Friday Night is Funky Night in the DTB

Posted on February 3, 2012

You might have looked out your window this morning and let out a shriek of excitement as you realized school was cancelled and maybe even work. Maybe you smiled and sunk back into your blankets to indulge in that satisfaction of a snow day. But Boulder, that is no excuse to not make plans for your Friday night. To get that surge of motivation going, I give you a few indoor options which are sure to make you enjoy every step you walked (or biked?) in the snow to get downtown.

I hope you’re ready for some top notch music tonight, because Downtown Boulder is blowing up with all sorts of incredible live music. To get your ears ready for a rip rocking good time, be sure to eat a nutritious dinner (to get your strength to 110%), hydrate (because it makes you beautiful), find and put on your dance pants (none of that sweat-pant stuff), rally up the troops (people who have equal excitement to jam), and don’t forget to warm up (listen to a few good tunes to get your voice and dance moves at that perfect level). Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for a good time.

At the Boulder Theater, we have Dr. Dog. Now this may sound like an odd name for a band, a Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg love child perhaps, but there is nothing odd about their passion for delivering the best music. Dr. Dog is a six man band hailing from Pennsylvania playing music that has been strongly influenced by the 60s, with some psychedelic rock influences. Boulder Theater is proud to host these fine young men as they prepare to release their second album on February 7 under the Anti-Records label. “This record comes from our pushing toward a rawer, more powerful, somewhat jittery competence…music that’s got its roots in live expression rather than that studio-perfected sort of vibe.” So basically, Dr. Dog is not just some band that only sounds good on a CD, but a band that thrives on sounding best live; which is how it should be. This just in: Dr. Dog has been postponed due to the weather! However, you can use your ticket to see The Lemonheads tonight at the Fox instead! Check this out for more information.

If you are skeptical about Dre/Dogg love child band and instead wish to enjoy the smooth sounds of a jazz trio, then pop on over to The Rib House and listen to the Chris Kroger Trio. The Denver native trio is a phenomenal combination of jazz and blues, guaranteed to get your fingers a snappin’ and your foot a tappin’. Personally, I never used to be into jazz music, but I had an epiphany this summer that changed the inner workings of my music loving soul. I strolled into a club on “free jazz night” and ended up being the last one to leave because I simply could not get enough. The sounds of the Chris Kroger Trio has brought me back to that very summer night where I became friends with jazz music, so I highly encourage you, lovers of jazz or not, to cruise into The Rib House tonight and let the music take you over.

A night of only music sound too singular? How about a night of art and culture instead? OpenArts Studio is hosting their art fundraiser and celebration from 6-10 p.m. at the Rembrandt Yard. For $50 per person, you will have the opportunity to eat, drink, and enjoy art with fellow art appreciators. Bid on work juried by Open Studios artists, vote for the 2012 Open Studios Fall Artist Tour poster image, and mingle with new and old friends. Festive attire is encouraged and all ages are welcome!

So let it snow, let it snow! But bring on the jams and have a delightful night of good music, good company, and good times. Check out our event calendar for more listings of music and happenings in our snow kissed downtown.

-Devon

Related Tags: Boulder, Art, Fridays , Music

Get Artsy!

Posted on October 7, 2011

Every season is art season in Downtown Boulder. In the spirit of today being the First Friday of the month, I put on my journalism cap and went exploring to find out what downtown has to offer in terms of artistic relief. I found some favorite spots and some pretty cool events going on TONIGHT for first Friday. So if you’re looking for a different way to spend the evening (or an impressive date night, boys… hint…hint) keep reading!

I first stumbled into the Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery on the 1400 block of Pearl Street and had a lovely chat with long time employee Kristen, who used to be responsible for all of the visual displays in the gallery. The BoulderArts and Crafts Gallery has been an artist cooperative since 1971 and has everything from stained glass windows to specially made organic cotton mittens. Tonight, their First Friday Reception will feature a couple of items. First of all, Carol Walker will be there with her beautiful horse photographs. Second, there will be a special demonstration from 6-8 p.m. of the use of an old fashion letter press benefiting The Book Arts League. Letterpress artists will also be in attendance for the demonstration. Sobring your date, refresh yourself, and meet some talented individuals tonight!

Next, I walked across Pearl Street and found myself at Earthwood Gallery. This one’s a personal fav, mostly because they have lots of pieces involving dogs, and who doesn’t love dogs? This particular piece is done by Sarah Rogers and it’s actually a portrait of her own dog! So cute. Roger is from Wyoming and does lots of work of abstract, bright colored animals. She is a part of the current ongoing exhibit at Earthwood, entitled “Woman of the West II” featuring female artists from the west (obviously). Girl power!

I found myself at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art on 13th between Canyon and Arapahoe next. I’ve always been a fan of contemporary art museums, mostly for their wide open spaces, and of course, the pieces that are just a little…odd. Maybe I haven’t reached the peak age of art wisdom, but sometimes it’s hard not to find yourself pleasantly amused and silently wondering where exactly the artists come up with this stuff. Yes, there is a piece is just a sign on the floor that says “Big Whoop.” Point taken? Still, most of the stuff is very cool and appealing to a younger crowd. This Mickey Mouse really caught my eye.

Walk back on 13th street toward Spruce and you’ll find one of the newest additions to the Boulder art scene, the Elm & Oak Gallery. A visit to their website uncovers that they are a design firm offering services like web and print design, brand and logo creation, promotional art, apparel design and custom mural painting. They definitely have an alternative feel. Tonight they are hosting an even called Fighting Distraction featuring new works by local artist Leland Crow. There will be music by Anansi, and Rockstar energy drinks for everyone…they also claim there will be pieces ranging in prices so that there is something for everyone! (Good news college kiddos!) Sounds more like a party than a swanky gallery show.

My last stop was to SmithKlein Gallery on the 1100 block of Pearl Street next to Savvy. I had thepleasure of talking to the owner as well as her son Nathan (great people). They were especially excited because they just booked an artist they have been pursuing for years; Contemporary western artist, Craig Kosak, who is quite exclusive in the galleries he chooses to display his work. Since SmithKlien celebrated their 20th year of business in September, itlooks like they finally earned a spot! They will be receiving mostly pieces featuring bison that will be arriving homecoming weekend. Nathan said they are great pieces for the alum visiting over homecoming who want a piece to commemorate their time in Boulder and celebrate the CU Buffs. But, back to today, SmithKlein will be hosting an opening tonight for two of their Fall Featured Artists, Jessica Garrett and Ann Dettmer. Garrett is only 27 years old and paints well beyond her years. It’s extremely rare to see an artist of her age paint realistic, western scenes. (Us youngins are into abstracts apparently...) Dettmer is well known for her big, chopping brush strokes. I loved these ones of hers. Both are definitely worth checking out.

Well Boulderites, I hope I helped and/or inspired you to begin an art adventure in downtown. These are only a few of the great art shops in Boulder. Check out an entire list of downtown galleries here. Happy First Friday!

-Lindsey

Related Tags: Boulder, Art, Dating, Fridays

Because it's Friday Night and I justtttt gotttt.....

Posted on September 23, 2011

Oh wait, I don’t get paid. Yes that’s right; I’m the new intern, Lindsey. Hi! I am so excited to have the opportunity to write to you lovely Boulderites (and anyone else paying attention) for the entire fall semester. The whole not getting paid thing is just collateral damage…part of being a starving college student living off ramen noodles. Or in my case, the milk in the office fridge. I think it gives me character? Thank God for free fun! I joined the team at Downtown Boulder just in time for this weekends’ Fall Festival on the bricks of Pearl Street. What kind of celebration could exemplify Boulder more perfectly? Being from San Diego, this whole concept of seasons is slightly foreign to me. (You mean to tell me that leaves aren’t always green?!) Needless to say, I’m stoked.

Festivities start tonight from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. and continue Saturday, September 24 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday the 25th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include live music, a Coast 2 Coast Beer Garden featuring microbrews from Avery Brewing Co, food booths (Beans, Inc., Fast Eddie’s Hot Dogs, McDevitt Taco Supply, West End Tavern’s Rolling Smoke) or you can eat at any of the Downtown Boulder Restaurants (obvi) and of course, a carnival for the kiddos! (I wonder if they let 21 year olds on the giant bungee trampoline…I call first!) Speaking of 21, I am a newly initiated member of the club, meaning this will be my first beer garden experience. I’ve always wondered what mystical land lies behind those white ropes (or in our case green fences). What is so special about where daddy disappears to after the Fourth of July parade that he can’t bring his favorite sidekick along? This weekend, my friends, I shall discover! There will also be an art show all day Saturday and Sunday. Apparently, the artists on the 1200 Block of Pearl Street will have work that is completely recycled and/or re-purposed (so Boulder…) Plus, shops along the mall will have all kinds of sales and specials running for the festival so I can spend all that money that I do not have. Hope to see you there! I’ll be the awkward girl with the giant camera looking confused. Smile for me! And while your down here, make sure to check out Pearl Street’s newest (and extremely hip looking) “food bar” Riffs next to the Boulder Book Store!

Open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. the patio looks spectacular, as does the menu…Clam and bacon pizza with roasted garlic, oregano and parmesan? Um, delish? So Coloradoans, do enjoy those orange and yellow leaves in downtown Boulder this weekend. Fall Fest is back! Oh and for you lucky souls that have a car, there's free parking on Saturday and Sunday. Yes, free parking EVERYWHERE! Don't get too excited ;)

Happy Bouldering!
-Lindsey

P.S. Say hi to this guy.. He's new too

Related Destinations: Boulder Book Store, Riffs Urban Fare, West End Tavern

Related Tags: Festivals, Restaurants, Art, Shopping

BIODOME: An Experiment in Diversity

Posted on June 29, 2011

I decided to detour from my usual shopping stomping grounds and explore the artistic cultural side of Downtown Boulder. When I first heard of BIODOME I was casually eavesdropping while waiting in line for a sandwich (come on who hasn’t). However, all I got out of the conversation was BIODOME was opening and her boyfriend has been a jerk. So, with a lack of concern for her boyfriend drama, I decided I needed to explore this BIODOME with my non-jerk boyfriend, Forbes. First stop…Google info, second stop…Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. BMoCA is tucked away just south of the Pearl Street Mall (so tucked away it took me two loops around the block to find it, sadly I admit I was even using my gps). But nonetheless, we made it just in time for the opening of the new exhibit BIDOME: An Experiment in Diversity.

When I think of Boulder I think outdoorsy, active, and a melting pot of individuals, in other words diverse. However, it has come to my attention that some Boulderites are concerned that Boulder is becoming to elitist. This concern ignited BMoCA to launch the BIODOME which showcases how Boulder residents experience diversity.

Let me back up a step, and just say if you haven’t gone to BMoCA, go (my ticket was only $4). I am used to large museums where I end up lost and in an art coma overload. BMoCA is just the right size and filled with exciting, and stimulating art. I’m not going to lie to you guys, I was a little relieved when I saw the quaint, non-monstrous building.

When I walked in the doors I found myself already in the BIODOME exhibit. For those of you who don’t know what a BIODOME is, (I was one of them) long story short, it is a closed ecological system that is completely controlled. Don’t worry guys the name is a metaphor, I’m not sending you to some manmade kind of creepy ecological bubble. However, real life biodome attempts have been nothing to write home about because none of them have been successful, because they all lacked biodiversity (that was a mouthful). But BMoCA’s BIODOME is a little different; they are addressing issues and concerns that Boulder has with diversity through art (admit it your intrigued). Here you can see the works of artists who jumped right into the amazing Boulder lifestyle which they used as inspiration and interpretation for their work. The stark white walls throughout the museum with the contrast of the artists’ pieces really captured the essence of the art and allowed you to channel your focus to each piece.

I don’t want to give away all the juicy details on the BIODOME, because you all need to go! Oh and be sure when you go to not miss the “Boulder Bubble” and give your two cents on Boulder’s diversity.

Over and out,

Erika

Related Destination: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Related Tags: Boulder, Ignite Boulder, Art

Non | Profit

Posted on February 22, 2011

What a wonderful weekend!

I took my own advice and spent the majority of my weekend indulging around Downtown Boulder. Had a few well-deserved margs at Tahona, celebrated a friend's birthday with a turtle sundae (chocolate sauce on the side) at Boulder Cafe and snuck a little writing and good coffee in at The Cup. Pretty awesome. But the highlight of my weekend was crossing an item off of my bucket list by buying a ticket to see a film at The Boulder International Film Festival.

On Saturday night, I sat down in a pew at the First United Methodist Church and watched as the images of the film, "Hand Held" flashed across the screen. The film paints a pretty vivid picture of the devastating pediatric AIDS crisis that hit the children of Romania in the late 80's/early 90's. The hero of the film is Mike Caroll, a photo-journalist with a bleeding heart from New England, who is so affected by the horror and devastation he encounters inside of the poverty stricken and highly infected orphanages in Romania, that he creates Romanian Children's Relief to offer whatever help and connections he can, to the sick children on the other side of his camera lens. Caroll's philosophy follows the idea that one person can't change the world, but a lot of people working toward one common goal, can. So having been inspired by the message of this film, I'd like to inspire you-- people of Boulder, and give you the low-down on some great upcoming events and organizations in Downtown Boulder, that you can support locally and do your part make a difference.

1.) Downtown Boulder Inc., is our non-profit organization that is committed to supporting other local non-profits, while promoting Downtown businesses. Fashion Under the Flatirons, on March 10, is one of DBI's events held each year with 50% of net proceeds from the event benefiting There With Care. The fashion show features clothing, shoes and accessories from many downtown merchants as well as drinks and appetizers from several downtown restaurants. Get your tickets now at the Boulder Theater. (To check out other upcoming Downtown Boulder Events, visit www.boulderdowntown.com).

2.) Dining out Days is a unique fundraiser for Boulder County Aids Project beginning on March 1, at Sushi Tora, with 15% of dinner sales for that evening being donated to BCAP. Dining Out Days will continue once a month in through 2011, with participating restaurants including: The West End Tavern, Black Cat and Tahona, each donating aportion of their dinner sales for one night.

3.) On March 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Boulder Arts and Crafts Co-Op, The Carriage House and Community Table has organized an art show to showcase work by The Carriage House Art Therapy Group, a group of homeless artists that meet once a week at the shelter. The artwork will be for sale, with all proceeds going to The Carriage House and Community Table.

4.) This March is the 13th Annual Oyster Month at Jax Fish House, with tons of great specials and fun events like an oyster eating contest and a five course shell dinner. Oyster Month benefits EFAA, (Emergency Family Assistance Association), a Boulder organization that assists families, people with disabilities and seniors meet their basic needs.

And these are just a few ways to help out. Other Downtown organizations such as Parenting Place, the YWCA, Bikes Belong, BMoCA and eTown also need support--whether it be donating items, money or simply donating your time-- help is always appreciated.

So I leave you with this, people of Boulder: While I still urge you to get down with the get down, and get yourselves to Downtown...consider making March the month that you visit Downtown for a good cause. Check out the different events going on and find out which of your favorite retail shops and restaurants are doing their part to support local non-profit organizations. It'll be good for your conscience and your karma, which will make you forget what it's doing to your waistline and wallet.

Love, Peace, and Energy Star Fluorescent Light,

-Tyra

Related Tags: Boulder, Dining, Art, Shopping

Art > Math

Posted on October 15, 2010

I have always considered myself to be a creative person. Math and science always has, and always will, make me cringe and feel light headed. I even dread the most basic forms of math, but I have learned to hide my terrible math skills. At restaurants I whip out my phone and pretend to send an urgent text, little do my friends know that I am actually calculating the tip.

Since I want to vomit at the sight of a chemistry textbook, I have learned to developed an appreciation for art and other creative endeavors. I'm not saying I am a brilliant artist or writer myself, but I can recognize and appreciate a great creation. In fact my paintings would be really stunning for an eight-year-old, I love color and the objects in the painting are at least recognizable, but that's about it. Of course my mom supports my bursts of artistic energy and willing hangs any creation of mine around her house. I pretend not to notice that she strategically places them in places that rarely see any human activity. I'm sure the four house guests she has had in the past few years have thoroughly enjoyed my green and blue toned painting of mountains and grassy field that is hung in the upstairs guest bathroom.

Although I have accepted that I will not be the next Monet, I am extremely fortunate to live in such an artistic place during my college years. I enjoy my walk down Pearl Street into the Downtown Boulder office for this very reason. As I walk by art galleries, muching on my granola bar, i gaze at the boutique shops with homemade soaps, and musicians.

Only in Boulder will you find a man playing the didgeridoo next to a harp player at noon on a Wednesday. These little gems are what make Downtown Boulder such a great place to create and see fantastic art from truly talented artists. My roommate happens to be one of these talented artist (next time you're at Boulder Baked take a look at the photos on the wall). And yes, I did just shamelessly plug my roommate on this blog, don't judge.

It also happens to be best time of year in Boulder. Not only can I wear my awesome brown leather boots, the weather is pleasant and the fall colors are covering the mall. Which is why I am encouraging the roommate to get out the SLR and take some photos of downtown for the photo contest. You can win a Downtown Boulder gift card that is worth anywhere from $25-$150 and can be used for delicious food or shopping. And I bet if my roommate were to win one she would be so happy that she would take me to dinner at Japango, well I'll at least hope she would.

- Lauren

Related Destinations: Boulder Baked , Japango

Related Tags: Boulder, Art

Friday Night is Funky Night in the DTB

Get Artsy!

Because it's Friday Night and I justtttt gotttt.....

BIODOME: An Experiment in Diversity

Non | Profit

Art > Math

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