Crystal Valley Blog

This weekend is chock-a-block full of comedy, music, theater and whiskey tasting! Don’t miss Mark Twain, Ella and Satchmo, Malevo and Ralph Barbosa, within 30-40 minutes from Crystal Valley and Castle Rock.

Thursday-Sunday, February 22-25

WATER BY THE SPOONFUL
Somewhere in Philadelphia, Elliot, a Puerto Rican veteran of the Iraq war, has returned home and is struggling to find his place in the world. Somewhere in an online chat room, recovering addicts forge an unbreakable bond of support and love. The boundaries of family and community are stretched across continents and cyberspace as birth families splinter and online families collide. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Quiara Alegría Hudes (In the Heights) is a heartfelt meditation on lives on the brink of redemption, and challenges our notions of family, forgiveness, community, and courage.

“Water by the Spoonful gives off a shimmering, sustaining warmth. Ms. Hudes writes with empathy and vibrant humor.”
—Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

“Hudes corrals harsh voices and brutal stories into a magnificent whole that is beautiful not because it is lovely but because it is brokenheartedly tender and true.”
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times

FAC, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$60.50
Info: 719-634-5583

Friday, February 23

WHISKEY TASTING AT THE CASTLE
Head to the Castle for five  different types of American Whiskey – Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, American Single Malt Whiskey and Wheated Whiskey. It’s the perfect evening for a friends’ night out or a romantic evening for two, as the Castle keeps celebrate the diversity of American Whiskey styles (it’s not all just about Bourbon!). Professional Bagpiper and Entertainer, Scott Beach, will present the five whiskeys and share his love of the wonderful world of whiskey, complete with skilled professional bagpiping at the Castle.

Every Cherokee Ranch and Castle Spirits Tasting is a unique experience, as organizers select different and unusual bottles of whiskey for each and every tasting event (the Castle is completely independent of any brand and this allows them to select between any and all distilleries offered throughout the world). Stick around for fun selfie photo ops with the bagpiper, while you take in the panoramic views. 

The five tastings will be accompanied by heavy appetizers and a cash bar is available with wine, prosecco, beer, and whisky specials.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:00 p.m. Doors/Tours/Cash Bar
6:45 p.m. Appetizers
7:30 p.m. Presentation/Tastings
Cost: $79.75 + $3.50 fee (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

OLD WORLD CITYSCAPES
Join the LTSO as we embark on a tour accenting musical impressions of old-world cities. Included will be Gershwin’s masterwork An American in Paris, von Suppe’s overture “Morning, Noon, and Night in Vienna,” and Haydn’s famous London Symphony (No. 104).

The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra (LTSO) was founded in September 2000 with the mission of being a first-class community orchestra, enabling musicians to perform orchestral music in the city of Lone Tree and South Metro Denver at a high standard, thus enriching the lives of the community and members through music

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$30
Phone: 720-509-1000

ELLA & LOUIS
In 1956 Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong went into the studio and created the iconic album Ella & Louis. The CJRO small band will perform music from this historic album in an evening of classic songs written by composers including Irving Berlin, the Gershwins and more.

Mary Louise Lee and Robert Johnson are both well-known Colorado artists and have occasionally performed together for over 30 years. Having the pair collaborating on Ella & Louis will be a performance you will not want to miss!

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27
Phone: 303-805-6800

Saturday February 24

THE COMEDY ZONE
HEADLINER: DAVE WILLIAMSON
After climbing the corporate ladder in his family’s South Florida car business, Dave Williamson decided he liked making his customers smile, but LOVED making them laugh. Since then, he has excelled in almost every domestic Comedy Festival, making the finals or Best of The Fest in the World Series of Comedy, Boston Comedy Festival, San Francisco Comedy Competition, Big Sky Comedy Festival, the SLO Comedy Festival, and several others.

Shortly after being named “Best Comedian in Miami” by the Miami New Times, Dave packed up his family in a 25-foot travel trailer. They traveled with him while he performed all over North America, eventually settling in Los Angeles after 18 months of touring. This trip was documented in a series of shorts on Nickelodeon’s NickMom Channel.
FEATURE: JANELLE DRAPER
Janelle Draper is a bicoastal comedian, actress, writer and producer. She’s been described as unapologetic, uncensored and unladylike. She started doing stand-up in LA when she was an NBC Page working on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

She was named Winner of the Los Angeles based Burbank Comedy Festival, Runner-up of the Boston Comedy Festival, and was selected to showcase in the “Kenan Thompson Presents” series.

See the same comedians you see in A-list comedy clubs across America! Parker Arts is proud to present the best stand-up comedy from Denver and beyond. 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 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27
Phone: 303-805-6800

SELECTED SHORTS
“Selected Shorts is, quite simply…literate, profound, and fun – an evening that transports the audience.” BERGEN COUNTY 

The hit public radio series Selected Shorts takes the stage at Lone Tree Arts Center. Actors Tate Donovan, John Benjamin Hickey, and Carolina Ravassa perform classic and contemporary tales inspired by the spirit of the American West, from authors including Rick Bass and Denver native Kali Fajardo-Anstine.

Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$40
Phone: 720-509-1000

Saturday-Sunday, February 24-25

BEETHOVEN: CS PHILHARMONIC
One of the greatest storytelling symphonies in music, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony No. 6 shines in a transcendent concert led by guest conductor Carolyn Kuan. The Philharmonic, joined by the exceptional Masayo Ishigure on koto and Zac Zinger on shakuhachi, unites East and West in a celebration of the natural world.

PROGRAM: MASON BATES ALTERNATIVE ENERGY; YUGO KANNO “REVIVE” FOR KOTO AND SHAKUHACHI; BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 6 “PASTORAL”

ARTISTS: CAROLYN KUAN CONDUCTOR; MASAYO ISHIGURE KOTO; MASAYUKI KOGA SHAKUHACHI

Join the orchestra for its 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., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$40
Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, February 25

TOBY MAC, MAC POWELL, CORY ASBURY
TOBYMAC ranks among the most successful artists in Christian music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim. He is universally recognized as a creative force, an artistic maverick and a prophetic voice for racial reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith and family. His commitment to melody and soulful singing abounds, and his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop side hits deeper grooves and catchier hooks than ever before.

With a lineup that includes TobyMac, Cory Asbury, Mac Powell, Tasha Layton, Jon Reddick, and Terrian, this show promises to be a musical journey like no other. It will have you on your feet, singing your heart out, and experiencing the power of music in an epic dance party with thousands of new friends. Get your tickets now, and we’ll see you at TobyMac’s Hits Deep 2024, where the beat never stops and the music never fades!

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Boulevard, Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $35

FACE
FACE is “a true American heartland sound.” Recorded A Cappella Review Board 

Face Vocal Band is an internationally acclaimed all-vocal rock band from Boulder, Colorado which has been captivating audiences for over two decades with their infectious energy punctuated by an endearing love of performance.  Says the FringeReview.co.uk, “Blending modern popular tunes with complex harmonies, brilliant beat-box rhythms and superb singing…Face take {its} audience on a musical journey and it’s fantastic fun.” 

Performing over 120 shows per year around the world, the band was named 2019 A Cappella Music Awards’ “Quintet of the Year.” Face also competed on the hit NBC series “The Sing-Off,” headlined at Edinburgh, Scotland’s prestigious Festival Fringe, and has opened for legendary performers such as Jon Bon Jovi, Barenaked Ladies, Jay Leno, The Wailers, 38 Special, Manhattan Transfer, Rick Springfield, and Culture Club & Boy George.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$50
Phone: 720-509-1000

NEXT WEEK: Monday, February 26

BLACK HISTORY DIALOGUES
Attend an Artist Talk and view an intimate show and a visual conversation featuring abstract work of the Castle’s Executive Director, James A. Holmes, and figurative work by one of his art/life mentors, Bob Ragland (1938-2021) in honor of Black History Month. Mr. Ragland was a prolific artist who spent his life creating art and helping younger artists learn how to earn a living through art. The paintings are from Mr. Holmes’ private collection. Please note, none of the artwork will be for sale.

This event is for the enjoyment of Castle patrons and is in conjunction with the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Arts Afield community of artists series, in honor of Black History Month. Light refreshments will be served.  

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:00 p.m. Castle Opens
6:45 p.m. Artist Talk Begins
FREE: **Reservations Are Required
CALL: 303-688-5555

Thursday, February 29

AN EVENING WITH MARK TWAIN
Join Cherokee Ranch and Castle favorite Seth Palmer Harris (Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, murder mysteries) as he steps into the shoes of Mark Twain, the paragon of American wit and wisdom. Twain will be reading some of his beloved and hilarious short stories and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to resist getting into a lively discussion with the audience. No doubt the interaction will include what’s been happening with his country since he passed on to the great beyond, something he tried hard but nevertheless failed to avoid. Thought-provoking dialogue is absolutely possible. Laughs are guaranteed.

Actor Seth Palmer Harris is a Cherokee Ranch and Castle regular whose murder mysteries and evenings with dead authors are consistently popular features of the Castle. He runs a company called Mad Rush Productions, producing this kind of nonsense, and balances his tendency toward the silly with a serious side, conducting trainings with, among others, law enforcement, medical students, and social workers to build communication and empathy skills. He’s based in Colorado Springs and appears throughout the state. 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30-7:30 p.m. Castle Tour
6:30-8:30 p.m. Cash Bar
7:00 p.m. Appetizers
7:30 p.m. Performance
Cost: $62.35 Reservations Are Required and are non-refundable
CALL: 303-688-5555

PIRATES OF PENZANCE
“An endearing production with high musical standards and spirited performances.” The New York Times

A sextet of stars of New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players perform The Pirates of Penzance in one act, with all of the famous numbers by all your favorite characters – dressed to the nines in piratical and Victorian splendor. Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. On the coast of Cornwall, a band of tenderhearted pirates celebrates the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Now, Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy – until a ludicrous leap year snag threatens to keep him apprenticed to the pirates for life! After intermission, the performers return in black tie and gowns to entertain the audience with many selections from the full repertoire of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operas – including their signature section – impromptu audience requests!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$55
Phone: 720-509-1000

Friday, March 1

ELECTRIC AVENUE: 80s MTV EXPERIENCE
What if you could experience all the youthful energy and sonic celebration that was 1980s New Wave & Radio Pop? Every sound. Every nuance. Every time. That’s Electric Avenue. What started out as a one-off party gig has turned into a decade-long run, playing 100+ live concerts each year across the US and abroad. An Electric Avenue show is a high energy space that reminds people of a time when they came home from school, put a record on, and listened with open ears and an open heart, conjuring first dates, first cars, prom nights, weekend movies, and meeting friends at the mall, while finding a sense of fashion and an identity all their own. At an EA show, 80’s music is as alive and well today as it has ever been.

If authenticity is your thing, Electric Avenue meticulously and painstakingly recreates every nuance and flavor of your favorite 80’s songs. Delving into their personal stash of vintage synthesizers and rare signal processors, an Electric Avenue show is a true labor of love. The Best 80s music hits performed the way you remember them!

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $44
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday-Saturday, March 1-2

JESUS TREJO LIVE
 Jesus Trejo is a stand-up comedian from Long Beach, CA. You might have caught his first comedy special, Stay at Home Son, on Showtime. His second special, Practicing?, which just dropped on YouTube November 2023.

You can also spot Trejo in the Netflix series Mr. Iglesias, where he plays the recurring character Mr. Trujillo, and in Hulu’s This Fool, as Efrain.

Jesus had the pleasure of writing on the second season of This Fool on Hulu. His first book titled Papá’s Magical Water Jug-Clock, available in both Spanish and English, is in stores now, or where ever you buy your books . (Keep an eye out for his next book coming in the Fall of 2024.)

He’s the host and executive producing the web series Tacos con Todo, where Jesus dives into LA’s taco scene with some awesome celebrity guests. And in 2024, get ready for his new gig as the Executive Producer and Host of the PBS Network Docu-Series: ROOTS OF COMEDY.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Fri./Sat., 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.

Tickets: $26

Phone: 720-274-6800

Saturday, March 2

TAJ MAHAL & SONA JOBARTEH

“The blues is bigger than most people think,” Taj Mahal says. “You could hear Mozart play the blues. It might be more like a lament. It might be more melancholy. But I’m going to tell you: the blues is in there.”

Taj is a towering musical figure — a legend who transcended the blues not by leaving them behind, but by revealing their magnificent scope to the world. Quantifying the 77- year-old’s significance is impossible, but people try anyway. A 2017 Grammy win
for TajMo, Taj’s collaboration with Keb’ Mo’, brought his Grammy tally to three wins and 14 nominations, and underscored his undiminished relevance more than 50 years after his solo debut. 

Blues Hall of Fame membership, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, and other honors punctuate his resumé́. Taj appreciates the accolades, but his motivation lies elsewhere. “I just want to be able to make the music that I’m hearing come to me — and that’s what I did,” Taj says. “When I say, ‘I did,’ I’m not coming from the ego. The music comes from somewhere. You’re just the conduit it comes through. You’re there to receive the gift.”

Born into a Griot family from the Gambia, a tradition that dates back seven centuries, Sona Jobarteh is the first female within this tradition to become a professional virtuoso on the Kora. Her music is uniquely poised between the preservation of her rich cultural heritage and an accessible, modern style that relates to the current era and to audiences from all over the world. 

Sona Jobarteh is reputed for her skill as an instrumentalist, her distinctive voice, infectious melodies and her grace onstage, and she has rapidly achieved international success as a top-class performer. 

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $38
Phone: 719-575-9632

MARCIA BALL and CJ CHENIER
“Rollicking, playful, good-time blues and intimate, reflective balladry…her songs ring with emotional depth” –Rolling Stone
“Hard-charging riffs, bluesy shouts in the vocals and a rhythm section that makes two-steps into ratcheting rock.” The New York Times

Keep the Mardi Gras spirit going with a double bill from incredible Big Easy musicians! Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. His father, the legendary Clifton Chenier, invented the style of music we know today as Zydeco and was the first Creole musician to be recognized with a Grammy Award. Pianist Marcia Ball has won worldwide fame and countless fans for her ability to ignite a fullscale roadhouse rhythm and blues party every time she takes the stage.

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

Saturday/Sunday, March 2-3

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning Pigeon picture books, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

“The musical is delightfully, rip-roaringly, giggle-inducingly kid-friendly.” —DC Metro Theater

FAC, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Sat., 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$26
Info: 719-634-5583

MALEVO
After getting the Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent and sharing the stage with Ricky Martin and Cirque du Soleil, MALEVO is ready to take the PACE stage by storm. If you like STOMP!, RIVERDANCE or DRUM TAO you will love this show! Considered the cultural ambassadors of Argentina, this thrilling all-male percussive dance group pushes Malambo—a traditional Argentine folk dance of great virility and dexterity—beyond its limits with a modern approach, merging it with other dance styles and urban percussion.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $59
Phone: 303-805-6800

Sunday, March 3

MOMS UNHINGED
Come to the LTAC for a night of laughter as a quartet of funny moms explore everything from motherhood, midlife crisis, marriage, divorce, online dating, and other things that irritate us.  Men are welcome to the show, too. Moms Unhinged is a standup show with an all-mom, and a token dad, lineup of hilarious comedians who have performed all over the world.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$55
Phone: 720-509-1000

Monday, March 4 

JORDAN PETERSON: WRESTLE WITH GOD TOUR
“When you have something to say, silence is a lie.” ― Jordan B. Peterson

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson certainly has something to say. Regarded by many as a modern philosopher, Peterson’s lectures and writings have proven highly influential among political and business leaders, and more recently people who wrestle with faith. Peterson has gained acclaim for his use of “first principles thinking”, where he seeks to uncover the truth of societal problems. However, his lessons often delve into finding solutions to the personal problems people may face.

He is an author, psychologist, online educator, and Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto. The Jordan B Peterson podcast frequently tops the charts in the Education category. He has written three books, Maps of Meaning, an academic work, presenting a new scientifically grounded theory of religious and political belief, and the bestselling 12 Rules for Life, and Beyond Order, which have sold more than seven million copies.

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

Tuesday, March 5

AMY GRANT LIVE!
Conventional wisdom has it that Amy Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map, becoming the first CCM artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts, and the first to perform at the GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Grant has been strumming her way through a thirty-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host, and speaker. 

Early on, Grant’s iconic voice became instantly recognizable in both the Christian and pop worlds. Over the years, she has sold more than 30 million albums world-wide, including three multi-platinum, six platinum, and four gold. Her chart performance has also been consistent throughout her career, boasting six No. 1 hits, 10 “Top 40” Pop singles, 17 “Top 40” Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In recognition of such success, Grant has received 6 GRAMMY Awards and 26 Dove Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Additionally, she was most recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. 

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

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, and Richmond American Homes. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.