Welcome to The Denver Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Pickleball, padel courts proposed near Denver.

• Colorado high school football showdown week.

• A deep-dive into the life of on Big Head Todd and the Monsters.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."

— Winston Churchill

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 Denver botanical garden known for its diverse plant collections and conservatory?

A) Cheesman Park Botanical Gardens

B) Denver Botanic Gardens

C) Washington Park Gardens

D) City Park Greenhouse

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic building in Denver that is the main venue for the city's major concerts and sporting events is A) Pepsi Center.

News

💼Business

Pickleball, padel courts proposed near Denver Tech Center at Belleview Station. (link)

Denver's InBank expands into health care banking, recruits new team. (link)

🏒Sports

Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon retiring after iconic 14-year career. (link)

Colorado high school football rankings, Week 5: Welcome to showdown week in Class 5A. (link)

🏦Finance

Denver approves $197.3M to start Colfax BRT bus project. (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 Broncos v Las Vegas Raiders VIP Tailgate
Empower Field At Mile High, Denver, CO
Sun • Oct 06 • 11:05 AM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Breaking Benjamin & Staind with Special Guest Daughtry
The JunkYard, Denver, CO
Thu • Oct 03 • 5:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Club Level Seating: Elevation Worship
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Thu • Oct 03 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎉 Sleeping Beauty w/ Colorado Ballet
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, CO
Fri • Oct 04 • 7:30 PM | (More info)

🖼️ Kevin Hart: Acting My Age
Bellco Theatre 1100 Stout Street Denver, CO
Sat Oct 5, 2024 - 7:30 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 “High-tech Denver with a focus on robotics and automation” 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

Denver’s 150th Anniversary Celebration (2008) - Marking the city's sesquicentennial.

Denver celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008, marking the city's sesquicentennial with a series of events and exhibits. The celebration honored the unsung heroes who played a significant role in shaping Denver into the vibrant city it is today. Low-key events were organized, including visits to museums around the city and a private ceremony by Mayor John Hickenlooper to honor 150 people as Denver's original site was near the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. The celebration highlighted the rich history and cultural heritage of Denver, paying tribute to the city's colorful past.

The Denver Turnverein, founded in the spring of 1865, also played a part in the city's 150th anniversary celebration. The organization's 150th anniversary traced the colorful history of Colorado, showcasing the role of cowboys, miners, and horses in the early days of Denver. The anniversary events provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on the city's journey over the past 150 years and celebrate the diverse and dynamic spirit of Denver.

The University of Denver also joined in the celebration, marking its sesquicentennial throughout 2014 with a variety of events and exhibits. The campus hosted homecoming, alumni symposiums, and interactive exhibits that showcased the university's rich tradition and history. The 150th anniversary celebration served as a time for reflection, appreciation, and a renewed sense of pride in Denver's remarkable journey over the past century and a half.

Famous People From Denver

Big Head Todd and the Monsters - Rock band.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters is a rock band formed by Todd Mohr, Brian Nevin, and Rob Squires in 1986 in Colorado. The band has become a Colorado legend, with a journey that has no end in sight. Their music has garnered a considerable live following across the United States, especially in the Mountain States.

The band's journey began in the late 1980s when they started playing local clubs in Denver, Fort Collins, and Boulder. Their live performances quickly developed a dedicated following around the band, solidifying their place in the Colorado music scene.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters' first live album, "Big Head Todd and the Monsters Live," was recorded at the H.O.R.D.E. Festival in 1993. By 1993, the band had developed a considerable live following across the United States. Their 1993 album, "Sister Sweetly," went platinum in the United States, further cementing their status as a prominent rock band.

In 2023, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, along with Hazel Miller, a frequent collaborator, were inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame at the band's annual Red Rocks Amphitheatre show. This induction was a testament to the band's deep roots in Colorado and their significant impact on the local music scene.

The band's music has continued to resonate with fans, and their album "New World Arisin'" released in 2017 received fan adoration and critical acclaim. Their dedication to their craft and their connection to the Colorado music community have solidified their status as a Colorado legend.

Key Achievements of Big Head Todd and the Monsters:

• Formed in 1986 in Colorado and developed a considerable live following across the United States.

• Released the platinum album "Sister Sweetly" in 1993, showcasing their musical prowess and popularity.

• Inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2023, recognizing their significant contributions to the local music scene.

• Continued to produce music that resonates with fans, with the album "New World Arisin'" receiving critical acclaim.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters' journey is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their enduring impact on the Colorado music scene. Their legacy as a Colorado legend continues to inspire music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians alike.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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