Sneaker Con Denver Recap | May 7, 2022

The world of sneaker collecting, selling, trading has become a world phenomenon. In a multi-billion dollar industry the hobby turned cash cow has evolved over the years. Sneaker Con brings together and gives this culture a place where grails are found, heat is sold, and collections are traded. This past weekend the Denver Convention Center played host to the revolving sneaker exhibit. From city to city Sneaker Con brings some of the most recognized sellers, collectors and You Tube celebrities to hang out for a day and exchange all the latest in the sneaker world.

This year vendors from all over set up shop luring those in wanting to cash out for some of the most sought after shoes on the market. A market that has been scrutinized by the resellers, from backdooring to fake sneakers the sneaker industry can be a slippery slope for those who value the old school style of purchasing and collecting. Sneaker Con gives ordinary people a chance to negotiate prices without the middleman. It is a safe place where even companies like Ebay provide authentication to pairs between sellers and buyers. This year provided for a well organized and friendly atmosphere for all. We came to take in all the action (we left our credit cards at home) and see what’s hot and upcoming trends. You Tube celebrities such as Chance D, Gigamas, Romy, Blazendary and more. GOAT sellers included PRVT Collection, PHX Soles, Urban Necessities, Retro Kicks and more. The event hits the road and arrives in Los Angeles next week and we already have FOMO. Thank you to Sneaker Con for having us out. Catch you next time.

Global Break-Dancing Competition Returns to Mile High City: Red Bull BC One

Denver!!!!!! Break out your Adidas velours suits and Superstars for this amazing event coming to the Mile High City!

Global breaking competition Red Bull BC One returns to Denver after a seven-year hiatus for a qualifier at the iconic Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on Saturday, May 28th. The Red Bull BC One Denver City Cypher event welcomes breakers of all levels from across the region to register and compete, in hopes of becoming the next global champion this November.

This open cypher will be hosted by Ivan the Urban Action Figure with DJ A-L spinning breakbeats. Break icons Neguin, ruleone.ilc and B-Girl Bonita will serve as judges. The top two B-Boys and top two B-Girls from the event will advance to the regional cypher quarterfinal taking place in Philly on July 23rd.

WHAT: Red Bull BC One City Cypher, Denver

WHEN: Saturday, May 28th

  • 11:00 AM: Doors Open

  • 12:00 PM: Preliminary Rounds

  • 2:00 PM: Main Event

WHERE: Sculpture Park – Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1736 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204

REGISTER TO SPECTATE AND/OR COMPETE: https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/bc-one-america/bc-one-city-cypher-schedule

  • Select “General Admission” or “Participants” button to make your selection for the Denver City Cypher

Sneaker Con Taking Over The Mile High City This Weekend

Sneaker heads rejoice the traveling Sneaker Con makes its way to our city this weekend! We will be there and looking for you if you are rocking some heat.

The saga continues! The Sneaker Con fam is on the move bringing the Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth to the Mile High City - Denver, Colorado Saturday, May 7th. We’ll be delivering the most sought out heat to cop. Hang with your favorite collectors, resellers and influencers under one roof! You know the drill Buy-Sell-Trade and as always FREE authentication! See you soon!

Tickets - $29

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS

https://www.axs.com/events/429980/sneaker-con-tickets

ThriftCon Denver Coming In Hot This Sunday!

What has grown and become the largest gathering of thrift vending is returning home to Denver this Sunday. Hailed as the Mecca of thrifting, ThriftCon returns this Sunday April 24th to the National Western Complex. Vendors from all over will be in attendance slanging vintage threads and rarities for this one day event. From classic rap tees, to hard to find vintage toys, you will find just about anything at Thrift Con. Over 100 vendors are set to be on-site with numerous installations and activations to take place on the grounds. Tickets for this event are sure to sell out so we highly recommend grabbing your pair. Tickets can be purchased here!!!

Stay tuned next week as bring you some of the most fashionable fits from the event.


The Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range, Colorado’s First State-of-the-Art Firing Range, Restaurant, and Bar, Announces Grand Opening Weekend: April 29-30

The Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range, Colorado’s first state-of-the-art indoor firing range and gun club, is proud to announce it will officially open to the public Friday, April 29th. Opening weekend festivities will kick off at noon MT on Friday, April 29th, and run through Saturday, April 30. The Gallery is a revolutionary new concept integrating both shooting sports and entertainment in one convenient location. Offering the most premium shooting range experience in Colorado, the 20,000 square-foot facility features two distinctive indoor shooting bays and a restaurant, a bar, and a host of amenities to provide an exceptional experience. The community is invited to celebrate at the Grand Opening and experience The Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range firsthand, conveniently located at 1350 Colorado Mills Parkway, off I170 in Lakewood, CO. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to open The Gallery Sportsman’s Club and Range doors and welcome Coloradoans to connect with an unrivaled community where safety and a state-of-the-art facility deliver elite experiences. We have deeply invested in the success of this project and the energy it will bring to the local community,” said Megan Hymanson, co-founder of The Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range. “Whether you’re a first-timer on the range or an experienced shooter, The Gallery has something for you. Safety and comfort are our main concerns, and we’ve taken all necessary precautions to make your time at The Gallery unlike any other shooting experience.” In addition, the Gallery has instituted strict measures and policies to prevent utilizing the range after consuming alcohol in The Barrel Room.”

Veteran and female-owned, The Gallery is co-founded by Mark Hymanson, Megan Hymanson, and David Grasso. The founders intend to break the stigma surrounding shooting sports and remove the intimidation factor that new shooters often experience. They cater to avid and novice shooters alike and welcome patrons of all backgrounds, political beliefs, and skill levels. 

The Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range is a state-of-the-art firing range featuring cutting-edge technology and courses and training for novice and experienced shooters alike. The Gallery is a destination for everything entertainment and shooting with cutting-edge shooting ranges, a restaurant and lounge, an expansive retail store, and loads of events. The club features amenities for the public and members, such as: 

The Barrel Room: Colorado’s first and only restaurant and lounge within a firing range complex, The Barrel Room serves Colorado-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and local brews. Open to the public, The Barrel Room is an ultimate lounge to catch up with friends, entertain clients, or watch the big game on one of the ten big-screen televisions. 

Trigger Press: Open daily, Trigger Press features Vail Mountain Coffee, delicious pastries, and grab-and-go snacks.

Retail Shop: With three thousand square feet of retail space, The Gallery offers outdoor essentials like coolers, camping chairs, and other gear that an adventurous Coloradoan might need. In addition to firearms, accessories, and ammunition, The Gallery also provides Park Passes and Hunting and Fishing Licenses for the state of Colorado.


The grand opening weekend of The Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range (1350 Colorado Mills Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80401) kicks off on Friday, April 29th, with special events starting at noon and continuing throughout Saturday, April 30th. Guests can expect food and drink specials, industry experts, free training classes, and specials in retail. To learn more and RSVP for the weekend, visit the Eventbrite listing: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grand-opening-celebration-the-gallery-sportsmans-club-range-tickets-319030718467.

About The Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range: The Gallery Sportsman’s Club and Range strive to deliver an incredible customer service experience for Members and the general public. They intend to break the stigma surrounding shooting sports and remove the intimidation factor that new shooters often experience. They cater to avid and novice shooters alike and welcome patrons of all backgrounds, political beliefs, and skill levels.

Range Details: 

The Gallery boasts two fully immersive shooting bays: seven 25-yard-long gun-ready lanes and eight 20-yard entirely tactical lanes.

Action Target Genesis Retriever System with down-range wireless cameras and 360-degree programmable target scenarios.

Safety First: 

Highly trained staff will enforce strict policies that guarantee the safety of all patrons throughout their time within the facility.

Valet services are available to ensure patrons abide by state and federal firearm laws.

Membership Offerings: 

While The Gallery is open to the general public, the facility is Member-focused. The Gallery offers six different Memberships to fit any lifestyle, experience level, and budget: Weekday Only, Individual, Dual, Family, Essential Worker, & Corporate.

Along with unlimited range time, Members gain access to exclusive events such as competitive tournaments, culinary tastings, and family movie nights.

Members also receive early lane reservations and discounts throughout the range, retail, and lounge spaces.

The Gallery Sportsman’s Club and Range is owned and co-founded by Mark Hymanson, Megan Hymanson, and David Grasso.


The Gallery Sportsman’s Club and Range can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
For additional information, please visit https://thegallerysportsmansclub.com/.

Evergreen Music Festival Rebrands to ‘Hops Drops’ with new Leadership Team, new Vision, and Massive Expansion Plans for 2022 Music and Craft Beer Festiva

Hops Drops, previously known as Evergreen Music Festival, is proud to announce the new brand identity, leadership team, and vision for this year's 2022 Music + Craft Beer Festival, taking place on June 25, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm MT at Buchanan Park in Evergreen, Colorado. This will be the festival's 32nd year of musical celebrations in the heart of Evergreen.

Evergreen Music Festival celebrated its first year in 1966. The festival initially started with an intent to bring classical music to the mountains and has since been looked at as the beloved 4th of July fireworks celebration at Evergreen Lake. Thirty-two years later, the festival's leadership team has passed the reins to Evergreen hometown heros and long-standing local business owners Logan & Riley Boone, owners and operators of Boone Mountain Sports + Evergreen Brewery. Alongside the Boone family, local business owners Marcus Durante (Founder of Kree8), Bobby Everett (Co-Owner of Evergreen Brewery), and Colin Kerr (Owner of The Wildflower Cafe) have joined forces with the festival to better encapsulate the refreshed, modernized potential for Evergreen to be looked at as a go-to spot on the Colorado music and entertainment scene.

“Our Hops Drops team is made up of Evergreen locals, a team truly passionate about marrying music, craft beer, and the mountains, all to better our community and support local nonprofits while having fun,” said Logan Boone, new Executive Director of Hops Drops. “It is an honor to lead and grow this festival. We are incredibly excited at our potential to expand Evergreen’s entertainment offerings and bring a great music and beer festival to our picturesque mountain community.”

Attendees of the 2022 ​Hops Drops Music + Craft Beer Festival can expect to be submerged into a never-seen-before experience in Evergreen, filled with internationally known music legends as headliners (to be announced), numerous stages, various food vendors, kid-friendly activities, and an epic lineup of Colorado’s premier breweries, a craft beer lovers paradise if you must.

In addition to elevating Evergreen’s mountain entertainment, Hops Drop continues to support and give back to the local community and has committed to donating 10% of ticket sales to Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen.

“For 32 years, this festival has always been committed to supporting local artists and arts programs by donating proceeds to local schools supporting their music, art, and dance programs,” said Boone. “That is not changing this year. We will proudly continue the spirit of supporting artists and bettering our community any way we can.”

Early bird tickets are now on sale for $30 at www.hopsdropsevergreen.com. To stay up-to-date on all future Hops Drops announcements, please follow Hops Drops on Instagram @HopsDrops_Evergreen.


About Hops Drops:

Hops Drops is an all-day Music Festival that will feature nationally and locally celebrated musical acts alongside a beer festival showcasing a variety of Colorado’s premier craft breweries. There will be specialty food vendors, activities for the kiddos, and much more. Rooted in Evergreen’s long history of supporting the arts, Hops Drops (Evergreen Music Festival) is a non-profit organization. Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen. For more information, please visit https://hopsdropsevergreen.com.

Early bird tickets are now on sale. All ticket options include:

  • General Admission: Starting at $30

    • Entry into the festival

  • GA + Beer Fest Admission: Starting at $55

    • Entry into the festival

    • Souvenir tasting glass

    • Unlimited tasting from 12-4 pm

  • VIP Bergen Peak Club: Starting at $150

    • Entry into the festival + Beer Fest

    • Premier viewing of main stage

    • Designated area with private bar

    • Private bathrooms

    • Free food & beverages

    • A photo booth and gifts from our partners

MEOW WOLF’S NEXT ADULTI-VERSE (21+ NIGHT) IS THEMED ALIENS VS ROBOTS 5-10 PM AT CONVERGENCE STATION

Artificial intelligence or intelligent life? Meow Wolf is calling all cyborgs, bionic humanoids, intergalactic organisms, and cosmic beings for the ultimate throw-down of the eon–with drinks! 

Convergence Station’s wildly popular Adulti-Verse night is expanding upon the theme of letting adults roam kid-free through the exhibition, cocktail in hand; on Wednesday, April 6th, travelers will also be highly encouraged to arrive in costume representing their life form of choice: alien or robot. Expect far out fashions, epic dance battles, cosmic surprises, and hyperfuturistic delights scattered across the Converged Worlds. Also, bars. Multiple bars. 

The Adulti-Verse is Meow Wolf’s invitation to enjoy a not-so-hyper space – with a cocktail and without the little ones – from 5 to 10pm on every first and last Wednesday of the month through May. Don’t miss out before it’s too late! 

Adulti-Verse Dates:

April 6th, 2022

April 27th, 2022

May 4th, 2022 

May 25th, 2022 

Just because we’re all adults here doesn’t mean we don’t have rules:
Earthers must be 21 and older, C Street residents must be 84 quantrons +/-, Kaleidogoths 

are all welcome because they've been frozen for decades, and Ossuary librarians are ageless so it doesn't matter. IDs will be checked at the door. 

Tickets available in advance online.

 

About Meow Wolf & Convergence Station
Recognized in Fast Company's 2020 list of The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company that creates immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company's first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation, House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world’s first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf recently opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas and their third permanent installation in Denver opened on September 17th, 2021. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. 

Convergence Station, Meow Wolf’s third permanent installation, is the first stop on a quantum journey of exploration and revelation. Curious wanderers will discover psychedelic, mind-bending art and an underlying rich narrative: when a cosmic event merged four distinct worlds from unparalleled universes 27 years ago, the inhabitants were left with only fragmented memories, beckoning them to unearth what really happened. The immersive art exhibition is brought to life by more than 300 creatives and 110+ Colorado-based artists who have woven their own personal stories throughout the converged worlds. Travelers of all ages will be carried into the unknown as they uncover the mystery. Convergence Station features four floors of immersive experiences, dozens of installations, infamous portals, secret wormholes and is Meow Wolf’s most ambitious project to date. 


Denver BBQ Festival Set To Take Place June 17-19

The fourth annual Denver Barbecue (BBQ) Festival at Empower Field at Mile High is scheduled for Father’s Day Weekend (June 17-19) Eximius Productions, founders of Q in the Lou, announced Tuesday.

General admission is free, but for an elevated experience, VIP lounge tickets go on sale Friday, March 4 at 10 a.m. MST at www.denverbbqfest.com.

The Denver BBQ Festival brings together legendary pitmasters from Denver, Texas, Kansas City, St. Louis, and around the nation to serve award-winning BBQ.  All attendees can enjoy cold beer and drinks, BBQ tutorials and demonstrations, games and activities for the whole family, and live music from bands like The Rick Lewis Project. 

         “We’re bringing legendary pitmasters from around the country right here to our backyard at Empower Field at Mile High,” Director of Business Development of Empower Field at Mile High Chuck Olney said. “This is a great event for everyone to enjoy and celebrate their love of BBQ.” 

VIP tickets enable attendees to skip the lines for two-and-a-half hours of all-you-can-eat BBQ and private bathrooms. This all-inclusive experience gets you in the pits with the Legends, where you can watch them work their meaty magic while they feed you their world-famous ‘que. Additionally, you can enjoy complimentary cocktails crafted from recipes that the pitmasters themselves created, as well as beer and soft drinks.

For more information, please visit: www.denverbbqfest.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DenverBBQFest/and on Instagram @denverbbqfest.




Leave The Kids At Home: Meow Wolf Announces Adult Nights for January and February

We had a chance to check-out Meow Wolf earlier this year and came away in awe. The immersive experience has just announced a series of Adult nights

Here is a light at the end of the holiday tunnel (and it’s not just the neon signs on C Street). In January and February, Meow Wolf’s newest Denver immersive art exhibition, Convergence Station, will open up the multiverse exclusively for those 21 years or older to enjoy some adult beverages & explore the worlds in a grown-up dimension.

>> Purchase Tickets Here <<

Meow Wolf invites adults to The Adulti-Verse to enjoy a not-so-hyper space – with a cocktail and without the little ones – from 6 to 10pm on the first and last Wednesdays of the month.

Nights in The Adulti-Verse:

January 5, 2022

January 26, 2022

February 2, 2022

February 23, 2022

Just because we’re all adults here doesn’t mean we don’t have rules:

Earthers must be 21 and older, C Street residents must be 84 quantrons +/-, Kaleidogoths are all welcome because they've been frozen for decades, and Ossuary librarians are ageless so it doesn't matter. IDs will be checked at the door.

Masks are required (but no proof of vaccination is required). Masks may be pulled down to take a sip or a bite, but otherwise must cover your nose and mouth at all times.

Tickets available in advance online.

About Meow Wolf & Convergence Station

Recognized in Fast Company's 2020 list of The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company that creates immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company's first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation, House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world’s first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf recently opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas and their third permanent installation in Denver is slated to open September 17th, 2021. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Convergence Station, Meow Wolf’s third permanent installation, is the first stop on a quantum journey of exploration and revelation. Curious wanderers will discover psychedelic, mind-bending art and an underlying rich narrative: when a cosmic event merged four distinct worlds from unparalleled universes 27 years ago, the inhabitants were left with only fragmented memories, beckoning them to unearth what really happened. The immersive art exhibition is brought to life by more than 300 creatives and 110+ Colorado-based artists who have woven their own personal stories throughout the converged worlds. Travelers of all ages will be carried into the unknown as they uncover the mystery.Convergence Station features four floors of immersive experiences, dozens of installations, infamous portals, secret wormholes and is Meow Wolf’s most ambitious project to date.

Dia De Los Muertos Happenings Around Denver

Day of The Dead is the much celebrated event that takes place November 1 and 2nd amongst the Mexican community as well as other cultures around the world. A few of our favorite local spots are joining in on the fun to celebrate with some amazing events and specials to commemorate the holiday.

Federales Zombie Apocalypse:

It’s the return of the undead for Halloween at Federales (2903 Larimer St). RiNo’s lofty, open-air bar and restaurant is hosting a party all day on Saturday October 30. Infect yourself with some fun with your best zombie costumes and join the Federales team for tacos, taquitos, tequila and more with a high-energy party. Doors open at 11am; costumes are encouraged as the restaurant is decorated and transformed for the epic apocalyptic weekend. Make reservations here.

Whole-Some activities at Whole Sol

The flagship location of Whole Sol in Sloan’s Lake is celebrating their one-year anniversary with a Soloween Party all day to include whol-some activities like pumpkin carvings (11 a.m. to noon), MELT Project box class (noon to 1 p.m.) for all and cookie decorating (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.), a Living Décor Plant pop up from 11am-2pm and a FRE Wellness on Wheels Pop Up from 11am-3pm. The team will be offering food specials all day such as a $5 OG bowl, $5 any toast, $3 Vegan Cookie Dough, plus more of fun activities for all ages.

Monterrey, Mexico born and raised Chef Manny Barella from Bellota (3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver) and his team are planning celebratory events at the restaurant for the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. Starting Monday 10/25, the team is building a traditional altar (ofrenda) for the community in preparation for the holiday which they’ll celebrate on Monday 11/1. The altar will include candles, photos, and traditional offerings and Bellota guests and friends are encouraged to join in by bringing in photos of loved ones they’d like to be included in the altar in remembrance and honor for the departed. Guests who bring something for the altar will be given a token to return on Monday 11/1 where they can be redeemed for a marigold-infused Milagro tequila shot (marigolds are traditionally known as the flower whose scent attracts the souls of the departed to revisit at the altar). Food specials include tamales with pork in salsa verde wrapped in banana leaves and a succulent Chicharron Taco with chicharron (fried pork skin) braised in salsa verde with cotija cheese and onions with lime. Drink specials include theTierra de los Muertos, a black cocktail with Sol De Mexico tequila, Fernet Vallet, Demerara sugar and Cacao bitters.

(2501 Dallas Street at Stanley Marketplace) is known for their Mexican soul food including a menu of mix and match variations of tacos and up to 10 kinds of margaritas. For Dia de Los Muertos, the team is asking guests to bring in photos of loved ones (including pets) to be added to the altar and in return Comida will buy them a house margarita of choice. On Monday 11/1, Comida will be offering special mezcal cocktails, including the Vida de Muertos Del Maguey Vida’s, with pear nectar, lemon, cinnamon simple syrup, and angostura.

Cheluna

The state’s first Latinx-owned Mexican craft brewery is brewing up a traditional altar for the community to enjoy for the holiday, a Dia de Los Muertos Halloween Costume Party with Karaoke on Friday 10/29 from 7-10 pm; and hosting a sugar skull crafting class with Adriana Gonzales, free with Cheluna purchase on Saturday 10/30 from 1pm – 3pm.

Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns! Oh My Gourd!

The Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, responsible for the 13th Floor haunted houses among other things, is back and ready for spooky season! A much more family friendly approach than their past projects, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is an all ages, inexpensive way to get your fall fix! 

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns at Hudson Gardens (located at 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton)  is an immersive art experience that contains over 7,000 hand carved pumpkins and displays! This isn’t just a display of single, carved pumpkins, but a true exhibition of what can be done with these incredible gourds! A multitude of themes are included in this magical endeavor, including dinosaurs, Disney characters, fine art, and even some of your favorite actors! Complemented by lights, Halloween sounds, and smoke, there is absolutely something for everyone around every bend of this experience (including carnival treats like fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and BEER!) 

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is definitely a great seasonal option to take your littles to enjoy the fun of Halloween without the element of fear, or for your older friends who may not like to be scared but still want to participate in the fall festivities. This event runs through October 31st and tickets are available here. 

Written by Lina Skrzypczak


Adidas Releases Yeezy Foam Runners in Ochre

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Kanye West’s collaboration line with Adidas recently dropped a new version of the Yeezy Foam Runner in a new color. This comes hot on the heels of West releasing his contentious album, Donda, which has caused plenty of controversy. West initially introduced the album (then in progress) via Twitter in 2020, and not long after, snippets from the new album were leaked.

Vox reports that Donda had originally been scheduled for release on July 24 of the same year as tweeted, and quickly deleted, by Kanye himself. But his plans of dropping Donda never came to fruition in 2020 and he gave no explanation to fans as to why. On top of the album fiasco, the past year has been quite tumultuous for the rapper’s personal life: losing the presidential election and rumors about the end of his marriage have been rife.

Despite the trials and tribulations of the past year, West was able to release the album, but not without problems. There was a severe backlash when the artist collaborated with Marilyn Manson and DaBaby, both of whom are known to be rather problematic to say the least – they're alleged sexual abusers and homophobic, respectively. And although Donda was able to debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts, it was quickly overtaken by Drake’s Certified Lover Boy which was released just a week after.

West is obviously not going to let his competition overshadow him and has since announced the release of a new color for his Yeezy Foam Runner line to help continue the hype around his brand. The Yeezy line has been immensely successful since its initial release with Adidas in 2015. Forbes reports how the brand reached $1.5 billion in value in 2019. And it's expected to spike with this new album release. This shows how successful the collaboration is and how high the demand for Yeezys is.

The new Yeezy colorway is set to be called Ochre, and as the name suggests, the new shoe drop is expected to have an earthy, yellow shade. The teased photos of the new color closely resemble clay with its muted tinge. The shoe, which boasts an interesting and unique design, is built for comfort and maximum airflow. It was released on September 18 and is available on the Adidas CONFIRMED app and in select stores.

The Foam Runner’s interesting design is an example of how the shoe industry is creating daring designs mixed with usability and star power. Other brands like Nike have been creating new ways to make their products more eye-catching and noteworthy, like re-releasing long-term partner Drake’s CLB collaboration. The label also recently held a celebration showcasing their well-known Air Max where people could acquire Air Max-themed art in an auction. Just like Adidas, Nike is banking on iconic shoe models and collaborations with A-list artists to get ahead.

For Adidas, Kanye West's new shoe release is expected to sell out quickly, similar to how the Yeezy Boost 350 sold out in minutes. The bold design shows how the shoe world is changing and leaning into creating more artsy pieces. This is a trend that will most likely continue in the years to come, and you can expect big names like Kanye West to continue being involved.

Go Karting On Ice.....Yes Please.

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Add this to your list of things to do this winter.

Level up from regular karting to Ice Karting this winter and drift your way to victory on our custom-made ice track! Ice Karting is coming to a secret location in Denver from 7th - 23rd January 2022. Experience the thrill of ice driving during an exhilarating kart session, an experience out of this world! Ice Karting is the perfect way to have some high speed competitive fun.

Test yourself and practice driving around the ice rink whilst navigating a variety of fun and challenging obstacles. Our expert team will be on hand to give you some tips on how to glide at speed and navigate the course. We’ll have plenty of dress-ups for you to pick and wear on the day so you can race around the track in style.There will also be lots of off rink activities including winter themed bars dishing out your favourite cocktails and traditional winter games like curling, hockey shooting and ice luges so you'll be entertained even when you're not in the kart.Tickets are available now for just $75pp, so whether you’re a regular go- karting enthusiast or a newbie looking for some fun, it will definitely be worth switching things up and testing your skills on a new surface.

Get your tickets now as is this is sure to sell out quickly.

Van Gogh Alive Delivers A Unique Immersive Experience Like No Other

Van Gogh Alive at The Stanley Marketplace (Photo: Robert Castro)

Starry Night is the whimsical, expressive painting and one of the recognized pieces of art in modern times. The painting depicts swirls and vibrancy, a very emotional and surrealist perspective of a night sky. Van Gogh invites viewers to dive into his imagination and find unusual beauty in everyday things. Unfortunately, viewing experiences of the Starry Night used to be limited to the painting hanging on a museum wall in Amsterdam. 

Van Gogh Alive has changed this and brought this painting to life with its traveling exhibit. A Starry Night and Van Gogh’s art collection is no longer confined to its picture frames. It moves across rooms and walls, allowing viewers to get one step closer to Van Gogh’s imagination. 

The exhibit is currently hosted at The Stanley Marketplace here in Denver and it does not disappoint. It made us wonder, “why is all art not celebrated in this way?” and “do most gallery curators even know what they are doing?” 

The exhibit takes us on a journey through the art of Vincent Van Gogh with a unique timeline filled with art and quotes from the Dutch artist. With his works projected on walls, the colors and shapes come to life as they flow through different pieces of his era. As you walk into the dark room the walls are alive with bright colors and accompanied by music that creates the holistic experience Van Gogh wished for his viewers.

Sunflower heaven (Photo: Robert Castro)

Sunflower heaven (Photo: Robert Castro)

The exhibit concludes in a room full of sunflowers, vividly reminiscent of some of Van Gogh’s favorite subjects. Influencers delight!! The room is a dream come true as sunflowers adorn the floor and ceiling while being reflected by a 360 degree mirror putting you right at the center of it all.

The exhibit is put on by The Denver Center for Performing Arts and runs until September 26th. Tickets for specific time slots can be purchased here. Health and safety measures are put into place so be sure to checkout their website for more information.

Words: Abbe Glasser

Images: Robert Castro

Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” is one of the highlights from this exhibit. (Photo: Robert Castro)

Meow Wolf Denver Prepares For Its Debut Coming September 17th

Meow Wolf Denver (Photo Credit: Kate Russell)

One of the most anticipated events of 2021 is finally happening. Take it from us, you won’t want to miss out on this one.

Meow Wolf, an immersive arts and entertainment company, announced today the highly-anticipated theme and opening date for its third permanent installation: Convergence Station will be coming to Denver September 17, with tickets on sale today at meow.wf/denver-tix.

Convergence Station is the first stop on a quantum journey of exploration and discovery as passengers traverse new worlds, and like all Meow Wolf locations, labyrinthine mysteries beckon from its vibrant walls, portals, and wormholes.

Twenty-five years ago, a freak cosmic event merged four worlds from different universes, erasing the memories of all residents and spawning the mystifying disappearances of four women. The Quantum Department of Transportation serves as the gateway to these diverse worlds: kaleidoscopic cathedrals, Corinthian catacombs, lush alien habitats, and dazzling and gritty cityscapes. In this hotbed of interplanetary cohabitation, memories serve as both currency and the key to unlocking the story behind the women's disappearances and cause of the convergence--as do multimedia clues that reveal themselves to all of the senses.

“Denver’s art scene is active and vibrant, making it the perfect place for our next exhibition,” said Chadney Everett, Executive Creative Director of Meow Wolf Denver. “Convergence Station is Meow Wolf’s third permanent immersive experience, and it will truly change the way you look at art. This exhibition is unlike anything you’ve ever seen...from The Swamp to The Cathedral - there’s a strong narrative to be uncovered should you choose, alongside truly mind-bending art from the many talented creatives that have worked so hard to bring the vision to life. We can’t wait for everyone to explore.”

Meow Wolf has worked with 110+ Colorado-based collaborating artists and more than 200 internal artists for over three years to bring the 79 unique projects within Convergence Station to life. These muralists, sculptors, fiber artists, and technologists to name a few have come together to create a one-of-a-kind installation that will leave visitors appreciating what it really means to be immersed in a narrative. Notable collaborating artists working on this project include Kalyn Heffernan, Christopher Nelson, Everything is Terrible!, Molina Speaks, Sofie Birkin, along with Moment Factory and many others.

Meow Wolf Denver (Photo Credit: Kennedy Cottrell)

An evolving hive of creativity, Meow Wolf has been creating experiences that challenge the perception of reality, with three locations to explore in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and soon Denver. Backed by top creators like Games of Thrones’ George R.R. Martin, Meow Wolf is recognized globally as a leader in the immersive space and was ranked on Fast Company's 2020 list of the ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies’, and awarded the #1 spot for Live Events. Following the success of their flagship location in Santa Fe, the arts and entertainment company launched their second permanent exhibition in Las Vegas in February this year which was an instant success, selling 517,000 tickets to date.

Opening on September 17th, Convergence Station will be open from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 am until 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $45 for General Admission ($40 Children / Seniors / Military), and $35 for Colorado Residents. Visitors are required to pre-book a time slot for entry.

Popongo: The Newest Game Taking The World By Storm

 

Popongo is a new high-energy sport created by Errol Anderson, who was born and raised in Jamaica and currently resides in Denver, Colorado. The idea of Popongo sparked in the midst of quarantine after being invited to a close friend's small backyard get together. Errol had a realization that there was a desperate need for more options when it comes to social and interactive lawn games. That was until he started jotting down the rules, colors ,and process of how he would invent Popongo into a small notebook.

Popongo can be played indoors or outdoors. All you need is 15 ft of space and one partner, or two players on each team if you choose to compete with two boards rather than one. Popongo is recommended for all ages and is unlike any game available on the market. Popongo keeps participants engaged for hours because of its unique and competitive point system. The primary objective is to outscore the other team and the concept is simple; players take turns tossing foam, golf-sized balls into cups that are placed in the, patent-pending, Popongo platform. The cups have different point values based on their color. Toss the balls into the cups for points, and once you reach the winning points, game over and you get to yell Popongo! Trust us, you will literally want to yell, Popongo!

“Popongo is Jamaican pride in a game. Inspired by my culture, I created Popongo to provide families and friends with a new and more exciting alternative to what is currently available,” said Anderson, the founder and CEO of Popongo. “The Popongo set takes a minute to set up, is suitable for all ages, and you can play it anywhere. We are very excited to bring this game to every outdoor deck, park, poolside, beach, and household's lawn or living room in the New Year. One Love.”

Anderson’s Jamaican heritage influenced the brand colors in the game. Black, Green, and Gold for the Jamaican flag colors. Black for the strength and creativity of the people. Green for the amazing vegetation and Gold for the beautiful bright sun. Red represents mother Africa, and blue represents the amazingly gorgeous skies and ocean waters of the Caribbean.

Popongo is proudly Handcrafted in Denver, CO. Your board will be the only one like it with each board having its own unique wood grain pattern. A single board set retails for $159 USD and comes with a board, 9 cups, and 10 balls. The double board set retails at $299 USD and includes 2 boards, 18 cups, and 10 balls.

Popongo is now available and can be purchased through the website,www.playpopongo.com. We invite you to join the Popongo community on all social media platforms @playpopongo.

No Gym, No Problem

Since “I’ll work out when I have time” has officially been retired, let’s get down to it. These at-home workouts give back to the community, keep you sweating, and more importantly, keep you sane. Keep checking back in to see our list of updated at-home workouts and programs.

Strength in the City 

Strength in the City hosts fitness and lifestyle events based in Denver, Chicago, and San Diego. Much like other gyms and programs, they’ve turned their experiences virtual. However, this program gives directly back to our Denver community. 

Each workout or wellness class is based on a simple donation; as in as simple as $1. The proceeds go to several small businesses struggling to find their footing in the COVID-19 crisis. Strength in the City’s first live workout raised over $1,000 which was given to employees and restaurants in Denver.

Check out their website or Instagram for more information and for future classes.

www.strengthinthecity.com

Instagram: @strengthinthecity

YMCA of the Rockies

Image Retrieved from YMCA

While both locations at Estes Park and Snow Mountain Ranch are closed, the YMCA refuses to let any cancellations ruin their activities. Recently, they’ve launched new at-home programming focused on the body, soul, and minds of friends, guests, and followers. Programs come at no cost and include: 

Cowboy Brad singalongs

 Flower Creations

 Music and Storytime

 Online Yoga and Bootcamp

 Earth Day: Make Your Own Compost video and Pinecone Bird Feeder. (Earth Day is on Wednesday, April 22)

 

Barre3

Image Retrieved from Barre3 Instagram

Barre3 is offering a 15-day free trial for at-home workouts. Needing only a yoga mat and small hand weights, Barre3 does a phenomenal job tailoring all 15 workouts directly to you. You get started with a questionnaire focused around goals, intensity, and current gym productivity. Within minutes Barre3 creates a unique workout for each day of the trial – some ranging from a 10-minute mindful class, to 45 minute cardio and strength training. 

For those who find themselves wanting to support their local studios, Barre3 offers virtual classes with your favorite Denver instructors.

Breck Brewery Launches Howler Crowlers to Fuel Coloradans’ Howls; Benefits Project C.U.R.E.

Just in time for the Full Moon tomorrow...Breckenridge Brewery has created the Howler Crowler to celebrate the nightly howl and 100% of proceeds go to charity. See below the details and the cool image of the can.

You can hear it every night: Coloradans letting out howls at 8PM for a variety of reasons, from giving thanks to healthcare heroes’ selfless acts during the pandemic to finding joy in feeling united as a community.

Breckenridge Brewery wants to keep fueling those nightly howls across Denver-area communities, so they are releasing Howler Crowlers: custom crowler cans (32 oz) filled with your Breck beer of choice! 100% of Howler Crowler profits will be donated to Project C.U.R.E., which supports our local healthcare system by donating medical supplies to hospitals in need.

Howler Crowlers will be available for delivery or pick up from the Farm House starting on 4/22 in the afternoon, just in time to celebrate Howloween, the night of the new moon. This Howloween, Coloradans can celebrate by dressing up in costume and standing (safely) outside to howl for healthcare workers, sipping on a cold beer that gives back!

Breck Brewery Introduces Mountain Beach, Offers "Staycation"

Breckenridge Brewery wants to bring some much-needed sunshine into people’s homes across the US, so the brewery just released Mountain Beach, a tropical session sour with flavors of juicy pineapple and tart lime highlighted by sweet notes of guava. Every sip brings you major vacation vibes - making it the perfect way to turn a day at home into a sunny staycation. At just 4.5% ABV, the sessionable new brew will be available year-round nationwide.

While we’re doing our part and staying safe at home, many vacations have been put on hold. So Breck wants to give fans a much-needed break with the ultimate staycation experience. From now until Memorial Day weekend, Breck will choose one lucky winner per week to receive a staycation in a box, packed with everything they need to transform their home into an indoor paradise, from a pack of refreshing Mountain Beach, the scents of the ocean, to tiki lights, a porch swing, tropical decor, and more. To enter, fans simply share a pic on Instagram to show how they’re keeping busy at home, from puzzles galore to homemade bread, with the hashtag #BreckBrewStaycation.

Denver Beer Festivus: A Timely Classic Returns

Although the temperatures are dropping here in Denver, there is no short supply of your favorite beer festivals. The Denver Beer Festivus celebrated eight years this past Saturday afternoon. We have always maintained this one of our favorites, nothing changed as a slew of local breweries were on hand to sample some of their favorite brews. Beer drinkers were decked out in their favorite ugly sweaters and holiday attire making for some amazing outfits (we even saw multiple Cousin Eddie’s from Christmas Vacation). This years edition spread out over several rooms making it easy to navigate from brewery to brewery with little to no lines. Food was a plenty as a food court had everything from warm pretzels to pizza for you to enjoy. A silent disco was on site providing for some amazing tunes by some of Denvers best DJ’s. It’s hard to name favorites with a festival like this as all the breweries showcase their best, but if we had to…..some of ours included brews from Denver Beer Co, Black Project Spontaneous, Great Divide, Zuni Street, and Ratio Beerworks. If you have never been to one of these we highly suggest you put it on your radar for next year.

-Words and Images-Robert Castro