Welcome to The Denver Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bar opens in Capitol Hill hotel.

• Dikembe Mutombo, Hall of Famer, dies at 58.

• A deep-dive into the life of on Jello Biafra.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"There are no facts, only interpretations."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the historic Denver neighborhood famous for its jazz history and cultural significance?

A) Capitol Hill

B) Five Points

C) LoDo (Lower Downtown)

D) Cherry Creek

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual festival in Denver known for its celebration of craft beer from around the nation is B) Great American Beer Festival.

News

💼Business

Bar and restaurant opens in historic Capitol Hill mansion turned hotel. (link)

Dish Network strikes merger deal with DirecTV, refinancing Boost Mobile. (link)

🏒Sports

Dikembe Mutombo, Hall of Fame NBA player who swatted shots for Nuggets, dies at 58 from brain cancer. (link)

Vance Joseph’s defensive master class powers Broncos’ 10-9 win at Jets: “He prepared us so well for this game”. (link)

🏦Finance

Battery co. to expand Denver-metro area operations with $50M infusion. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏐 Denver Pioneers Womens Volleyball vs. St. Thomas Tommies Womens Volleyball
University of Denver - Hamilton Gymnasium, Denver CO, CO
Sat • Oct 12, 2024 • 1:00 PM | (More info)

🏉 Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Chargers - Parking
Empower Field At Mile High, Denver, CO
Sun • Oct 13, 2024 • 2:05 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Great American Beer Festival
Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
Thu • Oct 10, 2024 • 5:30 PM | (More info)

🎸 CeU
Bluebird Theatre, Denver, CO
Thu • Oct 10, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎉 David Spade: Catch Me Inside
Paramount Theatre, Denver, CO
Fri • Oct 11, 2024 • 9:30 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “A smart Denver where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Denver Historical Events

BigThompson Flood (1969) - A major flood impacting Denver and its surrounding areas.

In 1969, the Big Thompson Flood devastated the Denver area and its surroundings, leaving a lasting impact on the region. The flood was triggered by a severe thunderstorm that unleashed an unprecedented amount of rainfall, causing the Big Thompson River to swell rapidly. The resulting flash flood swept through the canyon, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of over 140 people. The floodwaters surged into the city of Denver and its surrounding areas, causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and natural landscapes.

The Big Thompson Flood of 1969 remains one of the most significant natural disasters in the history of Denver, prompting extensive efforts to improve flood control and disaster preparedness in the region. The devastating event led to the implementation of new safety measures, including the construction of flood control structures and the establishment of early warning systems to mitigate the impact of future floods. The resilience and unity of the community in the aftermath of the disaster played a crucial role in the recovery and rebuilding process, shaping the city's approach to disaster management and community resilience for years to come.

Today, the memory of the Big Thompson Flood serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need to safeguard against the devastating effects of natural disasters. The legacy of the flood lives on in the collective memory of the Denver community, inspiring ongoing efforts to protect the region from similar catastrophic events and to honor the lives lost in the tragedy.

Famous People From Denver

Jello Biafra - Lead singer of the Dead Kennedys.

Jello Biafra: 1958-Present

Jello Biafra, born Eric Reed Boucher on June 17, 1958, in Boulder, Colorado, is an American singer, spoken word artist, and punk-rock legend. His stage name, "Jello Biafra," is a combination of the brand name Jell-O and the short-lived African state of Biafra. Biafra's career and life story reflect a journey of punk rock rebellion, countercultural influence, and political activism.

Early Life and Influence of Colorado (1958-1970s)

Eric Reed Boucher, later known as Jello Biafra, was born in Boulder, Colorado, to Virginia (née Parker), a librarian, and Stanley Wayne Boucher, a psychiatric social worker and poet. Growing up in the hippie-happy environment of Boulder, Biafra was influenced by the countercultural atmosphere of the city, which would later shape his rebellious and politically charged persona.

Rise to Punk Rock Fame (1970s-1980s)

Biafra's rise to fame began with his involvement in the punk rock scene, particularly in Boulder and Denver. As the lead singer of the Dead Kennedys, he became a vocal supporter of the Colorado music scene and made an unmistakable and enduring impact on punk and counterculture internationally. His band's refusal to sign with a major label, despite the potential to do so, left a powerful anti-censorship legacy and solidified their status as punk rock icons.

Impact on Punk and Counterculture (1980s-Present)

Jello Biafra's influence on punk and counterculture has been enduring, with his outspoken activism and rebellious spirit resonating with fans around the world. His involvement in politics, pranking, and his dedication to independent music have cemented his legacy as a punk rock legend and a symbol of resistance and free expression.

Key Achievements of Jello Biafra:

• Lead singer of the Dead Kennedys, a pioneering punk rock band.

• Owner of Alternative Tentacles Records, a platform for independent and countercultural music.

• Vocal supporter of the Colorado music scene and advocate for independent music.

• Enduring impact on punk and counterculture internationally.

• Symbol of resistance, free expression, and political activism.

Jello Biafra's story is one of rebellion, countercultural influence, and political activism, with his roots in Colorado shaping his journey as a punk rock icon. His impact on the music scene and his dedication to independent music continue to inspire future generations.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll