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Cafe Vivid has a fresh new look

January 21st, 2010 cocokirby

i don’t know when they changed over from the old format but the new one is amazing. so simple, clean, and clear. LOVES IT! i bet this will translate into me going to a lot more of the advertised events. i recommend everyone sign up for their emails immediately.

this week's email blast

this week's email blast

Pride Orientation

June 23rd, 2009 cocokirby

Pridefest

 

Pride week is here and the parties have already started. Every time I’ve gone out in the past month, I hear someone announcing how exciting it is that Pride is coming up and telling me that theirs will be the most fun event in town. Of all the cities I’ve lived in, I’ve never seen Pride hyped up so much for so long. And that’s why I was so shocked and appalled when two of my friends told me they’d never been to Pride….WHAT! (I’m still recovering)

So I decided to give a quick rundown of the official events. The Center organizes PRIDEFEST Denver as a two day event centered in Civic Center Park. It’s a pretty big deal. We’ve even got a wikipedia entry. Anyway, Sunday is the bigger, more impressive day with that parade down colfax, major entertainers and drinking galore. Saturday is the more family friendly day with children and dogs all around. Less beer and shirtlessness. Both days offer a packed park with people and booths and performances and… ok you really have to see it. You have to feel the feeling. I just cant’ describe it. Be there. This saturday and sunday 10am til you’re tired.

Now, to add to the fun, there are all kinds of fundraisers and parties and networking events happening around Pride. You know cause we’re all in a proud , happy, tipsy, touchy, cuddly mood. So take advantage.

If you want to know about everything GLBT, the one stop shop is definitely Cafe Vivid. Their website is so poorly designed that it makes me want to rip all my hair out… but seriously, if it’s for us or by us, it’s there. If you’re the spontaneous type, you can even follow them on twitter and just head out when you get an update. I think I may try that.

Oh, PS…. If you’re not volunteering for an organization this weekend, you should be. It’s really the best way to spend Pride. You get to meet fun people and you can people watch without feeling like a weirdo. hint hint, you should volunteer for ELEMENT. send me an email for our activities at Pride this year. corey@thdenverelement.com

PPS… Craigslist and bathhouses 1, 2, and 3 are gonna be exploding this whole week so if casual sex is your thing, hop on it

PPPS… Does anyone think it’s weird that this year’s pride is on national HIV testing day?

gay men in march

March 12th, 2009 thedenverelement

so the second week in march is almost over and I’m just getting around to posting the events for this month. and there are a lot of them. It’s not my fault. i’ve got to wait for the papers and all the bloggers and all the little fliers. then i compile everything. But it’s crazy this month. it’s like people and organizations were booting up for the first two month of the year and now we’re pushing toward overdrive in june. it gets more excitinger every day

i’m gonna start with some of the things you probably already missed… cause obviously you get all your news from me

Week 1

babes

the party of the month was clearly the First Friday 6th Anniversary Party at Tracks. it was the 6ths on the 6th. it couldn’t get any better than that. Aside from the usual great music and surge of beautiful ladies, Babes Around Denver really outdid themselves for the 70th First Friday with Babes in Toyland Dancers, free appetizers, 3 DJ’s, and  special guest Briana Stockton from that show  Work Out. Seriously. it was big. and there were plenty of men. they opened early for country western and two stepping at 6… then the main room opened at 7:30. the real party didn’t begin till almost 11. cover was only $7… and you could stay all night. it was the kind of party you have to recover from. take a look at the great pics.

kinsey

for the non partying kind, also on the 6th, The Kinsey Sicks - the one and only Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet from San Fran – performed at Lannies Clocktower Cabaret. if you didn’t see them then, you probably won’t get another chance in Denver for a while. they are totally booked all over the world. that’s definitely my next career move.

danyl

and ALSO on the 6th, one of the local art celebrities has a solo show at Zip 37 Gallery. Danyl Cook who’s been featured more than once in our very own OutFront, hosted an artist’s reception last friday for the show’s opening. sure he has work shown there all the time… but this is his solo show. every gay who’s any gay into art will see it before it’s down. in fact, the reception was probably the pre-party to First Friday (see above)

Week 2

coavp_logobrown_170

CAVP is looking for new volunteers so everybody interested should go to a training asap. find out when they’re hosting them this year. in march they hosted their general orientation, providing all of the tools to be an amazing volunteer, on the 9th and 11th from 6-9pm. the next one will be in july and on a weekend. that’s what i’m talkin about

On tuesday the 10th from 10am-12, the center, did a guided tour of the Denver Art Museum. so hopefully you didn’t miss the chance to check out art with the rest of the gays

last night, at It Takes a Villiage, Brothas4Ever and TransAction hosted A Night of Simple Elegance. since it was actually at their office, i cant imagine it actually being a “dress to impress” event… especially on a wednesday from 4-6pm. people have to get ready for that kind of stuff. but really, all you need for a good event is live entertainment, food, and raffle prizes… and a good promoter.

masthead

on friday, the 13th (the second of, i think, three this year), the GLBT Ministry at Mile Hi Church is showing For the Bible Tells Me So. it’s the one about religious families and gay children. and the church is that interdenominational one over in Lakewood. I know it’s not in denver. but i’m gonna support them. and you should too.. by going to their movie.

cabaret

on March 14th, the Harmony Chorale is to put the “fun” back in fundraiser. i don’t know much about the harmony chorale. I know they’re gay. i know they sing. and now i know they raise money. i don’t even know what the “S” stands for in GLBTS.

if you’re gonna be there, the Mile  High Freedom Band is gonna be marching in the St Patricks Day Parade on 14th. i’m gonna give them a sly wink as they march by. hopefully that won’t throw them of… yeah

also on the 14th, The King of Hearts Ball, a seriously big deal in the imperial court system, is gonna be at the Four Points Sheraton in SE denver. it’s an annual event hosted by the reigning emperor five weeks prior to the coronation. it’s the kick-off to Campaign Season to elect the new emperor and empress for the following reign. the event is apparently full of extravagant presentations and fanfare, a celebration of the current reign, and the future of the organization and our community. doors at 6 pm and show at 7. i don’t know if i’ll be able to do all the imperial court events. but i’m gonna try to get to this one and coronation this year.

there

i was thinking about planing a gayme night (“gayme.” that still gets me) after the center decided to do one (see below). one specifically for gay men. but apparently tHERe bar already does a game night. Since they’re a lady’s bar, i’m sure it’ll be mostly for lesbians. but do we really need three gayme nights in one month? i think not. let’s spread the love around all year. Second Saturday Game night on the 14th. be there bring games.

on sunday the 15th, the gay rodeo association is hosting a gymkhana. i have no idea what that means, nor do they explain it very well on the website. i do know that it’s at the jeffco event center, that it starts at 11am, and that i like burly men who ride things

winetastingad

to benefit Project Angel Heart, Out Front Colorado and Caveau Wine Bar are hosting a Wine Tasting on the 19th 5 – 7:30pm at Caveau wine war. they’ll have appetizers, a raffle, a silent auction and four wines each for tasting. tickets are $25. RSVP here.

Week 3


rupaul

start the week off right at the Drag Race showing with Nina Flowers & Logo. on monday the 16th at 7 they’re starting a show that includes a live broadcasting the newest episode, filming the crowd for later airings, prizes, and giveaways. it’s all gonna be at tracks.  no cover all night

on the 21st, the center is having a large scale financial education workshop. the Public Service Credit Union will present the specifics of financial planning and others will talk about estate planning for you and your partner. click for more information and to RSVP

if you didn’t get to see the Mile Hight Freedom Band in the st patrick’s day parade, apparently they’re gonna be at BJs on the 21s. i don’t know what that means. will they be playing?

also on the 21st, the colorado gay rodeo association will be having their first membership event at charlies. i have no more detail than that. but i can assume there’ll be cowboys filling up the place. ooohhh.

starting later in the afternoon, Soulforce in Colorado will be hosting a “rap session” at The Center – 1-3pm. they’re gonna talk about all the great work they’ve done and goals for 2009 and beyond. their mission is “Freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious & political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.” if you’re into that…go. If you’re not… you hate freedom

glsbanner

again on the 21st…the gay and lesbian sierrans are doing something not very outdoors-y. it’s probably the best time to get to know them if you don’t just want to go on a hike with strange folks, though ain’t nothin wrong with that…. in any case, they’re having a night of wine tasting, dinner, and a movie. but you’ve got to get on the website to rsvp and wind out where it all is. it’s a secret. all i know is it’s in greenwood village.

seriously, could the 21st be any more packed?

Week 4 and beyond

in the spirit of getting the social juices going,  they are having a Gayme Night (get it? gay+ game? it’s funny) on wednesday the 25th from 5-7pm. they’re gonna have board and card games and have invited people to bring their own. They’re apparently gonna have snacks too. i wouldn’t mind enjoying some games, snacks and gays.

logo

the Gender Identity Center is putting on Gold Rush 2009 on the 26-29. they are gonna be covering everything from community building to reassignment surgeries to approaches to transitioning at work. How do I support them if i’m not trans? should i go to the conference? give a donation? hmmm… perhaps i can give to some causes they care about.

suzanne-westenhoefer8

Suzanne Westenhoefer, the original gay comedian - before Ellen and before Cho – is gonna be at The Denver Improv the 27th to the 29th. i’ve never been to the denver improve  but i’m willing to go to see her. she’s only here for 5 shows but i might even catch 2.


primetimers1

Last but not least, Colorado Prime Timers host events all the time. as do many other groups about denver. but I’m highlighting them today… so ha! if you want to hang out with some of the more experienced gents in Denver. this is your stop.  They’re having a coctail hour this friday, the 13th at Charlie’s at 6 and then a 9am breakfast at Zorba’s on saturday.  gotta love men and food.

new message from out & about

February 11th, 2009 thedenverelement

so, i got an email last night from the leaders over at my favorite mysterious gay men’s social group. I got their schedule of the next few events. so exciting. I’m definitely going to brunch this sunday. for more info, get on their list. send a message to outabout2008@aol.com. i’ll report back later on how it goes.

 

Hi There Guys,

          This memo will serve as an Update for our group. AS with ALL organizations there are expenses. This one is no exception. However it is very minimal. $1 a month payable Prorated until Jan 1 2010. If you join in Feb. It would work out to be only $10 .

 UPCOMING EVENTS: 

TOUR of Brown Palace Wednesday Feb. 11th. At 2PM. That’s today. I’m not gonna make it.

Brown Palace Downtown.

RSVP to ___________men-eat1

 

The BRUNCH BUNCH Sunday Feb. 15th At Noon

Highland Gardens - 3907 W. 32nd. Ave – Northwest Denver

RSVP to outabout2008@aol.com

 

Movie Madness Saturday Feb.21st at 7PM

1599 Williams St apt.1002.Code is 266

RSVP to outabout2008@aol.com

Limit 8 guys. Snacks provided.$5 cost share requested

 

Dine Out Thursday Feb, 26th. At 7PM

White Fence Farms located halfway between Sheridan and Wadsworth on W. Jewel. On Northside . Large White building complex.

RSVP to __________

 

Don’t forget, WE meet Every Monday morning at about 8AM until 9:30AM. For “Coffee Time” at Paneras located at corner of 13th and Grant. Come have a great muffin/bagel. No need to reserve, Just drop by.

 

At this time this the extent of our activities. Let me know if you want to HOST an activity. Several days and times available.

january in review

February 5th, 2009 cocokirby

The beginning of 2009 was stressful. big events like creating change, the stock show, and ski week drained the community like… i guess we don’t mind being drained.  anyway, let’s look back, shall we

 

After all the New Years Eve Parties, of which, tracks was apparently the best, the month really started off with Aspen Gay Ski Week – January 11-18. 

 

fire-and-ice

 

Now, I’ve never been to any of the ski weeks and i’m poor, don’t know how to ski, and am afraid to leave the big city no matter how many gays are congregated. My impressions is that if you’re not into drinking, crazy parties, and the general debauchery that come along with gays on a mountain, this is not the event for you. As someone who couldn’t go, I wish I could find someone who got the inside scoop.

 

As the snow bunnies were slowly making their way down the mountain, the National Western Stock Show was picking up steam - January 10 - 25. I don’t know much about it but my assumption is that men who like cowboys had a very good two weeks. Is it just me or does their logo look like a custom condom. Is that what they gave out as souvenirs?

 

stock-show

 

For those of us not into bears on bulls, The L Word Final Season Premier party at tracks was on January 18. It was a huge coalition of Tracks, BAD, OUTfront, hip chicks out.com, cafevivid, all to benefit HRC.Picture a huge party with the best DJ, and every pretty boy in town in attendance. good times.

 

lword_8205x11flyer

 

For the boys wanting to get more wet than sweaty, SQUID had more than one open house this month to welcome new swimmers – January 28 and 29. They had a new swimmer practice on the 31st. They really should have just come to the Creating Change Conference and swam at the pool there. That would have definitely welcomed conference goers to Denver

 

squidswim

 

And, last but not least, for the activists among us, anybody who’s anybody was at the Creating Change Conference. Every year the national Gay and Lesbian Task Force outdoes itself with a great opportunity for organizers to re-energize around local and national issues. That’s exactly what happened in Denver with thousands of queer folks descending on our town…and we’ve got to keep it going.

 

cc09

 

What does February have to offer

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