We can only hope he keeps his day job, but Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning diverted from the playbook and took the stage with country Western singer Luke Bryan during the Children’s Hospital Gala in Indianapolis, Saturday.
Manning, who played 14 seasons as the Indianapolis Colts QB, attended the event to show support for the hospital that bears his name. And although Manning looked far less comfortable on the stage than he does on the gridiron, he was a good sport by joining Bryan, this year’s Academy of Country Awards entertainer of the year, in a “rendition” of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and Waylon Jennings’ “Luckenbach, Texas.” Check out the melodically challenged Manning’s duet at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSG7FeGxRwY.
Train drives gala’s engine
A group that deserves the limelight on stage, Train, headlined NightShine, a benefit for Denver Health Foundation Saturday at the National Western Events Center.
After the presentations and recognitions were over – including the 2013 Denver Health Stars award-winners James Q. Crowe (Level 3 CEO) and Pamela Crowe – Train lead singer Pat Monahan engineered the popular band through hits such as “Calling All Angels,” “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” and fan favorite “Drive By.”
But this was no ordinary, roped-off, don’t-block-the-aisles affair, rather Monahan encouraged a stampede of gowned gals who didn’t hesitate to swarm the stage. No doubt the best concert at a gala that I’ve ever seen.
I spotted music man Chuck Morris in the well-heeled crowd. I’m thinking he “steered” Train into making tracks to the Denver event.
Speaking of music men…
There’s a Facebook movement afoot to have a statue of Denver rock n’ roll icon Barry Fey (who died Sunday) erected at Red Rocks, the venue Fey made famous with the considerable help of U2’s “Under a Blood Red Sky” performance.
Opie Gone Bad lead singer Jake Schroeder posted on his FB page Tuesday that if no one else was taking the lead on this project, he would. Let him know you can help by adding to the posts.
Nicole Isenberg takes a photo of her and Train lead singer Patrick Monahan during the band’s concert at NightShine, a benefit for Denver Health Foundation on April 27.
Balfour bounty
On a completely different note, Balfour Senior Living CEO Michael Schonbrun was joined by Gov. John Hickenlooper, Balfour general counsel Susan Juroe, Denver’s executive director of economic development Paul Washington and author and train historian Dick Kreck, for a ceremonial ground-breaking at the site of the future Balfour at Riverfront Park on Wednesday.
The $74 million senior-living community at 15th and Little Raven will become one of a select few senior communities in the United States offering a full range of independent and assisted living choices. The first Balfour community already exists in Louisville, and offers amenities and services that have the look and feel of a five-star hotel.
“Until now, seniors have had few options for upscale downtown living and few anywhere in the state will offer what Balfour at Riverfront Park will provide: an urban lifestyle in a park-like setting where residents have easy access to the city’s leading restaurants, cultural events, entertainment and sports venues,” Schonbrun said.
The dignitaries dug a shovel into a wheelbarrow cradling the biggest bottle of champagne I’ve ever seen, posed for photos, then filed over to Zengo for a party that attracted Denver’s who-who’s. More information on the project that is slated for completion in June 2014, go to www.balfourseniorliving.com.
From left, Balfour Senior Living CEO Michael Schonbrun, Balfour general counsel Susan Juroe, Gov. John Hickenlooper and Paul Washington, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development, perform the ceremonial ground-breaking on the Balfour at Riverfront Park community under construction at 15th and Little Raven.
Celebrate
Racines restaurant at 650 Sherman St. will celebrate the first month of legal civil unions for same-sex couples beginning May 1 and continuing through the month of May.
During that celebration, Racines will give each couple a 187-milliliter bottle of Korbel California Brut Champagne to share when they celebrate their civil union with breakfast, lunch or dinner at the restaurant, a long-time favorite of the gay community.
“We are proud that our legislature took this major step toward equality for all,” said Lee Goodfriend, co-owner of the restaurant. “For nearly 30 years, Racines has been a strong supporter of the LGBT community,” added co-owner David Racine.
Civil unions became law on March 21 when Gov. Hickenlooper signed into law the bill passed by the Colorado legislature.
Denver’s Office of Clerk and Recorder opened at midnight Wednesday to issue licenses and ceremonies were performed formed until 2 a.m. that morning.
Eavesdropping on two men at the NightShine gala: “How old are you?”
“Which part?”
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. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.
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