Denver Fashion Week returns to city’s runways

Everybody has an out t or two they love but don’t have the occasion or courage to pull out of the closest. Celebrating style like that — and providing an opportunity to bust out these gems — is one the main reasons Denver Fashion Week has continued to grow year over year.

“Denver Fashion Week is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone,” said Hailey Hodapp, the event’s runway director and producer. “We hope people look at the aesthetic and vibes of this year’s shows and nd something that speaks to them. And then they’ll have an excuse to wear something they’d never wear otherwise.” is year’s event features six shows, each with an approach all their own: Local Couture at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 Kids Couture at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 7

Denver Fashion Week runs from Saturday, May 6 through Saturday, May 13 at e Brighton, 3403 Brighton Blvd. in Denver, in the RiNo Art District.

Sustainable at 5p.m. on Sunday, May 7

Fashion Industry Workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8 Ready To Wear at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9

Streetwear & Sneakers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10

Guided By Humanity Fashion Show and Fundraiser at 6 p.m. on urs-

Coming Attractions

day, May 11 International and Local Boutiques at 7 p.m. on Saturday,

Of note is the Sustainable show, an issue which Hodapp said has become increasingly important in the fashion world in recent years.

“How sustainable is it to buy a $20 shirt every other month? How does that impact our world?’ she said. “We’re seeing the industry become more purposeful in its use of materials and more designers taking something old and nding ways to make it new again.”

While many people may not think of Denver as a major fashion hub, its reputation has been growing and one of the joys of Denver Fashion Week is the way it celebrates local creatives and matches them with talents from all over the country and world. at’s what makes the Fashion Industry Workshop and International and Local Boutiques important — they’re a bridge to a wider community.

“I hope people who attend this year are inspired and have their eyes opened to the creative industries,” Hodapp said. “It’d be great if more people understand and appreciate what goes into the clothes they wear. Because the inspiration can come from anywhere and people take that

Storytime for granted. Designers put so much time and care into every stich.”

For full details and tickets, visit www.denverfashionweek.com.

Get lost in Benchmark’s ‘Great Wilderness’

Samuel D. Hunter’s “A Great Wilderness” is the kind of story that shines on stages — it brings audiences in close as the characters tackle extremely complex and challenging questions about religion, identity and personal conviction.

Directed by Marc Stith, the show runs at Benchmark eatre, 1560 Teller St. in Lakewood, through Saturday, May 13. Performances are at 8 p.m. ursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

According to provided information, the show is about Walt, the leader of a Christian retreat that tries to “cure” gay teens. But just as he’s about to retire, a nal client causes him to question the work he’s been doing.

Get tickets for this moving show at https://www.benchmarktheatre. com/tickets-a-great-wilderness.

Be BBQ ready this summer with Backyard Pitmasters e “Barbecue University” events are three-hour classes that teach “the art of smoking great meat in a non-competitive and fun environment at local breweries, distilleries, and other communitydriven venues.” You can attend one at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Mad Rabbit Distillery , 10860 N. Dover St., No. 2000, in Westminster, or at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 at Mother Tucker Brewery , 2360 E. 120th Ave. in Thornton.

We’re entering prime BBQ season, but many people (myself included) don’t know much about the delicious, delicious art of barbecuing. For the uninitiated, Backyard Pitmasters Colorado is here to provide all you need to become a legendary chef.

Find all the details at https:// colorado.brisketu.com/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Lil Wayne at Fillmore Auditorium

I don’t really have to tell you who Lil Wayne is, do I? He’s the Young Money millionaire with criteria that can’t be compared to your career because it just isn’t fair. His run as the best rapper alive in the late 2000’s was absolutely incredible and he’s still capable of effortless bars whenever he feels like it.

Rap doesn’t have a lot of elder statesmen figures still out on the road, so the fact that Weezy is coming to the Fillmore Auditorium , 1510 Clarkson St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, means you should definitely take notice. Get tickets at www.livenation.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@ hotmail.com.

Summer camps

South Suburban Parks and Recreation District will o er summer camps of all sorts: Animal Senses, Mini Mountaineers, Trailblazers, Water Wonders ... See the website at ssprd.org for dates, prices, details. Parents should not hear: “ ere’s nothing to do!”

“Cuentame un Cuentito” —Tell Me A Story — will be presented at 11 a.m. on May 13 at Su Teatro, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. 11 a.m. Gabriella Cavallero, Elizabeth and Tony Morales, presented by Stories on Stage. 303-494-0523, storiesonstage.org.

Artist reception

Arapahoe Libraries will hold a reception for featured artist Casey Kawaguchi on May 3, 6 to 8 p.m. at

Smoky Hill Library, 5430 S. Biscay Circle, Centennial. A collection of his artwork will be displayed at Smoky Hill Library during May. He works as a mentor at Redline Contemporary Art Center. His work re ects comic books, Japanese heritage and a contemporary character.

Littleton Symphony

Littleton Symphony May 19 at 7:30 p.m., Littleton United Methodist Church. “Appalachian Spring,” Strauss’ “Horn Concertos.” Soloist: David Byrd-Marrow. Young Voices of Colorado. Tickets: 303-933-6824. LittletonSymphony.org.

Connie G Williams

Financial Advisor

10111 Inverness Main St Suite F Englewood, CO 80112 303-792-2216