The Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts announced that “Shakespeare in the Sangres”, the 2014 summer outdoor live theater production executive produced by Rancher’s Roost Café, will take place June 19 through July 5 in the Feedstore Amphitheater Park behind the Historic Jones Theater in Westcliffe.

Two comedy productions will be offered: “The Comedy of Errors,” a dramatic comedy by William Shakespeare, shows at 6:30 p.m.  June 19 and 21; 6: 30 p.m.  June 27 and July 4 and 2 p.m. June 29 and July 6.  “The Imaginary Invalid,” a classic comedy by Moliere shows at 6:30 p.m. June 20, 2 p.m. June 22, 6:30 p.m. June 26 and July 3 and at 6:30 p.m. June 28 and July 5.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring blankets and/or chairs to sit on. The park opens one hour before showtime.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for teens and can be purchased at http://www.jonestheater.com/.

In addition to the two “Shakespeare in the Sangres” productions, “A Taste of Shakespeare” will be held to kick-off the season at 6:30 p.m. June 17 in Studio 2 of the Jones Theater. Director Dan Hiester will introduce four 2014 summer interns from Colorado colleges, in a series of scenes, sonnets and general tom foolery n a new modern translation of the summer productions.

This event includes hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting hosted by Roland and Katherine Williams. As part of the fun and games of the evening, guests will have a chance to learn a Shakespearean dance or two and ladies in the audience will have the opportunity to have a Shakespearean sonnet read to them by one of the actors.  Tickets for the evening cost $20, or $30 with the wine tasting.

For tickets and more information, visit http://www.jonestheater.com/.

Eavesdropping on a Summit County couple discussing the crazy weather we’ve been having while riding in a Parking Spot van from DIA: “I just wish someone would come shovel all that ‘global warming’ off my driveway!”

Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan have issued proclamations declaring the week that ends on Father’s Day, June 9-15, as Men’s Health Week. This awareness period is part of a national effort to celebrate fatherhood while helping to educate men, boys and their families about disease prevention, medical screenings and living healthy lifestyles.

(Aurora Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/City-Aurora-2014.jpg)

(Denver Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/City-Denver-2014.jpg)

(Colorado Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/CO-2014.jpg)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of National Men’s Health Week. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Bob Dole and Congressman Bill Richardson and was signed by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men have higher rates of death from cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports women nationwide are 100 percent more likely to visit their doctor for annual exams and preventative services than men.

“Despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of five years less than women,” Hickenlooper said. “Educating the public and health care providers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality from disease.”

Aurora Mayor Hogan said, “Men’s Health Week is such an important week for us all. Our health not only affects our individual quality of life, but also that of our families, so take the time to encourage the men in your life to seek out medical advice and early treatment for diseases and injuries.”

“We applaud Governor Hickenlooper, Mayor Hancock, and Mayor Hogan for helping raise awareness of the health issues facing men and their families by declaring June 9-15 Men’s Health Week,” said Ana Fadich, Men’s Health Network vice president. “Men’s health is truly a family issue, impacting not only men but also the women in their lives. We hope that by promoting the health and well-being of men and boys around Father’s Day, they will take action and set a doctor’s appointment in June.”

In preparation for Men’s Health Week, MHN encourages health care professionals, private industry, faith-based organizations, community groups and other interested organizations and individuals to plan activities and events which focus on men’s health during the week of June 9-15. For ideas and open resources in both English and Spanish, visit www.menshealthmonth.org.

Quien es el mejor? (Who is the best?)

That will be determined when gobs of local chefs compete in Top Taco Denver, presented by US Foods, a taco and margarita tasting event from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 26 in the Sculpture Park on Speer Boulevard between Arapahoe and Champa streets. VIP ticket holders will be admitted at 5:30 p.m.

Tacos in Denver have made a fundamental shift over the years from Tex-Mex to authentic. It’s a change that suits Denverites’ obsession with Mexican fare and quest for new flavors and great food.

Top Taco trophies will be awarded by judges and for people’s choice for the Top Creative, Top Traditional Taco and Best Margarita . 

Tickets are $65 for general admission; $125 for VIP hosted by Patron Private Lounge with bar and specialty menu, private tasting by chef Mark Ferguson, a complimentary three-month Dining Out card, a specialty rare and premium Patron tequila tasting and VIP restrooms.

The event benefits The Colorado Restaurant Association Education Foundation ProStart Scholarship Program. Tickets and more information: www.toptacodenver.com.

Competing restaurants are:

Adelitas – www.adelitasdenver.com; Billy’s Inn  – www.billysinn.com; Comida Cantina – www.eatcomida.com; El Camino –  www.elcaminotavern.com; El Chingon – www.elchingondenver.com; El Matador –  www.matadordenver.com; Highland Tap and Burger –  www.highlandtapdenver.com; Illegal Petes –  www.illegalpetes.com; The Kitchen Next Door – www.thekitchen.com/next-door-glendale; La Biblioteca –  www.richardsandoval.com/labibliotecadenver/; La Loma –  www.lalomamexican.com; La Sandia Cantina – www.richardsandoval.com/lasandiacantina; Lime –  www.eatatlime.com; Los Chingones –  www.loschingonesmexican.com; Machete Tequila and Tacos – www.machetedenver.com; Mestizos Fusion Tacos – www.denverstreetfood.com/tag/mestizos-fusion-tacos/; Moon Tower – www.moontowertacos.com; Pinche Tacos – www.tacostequilawhiskey.com; The Rio Grande – www.riograndemexican.com/denver; Rosa Linda’s Mexican Café – www.rosalindasmexicancafe.com; Solitaire – www.solitairerestaurant.com; The Squeaky Bean – www.thesqueakybean.net; Tamayo – www.richardsandoval.com/tamayo; Uno Mas Cantina – www.unomastaqueria.com; Zengo – www.richardsandoval.com/zengodenver/.

Dessert from Sweet Cow Ice Cream – www.sweetcowicecream.com.

Spirits: A variety of tequilas and whiskies for specialty Margaritas,  including Patron, Blue Nectar, Sauza, Hornitos, Dulce Vida, Cintinela, Casa Noble, Solera Whisky, Yolo Rum, Spring 44, El Tesoro, Casamigos (with Redbull), Suerte, Bacardi Rum, Cazadores, Don Julio, Corallejo, Altos, Mile High Spirits, Milagro, Montelobos Mezcal, Familia Camarena, El Jimador, Herradura, Trinchero and Peach Street.

Entertainment by Sambadende www.sambadende.com.

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup is the most widely viewed sporting event, and features 32 nations vying for the coveted trophy.

To celebrate this year’s event in Brazil, Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill in Union Station will be opening at 10 a.m. for the early matches, and features eight TVs, 52 beers on tap and a spacious patio in the heart of downtown Denver.

Tamayo at 1400 Larimer St. is getting a kick out of World Cup soccer with $5 Caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail made with Cachaca, sugar and fresh lime; Caiporoskas, another popular Brazilian cocktail made with vodka, sugar and fresh lime along with $5 Corona and Corona Lights.

The Richard Sandoval restaurant also will be broadcasting the 2014 FIFA World Cup in the lounges.

Or guests can score a goal at Zengo and La Biblioteca (16th and Little Raven) with World Cup inspired cocktails including the Caipirinha, Zengo’s new Test Kitchen Menu (with the theme Brazil to China launching on July 1) which will include Brazilian dishes, and La Biblioteca will have four TV’s airing the World Cup games.

Find more information at www.richardsandoval.com.

The Caipirinha, served at Tamayo, Zengo an La Biblioteca, is Brazil’s national cocktail. (RichardSandoval.com photo)

A crowd of 300 people of all ages at the Wind Crest retirement community, 3235 Mill Vista Road, in Highlands Ranch will sing the National Anthem from 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Friday to help set a record for The Largest Intergenerational Singing of our country’s song.

This historic National Anthem event will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Francis Scott Key’s writing of the poem during the bombardment of Fort McHenry that became the National Anthem.

Wind Crest’s Resident Chorale will lead everyone decked out in red, white and blue in the singing of the National Anthem.

Attendees will be available afterward to share their stories of what the Star-Spangled Banner and the American flag mean to them.

Thousands of people at Wind Crest’s sister communities in Maryland, Kansas and Michigan will also sing the National Anthem at the time it is being sung at Wind Crest bringing the combined number of singers to 3,000.

This event will set a record for being the Largest Intergenerational Singing of the National Anthem. A videotape will be sent to Fort McHenry, the Maryland Historical Society, the National Archives, the Guinness Book of World Records, the Smithsonian, and President Barack Obama.

Larimer Associates and their partners have added 5 green boxes to the mix of Colorado retailers and restaurants opening in the new Denver Union Station this July.

Charlotte Elich opened the first 5 green boxes in Denver’s South Pearl Street shopping and dining district in 1999. The store has since expanded to two locations in the neighborhood – the Little Store, a woman’s boutique offering contemporary clothing, purses, jewelry, scarves and more, and the Big Store, which features home décor, reclaimed furniture and gifts.

At Union Station, 5 green boxes plans to offer an eclectic mix of local crafts, jewelry, one of a kind furniture and worldly goods, with a focus on artsy gifts and hip items for travelers.

“This project is really exciting because of the sheer number of people who will be passing through Denver Union Station every day – from downtown residents and workers to visitors to Colorado,” Elich said.

Opening on July 12, Denver’s new Union Station will feature a collection of locally owned restaurants and retailers, including Mercantile Dining & Provision, a European-style restaurant and market by chef Alex Seidel, Stoic & Genuine by chef Jennifer Jasinski, Snooze, The Kitchen Next Door Community Bistro, the Tattered Cover Book Store and Bloom, a boutique by Anuschka Pashel. Denver Union Station is now 100 percent leased.

“5 green boxes is the perfect final retailer to round-out the eclectic mix of Colorado businesses that we envisioned for the new Denver Union Station,” said Pat McHenry, leasing and acquisition partner at Larimer Associates.

Denver Union Station will also be home to The Crawford Hotel, a 112-room independent luxury hotel managed by Sage Hospitality.

For more information on Denver Union Station,visit www.unionstationindenver.com.

Eavesdropping on a man on Facebook: “So I went to the 7-Eleven in my building for a nutritious lunch. After finding the five items I craved, the checkout lady asked if I wanted a bag for that. (At this point I always fantasize with this comeback: ‘No, that’s OK, I’m a professional juggler.'”

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.