FREE
July 15, 2021
DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
VOLUME 94 | ISSUE 34
Low-cost internet available for those in need FCC, Starry Inc. offer affordable programs across metro Denver BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Saxophonist Rico Jones plays a front-lawn concert across the street from Sloan’s Lake on July 2. At left is Bill McCrossen, one of PHOTO BY KEVIN J. BEATY/DENVERITE Jones’ bandmates.
Free, front-yard jazz show returns to Sloan’s Lake Neighbors fought, then reached compromise over outdoor concerts BY DESIREE MATHURIN DENVERITE
On a breezy Friday evening, on the front stoop of a house across from Sloan’s Lake Park, you can hear jazz musician Rico Jones practicing on his saxophone. Jones has been playing since
he was 11, so practicing is a daily thing, but on this occasion he was practicing for a little “concert.” The venue: the front yard of his parents’ home. The Rico Jones and Friends band has been putting on performances in Sloan’s Lake since summer 2020, because the pandemic had shut down everything else. No bars. No gigs. No live music. No social interactions. Until Jones’ brother had a bright idea. “One day my brother suggested, ‘Why don’t you invite some friends
INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 9 | VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12
over to play in the front yard? You can do it socially distanced and it’ll be outside,’” Jones said. “I thought about it for a bit and decided to invite some friends over. We just played outside on the front lawn of my home.” Jones said at first, a few people in the park would stop and watch before going about their day, and drivers would slow down and give the group a honk before driving off. But soon, curiosity won and people started staying put. Jones SEE JAZZ, P11
A strong, reliable internet signal may be more important than ever amid the coronavirus pandemic, but internet service isn’t a sure thing for every household. The federal agency that regulates communication by radio, television, satellite and cable is offering a program that provides a temporary discount on monthly internet bills for low-income households that qualify. And in some parts of Englewood, Denver and Aurora, a company called Starry Inc. is providing lowcost internet service without the credit checks or complex eligibility criteria required by other internet providers, the company says. Here’s information about how to take advantage of the two programs. Emergency Broadband Benefit The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, offers the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program — a discount on monthly internet bills. If your household is eligible, you can receive: • Up to a $50 per month discount SEE INTERNET, P14
SPOKES FOR FOLKS
Rounding up some great Front Range trails for cyclists P12