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Gentlemen
As I sit here on a Sunday afternoon, laptop humming quietly, I reflect on the word gentleman.
While Merriam-Webster defines a "gentleman" through lineage, conduct and propriety, I believe today's understanding has evolved far beyond class or title. In 2025, a gentleman is defined not by status, but by character.
I think of my dad and my spouse, gentle forces who have spent their lives leading with respect, humility and integrity—men who listen before speaking, show kindness and offer help without seeking praise.
Gentlemen, both.
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com
It’s not about old-fashioned formality. It’s about presence. It’s a daily commitment to authenticity.
This issue is dedicated to celebrating great men and the lives they lead. Inside, you’ll find profiles of remarkable local gentlemen who are quietly shaping our community, as well as a curated guide to activities.
And don’t worry, ladies… you will love the stories, too!
Enjoy golf? We have not one, but two, great pieces for you—a round-up of indoor golf practice facilities in the region and a story about The Broadmoor’s intriguing history with golf (the US Senior Open will be held there this month).
Music aficionado? We have an article about Dizzy Charlie’s, which is bringing jazz and other music to all corners of the Pikes Peak region.
History buff? Get the details on the 150th anniversary of Rock Ledge Ranch, a living history ranch adjacent to the Garden of the Gods.
Love libations? Learn why a well-known brewery moved from South Park to Colorado Springs and what you'll find there. Also, read about a distillery that marries art and whiskey.
Finally, we offer a pair of stories that may entice you to add a special piece or two to your home. One business offers handmade items and artwork from various artisans around the world, including Colorado. The other creates gorgeous home décor in an aesthetic he calls rustic refined.
Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Cara Bukacek, Jacey Blue Renner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
USGA Museum & Library, USGA, The Broadmoor Resort, Distillery 291, Top Golf, Tribe Golf, X Golf, Ritual Photography, Pine Knot Wood Design, Meraki, Cara Bukacek, Sara Vass, South Park Brewing, Rock Ledge Ranch,Juniper Valley Ranch, Yobel & Look Up Gallery, The Mining Exchage, Porsche Colorado Springs Dealership,
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
business monthly
Juniper Valley Ranch Turns 75!
Juniper Valley Ranch is open for its 75th season from now until December. Please call ahead for reservations. Juniper Valley Ranch is a local, family-run restaurant just south of Colorado Springs. They serve a simple menu of skillet fried chicken, baked ham and all the fixins. The owners' grandparents and Aunt Evelyn started the place in 1951, and 75 years later, they still cook their same menu. junipervalleyranch.com
Yobel & The Look Up Gallery Celebrate Grand Reopening
Yobel and The Look Up Gallery return to 517 S. Cascade Ave. after being displaced for more than a year by a 2023 fire. Yobel opens in a larger space with an expansion of their retail business and gallery, seven artist studios, 18 wall spaces in the Member Gallery, and plans to hold art classes, experiential retail events, plus a bar. At least 25 artists will be represented. shopyobel.com | thelookupgallery.com
Introducing: Oro, a New Italian Restaurant at the Mining Exchange
The Mining Exchange Hotel introduces Oro, a dining concept that celebrates the artistry of Italian cooking while paying homage to Colorado's rich heritage. The restaurant’s menu will be developed by Chef Aaron Barnett, a James Beard Award nominee renowned for his Italian and French cuisines. The menu incorporates regional specialties such as Colorado-raised lamb and bison. Artisan pastas and expertly grilled meats will form the foundation of a menu that is approachable and indulgent. miningexchangehotel.com
Photography by Yobel and The Look Up Gallery
Photography by Juniper Valley Ranch
Photography by The Mining Exchange Hotel
Porsche: Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Driver Meet and Greet
Love the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb? How about meeting some of the drivers? Head to Porsche Colorado Springs on June 18 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The event typically draws 800 to 1,000 attendees eager to explore the 12-acre campus, see a variety of cars and visit the vendors. The main event is a driver panel, where drivers and other giants of the motorsports industry come together to discuss the race and answer audience questions. porschecoloradosprings.com
Photography by Porsche Colorado Springs Dealership
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE BROADMOOR RESORT, USGA, USGA MUSEUM & LIBRARY
FAR ABOVE PAR
The Broadmoor Hosts Third U.S. Senior Open... A Bit of History
Spencer Penrose was an early titan of Colorado Springs history. He was a businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit, and after graduating from Harvard, he moved out west to seek his own fortune. After unsuccessfully trying his hand at produce farming, cattle ranching, real estate, retail and silver mining, a childhood friend, Charles L. Tutt invited him to Colorado Springs for a real estate deal. Penrose and Tutt finally hit paydirt when their mine, the C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery), became one of the most successful deep-lode mines in Cripple Creek history.
Penrose had turned a $500 investment into $250,000, which allowed him to diversify into other mineral endeavors. The Utah Copper Company ended up being one of the most lucrative business ventures in Penrose’s career, firmly establishing his place in Colorado Springs’ “city of millionaires” club.
His commitment to his city was evident. He used his immense fortune to build up the area and is foundational in such endeavors as the Pikes Peak Highway, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. He and his wife established the El Pomar Foundation in 1937 which has, to date, given hundreds of millions of dollars in grant money to better the lives of Colorado Springs citizens.
THE BROADMOOR HOTEL
His most famous business endeavor, however, was likely The Broadmoor Hotel.
CONTINUED >
The hotel that almost never was.
After Colorado Springs' founding, the railroad allowed the city to be one of the first “destination” cities in the United States. As its reputation grew for clean air, sunshine, and beautiful views, more and more visitors traveled westward to experience the wild west in comfort and style. The city’s founder, General William Jackson Palmer’s Antlers Hotel was the premier hotel for these guests at the time and Penrose wanted it. After Penrose and Palmer could not come to an agreement on a price for the historic hotel (likely dealing largely with lifestyle differences between the two), legend has it that Penrose rode his horse through the lobby of the Antlers in sheer protest.
Penrose was not one to be bested. In the same year, Penrose sought out and purchased The Broadmoor property. He set to work, developing the former dairy-farm-turned-casino into his vision for Colorado Springs luxury.
THE GOLF COURSE
Part of the team Penrose contracted in this endeavor was renowned golf course architect Donald Ross. Ross is known for designing in harmony with the landscape. He worked with the natural contours of the land, making his courses notoriously complex, due to his deceptively simple design. He is also known for designing holistically for the game, believing that mastery of the short game was a necessary challenge.
It is 7,158 yards of some of the most beautiful, yet deceptive, terrain out there. The altitude, the bluegrass, the trees, the slope. All factors that make The Broadmoor East golf course a perfect challenge for this year’s U.S. Senior Open.
At more than 6,400 feet elevation, the Broadmoor East Golf Course is the highest golf course in the United States. Ross later claimed this course as his best work. In 1948, another golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr., was hired to add an additional 18 holes to the property. He ended up modernizing nine holes designed by Ross and adding an additional nine, resulting in an East Course redesign. A few years later, the remaining nine Ross-designed holes and a new nine, designed by Jones Sr., were combined to create the West Course. He was historically known for designing “to make every hole a hard par, but an easy bogey.”
U.S. SENIOR OPEN
The Broadmoor will be hosting its third U.S. Senior Open on the renowned East Course June 26-29, 2025. This year marks 45 years of competition for this event and The Broadmoor joins only one other location for the most times hosting. One of the nuances of an open event is that it is open to amateurs and professionals alike. Any player at least 50 years of age, either a professional or an amateur with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4 is eligible to sign up to qualify in hopes to secure their spot in the championship. More than 2,500 entries were received this year from entrants aged 50-77, from 49 U.S. states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and from 34 foreign countries. This year, 156 finalists will play 36 holes of stroke play golf over two days before the cut. The lowest 60
scores and ties will play the final 36 holes over the next two days before the winner emerges.
Players will have to adapt to the elevation and thinner air where the ball flies further and faster. They will have to remember that although the green looks flat, everything slopes away from the mountain, affecting the break. Thick bluegrass rough has been known to make golf balls disappear. Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus counted it as the most difficult set of greens he had ever played.
“The U.S. Senior Open is very accessible,” says Mike Trostel, director of the World Golf Hall of Fame. He goes on to explain how this is a coveted title for golfers whom fans have grown up watching. This is a career-changing accomplishment that plenty of golfers still strive to achieve. It is a test of their skill and a culmination of their acumen over the years, which makes for fierce competition.
Colorado Springs has the honor of hosting these legends in its backyard. For tickets visit usga.org and check in Monday or Tuesday of championship week for a list of players and tee times. Come be a part of history.
Website: www.broadmoor.com/usso2025
Facebook: @TheBroadmoor | @USOpen
Instagram: @TheBroadmoor | @USOpenGolf
Address + Phone: 1 Lake Ave. | 719-577-5790
ELEVATE YOUR GAME
It’s time to get back into the swing of things! Start your day with breakfast with a view, and head out to train with a Golf Performance Assessment instructor. Get back in shape with expert tips and guidance, then take what you’ve learned and put it into practice on our awardwinning 27-hole golf course. Enjoy a short trip or unlock all aspects of the property as a golf member! An unforgettable golf getaway awaits you. Are you ready?
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27-hole, award-winning golf with mountain views
Golf Performance assessments
Luxury lodge rooms
Award-winning culinary experiences
FUNCTIONAL ARTWORK
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY PINE KNOT WOOD DESIGN
Pine Knot Wood Design: Creating Artisan Home
What do you do when you buy your first home and need some furniture?
Most us head to our local furniture store—but not Hunter Ortuno. He decided to take advantage of his new garage space to design and build his own furnishings.
“We needed a dining table and I decided that it would be my first project for my new home,” Ortuno says. “It wasn’t my best work because I was learning, but I was proud of it. Things just kind of snowballed from there and I started creating all kinds of things for the house.”
STARTING A BUSINESS
After a few years of honing his skills as a woodworker and receiving lots of amazing feedback from his friends and family, Ortuno decided he was ready to take things to the next level. He began by selling his pieces on Facebook Marketplace and most, if not all, of the money he made was reinvested into his business to buy new tools and supplies.
Both of Ortuno’s parents were small business owners and he was able to observe and learn from them. As a tribute, he named his woodworking business Pine Knot Wood Design after the street, Pine Knot Avenue, where his parents' Big Bear, Calif., businesses were located.
Ortuno now sells his functional artwork at local markets and art shows, Etsy, and through his online storefront. He has also used social media to bring attention to his brand. Pine Knot Wood Design has over 30,000 followers on Instagram, so it is safe to say that people love his work!
RUSTIC REFINED
“I specialize in artisan home décor and my aesthetic is something I call, Rustic Refined , he says. “It combines natural elements with refined, quality craftsmanship.”
Using elements of nature and preserving them in epoxy allows Ortuno to create his signature, one-of-a-kind pieces. He uses elements such as local grasses, flowers, leaves and feathers to add a natural rustic feel.
The epoxy, available in several colors, adds another level of refined visual interest to the artwork.
CUSTOM PIECES
Pine Knot Wood Design takes custom orders and provides several options for clients to make a piece their own:
• Engraving design, names, recipes or titles to a custom piece.
• Providing smaller objects that can be preserved in epoxy, such as bridal bouquet flowers, keepsakes, and objects such as wine corks, bottle caps, and other collectibles to preserve memories.
• Special orders such as furniture, bar tops, counter tops and wooden plaques. Have an idea? Contact Pine Knot Wood Design to discuss possibilities.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Ortuno has some big plans for the next five to 10 years.
“I would love to work with home builders to create custom finishes for new homes,” he says. “Things like custom bar tops and counter tops would be a great selling point for builders. I would also like to eventually have an off-property shop where I can expand my operations and hire a few employees. When I think about a future storefront, I envision a gallery-like showroom to display my pieces like art.”
Website: www.pineknotwooddesign.com
Facebook: @PineKnotWoodDesign
Instagram: @PKWoodDesign
A Glimpse Back in Time
Rock Ledge Ranch: Celebrating 150 Years of Colorado Springs History
A trip to Rock Ledge Ranch at Garden of the Gods Park is a step into the past.
“Rock Ledge Ranch is a timeline of people who lived right here on the Ranch,” says Melissa Keown, lead historical interpreter and caretaker.
The ranch honors its American Indian history alongside that of the settlers who later began living on the 160-acre plot of land situated between Garden of the Gods and Camp Creek.
While this unconventional city park is open year-round, its buildings are only open Wednesdays through Saturdays from June through mid-August and for special events. During those times, docents and junior docents dressed in period-appropriate clothing interpret life in the Pikes Peak region from 1775 through 1910.
THE RANCH
Robert and Elsie Chambers built the first permanent home on this land in 1875, and Elsie christened it “Rock Ledge Ranch.” The house now called Rock Ledge House doubled as a boarding
house for tourists and tuberculosis patients and tripled as a school.
The Chambers family also constructed a steam-heated greenhouse and a reservoir and dug irrigation ditches to carry water to their crops. After 25 years, Robert and Elsie decided to retire and sold their property to their neighbor, General William J. Palmer, for $17,000. It became part of his Glen Eyrie estate.
After changing hands several more times, the city of Colorado Springs bought it in the 1960s, adding it to the city park system. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Mark it on the calendar: June 21 from 10 am-5 pm. That’s the sesquicentennial of when this swath of land became “Rock Ledge Ranch.” Expect fanfare:
• Youth and adult visual and literary art contests with prizes
• Live music, crafts and food, including “crackers and milk” for 15 cents—just
It’s a chance to step out of their busy lives and … live simply.
like in the days of the Chambers’ boarding house
• Wagon rides and a family barn-style dance
“We’ll have snacks and drinks and then we’ll celebrate with a big birthday cake,” Keown says.
Six Distinct Historic Sites
These sprawling grounds are home to six distinct historic sites. Come all year, but don’t miss the summer living history program and special events throughout the year when the buildings are open. Grab snacks at the general store or bring a picnic and blanket.
American Indian Area, 1775-1835: Ute oral tradition says their people have always lived in this area. Other groups also traveled through and considered the land their home.
Galloway Homestead, 1867-1874: Walter Galloway built a small cabin, claimed the homestead in 1874 and quickly sold it to the Chambers.
Chambers Farm and Rock Ledge House, 1874-1900: The Chambers built the Rock Ledge House and planted orchards. By the time they sold the property, it was one of the county’s most productive farms.
Blacksmith Shop: This 19th century working blacksmith shop repairs farm implements and creates other needed items. Hand-forged items also are for sale at the General Store.
General Store: Penny candy, popcorn and cold sodas for sale, alongside a variety of books and other items.
Orchard House, 1907-1910: In 1907, Gen. Palmer’s relatives moved into the newly built house, which included many modern features such as electricity and indoor plumbing.
GETTING INVOLVED
Want to get involved at Rock Ledge Ranch? Applications are always open for adult docents. Applications for junior
docents (ages 10-17) are open in March— those selected will volunteer two halfdays per week for a five-week summer session. Elizabeth Borders started as a junior docent and now serves as an educator and historical interpreter.
“They love to sweep and wash dishes,” Borders says of the junior docents. “Here it’s fun. … They get to be Laura Ingalls Wilder. It’s a chance to step out of their busy lives and … live simply.”
Prefer modern clothing? Volunteer to be a gardener or seamstress, or to help with special events. Or become a member of the Living History Association—support the ranch and receive free admission to the summer living history program, as well as most special events throughout the year.
Annual memberships range from $25 to $60 and include guest passes.
SPECIAL EVENTS
With more than a dozen special events each year, it’s easy to find wholesome fun year-round: Sheep Shearing Day, Summer Teas, Family Fourth, Labor Day Vintage Baseball, Fiddles, Vittles & Vino, Annual Powwow, Harvest Festival, Everything but the Oink, Holiday Teas, and a Garden of the Gods Arts Festival.
And… in 2024, Rock Ledge Ranch tried something new: Victorian Valentine’s Day. It was a smashing success, and they plan to add it to the annual schedule.
“We’re continually adding and trying new things here,” says Anna Cross, parks operations administrator.
Website: rockledgeranch.com
Facebook: @RockLedgeRanch
Instagram: @RockLedgeRanchAtGardenOfGods
Address + Phone: 3105 Gateway Road | 719-578-6777
SOUTH
From Fairplay to Colorado Springs
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTH PARK BREWING
PARK BREWING: BREWERY, DISTILLERY AND GREAT PUB FOOD
“
“High altitude distilling is favorable because the dry air and cooler temperatures are great for barrel aging.”
Fun Fact: The South Park region of Colorado is a grassland flat surrounding the headwaters of the Platte River. The largest town in the South Park region is Fairplay, Colorado. This historic mining town was once referred to as South Park City before being changed back to Fairplay in 1874. Nearly 125 years later, an animated series called South Park put this quirky mountain town on the map.
Paul Kemp and his wife, Megan Sebastian, owned a cabin in Summit County where they would escape the hustle and bustle of city life in Denver. The couple often would take the scenic route through Fairplay, where they saw a need.
HOBBY TURNED CAREER
Kemp made his career in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. He managed several restaurants and learned all facets of the industry. In his free time, he enjoyed brewing beer.
“It was a hobby that got out of control,” Kemp says. “For 10 years, I worked on my recipes and continuously upgraded my garage brewing system. Eventually, I started to consider opening a tap room.”
In 2012, Kemp and Sebastian started seriously thinking about the logistics of opening a brewpub. The couple considered various locations and spaces.
“Originally, we were considering opening a brewery in the Denver area,” Kemp says. “At the time, Fairplay didn’t have a brewery and it seemed like the kind of place that could use one.”
SOUTH PARK BREWING
In 2014, South Park Brewing Company opened its doors. The Fairplay community embraced the new addition and so did the tourists. Kemp started distilling spirits in addition to brewing. He created South Park Distilling as a sister company to South Park Brewing. Kemp distills whiskey, vodka and gin under the label Distill My Heart.
“High altitude distilling is favorable because the dry air and cooler temperatures are great for barrel aging,” Kemp says.
RELOCATING TO THE SPRINGS
While Kemp and Sebastian love the Fairplay community, they began to miss city life. In 2023, the lease on their space was coming up.
“We have teenage twin daughters and wanted more opportunities for them,” he says. “We also love the Colorado Springs area, and it seemed like a great fit for the family and the brewpub.”
They found a spot on the west side. Previously a brewery, it had the infrastructure in place.
“The building had lots of potential,” Kemp says. “One of the biggest perks is the large parking lot in an area where free parking is hard to find. The building needed some work, but we were able to turn the space around in just a few months and were able to open to the public in June of 2024.”
BREWPUB OFFERINGS
Instead of a kitchen taking up valuable space, Kemp and Sebastian opted for a food truck.
“The food truck is actually quite large and houses a full-sized kitchen,” he says. “We are able to offer classic brewpub foods such as burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, chopped beef sandwiches, along with cheese curds and fries. We plan to add hand-cut onion rings to our summer menu.”
The dining and bar area includes an outdoor seating patio with views of Pikes Peak. The upper dining area can be reserved for parties or events and is free of charge. Catering is available and reservations are required.
SWING INTO COLORADO SPRINGS’ BEST PLACES FOR INDOOR GOLF
ARTICLE BY JACEY BLUE RENNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRIBE GOLF,
TOP GOLF, X-GOLF AND RITUAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Rory McIlroy waited 11 years to win at Augusta and don his own green jacket. Good news for locals: you can hone your swing and drive, rain or shine in Colorado Springs.
Just in time for Father’s Day, and all those sweet summertime lazy days, these well-rounded (and outstanding) options are a perfect fit for fine-tuning your golf game, socializing with your work crew, friends or significant other, or hanging with the family.
Check out four stellar venues that will get you to par in no time:
TRIBE GOLF
Owned by 2021 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year Leighton Smith, Tribe Golf offers a unique year-round golf experience.
“We’ve built a space that brings next-level golf with next-level vibes. We’re powered by TrackMan, led by elite coaches, and known for our laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. We’ve got great music, beer and wine, and a super comfortable environment that makes people want to hang out, not just train,” Smith says. “Tribe is a place where golfers come to improve their game—and end up finding a community.”
Pro-Tip: Visit Tribe Golf’s events page or sign up for their newsletter. Events like PGAHope, which offers free lessons to military members, wine tastings, and tournaments willbe certain to pique your interest.
805 Garden of the Gods Rd. www.tribegolf.com
Classic and timeless, Colorado Springs Topgolf does a great job appealing to families, friends and colleagues. From birthdays to team-building, the familiar net across the Pike’s Peak horizon brings on multi-city nostalgia, while their evolving menu of great eats gets the fam up and out. With two floors of all-weather bays, there is a cozy couch or table spot for everyone. Go for Toptracer games like Angry Birds and stay to play the Signature Games.
Pro-Tip: Sundays are for $40 golf. Every Sunday, all day, all bay play is only $40/hr. Bring up to six of your favorites, and spend some QT working on your swing, while noshing on cheesy macaroni bites. Everyone wins.
165 Spectrum Loop topgolf.com/us/colorado-springs CONTINUED >
CITY GOLF COS X-GOLF COLORADO SPRINGS
With four state-of-the-art simulator bays and more than 2000 square feet of lounge and play space, newly opened City Golf, located in the southwest corner of Trainwreck Sports Bar, offers an innovative golf experience. At its loungey core are community, creativity and professional golf instruction from PGA professional and 2017 Golf Professional of the Year Mark Kelbel.
Pro-Tip: Grab a friend or five for local brews and golf. Consider reliving Masters weekend and play Augusta on their simulators.
812 S. Sierra Madre St. citygolfcos.com
Whether it’s lessons, tournaments or specialty events, X-Golf Colorado boasts seven simulator bays. Want to focus on shot shape, carry and distance? X-Golf tech provides unprecedented accuracy helping golfers improve spin and smash rate, direction and angle. If the precision tech isn’t enough, consider a craft beer from the lounge and bar after an individual coaching session.
Pro-Tip: Looking for even more golf? Consider joining X-League, X-Golf’s 10-week team format play. Join as an individual, or two-person team. Summer leagues forming now.
1808 Spring Water Pt., Colorado Springs. xgolfcoloradosprings.com
CITY GOLF COS
INSIDE TRAINWRECK, THE #1 SPORTS BAR IN COLORADO
• Year-round golf simulators with over 1,350 courses
Dizzy Charlie’s: Bringing Big Band to All Corners of Colorado Springs
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA VAAS
Love live music? Dizzy Charlie’s is bringing pop-up jazz and other great tunes to venues all around Colorado Springs. At the moment, locals can typically see a Dizzy Charlie’s act at Bar 33 on Wednesdays, Mining Exchange on Thursdays and Summa on Saturdays (sometimes Fridays), as well as special events on other evenings.
Below is a Q&A with Dizzy Charlie’s founder Sara Vaas:
PLEASE TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION, YOUR GRANDFATHER DIZZY CHARLIE.
My grandpa, David Charles (a.k.a. Dizzy Charlie), was a big band composer who visited the Broadmoor on tour with his jazz band in the ‘40s. My favorite childhood memory was swimming in the pool with my brother and sister as we listened to his big band play in the pavilion across the park.
COULD YOU GIVE US A BRIEF TIMELINE FOR DIZZY CHARLIE’S?
For years, I had run a local nonprofit and attended local jazz shows. Listening took me back to my summers as a kid in the Midwest. During COVID, I had the opportunity to book my favorite jazz bands for outdoor shows at Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City. Two years later, back home at my high school reunion, my dad gifted my grandpa’s original 16-piece big band arrangements to me for Springs Contemporary Jazz Big Band to perform. It was August 24, 2022, and the night that Big Band played my grandpa’s original tunes in Bancroft Park, my heart overflowed with joy. ... For two years now, I’ve continued investing into building relationships with venues, musicians and my fellow listeners, all to give people a chance to feel their own version of what I felt that night in the park.
HOW MANY BANDS/ACTS ARE IN YOUR QUIVER AT THE MOMENT?
As of right now, we’ve got 132 performers that we love matching with shows or the right venues to support the vibe and bring in customers.
PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE IDEA OF “EVERYBODY IS WELCOME. COME AS YOU ARE.” WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It’s kinda funny because jazz isn’t the most accessible music for a lot of listeners, but the ethos is that everyone gets to play. The structure of jazz songs speaks to this. It begins with the melody, what people gather around… and the chords provide structure for
“We encourage musicians to take melodies that we know as a generation—Toxic by Brittany Spears, Come As You Are by Nirvana, Blackbird by The Beatles—and rework those songs where the melody becomes the familiar part that pulls us in. This was at the essence of jazz in the early 1900s, and I believe that it’s part of what will continue to keep it relevant 100 years later.”
that melody as a ‘familiar gathering space.’ Then the musicians embark away from the melody to take solos and express themselves over the chords. Everyone is welcome in the solo sections and every player has something to say though their instrument. Whether it’s melancholic or exuberant, they are all bringing what they have, just as they are.
DIZZY CHARLIE’S STARTED AS AN OUTLET FOR JAZZ—PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHY IT HAS EXPANDED INTO OTHER GENRES, AS WELL AS MUSICAL EVENTS SUCH AS OPEN MIC NIGHTS.
I absolutely love jazz, and I also realize even if we’re covering pop tunes of today, that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Underneath it all, I want people to connect with each other. It’s really about building connection, community and possibility for me. I’ve had widowers come to my shows, meet and spark later-in-life romance. I’ve had musicians meet and form bands. We’ve set the stage for amazing, romantic date nights for innumerable couples and we’ve helped a handful of restaurants stay solvent through tough times. I realize the market for connection is much greater than the market for jazz, and I want my expansion to reflect that all over the city.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE FOR OUR READERS TO KNOW?
We bring people together for an amazing time regularly. We create a huge win for our venue partners, an amazing night of entertainment, and a captive audience for our marketing partners who want to reach folks while they’re out having an amazing time. We’re in the business of pulling of quadruple wins over here and always looking for more folks who are down to play.
Distillery 291: At the Corner of Photography and Spirits
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DISTILLERY 291
Alfred Stieglitz was a pioneer in his field. Not only was he instrumental in photography being accepted as a legitimate art form alongside painting and sculpture, he started what became an internationally famous art gallery located in Manhattan at 291 Fifth Avenue. More commonly known as 291, it became famous for exhibiting those at the forefront of modern art at the time. Though early exhibitions showcased photography and its many mediums, Stieglitz soon boldly leaned into his aesthetic and expanded to present works from Picasso and Matisse as well as an exhibit on African tribal art.
291 became more than just a space; it became a movement.
For Michael Myers, 291 started out as a dorm room number.
Myers attended school in Georgia for photography before heading out to New York to put his degree to
work. For a fashion and beauty photographer in New York, Stieglitz and 291 were the stuff of legends. He excelled in his artform and had a successful fashion photography career in New York City, with notable clients like Vanity Fair, Estee Lauder and Ralph Lauren.
As with any good story, there is generally a catalyst. Myers and his family lived in an apartment three blocks away from Ground Zero on September 11, 2001.
A CHANGE
That infamous day prompted a move to Colorado Springs to be closer to family. In the beginning, Myers was still commuting for his job, but soon that became quite taxing. With plenty of time on the plane during the commute, Myers came across an article about the distillers of Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum. That article stirred something in him and the obsession began.
As a child, Myers was raised around horses in Georgia and Tennessee, spending summers and Christmases in California with his mom. He recalls always being drawn to western things. While being raised around English saddle horses, he chose to ride western. He remembers Saturday morning cartoons were great, but the real treat was the westerns, like Little House on the Prairie, that came on afterward.
He began voraciously consuming books, YouTube videos and documentaries on distilling. He kept notebooks with bits and pieces he gleaned from his research. Within a few months, the book learning had taken him as far as he could go without creating a hands-on experience for himself. He rented space and obtained a distiller’s license; all he needed was a still.
WHISKEY AS ART
Having just left the photography industry, Myers took a number of copper photogravure plates he had around to mold the new still, effectively marrying his old career with his new. The imprints of the plates he chose are still visible on the still, making it its own piece of art. The first batch of whiskey that was pulled from that still was pulled on September 11, 2011, an ode to the catalyst of Myers’ original journey. This copper still, also called a thumper, is not only still in use—every bottle of whiskey that comes out of the 291 Distillery is run though this work of art.
Call it sentimentality or his photographer’s eye for detail, but every element of Myers’s whiskey seems to be intentional. In honor of his new start and new home in Colorado Springs, the whiskey is finished with toasted Aspen tree staves from a friend’s land. They are charred on a Weber grill out back of the distillery. The corn and barley are both sourced from Colorado. Each bottle is filled and corked by hand. Each label is printed in-house on a 1940s model letterpress by Charles Sjolander, a 40-year veteran of the trade. The letterpress plates for the labels are created using a font of Myers’ handwriting. Each label is then placed by
hand onto the bottle. And lastly, each cork is caged by hand with a tool developed by a frequent bottler to create consistency in the look. Why the cage, you ask?
Little House on the Prairie was one of Myers’ favorite westerns as a child. He reminisces about an episode where the characters are transporting nitroglycerin and the jars were caged to prevent an unwanted incident. That image stuck with him, and he decided that in transporting his own version of a high-proof compound, he wanted it caged.
BUT IS IT GOOD?
Myers’ first two recipes are written down in the aforementioned notebook that housed all of the notes from his self-guided research. Those two recipes are still in use as 291’s flagship whiskeys and have only changed by about 1 percent on the current mash
bill. They both won gold on their spirit competition debut, and they have only added to the awards since.
Where Kentucky and Tennessee hold the foundations of bourbon in the United States, Colorado is creating a name for itself in the spirits scene. 291 has not only carved out its own space, but is doing its part to lead the movement, much like its namesake.
291 Distillery invites you to pull up to the standing bar at the tasting room and request your own whiskey, much like they did in the westerns. Sip and savor a piece of Colorado’s version of the wild west, where the devil is in the details and whiskey is revered, but not precious.
“As long as you are drinking 291, I am happy,” says Myers.
Website: distillery291.com
Facebook + Instagram: @Distillery291
Address + Phone: 4242 N. Nevada Ave. || 719-323-8010
Handcrafted Items from Various Artisans
Meraki Springs: Art, Jewelry, Classes & So Much More
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
&
CARA BUKACEK
MERAKI SPRINGS
Meraki (may-rah-kee): To do something with soul, creativity or love; to put something of yourself in your work.
DEVELOPING A PASSION
Megan Morris became interested in making jewelry more than 20 years ago, after her daughter was born. She took a few classes and loved the process. Morris’ husband, Mike, was in the military and they moved around a lot. Morris began teaching jewelry making to military spouses for team-building events and discovered she had a knack for it.
In addition to traveling for the military, the Morrises love to travel for pleasure. As a couple, they both enjoy collecting art from the various countries they visit. Morris met with and gathered artists’ information from around the world. She had a dream of one day owning a boutique and knew these contacts would come in handy.
MAKING DREAMS HAPPEN IN COLORADO
When Mike retired from the military, they decided to settle in Colorado.
“As a native Texan, I loved that Colorado has four distinct seasons,” Megan says. “The area is beautiful and is a great place to raise kids.”
In 2021, Morris finally realized her dream and opened Meraki Springs.
“I always loved the vibe of Old Colorado City, but spaces rarely came available. When one did, I snatched it up right away,” Megan says. “It was during Covid, and it was a bit scary to consider opening a business during that time. I took a leap of faith and here I am today with a storefront and a separate studio space for classes.”
RETAIL SPACE
The Meraki Springs retail space offers handmade items and artwork from various artisans around the world, including Colorado. Patrons can find everything from handmade jewelry, paintings and stained glass to home décor and suncatchers—it’s a great spot to find a unique gift.
“We have so many different types of art at all price points,” Megan says. “We believe that art shouldn’t only be accessible by wealth.”
In addition, the boutique offers permanent jewelry, a jewelry bar, and a community art space where patrons are invited to pick up a brush and paint by number.
The permanent jewelry is very popular. Patrons can select a chain and have it fitted and welded. Charms, including custom charms, are also available and can be permanently welded to a custom piece.
“Our chains are all precious metals, not plated,” Morris says. “We offer quality chains from reputable sources. They won’t turn your skin green.”
CONTINUED >
The jewelry bar provides patrons the opportunity to co-create a custom piece of jewelry. Step one is to choose a stone from a selection of semi-precious gemstones. Step two involves picking an earring mount or necklace chain and length. Step three is where it all comes together, and the experienced jeweler creates your custom necklace or earrings.
STUDIO SPACE
At the studio, local artists teach their specialties. All classes are beginner-level and patrons can learn skills in such things as jewelry making, soap making, stained glass, knitting and candle making. Classes are updated monthly on Meraki Springs’ website.
Classes are typically one to two hours long and include all supplies. There are no upcharges or surprise fees.
“You don’t have to be creative to take a class, our instructors are great!” she says.
If you are planning an event, the studio can be rented out for private parties. The space accommodates about 30 people. Clients can bring in their own food and drinks and do crafts. There are also private art classes, with a minimum of five people. Finally, Meraki Springs hosts events and pop-ups all month long.
Website: www.merakisprings.com
Facebook + Instagram: @MerakiSprings
Address + Phone: 2530 West Colorado Ave. | 719-424-7185
SUMMER GRILL
RECIPES
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES ARE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND FEEL LIKE SUMMER
The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag
2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.
4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.
5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.
6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).
7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Following is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.
*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.
SIMPLE SKIRT STEAK
INGREDIENTS:
• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*
• 2 Tablespoons lime*
• 2 Tablespoons finely,
chopped cilantro
• ¼ Cup olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ White onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
CHIMICHURRI
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped
• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.
ROASTED CORN SALSA
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 Ears sweet corn
• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes
• ¼ Cup lime juice
• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ Cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.
2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.
3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.
4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.
A COLORADO SPRINGS TRADITION
American Furniture Galleries has been furnishing fine Colorado Homes for over 103 years.
We’re committed to offering the most enduring furniture fashions, honest quality and craftsmanship, as well as the best customer service from exquisite manufacturers like Bassett, Century, Natuzzi, Stressless, Hancock and Moore, Bernhardt, Stickley and more.
www.americanfurniture.com • 719-632-6621 • 3212 E Platte Avenue
SUMMER
Hotel Polaris - Great Family Adventure Package
Hotel Polaris
This summer, families may book one room and get the connecting room free. Kids under 12 eat free (including ice cream unlimited refills) and receive a teddy bear. And families receive 20 percent off food, beverage and spa. Package starts at $299 per night; two-night minimum. Don't need a family package? Hotel Polaris has a discounted Colorado resident rate. thehotelpolaris.com
JUNE 6TH
Pikes Peak APEX
Pikes Peak
The Pikes Peak APEX is a three-day, off-road challenge on Pikes Peak. Choose to race one, two, or all three days. There is a three-day mountain bike stage race, one-day mountain bike options, and a brand-new gravel race. The terrain is challenging, but not overly technical. This is a USA Cycling sanctioned event and there are prizes.coloradospringssports.org/events/pikes-peak-apex
JUNE 7TH
Sheep Shearing and Fiber Arts Day
Rock Ledge Ranch | 10:00 AM
In the 1880s, El Paso County boasted the largest population of sheep in the state. Costumed historical interpreters, farmers, shearers and fiber artists come together to bring you this slice of Colorado heritage. Expert sheepdog demonstrations. Traditional shearing. Visit the General Store to buy gifts made from RLR's very own sheep! All historic homes will be open. rockledgeranch.com/event/sheep-shearing
JUNE 7TH
Frautschi, Manasse, Nakamatsu Trio
Colorado College, Packard Hall | 7:00 PM
The Colorado College Summer Music Festival presents its spring Intermezzo Season featuring the Frautschi, Manasse, Nakamatsu Trio. The trio includes some well-known names to the CC Summer Music Festival community. The Colorado College Summer Music Festival is an annual three-week festival in June. The CC Summer Music Festival’s Intermezzo Season concerts keep the music alive in between summer seasons. https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/summermusicfestival/concerts/2025-season.html
JUNE 7TH
The Literary Awards, Sponsored by Friends of PPLD
DoubleTree by Hilton Colorado Springs | 11:30 AM
Each year, the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District present two awards during their annual luncheon: The Frank Waters and Golden Quill Literary Awards Luncheon. Historically, The Frank Waters Award ($2,000) celebrates its namesake’s love of the American West. The Golden Quill Award ($1,000) is given for literary achievement by an outstanding local author, illustrator, photographer or publication. friendsofppld.org/literaryawards
JUNE 7TH
Get Outdoors Day
Memorial Park/Prospect Lake | 9:00 AM
Hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the City of Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, Get Outdoors Day is an annual event for families to learn about ways to explore our great outdoors. The annual event features a variety of outdoor businesses and nonprofit agencies ready to introduce families to outdoor activities in the Pikes Peak Region. ppora.org/get-outdoors-day
JUNE 8TH
Poor Richard’s Celebrates 50 Years!
Poor Richard's | 11:00 AM
Poor Richard’s, a beloved local institution that began as a humble bookstore and eatery, is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Head downtown from 11am-4pm, for a celebration that will include: live music and entertainment, special deals, giveaways, kids' activities, free food and cake and more. https://www.poorrichardsdowntown.com/
JUNE 14TH
El Paso County Kite Festival
Falcon Regional Park | 10:00 AM
All are invited to Falcon Regional Park on June 14th to celebrate mother nature’s gift of wind and help fill the sky with color! Bring friends and family to fly a kite, make a kite, enjoy vendors, create a wind-propelled craft project, and much more! This is a free event for everyone and is open to all ages. communityservices.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-kite-festival
JUNE 21ST
Olympic & Paralympic Day Celebration
United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum | 10:00 AM
The day celebrates friendship, excellence and values, such as fitness and well-being, that sports bring to people worldwide during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. On this day, people are encouraged to get active, experience the joy of sports, and honor the Olympic & Paralympic spirit. usopm.org/event/olympic-paralympic-day-celebration
JUNE 22ND
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Pikes Peak | 7:30 AM
Gear up for the 103rd running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), presented by Gran Turismo. Also known as The Race to the Clouds, it is an invitational automobile hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak. The 12.42-mile course boasts 156 turns starting at 9,300 feet and ending at 14,115 feet above sea level. ppihc.org
JUNE 23RD
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
Pikes Peak Center | 8:00 PM
Creator and innovator, musician and producer, artist, and philanthropist, Herb Alpert is a man with a profound passion. Born in Los Angeles, the future trumpeter came of age in a house filled with music. Alpert’s extraordinary musicianship has earned him five #1 hits, nine GRAMMY® Awards, 15 Gold albums, 14 Platinum albums and has sold over 72 million records. pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/herbalpert
JUNE 25TH
Early Bird Hike and Bike
Garden of the Gods | 5:00 AM
Garden of the Gods Park hosts Early Bird Hike & Bikes from 5-8 am on the following Wednesdays through September: June 25, July 23, Aug. 27 and Sept. 24. Explore the park without motor vehicle traffic. Park rules apply. Park at: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, Garden of the Gods Trading Post and Parking Lot 1. gardenofgods.com
