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ON THE COVER
“With an impassioned voice that’s both sorrowful and invigorating, Nathan Graham is not just telling a story; he’s beckoning listeners to join him, to feel, and to redefine boundaries,” (B-Side Guys) . Graham is just one of the performers at the Sounds Exciting! Summer Concert Series on Wednesday nights in June and July at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park . Peruse the schedule on pages 4-5
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COMMUNITY
6/18 | Rapidgrass | Bluegrass with The Cody Sisters
Rapidgrass Quintet is an energetic Colorado-based string band that fuses bluegrass, gypsy swing, folk, and acoustic funk. Born from the front-range bluegrass scene, these accomplished musicians bring their diverse backgrounds and highenergy performance style to create an innovative blend of acoustic music.
6/25 | Nik Parr and the Selfless Lovers | Rock ‘n’ Roll with Wild Love Tigress
Nik Parr is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist who delivers high-energy piano-driven rock ’n’ roll infused with soul, funk, and blues. Known for his versatile showmanship, Parr seamlessly switches between piano and saxophone while commanding the stage with catchy, danceable originals.
7/9 | Hazel Miller & The Collective | Rhythm & Blues with Blessing Bled Chimanga
Blessing Bled Chimanga
Hazel Miller, a Colorado music icon, is renowned for her powerful voice and infectious spirit that captivates audiences worldwide. Leading her versatile band, Hazel Miller and the Collective, Miller delivers high-energy performances that blend jazz, blues, R&B, and original compositions with distinctive flair. Her extensive touring career has taken her across North America, Europe, Asia, and Central America, earning her a devoted following through unforgettable shows that seamlessly cross musical boundaries.
7/16 | Parranderos Latin Combo | Latin with Trevor Michael
Parranderos Latin Combo is an international music collective that blends traditional Latin rhythms like Salsa, Cumbia, and Afrobeat with original compositions. Known for their electrifying live performances, the collective’s dynamic sound keeps dance floors moving with a vibrant mix of salsa classics and innovative original grooves.
7/23 | The Kris Lager Band | Blues with Jenny Shawhan
Kris Lager is a veteran performer whose musical journey spans more than 20 years of blending blues, soul, funk, zydeco, and country into a distinctive American roots sound. Known for his gravelly voice and uplifting “Celebrate Life” message, Lager creates an infectious atmosphere that turns every performance into a joyous congregation of dancing and singing.
7/30 | Nathan Graham | Soulful Americana with Pennies on the Track
Nathan Graham, a Chicago-born musician, uniquely blends South Side Soul and Nashville Americana to create a fresh take on the singer-songwriter tradition. Graham’s songwriting explores universal themes of love, loss, and human connection, challenging conventional expectations while building bridges between diverse musical traditions.
Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/ SummerConcerts for concert details and to purchase tickets.
Jenny Shawhan
GIVE ME A SIGN
Have you ever wished you could discover more about the stories behind the historic buildings at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park? Now you can!
You might notice some new signage dotting the landscape at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park later this year. Over the past two years, a multi-disciplinary team of staff and design professionals have been working on new
interpretive signage for the museum’s Agricultural, Belmar and Colfax Hubs; farmyard equipment; and festival grounds. Refreshed text, images, colors and fonts will enhance navigation, meet accessibility standards, and
present new information and photographs that more effectively tell the story of Lakewood’s 20th century.
The updated signage will include QR codes that link to the City of Lakewood’s ArcGIS StoryMaps, a digital content vault. By scanning this code, visitors can access free bonus information including in-depth accounts of the companies and people who built Heritage Lakewood’s historic buildings and never-before-seen pictures of structural moves and preservation.
Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/ Heritage to learn more.
Follow us at #HeritageLakewood on Facebook and Instagram for updates as the signs are installed in late summer 2025.
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN THE ARTS
The mission of the Women’s Caucus for Arts Colorado is to create, nurture, and sustain an inclusive community through artistic growth, advocacy, and art for social transformation. The Caucus supports this mission and its artist members by creating leadership positions, education, and exhibition opportunities. Membership in the Caucus offers women a vibrant art community where they can collaborate on projects, organize exhibitions, support each other’s artistic ventures, and exchange ideas.
Lakewood Cultural Center is proud to present three simultaneous exhibitions curated by the Women’s Caucus for Arts Colorado. The exhibits celebrate access to the arts for all and explore the multidimensional facets of women within the creative sector.
An Exhibit in Three Parts Exhibition Dates: May 30 – August 16
Location: Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S . Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado
1. A Dress with Pockets — handcrafted dresses in an array of artistic mediums and styles .
3. Compartmentalize — an open call, national juried, visual media show .
Curator: Anne Emmons North Gallery
About Com-Part-Mental-Ize
The verb suggests many possible visual and conceptual interpretations. The cognitive processes of sorting, separating, categorizing, shifting between diverse roles or tasks with efficiency and problemsolving to adjust to the situation are not exclusive to women. However, the often-contradictory expectations faced by women serve as training for managing multiple human functions simultaneously, for example, career, family, social, and personal needs.
• Compartmentalization is a skill to create mental and emotional boundaries between actions and feelings, thoughts and decisions, personal views, and societal pressures.
• Mental and physical boundaries may be seen as sharing (compartir, Spanish), while separating, two opposing perspectives. This show explores how we arrange time, space, energy, pleasure, and pain. Artists juried into this exhibition will explore how they express this tension or balance in a work of art through a diverse array of artistic mediums and approaches.
LIFE/ART DANCE Ensemble Gallery Activation
Performance Date: 6:30 p .m ., June 20
Location: LCC North Gallery and Lobby
Life/Art Dance Ensemble, a local arts nonprofit, creates and provides professional dance and music to Denver metro area communities through artistic collaboration, positive outreach, and education. Lakewood Cultural Center is thrilled to invite this innovative contemporary ensemble to perform interpretative dance compositions in response to artworks within the Women’s Caucus for Arts Colorado exhibition, “Compartmentalize.” For these performances, dancers will draw inspiration from the art and themes present within the show.
Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/ Exhibitions to learn more about gallery offerings at Lakewood Cultural Center and Civic Center.
TAKE NOTE!
Exhibition Dates: May 3-November 30
Location: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 S . Yarrow St ., Lakewood
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and performances at the exhibition opening from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Heritage Lakewood presents “Take Note: Music History in Lakewood,“ an exploration of how music was created and heard in the 20th century and how music technology has changed over the past 125 years. Today, music is readily accessible from the phone in our pocket, the radio in our car, and the television in our home. In contrast, consider the earliest artifacts on display in the museum and their influence on modern-day listening: a 1910 player piano roll titled “Let Me Call You Sweetheart," a 1940s Sentinel portable radio and a 1975 33-rpm record made by the owners of Lakewood’s own Tally Ho Supper Club.
Before Thomas Edison invented the first practical sound recording and reproduction device in 1877, the only way to experience music was to create it! Various instruments, including pianos, could be found in homes and public spaces. By the 1920s, less expensive, mass-produced compact pianos with self-playing paper or metal rolls became incredibly popular. The Montana School along Bear Creek purchased a new player piano in 1917 for school and after-school entertainment activities.
By 1929, the stock market crash severely limited purchasing power, which led to reduced consumption of many items, including pianos. However, technology for radios and phonograph recordings continued to improve. Lakewood residents tuned in to the radio during the 1940s, not just for music and entertainment programs but for updates on World War II. Live music and records, such as the one produced by Billy Wilson and Joel Barron for the Tally Ho, remained popular during much of the 20th century despite technological advances.
The 20th century saw continuous technological innovations, global changes, and economic forces that drove the development of new ways to create and listen to music. While some techniques from decades past have remained popular, we invite you to consider this: What is your favorite way to listen?
Members of the Lakewood High School color guard in front of the marching band on a football field.
The Queen City Jazz Band, playing in their home state of Colorado and internationally for more than 60 years.
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Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/INSPIRE to learn more about this month-long event.
AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY ART AFFAIR
Discover Lakewood’s vibrant arts scene during INSPIRE Arts Lakewood! May 30 to July 3, explore a diverse array of free and low-cost arts and culture experiences at over 20 galleries, cultural centers, shops, and other venues across the city .
The city’s Heritage, Culture & the Arts facilities will host free community arts engagement activities throughout the month of INSPIRE Arts Lakewood. A public reception for the opening of “An Exhibit in Three Parts” by the Women’s Caucus for Art Colorado will kick off the celebration on May 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lakewood Cultural Center. Throughout June, the Cultural Center galleries will host an exhibition panel discussion, community events, drop-in art opportunities, and each Friday, the youth camps
will host performances and art exhibitions at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Washington Heights Arts Center will host a community pottery project, camps and classes during the month.
Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park will host the annual Rockin' Block Party on June 7, plus ongoing tours, exhibits and programs for all ages. The festivities culminate with the Big Belmar Bash, a community celebration on Thursday, July 3.
Throughout the community, don’t miss an opportunity to connect with a myriad of local
artists, galleries, makers, and creative spaces at the 40West Arts First Friday Art Walk; experience the vibrancy of the Belmar Block 7 Galleries; visit galleries at Red Rocks Community College and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design; or take a walk along Alameda to experience the exceptional public art supported by Alameda Connects There is no better time than a Colorado summer to get out and celebrate the creative organizations and events that contribute to INSPIRE Arts Lakewood.
BECOME A TREASURE HUNTER!
Discover free local artworks hidden in Lakewood parks during the Art Drop week, June 9-15.
Interested in donating art to the drop? Artists can inquire through the form posted on the event website or contact maipla@ lakewood.org for additional details. Selected works can be compensated on a limited basis.
Clues and updates on Instagram: @lakewoodculturalcenter.
INSPIRE Arts Lakewood Map of Participants
Highlighted Events
• May 30 – Opening reception: Women’s Caucus for Art Colorado at LCC
• June 4 – Toddler Art with KidCreate Studio: Belmar Library
• June 6 – First Friday Art Walk: 40West Arts
INSPIRE Arts Lakewood is sponsored by:
• June 7 – Rockin’ Block Party: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
• June 8 – Identity Fashion Showcase: RMCAD
• June 9 – Art Drop Week: Lakewood parks
• June 13 – Low Brow Art Show: 40West Arts, concludes
• June 16 – Learn to Watercolor class: Belmar Library
• June 20 – Opening of “Solidarity Shields” exhibit: Next Gallery
• June 20 – Life/Art Dance “Activate! Movement Interpretation of Visual Art”: LCC
• June 23 – La Ninez kids craft: Museo De Las Americas: Belmar Library
• July 3 – Big Belmar Bash: Belmar Downtown Lakewood
Trio Bohémo
Kings Return
2025-2026 Season Preview
Home to nearly 200 performances each year, the Lakewood Cultural Center is a regional hub for theater, music and arts. In addition to performances produced by Denver-area arts organizations, the LCC Presents series is uniquely curated and presented by the Cultural Center. This annual series has a long history of bringing established and up-and-coming national and international touring artists to Lakewood. Here is a sneak peek, highlighting a few of the artists performing in the 2025-2026 LCC Presents season. Look for the fullseason announcement in July when create-your-own-season subscriptions go on sale. Single tickets will be on sale in August.
Trio Bohémo
7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 13
Founded in 2019, this award-winning Czech piano trio is truly extraordinary among the next wave of European ensembles going on to major careers. Aulakonzerte Göttingen praises the group as playing with “precision, dedication and a spark of magic.”
Kings Return
7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 19
Kings Return has earned comparisons to the iconic acts Take 6 and Boyz II Men, but what sets them apart is the seamless integration of the genre-mixing aspects of the a cappella tradition. The group’s brand of R&B is entwined with free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel, and bright touches of pop — all built on a solid, classical foundation.
Huu Bac Quintet
7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7
The Huu Bac Quintet delivers a true dialogue between Asian, North and South American cultures in a contemporary and unique way, fusing the traditional sounds of ensemble founder Huu Bac Quach’s Vietnamese and Chinese heritages with North American jazz music.
Luca Stricagnoli
7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25
An acoustic guitarist known for his unique style and innovative playing techniques, Luca Stricagnoli brings an enthusiastic energy to the stage that makes him a true entertainer, continually leaving his audiences in awe and wondering what’s next. Artists and dates subject to change.
Luca Stricagnoli
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Tickets are available at Lakewood.org/Tickets or 303-987-7845. Lakewood Cultural Center offers performance space to many partner organizations in addition to the LCC Presents series . Tickets for these performances are available at the LCC Box Office .
Alice in Wonderland
Iluminar Aerial
6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3
3:30 p.m., Sunday, May 4
Escape down the rabbit hole as we journey into a magical land with Alice Watch as Alice encounters an odd assortment of characters, and they take to the sky in our rendition of this classic tale!
Wizard
of Oz
Iluminar Aerial
2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3
12:30 p.m., Sunday, May 4
Follow the Yellow Brick Road this spring as we journey to the Emerald City Watch Dorothy and the other beloved characters of Oz take to the sky in our rendition of this classic tale!
Ukulele All Day and Night
Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6
Light & dark, night & day, sun & moon . The Ukulele Orchestra takes on music from contrasting perspectives in this epic spring concert that you won’t want to miss
VoiceQuest LIVE
VoiceQuest Agency LLC
5 p.m., Thursday, May 8
VoiceQuest LIVE is a dynamic speaker competition where stories come alive and the audience helps decide who wins! Think "American Idol" meets TEDx — an electrifying night of storytelling and inspiration!
One Unforgettable Magic Show
Colorado Stars of Magic
7 p.m., Friday, May 9
We’ve handpicked some of Colorado’s top magicians to bring you a one-of-a-kind show full of mind-blowing tricks, hilarious moments, and unforgettable surprises
This is THE magic event to attend this season!
Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
Go Big Productions
7 p.m., Sunday, May 11
Enjoy a special Mother’s Day show featuring a lineup of Mom Comedians! After selling out all over the country the show is returning to Lakewood!
Bloom
Sweatshop Dance
3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Saturday, May 17
Featuring new works created by local choreographers, set on Sweatshop Dance's pre-professional program dancers ages 8-18, this progressive and diversity-driven dance concert has something to offer every audience member
The Impossible Dream
Lakewood Symphony
7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 22
Enjoy an evening of powerful music with the Lakewood Symphony, featuring the winner of the Young Artists Concerto Competition and Berlioz’s dramatic Symphonie Fantastique, Op . 14 . Coppelia
Ballet Melange with Ballet Melange Academy
2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Saturday, May 31
Coppélia is a comic ballet about Dr . Coppélius, who creates a life-like doll Mistaken for human, she sparks jealousy and mischief, blending humor, romance, and lively dancing
Assemblage
Ballet Melange with Ballet Melange Academy
4 p.m., Sunday, June 1
Assemblage is a collection of excerpts from well-loved ballets alongside exciting contemporary works performed by Ballet Melange and Ballet Melange Academy
Sweet
Baby James: The #1 James Taylor Tribute
Sweet Baby James
7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 5
Don’t miss America’s #1 James Taylor tribute, as singer-songwriter Bill Griese brings his acclaimed Sweet Baby James show back to the Lakewood Cultural Center Last year’s performance sold out: Get tickets early!
An Eclectic Afternoon of Odissi Dance and Laser Art
Moksha Academy of Odissi Dance
2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 8
Experience the mesmerizing blend of tradition and technology as Indian Classical Odissi dance meets stunning laser art for an unforgettable afternoon of rhythm, grace, and luminous visual magic!
42nd Street
Performance Now Theatre Company
June 13-29
7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays
2 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays
The quintessential Broadway story follows a small-town chorus girl who gets a chance at stardom Filled with show-stopping tap numbers and gorgeous 1930s costumes set against a spectacular score .
Adyananta:
...an end and then again...
A World Premier by Mudra Dance Studio
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, August 21-23
2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Sunday, August 24
Be the first to witness the premier of Adyananta: original concept, music, choreography, and design Adyananta explores our shared rhythms of endings — journeys of grief, joy, and discovery
Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park connects with the community through the celebration of several key events each year . From the lively Sounds Exciting! outdoor summer concert series to the much-loved Cider Days fall festival, Heritage Lakewood events draw crowds ranging from 1,500 to 15,000 people! Behind the scenes, these events are largely powered by a dedicated team of community event volunteers who play crucial roles in making the events successful . Volunteers are the heart of our events, creating a welcoming, familyfriendly atmosphere for everyone by greeting guests with smiles while scanning tickets, championing the City’s sustainability efforts through zero-waste initiatives, or bringing history to life by running antique cider presses . Their hard work and heartfelt contributions make these events unforgettable experiences for our community . What makes volunteering so appealing? The flexible schedule . Many volunteers choose to support one or two events per year, fitting it easily around busy schedules, often after work hours or on weekends . Interested in joining the fun? We are hosting two community event volunteer orientations in May to prepare for the upcoming summer concert series . Don’t miss your chance to be part of the team that makes these community gatherings truly memorable!
Interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park? Contact volunteer@lakewood .org .
Did you know the Lakewood Cultural Center offers cooking classes for youth?
Cooking Basics, Sampling from Around the World, Little Chefs, and other classes are offered at the Link Recreation Center Kitchen. Check out programs offered year-round as 3–4-week classes or summer camps. Recipes are written so that kids have all the necessary information to easily follow along and be prepared for success in the kitchen. Enjoy this easy, 10-ingredient recipe selected by students from a recent class, Cooking Basics for Kids!
1 . Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly spray an 8” x 8” baking dish (not a 9” x 9” dish or your brownies will overcook) with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper Spray the parchment paper .
2 . In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and salt . Use a fork to mix the dry ingredients .
3 In a separate large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, oil, water, and vanilla
4 . Sprinkle the mix of dry ingredients over the wet ingredients, mix and stir with a whisk until just combined .
CULINARY HIGHLIGHT: Scrumptiously Easy Brownies
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¾ teaspoons sea salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
Kitchen Items:
2 Bowls, medium and large
Sifter
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Parchment paper
8” x 8” baking dish
Whisk
Fork
2 Toothpicks
Butter knife or pie slicer to slice brownies
5 . Pour the batter into the prepared pan (it’ll be thick — that’s OK) and use a spatula to smooth the top .
6 Bake for 40 to 48 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs attached (note: it’s better to pull the brownies out early than to leave them in too long)
7. Cool completely before slicing, 1-2 hours . Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days . These also freeze well!
Scan the QR code to view a step-by-step video of how to make these delicious brownies at home! Sign up at Lakewood.org/Newsletters to receive our kid-focused e-newsletter for more opportunities just for kids!
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Theater | Classrooms | Galleries
LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
(Alameda & Wadsworth) 470 S Allison Parkway Lakewood, CO 80226
303-987-7845
NORTH, MEZZANINE & CORNER GALLERIES
Weekdays: 9 a m -5 p m Saturdays: 9 a m -1 p m
JAMES J. RICHEY GALLERY
Lakewood Civic Center South 480 S Allison Parkway Lakewood, CO 80226
Weekdays: 8 a m -5 p m
Hearing Loop Equipped Theater Personal receivers also are available on loan from the box office.
Closed on major holidays. All exhibits are free. No reservation required.
Free surface & covered parking with elevator access.
Lakewood.org/Heritage Museum Tours | Store | Exhibits Classes | Concerts | Events
VISITOR CENTER & GALLERIES
(Ohio & Wadsworth) 801 S Yarrow St Lakewood, CO 80226
303-987-7850
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a m -4 p m Sundays: Noon-4 p m
MUSEUM STORE
303-987-7848
Closed on major holidays. All exhibits are free. No reservation required.
Lakewood.org/WHAC Classes | Workshops Self-Directed Studio Time
ARTS CENTER (Between Sheridan & Wadsworth) 6375 W First Ave Lakewood, CO 80226
303-987-5436
Open Weekly, Hours Vary
Washington Heights Arts Center is a renovated early 20th century schoolhouse that enriches the community by offering arts opportunities for all ages
