New York Times special coverage of Woodstock ’69
If you already have a subscription to the Sunday New York Times, congratulations! You and I both make poor purchasing decisions, but we cling to the past, good or ill. This Sunday’s (Aug. 11) edition features an entire section dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the legendary music festival, including the lineups and set lists, historic photos, and a few first-hand accounts.
If you don’t want to buy a copy, the story can also be found via subscription at www.nytimes.com.
-MM
✨ Can’t take my eyes off ’10 Things I Hate About You’
I’m a sucker for a well-made romantic comedy, an artistic creation that is practically Sasquatchian in its elusiveness these days. One of the best in my memory is 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You, starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.
The film is not only one of Ledger’s best roles, as well as an introduction for many to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Allison Janney, but it’s one of the wisest and most quotable movies I know. Lines like, “Just ’cause you’re beautiful, that doesn’t mean that you can treat people like they don’t matter” and “Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want,” have echoed through my life.
Some may not know that the film is based on Bill Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” which means it’s the perfect fit for the Denver Performing Arts Complex’s Sunset Cinema series. This year’s series focuses on movies based off novels likely taught in high school.
Held on Tuesday, Aug. 13, the outdoor screening will feature themed pre-show games and entertainment, fun food and beverage options for purchase, costume contests and more.Get the details at here.
-CR
Movies in the mountains at Vail Film Festival
There’s a good chance that if you think about Colorado film festivals, the first thing that comes to mind is the annual Telluride Festival. I get it – its built quite the reputation over many years, and you’ll see all kinds of big names if you can manage to attend. But it’s also more than a little overwhelming and intimidating.
But the Vail Film Festival offers work that’s just as high quality in a far more approachable format. Plus, it has the brilliant focus of highlighting the work done by female filmmakers. And, you’re in Vail in a Colorado summer. There is no way to lose.
The 16th Vail Film Festival runs from Thursday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, 18, and features a screening of more than 40 films, documentaries and student films. Filmmakers will be on hand, stories will be told and there will be much rejoicing.
Get your info at www.vailfilmfestival.com/.
-CR
‘Blinded By the Light’ opens in theatres
There’s no way to mince words here – if you don’t at the very least respect the music of Bruce Springsteen, I can’t really trust you. Springsteen’s writing and work has gotten me and so many others like me through the rough times, soundtracked moments of triumph and been one of the defining sounds of car trips.
So it’s practically a guarantee that Gurinder Chadha’s film, Blinded by the Light, which opens on Friday, Aug. 16, will be a goddamn delight.
Inspired by the life of British journalist Sarfraz Manzoor, the movie follows Javed (Viveik Kalra) in 1987 Luton as he discovers the music of Springsteen. Chadha’s best known for Bend It Like Beckham and I’m certain the movie will overflow with just as much charming Britishness. Plus, it’s about fucking loving Bruce Springsteen. How can you go wrong?
Get tickets for a screening here.
-CR
Miami Marlins at Colorado Rockies
The good ol Rockies. Are they tanking? Are they surging? What is a Rockie?
Just kidding, they are tanking HARD.
Don’t pretend to care. You just need some americana shoved down your throat, preferably with strong margaritas and Sunday brunch to follow.
This game, which starts at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Coors Field, 2001 Blake St. in Denver, should be meaningless and incredibly low impact, which will allow you to focus on the finer things in the ballpark (Tornadoughs).
-MM
Phantogram at the Mission Ballroom
You can dub yourself “Officially Known as Cool By Matthew” if you make it out to this concert. The electronic duo is ready to gently melt your face as always, and be ready for some great audio in this amazing venue.
The show is at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the new Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. in Denver, as part of the duo’s North American tour. General admission ($36.75-$40) and VIP balcony ($79) tickets can be scored here.
-MM
Calexico and Iron & Wine at Denver Botanic Gardens
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that you probably wont see a better concert this summer if you snag tickets to this power-squad jamming at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19 at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St.
My inclination is to this that inspiration will run high this evening, so be prepared for something very special!
-MM
Raphael Saadiq’s ‘Jimmy Lee’ hits the market
Not unlike fellow R&B magus D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq is one of those artists we don’t hear from nearly enough.
His latest solo album, the stunning throwback Stone Rollin’ was released in 2011, and since then he’s been quieter than I’d like. He’s finally got a new album coming on Friday, Aug. 23. Entitled Jimmy Lee, it’s easily one of my most anticipated albums of the year.
Saadiq was a part of vital 90s R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone!, as well as the vastly underrated Lucy Pearl album. He’s gone on to work with legends like the aforementioned D’Angelo, Solange Knowles, John Legend, Whitney Houston and so many other soul, hip-hop and jazz artists.
We’ve only had a couple tastes of Jimmy Lee so far, but what we have heard sounds fucking great. I can’t wait to hear the full thing, and you should make it a priority.
-CR
Drink and look at fish at Downtown Aquarium
Sad boy legend Benjamin Gibbard once wrote, “And I have learned that even landlocked lovers yearn/For the sea like navy men.” Maybe that’s why one of my favorite tourist attractions around town is the Downtown Aquarium (even though, by and large, I am terrified of the sea).
I’ve also been reliably informed that people are fans of alcohol, which makes the aquarium’s 8th Annual Wine Fest the perfect summer evening plan.
The festival will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24. Ticket includes a free souvenir wine glass, parking and a chance to interact with some of the ambassador animals, and more.
Get all the pertinents at www.aqwine.com/.
-CR
✨ Dinos Italian Food on Colfax is Closing Sept 30
More on this to come, but this is a great chance for the fucking world to send me spiraling into a typical fall depression. I at least appreciate the heads up, world!
Dinos is my personal spot, if I were to ever have a spot. It has been an institution of sorts, and generations of Denverites have grown up eating ½ and ½ pasta-rigatoni meals there.
The next time I write about Dino’s, 10040 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood, it will be big, nasty, ugly tears pouring onto the page, but for now just go eat there as many times as possible before Monday, Sept. 30.
Don’t look them up online. Its goddamn Italian food. Just go and eat it.
-MM
