Thirst Colorado -- March/April 2024

SERVING UP THE COLORADO EXPERIENCE

Grand County

From Winter Park to Grand Lake, adventure awaits

Plus:

Getting cozy in camper vans The confluence of cannabis & music Great tapas throughout Colorado

Vol. 9, No. 3 March-April 2024

Keep Colorado Wild Help make Colorado a safer place to play when you buy a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration.

Your pass purchase can support search and rescue and avalanche safety teams across Colorado — paying it forward to the outdoor first responders who have your back. cpw.info/KeepColoradoWildPass cpw.info/KeepColoradoWildPassSpanish

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LIBATIONS BEYOND

&

Spring Clinging It’s that time of year that Coloradans begin to think about warm-weather exploration: the high-alpine lake you didn’t make it to last summer; the 13er that has created a buzz, but has yet to fill with peak-baggers; the patio on the Western Slope with views that you’d swear you had seen in a painting.

Depending on where you reside in this vast ecosystem that we call Colorado, spring might come in March, or it might come in June - Mother Nature isn’t concerned about dates on a calendar. Doesn’t matter. Everyone clings to a destination idea that will help satisfy a thirst for adventure. We’ve filled this magazine with items to consider when it comes to locations, modes of travel, local music and, as always, the best food and drinks available.

Winter Park and Rocky Mountain National Park have long provided getaway opportunities for people on both sides of the divide. As visitor numbers increase, so do the entertainment, food and drink options. Whether you are day-tripping or staying for a long weekend, we’ve shared stops to consider while in Grand County.

For some, tent camping might be too much of an outdoor experience. Yet a hotel might be considered too cushy. Camper vans answer the call for a growing number of people who have diverse ideas on how to outfit vans and where to roll with them.

Publisher Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com Vice President, Sales Scott Kaplan Sales Linda Battle, Rebel Becker, Nina Gunther, Jessica Levin, Alexis Nouhan, Christine Werner Design & Layout Sandy Birkey Stacey Krull President & Founder Emeritus Wilbur E. Flachman Digital & Marketing Manager Steve Graham Editorial Assistant Johnny Burkin Contributors John Garvey, Kyle Kirves, Malena Larsen, Kristen Kuchar, Eric Peterson, Kristen Richard, Melissa Voss For advertising and editorial information, please contact Joe Ross at 303.428.9529 or email joe@thirstcolorado.com

The sharp rise in high-quality bands bodes well for those running around the state this spring and summer. Live performances from bands such as the Drunken Hearts should be part of the experience. Learn about the evolution of their sound inside.

Proud member of the Colorado Brewers Guild

And our writers round out this issue with some mouth-watering choices for grub and the best locally crafted libations in the region.

is produced by The Publishing House, a division of Colorado Word Works, Inc. The Publishing House also produces Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications, serving arts venues along the Front Range.

7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, Colorado 80030 303.428.9529

Maybe if we collectively cling to those warm-weather thoughts, Mother Nature might grace us with an early spring.

Thirst Colorado

Enjoy and be kind along the way!

Joe Ross Associate Publisher and Editor

Drink up life in large amounts, but restrict your alcohol consumption. We do not endorse or support excessive drinking.

Thirst Colorado is published six times a year by The Publishing House, 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030. © The Publishing House, 2024. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A. Except where noted, the content of Thirst Colorado is the property of the magazine and should only be reprinted with permission. Thirst Colorado is not responsible for false or misleading claims made in advertising or editorial materials published herein. Thirst Colorado Magazine is distributed in part by DJM Distribution, Inc., and Community Racks Distribution, LLC.

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CONTRIBUTORS KRISTEN KUCHAR

MALENA LARSEN

Kuchar has written about travel and the beverage industry for 15 years in a variety of national and local publications. For Thirst, she primarily covers food, wine, cider, beer and other beverages. She has contributed to VinePair, Zymurgy, The Beer Connoisseur, Craftbeer.com, Beer Advocate, Brew Your Own, All About Beer, DRAFT and dozens more.

Currently, she is a Certified Cicerone Beer Server and has a Level 1 Wine Certification with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and she continues to pursue further wine and beverage education.

KYLE KIRVES

i

Kirves prefers “man of letters” to “English Major” when responding to questions about his degrees from Ohio University and the University of Dayton. Writing professionally since 1992, he’s primarily covered people, places, and events in the arts, craft culture, and leisure communities, most recently for Arts Enthusiast, the Longmont Downtown Development Authority, ArtsLongmont, and, of course, Thirst Colorado. He is an avid road/trail runner, amateur historian, passable guitar player, lousy fly-fisherman, and devotee of 1950’s and 60’s jazz, especially Miles. He lives in Longmont, with his wife, artist Joanne Kirves, and has two children, Nate and Nora. When he sleeps, he dreams of meatball sandwiches and cold craft beer.

ERIC PETERSON

Larsen is a writer and Minnesota-to-Colorado transplant. Her favorite subjects to write about are craft beer, outdoor adventures, and any topic where she gets to learn something new. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, taking photos of mountain goats, and checking out breweries with her pals.

KRISTEN RICHARD

Richard is a drink and food freelance writer based in Denver. Her fascination with beverage history and the science of drinks act as a guiding force in her work. When she’s not traveling down a rabbit hole of random esoteric booze knowledge, you can usually find her camping, hiking, hanging with her dog, reading or rocking out to metal bands.

i MELISSA VOSS Voss is a South Dakota native who recently moved to Colorado to find her next adventure.

Her writing goes beyond working with Team Thirst, as she is working on her first novel. In her free time, she’s hiking with her dog, writing poetry with her cat on her lap, or adding to her growing collection of Colorado-based coffees and brews.

i Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business, and real estate as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. In his spare time, he likes to create hard listening music, oddball art and psychedelic videos. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.

i

JOHN GARVEY

i Garvey is a storyteller, freelance writer, illustrator, and nerd. You can see more of his creative ventures at clippings.me/johngarvey and CreativeFollies.com.

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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THIRST COLORADO | March-April 2024 ADVENTURES

25 Event listings

Colorado's most comprehensive calendar will keep you busy every day

30 Prepping pups

Will Fido behave when you hang out at the brewery this spring?

34 Weed and music

8 18

The confluence of music and weed fires up some fascinating history

37 Characters

Meet behind-the-scene folks who keep the state's entertainment tuned up

38 Local talent

Colorado band Drunken Hearts throws down a musical mix

40 Prime Pairings

Do you need a recipe and perfect drink pairing? Gotcha covered

On the cover:

When visiting Grand County, check out Devil's Thumb Ranch, which offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Photo courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch

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30 38 Distillery, Winery, 44 Brewery, Cidery and Meadery Guide

Find great craft beverages wherever the adventure takes you

DESTINATIONS

8 Grand times

From Winter Park to Grand Lake, we've got your agenda

22 Traveling for tapas We've got four great stops wherever you find yourself in this state

14 Camper-vanning Colorado 42 Spencer's eyeball Call it home or a vacation on wheels

18 A mindful adventure Fishing the Good Fight promotes mental health in the outdoors

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Learn about the glass eye housed in an unexpected spot

The World in a City One City. A World of Flavors.

Embark on a culinary adventure in one of Colorado’s most diverse cities. The Aurora Eats guide is your passport to the city’s 330-plus authentic, specialty restaurants and markets.

There’s a world of flavors to explore in this global community brimming with culture, history and heritage. Experience Aurora and find out why it’s truly the World in a City.

GoAurora.org

MAKE IT GRAND!

Max out those summertime days in the high country

By Kyle Kirves

T

he Highway 40 corridor that serpentines up from I-70, through Empire and over Berthoud Pass to Winter Park and other parts of Grand County, certainly sees its fair share of traffic when the weather turns colder and the snow falls. And while Grand Lake and Lake Granby attract a boatload of summertime visitors, Grand County has a thousand attractions on land as well as water when the sun is high. That is to say, Winter Park (and Tabernash and Frazier and Ski Granby Ranch) have a lot to offer in the summer … and longer days in which to enjoy them.

The good news is that the mountains don’t close down after spring thaw – no secret there.

Hiking, biking, and running trails for all levels of ability exist – whether you’re an out-of-towner just looking for a leisurely pedal or a local elite athlete getting in some summertime training. Simple web searching will result in great recommendations for peak-peeking, wildflower strolling, trail bumping, or heading up 13,000-foot mountains. We’ll save you the web crawl and highlight a few favorites.

Photo courtesy of Grand County

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IF YOU HAVE JUST ONE DAY IN GRAND COUNTY… …AND YOU’RE COMING INTO WINTER PARK FROM I70 AND EMPIRE

1

DAY

HAVE LUNCH ALONG U.S. 40

Photo courtesy of Grand County

RIDE THE GONDOLA AND HIKE THE LOWER ROOF OF THE ROCKIES TRAIL TO FANTASY MEADOW Your kids will love you, and your legs will thank you for choosing to ride the lift to Roof of the Rockies. From there, walk or hike the Fantasy Meadow loop through alpine forest and meadows, where you’ll find flora and fauna in full display. Broad, striking vistas will be a feast for the eyes without taxing the body.

The trail hits all the beats in its two-mile loop, including a picnic table to take a break before heading back.

Choosing a lunch spot from among the many great places in Winter Park is a challenge – and there really is no accounting for taste.

Fortunately, several authentically local places cater to just about any food mood that might strike. You really can’t go wrong, and any list will inevitably leave someone’s favorite off – advance apologies to the overlooked gems. Personal and family favorites include Pepe Osaka’s for fish tacos and Hernado’s Pizza Pub for a pie. Casa Mexico ranks among our alltime favorite Mexican restaurants, in Winter Park or anywhere. And Randi’s Grill & Pub never fails to deliver – whether for breakfast, burgers or beer and cocktails.

…BUT IF YOU’RE COMING INTO GRAND LAKE FROM ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK RENT WATERCRAFT AND TOUR THE HEADWATERS OF THE COLORADO RIVER If you only have a single day in the town of Grand Lake, rent a canoe, open-top kayak, or standup paddleboard and cruise the village’s clear, cold namesake body of water. At right around four miles in circumference, Grand Lake makes for a spellbinding afternoon paddle in the shadow of, well, Shadow Mountain. The Grand Lake Marina, Rocky Mountain SUPs, or the Mountain Paddlers Kayak Shak rent all manner of boats, depending on your preference.

WALK GRAND AVENUE END-TO-END AND BACK AGAIN Appropriately enough, the main drag in town is Grand Avenue. Consider stretching your legs and checking out the town’s history, scenery, galleries, and shops along this pedestrian-friendly street. There’s no shortage of great places to eat, which cater to all cravings. But for me, in the summer months, nothing beats dipping into an ice cream cone during the stroll. Jumpstart Ice Cream, Ceaira’s Sweet Shop, and Miyauchi’s Snack Bar are great options for indulging your sweet tooth.

Photo courtesy of Grand County

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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IF YOU HAVE THREE DAYS IN GRAND COUNTY…

…AND YOU’RE IN WINTER PARK

ENJOY THE RIDE…SLIDE HAVE BREAKFAST AT SHARKEY’S EATERY Sharkey’s Eatery in Fraser is a go-to no matter the time of year. In summer, though, you have a chance to eat breakfast outside in the Colorado sun and take in the splendor of the mountains – like you are sitting in a giant cereal bowl. Famous for their pancakes, my favorite remains the eggs benedict … and a bloody mary.

When you’re near the longest, fastest alpine slide in Colorado, how can you pass it up? Kids will love riding Winter Park’s grand summertime adventure, with 3,000 feet of slide top-to-bottom.

Heck, even the ride up the Arrow Lift to the top is a treat. Discount prices are available for advance online bookings.

VISIT A DISTILLERY Local hooch is in something of a renaissance period not seen since maybe prohibition times and there are two great choices to explore. In Winter Park, no place captures that spirit like Idlewild Spirits Distillery, home of the grain-to-glass ethic. Elixirs run the full gamut – bourbons, ryes, and single malts to gin and vodka. Just north, Fraser Valley Distilling offers mountain-crafted spirits and food to cap off the perfect day. Pair a Colorado Fashion with brisket and savor the taste of the Rockies.

Photo courtesy of Grand County

EXPLORE DEVIL’S THUMB It doesn’t get any more Colorado than Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Located in nearby Tabernash, Devil’s Thumb has summertime activities that seem cut right from a summer camp brochure: archery, zip-lining, mountain biking, fly-fishing, hatchet throwing and much more. Stay at the ranch and you get discounted tickets to any of the activities. Staying elsewhere? Consider a la carte pricing and mix-and-match what you want to do.

Pricing and availability vary, so best to book in advance.

Photo courtesy of Devil’s Thumb Ranch

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DAYS

IF YOU HAVE THREE DAYS IN GRAND COUNTY…

…AND YOU’RE IN GRAND LAKE HIKE TO THE SHADOW MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT Ambitious outdoor folks up for a good ascent with a great payoff will want to make sure the Shadow Mountain Lookout hike is on the list. This nearly 10-mile hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain is an “all dayer” for sure (so pack a lunch), but it’s worth it, with spectacular postcard-worthy views down into Grand Lake and also the mountains beyond. The trail ends at Shadow Mountain Lookout Tower. Built in 1930, the tower is one of the last memorials to the fire lookout stations of the past and makes for great photo ops. Fair warnings - the tower is closed to entry so, please, no trespassing; and alas, Fido isn’t allowed on the trail.

3

DAYS

Photos courtesy of gograndlake.com

EAT AT DEBBIE’S IN GRANBY If nostalgia is your bag – or if you’ve just recently seen “Grease” again – hit Debbie’s in Granby. Serving up traditional American diner food like hot dogs, chili dogs, hamburgers and fries, Debbie’s is a throwback to a bygone era of carhops, drive-ins, and jukeboxes. If you don’t get one of the handmade milkshakes made in over a dozen flavors before you head “back to the future,” you’re missing out.

Photo courtesy of debbiesdriveindiner.com

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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HOME IS WHERE THE VAN IS

Finding freedom in Colorado’s van life

Photo courtesy of Anthony Prichard

14 ThirstColorado.com March-April 2024

By Malena Larsen

F

rom the Grande Diligence coach of the late 1800s to the iconic Volkswagen hippie vans of the 1960s to the decked-out Sprinter vans of today, the concept of van life has taken on various forms throughout the years. With social media, van options and the remote work boom, more and more Coloradans are inspired to dip their toes into this type of nomadic living.

According to Brian Crider, owner and founder of Boulder Campervans, Colorado is a campervan mecca. As someone who grew up on the East Coast working at an automotive shop in the era of subwoofers and “Pimp My Ride,” Crider has always had a passion for turning factory vehicles into something creative and original.

“I wanted to start a business in Boulder that incorporated my love for vehicles and the outdoors,” Crider says. “And Sprinter vans are the hot rods for the people of Colorado.”

Boulder Campervans offers van maintenance, custom campervan creation and has a collection of built-out campervans for sale. Their vans range anywhere from $135,000 to over $400,000.

Since 2020, there has been an increase in the popularity of these Colorado “hot rods.”

“We saw a massive uptick in people buying and renting vans from 2020 to 2022,” says Brian Bauman, head of sales and marketing at DM Vans shares.

DM Vans is a certified RV manufacturer based in Rifle, founded by Dave Ramsay and Matt Felser. Their mission is to make van life accessible for everyone by providing financing options and competitive pricing.

“If you look across the industry, it’s not hard to get a van that’s over $200,000,” Bauman explains.

Their van prices range from around $115,000 to $133,000.

“We’re seeing a duality in van life,” says Bauman. “It’s a getaway vehicle but it’s also a vehicle people drive to work. With these vans, on a random Thursday, you can go camp and then be back at the office Friday morning.”

Campervans are the ultimate multitaskers—perfect for weekend camping trips or acting as a fulltime home. Their versatility comes with a wide-ranging demographic. According to Bauman, their customers are equally split in thirds between millennials, Generation X and boomers.

“Everyone just wants different things out of it,” explains Bauman. “Maybe millennials can’t afford to own a home yet and Gen X and boomers are looking for an easy way to get away.”

For remote digital marketer Anthony Prichard, living in his van full time gives him freedom and flexibility.

“My favorite part of van life is the stealth mode part of my van,” he says. “When I park, I put up my black window blinders and it turns all of my windows into limousine glass so nobody can look in. I love hiding in plain sight. People just ignore a white van and I’m living in a luxury micro apartment.”

Prichard’s luxury micro apartment is a 2013 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van with 111,000 miles that he purchased from van builder Adventure Campervans. His van is outfitted with a king-size bed, cedar interior paneling, LED puck lights, electrical outlets, a full-size hot water shower, stove and oven. It’s also equipped with a 40-gallon fresh water tank, diesel fuel heater, Starlink internet, 640-watt solar panel, a 200-amp hour battery and a DC-to-DC charger.

“If you really want to live off the grid — and not always at a campsite with a generator — your battery system is the most important,” Crider explains. “Having a solar battery system that charges whenever you’re driving will allow you to be self-sufficient. I was just out in Moab. I didn’t need to be hooked up to anything.”

According to Crider, along with a reliable battery system, it’s also crucial to have substantial water storage in your campervan (20 gallons or more). “(DM Vans) have everything you need and nothing you don’t,” Bauman says. “They have a stove, refrigerator, solar power—you can 100 percent live in these vans. And we do— about half of our employees live in our vans.”

But even if a van is equipped with all the bells and whistles, hiccups can still happen and you’ll need to be able to think on your feet.

“Over New Years my girlfriend and I visited Steamboat and the temperature got down to -12 degrees fahrenheit,” Prichard reflects. “We woke up to a frozen fuel filter. All of the auto repair shops in town were booked out for two weeks.”

To remedy the problem, Prichard used four hand warmers and a pocket-sized hair dryer on the fuel filter. He got a jump from a friend and used a dryer vent hose to redirect the heat to the water pump.

“We were able to start the engine just as the house battery ran out of juice,” he says.

It’s not all hand warmers and hairdryers when it comes to van life. Prichard’s van has also served as a cozy refuge from the weather.

“One of my first (van life) experiences was taking my van to Elsewhence,” he says. “This is a regional Burning Man event that’s up in Bailey. The temperatures were pretty cold this year and my van provided a perfect retreat from the festivities going on outside.”

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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Photo courtesy of Anthony Prichard Photo courtesy of DM Vans

Photo courtesy of Anthony Prichard Photo courtesy of DM Vans

After this cozy weekend spent with his girlfriend, Prichard knew that he made the right choice in selling his home and living in his van full time.

However, you don’t need to sell your home and live in a van to reap the benefits of a campervan. For Rachel Osgood, her 2007 Ford Econoline E-250 doesn’t act as a home, but as an economical way to travel and easily find peace and solitude. Osgood is retired, leaving her with time to work on her van, travel and spend time with family.

In order to save money, she built out her campervan on her own. In total she spent between $10,000 and $11,000. This cost included the cost of the van, insulation, framing and electrical.

“Most of the vans I have seen have high-end build materials and features. I needed to do my build on a very tight budget. I sourced materials from many different places. Amazon loves me for all my purchases,” Osgood says.

No matter if you’re in your van full time or part time, the truth remains: everybody poops.

“In a van like mine you have to be innovative,” Osgood describes. “I have a bucket potty lined with a trash bag and an absorbent lining. These can be disposed of in most dumpsters.”

Along with using the bathroom, hygiene can be a hurdle when it comes to van life. Because Prichard’s van is equipped with a hot shower, he can easily clean up while out on the road. For those who don’t have a shower in their van, he recommends utilizing a gym shower.

When it comes to cooking, Prichard doesn’t need to leave the comfort of his vehicle. Using his in-van stove and oven, he opts for healthy and easy meals by only buying what he needs for the week.

On the other hand, Osgood relies on a foldable table and a tote

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SUMMER DESTINATIONS Recommendation from Rachel Osgood: “I spend a lot of camping time up in Poudre Canyon. There are many dispersed sites and miles of beautiful country.”

Recommendations from DM Vans: • San Juans (Telluride, Ouray, Million Dollar Highway) • Buena Vista, Twin Lakes, Leadville • Red Sandstone, Vail • Independence Pass, Aspen • 18 Road, Fruita • Heart Lake, Dotsero • Buffalo Pass, Steamboat Springs

filled with cooking essentials. Her van is also equipped with an electric cooler, completing her minimalist kitchen setup.

Just as van life looks different from decade to decade, it looks different from person to person. Maybe your van is your home and you enjoy cooking hot meals on your built-in stove. Or maybe you’re a “DIY” weekend warrior who chops vegetables on your portable table. Nomadic living thrives in many forms in Colorado’s outdoor-centric culture. From the manufacturers creating custom vans to the people driving them, campervans are a canvas for folks to paint their own version of freedom and adventure.

Malena Larsen is a writer and Minnesota-to-Colorado transplant. Her favorite subjects to write about are craft beer, outdoor adventures, and any topic where she gets to learn something new. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, taking photos of mountain goats, and checking out breweries with her pals.

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REAL MEN, REEL THERAPY

Improving mental health with each cast

By Kyle Kirves

I

n “A River Runs Through It,” perhaps the greatest novella ever written about fly-fishing, Norman Maclean, writing of his Presbyterian pastor father, says, “To him, all good things - trout as well as eternal salvation came by grace; and grace comes by art; and art does not come easy.”

Substitute the phrase “mental health” for “eternal salvation” and you might be close to a succinct statement of the rationale behind Fishing the Good Fight. The non-profit headquartered in Colorado aims to bring men to better, more fulfilling lives through a thoughtful blend of flyfishing and therapeutic sessions.

The group, founded in 2019 by Jennings Hester, seeks to aid the growing number of men combating anxiety, depression, isolation, and other conditions that affect their lives and the lives of those around them. Many of these men have no idea how to ask for help – or worse, see asking for help as a sign of weakness. The sense of community and the therapeutic aspect of nature itself intrinsic to fly-fishing helps break down those preconceptions.

“We provide a very unique opportunity for men to really open up at our retreats and tell their stories and share their experiences in really vulnerable ways,” says Jim Flint, executive director of Fishing the Good Fight. “It goes a long way to helping men feel not so alone in getting help,” he says. “At our retreats, you can see the profound impact not just of men opening up about their struggles, but the listening that happens too. Everyone arrives at a feeling that we’re all in this together. Those are really powerful moments, and they’re what drive us in doing what we do.”

Indeed, certain studies produce some alarming statistics. Nearly one out of every eight men – approximately 20 million Americans – report having experienced or are experiencing mental health struggles. And even though the suicide rate for men is three times higher than women, women therapy seekers outnumber men three-to-one. You don’t need a calculator to figure out the situation is out of balance. Fishing the Good Fight seeks to remedy that with activities that already appeal to men – fishing with a friend, being outdoors and getting deep.

Scary concepts for some men? You bet. Thankfully, men’s mental health seems to be enjoying something of a rare spotlight moment, too.

In ways that have historically been attributed to other aspects of fitness like hitting the gym or being a rec league athlete, therapy and opening up seem to be catching on. While quick to say that he himself is not a mental health expert (he leaves that to the members of Fishing the Good Fight’s board who are), Flint credits two things with the sudden awareness put on men’s mental health.

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Photo courtesy of Cerberus Brewery

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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Photos courtesy of Fishing the Good Fight

“A lot of professional athletes, strong role models, and other celebrities have come forward with their stories of struggle. I think that has helped men see themselves in those people. I also think COVID created, by necessity, a lot more resources out there around things like telehealth and virtual therapy,” Flint says.

Fishing the Good Fight’s appeal does rest in its decidedly nonvirtual experience. “There’s also a lot of research around just simply exposing ourselves to the natural world and then being on the river and watching the water flow and and what that does for our senses for calming the mind,” Flint says. Anyone who’s been casting in local waters can understand that – it’s a mindfulness practice that lends itself to right here, right now thinking.

Fishing the Good Fight’s retreats are core to their mission.

Several times a year, FtGF hosts what they call “epic fly-fishing adventures.” Yes, you will grow your skills as a fisherman and have a great time on the water. But more important than the catch that goes back in the water are the life skills and connections that you will take with you. You’ll learn to recognize toxic thinking patterns and warning signs of mental distress and how to cope with those symptoms even while you’re learning to read water for trout dens.

It is a journey of discovery that, like the water itself, is about more than just the reflection of life on the surface. It’s about the currents and the trends underneath. As you can tell, fly-fishing is a profound metaphor for self-discovery and enlightenment.

All of this perhaps contributes to the appeal of Fishing the Good Fight. Unlike other therapies, there’s something to be said for a fly-fishing retreat to settings of pristine beauty and the welcome respite at day’s end of being in a lodge-like setting. With Fishing the Good Fight’s retreats, these outings become even more meaningful.

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Don’t worry if you don’t know a reel seat from a line guide, or a Royal Coachman from a Wooly Bugger. Flint explains that the retreats welcome fly-fishers of all skill levels – from beginner all the way up to accomplished anglers.

“Pardon the pun, but we use fishing to hook guys on the programs,” Flynt says. “We provide an extremely high-quality experience whether they are brand new to the sport or experienced. They will improve their skills and their health as great outcomes of all of our programs.”

With apologies to Norman Maclean, trout, as well as mental health, come by grace, and grace comes by heart, and taking heart just got a little easier.

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences.

Fishing the Good Fight is a Denver-based non-profit supported by a small staff, a board of directors, and committed volunteers. For more information about retreats, weekly discussion sessions, and other programs offered by the group, find them at fishingthegoodfight.org. Financial assistance in the form of scholarships for those who qualify is available.

If you or someone you know is affected by mental health disorders and is ideating on suicide, contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners, or simply dial 988 to speak with someone today.

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Get ready for

COMEDY CHAOS...

in the funniest play ever written

By Michael Frayn, directed by Geoffrey Kent

March 22 - May 5

Supported by: Diana and Mike Kinsey

Tickets at ArvadaCenter.org

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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TRAVELING FOR TAPAS Small bites are among the hottest food trends. Here are great places to sample tapas around the state.

By Kristen Richard

W

e’ve all been there. You sit down at a restaurant, order what you think is the perfect dish, and then look upon your fellow diner’s order with pure envy for the rest of the meal. That's where tapas come in, a small plate Spanish staple that is meant to be shared. Even all the way out here in Colorado where chefs from Boulder to Grand Junction are putting their creative spin on these dishes. Here are some of our favorite tapas spots throughout the Centennial State.

BÉSAME 818 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs “It was a real risk opening up a concept like Bésame,” says Hannah Hopkins, chef at Bésame. “But I felt very passionate that this is what Steamboat needed, something out of the box and different. Everyone else was like, ‘we’ll give her a year.’”

Then, not long after opening, “I was lucky enough to have a James Beard representative come into the restaurant and really enjoy the food he was eating,” Hopkins says. “And he invited us to cook at the James Beard House in Manhattan, which took Bésame to the next level.” After six years, this Latin-Asian fusion restaurant, which is heavily influenced by the travels and careers of Hopkins and executive chef Joe Campbell, is still going strong.

One of the most popular tapas dishes on the menu is the pork dumplings made with charred pineapple.

“We’ve taken Asian dumplings but we’ve added Latin flavors to it to come up with a really fun, cool dish,” Hopkins says.

There’s also the ancho chili duck wings, made with bitter orange pureé, jalapeño and radish. As for drinks, Bésame has an extensive cocktail selection, with a fan favorite being the tipsy carrot, Hopkins says. It’s made with fresh-pressed carrot juice, suerte tequila, lime, hellfire bitters, fresno chili syrup and cilantro.

“Basically, it’s a sweet carrot margarita,” she says.

But don’t forget dessert.

“I think the one Chef Campbell is most proud of is the choco taco,” Hopkins says. “It’s a homemade waffle cone shell with chocolate mousse, caramel chantilly cream and more.” besamesteamboat.com

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Photo courtesy of Bésame

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ULTREIA 1701 Wynkoop St., #125, Denver “Ultreia is both a name of a Spanish wine made by winemaker Raúl Pérez and a Latin word that means that your journey is worth it,” says Jennifer Jasinski, chef and owner of Ultreia.

This Union Station eatery offers a wide array of tapas, from bacon-wrapped dates to tinned fish.

“I let the chefs have fun with the menu,” Jasinski says. “We have classical dishes and fun ones. We also keep the menu seasonal.”

Customer favorites include the octopus a la plancha and the setas mushrooms, made with king trumpets and black garlic aioli. The eatery also makes its own pan de cristal (bread), which has also become a fan favorite.

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m.

Monday-Friday, with wine, cocktail and beer options for under $8, and a charcuterie board for under $11, along with a wide variety of other tapas. ultreiadenver.com Photo courtesy of Gemini

GEMINI 1115 Pearl St., Boulder Opened in 2021, Gemini is the brain child of Michael Mehiel, his brother-in-law Brian Peirce, and their wives Catherine Mehiel and Elizabeth Neckes, who also happen to be twin sisters.

“Hence the name Gemini,” says Michael Mehiel.

After signing the lease for the new space, “Pierce spent time in Barcelona and San Sebastian [Spain], eating, checking out the menus, and just seeing how the places looked, smelled and sounded,” says Michael Mehiel. “And those experiences are the fundamental elements of our menu. There’s also French classical and new American touches as well.”

Seasonality and sourcing locally when possible are also at the forefront of Gemini’s menu. Some of their top tapas dishes include patatas bravas, which are crispy potatoes topped with salsa brava and garlic aioli; meatballs; champiñones made with seared mushrooms, garlic, charred scallions, and egg yolk; and octopus a la plancha, which is served with fingerling potatoes and grilled red onion.

As far as beverages go, Gemini serves mostly organic and biodynamically produced wines from Spain, Portugal, California, Oregon and Washington. They also have plenty of cocktails including the Twins Made Me Do It, made with coriander-infused vodka, chartreuse and other ingredients. geminiboulder.com

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BIN 707 FOODBAR 225 N. 5th St., #105, Grand Junction “We opened in our current location in February 2011, which was in the middle of the recession that really affected the Grand Valley,” says Josh Niernberg, chef and owner of Bin 707 Foodbar.

“We saw an opportunity to do something in the restaurant space that I hadn’t seen before, which was to be a completely locally and regionally sourced restaurant. And by doing that we’d be showcasing all that Colorado, an agricultural hotbed, had to offer.

As well as supporting local business and providing people with hospitality jobs.”

They’ve since expanded the concept to be more regional.

Their tapas selection includes ruby red trout rillette, beet tartare, charcuterie and other offerings. But their menu is always rotating.

“We strive to play with foods and create dishes that are approachable, craveable, and not going to be found on every corner,” Niernberg says. “You shouldn’t need to participate in a 10-course tasting menu to try dishes like these.”

Their cocktail program is also homegrown.

“We’re right at the beginning of what I think is going to be the future of our cocktail program here,” Niernberg says. “As it is, we use all the local fruits. For instance we use a ton of plum, particularly elephant heart plum, in a wide variety of drinks. We are also starting to use cactus liquors with cacti that are grown in Colorado.” bin707.com

Kristen Richard is a drink and food freelance writer based in Denver. Her fascination with beverage history and the science of drinks act as a guiding force in her work. When she’s not traveling down rabbit holes of random esoteric booze knowledge, you can usually find her camping, hiking, hanging with her dog, reading or rocking out to metal bands.

EVENTS GUIDE MARCH OPERA COLORADO: “THE FLYING DUTCHMAN,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, through Mar 3 “RUBICON,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, through Mar 10 528.0: REGIONAL JURIED PRINTMAKING EXHIBITION, Arvada Center, through Mar 24 ARTIST PROOF: PRINT PROCESS AT OEHME GRAPHICS, Arvada Center, through Mar 24 “THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, through Mar 31 “NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812,” Arvada Center, through Mar 31 SPACE EXPLORERS: THE INFINITE, Stanley Marketplace, through May 5 “A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD,” Arvada Center, through May 17 MARCIA BALL, CJ CHENIER AND THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge, Mar 1 LE YOUTH, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 1 WINTERWONDERGRASS, Steamboat Springs, Mar 1-3 DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK, various locations, Mar 1-10 LATIN SOUNDS FROM LEGENDARY ARTISTS, Arvada Center, Mar 2 BILLY IDOL, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 2 ELECTRIC AVENUE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 2 MARCIA BALL, CJ CHENIER AND THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND, Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 2 MY ONE AND ONLY (MA ELI GHAYRO), Newman Center, Denver, Mar 2 COLORADO SYMPHONY: “THE WIZARD OF OZ” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Mar 2-3 THE SPIRITUALS PROJECT WINTER CONCERT, Newman Center, Denver, Mar 3 MALEVO, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 3 NICK SWARDSON, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 3 SIERRY FERRELL, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 4 AMY GRANT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 5 THE MET: LIVE IN HD - BIZET'S “CARMEN,” Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Mar 5 ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET PRESENTS GRUPO CORPO, Aspen District Theatre, Mar 5 BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL, Stargazers Theatre & Event Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 5-7 “HAIRSPRAY,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Mar 5-10 JEFF DUNHAM, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Mar 7

Photo courtesy of the Arvada Center

PRINTMAKING EXHIBITION "On and On #117" by Taiko Chandler is part of the 528.0 Regional Juried Printmaking Exhibition, which is open through March 24 at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. On March 16, the center hosts Print Jam, a free BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL, Ute Mountaineer, Aspen, Mar 7 LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS CLASSICAL MIX, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 7 ISIDORE STRING QUARTET, Harris Concert Hall, Aspen, Mar 7 THAT 1 GUY, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 7 SAVOR 17 RESTAURANT WEEK, Mar 7-16, Gillette, WY CHANGEMAKER SERIES: 4 DECADES THROUGH THE LENS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 8 BLACKBERRY SMOKE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 8 THE SPONGES, 10 Mile Music Hall, Frisco, Mar 8 COMEDY NIGHT WITH JOSH BLUE, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 8 HUSBANDS, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 8 UMPHREY’S MCGEE, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 8-10 TROUPE VERTIGO: ESPANA!, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 8-9 JEFF DUNHAM, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Mar 8-9 JURASSIC QUEST, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Mar 8-10 MONTE VISTA CRANE FESTIVAL, Mar 8-10 COLORADO SYMPHONY: STRAVINSKY'S THE FIREBIRD WITH CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Mar 8-10

event with hands-on opportunities to explore and try printmaking techniques, with demonstrations from 12 local artists. The Arvada Center also hosts "Noises Off" and a variety of concerts, exhibits and art workshops this spring. arvadacenter.org “THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG,” Roe Green Theatre, Boulder, Mar 8-17 COLORADO BALLET’S “COPPÉLIA,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, March 8-17 CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 9 HUSBANDS, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 9 THE ROCKET SUMMER, Moxi Theater, Greeley, Mar 9 SPECIAL EFX WITH CHIELI MINUCCI AND KAREN BRIGGS, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 9 DENA BLIZZARD, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Mar 9 OKAREKA: MANA WAHINE, Newman Center, Denver, Mar 10 ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 10 BENISE: FIESTA!, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Mar 10 HERMANOS DE LECHE, Boulder Theater, Mar 10 HERITAGE IRISH STEPANCERS PRESENT “AILISH IN WONDERLAND,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 10 JURASSIC QUEST, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Mar 10 TAKÁCS QUARTET, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, Mar 10-18 GROUPLOVE, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 12 HOCKEY DAD, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 12

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Photo courtesy of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

PAINT. SIP. SAFARI. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo continues its Paint. Sip. Safari. evenings in March and April for patrons 21 and up, with adult drinks, zoo strolls and a chance to PAINT. SIP. SAFARI., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Mar 12 PENN & TELLER, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 12 THE MET: LIVE IN HD - VERDI'S “LA FORZA DEL DESTINO” Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Mar 12 THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS JOURNEY’S “ESCAPE,” Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Mar 12 FLOGGING MOLLY, Boulder Theater, Mar 12 MAGIC HUNKS, Moxi Theater, Greeley, Mar 12 COLORADO SYMPHONY: DYAO SIDE-BY-SIDE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Mar 13 THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PERFORMS PINK FLOYD’S “THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 13 HOCKEY DAD AND MIND’S EYE, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Mar 13 G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 13 BLACKHAWK, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Mar 13 A NIGHT OF STAND UP, Boulder Theater, Mar 13 CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: “CRYSTAL,” Ball Arena, Denver, Mar 13-16

Email your upcoming event listings to joe@thirstcolorado.com. And check venue and event websites for updates.

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create a painting of a zoo animal. Paint a ring-tailed lemur on March 12 or 20, or a leopard or tokay gecko on April 9 or 24. Advance registration is required. cmzoo.org CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: DIRE STRAITS’ “BROTHERS IN ARMS,” Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 14 OMNIUM CIRCUS, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Mar 14 THE SUITS, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Mar 14 FLIPTURN WITH TRASH PANDA, Boulder Theater, Mar 14 IMAR, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 14 LUNASA, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge, Mar 14 DOOM FLAMINGO, 10 Mile Music Hall, Frisco, Mar 14 “THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Mar 14-16 “SHREK: THE MUSICAL,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Mar 14-17 LUNASA, Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 15 BAILEN, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 15 NICOTINE DOLLS, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Mar 15 LOUIS THE CHILD, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 15 AKROPOLIS REED QUINTET, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 15 G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 15 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: DIRE STRAITS’ “BROTHERS IN ARMS,” Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 15 THE BROOK & THE BLUFF, Boulder Theater, Mar 15 EXHIBITION TOUR WITH MASTER PRINTER SUE OEHME, Arvada Center, Mar 15

MARY-MITCHELL CAMPBELL AND THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Mar 15-16 SHEN YUN, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 15-17 DENVER MARCH POWWOW, Denver Coliseum, Mar 15-17 COLORADO ANIME FEST, Denver Marriott Tech Center, Denver, March 15-17 “TITANIC: THE MUSICAL,” Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Mar 15-17 FROZEN DEAD GUY DAYS, Estes Park, Mar 15-17 BODY MIND SPIRITS FESTIVAL, Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center, Mar 15-17 AGATHA CHRISTIE’S “THE UNEXPECTED GUEST,” Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Mar 15-24 2024 FLY FISHING FILM TOUR, Ouray County Events Center & Fairgrounds, Ridgway, Mar 16 G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 16 PRINT JAM, Arvada Center, Mar 15 THE BROOK & THE BLUFF, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 16 ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 16 MOE., Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 16 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: DIRE STRAITS’ “BROTHERS IN ARMS,” Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Mar 16 COLORADO SYMPHONY: PETER AND THE WOLF & THE YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Mar 17 DAWES & LUCIUS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 17 THE STUBBY SHILLELAGHS, Moxi Theater, Greeley, Mar 17 TRASH PANDA, 10 Mile Music Hall, Frisco, Mar 17 FLIPTURN, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 17 MOONLIGHT RACE SERIES, Sunlight Mountain Resort, Glenwood Springs, Mar 17 MADONNA, Ball Arena, Denver, Mar 19 RAY CHEN, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 19 PRÓXIMA PARADA, 10 Mile Music Hall, Frisco, Mar 19 MOE., Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 19 PAINT. SIP. SAFARI., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Mar 20 MIKE MAINS & THE BRANCHES, Moxi Theater, Greeley, Mar 20 SPHINX VIRTUOSI, Newman Center, Denver, Mar 20 SIR CHLOE, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 20 MADI DIAZ, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 20 YEFIM BRONFMAN, Harris Concert Hall, Aspen, Mar 21 “COME FROM AWAY,” Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Mar 21 SPUNJ, the Basement at Oskar Blues Colorado Springs, Mar 21

TOMMYINNIT, Boulder Theater, Mar 21 MOE., 10 Mile Music Hall, Frisco, Mar 21-22 PHAMALY THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS “MISS HOLMES,” Northglenn Arts, Mar 21-Apr 7 2024 FLY FISHING FILM TOUR, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge, Mar 22 “ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG,” Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Mar 22 VANDELUX, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 22 BODYTRAFFIC: BOLERO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 22 “COME FROM AWAY,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Mar 22-24 LAMP, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 22 DENVER HOME SHOW, National Western Complex, Mar 22-24 COLORADO SYMPHONY: MOZART’S REQUIEM, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Mar 22-24 “THE MUSIC MAN,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 22-Apr 7 “NOISES OFF,” Arvada Center, Mar 22-May 5 DENVER RAMEN FESTIVAL, Stockyards Event Center, Mar 23 JUMP: AMERICA’S VAN HALEN EXPERIENCE, Moxi Theater, Greeley, Mar 23 MIKE BIRBIGLIA, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Mar 23 SACRAMENTUM, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 23 BODYTRAFFIC, Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 24 TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Mar 26 GLASS BEACH, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Mar 26 MIKE BIRBIGLIA, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 27 MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE, Belly Up, Aspen, Mar 27 TIGRAN HAMASYAN, Boulder Theater, Mar 27 TRAILBLAZING WOMEN OF COUNTRY: A TRIBUTE TO PATSY, LORETTA, AND DOLLY, Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 28 2024 FLY FISHING FILM TOUR, Oriental Theater, Denver, Mar 28 MIKE BIRBIGLIA, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Mar 28 FIREFALL, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 28 LOW CUT CONNIE, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Mar 28 SAXSQUATCH, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 28 2024 FLY FISHING FILM TOUR, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Mar 29 LOS ANGELES AZULES, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Mar 29 SPYRO GYRO, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge, Mar 29 BIG FOOT RAVE, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Mar 29 BRAD MEHLDAU, Boulder Theater, Mar 29 BOOT TAN FEST, Sunlight Mountain Resort, Glenwood Springs, Mar 29 MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Mar 29

Photo courtesy of Taste of Vail

TASTE OF VAIL The Taste of Vail comes to various venues in and around the ski town April 3 to 6. The event spotlights chefs and wineries around Vail Valley and ILUMINATE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 29 BIRDTALKER, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 29 MIKE BIRBIGLIA, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Mar 29-30 DURANGO CELTIC FESTIVAL, Community Concert Hall, Durango Mar 29-31 THE PETTY NICKS EXPERIENCE, Rialto Theater, Loveland, Mar 30 ENSEMBLE MÉLANGE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 30 SPYRO GYRA, Boulder Theater, Mar 30 BEAR HAT AND RIVER SPELL, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Mar 30 COLLABORATION BEER FEST, Westin Westminster, Mar 30 BOOGIE T, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Mar 30 2024 FLY FISHING FILM TOUR, Boulder Theater, Mar 31 BIGFOOT RAVE, 10 Mile Music Hall, Frisco, Mar 31

APRIL QUEENSRYCHE, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Apr 2 FOO FIGHTERS, Empower Field, Denver, Apr 3 ELEPHANT REVIVAL WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Apr 3 TASTE OF VAIL, various venues, Apr 3-6 TIM MCGRAW, Ball Arena, Denver, Apr 4

across Colorado. The festival includes wine debuts, seminars, wine dinners and food and drink tastings around town and on a mountaintop. tasteofvail.com THE NATIONAL PARKS, Belly Up, Aspen, Apr 4 DENVER AUTO SHOW, Colorado Convention Center, Apr 4-7 ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL WITH THE CU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Apr 5 KYLE WATSON, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Apr 5 THE NATIONAL PARKS, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Apr 5 NATHANIEL RATELIFF: A NIGHT OF LEONARD COHEN WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Apr 5-6 DOM DOLLA, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 5-6 "EMMA" Buell Theatre, Denver, Apr 5-May 5 THE PERONDI STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Apr 6 ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAIN SHOW, National Western Complex, Denver, Apr 6 KOO KOO, Meow Wolf Denver, Apr 6 CODY’S CHALLENGE, Steamboat Ski Resort, Steamboat Springs, Apr 6 THE NATIONAL PARKS, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Apr 6 JOHN SCOFIELD TRIO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Apr 6 TWRP, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Apr 6 BIG INK PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP, Arvada Center, Apr 6-7 ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAIN SHOW, National Western Complex, Denver, Apr 6-7 MATT RIFE, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Apr 7 TWRP, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Apr 7

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PETER FRAMPTON, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Apr 7 LED ZEPPELIN 2, Moxi Theater, Greeley, Apr 7 URBAN BUSH WOMEN, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Apr 9 PAINT. SIP. SAFARI., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Apr 9 TOTO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Apr 9 CHAPPELL ROAN, Boulder Theater, Apr 8 JERUSALEM QUARTET, Newman Center, Denver, Apr 10 KATIE PRUITT, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Apr 10 “MJ,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Apr 10-28 NEIGHBOR, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Apr 11 CZECH IT OUT, Lakewood Cultural Center, Apr 11 “THE CURRENT” DANCE WORKS, Roe Green Theatre, Boulder, Apr 11-14 “MOUSETRAP,” Lone Tree Arts Center, Apr 11-21 THEN & NOW: REEL MUSIC - FILM MUSIC CONCERT, Timberline Church Auditorium, Fort Collins, Apr 12 WILLOW PILL, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Apr 12 ELDERBROOK, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 12 COLORADO SYMPHONY: MAHLER’S SYMPHONY NO. 3 WITH PETER OUNDJIAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Apr 12-14 COLORADO BALLET MASTERWORKS, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Apr 12-21

KATIE PRUITT, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Apr 13 THE GOSPEL SIDE OF ELVIS, Lakewood Cultural Center, Apr 13 WAKAAN ROCKS, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 13 CARDBOARD CLASSIC, Steamboat Square, Steamboat Springs, Apr 13 LET’S SING TAYLOR, Boulder Theater, Apr 14 COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS HITMAKERS OF THE 60S AND 70S, Lakewood Cultural Center, Apr 14 SPLASHDOWN POND SKIM, Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs, Apr 14 KBONG & JOHNNY COSMIC, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Apr 16 BOYWITHUKE, Boulder Theater, Apr 16 SLAUGHTER BEACH, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Apr 17 JUNGLE, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 17 FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA, Lakewood Cultural Center, Apr 18 UNC GREELEY JAZZ FESTIVAL, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Apr 18-20 TAKT TRIO, Newman Center, Denver, Apr 19 CORB LUND, Moxi Theater, Greeley, Apr 19 SHADOWGRASS, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Apr 19 ICE CUBE, THE GAME, BONE THUGS-NHARMONY, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 19 PINK MARTINI WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Apr 19

DURANGO BLUEGRASS MELTDOWN, various venues, Apr 19-21 “WHERE DID WE SIT ON THE BUS,” Singleton Theatre, Denver, Apr 19-Jun 2 “SLEEPING BEAUTY” (CANYON CONCERT BALLET), Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Apr 19-21 ROCKY MOUNTAIN REPRAP FESTIVAL, The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, Apr 20 WIZ KHALIFA & FLATBUSH ZOMBIES, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 20 DEAD POET SOCIETY, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Apr 20 BLUEBIRD MUSIC FESTIVAL, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Apr 20-21 DYAO PRESENTS: ‘TIS A HUMAN THING, LOVE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Apr 21 KEY GLOCK, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 21 HUMOR FOR BOOMERS (AND GEN XERS), Lakewood Cultural Center, Apr 21 MIKU EXPO, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Apr 22 AMON AMARTH, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 22 SAINT MOTEL, Boulder Theater, Apr 23 NO VACATION, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Apr 23 HEILUNG, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 23 MOVEMENTS, Boulder Theater, Apr 24 PALACE, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Apr 24 PAINT. SIP. SAFARI., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Apr 24

Exploring Wyoming’s Campbell County From Bison and Old West charm to stunning scenery, this northeast region of Wyoming is a crowd-pleaser

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SESSANTA (PRIMUS, PUSCIFER, A PERFECT CIRCLE), Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 25-26 WILD PARTY AND FOX ROYALE, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Apr 26 FACE VOCAL BAND, Rialto Theater, Loveland, Apr 26 COLORADO SYMPHONY: RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Apr 26-28 JOSE GONZALEZ, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Apr 26 SOUTHERN COLORADO ROCK & MINERAL SHOW, Pathfinder Park, Florence, Apr 26 CAROLINE ROSE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Apr 26 DURANGO WINE EXPERIENCE, various venues, Apr 26-27 BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL, The Hall, Fort Morgan, Apr 26-28 MOUNTAIN PLOVER FESTIVAL, Karval, Apr 26-28 “ANNIE,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Apr 26-28 SPRING ROMANCE WITH VIOLINIST FRANCISCO Fullana, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Apr 27

AVERY*SUNSHINE, Lone Tree Arts Center, Apr 27 SUBLIME WITH ROME, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 27 CAROLINE ROSE, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Apr 27 GREELEY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Apr 27 BALLET ARIEL’S SILVER ANNIVERSARY DANCE COLLECTION, Lakewood Cultural Center, Apr 27-28 SULLIVAN KING, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Apr 28 THE STRUMBELLAS, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Apr 28 HOT MULLIGAN, Boulder Theater, Apr 29 AUGUSTANA, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Apr 29 COLORADO SYMPHONY MINI MÚSICA, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Apr 30

MAY TWO FRIENDS, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, May 1

“BLUEY’S BIG PLAY,” Buell Theatre, Denver, May 11-12 TITO PUENTE, JR., Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, May 12 MAD CADDIES, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, May 15 GABRIEL IGLESIAS, Ball Arena, Denver, May 18 GREELEY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, May 18 THE CJRO PRESENTS “SWING, SWING, SWING: BENNY AND BEYOND,” Arvada Center, May 18 RICK SPRINGFIELD, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, May 19 MELANIE MARTINEZ, Ball Arena, Denver, May 21 PAINT. SIP. SAFARI., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, May 22 CEDRIC BURNSIDE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 30 LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lakewood Cultural Center, May 30

CLUTCH, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, May 1 TREVOR NOAH, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, May 2 “THE CHER SHOW,” Buell Theatre, Denver, May 3-5 “THE LEHMAN TRILOGY,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, May 3-Jun 2 THE SPILL CANVAS AND ACE ENDERS, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, May 4 OPERA COLORADO: “SAMSON AND DELILAH,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, May 4-12 CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE WITH BOULDER PHIL, Lone Tree Arts Center, May 5 PAINT. SIP. SAFARI., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, May 7 ALVVAYS, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 9 DOUBLE LEGENDS, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, May 10 LONE TREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS VIVA L'ITALIA!, Lone Tree Arts Center, May 10 TITO PUENTE, JR., Lone Tree Arts Center, May 11

3 DAY ITINERARY Rolling hills, sagebrush-covered plains, stunning blue skies, and historic Western towns can all be found in Campbell County, which rambles across the northeast corner of Wyoming. Gillette and Wright are the county’s largest communities. Together they are considered the capitals of the Powder River Basin, which lies between the Big Horns and the Black Hills.

DAY 1

Take a guided tour of Downtown Gillette and learn about the city’s Old West past.

DAY 2

DAY 3

See spectacular machines working at the Eagle Butte Mine.

The Frontier Auto Museum and Relics Store is filled with great artifacts.

VISIT GILLETTE

307-686-0040 • visitgillettewright.com 314 S. Gillette Ave., Gillette, WY 82718

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PREP YOUR PUP FOR THE PATIO SCENE

By Kristen Richard

I

n many Colorado cities and towns it seems the places you can’t bring your dog are the anomaly. Which is wonderful, as nothing quite beats relaxing on a restaurant patio, beer in-hand while enjoying quality time with your dog on a warm summer afternoon.

“Colorado is a very dog-friendly state,” says Dion Studinski, owner and trainer of Ancillary K9 Dog Training in Denver. “But the challenge with that is the laws surrounding dogs in public are very relaxed. What that translates to is a lot of dogs in public settings that have no business being there and owners who don’t think their dog needs any training.”

Amber Quann, CEO and head trainer of Summit Dog Training in Fort Collins, echoes this sentiment. “I think it’s great there are so many dog-friendly spaces. But a big part of ensuring Colorado is dog-friendly well into the future is making sure that we’re making the best decisions for our individual dog now.”

Of course, dogs, like humans, are sentient beings with minds of their own. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your pup is patio-ready this summer. Here’s what to keep in mind so that you, your dog, and the general public can all enjoy dogfriendly spaces.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Before the brewery, “they should be succeeding in pretty much all other social situations,” says Scott Ross, behavior trainer and founder of Chill Out Dog Training in Denver. For instance, he notes, they should do well with people coming to your home and walking by other dogs in the neighborhood.

Ted Terroux, owner, founder, instructor, trainer and advisor at Terroux Dog Training, based in Lakewood, echoes this sentiment.

“The biggest mistake people make when it comes to dogs in public is not proactively teaching them how to behave,” Terroux says. “This begins in your home and yard. For instance, if your dog is allowed to react to others through fence lines or windows, that behavior is likely going to replicate itself everywhere.”

To many, it may seem easy to write off certain behaviors as simply annoying or endearing quirks of your otherwise lovable canine. But as Studinski emphasizes, when it comes to dog bites, it can turn into a very serious matter. He’s had clients who have almost lost their dogs, been sued, embroiled in lengthy legal battles, ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, and suffered immense emotional distress. Not to mention, the injuries sustained can be quite serious.

In other words, Fido’s silly little quirks could upend your whole life in a matter of seconds.

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KEY BEHAVIORS, COMMANDS, AND WHERE TO PRACTICE According to Studinski, one of the most important traits your dog should exhibit is being neutral towards fellow canines and other passersby.

“When I ask my clients if their dogs are neutral to others they often say something like ‘oh yes, they are very friendly and run up to them wanting to play.’ That’s not neutral. That’s overbearing and invasive. You would never run up to a random stranger and hug them. Not all dogs want to play.”

Quann agrees. “They also need to be able to relax in public spaces. Barking and even loud whining can be disruptive in breweries. A goal for dogs is that they’re able to sit or lie down quietly by the table and spend time with their humans rather than seeking to engage with everyone in the brewery. I also want them to have a level of confidence that allows them to enjoy the environment rather than be afraid.”

Along with some general behaviors, there are some skills your dog should possess.

“Your dog should be able to hold a ‘sit’ or ‘down’ so they can be out of the way and not tripping anyone,” Ross says.

Additionally, Terroux and Quann note it’s good to teach a dog “place” so they are safely out of the way. You can practice at home with a mat or blanket.

“Dogs should be calm and be under control even on a loose leash,” says Terroux. Indeed, you might find yourself with a beer or two in hand while walking your dog back to the table. And “you never know what you’re going to encounter,” says Quann.

“The dog that’s already dragging their human is going to be set up to jump on a stranger or steal a hamburger off someone’s plate.” Furthermore, Terroux suggests practicing food control at home, so if the perfect moment to steal a Bavarian pretzel arises, your dog won’t take it.

Timing is also key. That means working on these behaviors and commands on a crowded brewery patio is not the best way to start.

“When I am introducing a new dog to breweries, I am going to go at a quiet time,” says Quann, like 4 p.m. on a Wednesday.

“I choose my duration carefully as well. I might just get a taster and sit there for 15 or 30 minutes rather than a pint.

That way the dog has a positive experience and doesn’t get overwhelmed.”

As far as where to practice, your backyard, public park, or quiet local coffee shop patio are excellent locations.

Photo courtesy of Cerberus Brewing Company

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YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO HOME …

BUT YOU CAN’T STAY HERE

Photo courtesy of The Eddy Taproom & Hotel

Photo courtesy of Pub Dog Colorado

Certainly, no one reading this has ever been the over-served person at the bar who thinks they are the life of the party. We know the telltale signs: loud talking, swaying, picking fights, getting sick and the list goes on. Like your inebriated friend, dogs will also show signs it’s time to pack it up.

“If a dog’s hair is standing up or they are excessively whining or panting, I can tell they are stressed,” Studinski says .

Terroux notes that dogs might also avoid eye contact, hyper-fixate, attempt to use people or objects as shields, nudge, paw, growl, snarl and tremble, among other signs when they have had just about enough.

Additionally, it’s important to be in tune with and advocate for your dog so everyone can have a fun, safe experience.

“In the United States, we are very conditioned to say ‘yes’ when people ask to pet our dogs,” Quann says . “I often stumble over my words when I need to tell someone ‘No,’ but sometimes it’s the right answer. I often have folks say ‘no thank you. We’re working on training today.’”

While saying no and practicing commands can be tough, it’s vital to creating a positive environment for our canine counterparts and ensuring we have dog-friendly spaces for decades to come.

5 ESPECIALLY PUP-FRIENDLY PLACES

Photo courtesy of Cerberus Brewing Company

Before heading out, be sure to double check your destination’s website to make sure dogs are allowed. Following are a few welcoming locations.

Photo courtesy of The Eddy Taproom & Hotel

THE EDDY TAPROOM & HOTEL – GOLDEN If your pup is lucky enough to stay at the Eddy, check out the Sleepover Paw-ty package. With it comes a “barkcuterie board,” a bandana, a list of the area’s dog-friendly patios, and a portion of the fee goes toward Foothills Animal Shelter.

But you and your dog can enjoy the Eddy without the stay. For instance, check out their onsite food truck, which offers classic pub fare along with a “pup shake” for your dog. Their taproom has live music weekly and a rotating beer list.

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PUB DOG COLORADO – COLORADO SPRINGS Plenty of places have dog-friendly patios. But this Colorado Springs spot takes it a step further with their onsite off-leash dog park. This way your fourlegged friend can burn off some energy while you enjoy the pub’s hyper-local beer and wine selection. Along with a dog park Pub Dog also hosts “Friday breed meetups” so fellow St. Bernards, terriers, and a whole host of other likeminded canines can get together.

NEW BELGIUM BREWING COMPANY – FORT COLLINS New Belgium Brewing has several locations, but their Fort Collins mothership allows well-behaved leashed dogs both in and outside. With such a massive space, you’ll have plenty of room to step away from the action if it becomes too much for your pup. While there, enjoy New Belgium’s 1554 dark ale or the dozens of other brews on tap.

COAL MINE AVE BREWING COMPANY – LITTLETON Filled with toys, structures, and even small pools in the warmer months, your dog is sure to have a ball at Coal Mine Ave’s onsite dog park. Just be sure to visit their website and register your dog ahead of time. Humans, on the other hand, can enjoy a rotating selection of food trucks, flights, and bar snacks like soft pretzels.

CERBERUS BREWING COMPANY – COLORADO SPRINGS If you’re going to name your brewery after the three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the underworld, according to Greek Mythology, it better be dogfriendly. And Cerberus Brewing certainly is. According to 9News, it was the topranking Colorado location on Yelp’s Top 100 Dog-Friendly Places to Eat in 2023.

While your pup is relaxing by one of the fire pits on the patio, you can talk to the cicerone-certified staff about finding the perfect beer.

Kristen Richard is a drink and food freelance writer based in Denver. When she’s not traveling down rabbit holes of random esoteric booze knowledge, you can usually find her camping, hiking, hanging with her dog, reading or rocking out to metal bands.

Financial Clarity & Direction F R O M A T E A M YO U CA N T R U S T Osaic Institutions, Inc. located at Bellco Credit Union branches Convenient access to a variety of investment services located right at your local branch.

Colfax & I-225 • Havana & Mississippi 9th & Colorado Blvd. • Grand Junction • Clifton 303-367-9768 Michael Mullen, CFP®, CRPS®, CRPC® Executive Financial Advisor Osaic Institutions, Inc. mmullen.bcufinancial@bellco.org Justin Parks Financial Advisor Osaic Institutions, Inc. jparks.bcufinancial@bellco.org

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through OSAIC INSTITUTIONS, INC., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and Bellco Credit Union (“Bellco”) are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Osaic Institutions are not insured by the NCUA or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any credit union or credit union affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal. The past performance of any investment product should not be considered an indication of future results. Insurance products may be purchased from a producer of your choice without affecting your relationship with Bellco. Bellco has contracted with Osaic Institutions to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

..MARCHING FORWARD

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY MUSIC! March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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MUSIC AND CANNABIS OVER THE YEARS How beloved songs reflect on American culture and policy

By John Garvey

T

here’s no telling how momentous a role Bob Dylan played in shaping rock music simply by introducing the Beatles to weed in August of 1964, or to what extent Louis Armstrong’s frequent cannabis use enhanced his creativity. (A disclaimer: Weed won’t make you creative, or pinch hit for anything whatsoever.) But it is fair to say that the influence of cannabis on the last 100 years of American music is profound.

I’ve split marijuana-themed American music into 4 ½ eras, which provide a framework, I hope, that is both well-reasoned and fascinating. The intersection of cannabis and music is surprisingly relevant to our overall culture. Every one of the songs in the list below is culturally relevant, and many are treasures.

REEFER SONGS (1920s - EARLY 1940s)

ARTIST/SONG Louis Armstrong: Muggles YEAR 1928 LYRICS Instrumental RELEVANCE No discussion about cannabis and music would

be complete without a nod to the beloved Louis Armstrong. High Times reports that this instrumental track was “Armstrong’s most famous song about reefer.”

Muggles was a slang term for cannabis in the jazz community during the 1920s.

ARTIST/SONG Cab Calloway: Reefer Man YEAR 1932 LYRICS Have you ever met that funny reefer man,

RELEVANCE

Have you ever met that funny reefer man (reefer man!)

If he said he swam to China, and he sell you South Carolina Then you know you’re talkin’ to that reefer man One of the best known “reefer songs” of the early jazz era. Drugs were not as feared or vilified at the time compared to the second half of the 20th century.

ARTIST/SONG Stuff Smith: You’se a Viper, a.k.a., Reefer Song YEAR 1936 LYRICS I dreamed about a reefer of five feet long

That marijuana had a strong influence on jazz, the most uniquely American art form, is beyond dispute. Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Fats Waller, and many others in that cohort of great American musicians enjoyed weed.

Marijuana wasn’t that controversial until the mid- to late-1930s, and was openly referenced in music.

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RELEVANCE

A mighty mizz but not too strong You’d get high, but not for long If you’re a viper Viper was slang for toker (which I realize is itself an outdated term). This would not have been subtle at the time and appeared in many jazz lyrics and song titles.

INTERMISSION: THE LOW YEARS (1941 - 1964)

ARTIST/SONG Jimi Hendrix: Purple Haze YEAR1966 1967 LYRICS Excuse me while I kiss the sky (Not “kiss this guy,” but the

joke never gets old.)

RELEVANCE Purple Haze is one of the most celebrated “drug songs”

Marijuana-themed music and culture practically disappeared from public view during this period. Genres like bebop that emerged during this time were influenced by cannabis, but cannabis wasn’t top-of-mind. You don’t need to be a history professor to know that we were pretty focused on killing fascists and trying to get on with things.

VIETNAM WAR ERA COUNTERCULTURE (1964 - 1971)

The second era of American marijuana songs began around the time of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, escalating U.S. actions in Southeast Asia. It ended with the general dissolution of the hippie counterculture and the Nixon era. This era was marked by the emergence of psychedelics as “consciousness-expanding” recreational drugs. This led to increased musical experimentation and growth across folk, rock, soul and other genres. One of the most interesting things about this era is the nature of censorship by broadcasters and government bodies. Some songs, such as “Puff the Magic Dragon” and “Purple Haze” that are widely considered to be drug songs, were not about drugs.

ARTIST/SONG Bob Dylan: Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 YEAR 1966 LYRICS Everybody must get stoned RELEVANCE According to American Songwriter, “The song was

banned on many radio stations in both the States and abroad. … Despite the partial ban, it managed to reach #2 on the charts.”

ARTIST/SONG The Beatles: Got to Get You Into My Life YEAR 1966 LYRICS I was alone, I took a ride

I didn’t know what I would find there Another road where maybe I Could see another kind of mind there RELEVANCE Paul McCartney, who wrote this gem, made it explicit in interviews that this song was about his relationship with cannabis.

in history. But it probably wasn’t about drugs. NPR reports that: “Fans and critics have spent years trying to decipher the song’s meaning. Hendrix himself pointed to the one line at the end of the second verse: ‘Never happy or in misery / Whatever it is, that girl put a spell on me.’”

ARTIST/SONG Merle Haggard: Okie from Muskogee YEAR 1969 LYRICS We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee

We don’t take no trips on LSD We don’t burn our draft cards down on Main Street RELEVANCE This was not a pro-drug song or a protest song. In a way, it was an anti-counterculture song that brought about its own controversy. Country Music Project reports: “The song’s controversial elements led it to being banned from several radio stations that rejected its lyrics, but never stopped it from becoming a cultural touchstone for country music and arguably the biggest hit of Merle Haggard’s career.”

THE “UP YOURS” YEARS (1971 - 2002)

We mark the beginning of the “Up Yours” Era of cannabis-themed songs with the signing of the Controlled Substances Act in 1971.

Weed remained taboo, and legalization a fringe issue, through these three decades. But pot smokers mainly wanted to be left alone, not overthrow institutions.

ARTIST/SONG Peter Tosh: Legalize It YEAR 1976 LYRICS Doctors smoke it

Nurses smoke it Judges smoke it Even lawyer too So you’ve got to legalize it And, uh, don’t criticize it RELEVANCE As far as messages go, it was about as on-the-nose as they come, but the rhetoric was gentle. Too bad it didn’t stem the tide of drug war hysteria that continued for decades.

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ARTIST/SONG Rick James: Mary Jane YEAR 1978 LYRICS I’m in love with Mary Jane, I’m not the only one

If Mary wanna play around, I let her have her fun She’s not the kind of girl that you can just tie down She likes to spread her love and turn your head around RELEVANCE James’ delightful “Mary Jane” falls between the hippie counterculture era and the hip hop and grunge era.

So it helped carry the torch. A goofy ode to Mary Jane without the over-the-top “smoke weed every day” bullshit.

ARTIST/SONG Tom Petty: You Don’t Know How It Feels YEAR 1994 LYRICS Let’s get to the point

Let’s roll another joint And let’s head down the road There’s somewhere I gotta go RELEVANCE “The sentiment made the folks at MTV uneasy; but rather than ban the song’s video, they simply ran an edited version that played the word “joint” backwards.”

– Rolling Stone ARTIST/SONG Cypress Hill: Hits from the Bong YEAR 1994 LYRICS There’s water inside don’t spill it

It smells like sh*t on the carpet Still it Goes down smooth when I get a clean hit Of the skunky, phunky, smelly green sh*t RELEVANCE With hip hop and to a lesser extent grunge, weed references again grew more common in music.

ARTIST/SONG Dave Matthews Band: Jimi Thing YEAR 1996 LYRICS Lately I’ve been feeling low

Remedy is what I’m looking for cooking for So I take a taste of what’s below Come away …

If you could keep me floating just for a while ‘Till I get to the end of this tunnel mummy If you could keep floating jut for a while I’ll get back to you something better RELEVANCE This is a fact: no song ever written captures the essence of a great sativa high as well as “Jimi Thing.” As the man says, embodying the sentiment of the last prelegalization era, “I don’t care if you don’t like it.”

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THE “NOT EVEN TRYING TO HIDE IT” YEARS: (2002 - PRESENT)

The decade leading up to the voter-approved legalization of recreational cannabis in Colorado and Washington state in 2012 was marked by every kind of drama. Obvious examples include the Iraq War and the day-to-day casual hostility of emergent social media. For various reasons and to differing degrees, however, conservatives and liberals became less resistant/more favorable to drug policy reforms.

These reforms have dramatically accelerated the public’s acceptance of recreational and medical marijuana, which helped shape the policies of today.

ARTIST/SONG Toby Keith: Weed with Willie YEAR 2003 LYRICS I always heard that his herb was top shelf/

And I just could not wait to find out for myself RELEVANCE Marijuana was still naughty back in ‘03. When Keith

stepped out and played this, it was seen as ornery and many were delighted.

ARTIST/SONG Amy Winehouse: Addicted YEAR 2006 LYRICS When you smoke all my weed man

You gotta call the green man So I can get mine and you get yours RELEVANCE An entertaining cannabis etiquette callout delivered with soul.

ARTIST/SONG Billy Strings (feat. Willie Nelson): California Sober YEAR 2023 LYRICS Can’t stay out and party like I did back in the day/

So I’m California sober as they say RELEVANCE Going “California sober” means abstaining from alcohol

but not weed.

John Garvey is a storyteller, freelance writer, illustrator, and nerd. You can see more of his creative ventures at clippings.me/johngarvey and CreativeFollies.com.

CHARACTERS OF THE CRAFT Eric Robinson Pool table master mechanic / small business owner What is the hardest part of your job? Driving around the state or dealing with the constant nagging injuries. It’s a toss up.

Age: 54 How long have you worked at Sheridan Billiards? Since 1985 on and off (went to college, moved out of state, tried a desk job).

I accepted this as permanent in about 2003. My parents built and opened a pool hall in Southwest Denver (Sheridan Billiards). I was “voluntold” to work there. Throughout the life of the pool hall, we did billiard table service work and pool table sales as a secondary part of the business. I grew up working on pool tables. We sold the pool hall in 2005, so now we focus on mobile service work. We travel all over the seven-state Rocky Mountain Region. We now have a full-service warehouse/workshop where we specialize in pool table storage, restoration, refurbishing, and rebuilding pool tables, snooker tables, foosball tables, shuffleboard tables, and ping pong tables.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Twin 7-year-olds, a trophy wife, and two rottweilers. Hearing what hilarious things my son has to say. Hugs from my daughter and wife. The desire to see what adventures await me. The fixation/obsession to fix broken things and make things perfect again. And, if I don’t get out of bed, my back will hurt like hell from laying too long.

What’s one of your favorite hobbies? Poker. I play tournaments when I can find some spare time (not often anymore). I recently played several events in the Los Angeles Poker Classic.

What do you love about your job? I’m somewhere different every day. I’m responsible for the quality that is produced by us. I love taking an old or beat up pool table and making it play perfectly. I love that I am challenged every single day.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination?

Why? First choice: The Sand Dunes near Alamosa. The stars at night there are one of the craziest things I have seen in my life. You can just sit there and stare at the sky for hours at night. Second choice: Wakeboarding at Carter Lake on a calm day.

Ed Vaughn Chef/owner at nido restaurant Age: 57 What do you love about your job and what you create? I love the creative license to make what I want and experiment with new things. I also love the ingredients that I use-we have a strong focus on sourcing locally and we are lucky enough to be located right in the middle of Colorado’s wine country and organic food hub, the North Fork Valley.

What truly gets you out of bed in the morning? I love creating delicious food that makes people happy.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle of friends/colleagues wouldn’t know? I was nationally ranked, No. 10 in racquetball at age 18 and chose to go to college over becoming a pro (smartest move I ever made!). Then, shortly thereafter, I entered into the world of cooking.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination?

Why? Orvis Hot Springs. It takes the edge off of the stress that owning a restaurant causes. It’s a beautiful and sacred place where I can connect with my beautiful wife.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado?

Why? Mountain Oven Bakery in Paonia. I love the owners, employees, and the integrity of the ingredients they use … plus it’s absolutely delicious!

Rebecca Baum Owner/manager at the Pikes Peak Artist Collective Age: 34 What do you love about your job? I love supporting creative expression in others! Owning a small art school that does just that via the help of a team of teachers is extremely rewarding.

What is the hardest part of your job? Navigating selling and creating awareness of a new class offering to the local community.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Why wouldn’t I? What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? Honestly, I can’t think of anything. I’m a pretty open book.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination?

Why? Salida, I love the Arkansas River!

Tubing and swimming in it. The town is so cute with some great shops and restaurants and central to a lot of outdoor hiking and activities. It’s only a two-hour drive to Colorado Springs.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado?

Crystal Park Cantina in Manitou Springs.

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DRUNKEN HEARTS DELIVERS EMOTIONAL HIGH-COUNTRY ROCK

Expect Americana, country, funk and everything in between 38 ThirstColorado.com March-April 2024

By Kristen Richard

T

Photo courtesy of Drunken Hearts

here’s nothing quite like having the open road in front of you while the perfect song plays on the radio. It evokes a peculiar feeling of nostalgia for simpler times and excitement for the journey ahead all wrapped into one. Of course to achieve this, you need a collection of songs that hit a range of emotions and human experiences. That’s where music by Colorado-based group Drunken Hearts comes in. The band’s name has nothing to do with alcohol. Instead, “It’s an emotional state of being,” says Andrew McConathy, lead guitarist and vocalist.

McConathy first formed the band over a decade ago. However, things changed when Covid-19 hit in 2020 and the original group fell apart.

“We’re all still great friends. There was no drama.

It was just Covid-19 turned the world upside down.

But I was going to keep going no matter what. I had to rebuild,” McConathy says.

But after a series of serendipitous events, a new lineup began to form in March, 2023: McConathy on acoustic guitar and vocals; James Dumm on electric guitar and vocals; Drew Packard on bass and vocals; Tyler Adams on piano, organ, and vocals; and Eric Low on drums and percussion.

Musically, as you might expect, a group with moving pieces is still finding its footing; specifically, a genre they feel they fit into.

“We call it high-country rock, which of course is a play on being in Colorado,” McConathy says. “But the easiest way to describe it would be country Americana. But sometimes, I think it hits a little harder than that.”

Indeed, the albums (both from the original and new lineup) weave together country, Americana, bluegrass and rock. Their lyrics draw inspiration from everything like the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of life, as well as other musicians and writers.

“I try to use some personal inspiration and background of my own life in my writing,” McConathy says. “But sometimes a Tom Petty line might stick out to me. For instance, I have a song called ‘Beat Up, Beat Down, and Broken,’ which has a line about California falling into the sea, which is something Petty touched on on the ‘Wildflower’ re-release. I also use a lot of Jack Kerouac lines for inspiration, which you can hear on the ‘Wheels of this City’ album.

Inspiration for the band’s song “New Reseda,” on the other hand, came while McConathy and his soon-to-be-wife were on a road trip that took them through Reseda, California.

“It’s about a truck driver driving home to see his loved one,” McConathy says. “And it captures this sense of longing that Reseda just seemed to embody.”

Then there’s “Forever Highway,” Drunken Hearts’ top song on Spotify with over 51,000 streams, which came about almost by accident. McConathy was in Nashville recording songs with Dave Pahanish, a producer and co-writer. He has written hits for country music icons like Tim McGraw and Toby Keith. After a few songs, the two realized they weren’t just recording singles, they were recording an album. But it needed something else.

That’s when Pahanish said ‘“Hey, man, I have this cool chorus for a song that would work for you,’” McConathy says. “And it was ‘take my hand let’s be lovers. Calm my storm and I’ll still your waters, shelter you and we’ll take cover forever.’ Then we added the verses and chords. That one was probably the most organic 50-50 co-write we ever did.”

Then of course, there’s “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town,” a Pearl Jam cover that is streaming.

“It’s probably the most bluegrass song we’ve done, maybe ever, which is weird,” McConathy says with a chuckle.

In terms of live performances, Drunken Hearts approach shows like their music, as in they want everyone to have their own experience. “We want people to come, dance, have a good time, party, scream, and heckle us,” McConathy says.

Perhaps their vibe will best be summed up in the upcoming Yarmony Music Festival, June 28-29 at Rancho del Rio, which is a festival and float trip hybrid on the Colorado River. “We want our music and shows to embody that river vibe of taking advantage of every day. Carpe diem,” he says.

Search for additional upcoming shows at thedrunkenhearts.com.

Kristen Richard is a drink and food freelance writer based in Denver. When she’s not traveling down rabbit holes of random esoteric booze knowledge, you can usually find her camping, hiking, hanging with her dog, reading or rocking out to metal bands.

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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Prime Pairings Poke nachos paired with a Siren’s Blush cocktail

By Kristen Kuchar Regardless of the season, walking into Adrift Tiki Bar in Denver can transport your spirit to an island getaway.

This recipe pairing features a take on the popular small plate offering at Adrift, poke nachos, alongside a cocktail featuring Denver-based Family Jones Earl Grey Gin. At Adrift, the house-made wonton chips are piled with raw marinated tuna, pickled onion, thinly sliced jalapeno, fresh cilantro and avocado. To go along with it, Siren’s Blush is a gin-based cocktail with locally-made triple sec from the Family Jones distillery.

Photo by Harry Warters Photography

Ingredients One pack wonton skins

Put 3 cups of Kewpie in a blender, add cilantro, half an avocado and lime juice. Blend until smooth.

6 cups Kewpie mayonnaise

Lay wonton chips on a plate.

½ cup sriracha

Drizzle with each sauce.

2 cups chopped cilantro

Top with marinated tuna.

3 cups orange juice ¼ cup rice vinegar

Garnish with remaining chopped avocado and cilantro.

1 avocado ¼ cup fresh lime juice 1 pound raw tuna ¼ cup soy sauce 1 tbsp honey (optional) Directions Slice tuna into ½-inch cubes.

In a bowl whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar and (optional) honey.

Pour the mixture over the tuna and let marinate for at least one hour.

Cut the wonton chips diagonally into triangles.

In a fryer or a shallow pan, heat oil to 350°.

Fry the wonton skins for 2 minutes (flip midway, one minute each side).

Put 3 cups of Kewpie in a bowl, whisk in sriracha.

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SIREN’S BLUSH Ingredients: 2 ounces Family Jones Earl Grey Gin 3⁄4 ounce lemon juice ½ ounce Family Jones Triple Sec ½ ounce grenadine ¼ ounce falernum 1 egg white Dry shake with spring from a Hawthorn strainer for 15 seconds. Wet shake with ice for 15 seconds. Double strain into coupe glass and garnish with angostura bitters.

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Who has the best taste?

Find out at

Taste of the West 2024 Thursday, June 6 | 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Foothills Fieldhouse, 3606 S. Independence St., Denver Tickets on sale March 1 Use code THIRST2024 for $5 off GA tickets through May 1

westmetrochamber.org/tasteofthewest Food and beverage vendors are free to participate. in partnership with

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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42 ThirstColorado.com March-April 2024

SPENCER’S EYEBALL

More than a century after Prohibition started, Thirst looks back to one of Colorado’s legendary drinkers and his one-of-a-kind orb

By Eric Peterson

S

pencer “Speck” Penrose had an eye for luxury. After a failed attempt to buy the Antlers Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs, he found an enviable spot a few miles to the southwest and established the perennially five-star Broadmoor Hotel in 1918.

He also had an eye for drinking. Literally.

Penrose possessed a glass eye adorned with decorative bloodshot. He would swap it out with a capillary-free one the morning after he imbibed, which is said to be often.

A college rowing accident injured his left eye, and Penrose was later outfitted with a glass replacement. Kohler and Danz of New York made his first eye, clear but ill-fitting.

Penrose complained in a letter, “If I am not very careful, the eye turns upside-down.”

In 1927, he commissioned his bloodshot glass eye as a drinking accessory from a Dr. Bruneau in Paris for 400 francs. It was apparently a better fit, Penrose wrote, “but sometimes it seems small.”

As the legend goes, the bloodshot prosthetic went missing after Penrose’s passing in 1939. That was until it was found a few years ago rattling around an old desk. After it was polished, the eye found a new home in the lobby of the Broadmoor Main, in an engraved cigar box alongside an engraved flask. In the same display case, you’ll see photos of “Speck” with antiProhibition protest signs and a primer on his passion for spirits.

To keep the liquor flowing at the Broadmoor, Penrose bought out a Philadelphia-based liquor distributor right before Prohibition hit in 1920. He hedged his bets by storing the 300 cases in multiple locations in New York, Philadelphia, and Colorado Springs. This led to rumors of tunnels for moving the contraband to and from the Broadmoor.

When Prohibition ended in 1933, Penrose had the remainder of his East Coast reserves shipped by rail to Colorado, requiring two full freight cars. He was so excited he threw a party at the Broadmoor

to commemorate the 21st Amendment. For $2.50, revelers at the “Victory Dinner and Dance” got all the cocktails they could drink.

Workers later rediscovered a closet of lost bottles from the cache in a basement room at the resort in the 1980s. Some of the collection remains in private hands today, including bottles of cognac that spent 40 years undersea in a sunken Spanish ship.

Just across the lobby from Spencer’s glass eye, Bottle Alley is a hallway dominated by triple-tiered display cases with more than 1,000 vintage bottles, some of which Penrose stashed and personally emptied during the lean times of Prohibition. It’s just the place to get lost for a few minutes between bars.

Speaking of bars, the Broadmoor has a lot of them today. The Hotel Bar, with outdoor seating on Cheyenne Lake, was operating back in Spencer’s day. The Summit lounge has a 500-bottle wine turret behind the bar and sublime cocktails. Play at the Broadmoor features adult milkshakes, bowling, foosball, and other games.

And the Golden Bee is one of the best bars in Colorado, a British pub shipped to Colorado in pieces and lovingly reassembled a block from Broadmoor Main. Open since 1961, it now serves up gastropub fare, sing-alongs with piano

players, and 48-ounce yards of beer, not to mention the bartenders deftly flinging bees at patrons. (Trust us on this one. They’re not insects, they’re stickers.)

It’s been more than 100 years since the beginning of Prohibition. Mark the occasion: Any bar at the Broadmoor will do nicely to raise a glass to Spencer “Speck” Penrose and his scorn for temperance — and his bloodshot glass eye.

Eric Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business, and real estate, as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.

Photos courtesy of The Broadmoor March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

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COLORADO CRAFT L ● – Serves Food ● – Food Truck ● – Live Music

BREWERIES DENVER BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY Baere Brewing Co Banded Oak Brewing Co Burns Family Artisan Ales Grandma’s House

Burns Family Artisan Ales

_____________________________

Brewability Lab ● ●

Lone Tree Brewing

Little Machine Beer ●

DENVER SUBURBS

Peak View Brewing Co ● ●

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake ● Raices Brewing Co Seedstock Brewery ● ● Strange Craft Beer Co ● ● Tivoli Brewing ● Zuni St. Brewing Co ● ●

NORTHEAST DENVER Danico Brewing ● FlyteCo Tower ● River North Wash. St. Taproom ●

ARVADA Denver Beer Co

Mirror Image Brewing Co ●

Odyssey Beerwerks ● ●

GOLDEN

Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar ●

Westminster Brewing Co ●

Barrels and Bottles Brewery ●

SomePlace Else Brewery

Cannonball Creek Brewing Co ●

Windfall Brewing Co _____________________________

Spice Trade Brewing at Yak & Yeti ●

Coda Brewing Coors Brewing Co

BOULDER COUNTY

AURORA A Bit Twisted Brewpub ●

Golden City Brewery ●

Novel Strand Brewing Co

Amalgam Brewing

BJ’s ●

Platt Park Brewing Co ●

Berkeley Alley Beer Co.

Cheluna Brewing Co

Bruz Beers ●

Cerebral Brewing ● ●

Ratio Beerworks ● TRVE Brewing Co

CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL 4 Noses Brewing Co ● Alpine Dog Brewing Co.

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Denver Beer Co Canworks ●

BJ’s ●

New Image Brewing ●

Bent Barley Brewing Co

Call to Arms Brewing Co ●

WESTMINSTER

FREDERICK

NORTHWEST DENVER

Public Offering Brewing ●

Sunroom Brewing ● ●

LUKI Brewery

Monolith Brewing

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Sanitas Brewing II ●

Dry Dock Brewing Co ● Jade Mountain Brewing Co Lady Justice Brewing

Holidaily Brewing Co Holidailybrewing.com 303.278.BEER

801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

Frolic Brewing Co ● Kokopelli Beer Co ● ●

Bambei Brewing - Superior ● Busey Brews - Nederland ● ● Echo Brewing Co - Erie ● Fritz Family Brewers - Niwot Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending Rollinsville Knotted Root Brewing Co - Nederland

Mountain Toad Brewing ●

MainStage Brewing - Lyons ●

New Terrain Brewing ● ●

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons

Ohm Brewing

Very Nice Brewing - Nederland ●

Diebolt Brewing Co ● ●

Launch Pad Brewery ●

The Empourium Brewing Co

Second Dawn Brewing

Over Yonder Brewing ●

FlyteCo Brewing ●

Six Capital Brewing & BBQ ●

GREENWOOD VILLAGE

Asher Brewing Co

BRIGHTON

Cherry Creek Brewery ●

Avery Brewing ●

Holidaily Brewing Taproom

Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co BJ’s ● Boulder Social ●

Goldspot Brewing Co ● ●

BOULDER

Bruz Off Fax

The Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe + Brewery ● ●

Cerebral Brewing ● ●

Hogshead Brewery ●

Floodstage Ale Works ●

Spice Trade Brewing Co

Crazy Mountain Brewery

Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten●

Something Brewery ●

HIGHLANDS RANCH

Fiction Beer Co ●

RINO

BROOMFIELD

3 Freaks Brewery ●

Finkel & Garf Brewing Co

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery ● Oskar Blues Taproom ● ●

Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Rock Bottom ●

Rocks & Hops Brewing

LAKEWOOD

Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

6 and 40 Brewery

Southern Sun ●

BJ’s

Twisted Pine Brewing ● ●

Great Frontier Brewing Co ●

Upslope Brewing Co ● ●

Green Mountain Beer Co ●

Vision Quest Brewing Co ●

Landlocked Ales ●

Wild Provisions Beer Project

Old 121 Brewhouse ●

LAFAYETTE

Big Choice Brewing

Long Table Brewhouse ●

14er Brewing

4 Noses Brewing Co ●

Pints Pub ●

Altitude Brewing & Supply

Gordon Biersch ●

Reverence Brewing Co

Bierstadt Lagerhaus ●

Rails End Beer Co ● ●

Station 26 Brewing Co ●

Black Shirt Brewing Co ● ●

Wonderland Brewing Co ● ●

DENVER INT’L AIRPORT Boulder Beer Tap House ● Breckenridge Brewery ● Denver Chophouse and Brewery ● Great Divide Brewhouse and KItchen ● New Belgium Brewing ●

Blue Moon Brewing Co ● ● Cohesion Brewing Co ● Dewey Beer Co Great Divide Brewing Co ● ● Left Hand Brewing Co ● New Belgium - The Woods at the Source

CASTLE ROCK 105 West Brewing Co ● Burly Brewing ● ● The Elizabeth Brewing Co ● Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse Iron Mule Brewery ● ●

Odell Brewing Co

Rockyard Brewing Co ●

Our Mutual Friend

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co ●

Ratio Beerworks ●

CENTENNIAL

FIVE POINTS

River North Brewery

Bent Barley Brewing Co

Spangalang Brewery ●

SOUTHEAST DENVER

Blue Spruce Brewing Co ● ●

Woods Boss Brewing ● ●

Bull and Bush Brewery ● ●

Halfpenny Brewing Co ● ●

SweetWater Mountain Taphouse ● Tivoli Taphouse ●

LODO AC Golden Brewing Co Breckenridge Brewery ● Cervecería Colorado

Comrade Brewing ● comradebrewing.com 720.748.0700 7677 E Iliff Ave Denver

Kodiac Brewery Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Mono Mono Brewery ●

Breckenridge Brewery ●

Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ●

Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co

The Post Brewing Co ● ●

Comet Brews ●

Westbound and Down Brewing Co

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● Living the Dream Brewing Co ●

Rock Bottom ●

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Two22 Brew ●

Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●

Denver Beer Co ●

EDGEWATER/WHEAT RIDGE

SOUTHWEST DENVER

Barquentine Brewing Co

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery ●

Liquid Mechanics ● ●

Blue Spruce Brewing Co

Locavore Beer Works

Copper Kettle Brewing Co ●

Cellar West Artisan Ales ●

LITTLETON AREA

Resolute Brewing Co

Denver Beer Co ● Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Westfax Brewing Co ●

LONE TREE Lone Tree Brewing Co ●

LONGMONT 300 Suns Brewing ● Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales ● Bootstrap Brewing ● ● Collision Brewing Co ● Großen Bart Brewery ● ● Knuckle Puck Brewing

Brewery Rickoli ●

NORTHGLENN/THORNTON

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

Colorado Plus Brew Pub ● ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ● ●

Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse ●

Joyride Brewing Co ●

Prost Brewing

Oskar Blues Brewing ●

Mestizo Brew Cantina ●

Satire Brewing Co ● ●

Outworld Brewing ● ●

New Image Brewing

PARKER

Primitive Beer

MILE HI/AURARIA

ENGLEWOOD AREA

Downhill Brewing Co ●

The Post Chicken and Beer

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ●

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Games ●

Fiction Beer Co Chapter Two

Pumphouse Brewery ●

Rock Bottom Denver ● Sandlot Brewery Westbound & Down Brewing Co

Black Sky Brewery ● Chain Reaction Brewing Co ● Renegade Brewing Co ●

Wynkoop Brewing Co ●

44 ThirstColorado.com March-April 2024

LIBATIONS LISTINGS Shoes and Brews

_____________________________

Loveland Aleworks ●

OURAY

Wibby Brewing ●

N. FRONT RANGE

Rock Bottom ●

Colorado Boy Southwest Pub ●

Bulzomi Brewing - Eaton

Rock Coast Brewery ●

Ouray Brewery ●

12Degree Brewing ●

Old Colorado Brewing - Wellington ●

Sky Bear Brewery and Pub ●

Ourayle House Brewery ●

Crystal Springs Brewing Co

Sparge Brewing - Wellington

Verboten Brewing Co

Gravity Brewing ● ● ●

Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ● _____________________________

WINDSOR

The Break Room Brewing Co

ESTES PARK

High Hops Brewery ●

Riff Raff Brewing ● ●

S. FRONT RANGE

Avant Garde Aleworks

Mash Lab Brewing ●

Brewzone Rifle ●

Estes Park Brewery ●

Mighty River Brewing ● ●

ALAMOSA

Casey Brewing and Blending

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co

Peculier Ales ● ● _____________________________

The Colorado Farm Brewery San Luis Valley Brewing ●

Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ●

LOUISVILLE

BierWerks Brewery - Woodland Park ●● Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Florence Brewing - Florence

Rock Cut Brewing Co

Iron Tree Restaurant and Funky Town Brewing - Florissant ●

FORT COLLINS

Manitou Brewing - Manitou Springs ●

Anheuser-Busch

Mountain Merman - La Veta ●

BJ’s ●

Paradox Beer Co - Divide ●

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ●

World’s End Brewing Co - Cañon City

Crooked Stave Brewing

COLORADO SPRINGS Atrevida Beer Co ● Batch Slapped Brewery / Cidery Battle Mountain Brewing ● Bell Brothers Brewing

DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ● Envy Brewing Equinox Brewing ● Funkwerks Gilded Goat Brewing Co ● Hello Brewing Co

CENTRAL COLORADO Browns Canyon Brewing - Buena Vista Eddyline Brewery - Buena Vista ● Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs ● HighSide Brewing - Fairplay South Park Brewing Co - Fairplay ●

Vail Brewing Co - Vail ● ●

EVERGREEN Evergreen Brewery ● Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●

PAGOSA SPRINGS

Pygmy Stallion Brewing at El Rancho ●

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA Ball Brewing

Spare Keg Brewers

GRAND JUNCTION

PAONIA

Base Camp Beer Works

Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer

Edgewater Brewery ●

Paonia United Brewing Co ● _____________________________

Foam & Folly Brewing

NORTHEAST

Gemini Beer Co Kannah Creek Brewing Co ●

Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling ●

Mama Ree’s Pizza and Brewhouse ● ●

Two Mile Brewing Co - Leadville ●

Tumbleweed Brewing & Wine - Yuma ● _____________________________

Ramblebine Brewing Co ●

SALIDA

NORTHWEST

T-Road Brewing Company - Crestone

Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub ● Salida Brewing Co Soulcraft Brewing ● Tres Litros Beer Co ● _____________________________

The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ● Trail Life Brewing

Camber Brewing Co - Fraser Fraser River Beer Co - Fraser

GRAND MESA AREA

Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling

Base Camp Provisions - Fruita ●

Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby

Copper Club Brewing Co - Fruita ●

Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker

Palisade Brewing Co ● ●

Vicious Cycle Brewing - Fraser ●

Suds Brothers Brewery - Fruita ● ●

World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake

SUMMIT COUNTY

BJ’s ●

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co

Black Forest Brewing Co ●

Intersect Brewing ● ●

Brass Brewing Co ●

Jessup Farm Barrel House ●

Bristol Brewing ●

Maxline Brewing ● ●

Cerberus Brewing Co ●

Mythmaker Brewing ●

Cogstone Brewing Co ● ●

New Belgium Brewing Co ● ●

Colorado Mountain Brewery ●

Colorado Boy Brewery - Montrose, Ridgway ●

Obstacle Brewing and Grill ●

Dueces Wild Brewery ●

Dolores River Brewery - Dolores ● ●

Broken Compass Brewing - Breck.

Odell Brewing Co ● ●

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Father & Sons Brewery ●

Golden Block Brewery - Silverton ●

Dillon Dam Brewery - Dillon ● ●

Peculier Ales

Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill ●

FH Beerworks ●

Horsefly Brewing Co - Montrose ● ●

Pitchers Brewery ●

Mountain Tap Brewery ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Storm Peak Brewing Co

HighSide Brewing - Breckenridge, Frisco ● ●

Fossil Craft Beer Co ●

Lake City Brewing - Lake City ●

Goat Patch Brewing Co ●

Mancos Brewing Co - Mancos ●

Prost Brewing Co

Yampa Valley Taproom

Pomona Brewing Co - Montrose ●

JAKs Brewing Co ●

SOUTHWEST Avalanche Brewing Co - Silverton ● Bottom Shelf Brewery - Bayfield ●

Purpose Brewing

Silver Basin Brewing - Montrose

Local Relic ●

Rally King Brewing

Smuggler’s Brewpub - Telluride ●

Lost Friend Brewing ●

Ramskeller Brewery ●

Spare Keg Brewers - Creede

Mash Mechanix Brewing ●

Salt Road Brewing

Stoik Beer Co - Delta ●

Metric Brewing ●

Snowbank Brewing

Stronghouse Brew Pub - Telluride

Nano 108 ●

Stodgy Brewing Co ● ●

Telluride Brewing Co - Telluride ●

OCC Brewing

SweetWater Brewery

Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte ●

Peaks N Pines Brewing Co ●

Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

Phantom Canyon ● ● Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ● Red Leg Brewing ● Red Swing Brewhouse Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ● Storybook Brewing ● Trinity Brewing ● Urban Animal Beer Co Wackadoo Brewing Whistle Pig Brewing Co ● ●

PUEBLO Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ● Reservoir Brewing Co ● Shamrock Brewing ● Walter’s Brewery & Taproom ●

GREELEY Crabtree Brewing ● ● Rule 105 Brewing Co ● Tightknit Brewing Co ● ● WeldWerks Brewing Co ● Wiley Roots Brewing Co ● Yetters Brewing

LOVELAND/BERTHOUD Berthoud Brewing Co Big Beaver Brewing Co ● Big Thompson Brewery City Star Brewing ● Crooked Beech Brewing Co Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

CORTEZ J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery ● Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ● WildEdge Brewing Collective ●

Yampa Valley Brewing Co - Hayden Yampa Valley Taproom - Craig

Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon ●

WINTER PARK

Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone ●

Big Trout Brewing Co

Syndicate Brewing Co - Silverthorne _____________________________

Hideaway Park Brewery The Noble Buck ● _____________________________

I-70 CORRIDOR

Crow Hop Brewing

Aspen Brewing Co ●

Dive Bar Brewing Co

Carbondale Beer Works ●

Mad Russian Brewing Co

Capitol Creek Brewery ● Mountain Heart Brewing - Carbondale

Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown ●

Animas Brewing Co ●

Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling Emporium - Central City ●

Steamworks Brewing Co ●

Backacre Beermakers Circular Beer

ASPEN AREA

Anarchy Brewing

Ska Brewing Co ● ●

DISTRIBUTION ONLY Ceria Brewing

DURANGO

High Trestle Brewing ● ●

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ●

Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco ●

CENTRAL CITY/GEORGETOWN/ IDAHO SPRINGS

Carver Brewing Co ●

Angry James Brewing - Silverthorne

Guanella Pass Brewing - Georgetown, Empire Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub - Idaho Springs ●

New Planet Beer Sleeping Giant Brewing

DISTILLERIES DENVER/BOULDER 52Eighty Distilling - Littleton Abbott & Wallace - Longmont Anders’ Vodka - Parker

Westbound & Down Brewing Co - Idaho Springs ●

Archetype Distillery - Denver

The Eldo Brewpub & Venue ● ●

EAGLE COUNTY

Ballmer Peak Distillery - Lakewood

High Alpine Brewing Co ●

Craftsman Brew Co- Edwards ●

Bear Creek Distillery - Denver

Irwin Brewing Co

Eagle County Brewing Co - Gypsum ●

The Block Distilling Co - Denver

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE

Arta Tequila - Englewood

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

45

3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument

Carlson Vineyards - Palisade

Mountain Spirit Winery - Salida

PLAINS

Branch & Barrel Distilling - Centennial

Art of the Spirits Colorado Whiskey Woodland Park

Carlson Tasting Room - Grand Junction

Pop’s Vineyard - Penrose

Claremont Inn & Winery - Stratton

Conflagration Distilling - Wheat Ridge

Axe and the Oak - Colo. Springs

Centennial Cellars - Palisade

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey Canon City

Country Road Vines and Wines - Fort Morgan

Copper Sky Distillery - Longmont

Black Bear Distillery - Green Mountain Falls

Vino Colorado Winery - Colorado Springs

Mummy Hill Winery - Holyoke

Boulder Spirits by Vapor Distillery Boulder

Deki Distillery - Lafayette Denver Distillery - Denver Deviation Distilling - Denver Devil’s Head Distillery - Englewood Dirty Dill - Denver Downslope Distilling - Centennial Dry Land Distillers - Longmont DV8 Distillery - Boulder The Family Jones Spirit House - Denver Felene Vodka - Denver Gold Dirt Distillery - Rollinsville Golden Moon Distillery - Golden Hogback Distillery - Wheat Ridge J & L Distilling Co - Boulder Ironton Distillery - Denver

Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster

Colorado Vintners Collective - Palisade Colterris Winery - Palisade

Deerhammer Distilling Co - Buena Vista

Evolve Wines - Clifton

Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs

Grande River Vineyards - Palisade

Lee Spirits - Colo. Springs

Graystone Winery - Clifton

CENTRAL FRONT RANGE

Flying T Wine - Cortez

Meridiem Spirits - Elizabeth

Gubbini Winery - Palisade

Aspen Peak Cellars - Bailey

Four Leaves Winery - Durango

Mystic Mountain Distillery - Larkspur

Hermosa Vineyards - Palisade

Attimo Wine - Denver

Fox Fire Farms - Ignacio

Sand Creek Distillery - Hugo

Maison la Belle Vie Winery & Amy’s Courtyard - Palisade

Avanti Winery - Littleton

Sutcliffe Vineyards - Cortez

Balistreri Vineyards - Denver

Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez

Snitching Lady Distillery - Fairplay South Park Distilling - Fairplay Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo

Woods High Mountain Distillery woodsdistillery.com 719.207.4315 144 W 1st Salida

WESTERN SLOPE

Mesa Park Vineyards - Palisade The Ordinary Fellow- Palisade Peachfork Orchards and Vineyards Palisade Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

Carboy Winery - Denver, Littleton

Restoration Vineyards - Palisade

Colorado Sake Co. - Denver

Sauvage Spectrum - Palisade

Creekside Cellars - Evergreen

Boxing Brothers Cider - Colorado Springs

Shiras Winery - Grand Junction

Deep Roots Winery & Bistro - Denver

Branch Out Cider - Fort Collins

St. Kathryn Cellars Winery - Palisade

Gaijin 24886 Sake - Denver

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Talon Winery - Palisade

The Infinite Monkey Theorem - Denver

Clear Fork Cider - Denver

InVINtions, A Creative Winery Greenwood Village

Climb Hard Cider Co - Loveland

Mythology Distillery - Denver

808 Distillery - Eagle

Two Swedes Glögg - Grand Junction

Rising Sun Distillery - Denver

Breckenridge Distillery - Breckenridge

TWP Winery & Farmhouse - Clifton

Rocker Spirits - Littleton

Clarke & Co’s Distilling - Palisade

Spirit Hound Distillers - Lyons

Durango Craft Spirits - Durango

Varaison Vineyards and Winery Palisade

State 38 Distilling - Golden

Eagle River Whisky - Minturn

Tighe Brothers Distillery - Denver Tingala - Denver

Highlands Distillery - Grand Junction

Turnbuckle Distilling - Westminster

Honey House Distillery - Durango

Vanjak Vodka - Golden

Idlewild Spirits Distillery- Winter Park

NORTHERN COLORADO

KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray

477 Distilling - Greeley American Woman Spirit Co. Steamboat Springs

Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte

Kingman Estates Winery - Denver Ladrón Cellars - Englewood Leap of Faith Winery - Wheat Ridge

Vines 79 Wine Barn - Palisade

Monart Winery - Centennial

Whitewater Hill Vineyards - Grand Junction

Purgatory Cellars Winery - Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker

CENTRAL WEST AREA 5680' Vineyard - Paonia Alfred Eames Cellars at Puesta del Sol Vineyards - Paonia Aquila Cellars- Paonia Azura Cellars - Paonia Berkeley Estate Cellars - Paonia Black Bridge Winery - Paonia Chill Switch Wine - Cedaredge

St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont

The Wine Barrel - Parker

Stem Ciders - Denver ● ●

NORTHERN FRONT RANGE Augustina’s Winery - Nederland Bad Bitch Cellars - Eaton Blue Mountain Vineyards - Berthoud

Pullman Distillery - Frisco

Lanoue DuBois Winery - Montrose

Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins

Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero

Infinite Monkey Theorem Tasting Room – Fort Collins

Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park

Leroux Creek Vineyards - Hotchkiss

Storm King Distilling - Montrose

Gnebriated Gnome Distillery - Fort Collins

Telluride Distilling Co - Telluride

Mesa Winds Farm and Winery Hotchkiss

Tincup Whiskey

Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins

Western Medicine Spirits

Old Town Distilling - Fort Collins Seed & Spirit Distilling - Fort Collins Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland Syntax Spirits - Greeley

SOUTHERN COLORADO 1874 Distilling - Del Norte 1350 Distilling - Colo. Springs

WINERIES

Old Mine Cider Co - Erie

Water 2 Wine - Centennial

Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins

NOCO Distillery - Fort Collins

Locust Cider - Lakewood

Snow Capped Cider - Cedaredge

Hillside Vineyard - Fort Collins

Locke & Co Distilling

Locust Cider - Fort Collins

Taboche Winery - Broomfield

Jack Rabbit Hill - Hotchkiss

Mobb Mountain Distillers - Fort Collins

Haykin Family Cider - Aurora

Scrumpy’s Hard Cider - Fort Collins ●

Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Fenceline Cider - Mancos ●

Spero Winery - Denver

Coyote Gold Margaritas - Fort Collins

Kure’s Craft Beverage Co. - Loveland

Colorado Cider Co - Denver

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

Cottonwood Cellars / The Olathe Winery - Olathe

The Heart Distillery - Windsor

Boco Cider - Boulder ●

Silver Vines Winery - Arvada

Peach Street Distillers - Palisade

Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt

CIDERIES Big B’s Juices and Hard Cider Hotchkiss ●

Two Rivers Winery - Grand Junction

410 Zerex St Fraser

Black Arts Cellars - Littleton

Durango Winery - Durango

Bonacquisti Wine Company - Denver

39 North Spirits - Eagle

Talnua Distillery - Arvada

Bigsby’s Folly - Denver

FOUR CORNERS

Plum Creek Cellars - Palisade

Molly Brown Spirits - Denver

Fraser Valley Distilling fraservalleydistilling.com 970.363.7792

Western Skies Winery - Penrose

Apple Valley Cider Co

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co - Vail

Strongwater Spirits & Botanicals - Denver

Vino Salida Wine Cellars - Poncha Springs

Blanchard Family Wines - Denver

Mile High Spirits - Denver

Stranahan’s - Denver

Reds Wine Boutique - Sterling

Blackhat Distillery - Colo. Springs

Laws Whiskey House - Denver Leopold Bros - Denver

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade

BookCliff Vineyards - Boulder

Stem Ciders Acreage- Lafayette ● ● Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins Talbott’s Cider Co - Palisade ● Teal Cider - Dolores Waldschänke Ciders - Denver Wild Cider - Firestone

MEADERIES

OBC Wine Project - Fort Collins

Antelope Ridge Mead - Colorado Springs

Settembre Cellars - Boulder

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Mountain View Winery - Olathe

Snowy Peaks Winery - Estes Park

Dragon Meadery - Aurora

Qutori Wines - Paonia

Sweet Heart Winery - Loveland

Drekar Meadery - Colorado Springs

Stone Cottage Cellars - Paonia

Ten Bears Winery - Laporte

Stoney Mesa Winery - Cedaredge

Turquoise Mesa Winery - Broomfield

Honnibrook Meadery Castle Rock ● ●

Storm Cellar Winery - Hotchkiss

Vinnie Fera - Boulder

Hunters Moon Meadery - Severance

Williams Cellars - Cedaredge

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN

SOUTH FRONT RANGE

Buckel Family Wine - Crested Butte Carboy Winery - Breckenridge

Meadery of the Rockies - Palisade Medovina - Niwot Miracle Stag Meadery - Loveland Queen Bee Brews - Denver

GRAND JUNCTION AREA

Barn & Barrel - Florence

Avant Vineyards - Palisade

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Continental Divide Winery Breckenridge, Fairplay

The Blue Beryl Winery - Palisade

D’Vine Wine - Manitou Springs

Steamboat Winery - Steamboat Springs

Slaymaker Cellars - Idaho Springs

BookCliff Vineyards - Palisade

Evergood Elixirs - Palmer Lake

Vines at Vail Winery - Wolcott

Zanamiel Meadery - Centennial

Carboy Winery - Palisade

Legatum Cellars - Canon City

46 ThirstColorado.com March-April 2024

Monte Cervino - Colorado Springs

Redstone Meadery - Boulder

Colorado Magazine

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Dragon Meadery is an Award-winning Craft Meadery that produces top shelf meads from high quality locally sourced honey.

Reservations preferred Please call Ahead 720.371.1970

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Get 15% off all tickets with code THIRST15 March 9 RiNo BEER FEST: Epic Beer Quest

March 30 TheBigWonderful at Winter Park April 20 Arvada BEER FEST: 90s Party

May 4 TheBigWonderful Derby Party at Belleview Station

Visit gumpoppresents.com/events for more info & to snag tickets!

March-April 2024 ThirstColorado.com

47

Centennial Cuts centennialcuts.com

High quality, delicious beef.

It’s better when it’s local!

Centennial Cuts is an ALL COLORADO, family owned company.

Our retail beef stores are proud to offer beef born, raised, and harvested in Colorado.

We carry : • Ribeye Steaks • Prime Rib, • Beef Sticks, • Beef Jerky

• Brisket • Ground Beef • Steak sauce • and more!

We also make it easy to have beef shipped directly to your door!

Visit us online or shop at one of our retail locations! centennialcuts.com

RETAIL LOCATIONS Centennial Cuts Mercantile Belmar 408 South Teller St. Lakewood, CO 80226 Open Daily 11am to 6pm (720) 627-5612

Centennial Cuts Mercantile Old Colorado City 2520 1/2 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Open Daily 11am to 6pm (719) 394-4268

Centennial Cuts at Denver International Airport 8500 Peña Boulevard, Denver, CO 80249 Gate B29 and Gate A34 Open Sunday-Friday 7am to 9pm