Curious Theatre Company announces that the Tenth Annual “Denver Stories” will feature former Denver Mayor and first Lady Wellington E. and Wilma J. Webb on June 3. “Denver Stories” offers a glimpse into the lives of Denver’s most intriguing personalities while toasting our community.

Written by Curious Theatre Company Artistic Company member Josh Hartwell, the play is composed in Curious’ trademark “Denver Stories” style – a light-hearted yet poignant approach to storytelling. The audience will gain an intimate perspective on the lives of the Webbs and their joint impact which has built modern Denver. The original work will be performed by members of Curious’ Artistic Company of artists, and additional artists from the Denver community.

“It is a great honor to have our lives celebrated by Curious Theatre Company,” the Webbs said. “Sometimes it is hard to believe how much opportunity and support we’ve enjoyed and we are hopeful that our accomplishments in public service are an inspiration to others.”

“The Webbs capture the essence of what we seek to achieve with ‘Denver Stories’ each year at Curious,” said Producing Artistic Director Chip Walton. “Bringing their collective story to Curious’ stage is an honor. Denverites – all of us – are impacted daily by their contribution to the community over so many years. We look forward to highlighting their lasting impression on the city in their play.”

Andrew Hudson, former press secretary to Mayor Webb said, “This is a love story between two people as well as a story of a couple’s love and commitment to their community. It is hard to find two people anywhere who, combined, have created lasting legacies ranging from public service and government, civil and human rights, arts and culture, parks and open space and the overall transformation of Denver into one of the world’s most vibrant metropolises.”

Hudson, along with Executive Director of the Denver Health Foundation, Paula Herzmark, will also serve as co-chairs of the Host Committee; both are former “Denver Stories” honorees. Joining them as co-chair is Founder and President of Columbine Health Plan David McReynolds.

“Denver Stories” takes place on June 3 at Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acom;. 6 p.m. cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, 7:30 p.m. performance and post-show party. Tickets are $1,000 per individual. Sponsorships (personal and corporate) are $5,000-$25,000 and available now through Diana Gatschet, director of organizational advancement at 720-258-4212 or online at www.curioustheatre.org.

(Blacktie Colorado photo)

In Colorado, a state that’s proud of its “quirkiness” with everything from a brewery boss governor to legalized marijuana, it’s no wonder that Travel + Leisure magazine included three of our ‘burgs in its list of “Top 20 Quirkiest Towns.” Say it loud, we’re quirky and we’re proud.

Here’s how Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass ranked on the list.

“No. 4 Boulder – This lovable mountain town is so outdoorsy (and granola) that each July, locals hold a Tube to Work Day. And while Colorado has recently become more famous for its smokable ‘herbs,’ you can still explore the town’s original herbal high on a free tour of the Celestial Seasonings tea factory, or sit down for afternoon tea and samosas at the elaborately hand-carved Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, originally built in Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan. To see why the town also ranked well for burgers, check out the grass-fed wonders at The Sink, which is completely wind-powered.

” No. 6 Aspen – This tony Colorado ski town attracts more than just the designer snowsuit crowd. Check out Woody Creek Tavern, one of Hunter S. Thompson’s favorite hangouts, with its sensory-overloaded walls of newspaper clippings and children’s art. Residents have a soft spot for pet lovers: the local shelter’s Rent-a Pet program lets you visit with a designated cat or dog during your stay. Aspen also ranked well for its sense of adventure, which can extend from outdoor sports to food and drink. At Zocalito’s, you can order your guacamole with chapulines (grasshoppers), and at Hotel Jerome’s J-Bar, be sure to try an Aspen Crud, the bourbon-laced milkshake cocktail that dates back to Prohibition.

“No. 16  Snowmass – This ski town landed in the survey’s top 10 for being friendly and smart, but quirky isn’t too far behind. After all, it seems locals have a habit of attaching stuff to trees. The Sanctuaries in the Snow tour, led by a retired attorney, will take you to see the area’s best mysterious shrines – elaborate homages in the woods devoted to, say, Jerry Garcia, golf or Snoopy. Past quirky residents, meanwhile, have included at least one woolly mammoth; a tusk was excavated a few years ago in Snowmass Village and can now be seen, along with other local fossils, at the town’s Ice Age Discovery Center.”

Check out the rest of the nation’s quirky towns at http://tandl.me/1KHPYgG.

Nocturne, a modern take on the jazz and supper clubs of the 1940s, opens its doors in Denver’s burgeoning RiNo Arts District today.

Marrying the culinary, cocktail and musical arts, Nocturne is the creation of seasoned hospitality professionals Scott Mattson, a certified sommelier and most recently wine buyer at Denver’s Mondo Vino; Nicole Mattson, of Sage Hospitality and formerly of Vail Resorts; and Chef Dustin Beckner, most recently executive sous chef at Root Down, but who has also held culinary positions at four Todd English restaurants, the Michelin two star-rated Alex in Las Vegas, Avondale in Beaver Creek and Quality Social in San Diego.

Located between Larimer and Walnut Streets at 1330 27th St., this 3,500-square-foot, 105-seat venue was created within a restored early 20th century factory building. The architectural design was by Studio Spinnato, and the interior design concept was created by Scott, with consultation from The Interior and Shike Design.

The design embraces the industrial feel of RiNo, utilizing materials such as raw steel and bronze, and is melded with elements that evoke Atlantic coast art deco from the 1920s and 1930s, such as opulent white marble, rich mercury-toned velour, vintage-styled cabaret wallpaper and architectural sunburst forms.

The building’s exterior features a colorful street art mural by artist Brandon Pickett, depicting Jazz greats Max Roach, Thelonious Monk and Lee Morgan, complimenting Denver’s adjacent, and award-winning Art Alley.

“With its wealth of street art, funky work spaces, independent restaurants, great music venues and art galleries, our goal was to create a room that complemented RiNo’s culture while also looking to the underground jazz clubs of old Hollywood and New York for the inspiration of Nocturne’s spirit,” Scott said.

Nocturne’s culinary program is globally inspired yet rooted in local and seasonal ingredients. A small plates menu showcases produce, fish and meats sourced from area micro-farms. Signature items from the debut menu include gnocco fritto, cubano sliders and a seasonal farmhouse platter. The restaurant’s Social Hour, from 6 to 8 p.m. daily, includes culinary and cocktail specials accompanied by a library of classic jazz recordings played end-to-end on vinyl.

“Our city is filled with urban professionals, dedicated entrepreneurs and artists, who very much like us, are pouring their hearts and souls into their work,” Scott said. “Our lives don’t fit into a 9-to-5. We think Nocturne’s social hour will fill a pretty big need for those who need to unwind a little later in the day, and wrap up their workdays over a good cocktail, while enjoying some great hospitality and community.”

Blending music and gastronomy, Chef Beckner and Scott have also created an ever-changing tasting menu series entitled Renditions. Each Renditions menu is inspired by iconic jazz recordings such as John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” and “Way out West” by Sonny Rollins. Each Renditions tasting menu explores the aesthetics and artistic ideas from the album by which it was inspired in five to eight courses. The first Renditions menu will launch at 5:30 p.m. March 28.

The first “community funded” jazz club in North America, a portion of funds used to develop Nocturne came from a small group of community supporters. “Our crowdfunders’ commitments to taking Nocturne from a dream to a reality really showcases this as something the RiNo community, and Denver, wants and needs,” Nicole said. “You just don’t see young people opening jazz clubs these days, but we were reassured that it’s something that will not only work, but thrive in Denver, when so many people stepped forward to contribute.”

At the core of this highly experience-driven venue is the artist in residence program. Residencies are awarded to musicians focusing on one of three concentrations: The study of a jazz icon, the exploration of a specific jazz genre or the performance of all original material. During each residency period, six artists, each playing one night a week, will take Nocturne’s stage for a three-month run. Nocturne will also play host to nationally touring jazz musicians.

“Denver is a great jazz city,” Scott said. “It has a storied history, phenomenal musicians, a world-class jazz radio station and a lot of serious music fans. Nocturne certainly celebrates jazz as an important part of our cultural heritage, but maybe even more so, it will make this dynamic, living art form accessible to a much broader audience. We can’t think of a city more primed for this concept than Denver.”

Nocturne is open from 6 to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Valet will be available Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call 303-295-3333 or visit www.nocturnejazz.com.

Linger, the awesome Highlands eatery inside the former Olinger mortuary, was recently awarded Restaurant Bar of the Year by national industry magazine Nightclub & Bar.

The annual awards honor well deserving bars, nightclubs and lounges for excellence in concept development, operations, promotions and innovation.

After receiving hundreds of qualified nominations, the annual awards winners were recognized for demonstrating expertise, professionalism and sales success.

“The winners are visionaries who are instrumental in setting trends and forging the way for other hospitality venues,” said Jon Taffer, president of Nightclub & Bar Media Group and host and executive producer of Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue.” “Each of these venues, large and small, demonstrate outstanding operations where energy and creativity are on full display, ultimately earning them a winning spot.”

As the premier national nightlife awards program dedicated to recognizing and applauding excellence in bar, nightclub and lounge concept development, operations, promotion, innovation and success, the Nightclub & Bar Awards honor both individual winners and establishments, exhibiting excellence in various aspects of the industry.

Mike Henderson, Linger’s bar director, said, “I’m honored and humbled to see Linger among such great company with this year’s nominees and winners. Everyone on the Linger bar team has been working hard over the last few years to build a well-balanced bar program for our guests, and I’m flattered that not just Linger – but a restaurant in Denver – was part of the conversation for this award. It’s no secret to those that live here in Denver that our bar and restaurant scene has been exploding over the last several years. There are a ton of professional bartenders, servers, chefs, and owners all working very hard to make Denver a world-class dining and drinking destination and this award is a testament to that.”

See the complete list of winners at http://bit.ly/1MiDCr1.

Eavesdropping on a woman talking to friends at Nocturne: “I broke up with my boyfriend so I’m auditioning people for his role.”

Emmy award-winning fashion icon Tim Gunn and Denver-based designer Mondo Guerra hosted fashion show fundraiser Goodwill En Vogue at Denver Union Station on Thursday.  The event featured a fashion show put on by local high school students in Goodwill Denver’s career development programs and ultimately raised more than $118,000 for the non-profit.

Gunn co-hosted the fundraiser with 7NEWS meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Guerra, winner of “Project Runway All-Stars,” oversaw a team of judges who scored the student design competition, which was the first fashion show held at the recently restored historic Union Station.

The student winner, Jackie Rodriguez, is a junior at CEC Middle College of Denver and is receiving help to prepare for her future through Goodwill’s programs at her school. Her winning design incorporated drapes found at a Goodwill store that were transformed into an elegant pantsuit, inspired by the style and society of the 1920s, which earned her a coveted fashion design internship with Guerra.

More than 450 guests viewed a multitude of upcycled designs by students from Goodwill’s high school programs, each inspired by a different decade in history. In addition, area celebrities modeled in a show of upscale, chic trends from Goodwill’s Déjà Blue Boutique in Cherry Creek North.

All proceeds from the event benefited Goodwill’s career development programs for at-risk students, struggling adults, and individuals with disabilities. For more information about Goodwill’s local life-changing programs and how you can help, visit www.goodwilldenver.org.

One of Denver’s most popular custom jewelry stores, Gnat Original Design (selected as “Denver’s Best” by the Denver A-List) in Cherry Creek North, will be opening a second location in the luxury shopping district later this summer.

Gnat’s second store will be located at 250 Columbine, the $100 million mixed-used project being developed by Western Development Group.  According to store owners Itzhak Gnat and his son Raz, the new location will feature even more valuable and exclusive custom-made jewelry than their current location, and provide customers with the ability to view and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.

“During the course of our 32-year history in Cherry Creek North, we’ve established the Gnat name as providing some of the most finely crafted and beautifully customized jewelry available anywhere,” said Itzhtak, who opened his first store in 1983.  “We take a great deal of pride in creating striking, custom-designed jewelry for a select clientele.  Our new location will further reflect the quality of our work, and provide an even more private and refined setting for our customers to fully-appreciate and enjoy the process of creating a custom piece of jewelry.”

The new store will be located along Columbine Street, between Second and Third avenues.  Heather Mourer of Slant Interiors will craft the space to reflect the quality and individuality of Gnat’s custom pieces.  Luxurious finishes will be juxtaposed with raw authentic materials to create an elegant yet comfortable haven for clients.

“We want to provide our customers with the ultimate experience when they shop with us,” said Raz, who joined his father in the family business more than 20 years ago.  “We believe jewelry is a work of art, and we want our new space to be a jewelry gallery, where people can feel inspired to create a personalized piece of art that is sculpted from precious metals and gems.”

Gnat Original Design’s current location at 2703 E. Third Ave. is less than two blocks away from the new location at 250 Columbine, and will continue operations even after the new store opens.

The 250 Columbine project will feature two architecturally striking buildings separated by a mid-block drive aisle. At the southern corner of the block on Second and Columbine, 80,000 square feet of single- and multi-tenant office space will sit in seven stories above ground floor retail. The north end of the site will house 71 condominium residences over 30,000 square feet of retail space that extends along Columbine and onto Third Avenue.

More information about 250 Columbine is available at www.250columbine.com, or by contacting Western Development Group at 303-321-5700.

More information about Gnat Original Design is available at www.gnatjewelers.com, or by calling 303-355-5050.

Thrillist.com’s travel team rode the rails – at least virtually – to find The 11 Most Beautiful Train Stations Across America.

And no surprise to Denver dwellers, the rehabbed Union Station downtown was included in the lauded list. Thrillist looked for stations that are so “beautiful, so historic,  so straight-up cool that you’re more than happy to get stuck, if only to wander around for a bit and pretend you’re Eliot Ness trying to take down Al Capone.”

Here’s what the website said about our spiffed up train station:

“Union Station, like Uma Thurman, may have undergone a few nips and tucks recently, but that hasn’t compromised its Beaux Arts facade, which was built in 1914. Today, the station’s most striking features include its exposed Train Hall (made of 11 steel arches), a 112-room boutique hotel, a slew of restaurants, shops, and bars and over 600 works of art on display throughout. And if that’s not enough, there’s even a 22-gate underground bus concourse lit by skylights. Okay, that was probably enough.”

To see the rest of the best, go to www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/grand-central-union-station-and-more-of-america-s-most-beautiful-train-stations.

Though a long-time respected, best-selling New York Times author, David Sedaris is fast gaining a reputation as a stand-up comic.  His appearances have gained a cult like following for his quirky readings that are at once poignant, smart—and hilarious.

Sedaris is bringing his humor to Denver for one night only at 7:30 p.m. May 11. Tickets now on sale at www.paramountdenver.com.

The evening includes a presentation by Sedaris, audience Q&A and a book signing, where all may meet and greet the author. Tattered Cover will be on site selling Sedaris’ works.

Always a sell-out, a limited number of tickets remain.  Purchase on line or in person at the Pepsi Center Box Office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.