Crystal Valley Blog

There’s plenty to do this weekend and next in Castle Rock and nearby locales! Jay Mohr is in town this weekend, Jo Koy is coming to the Springs next weekend, and from Broadway show tunes and symphony orchestra arrangements, Crystal Valley residents have an array of musical choices to soothe, entertain and inspire them this weekend and beyond.

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, February 23

HANDS-ON DSLR PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
This course is designed to help you understand and get more out of your Digital SLR or “super-zoom” camera. Full of tips, tricks and live demonstrations, this class will help you understand Aperture, ISO, Shutter-Speed, RAW versus JPEG, and how to use them to your advantage using simple terminology. Discover easy methods for image editing, and take better pictures by using composition techniques and developing your artistic eye. Students should bring their camera and camera manual to class. 

This is a four-week beginner level class (ages 16+) and the skills learned will include: Common DSLR camera settings such as Aperture, ISO, Shutter-Speed and composition techniques. Bring your camera and the camera manual. 

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Registration: $24-$29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Thursday-Saturday, February 23-25

COMEDIAN-ACTOR-AUTHOR JAY MOHR
Comedian, actor, radio host and best selling author, Jay Mohr has been performing stand-up comedy for over three decades. Never wanting to rest on his accomplishments, Jay has always pushed himself to be more than just a comic.

After working on Saturday Night Live for two years, Mohr went on to star in movies and make TV appearances. Jay has appeared in over 25 films such as Jerry Maguire, Picture Perfect, Pay it Forward and Are We There Yet. He has also guest starred in over 50 different television dramas and comedy series episodes, including his ground-breaking series that aired for two seasons on CBS called Gary Unmarried, as well as Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Suburgatory. Comedy Central honored Mohr by naming him one of the “100 Greatest Stand-Up Comics of All Time.”

Additionally, Mohr wrote a best-selling book, Gasping for Airtime, about his experience on SNL, and followed that success up with his hilarious book, No Wonder My Parents Drank, which describes in funny detail the pros and cons of parenthood. Jay also has a weekly podcast Mohr Stories, where he interviews an eclectic list of guests from Charlie Sheen, Rufus Wainright to Damien Echols of the Memphis Three infamy, has over a million listeners each month. (SELLING OUT FAST!)

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 7:15 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$34
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, February 24

PARKER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
For classical music and Shakespeare lovers alike. Immerse yourself in music inspired by the romantic works of William Shakespeare, including Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Nino Rota’s “Suite from the film Romeo and Juliet,” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24-$29
Phone: 303-805-6800

NAT KING COLE TRIBUTE
The legendary Nat King Cole recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts and his trio was the model for small jazz ensembles that followed. The talented musicians of the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) will create an evening of Cole’s music with audience favorite, Robert Johnson, and his smooth-as-silk voice. 

Familiar songs will include “Unforgettable,” “Route 66,” “Nature Boy,” and more. Fans of Nat King Cole and the CJRO will be delighted with this great evening of music.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24
Phone: 303-805-6800

MURDER AND MYSTERY AT THE CASTLE!
It’s February 24, 1952, and Elizabeth II has just been crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and Various Other Places. The citizens of Mousehole, the best little coastal town in Cornwall, have decided to throw a party in her honor and everyone’s invited! The Royal Family have sent a special representative to express their gratitude and everyone from a local lord and his new bride to the town vicar are present. And the greatest detective in Cornwall, Pinkney Polkinhorne, is there to oversee any funny business. But little does he know; the business amounts to mystery and murder! Help him, because he desperately needs to solve this crime. The table who figures out the most details will win a very special prize.

Wear your royal best! Food will be served and a cash bar available. Although all ages are welcome, naughty words may occur so use parental discretion.

The Polkinhorne Mysteries are created by Mad Rush Productions, the legitimate means of absurd machinations started by Seth Palmer Harris, whom Cherokee Ranch and Castle regulars will remember recently appearing as Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30-7:30 p.m. Cash Bar
7:00 p.m. Appetizers; 7:30 p.m. Show Commences
Cost: $58.75 (WAITING LIST INFO)
CALL: 303-688-5555

THE HAMMERSTEINS: A MUSICAL FAMILY
“From Showboat toOklahoma!,The King and I toThe Sound of Music, Hammerstein II wrote the lyrics and librettos to some of the most famous and enduring songs and shows in American musical theater history.” —NPR

Join Oscar Andy Hammerstein III for an evening filled with the music and stories of the family that changed Broadway forever. Joined by Broadway stars Teri Hansen (The Sound of Music, Show Boat), Edward Watts (Les Misérables, The Music Man), Michelle Liu Coughlin (Lincoln Center’s The King and I, Flower Drum Song), and Robert Sims (Carnegie Hall, Tabernacle Choir Lincoln Center), as well as pianist Cathy Venable, Hammerstein will tell stories of his famous family and the songs that have become staples in the musical theater canon.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$60
Phone: 720-509-1000

Saturday, February 25

THE COMEDY ZONE: NANCY NORTON
Nancy began touring as a stand-up comedian in 1991 and tours nationally and internationally, headlining clubs and conferences delivering keynotes. Nancy jokes: “Being born the fourth of three children, I thrive on attention from strangers!” Norton is known for delivering engaging, high-energy, face-paced performances that connect with universal truths through her in-the-moment and intuitive style and customized material.

You may have seen Nancy headlining at comedy clubs, cruises, speaking at a conference or on various TV showcases, doing stand-up on Evening at the Improv on A&E, currently  on Amazon Prime Video, in her one-woman show The Yellowish-Green Girl on PBS, or featured on NickMom Night Out on Nickelodeon. Nancy Norton is the 2018 WINNER of the Boston Comedy Festival, the only woman to win that prestigious festival since it began. 

Opening for Nancy is Christie Buchele, an accomplished stand-up comic from Denver, Colorado. Making a name for herself by sharing the heart-wrenching and hilariously raw realities of being a woman with a disability, Christie has been featured on Viceland’s Flophouse, Hidden America with Jonah Ray, Laughs on FOX and First Look on NBC. Christie has performed on Limestone Comedy Festival in Bloomington, Denver’s own High Plains Comedy Festival and 208 Comedy Fest in Boise.

Laugh out loud in this fun-packed series, featuring two hilarious comedians for one low ticket price!

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24
Phone: 303-805-6800

STYX WORLD TOUR
Harmony. Chemistry. Balance. Grit. Dexterity. Determination. Solidarity. Terms that describe a Super Bowl champion? Well, almost. These are words that define the core essence of STYX, the multi-mega-million-selling rock band that has forged an indelible legacy both on record and onstage.

Approaching a decade-and-a-half together on the road, this incarnation of STYX is looking forward to performing as many shows as it can as long as it can. “It all comes back to the chemistry,” says Ricky Phillips. “It comes back to all of those words having to do with teamwork and how this band is different from most other bands. These guys were able to come up with a group of songs that have definitely stood the test of time.”

Listening to favorites like “Babe”, “Come Sail Away,” “Mr. Roboto,” “Renegade,” and Too Much Time on My Hands,” will help new audiences understand the basis for this band’s longevity.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $59
Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, February 26

HIGHLANDS RANCH 5K/10K
Winter never disappoints us when racing in February in Highlands Ranch!  You won’t feel chilly after a course so hilly!  After conquering the 5k or 10k distance, warm up with hot apple cider or hot cocoa at the finish line in your new FINISHER mug! Click the “race info” tab above and scroll through the drop-down menu for more race info! On your phone? Click the three lines at the top of the page! 

Highlands Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec, Highlands Ranch
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Registration: $33-$48

PRINCESS PARTY AT THE CASTLE
The princess parties are held once a month and they are one of the Castle’s most popular events and they fill up quickly so make your reservations today for the upcoming Sleeping Beauty and Snow White Royal Ball! Dress like a princess, don’t forget your tiara, and make some memories at Cherokee Ranch & Castle. Reservations include delicious snacks with .refreshing beverages and a photo opportunity.

Grab your favorite Princess and join the fun for a magical princess party at the castle! Reservations Are Required and are Non-Refundable

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30-7:30 p.m. Cash Bar
7:00 p.m. Dessert Bar; 7:30 p.m. Performance
Cost: $42.45 
CALL: 303-688-5555

DENVER CONCERT BAND: EUROPEAN SOJOURN
The Denver Concert Band continues their 55th season with a musical tour through Europe – performing selections with themes and composers from England, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, and Greece. Guest artist Tristan Rennie will join the band on stage for a feature performance on Bassoon. Tristan is Artist Faculty in Residence at the University of Northern Colorado and Second/Assistant Principal Bassoon with the Colorado Symphony. Join the Denver Concert band as they take a sonic tour through Europe and spotlight the musical talent of Tristan Rennie.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $6-24
Phone: 720-509-1000

NEXT WEEK: Wednesday, March 1

DCL PRESENTS AUTHOR C.J. BOX
Join Douglas County Libraries as they welcome New York Times bestselling author C.J. Box to discuss his new book, Storm Watch. Premium ticket includes a hardcover copy of Storm Watch and a place in the signing line.

Companion tickets are also available and only include the presentation. 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$45
Phone: 720-509-1000

Thursday-Saturday, March 2-4

JESSICA KIRSON
Jessica Kirson is a powerhouse on stage. She’s a hilariously relatable performer of sheer silliness, vulnerability, and ridiculous characters. Her countless comedic character videos have racked up over 50 million views on social media. Her audience is multigenerational, creating an excuse for large groups of friends and families to spend a night out together. In an era where only 10% of all touring comedians are female, Jessica stands out as one of the strongest comedians regardless of gender.

Jessica produced FX’sHysterical, a feature-length documentary that premiered at SXSW 2021. Her one-hour special, Talking to Myself, was executive produced by Bill Burr and debuted on Comedy Central. She is a regular on This Week at the Comedy Cellar and has appeared on The Tonight Show, The View, HBO’s Crashing, and Kevin Can Wait. She also recently acted in and served as a consultant, producer, and writer on the Robert De Niro film The Comedian. 

Jessica’s highly anticipated prank call album titled The Call Girls, also featuring Rachel Feinstein, was released. Jessica’s characters are coming to life in her new podcast, Disgusting Hawk with rave reviews. Through her Relatively Sane podcast, Jessica has interviewed the likes of Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, and Rosie O’Donnell.

She was awarded “Best Female Comic” by the MAC association in New York City and received the prestigious Nightlife Award for “Best Stand-up Comedian.” In her spare time, Jessica is a regular contributor to The Howard Stern Show, where she produces and stars in prank calls for the program.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$34
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, March 3

LONE TREE SYMPHONY: DIRECTOR’S CHOICE
Music Director Jacinda Bouton has prepared an incredible concert featuring some of her favorite selections for this very special evening. Join the LTSO as they perform Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, a true masterwork, stirring a range of emotions throughout the piece.

Ms. Bouton has also chosen other works including Debussy’s divine Prelude to the Afternoon of a Fawn, and Rossini’s stunning Semiramide Overture, and others for an unforgettable performance.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $17-$27
Phone: 720-509-1000

JO KOY WORLD TOUR!
As one of today’s premiere stand-up comics Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. The comedian, who pulls inspiration from his family, specifically his son, sells-out arenas and theaters across the world. 

In 2017, Koy broke a record for the most tickets sold by a single artist at The Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu with 11 sold-out shows and over 23,000 tickets sold. The comedian continued his record-breaking streak by being the only comedian to sell out six shows at The Warfield in San Francisco and at Club Regent Event Centre in Winnipeg with four sold-out shows. In 2019, Koy sold-out five shows at the San Diego Civic Theatre, the most consecutive sold-out shows for a comedian.

He continues to entertain audiences with comedy specials and live performances around the world. Jo Koy can also be heard on his weekly podcast, The Koy Pond where he shares hilarious insights on life.

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $54
Info: ticketoffice@broadmoorworldarena.com

Saturday, March 4

ESTATE PLANNING 101
In this seminar, Daniel Chapman will provide information and resources essential to helping families protect their legacy. This seminar will answer important questions related to living trusts: why it is important to homeowners, the difference between a living trust and a will, how to avoid probate and minimize estate taxes, presented in a clear and easy to understand way. This class is for beginners and will include the following topics: Information on Creating a Living Trust; Estate Planning; and Minimizing Taxes. The instructor is attorney Daniel Chapman who lives in Parker and is passionate about his community. Daniel’s firm – Chapman Law, PLLC – focuses on estate planning, probate, estate administration and trust administration. 

Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Dr., Activity Rm. 3, Parker
4:30 p.m.
Registration: $5

NAGHASH ENSEMBLE
The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, and contemporary post-minimalism with the energy of rock and jazz. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol, and piano play captivating new music based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest, Mkrtich Naghash. Their music is part folk, part classical and has been called “profoundly moving,” and “unmistakably Armenian, but out of this world.”

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$45
Phone: 720-509-1000

Saturday-Sunday, March 4-5

DVORAK 8
This exciting and varied evening offers up the American master Charles Ives’ sonic ode, followed by Robert Schumann’s marvelously scored showpiece for four french horns. We conclude with Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, resplendent in folk melodies and pastoral scenes reminiscent of Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony.

Join the musicians for Colorado Springs Philharmonic Pre-Concert talks “behind the curtain” and inside the score with 30-minute pre-performance conversations featuring conductors and guest artists giving their take on the program. Talks begin one hour before performance time.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $28
Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, March 5

COLORADO JAZZ ORCHESTRA WITH VOCALISTS
The CJRO returns to Lone Tree Arts Center for a special night of jazz and soul to celebrate the release of their latest recording Compared to What with Larry Braggs. Led by Colorado favorites Robert Johnson and Marion Powers on vocals, musical numbers include; “Mercy, Mercy Me;” “More Today Than Yesterday;” “Fascinating Rhythm” and of course, the title track “Compared to What.” A recording will be available for purchase in the lobby at the concert. The recommended age for this performance is 6 years or older. At the request of the group, please do not bring infants or toddlers. 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$42
Phone: 720-509-1000

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.