Penny Parker On The Town: Beatles tribute band’s upcoming performance brings back memories of the real thing

When the Beatles brought its British invasion to Red Rocks in August of 1964, Denver native Cindi McCutchen – barely a teenager – suffered an invasion of her own when she was nearly trampled by the stampede of rabid girls racing for seats.

McCutchen, a golfing gal pal of mine, was reminded of that scary scene when I told her about “1964: The Tribute” coming to Red Rocks beginning at 8 p.m. Friday (gates open at 6:30).

This concert billed as “The No. 1 Beatles Show in the World”  benefits Colorado Public Television 12. But even at the low ticket price of $30 (plus service charges), McCutchen still has her ticket stub souvenir showing what she paid for the show.

“My girlfriend and I stood in line at the old Mammoth Gardens, I believe, to get tickets which were (dare I say it) $6.60 each.

“The day of the concert, my dad took us up to Red Rocks very early in the morning and dropped us off about a mile from the amphitheater.  A few hours before the concert, we were allowed to move up closer to Red Rocks and form two lines.  My girlfriend and I took off running and when we turned around, thousands of people were running too.

“We finally just came to rest on a big rock in the parking lot and that is where the cops told everyone else to line up.  So, we were first in line and first in the stadium.”

But during the foot race to get in the gates, McCutchen had dropped her glasses, stepped out of her shoes while running and dropped her lunch. But the two fierce fans sat in the middle of row two.

“As I recall, the concert didn’t last very long by today’s standards and I had to keep yelling at these stupid girls to quit screaming in my ear so I could hear the Beatles!  Stupid teeny-boppers! But it was something I’ll never forget for sure.”

Tickets for the tribute concert are available on www.ticketmaster.com or www.cpt12.org, or to charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000.

I think McCutchen will take a pass this time.

’64: The Tribute’ comes to Red Rocks on Friday, Aug.23. The Beatles (the real band) played Red Rocks in 1964 in the band’s lone appearance in Colorado. (Photo courtesy of ’64: The Tribute’)

‘Talent’ tour

Fans of the NBC hit TV show “America’s Got Talent” will have an opportunity to experience their favorite season eight acts (including the yet-to-be-announced season eight winner) when the “America’s Got Talent Live” tour comes to the Paramount Theatre on Oct. 16.

Tickets for the live tour are on sale now through www.tickethorse.com or by calling 1-866-461-6556.

The show will feature an array of performers from singers and dancers to comedians and novelty acts. The TV series airs at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on KUSA-Channel 9.

Think global, eat local

Charcoal, the 43 W. Ninth Ave. eatery which is no stranger to local media “best lists,” is holding a chef’s dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday featuring fare from chef Greg Lucero.

This month’s meal emphasizes local ingredients from Rocky Ford melons to house-made ricotta starring in a five course feast.

Cost is $50 per person or $70 with wine pairings. More information at www.charcoaldining.com or by calling 303-454-0000.

And speaking of fine fare…

A handful of Vail’s most celebrated chefs held the Second Annual Vail Harvest Dinner last week to showcase summer dishes for the media.

The chefs (generously) schlepped down the mountain to hold the event at The Four Seasons Hotel Denver. Representing the famed ski town were chefs from La Tour, Mountain Standard, Flame Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Vail and Game Creek Club & Restaurant.

If you’re planning a trip over Vail Pass this summer, I highly recommend you check out any of these restaurants.

Douglas County’s taste bud tickler

The CenturyLink Taste of Douglas County, the largest food sampling event in Douglas County takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Douglas County Events Center on the grounds of the Douglas County Fair in Castle Rock.

The air-conditioned facility offers plenty of free parking. The Taste will offer nibbles from local nosheries including the Old Stone Church, Outback Steakhouse, John Holly’s Asian Bistro, LoDo’s Bar & Grill, Pegasus on the Square, Black Eyed Pea and Siena Italian Bistro among the 50 participating establishments.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the door at www.tasteofdouglascounty.com. For more information, call restaurant radio host Mike Boyle at 303-903-0017.

Designer discounts

Denver native  and fashion designer Ann Fanganello who recently opened a space inside ConneXions Boutique in Southwest Plaza Mall (8501 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton) is holding the first sample sale ever for her AnnaFesta line of clothing designed for curvier women.

The sale (up to 70 percent off) of mostly pieces from her spring line (to make room for new fall clothes) takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Check out her pieces at www.annafesta.com.

Eavesdropping on a customer who just had his back waxed at GQ Barber Lounge:

“I can really feel that numbing stuff you put on my back. … Well I can’t feel it, but I know it’s numb.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.