BEA P O Off B h BEA PH Spotlighting venues and performance groups to discover this summer. PAGE 5 SKYLARK LOUNGE SKYLARK LOUNGE ON SOUTH BROADWAY OFFERS SOME OF DENVER’S BEST LIVE MUSIC. PAGE 5 BURLESQUE AT THE CLOCKTOWER THE CLOCKTOWER CABARET’S LATEST INCARNATION IS TAKING OFF. PAGE 6 BREWABILITY’S CLEAN-ISH COMEDY BREWERY/PIZZERIA NOW SERVING MONTHLY FAMILYFRIENDLY COMEDY. PAGE 8 POSITIVE CHANGE THROUGH IMMERSIVE THEATER EXPLORING HOW ART, AUDIENCE, AND ENVIRONMENT RELATE. PAGE 9 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 10 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGES 12-13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 JULY 2023 | Vol.28 Issue 7 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: BURLESQUE DANCER ANDE SAILER. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN
EDITOR’S NOTE WHENEVER I WORK WITH our graphic designer, Hannah Bragg, and our team of contributors, I’m excited to see how our readers will receive the latest issue of the VOICE. This July issue has been especially fun to put together because so many of our vendors and contributors have participated. I asked the contributors to come ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR up with performance venues or performers that area residents and visitors should know about. Robert Davis wrote about the Skylark Lounge at 140 South Broadway and introduced us to singer Rachael McCuag, as well as Orin Bregman, who fronts the funk-rock band Coast to Ghost. Giles Clasen spent time at The Clocktower Cabaret with owners Selene and Jeff Arca along with burlesque dancer Ande Sailer and aerial artist Marguerite Endsley. When I heard that my friend Jennifer Sutherland was hosting the monthly “Clean-ish Comedy Showcase” at Brewability in Englewood, I had a hunch that any of the lineups would be great. Even though the set I saw in early June took place during one of the Nuggets’ playoff games, the four comics that night brought their A-game and were genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. For this issue, our newest contributor, Sam Blum, profiled Control Group Productions, its founder Patrick Mueller, and its associate director Caroline Sharkey. Grace Thorburn, who is on summer break after finishing her sophomore year at CU Boulder, introduces us to the Colorado Springs-based Pikes Peak food pantry. While the pantry is not a performance venue off the beaten path, it is an organization that continues to make a difference to individuals and families, and people should know how much the pantry benefits the community. Whether or not you are familiar with these venues or the talented individuals spotlighted in this issue, I hope you will be inspired to check them out. ■ THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS SAM BLUM is a writer, musician, and aspiring chef. He grew up in Baltimore and studied English and arts leadership at the University of Maryland. Blum wants to use his writing to show people new and exciting art, and to give its creators the recognition they deserve. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photojournalist who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is an award-winning freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. YVENS ALEX SAINTIL is a multidisciplinary artist born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti Saintil currently resides in Denver and is an outspoken advocate for justice. His work focuses on challenging the power dynamics and norms that have historically favored whiteAmerica and groups associated with whiteness. GRACE THORBURN is a journalism student at the University of Colorado Boulder. She hopes that her writing will make a difference in the community by covering social justice issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, homelessness, and racial equity. DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Clasen Robert Davis Yvens Alex Saintil Gigi Galen WRITERS John Alexander Sam Blum WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. Michael Burkley Giles Clasen Robert Davis David Gordon Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith Grace Thorburn BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, Treasurer Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Albert Bland Donovan Cordova Antonio Diaz Raelene Johnson Jennifer Seybold Julia Watson Cabal Yarne With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. 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ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR DAVID GORDON. Q A Do you do anything to celebrate July 4? JOHN ALEXANDER Do I do anything to celebrate July 4th? No. Do you want to know why? Over the years, I have been to and lived in many cities on the 4th of July. But Denver is the first and only city that I have been to, where so many of the residents – and it seems like all of them – are lighting fireworks. I mean all over the city! And they’re shooting REAL guns. No matter which corner of the house I retreat to, it sounds like I am on the front lines in the middle of a war zone. MICHAEL BURKLEY I normally don’t celebrate on the 4th of July. When I lived in the Curtis Park Housing Project (1989 – 1997), the sound of fireworks every year was more of an annoyance than a celebration. That was also a dark period in my life, and I had trouble overcoming the obstacles that were facing me at the time. Now that I’m a lot older and the world has changed, fireworks bring back memories connected to the good times, as opposed to the bad ones. DAVID GORDON I usually do a lot of relaxing during the day, and at night, I enjoy the fireworks. Sometimes, I get together with family, and after we watch fireworks, we have our own fireworks display for the kids. Everyone pitches in for the best fireworks. The last time we did this was before COVID-19. That’s how we did it. I loved it. RAELENE JOHNSON Usually, on the 4th of July, it’s a cookout with the neighbors. Then, we go to the back of the lake by where I live and hang around and light fireworks when it gets dark. From where I live, I can see fireworks across the sky, from all directions. JASON MARTIN I used to celebrate the 4th a lot, due to being in a military family. Our freedom was a thing to celebrate on this day. Nowadays, since 9/11, my outlook on our freedoms and liberties has changed because I believe we are told lies and are led to believe a financially-motivated political agenda. JERRY ROSEN I usually watch the fireworks, as they are really beautiful with so many fantastic colors. I also usually go to barbecues with my brother to get some hotdogs and hamburgers. I also vend some Denver VOICE papers. LARMARQUES SMITH The ideal 4th of July celebration always began with setting up the grill, prepping all the meats and delicious grillables for the barbecue, spending time by the pool, grilling with family and friends, having a juicy, ripe watermelon (with salt), enjoying my grandmother’s homemade ice cream, playing “war” with Roman candles, and smoking a blunt behind all the grownup’s backs (even though I’m also a grownup, LOL). Good times! RODNEY WOOLFOLK I wait ‘til the night comes to watch fireworks and eat hotdogs. HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. 1 4 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. July 2023 DENVER VOICE 3
SUMMER WISH LIST NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant Chapstick, sunscreen Bottled water GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s raincoats/jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s raincoats/jackets (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! @DenverVOICE 4 DENVER VOICE July 2023
SPOTLIGHTING VENUES & PERFORMERS CREDIT: WIKICOMMONS/PAUL SABLEMAN $82,000 in 1998. Heron told Westword at the time that he didn’t think the bar would sell anytime soon because the coronavirus pandemic was just getting started. But the sales tag caught the eye of one well-connected local, Bob Ashby, who has been living in Baker for almost 20 years. Ashby contacted his long-time friend Nathaniel Raetliff (yes, the one who makes music with The Nightsweats), and the two formed a partnership of investors to take over the venue in 2021, Westword reported. “It was kind of a no-brainer,” Ashby told Westword. “We CREDIT: YVENS ALEX SAINTIL SKYLARK LOUNGE HOLDS ITS OWN AGAINST DENVER’S MORE FAMOUS VENUES BY ROBERT DAVIS MANY MUSICIANS DREAM OF PLAYING at Denver’s famous venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Mission Ballroom, and the historic Paramount Theater. But locals say several smaller venues are just as noteworthy, if not more so. One such place is the Skylark Lounge in the Baker neighborhood. The Skylark first opened in 1943 at 58 South Broadway as a bar for local workers. It stayed in the same building for almost 60 years before moving down the street to its current location at 140 S. Broadway in 2003, according to city property records. Locals know Skylark for its well-stocked horseshoe bar and the checkerboard floor that decorates the upstairs concert hall known as the Bobcat Club. The bar was put up for sale in May 2020 by its previous owner, Scott Heron, who had purchased the bar for about both love this neighborhood. It’s been really important to us, and we really want to add something back to it.” After some light renovations, the Skylark reopened in January 2022 and has provided both upstart musicians and touring acts a place to perform for a Denver audience. The venue hosts live music most nights of the week, and ticket prices often range between $5 and $15, according to Skylark’s website. Rachael McCuaig, a local musician who performs under the pseudonym Lonely Choir, told Denver VOICE in an interview that the Skylark offers an “encouraging environment” that makes it easy to book recurring gigs there. One way it promotes that kind of environment is by separating the live music from the bar crowd. When Skylark first opened, the live music stage was tucked into a cramped corner of the room, which made it uncomfortable to play and easy for the bar crowd to tune out the entertainers. Now, the live music stage is upstairs in the Bobcat Club, where the room is oriented around the stage, and concertgoers have their own bar. “It’s just one of those places you walk into and you see how it’s a peaceful and safe environment,” McCuaig said. McCuaig added that the attention local acts receive from Skylark’s sound technicians during gigs is another thing that separates it from other venues in Denver. McCuaig said she has played at venues where it felt like the staff was rushing her up on stage to sing into a half-working microphone for a half hour before getting rushed back out the door. She added that those kinds of situations don’t happen at Skylark. “The Skylark is definitely a place that has pushed me to continue to want to play around Denver and to pursue music as a career,” McCuaig said. Orin Bregman, the vocalist for local funk-rap group Coast to Ghost, told Denver VOICE that the Skylark helped his band network with other local acts, get exposure to new fan bases, and pay their rent on time. Bregman added that Skylark stands out among the other venues along Broadway because of how close it is to neighborhood restaurants like Voodoo Donuts and Illegal Pete’s. That makes it easy for local acts to get a good bite to eat after they perform, Bregman said, and for concertgoers to continue their night out after seeing a concert. “They know how to cultivate a vibe at Skylark,” Bregman said. “It’s a great spot to grab some drinks and see a show. And it has this institution-like identity here in Denver. It’s really a hidden gem.” ■ You can check out who will be performing at Skylark by visiting their website https://www.skylarklounge.com/events. CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS July 2023 DENVER VOICE 5
SPOTLIGHTING VENUES & PERFORMERS CLOCKTOWER CABARET’S BURLESQUE IS TAKING OFF BY GILES CLASEN ELVIS PRESLEY DIDN’T WRITE THE SONG “Hound Dog.” He made it famous, but the song was written and originally performed by Big Mama Thornton, a Black R&B singer. Selene Arca wants to make sure her audiences know this historic detail before Coco Bardot dances and undresses on The Clocktower Cabaret stage to a remix of Thornton’s version of the song. “We have the microphone, and we have the opportunity to bring to light things that society either doesn’t want to talk about or is not sure how to talk about. And that’s kind of what burlesque has always been,” Arca said. Arca owns The Clocktower Cabaret with her husband Jeff Arca, and the two have been including subtle and notso-subtle messages about acceptance, empowerment, and diversity since they took ownership of the venue. As the original MC and a writer for The Clocktower Cabaret, Jeff Arca helped set the tone for the theater, as it was finding its identity. Some cabaret performances are all fun and undressing. The Arcas realized burlesque could be something more. The performers at The Clocktower Cabaret are a diverse group of individuals and body styles, who bring different dance genres, messages, and motivations to the stage. To Ande Sailer, who performs at The Clocktower as Bender Flames, burlesque can help bring personal change for those who see the show and also may help push communities toward a wider acceptance of all people. “I think people have a very narrow idea of what change is,” Sailer said. “Often, people think change is this big, crazy, and sexy thing. But, I think change is something that happens in small incremental steps. Over time, it adds up, and you look back and see how you were different or how society was different years ago, and that can be mind-blowing.” Burlesque is an art form that blends satire, comedy, and provocation with extravagant costumes, dance, and strip tease. Sailer simply describes The Clocktower performances to his audiences as “a bunch of former theater kids taking their clothes off.” Sailer, who is gay, said he tries to be his authentic self on and off the stage. It wasn’t always safe for the LGBTQ+ community to be out, and there are environments where it still isn’t completely safe. But Sailer said he feels he can be himself because if there is pushback to his being queer, there is a whole community in Denver that supports him. “I’ve been given acceptable space as a white cisgendered gay man because of what others fought for,” Sailer said. “I think my role now is to push that space [to be] big as possible. Our job then is to help make room for those that haven’t been accepted yet.” These heavy ideas don’t weigh down the shows at The Clocktower. If anything, they enhance the fun. AERIAL ARTIST MAURGUERITE ENDSLEY SWINGS FROM CHAINS AT THE CLOCKTOWER CABARET. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 6 DENVER VOICE July 2023
SPOTLIGHTING VENUES & PERFORMERS LANA LUSH, ANDE SAILER, AND PRUDENCE DEVILLIERE PERFORM AT THE CLOCKTOWER CABARET. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN AERIALST MAURGUERITE ENDSLEY. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CLOCKTOWER PERFORMER COCO BARDOT PERFORMS TO THE SONG “HOUND DOG.” CREDIT: GILES CLASEN Sailer often tells audiences about Marsha P. Johnson, who many credit with throwing the first brick at the Stonewall Riots. Sailer follows this up by pointing out that a pink cloth, draped on the stage, looks like a clitoris. He jokes that he could be wrong about that, given that he has never actually seen one. The audience eats it up cheering, laughing, and screaming – pulled in by a whiz-bang of bright colors, humor, and movement. Sailer is ready to find off-color humor about anything, at a moment’s notice. He is known to walk into the crowd, which is usually predominantly women, who are at the show to celebrate bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and divorces. During one show, Sailer asked an audience member celebrating a birthday how old she was. When the person told him she was 69, Sailer’s face lit up with glee before he went on to make an adult-themed joke. He then asked the next person celebrating their birthday, who was clearly in their 20s, if they, too, were turning the magical age of 69. The Clocktower’s message isn’t only about challenging perceptions and accepting others. It is also about selfacceptance. Some of the performers have bodies Hollywood might idealize. Others have bodies that are less “Hollywood.” But at The Clocktower Cabaret, all bodies are celebrated as sexy. The message of encouragement, acceptance, and creative expression is deeply personal to Marguerite Endsley. Endsley, who performs as an aerialist at The Clocktower, swings from chains, poles, and silks hanging from the ceiling. Endsley’s background is in tap and hip-hop dance, and she worked as a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer in Los Angeles. She happened upon pole dancing after a night out with friends at a strip club. “I remember [being at the club] thinking, ‘That’s so cool, I want to do that someday,’” Endsley said. She couldn’t get pole dancing out of her head. It wasn’t that she was drawn to stripping, but instead, Endsley was fascinated by the form and strength of the performance. Endsley talked with her boyfriend about her desire to learn to pole dance. His response was discouraging and blunt. “You’re not strong enough to do that.” BURLESQUE DANCER ANDE SAILER DESCRIBES CLOCKTOWER PERFORMANCES AS “A BUNCH OF FORMER THEATER KIDS TAKING THEIR CLOTHES OFF.” CREDIT: GILES CLASEN SELENE ARCA, CO-OWNER AND MC OF THE CLOCKTOWER CABARET. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN “I just heard that I couldn’t do it. I believed that. It stuck with me. I still think about that today,” Endsley said. The call to learn something new only grew louder for Endsley. She and her boyfriend broke up, and Endsley took up a new art form. Shortly after she moved to Denver, Endsley went with a friend to The Clocktower. Inspired by the show, Endsley wanted to bring her aerialist skills to the stage, and she began performing at The Clocktower not long after. “As I evolved here, I started seeing not only just what was on stage but who [was] backstage, that there’s a community, there’s forgiveness and acceptance,” Endsley said. “It helps me feel strong and powerful because everyone’s really supportive.” Many of the acts at The Clocktower are developed in Endsley’s backyard dance studio. She helps other performers learn to be aerialists or develop new choreography. Endsley also teaches adult dance classes at her business, Denver Dance. Endsley sees the shared purpose of the performers reciprocate with the audience. “When you’re on stage, it’s the crowd that brings something really powerful,” Endsley said. “When they’re screaming and they’re having a good time, there’s something in me that gets lit up even more.” Endsley believes that when the audience sees her swinging from chains or another artist belly dancing, or any other performance, it arouses a “you can do it attitude” in the audience. After each show, The Clocktower Cabaret performers walk off stage to talk with the audience. Most nights, someone in the crowd shares how the performances embolden them. Some go one step further and ask how they, too, can learn to do burlesque or become an aerialist. “I think [audiences] love us because we’re celebrating each other and celebrating all of our differences and the things that we have the same, which is these weird, awkward bodies that don’t need to be hidden and don’t need to be something that people feel ashamed of,” Selene Arca said. ■ Visit Clocktower’s website to learn more about the venue or its upcoming shows, https://www.clocktowercabaret.com. July 2023 DENVER VOICE 7
SPOTLIGHTING VENUES & PERFORMERS BREWABILITY’S CLEAN-ISH COMEDY SHOWCASE: INCLUSIVE FUN FOR EVERYONE BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN BREWABILITY is an Englewood, Colorado-based brewery and pizzeria, where anyone, including individuals with disabilities, can eat and work. Since its inception in 2016, the establishment has received media coverage from the likes of Colorado Public Radio and Westword, as well as national and international media outlets like the BBC, Forbes, and LA Times. Tiffany Fixter, who launched Brewability and Pizzability, went from special education teacher to business owner. While her restaurant is known for its made-to-order pizza and craft beer, Brewability has become a popular spot because it is a safe and inclusive space . It’s also a welcoming venue for community gatherings and free events, including drag bingo, goat yoga, book signings, and trivia nights. Recently, Brewability added to its roster of events with its Clean-ish Comedy Showcase. The idea for the comedy show came from Denver-based comic Jennifer Sutherland, who has been a regular at Brewability since it opened its South Broadway location. “Brewability has been my local hangout for years,” said Sutherland. “I knew there were events, but I wasn’t sure if they offered an open mic night, and asked Tiffany. She told me a story about one open mic night they hosted, where someone told a hurtful joke. That’s when I suggested a comedy showcase, so I could steer the comics in the right direction.” Fixter liked Sutherland’s idea and agreed to try a couple of approaches before including the showcase as a recurring event. According to Sutherland, the first comedy showcase was more of a talent show for Brewability employees. She then began to reach out to local comics whose work she enjoyed. COMIC JENNIFER SUTHERLAND HOSTS CLEAN-ISH COMEDY SHOWCASE. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN In February of this year, Sutherland hosted the first monthly Clean-ish Comedy Showcase, and so far, comedians have eagerly accepted invitations, or they have asked Sutherland if they could participate. Lisa Lane, who has done stand-up comedy for about seven years, is among those who contacted Sutherland directly. “I saw my comedy friend Jennifer promoting the show on social media, loved the idea, and reached out to her for a spot,” she said. Lane said she appreciated that the showcase focused on clean comedy and saw it as an opportunity to build an inclusive set that appeals to a variety of audiences. “I have been actively working this year on developing my clean material because when something is funny (without being dirty) to a broad spectrum of people, I know it’s a really good joke,” said Lane. Veteran comic Ralph Grate, who was a writer for comedian George Wallace and opened for both the O’Jays and The Isley Brothers, accepted Sutherland’s invitation to perform at Brewability because he has experienced a dearth of available opportunities for clean, clever comedians in Denver, especially if they’re Black. “[P]eople expect the same type of racial vulgar material that they see most Black comics doing on social media,” Grate said. The Clean-ish Comedy Showcase was the perfect chance for Grate to get paid to perform in a venue that offers comedy the entire family can enjoy. When Sutherland asked comedian Jake Cambron if he would participate in the showcase, he said yes, even though he wasn’t familiar with the venue. “I had no idea that Brewability was such an inclusive place and employed people all across the neurological spectrum,” said Cambron. “I’m autistic, so it instantly put me at ease and let me know what kind of material would be appropriate for the audience.” Given the opportunity to return to the showcase, Cambron said he would do so in a heartbeat. And to anyone who isn’t sure what to expect, Cambron said people should approach the show with an open and kind heart. “They should see the show because it’s a joy to see so many neurodiverse people able to come together and laugh in a positive environment. It’s definitely the kind of place where you leave your poor attitude at the door,” he said. According to Sutherland, Brewability employee Michael Newland, who participates in almost every showcase, is a crowd-pleaser. For his set, Newland draws from his repertoire of over 400 impressions, including Donald Duck, Oscar the Grouch, and Grover. Newland, who started doing impressions as a hobby, said he likes getting a chance to make people happy and smile. “Being on stage is a great, great thing,” said Newland. “It makes me feel proud to do something like this.” Sutherland said she is excited to see how well the Cleanish Comedy Showcase is taking off, but it is the reaction of her fellow comics who point to why Sutherland’s idea is a win for the comics and audience alike. “[Brewability offers] great food and drink, loving service, with brilliant adaptations that make the experience fun and accessible for EVERYone,” Lisa Lane said. “Sharing the stage with comics — and performing for an audience of various abilities is thrilling. When we laugh together, we seem far more alike than different.” ■ The Clean-ish Comedy Showcase takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at Brewability, 3445 S. Broadway. Tickets are free, but donations are appreciated. For more information on Brewability, Clean-ish Comedy Showcase, or other upcoming events, visit https://brew-ability.com BREWABILITY EMPLOYEE AND COMEDIC IMPRESSIONIST MICHAEL NEWLAND. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN COMEDIAN RALPH GRATE. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 8 DENVER VOICE July 2023
SPOTLIGHTING VENUES & PERFORMERS POSITIVE CHANGE THROUGH IMMERSIVE THEATER BY SAM BLUM IN 2008, after spending years performing internationally, Patrick Mueller returned to Lakewood, Colorado, where he grew up. He believed he could use his background in contemporary dance and theater to position Denver as one of the country’s top performance art scenes. So, Mueller used all of his savings on a warehouse space in the Globeville neighborhood and created Control Group Productions. For several years, Control Group was based primarily in this performance space, where artists were given the opportunity to produce their original work. However, according to Mueller, the venue-based model was not sustainable, and he searched for other ways Control Group could have a greater impact. The limitations that came with working in such a small space meant that Mueller had to be creative in conceptualizing Control Group’s shows. Being able to rehearse and perform in the same space, Mueller explained, allowed them to plan not only how the performers would interact with the space, but also how the audience would. The advantage of controlling how the audience was integrated was Control Group’s first step toward immersive theater, and from there, their work grew into increasingly interactive performances that gave the audience roles in the productions. A few years after Control Group Productions was established, Caroline Sharkey, who had been studying and performing all over the country, decided to relocate to Denver. “Denver [seemed like] a place where you could be an artist and a human,” said Sharkey. “You could have a life alongside your artistic pursuits,” and that’s what drew her here. When she arrived, Sharkey looked into which groups were doing innovative work in the performing arts scene, and it didn’t take long before she came across Control Group. She reached out to Mueller, and they have been working together since. Sharkey now serves as the associate director of the company. Together, Sharkey and Mueller decided to fully transition Control Group away from operating in the warehouse venue, and instead, commit the company to immersive theater. They began doing what Mueller calls which he describes as taking people to specific locations for performances that would challenge the audience’s understanding of those spaces. Control Group continued its nomadic, interactive performances for several years before the COVID pandemic changed the performing arts landscape. “In general, [once the pandemic ended], we thought that audiences would be excited to return to the theater. That’s not the case. Everywhere, people are fatigued of going and sitting down,” said Sharkey. “Everyone [was] craving things to do. Our work is a thing to do rather than a thing to see.” So, Control COURTESY OF CONTROL GROUP PRODUCTIONS “nomadic, site-based work,” COURTESY OF CONTROL GROUP PRODUCTIONS Group leaned into their passion for immersive theater because they felt it was what the community needed. In 2020, only a few months into the pandemic, Mueller coined the term Expeditionary Performance, and it has been a guiding principle for Control Group’s work ever since. Expeditionary performances must be transportive; they must take the audience on a journey that engages their relationships with the environment. “Even though it’s expeditionary, it’s taking you into places that are familiar, places that you have context for,” said Sharkey. “It imbues your memory and your experience much deeper than a traditional performance would because you are getting and being in the context of the experience.” “The work isn’t just site-specific, but it’s site-invested,” Mueller added. According to him, the location provides the context for the art, and the art tells the location’s story, which strengthens the relationship between community and place. Additionally, Expeditionary Performance allows the audience to develop relationships with the art itself. It invites collaboration. It encourages each audience member to engage, and as Mueller explained, “They don’t have to reject values or identities, past history…to participate.” According to Sharkey, this mutual exchange of values and ideas informs all of the work Control Group creates. “And that’s the important thing,” Mueller said. The performance, the art, the experience, it all grows from not only the location of the performance but from the interaction between the artists and the audience. This perspective evolved into another guiding principle for Control Group’s work. They want to reframe people’s perception of art in general. Rather than the long-held view that art is solely a creation of the artist, a final, decisive product, Control Group wants people to see art as an experience meant to be shared. “Most art has incredible capacity to breed empathy. Immersive experiences, I believe, expand that capacity,” Mueller said. Performing within the framework of immersion and engagement allows Control Group to create art that can have a more profound impact on people. Sharkey explained that this impact can shift “how we value the world, the people around us, and the art.” Mueller explained that this framework also allows Control Group to challenge people’s views “in a non-prescriptive way.” Allowing and encouraging the audience to contribute fosters introspection and deeper thinking within the context of the experience. It also fosters dialogue, and this gives them the capacity to create positive change in the community. The pursuit of change has been deeply rooted in the company from the beginning. Control Group was founded, not only on the desire to create innovative art but also on the desire to help people, to help other artists. “We have always been both a company and an artist services programming arm,” Mueller explained. According to Mueller, when he founded the company, artists were not being paid fairly for their work, and “there weren’t pathways to emergence or growth.” Remedying that has always been a driving goal for Control Group. “It all comes from caretaking,” Sharkey said. “Giving artists space to make their own decisions, while still allowing them, and asking them, to create boundaries, has been really vital to the community that we are creating.” Control Group has always been equally devoted to service and creation. And that framework has extended into every aspect of the company. Part of their artist services programming is the Guest Artist Presenting Initiative, which helps emerging performers by providing them with the necessary resources to turn an idea into a production. Mueller said he makes a point to always take meetings with anyone who reaches out to him because Control Group strives to create opportunities for artists who have not found paths to emergence. Adjacent to its broad goal of helping artists, Control Group uses its artist services programming to challenge Denver’s larger perception of the landscape, to change how the community values not only the art, but the people creating it. “Paying fair wages, offering opportunities to other organizations, is both living out our values, but also modeling behavior that we hope spreads,” said Mueller. According to Mueller, there have not been any other theater companies in Denver that have found the same success that Control Group has. “That is absolutely not a brag, that’s a complaint,” Mueller explained. “[As part of my mission], I need to go back and blaze those trails so that other people don’t have to take 15 years to have a paycheck that they can live on.” Through the immersive experience, Control Group takes people on journeys through familiar places, shown in new ways, introspective journeys that challenge the way they see the world. They immerse their audiences in their art and invite them to engage with it. In doing so, they can pursue real, positive change in the community. But Control Group also embodies their model of change through immersion in the way they serve artists. They immerse the company itself into a new framework for the artistic community, one that centers on the livelihood of the artist. It gives artists more value as members of society, and it encourages people to value artists the same way — as people, not just creators. By immersing the company into this framework, Control Group has started to make it a reality. Through immersion, they are changing the artistic community for the better. ■ To learn more about Control Group and their upcoming works, visit controlgroupproductions.org. July 2023 DENVER VOICE 9
IN YOUR OWN WORDS DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT, SELF BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR BACK ON THE STREETS: FEAR! BY JOHN ALEXANDER, VOICE VENDOR living on the streets when he could no longer afford his rent. Through the end of this year, various VOICE vendors intend to contribute something in honor of Brian Augustine’s legacy. I DON’T KNOW WHICH IS MORE FRIGHTENING, the known or the unknown. Before I became homeless and on the streets, I had heard about people having no home, sleeping in parks, on bus benches, etc. But today is 35 years later. Based on my experience, I now have some idea of which is more frightening, and I know one thing for sure. I do not want to ever return to being on the streets, homeless again. Down by the river, or over by the railroad tracks, in dark, empty vacant houses or condemned buildings are no places anyone dreams of sleeping each night. I have walked down many alleys and streets, passing by people, stepping over people – some of who were drunk and passed out. I have seen a few individuals lying still from the overdose of drugs. During my 35 years of living homeless, I have passed by many people lying motionless, and they were dead! That sounds awful and shocking to some people, but to me, I remember the thought that no matter what I have seen, or who’s injured or dead, I have to find someplace out here to rest and sleep for the night. RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA DON’T WORRY about what he or she said to you to try to hurt you. Just let it go. Don’t worry about what people think about you, when you know they are not saying anything good about you. Let it go. Don’t worry about who likes you, or who doesn’t like you. Live your life for yourself, not for other’s approval Self, you need to love Self, so you will know what to let go of. Do not take on other people’s problems, when you know you don’t want them. When you know you can’t handle them, speak up and say, “I’m sorry. I can’t help you with your problem.” Don’t worry about what others think about you because you have your life to live. Other people’s opinions of you shouldn’t matter at all. You can’t make everyone happy, so don’t try. Self, you should only care about people who know you and are truly there for you. Let everyone else go. Self, stop worrying about everything because worrying won’t change anything. Deal with it, or let it go. Don’t sit and worry every day about things that really don’t matter, and then, your life, Self, will be a lot better. Worrying will kill your health and age you faster Try, every day, to worry less and not hold on to anything you can’t change. So, Self, let go and free yourself from worrying. ■ JOHN ALEXANDER. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN Editor’s note: This “Back on the Streets” piece is in homage to Brian Augustine, who passed away in January. When he died, Augustine was writing a monthly column about what it was like to return to Being homeless is hell, pure hell! Many times, I have heard people say, “I have been to hell and back,” and that statement impressed me. I often wanted to meet people who said that, until I realized that going to hell, turning around, and going back was NOT the same as a person that has been to hell and come out on the other side. ■ ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN 10 DENVER VOICE July 2023
LOCAL FEATURE PAGE TITLE LITTLE FREE PANTRY STRIVES TO IMPROVE LIVES BY GRACE THORBURN PIKES PEAK LITTLE FREE PANTRY started as two thrift store drawers on the front lawn of Hailey Radvillas’ residence. Today, the pantry includes a minifridge, drawers, and refurnished shelves – all donated by community members. Radvillas was inspired to create the pantry in 2020, during a time of civil unrest and as the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing. By January 2021, Radvillas’ idea came to fruition, and today, it is open 24/7 365 days a year. “When you’re seeing unrest everywhere, you’re seeing people getting killed by cops, you’re seeing people hungry, seeing people on the streets,” said Radvillas. “Then, you vote and feel like [your vote] is not doing anything.” After seeing the success of the Denver Community Fridges and The Love Fridge based in Chicago, Radvillas believed a similar project could benefit her own community. Every month, the pantry – which is based solely on donations – provides fresh produce, homemade meals, or other needed food for hundreds of people, and thousands of people have benefitted from the pantry since it opened. “We’ve gotten to know neighbors…not only neighbors coming to give and take at the pantry, but our own neighbors,” said Radvillas. As word of the pantry spreads, more food becomes available, but according to Radvillas, increased awareness of the pantry means they will need to meet growing demand. “[The pantry] is empty a lot of the time… the need is way higher than expected, and it just keeps growing because of the cost of groceries, the cost of housing, the cost of everything,” Radvillas said. When Radvillas and her husband first moved from Chicago to Colorado Springs, the district where they relocated was the only blue district in the City of Colorado Springs. “We have neighbors who don’t like [the pantry], want it gone,” said Radvillas. “They claim it brings people into the neighborhood, even though they already were here.” Aside from a few individuals, who have expressed their opposition to the pantry, Radvillas said she’s been amazed by the support the pantry has received. “It’s not just our neighborhood; it’s people from all over the city who found us, and who give.” Despite the misconceptions of some, Radvillas said the majority of people who come to the pantry aren’t individuals experiencing homelessness. “Of all the stories I’ve heard, not a single one wanted to live on the streets,” Radvillas said. She continued by saying there are many misconceptions about homelessness. “When you’ve gotten so low, there’s no social safety net and you don’t have anyone to help you climb your way back up, which costs so much more money than people think,” said Radvillas. Hannah Bragg, a Colorado Springs resident and the graphic designer for the Denver VOICE, has been a champion for the pantry since its inception. COURTESY OF PIKES PEAK LITTLE FREE PANTRY July 2023 DENVER VOICE 11 “I think the folks who’ve created the pantry have worked hard to communicate and demonstrate to both their housed and unhoused neighbors that this is a safe and necessary form of mutual aid,” said Bragg. “I’ve lived in the Westside neighborhood since 2019 – and having this pantry start up was a game-changer for me.” Bragg said that the practice of giving what you can and taking what you need is freeing. “It gave me a way to help my community without being involved in a religious entity, which can exclude individuals who aren’t comfortable praying before receiving a hot meal or walking into a faithbased location to receive canned goods,” she said. Radvillas hopes the rest of the community echo Bragg’s sentiment about the pantry. “The little things seem so minor, but they’re huge hurdles when you have nothing to your name,” said Radvillas. Her goal for Pikes Peak Little Free Pantry is to continue to make sure her fellow community members’ needs are met. According to Radvillas, since she launched the pantry, multiple people have come to her and said, “Without you, I’d probably be dead.” In October of last year, the pantry was nearly permanently closed due to being in supposed violation of a bear can ordinance. This is because the pantry is located across from a restaurant where a code enforcement officer had been dining. After coming out of the restaurant, he noticed that a carton of raisins had spilled on the ground and that a squirrel was eating the raisins. According to Radvillas, she was unaware that there was a code stating that anyone who lives on the west side of Colorado Springs is supposed to have bear-proof cans. Despite this regulation, Radvillas explained that unless they live in the mountains, few people have bear-proof cans. This includes local parks in the area that are run by the city. After facing media pressure and shifting their focus to supplying toiletries for a weekend, Radvillas received a call from the head of code enforcement, letting her know that Pikes Peak Little Free Pantry was not in violation. “We have no plan to shut down at all unless we are forced to,” said Radvillas. “Even then, we will fight it tooth and nail.” Pikes Peak Little Free Pantry has not only changed Radvillas’ perception but also that of her friends and family. “When people know you’re telling a first-person account, it helps their mindset [about those in need],” she said. Radvillas wants others to realize that they can make a difference in the way she has because we don’t know what our neighbors are going through. According to Radvillas, the takeaway is to listen to people. “These are human beings,” Radvillas said. “These are our neighbors.” ■ Pikes Peak Little Free Pantry is located at 516 W. Pikes Peak Ave., just west of downtown Colorado Springs. They are listed on littlefreepantry.org. VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to support our program coordination by helping with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at the Denver VOICE offi ce (989 Santa Fe Dr.) from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at: program@denvervoice.org DONATE YOUR CAR! Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community.
EVENTS Tourism Edition At last, summer is here! And it has a lot to offer. Check-out the below events for your summer-of-fun bucket list. Courtesy of Deborah Lastowka. LIVE MUSIC FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Levitt Pavilion is quickly becoming the darling of Denver’s live music scene. Round up your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, and kick back for a night of eclectic music performances. WHEN: Various dates through September WHERE: Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W Florida Ave. CITY PARK JAZZ Jazz in the park is back! Enjoy live music, sunsets, food trucks, cute dogs, and community at this beloved annual event. WHEN: Sundays through August 6, 6 – 8 p.m. WHERE: City Park Pavilion, 2001 Steele St. PERFORMANCES IN THE PARK Free family-friendly outdoor concerts in Wheat Ridge. WHEN: Wednesdays through August 2, 6:30 – 8 p.m. WHERE: Anderson Park Pavilion, 4355 Field St. B-SIDE MUSIC FRIDAYS Experience intimate musical performances while enjoying craft beverages and sweeping views from one of Denver’s sweetest rooftops. Free show for teens on July 28! WHEN: Fridays in July & August; doors 6:30 / show 7 p.m. WHERE: MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St. COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: mcadenver.org RIVERFRONT PARK SUMMER SESSIONS Check-out Denver’s newest music series, also featuring food & drink. Dogs welcome. WHEN: July 20 and August 17, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. WHERE: 19th Street Bridge, S. Platte River Dr. COST: Free INFO: riverfrontparkevents.com WHEN: July 6, 10, 24, August 21 / doors 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy. THE UNDERGROUND MUSIC SHOWCASE (UMS) Discover your new favorite band at this 3-day “mess” of a festival. One of Denver’s best weekends – hands down. WHEN: July 28 – July 30 WHERE: Various venues along Broadway/South Broadway COST: Tickets start at $65 INFO: undergroundmusicshowcase.com VISIT 5280COMEDY.COM FOR AN ONGOING LIST OF FREE/LOW-COST COMEDY SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS. 12 DENVER VOICE July 2023 COMEDY COST: Tickets start at $20 INFO: denverfilm.org COST: Free, donations accepted INFO: cityparkjazz.org COST: Free INFO: levittdenver.org SUNSET CINEMA Bring your own chairs, blankets, family, and friends to the Performing Arts Complex and enjoy the show. There will be pre-show performances presented by Dazzle, along with themed food trucks, drinks, and other cinema snacks available for purchase. WHEN: July 11, 18, 25 / doors 6:30 p.m. COST: Free INFO: denverfilm.org WHERE: Denver Performing Arts Complex - Galleria, 16th St. & Arapahoe St. COST: Free INFO: rootedinfun.com NORTHGLEN SUMMER MOVIE SERIES Free summer movie series, featuring Top Gun: Maverick and Hook. Bring a blanket and snacks or purchase food from on-site food trucks. WHEN: July 12, 19, at dusk WHERE: Festival Lawn, 1 E Mem Pkwy INFO: northglennarts.org/programs/summer-movie-series COST: Free AVANTI SUMMER MOVIE SERIES Watch a whole slew of movies this summer while enjoying food + drink specials on Avanti’s patio. WHEN: Thursdays through August 14, 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Avanti Food & Beverage, 3200 Pecos St. FILM ON THE ROCKS Film on the Rocks is back, baby! Come watch contemporary classics in the coolest outdoor venue around. COST: Free INFO: avantifandb.com MUSIC & MOVIE NIGHT Free Monday night music/movies series. Selections include Top Gun: Maverick, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and DC League of Super-Pets. WHEN: July 10, 17, 24 / gates 6 p.m. WHERE: Infinity Park, 4599 E Tennessee Ave. COST: Free INFO: infinityparkatglendale.com/events FILM
ART FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK The Santa Fe Arts District comes alive every Friday night, offering a great opportunity to contemplate art and to people watch. WHEN: First Fridays, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: The bulk of the galleries is along Santa Fe Drive, between 5th and 11th Aves. INFO: denversartdistrict.org FARMERS MARKETS HEAD TO A LOCAL FARMERS MARKET FOR FRESH PRODUCE AND UNIQUE WARES. GOLDEN FARMERS MARKET, 1019 10th St. Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 7. CITY PARK FARMERS MARKET, City Park Esplanade Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 28. CHERRY CREEK FARMERS MARKET, 3000 E 1st Ave. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through August 16 and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., through November 4. UNIVERSITY HILLS FARMERS MARKET, 5505 W. 20th Ave. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 28. LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET, Mile Hi Church, 9077 W. Alameda Ave. Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., through September 30. ARVADA FARMERS MARKET, 5700 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., through October 1. HIGHLANDS FARMERS MARKET, Lowell Blvd. & W. 32nd Ave. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 15. SOUTH PEARL STREET FARMERS MARKET, South Pearl St. between E. Iowa Ave. & E. Arkansas Ave. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through November 12. MISCELLANEOUS MIXED TASTE Mixed Taste is a long-running, beloved program where even the most mismatched subjects fi nd unexpected common ground in an interactive lecture series. WHEN: Wednesdays July 12 – August 16 / doors 6 p.m. WHERE: Holiday Theater, 2644 W 32nd Ave. DPL EVENTS The Denver Public Library is your friend, offering a variety of free/low-cost workshops on writing, meditation, current events, history, film, English and Spanish language classes, U.S. citizenship, and more! WHEN: Various dates/times WHERE: Denver Public Library branches DPR ACTIVITIES Denver Parks & Recreation offers a number of free/low-cost activities for the entire family, including tennis lessons, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, group hikes, youth sports, dancing, arts and crafts, and more! Be sure to also check out their summer pool schedule as well. WHEN: Various dates/times COST: Free or low-cost WHERE: Various locations INFO: denvergov.org/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation July 2023 DENVER VOICE 13 COST: Most events are free INFO: denverlibrary.org/events COST: $5 students / $20 GA INFO: mcadenver.org Aioli Au jus Caramel Cheese Chutney Compote Cream Dip Gravy Honey Hummus Icing Jam Jelly Karo Lemon Mayo Miso Mustard Nutella Paste Pepper Pesto Powder Preserves Relish Salsa Salt Sambal Soy sauce Spread Syrup Tabasco Tahini Tartar Toppings Vegemite PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR
DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ The NextFifty Initiative $10,000+ The Christian Foundation Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. $5,000 - $9,999 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Bank of America Charitable Foundation Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Francis Trainer and Trainer Family Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation $1,000-$4,999 Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Katherine Standiford Walker Family Foundation Alexander Seavall Jill Haug Whole Foods Foundation Alex Salva Russell Peterson Chris and Susan Pappas Michael Dino Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Frederic K Conover Trust Megan Arellano Warren and Betty Kuehner Keyrenter Property Management Denver SEI Giving Fund Donald Weaver The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Gaspar Terrana Maggie Holben Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner Joshua Kauer Elsbeth Williams Mathew Rezek $500-$999 Margaret Ramp John Gibson James and Cyndi Lesslie Fire on the Mountain Christopher Boulanger Sheryl Parker Laura Saunders Robert E and Anne T Sneed Family Foundation Barbara and Robert Ells Carol and Louis Irwin Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Jeremy Anderson Stephen Saul WalMart Peter Iannuzzi Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Graham Davis Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois Mr B’s Liquor Wines For Humanity ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper 14 DENVER VOICE July 2023
RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL A resource that features abundant information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community. detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA Addiction hotline: 866-716-0142. Organizations that take Medicaid: drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVE ANOTHER DAY Live Another Day believes in equal access to life-saving mental health and substance use resources. This website provides extensive information on the best resources available: liveanotherday.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city SOUTHEAST ADDICTION CENTER Top 50 resources for Black men who are struggling with substance use and/or their mental health. southeastaddictiontn.com/50-addiction-mental-health-resources-for-black-men SOUTHEAST DETOX Updated in 2023, this guide features over 50 fully-vetted resources for Black women. southeastdetoxga.com/black-women-addiction-mental-health-support STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES) Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. 833-931-2484 sunshinebehavioralhealth.com VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1700 N Wheeling St., Aurora va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 60+. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center TGTHR (FKA ATTENTION HOMES) Shelter: 303-447-1207, 3080 Broadway, Boulder. Open every day, 12:30-5pm, for anyone ages 12-24. Office: 303-447-1206. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 tgthr.org URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; weekly Lunch in the Park is on Wednesdays from 12-1 at Benedict Fountain Park (Tremont and 22nd). christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. CLARE’S MINISTRY AT ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. 2nd Ave., dinner at 4pm on Tues. Also offer a change of clothes, toiletries and sleeping bags when available. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.a-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center July 2023 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13
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