Drum Corps comes to Denver with Drums Along The Rockies. Come out and see nine of the best drum corps perform, starting at 7 PM. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased online or at the box office at Invesco Field or by phone at (888) 306-DRUM.

Invesco Field at Mile High is located at 1701 Bryant Street. From the South: I-25 North to 17th Avenue Exit
From the North: I-25 South to Colfax Avenue Exit
If you’re driving to Invesco, you will want to check out the parking information.

Come out and see the Drum and Bugle Corps! You won’t be disappointed!

[photo - Wikipedia]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Colorado Renaissance Festival has opened for the season! Featuring artisans showcasing their hand made crafts (everything from swords and knives to clothing and jewelry) and plenty of great food, the Renaissance Festival is open every weekend from June 14th to August 3rd! Located just 30 minutes from Denver in Larkspur, Colorado, it’s a short day trip that is sure to be full of fun for the entire family! Check out their suggestions for a more “scenic route” from Denver if you’d like to avoid the sometimes heavy traffic on I-25. Colorado is beautiful, and if you have an adventurous spirit, the detour will be right up your alley. I know I love taking back roads and little used highways to get somewhere because sometimes you see the most interesting things off the beaten path.

The Festival features Theme Weekends, including an Ale Festival, Celtic Fling, Children’s Festival, and Wine Revelry. Each weekend the fair is open will feature a different Theme, so if you’re into something particular you might want to plan your trip down to Larkspur accordingly. The crafts and food offered won’t change, however, so if you’re just going for the atmosphere and to see a little jousting, have no fear, you can go any weekend you choose! The last weekend, August 2nd and 3rd, is a birthday party for King Henry (his 517th!) which is sure to be a rollicking good time for all attending.

Tickets are available online, or at the gate, or at King Sooper’s locations, and you can get discount coupons at local Wendy’s restaurants. Until July 11th, tickets are sold at a discount, so get them early, even if you don’t plan on going until later in the month!! If you’re thinking of tying the knot as a Knight and Lady, well, they can accommodate that too! There is plenty of Entertainment for the whole family, including roaming jesters and musicians as well as featured performers including a tribal circus, ventriloquists, and “washing wenches”. A map of the festival is available here (Adobe Acrobat required), and at the entrance gates to help you get around the festival proper.

Don’t let the Festival pass you by! Head on down to Larkspur and jump into the past! It’s a weekend you won’t soon forget!

[All Photos - SXC - Fairy, Jousting]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Stroll on down the 16th Street Mall to Skyline Park for Open Air Denver-

This weekend festival will host over 50 performers and have open mics- everyone will be playing for you for free for the love and for the glory!

Then hop onto the 16th Street Shuttle and take it to the Civic Center Stop, walk across Colfax toward the Library, see all those white tents… It’s The Denver Public Library’s Annual Used Book Sale! Books start at just 50 cents!

Enjoy a Downtown Denver Weekend- plenty of surprises along the way!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

All around town- performances are being hosted to honor this convention. Venues are varied and eclectic, but have in their hearts- the arts in mind. Check out the following venues for shows during the convention dates: The Mercury Café, Kim Robards Dance, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, The Arvada Center, Central City Opera, Opera Colorado, Theatre Off Broadway, The Curious Theatre Company, Denver Center Attractions, Denver Center Theatre Company, Creede Repertory Theatre, Su Teatro and many many more!

So many exciting things to view and discuss with The Indigo Girls at Chatagua summing it all up on June 15th!

Want to be a part of it all? It’s not too late, register on-line now.

NPAC 2008 is not to be missed. Don’t believe us- watch the trailer…

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The following is a list of what happened, just over the weekend! Imagine if you spent a whole week here:

The People’s Fair

The Colorado Rockies Played at Coors Field

La Piazza Dell ‘Arte: The Sidewalk Chalk Festival

Lisa Williams from ‘Life With the Dead’ came to town

Empire Lyrics performed Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore

6th Annual Denver Brain Tumor Walk

10th Annual Art Walk in the Greater Estes Valley

‘Catch Me If You Can’ premiered at The Denver Victorian Playhouse

Smash Mouth kicked off the Summer Concert Series at Elitch’s

Arvada Celebrates its Trails Day

The Otone Brass Band had a CD Release Party

Mark your calendars for a trip to Denver soon so you won’t miss a thing!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Just a short drive out of the town of Denver, Central City offers a cool breeze and refreshing view packed with quaint surroundings and rich history. It is a spot not to be missed and should be added to everyone’s travel itinerary. A lovely walk, a reminiscent lunch and some good honest gambling can be had by all. And to top it off- A Night at The Opera!

Central City Opera will be offering the following shows:

The Rape of Lucretia- performances from June 6th to June 20th
This is a special season opener to celebrate the National Performing Arts Convention, NPAC happening in Denver!

Susanah- performances throughout July and August.

West Side Story- one performance in June and then several throughout July and August.

Curlew River / Dido Aeneas- Two One Act Operas presented together on Aug. 6th and 8th.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Democratic National Convention is being hosted by Denver this year and we, at The Denver Traveler, have heard of a great opportunity for the residents of the New West to get involved. America: Live and in Person is a historical presentation that will be given exhibition and performance at the convention this August 25th through the 28th.

The About Denver 2008 Host Committee would like you to know that-

“Your personal story is an important part of the great American story. Every single person in our country is affected by democracy in a different way. Whether you were born in the heartland, or moved to the U.S. from somewhere far away, we want to know what America means to you (Democrat, Republican, or Independent-everyone).”

So, tell them your story! Be it through the written word: personal stories, drama, poetry, spoken word, historical commentary or through visual arts, as well as community projects, technology or performance. Only you can tell it best.
Get busy preparing, for the submission deadline is June 15th.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

All of these Wows take place this Saturday May 17th!

6:30am- Road to Victory Bicycle Classic Ride for Parkinson’s

8:00am- Cherry Creek Fresh Market Opens!

11:00am Palestinian Celebration & Remembrance at the Capitol Building.

Noon- Baby Loves Disco at The Oriental Theater

1:00pm- Weekly Peace Vigil at University Boulevard and East First Avenue.

1:30pm- “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” at Heritage Square Music Hall

4:00pm- CHASSA Boys State Lacrosse Championship at Invesco Field

7:30pm- Almost Denver- The Songs & Failures of Jim Aurora at The Avenue Theater

7:30pm- Colorado Symphony plays Carmina Burana at Boettcher Concert Hall

9:00pm- Tapes n’ Tapes at The Bluebird Theatre.

Midnight- The Big Lebowski on the Big Screen at The Esquire!

Hope you had a Great (Satur)Day!

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Auditions for the Denver Center Theatre Company’s 2008/2009 season are this weekend!

Follow your dreams to stage success. Update your resume, compile your headshot, prepare two monologues and a song if you sing and shoot an e-mail over to casting@dcpa.org to make an appointment. Now is your chance, no time or space for nerves to get the better of you. Auditioners must be 18 years old.

May 16th and 17th are the audition days for Non-Equity Actors.

May 18th is the audition day for Equity Actors.

[photo - SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler