Crystal Valley Blog

While the forecasters are predicting a chance of more rain this weekend there will be enough sun for indoor and some outdoor activities in Castle Rock and nearby locales! Just minutes from the new home community of Crystal Valley you’ll find music, comedy, theatrical performances, celebrity appearances and more!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, May 18

ARTIST RECEPTION: PACE
Come celebrate with Wendy Wetmore at the Artist Reception for her solo art show – the BAUHAUS Art into Industry Ausstellung! Inspired by Bauhaus, arguably the single most influential modernist art school of the 20th century, this visual work explores Bauhaus concepts through a modern “lens.” Here, Wendy explores some of the Bauhaus ideology through collaboration with dancers and models. Using mass-produced products such as plumbing pipe, strings of holiday lights, fiber-optic filament, and plastic rods, Wendy has created shapes for her subjects to interact and dance with. Each person brings their own style and expression to objects of rationalism, breathing life into them with the movement of dance and motion.

Wendy works with dancers regularly in her personal and commercial image-making. Through choreography, dance can be deeply personal, as in a solo performance – or it can be repetitious or robotic. In this series, Wendy combines the uniqueness of the dancer’s movement with the simpler – more abstract and rational – shapes that they dance with. Refreshments will be available and this is a FREE event, but please RSVP so they can have a head count.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:30-10:30 p.m.
FREE: RSVP
Phone: 303-805-6800

BEN ROY LIVE
If you aren’t familiar with Ben Roy, he’s been taking comedy audiences by storm since 2004, bringing high energy and a unique voice to the stage. Often compared to Lewis Black or Bill Hicks due to his passionate, ranting approach, Roy has a style that is definitively his own. 

Roy cut his comedic teeth in Denver at Comedy Works. Since then, he has been selected to perform at many comedy festivals and has been featured on HBO’s Funny as Hell series; as well as on the Comedy Central shows Adam DeVine’s House Party, Corporate, @midnight, and This Is Not Happening. Ben has released three stand-up comedy albums and was listed as one of Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch in 2015. He just recorded his first hour comedy special with 800 Pound Gorilla Records at Comedy Works. 

Along with fellow Denver Comedians Adam Cayton-Holland and Andrew Orvedahl (who collectively perform as The Grawlix), Ben, writes and stars in TruTV’s original comedy series Those Who Can’t, which ran for three seasons. In addition to stand-up comedy, Roy is a prolific musician, currently the lead singer of SPELLS.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, May 19

PSO: ARABIAN NIGHTS
Culminating in a presentation of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” based on The Thousand and One Nights, the Parker Symphony Orchestra brings us a symphony of international compositions. The true heroine and protagonist of the Arabian Night is Shahrazade, the narrator of all the invented stories told to keep herself from being executed by King Shahrayar. A strong, intelligent, courageous, and well-educated woman, Shahrazade steps into a very dangerous situation and takes control by captivating the king and winning her pardon.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24
Phone: 303-805-6800

BRANDT TOBLER
From Cheyenne, Wyoming Brandt Tobler is a super-funny comedian, author, and actor. Brandt has toured overseas performing for our troops and has been featured on Comedy Central, Fox, and ESPN. He has recorded two CD’s, Token White Boy and Ramblin’ and Gamblin, both of which went to #1 on both the iTunes and Amazon charts the week they were released. Brandt is currently the host of the award-winning podcast The 31.

He is a regular on nearly every comedy podcast you can think of including Bertcast, Crabfeast, Your Mom’s House, Mohr Sports, The Dana Gould Hour, and Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank. In 2018 Brandt was a finalist in Barstool Sports Barstool Idol contest and was also named the “Best-Undiscovered Comedian from Wyoming” by Thrillist. Brandt’s best-selling memoir, Free Roll, was released in the summer of 2017. His second autobiographical book, You Couldn’t and You Wouldn’t, was released in the summer of 2019.

Brandt is known as one of the best storytellers in comedy today and is​ a​ self-proclaimed connoisseur of chaos from an outlaw bloodline. Don’t miss his stories!

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $24
Phone: 720-274-6800

Saturday, May 20

CARS AT THE ROCK
If you are one of the thousands of car enthusiasts, join other motor vehicle afficionados to look at, talk about, research, investigate and revel in rows of classic, refurbished, rebuilt and renovated cars, trucks and motorcycles of all kinds, makes, models, years and finishes. Sponsored by the Colorado Car Addicts.

Outlets Mall, NE Parking Lot, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Free

SPRING KICKOFF CONCERT
The official kickoff to the 2023 Downtown Castle Rock summer event season! Locals and visitors gather each year in Festival Park to enjoy live bands, food trucks, local breweries, face painters and vendor booths. Come hear the John Saunders Band, plus Sarah P and the Dirty Logger perform, sample the tasty eats from R&B Meats, Korean Fried Chicken, Bloom & Grow Kitchen and Glacier Homemade Ice Cream, plus the fine beverages from Red Leg, Burly and Lone Tree Brewing Companies and Mystic Mountain Distillery.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
1:00-7:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT

VINNIE MONTEZ
As a 20-plus-year veteran of law enforcement, (at least some of that tenure in Boulder) his experiences as a cop and his Mexican heritage are the foundation for his comedy: you just can’t make some of this stuff up. Vinnie got into comedy in 2007 as a means of addressing the stress and trauma of dealing with horrible situations. His first comedy special debut was on Dry Bar Comedy, released in 2019, Vinnie Montez: Armed & Hilarious. For anyone who appreciates cleaner comedy than the X-and-R rated variety – check Vinnie out. He makes fun of everyone from Subaru drivers to millennial cops. Seriously funny.

With a focus on telling funny stories about being a police officer and promoting better mental health for the men and women in blue, he is a favorite at events around the nation.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $28
Phone: 720-274-6800

Saturday-Sunday, May 20-21

MAHLER 9
A revelation. Simply breathtaking. Gustav Mahler’s last completed symphony will reverberate in our hearts as Music Director Josep Caballé-Domenech ends his twelve-year tenure with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Gustav Mahler’s symphonies, as the above quote suggests, are more than musical compositions; they are worlds unto themselves. Mahler conceived them as such, and they envelop the listener in a realm complete with its own language, symbolism, and meaning. This is where interpretations of Mahler’s music, particularly the Ninth Symphony, become exquisitely, fascinatingly complicated, and even problematic. Any discussion of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony must address the extent to which the meaning assigned to this work has been mythologized. Ever since its premiere in 1912, the Ninth Symphony has been interpreted as Mahler’s “farewell to life.”

Join lots of other classical fans for Colorado Springs Philharmonic Pre-Concert talks. Go behind the curtain and inside the score with these 30-minute pre-concert conversations.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25

Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, May 21

SWALLOW HILL MUSIC
 Colorado has a rich tradition of music through its history. Native Americans were the first settlers and had their own musical traditions. The following waves of explorers and settlers all contributed to our musical heritage as well. During the performance, the musicians will share songs of mountain men, explorers, farmers, ranchers, and miners, and will finish the show with recognizable and modern Colorado songs.

Passport to Culture is a program specifically designed for children and families to experience arts and culture outside the classroom and inside a world of imagination through performances, workshops and pure entertainment to foster the growth of visual and performing arts, science and cultural understanding in our community.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 and 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7
Phone: 720-509-1000

ANDREW ORVEDAHL
Andrew Orvedahl is a comedian, writer, and actor based out of Denver, Colorado. As a stand-up he has appeared on several late-night shows including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also co-created and starred in the sitcom Those Who Can’t, currently on HBO Max. Andrew’s comedy mixes skewering observations with true stories from his life, and he has performed coast to coast for almost 20 years. Currently Andrew can be heard on the popular podcast The Grawlix Saves the World on Starburns audio.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $14
Phone: 720-274-6800

NEXT WEEK: Tuesday-Thursday, May 23-25 

MY FAIR LADY
“A masterpiece of entertainment.  A sumptuous, thrilling new revival of THE MOST PERFECT MUSICAL OF ALL TIME.” – Entertainment Weekly 

From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific, comes director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production that’s been billed as “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (New York Times).  “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1). Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.”  But who is really being transformed?

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $53-$118
Phone: 719-575-9632

Wednesday, May 24

ARTS AFIELD
This “en plein air” program allows small groups of visual artists special access to varied locations on the property. Artists pre-register for each date and meet in the parking lot. Everyone carries in and carries out their supplies, to enjoy the day from 8:30am – 1pm. Artists may use the garage restroom (near the Castle) and past participants call these inspiring days for capturing images of the vistas, land, wildlife, and structures. Each date requires a $32 access fee and a completed signed Land Liability Waiver form that will be emailed to you.

For artists who participate frequently, a money-saving annual package offers multiple dates and an option to participate in a show in Cherokee Castle. A code will be provided to those who purchase the annual package.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
8:30 a.m.
Cost: $32 Reservations Are Required
CALL: 303-688-5555

Thursday-Saturday, May 25-27

OPEY OLAGBAJU
Opeyemi (‘Opey’) Olagbaju is a Nigerian American stand-up comedian and writer. He recently shot and starred in the pilot of his series Bammas at Hulu.  He has written for Close Enough at HBO Max and was Story Editor on Betty for HBO. Other writing credits include Unrelated for Freeform, I Love You America with Sarah Silverman for Hulu, The New Negroes for Comedy Central, and Phoebe Robinson’s Doing the Most. Opey was selected to participate in the 2019 Sundance Institute Episodic Lab, and chosen as one of JFL’s 2019 New Faces. As a stand-up, the D.C.-area native performs across the country and has successfully showcased in several festivals, such as District of Comedy (DC), Bridgetown Comedy Festival, SF Sketchfest, and the World Series of Comedy.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 p.m.; Sat., 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $14-$22
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, May 26

WINE WALK
Enjoy a beautiful summer evening in Parker. Pick up your wine glass at the chamber, then enjoy visiting dozens of downtown merchants serving small pours. A Parker summer tradition! The event is for adults 21 and older, and will be held rain or shine.Win

Downtown Parker, 19751 E. Mainstreet, Parker
4:30-7:30 p.m.
$25 in advance
Info: 303-841-4268

Saturday, May 27

MISS COLORADO FINALS 
If you follow beauty pageants like Miss America and Miss World competitions, you might enjoy the Miss Colorado Competition 2023 where finalists compete for the crown! 

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$60
Phone: 303-805-6800

Sunday, May 28

FESTIVAL PARK FARMER’S MARKET
Enjoy warmer temperatures and seasonal goods at The Farmers Market at Festival Park. Hosted by the LOCAL Colorado, the farmers market features locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of fresh produce, delicious baked goods, artisan-made products and more from dozens of vendors. Support local business and agriculture while getting outside, meeting neighbors and enjoying delicious local fare.

The Local Colorado hosts premier farmers markets including those in neighboring Parker and at the Southlands Shopping Center. 

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT

KEVIN NEALON COMEDY
Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, comedian, and author Kevin Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live where he created some of the show’s most memorable characters. He has more recently received critical acclaim for his role on the Showtime series Weeds. Kevin most recently starred on the CBS-TV comedy series Man with A Plan, produces and hosts the digital series Hiking with Kevin, and tours his stand-up globally.

Nealon’s self-produced, edited, and hosted web series Hiking with Kevin is exclusively available on his YouTube channel of the same name. In the series, Kevin interviews his A-list celebrity friends on hikes throughout the country.

Most recently, Nealon starred in CBS’s Man With a Plan during all four seasons. Kevin’s extensive television credits include Globen Globe and SAG-nominated Weeds, the titular voice role of Glenn Martin, DDS, two critically acclaimed stand-up specials for Showtime, and a number of appearances on Monk, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Still Standing and more. His extensive film career includes projects such as Anger Management, Eight Crazy Nights, The Wedding Singer, Happy Gilmore, Just Go With It, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Joe Dirt, Daddy Day Care, Roxanne, and Grandma’s Boy.

Parker Arts Center, PACE, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $49
Phone: 303-805-6800

Things to Do Near Crystal Valley!

Enjoy life in Castle Rock within minutes from the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Check out the beautiful model homes from Kauffman Homes, Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, Richmond American Homes, and Century Communities. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.