Crystal Valley Blog

Three Dog Night, Wu Tang Clan, Bonnie Raitt and Little River Band are performing this weekend for a back in the day good time! So you can enjoy classic rock, blues and hip-hop, as well as the annual Castle Rock Artfest, the annual Tri the Rock youth triathalon, and wine tasting at the castle! More comedy, music and theater – coming your way, not far from Crystal Valley and Castle Rock.

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, September 7

STRINGS AT THE GARDEN
Celebrating the start of the 97th Season of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, set against the majestic backdrop of Pikes Peak. A spectacular sunset journey of the senses with a curated selection of the finest seasonal ingredients and wines united in perfect harmony with live orchestra all under the night sky. 

Garden of the Gods Resort, 3320 Mesa Rd., Colorado Springs
6:30 p.m.
Special Invitation for Donors

Friday, September 8

WU TANG CLAN
Twenty-five years ago, the Wu-Tang Clan changed hip-hop music forever. Bursting onto the music scene with the release of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the group quickly became recognized for its innovative beats and clever lyrics, as well as the diverse personalities and talents that make up its nine member hip-hop group. The Wu Tang Clan has released seven gold and platinum studio albums with worldwide sales of more than 40 million albums. With the release of their debut album in 1993 songs like “C.R.E.A.M and “Protect Ya Neck” introduced hip-hop pioneer, The RZA, as a groundbreaking hip hop craftsman.  With lyrics that combine the reality of 1990s New York and the world of martial arts, the Wu-Tang Clan has created a unique mythology that captures the hearts of fans worldwide.

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $30
Info: 303-220-7000

LITTLE RIVER BAND
The Eagles founding member, the late Glenn Frey, knew what he was saying when he dubbed Little River Band “the best singing band in the world.” The current lineup of LRB takes that accolade to heart each and every time they perform. Through the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, LRB enjoyed huge chart success with multi-platinum albums and chart topping hits like: “Reminiscing,”  “Cool Change,” “Lonesome Loser,” “The Night Owls,”  “Take It Easy On Me,”  “Help Is on Its Way,”  “Happy Anniversary,”   “We Two,”  “Man On Your Mind,”  “The Other Guy,”  and “It’s A Long Way There.”

Worldwide album and CD sales now top 30 million. And in 1982 LRB set a record for having had Top 10 hits for 6 consecutive years – In fact, they were the very first band to achieve that remarkable plateau! According to BMI, “Reminiscing” has garnered rare status with over 5 million air plays on American radio, and “Lady” is close behind with over 4 million air plays.

Bringing their vocal and musical energy along with great arrangements to their timeless classic hits, each show creates new memories for the audience.  The band enjoys watching their fans fall in love with the songs all over again as they are swept up by the show’s powerful performance and the volume of hits from LRB’s history. 

Pikes Peak Center, 190 South Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $59-$99

Saturday, September 9

CASTLE ROCK FARMER’S MARKET
A 30-year tradition every Saturday bringing the people of Castle Rock locally sourced fresh produce, food and other artisan goods. 

You’ll find gourmet angus beef, bakery bites, tree-ripened fruit, hot sauces, healthy veggies, Colorado peaches, cakes and cupcakes, tamales, dairy products, kettle corn, Italian ices, exotic wood creations, Mexico-style jerky, mushrooms, micro-greens and experts to answer your gardening questions.

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Upper Parking Lot, Castle Rock
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Info: 303-660-7400

SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA 
Shopping Extravaganza is a day full of shopping, prizes, and fun, all to raise money for non-profit organizations in our local community. Tickets include:
 ~Exclusive Discounts and Activities
 ~2 prize drawing tickets, which provides the opportunity to win over $60,000 in retailer gift cards and prizes
 ~2 grand prize drawings tickets
 ~VIP wine tasting (must be 21+ years old)
 ~Catered lunch, entertainment, and more

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
COST: $30 Presale; $40

WAG N ROMP
Join pet parents and their canines at Cook Creek Pool (and Park), where dogs can take a splash, wag for a treat, or test their skills at the agility course. Owners can check out the latest and greatest in the pet world from local pet vendors. And, enter to win a grand prize gift basket filled with goodies for furry friends by visiting all the vendors and filling up your vendor pass. Don’t forget to take a trip to the doggie spa on your way out, have your pup looking their best with professional grooming products and free nail trims provided by Barky Mountain Grooming. Tickets $6 to $8 online or $10 at the door.

Cook Creek Park, 8711 Lone Tree Pkwy, Lone Tree
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: $10 per dog

THREE DOG NIGHT
Legendary band, Three Dog Night, now in its 5th decade, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets than Three Dog Night.

Three Dog Night hits weave through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures — songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize Three Dog Night’s continuing popularity.

The band recorded songs of the best and largely undiscovered new songwriters of its time including Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Elton John, Laura Nyro, Paul Williams and Hoyt Axton among many others. The group’s eclectic taste, combined with its ability to recognize and record hits in a unique, distinctive, and appealing style, resulted in Three Dog Night dominating the charts for years. The band’s music transcends time, bringing together both new and longtime audiences alike.

Marking over 50 years on the road, Three Dog Night continues to grow its fan base by keeping up a full schedule of concerts at theatres, performing arts centers, fairs, festivals, corporate events, and casinos. Since 1986, the band has performed nearly 3,000 shows including two Super Bowls.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $44-$129
Phone: 719-575-9632

Saturday, September 9 

LANNIE COUNTS
“There’s a smooth, sensual quality to Lannie’s voice, which is perfect for singing those enduring songs, the songs we all love.” —Las Vegas Tribune

Back by popular demand! Lannie Counts, who starred in Muscle Shoals: I’ll Take You There, returns with his stellar vocals in a performance packed full of the very best of Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie, Luther Vandross, Fats Domino, Sam Cooke, Prince, Roberta Flack, and more. Dubbed “the heart of soul,” Counts has called the stages of Las Vegas his home for over 20 years, appearing as a featured performer with Las Vegas Tenors, the Lon Bronson All Star Band, and Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns. Spend an evening with Lannie and his six-piece band, who will thrill and delight you, lifting your soul!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$50
Phone: 720-509-1000

Saturday-Sunday, September 9-10 

34^TH ANNUAL COLORADO ARTFEST
The weekend after Labor Day, the Castle Rock Chamber hosts a juried fine arts show with artists from across the country. Castle Rock provides the perfect canvas for the Annual Colorado Artfest, which has become a summertime tradition for residents and art enthusiasts alike. Enjoy continual live main stage entertainment featuring popular musicians, interactive exhibits for the kids, savor fabulous food/beverages and so much more!

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
Sat., 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
COST: FREE

Sunday, September 10

TRI THE ROCK YOUTH TRIATHLON
Just try. That’s the motto local kids should keep in mind as they pull on their swimsuits, dust off their bikes and lace up their sneakers. It’s time for the Town’s annual Tri the Rock youth triathlon. Come for a day of fun, food, prizes and sports. This annual youth triathlon is for young athletes of all skill levels ages 5 to 18 years old. Tri the Rock encourages kids to get out and give it a try.

Youth athletes of all ability levels, ages 5 to 18, are invited to participate. Registration is available at CRgov.com/TriTheRock. The race distances are:

• Ages 5-6: 25-meter swim (one pool length), 1-kilometer bike ride (one lap around Butterfield Park) and a 500-meter run
• Ages 7-10: 50-meter swim (two pool lengths, down and back), 4-kilometer bike ride and a 1-kilometer run
• Ages 11-14: 100-meter swim (four pool lengths, down and back twice), 8-kilometer bike ride and a 2-kilometer run
• Ages 15-18: 200-meter swim (eight pool lengths, down and back four times), 16-kilometer bike ride and 3-mile run

The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 8. Registration fees include a T-shirt, goody bag and post-race meal.

Butterfield Crossing Park, 3952 W. Butterfield Crossing Dr., Castle Rock
6:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Registration 

FARMER’S MARKET IN THE PARK
Enjoy warmer temperatures and seasonal goods at The Farmers Market at Festival Park. Hosted by the LOCAL Colorado, the farmers market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through October.

Don’t miss 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.

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

PIRATE SCHOOL
Pirate School: Sea Dreams! is madcap solo family show that allows kids 4-12 and their caregivers the chance to live out their dreams of swashbuckling adventure and quench their undeniable thirst to join the briny buccaneers of yore. Led by the bumbling pirate professor, Billy Bones, children learn the finer points of light-hearted mischief through zany lessons on how to stand, talk, and laugh like sea-dogs. During Pirate School: Sea Dreams! cannons boom, skulls talk, cutlasses drop, critters cavort and everyone, young and old, participates in a grandiose sea-battle for their final exam.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Phone: 720-509-1000

NEXT WEEK:  Monday, September 11

THE FUTURE OF BEES
Found on every continent except Antarctica, bees are vital pollinators, making possible much of the food humans eat. In recent years, however, crucial bee species have experienced significant loss. Since the 1990s, the bumblebee population has plunged almost 90%. Additionally, since 2006, a malady called Colony Collapse Disorder has afflicted honeybee populations.  Join Active Minds to dive into the world of bees and examine the factors that are affecting these important species.

Castle Rock Library, 100 S Wilcox, Castle Rock
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-791-7323 

Tuesday, September 12

GOING BATTY
Join the Denver Audubon for a presentation on local bats, adaptations and the benefits they bring to our ecology, sponsored by the Douglas Land Conservancy. Events are free but donations to the Douglas County Land Conservancy is encouraged. Registration is required and limited to 100 participants. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Philip S. Miller Park Millhouse, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Registration is Required

Wednesday, September 13

BONNIE RAITT WITH ROY ROGERS
More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. Born to a musical family, the 10-time Grammy winner, who Rolling Stone named as both one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” and one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” is the daughter of celebrated Broadway singer John Raitt (Carousel, Oklahoma!, The Pajama Game) and accomplished pianist/singer Marge Goddard. She was raised in Los Angeles in a climate of respect for the arts, Quaker traditions, and a commitment to social activism. A Stella guitar given to her as a Christmas present launched Bonnie on her creative journey at the age of eight.

Twenty-one albums in, Bonnie Raitt has never felt more grateful that she can continue making music, contributing to causes, keeping her crew working, connecting with her audience. “I’m really aware of how lucky I am and I feel like my responsibility is to get out there and say something fresh and new—for me and for the fans,” she says. “It’s really daunting not to repeat yourself, but I have to have something to say, or I wouldn’t put out a record.”

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt continues to draw on the range of influences that have shaped her legendary career, while creating something that speaks to the circumstances and challenges of these unprecedented times.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $76-$126
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Friday, September 14-15

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE CASTLE
You’ll be treated like royalty when you attend Tea at the Castle, which includes a light meal from a seasonal menu, complete with scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches and pastries. It’s the perfect event for clubs, organizations, and bridal showers or for a special outing with family and friends. A one-hour tour of the Castle will follow the Tea. Reservations are required and non-refundable.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
1:00 p.m.
Cost: $61.95 + $2.75 fee (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

Thursday-Saturday, September 14-16

CHAD DANIELS
With close to a billion streams of his six albums to date, and averaging a million more every week, Chad Daniels is one of the most listened to comedians of all time. He has made six late night appearances to date and is one of only 13 comics to be featured on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. His previous album Footprints on the Moon was the most streamed comedy album of 2017.

Chad’s third stand-up special and fifth album, Dad Chaniels(filmed at Comedy Works South), was released on Amazon in 2019 and his hugely popular podcast, Middle of Somewherewith co-host Cy Amundson, is released weekly with extra content now available on Patreon. 

His latest album, Twelfth Night, was recorded at his home club, ACME in Minneapolis, and released in October 2021.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$40
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, September 15

WINE TASTING AT THE CASTLE
Come savor the flavors of wine from Spain.  At the September wine tasting, you will be tasting six wines from different regions this Southwestern European country. This will be a great introduction into Old World wines. Mary and Natalie will lead you through a tasting of these delicious wines. Join us in a beautiful castle setting for what promises to be an entertaining and educational event. Charcuterie appetizers will accompany your tasting. When the tasting is completed, please enjoy a complimentary glass of your favorite wine and admire our centuries old art and antiques. A cash bar will be available to purchase additional glasses of wine. You may also purchase your favorite bottles to take home. 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30 p.m. Doors/Cash Bar/Tour
7:15-8:15 p.m. Charcuterie and Tasting
Cost: $59.95 + $3.25 fee (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH ADRIANNE CHALEPAH
From Nexflix and Amazon comedy specials to NBC Peacock’s Rutherford Falls, Adrianne Chalepah now brings her unique Native take on the world back to the FAC. Adrianne Chalepah is a boarding school graduate, a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, and a mother of four. Chalepah’s early days of stand-up can be traced to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where she studied film production, journalism, and Indigenous history. Upon graduating with honors, Chalepah joined the popular Native stand-up group, “49 Laughs Comedy,” and co-founded “Three Sisters Comedy.” Both groups gave her the opportunity to perform in nearly all 50 U.S. states.  

Joshua is a Dine’ (Navajo) comedian, writer, and actor based in Denver, Colorado. He is the Co-Chair of the Denver American Indian Commission, the Jumbotron Host for the Colorado Mammoth, and a founding member of the award-winning comedy troupe and production company, DeadRoomComedy. Joshua has been selected for the High Plains Comedy Festival, Albuquerque Funny Fiesta, Motor City Comedy Festival, Big Pine Comedy Festival, and the Denver Fringe Festival. 

Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets $46.50
Phone: 710-634-5581

MICHAEL CARBONARO LIES ON STAGE
Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series, THE CARBONARO EFFECT on truTV, Michael Carbonaro has also made frequent television appearances in shows such as Happily Divorced, 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI Miami. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

Following Carbonaro’s frequent late-night appearances, Michael was presented with the opportunity to launch his hit comedic series, “The Carbonaro Effect,” which has run for over 100 episodes on truTV and currently airs on HBO Max and in syndication worldwide.  In this series, Michael performs inventive tricks on unsuspecting members of the public who are unaware that he is a magician. Jaws drop when he causes a car to disappear from under a security guard’s nose or makes alien crabs transform into kittens in a science lab. Whether posing as a coffee shop barista, museum curator, or seemingly unremarkable store clerk in the REAL world, Carbonaro’s illusions – along with his absurd, matter-of-fact explanations – leave REAL people bewildered and families at home laughing out loud.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$70
Phone: 719-575-9632

Saturday, September 16

THE GINGERBREAD MAN
Presented in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, this performance is interactive theater as its best!

Children from the audience will be invited to bring nursery rhymes and fairytales to life as they act out the adventures of this mischievous little cookie.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: $10
Phone: 303-805-6800

OKTOBERFEST 
Live bands, food trucks, beer, cocktails and vendor booths make for a great evening in Downtown Castle Rock. Vendors include Dads of Castle Rock, Happy Pants Furniture, and Cutco Cutlery, while food trucks range from Mile High Cheese Steaks and Mac N’ Noodles, to Koco Street Food, Glacier Homemade Ice Cream, Nothing Bundt Cake and R&B Meats, and don’t get us started with the beverage providers! Celebrate summer’s abundance and welcome autumn at Oktoberfest!

Wilcox Square, 4^th and Wilcox St., Castle Rock
1:00-9:00 p.m.
Admission: FREE (Beer tokens for sale)

DANCE ASPEN
“Innovative dance inspired by artistry and athleticism.” —Dance Informa

Join DanceAspen for a thrilling evening of dance with innovative choreography, unmatched athleticism and emotional artistry. A fresh voice and champion for new choreography in the dance world, DanceAspen returns to the Lone Tree Arts Center. Founded in 2021 by members of the former Aspen Santa Fe Ballet company, the company features world-class professional dancers from around the country who have made Colorado their home. This performance will include new works by esteemed choreographers in a variety of contemporary and contemporary ballet styles and is a performance you won’t want to miss!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$55
Phone: 720-509-1000

ROB ZOMBIE AND ALICE COOPER
As a rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. He has sold millions of albums worldwide, and is the only artist to experience unprecedented success in both music and film as the writer/director of eight feature films with a worldwide gross totaling more than $150 million. Rob Zombie’s ninth feature film, The Munsters, is set to release later this year. 

Rob Zombie achieved great success in the music industry, first as a member of the multi-platinum band White Zombie and later as a solo artist with even greater results collecting numerous multi-platinum and gold albums along the way including Hellbilly Deluxe, The Sinister Urge and Educated Horses. In 2013, the seven-time GRAMMY® nominee released his fifth solo album, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor, on his Zodiac Swan label through UMe. The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and spawned two Top 10 Active Rock singles, “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Super Town” and Zombie’s spin on Grand Funk Railroad’s anthemic “We’re An American Band.”

The man (and the band) who first brought shock rock to the masses, Alice Cooper became one of the most successful and influential acts of the ’70s with their gritty but anthemic hard rock and a live show that delivered a rock & roll chamber of horrors, thrilling fans and cultivating outrage from authority figures (which made fans love them all the more). The name Alice Cooper originally referred to both the band and its lead singer (born Vincent Furnier), as they played dark, eccentric, psychedelic rock. His first solo album, WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE released in the spring of 1975, a record similar to his previous work and became a Top 10 hit in America, launching the hit acoustic ballad “Only Women Bleed.”

Aside from his musical pursuits, he also starred in Tim Burton’s adaptation of Dark Shadows, playing himself alongside Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp, and Michelle Pfeiffer. He returned to touring in 2014 as the opening act for Mötley Crüe’s final tour, and recently released his newest album, ROAD.

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $40
Info: 303-220-7000

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.