Let the sun shine in during musical fundraiser at Cranmer Park

Les Shapiro has earned his chops as a Denver sports expert on TV and radio, but can he boast the same cred as a singer?

You bet. I have heard Shapiro warble his way through a mean “Mack the Knife” and other toe-tapping tunes at parties and charity events. Now, he’s lending his voice to help raise money during a music and food festival on from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Cranmer Park (Sundial Park), 4501 E. First Ave., in the Hilltop neighborhood.

The historic park and tourist attraction is badly in need of refurbishing. The estimated cost of rebuilding the place, mosaic panorama and sundial is $1.5 million with the City of Denver pitching in $545,000. The balance of the money needs to be raised from private sources.

“There’ll be a cover band playing all kinds of songs with the word ‘sun’ in them,” Shapiro said. “I’m leaning toward Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ or ‘Sunshine Go Away Today’. There’ll be food trucks, as well. And it’s free! Bring friends, bring family.”

Other scheduled singers are: Jonny 5, Petals of Spain, Ian Cooke, Erica Brown and Jen Korte and the Dirty Femmes. RSVP at www.saveoursundial.com.