Valentine’s “Week” Events near Southshore
February 8, 2018
Wondering if your date choices on Valentine’s Day are limited, considering it’s on a Wednesday this year? Not to worry! From dancing to comedy to theatre and more, there are plenty of exciting events to choose from on Valentine’s Day and the days leading up to it! Whether you are going on your “First Date,” planning the “Perfect Wedding,” feel like singin’ the blues, or would rather laugh at a comedian with a cynical take on the day, you will find the perfect activity to suit your mood this Valentine’s week!
Thursday-Saturday, February 8-10
COLIN QUINN’S “ONE IN EVERY CROWD”
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past 25 years, there’s no way you won’t recognize his face: from the old MTV days to SNL to Comedy Central to the Grown-Ups movies, Colin Quinn is apparently refusing to leave the business. A veteran of intelligent, razor-sharp standup comedy, Quinn admits he got his start late after years of bartending and believes comedy comes from anger. “I think it comes from outrage,” he says, “and the pain of wanting to communicate…wanting people to see, ‘Can you believe that?!’” Lucky for us he’s staying in the biz – his gruff, working-class brand of humor always delivers the laughs.
Comedy Works-Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$30
Phone: 303-595-3637
Thursday-Sunday, February 8-11 and Tuesday-Wednesday, February 13-14
FIRST DATE – A MUSICAL COMEDY!
Have you been waiting for the perfect opportunity to ask out that special someone? Here’s where life intersects with art—except you’ll hope your date doesn’t mimic this one! Aaron is a newbie in the world of blind dating while Casey could be considered a “serial dater,” and when they are set up in a busy New York City restaurant, their date unfolds in real time. First Date gets surreal as all of the restaurant patrons take on the roles of their family, friends, and exes, singing and dancing their way through the date along with Aaron and Casey!
Garner Galleria Theatre/DCPA, 14th & Curtis, Denver
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.; Tues./Wed., 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $46
Phone: 800-641-1222
A PLAY WITH A BIG HEART – AMERICAN MARIACHI
Catch the world-premiere of American Mariachi, a heartwarming story of family, music and dreams-come-true. Lucha is an idealistic young woman coming of age in Denver in the 1970s, who uses music to keep her afloat when the world weighs her down. Although her family and friends delight in her music, her hope of publicly performing seems like a fantasy—until a spunky band of female mariachis joins her quest.
American Mariachi is the story of what happens when a group of determined and talented young women take on the biases of the male-dominated music industry and the patriarchal structure inside their own families — timely topics! As the young women in the band practice, perform and strive to earn the respect of their community, their music sparks a transformation in the lives of those around them, especially Lucha’s parents. This exhilarating story about music’s power to heal and connect includes beautiful, live mariachi music.
Stage Theatre/DCPA, 13th St. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Thurs.,6:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 p.m.; Tues./Wed., 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$65
Phone: 303-893-4100
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT LEAP!
One of the most talented up-and-coming dramatists of our time draws from experiences in her father’s life to craft a poignant and funny story about the unexpected combination of basketball and the clash of cultures. Lauren Yee’s play The Great Leap follows Manford Lum, a basketball star on the sidewalk courts of Chinatown in 1989 San Francisco, as he talks his way onto a college team and finds himself bound for Beijing to play in an international “friendship” game.
Plenty is at stake as Manford juggles international politics and his own personal history in post-Cultural Revolution-era China. Also grappling with their roles in the sport and their respective countries are the American coach and the Chinese coach. For two men with a past and one teen with a future, it’s a chance to grab their moment in history and claim personal victories off the scoreboard. Tensions rise right up to the final buzzer as history collides with the action in the stadium.
Ricketson Theatre/DCPA, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.,6:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 p.m.; Tues./Wed., 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30
Phone: 800-641-1222
Friday-Saturday, February 9-10
MUSIC FROM JOHN WILLIAMS – AN AMERICAN JOURNEY
Join the Colorado Symphony as they journey to a galaxy far, far away…to celebrate the birthday of American composer John Williams! Best known for compositions on movie soundtracks from Star Wars and Schindler’s List to JFK, his work has extended beyond the boundaries of the silver screen to include soaring melodies that accompanied Olympians in the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. This evening showcases the profound effect this illustrious composer has had on our listening experience.
Boettcher Concert Hall/DPAC, 1000 14th St. #15, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$94
Phone: 303-623-78760
Saturday, February 10
FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON!
It’s time for the 2018 Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics! Grin and bear it as you plunge into the icy waters of the Aurora Reservoir, in support of over 22,000 Special Olympics athletes in Colorado. You will help to raise money for the Special Olympics by collecting pledges as an individual or a team, then taking a freezing dip in our neighborhood lake — for the cause. All proceeds benefit the amazing and courageous Special Olympics athletes. Prizes will be awarded to the Highest Fundraising Individual, Highest Fundraising Team, Highest Fundraising Athlete and Best Costume! See you at the Polar Plunge! Brrrrr!
Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Rd., Aurora
11:00 a.m. Check-In; 1:00 p.m. Plunge
Register: $50-$75
Phone: 720-359-3101
ROCK OUT AT THE 80s/90s DANCE NIGHT!
Make your hair as big as a NASA mission when you get ready for the 80s/90s Dance Night at Denver’s Air and Space Museum! Don your acid-wash jeans, leg-warmers, and off-the-shoulder sweatshirt as you get ready for a righteous night of fun on the dance floor! A live DJ will spin all your favorite 80s and 90s jams or you can hang out at the themed arcade. Compete for mind-blowing prizes in the best-outfit category and 80s/90s trivia. Incredible food stations, courtesy of Denver’s top caterers, are included in the admission price, and there will also be a cash bar. All ages are welcome, but if you choose to drink, bring a valid ID.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$30
Phone: 303-360-5360
Sunday, February 11
TONS OF FUN AT THIS FIESTA!
Celebrate the music, dance and culture of Mexico and Latin America through the local talents of Colorado with this bilingual, FREE concert for the whole family! Discover the beautiful sounds of the many different cultures of Mexico, including Aztec, Roman Catholic, and mariachi music, as they are interpreted by the colorful dancers of Fiesta Colorado Dance Company. Designed as a first-time concert experience for kids, the Aurora Symphony Orchestra family concerts are designed to give younger audiences a short 45-minute music presentation, along with stories and fun entertainment, including an instrument petting-zoo, face painting, balloon animals and exciting special guests!
The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tuesday-Wednesday, February 13-14
STOMP!
You’ve heard of it—now see what all the noise is about! In a category of its own, the percussionist-based STOMP defies conventional definitions and can simply be described as an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but traditional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms, resulting in a show that is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique.
This international sensation has accumulated armfuls of awards and rave reviews over more than two decades, and you’ve no doubt seen them on one of many national television appearances. Year after year, audiences keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As The Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, go! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!”
Buell Theatre/DPAC, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$95
Phone: 303-893-4100
Wednesday, February 14
YOU HAVE MY HEART!
Madly in love? Why not make it official? Denver Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson is hosting a Valentine’s Day Celebration at the courthouse! Judges and clergy will perform free marriage ceremonies for couples, with food and beverages available. Drawings will be held for gifts from local businesses, elected officials and other city agencies.
Webb Building, 201 W. Colfax, Dept. 101, Denver
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 (for Marriage License)
Phone: 720-865-8400
ARROW-MAKING FOR LOVERS
If you are a romantic DIYer, grab your sweetheart and join the artisans at The Craftsman & Apprentice for their third annual Valentine’s workshop! Inspired by Cupid’s arrow, you’ll learn how to make decorative arrows using real arrowheads, sticks, feathers and paint. You can take them home and hang them on your wall as symbols of your undying love! Plan on a full social evening including cocktails and light snacks. You must be 21 or older to participate.
The Craftsman & Apprentice, 1335 E. 22nd Ave., Denver
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $75/couple
Phone: 720-515-8611
VALENTINE’S DAY 90s BLOCK PARTY
Nothing beats hitting the dance floor on Valentine’s Day! You’ll be dancing all night long to the inspired sounds of 80s/90s R&B band Guy, featuring New Jack Swing creator Teddy Riley! When smash-hit 90s band Jagged Edge takes the stage, you’ll be singing Where’s the Party At! Also on this year’s lineup is Ginuwine, 112 and Next. Don’t miss the concert party that will have you dancing the night away!
Bellco Theater, 700 14th St., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $59-$125
Phone: 303-228-8260
BE MY FUNNY VALENTINE – TODD GLASS
Whether you find Valentine’s Day lovely or loathsome, it can be a Happy Day if you’re in the company of a funny person—and that describes Todd Glass perfectly! Let his satirical, irreverent brand of comedy elevate whatever mood this Day of Love puts you in. Glass has appeared on The Daily Show, Louie, Conan and the Sarah Silverman Program. His unique delivery and unrelenting witticisms earned him a half-hour standup special on Comedy Central, and you can also listen to him weekly on his podcast The Todd Glass Show. Optional packages including roses and chocolates are available!
Comedy Works-Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$119
Phone: 303-595-3637
Southshore is the place to be on Valentine’s Day!
Make your Valentine’s Day extra sweet in the master-planned community of Southshore! Stop by and see why home buyers love living lakeside near 800 acres of water recreation and miles of walking paths and trails. Tour the beautiful models from Richmond American Homes, Toll Brothers in Vista Point, and Century Communities in The Hills at Southshore. Ranch and two-story models in the amenity-rich community are priced from the upper $300s to the $700s.