Josh Wolkon, the Denver-centric restaurateur who has brought this town Vesta Dipping Grill, Steuben’s and Ace, is branching out to the ‘burbs with a second outpost of Steuben’s in Olde Town Arvada, according to a story on Eater Denver’s website.

Wolkon, who opened the diner-comfort food concept in Uptown nine years ago, said that the reception he received from the Arvada Office of Economic Development encouraged him to venture outside the comfort of Denver’s city limits. That and the fact that he could purchase the real estate in a former Gunther Toody’s space at 7355 Ralston Road.

The Steuben’s sequel will take its culinary direction from chef Brandon Beiderman.

“We see a lot of guests Uptown from the Arvada direction, so the concept is clearly a good fit for the demographic,” Wolkon told Eater Denver. “The Arvada Office of Economic Development has been instrumental in attracting us to Arvada. They have been great to work with and are very proactive throughout this process.”

The new Steuben’s is slated to open late this year. See the whole story at www.denver.eater.com/2015/5/15/8611627/steubens-olde-town-arvada.

Nice digs for a nonprofit.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce invited guests Thursday to peek and poke at its newly renovated building at 1445 Market St.

The three-story makeover includes a completely redone interior and exterior and a new art collection comprised of photos from 13 Western artists that reflect the values of the Chamber and its business community.

Artists featured in the Chamber’s collection have had their works on display in museums and galleries from Denver to Dubai.

The updated building promotes health and sustainability. Inside features the latest trends in workplace culture, from an open floor plan to foster collaboration to standing desks to get staff moving. Upgraded systems are saving energy and water, and the Chamber is currently applying for LEED Silver certification.

For the third summer in a row, CorePower Yoga will partner with Denver Arts & Venues to present Yoga on the Rocks, a series of four power vinyasa yoga classes on Saturday mornings at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Individual and season passes for the 2015 Yoga on the Rocks classes may be purchased by going to www.RedRocksYoga.com.

Season passes for all four sessions are available for $38, and individual sessions are $12 per person per class. Attendance is limited to 2,000 people per class and tickets are only available online.

“CorePower Yoga is thrilled to be part of Yoga on the Rocks for the third straight year,” said Tess Roering, chief marketing officer for CorePower Yoga. “Practicing alongside thousands at one of the most breathtaking and iconic locations in the country is an indescribable experience to both new and seasoned yogis. It’s the perfect way to experience what CorePower Yoga offers, the unique combination of a killer workout and the mindfulness of yoga all within the majesty of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.”

The 2015 Yoga on the Rocks classes will take place July 25, Aug. 1, 8 and 15. Each 60-minute power vinyasa class begins at 7 a.m., and doors open at 6 a.m. Attendees can also sample free food and beverages from Whole Foods Market vendors at the marketplace on the Upper Plaza.

A donation of one dollar per admission will benefit Whole Planet Foundation, which alleviates global poverty by supporting more than one million entrepreneurs – mostly women – in 64 countries worldwide.

“Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an inspiring setting that is often a long-awaited bucket list event for many,” said Amy Lindsey, who manages Yoga on the Rocks and the Red Rocks Fitness Challenge for Denver Arts & Venues. “We are pleased to once again share the beautiful venue and special Yoga on the Rocks events with the Denver community.”

Yoga on the Rocks classes will be led by top CorePower Yoga instructors from across the country including: Vincent Amendola, Heather Peterson, Amy Opielowski and Joel Klausler.

My former colleague Dale Ulland (such a nice guy!), a Denver Post copy editor, recently had a close encounter of the celebrity kind. He posted this on Facebook:

“Oh, you know, was just browsing the shelves at Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins, and this woman accidentally bumps into me – heck, I almost spilled my Diet Coke. She apologizes profusely, and I recognize her as . I ask how her book, “And the Good News Is …” is doing. She says, ‘Not bad.’ Long story short, we sit down at a nearby table and talk for what seems like an hour, all the while sharing some croissants and OJ. As I get up to leave, she asks, ‘Dale, would you like a signed copy of my New York Times list best-seller?’ I say, ‘Sure!’ (I mean, what else COULD I say?) And then she hands her cellphone to the store manager, who snaps a photo of us. Pretty cool. Celeste (Dale’s wife) and I hope to have her over for chips and salsa soon.”

Dale Ulland with Dana Perino, former White House press secretary for George W. Bush.  (Dale Ulland Facebook photo)

Eavesdropping on one woman to another at the Larimer Lounge: “What’s the opposite of oblivious? Blivious?”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of historic preservation for Larimer Square, Denver’s first and oldest downtown shopping, dining and entertainment district. To celebrate the golden anniversary, Larimer Square is partnering with its retailers and the block’s many notable chefs and restaurateurs to host more than a dozen special events throughout the year.

Planned celebrations include a special Stories from the Square speaker series where Larimer Square will host five panel discussions throughout the year, each focusing on a topic that honors the history of Larimer Square and features business and industry leaders, developers, historians and Denver icons. Larimer Square will also host an official celebration on Aug. 15 to mark this milestone anniversary as well as surprise visitors throughout the year with 50th anniversary commemorative items and special activities.

Signature events include the Dining Al Fresco nights when some of the region’s best chefs celebrate the warm weather of summer and the season’s best produce by serving their guests seated outside in the blocked off street under Larimer Square’s canopy of lights, the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival that draws artists from around the state and around the world to showcase their talents and the return of Le Jardin Secret, the European-style open air market held every Saturday from June 6 through Sept. 26.

“When I took over ownership of this block back in 1993, it was an architecturally beautiful area filled with large, national chain stores,” said Jeff Hermanson, pesident and CEO of Larimer Associates, the company that owns and manages Larimer Square. “In order to create a memorable unreplicated visitor experience, we carefully curated a mix of independent shop owners and chefs that were local artisanal and in many cases, exclusive to Denver. That we’re getting the opportunity to celebrate Larimer Square’s 50th anniversary at a time of rapid expansion is a testament to the success of our growth strategy for the block.”

Featured 2015 special events on Larimer Square include:

St. Jude Glamour & Giving 6 to 10 p.m. today at The Four Seasons Hotel Denver.

• This is the third annual ladies-only event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude Glamour and Giving is an evening of trendy styles showcased on the catwalk by the boutiques of Larimer Square, in-person beauty consultations and makeovers by Matthew Morris Salon and Skincare, Four Seasons cuisine, signature cocktail blends served by liquid chefs, shopping at pop-up boutiques and live and silent auctions. Tickets: www.stjude.org/glamourandgiving.

Le Jardin Secret 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays June 6 through Sept. 26 in the Bistro Vendome courtyard.

• At this French-inspired chefs’ market, foodies can shop for dairy, meat, bread, produce and other goods – all with a mimosa in hand. Carefully selected vendors like Grateful Bread Company, Western Daughters Butcher Shoppe and the Truffle Cheese Shop will sell a variety of ingredients and products specifically curated for the home chef. Top chefs from Euclid Hall, Bonanno Group, Bistro Vendome, Metropolitan State University culinary students and many more will also be demonstrating culinary techniques. Free parking is available on the top levels of the Larimer Square garage (14th and Market streets) during market hours.        

13^th Annual Denver Chalk Art Festival presented by KURIOS from 5 to 8 p.m. June 5, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 6 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 7.

• More than 200 professional, amateur and student artists return to Larimer Square for the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival with live music,  food and beverages while watching Larimer Street become a museum of chalk art over the course of this free interactive art festival.

Dining Al Fresco on Larimer Square beginning at 5 p.m. June 13, July 11 and Aug. 15.

• Join the award-winning restaurants of Larimer Square as they extend their patios into the streets for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Reservations are available through participating restaurants.

Peachy Larimer Square Sidewalk Sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 and noon to 5 p.m. July 26.

• Larimer Square will host its annual Peachy Sidewalk Sale in July. Savvy shoppers know that they will find deals, up to 75 percent off on clothing accessories and more from more than 20 Larimer Square retail shops. Come early on Friday and get free Colorado peaches while supplies last.

L.E.G. Valet App on Larimer Square summer 2015.

• Valet parking is going to get even easier on Larimer Square this summer with the launch of the L.E.G. Valet App, a user-friendly smartphone app that allows visitors to request their vehicle return with no waiting in line and pay for valet parking in multiple LoDo locations.

The Original Block Party: Celebrate 50 years of Denver’s Most Beautiful Block from 8 p.m. to midnight Aug. 15.

• Celebrate Larimer Square’s 50th at a golden anniversary party with adult games like giant Jenga, putt-putt golf, giant beer pong, a graffiti wall, a photo booth, live music from The Whitfields and In Tandem, a beer garden, food, live art, a commemorative 50th anniversary beer and special suprises.

Larimer Square Speaker Series May through September.

• Hear from industry experts on topics including responsible historic re-development, the history of Larimer Square, experts in deliberate urban planning and more.

Firefighter Chili Cook Off to benefit MDA on Oct. 2.

• It’s going to be hot on Larimer Square as hundreds of Denver firefighters representing dozens of local and national firehouses will compete with their best red and green chili to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Dia de Los Muertos on Oct. 30.

• Join Metro State University, also celebrating its 50th anniversary,  on Larimer Square for a display of Mexican flags, sugar skull painting, shopping, dining and more to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos.

Winter Fashion Show Nov. 19 at EDGE Restaurant at The Four Seasons.

• Models will strut the runway wearing the latest winter trends from Larimer Square’s boutiques as guests mix and mingle. Entry is free and open to the public and food and drink will be available for purchase.

Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.

• Shop small and support the independently owned businesses of Larimer Square on Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Yuletide Window Walk from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 5.

• Local artists will transform the windows of the Square’s various boutiques into fine art celebrating the holiday spirit.

For more information on events, go to www.larimersquare.com.

RiNo businesses MegaFauna, Beryl’s Beer Co., Smirk and RiNo Supply have teamed together with Truly Rejected magazine, FLO 107.1FM and more than 30 local artists to host the Skate Deck Art Show and block party from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday on the 3100 block of Blake Street.

Featuring live music, food trucks, artwork done on skateboard decks by local and regional artists, and open houses by participating RiNo businesses, the event will culminate with the Skate Deck Art Show and raffle, with proceeds supporting the Stronghold Society’s One Gathering Skate For Life and participating artists.

“This is an unprecedented show of collaboration and support among my fellow RiNo neighbors, and we’re all looking forward to a great event,” said John McCaskill, MegaFauna owner and event organizer. “The local art community has really come together in supporting the Stronghold Society, and we’re happy to have Truly Rejected and FLO 107.1FM helping us spread the word and bring together a lot of great artists.”

The event begins at 2 p.m. at Beryl’s Beer Company, 3120-C Blake Street, which will be hosting live music, food specials from El Carte 303 food truck and a taco stand and beverage specials. RiNo Supply Company at 3100 Blake Street will be hosting an open house yard promotion and barbecue, and design firm Smirk at 3120-B Blake Street will be holding an open house.

The Skate Deck Art Show will be held at MegaFauna, the artists’ collective retail store and event space at 3102 Blake Street, and will feature art work from more than 30 local and regional artists. Proceeds from the art show will benefit the Stronghold Society, a Denver-based non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring confidence, creativity, hope and ambition for the youth of Native American and non-Native American communities.

The Stronghold Society hosts the annual One Gathering Skate For Life, which encourages youth to take action and to live a healthy life in mind, body, and spirit through skateboarding, arts and creative movement. Last year’s One Gathering event drew nearly 5,000 attendees, 150 skateboard competitors, and included Native American youth from all around the United States. Skate Deck Art Show proceeds will help support this year’s sixth annual One Gathering event scheduled for July 18 at the Denver Skate Park.

“We’re humbled that the RiNo arts community reached out to us and wanted to hold this event for our benefit,” said Walt Pourier, executive director of Stronghold Society, whose organization has built two skateboarding parks for Native American communities in South Dakota. “This Skate Deck Art Show embodies our You Thrive, I Thrive, We Thrive philosophy, and shows that if we all work together and support each other, we can create a better future for our youth.”

For more information about the Skate Deck Art Show, visit the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/1055585537792185/ or call 303-717-9079.

Price Davis, Denver-based master craftsman and artist, recently installed the Denver Lily, a nearly 30-foot-tall sculpture, at Denver International Airport.

The three-piece, three-story sculpture, comprised of a base, flower pot and a stemmed flower with pod and leaves, is made of hand-forged sheets of steel that were stained and powder-coated. The sculpture is part of Davis’ “Global Peace Through Art” initiative.

“We must celebrate the skilled artists that bring us beauty in our everyday lives. Art should inspire and take into consideration the diversity of its viewers,” Davis said about the initiative. “The work I create invites participants to pause and encounter a playful, lighthearted experience. The Denver Lily embodies the components I strive to include in my art: conceptually simple, accessible and interactive. The purpose of art is to inspire, and I hope this work contributes to global inspiration in some way.”

The lily, a symbol of relationships and friendship, will welcome travelers to DIA through July.

“By installing a giant flower sculpture in the center of DIA, our goal is to surprise and delight passengers during spring, while showcasing a local artist’s talent,” said DIA’s Art and Culture Manager Chris Stevens. “This bright sculpture is monumental in height, which also highlights the scale of Jeppesen Terminal’s iconic tent roof architecture.”