Crystal Valley Blog

What’s on your TO-DO list for the weekend? Will you travel south from Crystal Valley to check out Disney on Ice? Take in the Taiko drums or celebrate with Mercy Me? Or jet over to the Douglas County Fairgrounds for the annual Home Show with design ideas and inspo for your home, yard and garden? It’s Spring, or so says the calendar, so plan accordingly! 

Thursday-Saturday, March 23-25

ANDY HAYNES LIVE
Andy Haynes is a writer, stand-up and actor from Seattle. He has been seen on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Comedy Central Presents, The Pete Holmes Show, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and This Week at the Comedy Cellar. 

Andy’s debut album, Greatest Hits, was released in 2014. He has also been featured on Another Period (Comedy Central), Adam Ruins Everything (TruTV), and Loosely Exactly with Nicole Byer (MTV). He was the creator and star of After Sheldon with Andy Haynes on JASH. Andy wrote on two seasons of Ground Floor, five seasons of Ridiculousness, two seasons of Crashletes as well as seasons of both Dude Perfect and World Star TV. He co-hosts his weekly podcast Find Your Beach with his wife Rosebud Baker and his newest album The Coward of Gramercy was released in December 2021.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$23
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, March 23-26

DISNEY ON ICE
Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana.  The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience.  Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience!

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$96
Info: ticketoffice@broadmoorworldarena.com

IN THE HEIGHTS
From the creator and star of Hamilton comes Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Tony Award-winning musical, a love-letter to the community in upper Manhattan where he still lives. In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams, and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. A hip-hop musical with a salsa beat, In The Heights is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. Recommended for general audiences.

FAC, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $21-$50.50
Info: 719-634-5583

Friday, March 24

WINE TASTING AT THE CASTLE
Cherokee Ranch and Castle is a great place to relax and enjoy tasting wine, as sommeliers Melissa and Natalie lead you through a tasting of six delicious winter wines. Join neighbors and friends in a beautiful castle setting for what promises to be an entertaining and educational event. Charcuterie appetizers will accompany your tasting and when the tasting’s done you’re welcome to enjoy a complimentary glass of your favorite wine and admire the Castle’s 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 before the event closes at 9:00 p.m.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30-7:00 p.m. Doors open; Castle Tours; Cash Bar
7:00 p.m. Appetizers; 7:15 p.m. Tasting Begins
Cost: $58.50 + $3.00 fee (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

SAN JOSE TAIKO
“With every move, including getting drums on and off the stage, choreographed, San Jose Taiko has visual appeal equal to the auditory/visceral appeal of the actual drumming.”—Reading Eagle

San Jose Taiko (SJT) has been mesmerizing audiences since 1973 with the powerful, spellbinding, and propulsive sounds of the taiko. Inspired by traditional Japanese drumming, SJT performers express the beauty and harmony of the human spirit through the voice of the taiko as they create new dimensions in Asian American movement and music. San Jose Taiko performances are based on a profound respect for each member of the group. All compositions performed by SJT are written or arranged by members of the group. Composing, choreographing, designing, and producing costumes and handcrafting of the drums are all part of this holistic process. Through this singleness of mind and spirit, harmony is achieved and the music rings with unity and clarity.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$50
Phone: 720-509-1000

LADIES OF JAZZ
Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson are just three of the iconic women we honor in this intimate evening of music.  Backed by the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO), the mission of which is to perform the best music with the best musicians, AND world-renowned guest artists plus many of the finest regional musicians. This event promises to be a memorable experience for all jazz lovers.

THE SCHOOLHOUSE, 19650 MAINSTREET, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday-Sunday, March 24-26

HOME SHOW
Whether you’re looking for a brand new home, planning on upgrading your existing home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof. The Home Show is the spot to find all local remodeling experts. The Castle Rock Home Show hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. Save time and money while at the Castle Rock Home Show. The Castle Rock Home Show features a wide variety of local and national vendors in home, outdoor living, decor, DIY and more. From solar power, home automation, security, remodeling, design and more – you won’t want to miss what’s new in home improvement. Get multiple quotes on products and services all in one place and take advantage of exclusive show savings!

James R. Sullivan Event Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
Fri., 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
Info: 303-660-7400

Saturday, March 25

COMEDY ZONE 
Based out of Denver originally from Kansas, tonight’s headliner, AJ Finney, is an eclectic mid-westerner with a passion for psychedelics, jam bands and Volkswagens. His personal stream-of-consciousness-storytelling makes every show a unique and unforgettable experience that will remind you of the joy of growing up, family, friends, and the beauty of the strange world we live in. When he is not headlining clubs nationally or at his home club, The World Famous Comedy Works, he can be found hosting DeadHead Productions and Railroad Earth’s Annual Music Festival, Hillberry, or hanging with his family.

 AJ was one of the 100 performers chosen for Season 8 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, was featured on the FOX television show Laughs, and was crowned “Best of the Midwest” winner at Gilda’s LaughFest in Grand Rapids. 

Also performing, Mitch Jones, stand-up comedian, podcaster, aspiring voice actor, and avid pop culture enthusiast. Mitch has been doing stand-up comedy since 2010 but he’s been clownin’ since preschool. You may have seen Mitch co-hosting the Broadcast Geeks podcast, performing all across Colorado and beyond, or as part of the No Country for Stoned Men Comedy Tour.

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

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
Discover the marvels of our cosmic backyard through the eyes of the robotic spacecraft sent out to explore it. Aerospace engineer Tracy Drain works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop, test, and operate the complex machines that uncover some of the countless mysteries within and beyond our solar system. Join her for thrilling stories of engineering challenges and scientific discoveries from the Kepler mission and its hunt for planets beyond our solar system, a behind-the-scenes account of the Juno mission to Jupiter, and a peek into the Psyche mission to one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt. With infectious enthusiasm, she’ll shine a light on the darkness and vastness of space.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Phone: 720-509-1000

NEXT WEEK: Tuesday, March 28

STUDENT MATINEE: MATHEMATICAL MYSTERIES
A lot has happened since we last saw Danny Carmo and his magical math skills–he’s toured all over the world and he even became a Professor at the University of Wonder & Imagination! It’s hard to believe that he used to think that school and, in particular, math wasn’t for him. He was more interested in dreaming about a future on the stage and perhaps the big screen – all he ever wanted to be was a famous magician. But when he knuckled down to learn all the tricks of the trade, he realized that math was not only essential… it was the SECRET to a whole load of magic. Cahoots NI’s much-loved production returns to North America, featuring the thrilling tricks and mind blowing mathemagic. Prepare to be amazed, dazzled and bewildered by this spectacular show where math, theatre and digital technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance proving that understanding math can be fun!

If you’re interested in bringing a school group to this show, please fill out our STUDENT MATINEE RESERVATION FORM.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
AFTERNOON
Phone: 720-509-1000

GARRISON KEILLOR TONIGHT!
Head to the PACE center for an evening of stand-up, storytelling, audience song, and poetry with Garrison Keillor. One man, one microphone. There are sung sonnets, limericks and musical jokes, and the thread that runs through it is the beauty of growing old.

Despite the inconvenience, old age brings the contentment of LESS IS MORE. Your mistakes and big ambitions are behind you, nothing left to prove, and small things give you great pleasure because that’s what’s left. 

There is the News from Lake Wobegon, a town booming with new entrepreneurs, makers of artisanal firewood and gourmet meatloaf, breeders of composting worms, and dogs trained to do childcare. But some things endure, and you’ll be treated to an a cappella sing-along with the audience joining in an odd medley of patriotic songs, pop standards, hymns, capped with the national anthem.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $49 (starting price)
Phone: 303-805-6800

Thursday, March 30

OPENING RECEPTION: ALTERNATIVE MEANS
Join Parker Arts on March 30 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. for an art reception celebrating the Alternative Means Photography exhibit that showcases Colorado photographers Jeff Puckett, Maeve Eichelberger, Mark Sink and Maureen Ruddy Burkhart.  These talented artists share trade techniques for shooting and printing photographs and the reception is free to the community – but you must register to attend.

Live music will be playing throughout the reception and attendees are welcome to help themselves to a popcorn bar and soda. Visit the Alternative Means Photography exhibit at the PACE Center from March 24 – May 15, 2023.

Parker Arts Center ART GALLERY, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Admission: Free with Registration
Phone: 303-805-6800

SAM ADAMS
Sam Adams is a prize-winning comedian, an award-winning sports journalist, a keynote public speaker and a television commercial actor. During the summer of 2018, the True Colorvideo clip from Sam’s Dry Bar Comedy special (titled Incoherently True) went viral — with over 10 million Facebook views in less than 72 hours. Sam’s energetic, comically insightful act is 100 percent profanity-free and filled with observations about his every-day encounters. He is a headline performer and featured speaker at corporate events across the country, and has shared stages with national-touring comedians and music recording artists — a genre-jumping list of nationally-known performers ranging from comedians Craig Ferguson, Frank Caliendo, Kevin Nealon, Josh Blue and David Alan Grier to music’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Heart and seven-time Grammy Award winner Al Jarreau.

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

ALWAYS ONLY JESUS TOUR
The journey toward self-discovery has been a winding, often bumpy road, for Millard and his bandmates. The result is a powerful collection of songs that in some places rocks harder than MercyMe ever has during their dozen years together. “We just wanted to make the album we love and it definitely came across a little more rocking than any other music we’ve ever done,” says Millard. Along the way, it yielded some incredible music, including the poignant anthem “I Can Only Imagine.” The song transcended musical barriers to become a multi-format smash, pushing sales of MercyMe’s INO debut, “Almost There,” beyond double platinum and earning them numerous accolades, including the Gospel Music Association’s Song of the Year award. The band has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Fox & Friends, applauded in Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, The New York Times and other prime media outlets, as well as touring extensively and launching a successful organization to aid young people entering the mission field called The Go Foundation.

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$96
Info: ticketoffice@broadmoorworldarena.com

Thursday-Saturday, March 30-April1

JOE DOMBROWSKI
Joe Dombrowski (aka Mr. D) took the world by storm in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test prank that landed him multiple appearances on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Don’t get it twisted though! It takes at least 20 years to be an overnight sensation! Joe has been doing stand-up comedy since he was eight years old in his third-grade talent show. He’s never stopped! Since Joe’s rise to fame, he has been traveling the globe with his stand-up comedy which often highlights his crazy life as an elementary teacher.

When he’s not getting creative on screens and stages, Joe spends his time in Seattle, Washington producing his podcast, Social Studies where he recaps absolutely insane stories from fans all over the world. See more of Joe on many forms of social media using the handle @mrdtimes3 or catch him live at one of his shows!

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

Friday, March 31

JOAN OSBORNE LIVE
Joan Osborne is an eight-time Grammy nominee and multi-platinum selling recording artist. A native of Kentucky, she moved to New York City to attend NYU Film School, but dropped out after becoming involved in New York’s downtown music scene.

Her 1995 album Relish was a critical and commercial success and spawned the international hit single and video “One Of Us.” She directed the video for Relish’s second single “St. Teresa” and created the artwork for the album’s physical package. She has traveled the U.S. and the world for over 25 years performing in clubs, theaters, arenas and stadiums, with her own band and as a featured vocalist.

Osborne founded her own independent label, Womanly Hips Records, in 1991 and has performed duets with Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Patti Smith, Emmylou Harris, Isaac Hayes and many others. She toured with the post-Jerry Garcia Grateful Dead and with Motown’s Funk Brothers, as well as with Gospel diva Mavis Staples.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $34-$49
Phone: 303-805-6800

Saturday, April 1

FAMILY DISCOVERY: ANIMAL FARM
Grab your family and join this Kindie Rock band for an interactive and engaging concert that blends original music, movement, and educational comedy. Delighting listeners of all ages, Animal Farm is a group of musician-educators who perform original songs and sketches for children and families. Inspired by the challenges and triumphs of the children they have taught, David Ladon (Farmer Dave) and Seth Adams write songs exploring themes of social and emotional learning, community, and self-expression through the eyes of our furry, feathered, scaly, and shell-dwelling friends. 

​Drawing from a range of influences, including rock, jazz, folk, Klezmer, Afro-pop, Latin, and Tin Pan Alley, their songs are layered, both musically and lyrically, for audiences of all ages. According to Take Effect ,“The music is very mature, well thought out, and easily stands out in the growing genre of kindie-rock.”

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

COMEDIENNE TAMMY PESCATELLI 
Arguably one of the hardest working women in comedy today, Tammy Pescatelli brings her brassy sexiness and bold voice of witty sarcasm to the PACE Center stage.

Holding her own on the topics of sports, television, dating and family life – using tongue-and-cheek humor – this verbal assassin is relatable to all adult/mature audiences!

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $34
Phone: 303-805-6800

TAKE 6 LIVE
“Take 6 stays faithful to its creamy vocal blends and gleaming gospel harmonies, offering little in the way of surprises. That’s good news and glad tidings for fans of this gold-standard a cappella group, which has always sounded best without outside gimmicks.” — The New York Times 

Take 6 (Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley), heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet!” is the quintessential a cappella group and the model for vocal genius. Six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony, against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop. With praise from such luminaries as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston, the multi-platinum selling sextet has toured across the globe, collaborated across genres, and is recognized as the pre-eminent a cappella group in the world. 

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

Saturday-Sunday, April 1-2

BRAHMS & BEETHOVEN
Brahms scored his Schicksaslied (Song of Destiny) as a man haunted by fate and longing for divine connection. Philharmonic cellist Leah Hansen takes on Paul Moravec’s “Montserrat” concerto. Beethoven’s Egmont, the complete incidental music for Goethe’s play of the same name, is performed here with soprano and narrator to tell the complete heroic tale of defiance.

Join us for Colorado Springs Philharmonic Pre-Concert talks. Go behind the curtain and inside the score with these 30-minute pre-concert 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: $33-$89
Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, April 2

MYSTERIES, RITES AND REVELATIONS
Zikr Dance Ensemble presents Mysteries, Rites & Revelations, featuring the company’s premiere of “Mobile,” called a “fascinating, striking, and exquisitely conceived” masterpiece of modern dance. – San Francisco Chronicle

Choreographed in 1968 by Tomm Ruud, former dancer and choreographer with Ballet West and San Francisco Ballet, Mobile is a ballet for three dancers who move in slow parallelograms to the music of Adam Khachaturian’s Adagio from the Gayne Suite. Mysteries, Rites & Revelations also features “Portals,” Zikr Artistic Director David Taylor’s critically acclaimed visionary work based on dance rituals in other dimensions, as well as a newly expanded version of “Sadhu,” which explores the enigmatic holy men of India and Nepal to the pulsating music of Philip Glass, and “Vespers,” a beautiful work for five women that celebrates the evening prayer of thanksgiving and most important part of the Catholic Liturgy of the Hours.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$35
Phone: 720-509-1000

Small Town, Big City — Castle Rock!

Within minutes of the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood – is the burgeoning town of Castle Rock! If you’re looking for a new home you can add your signature style to, check out the beautiful model homes from Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, Richmond American Homes, Kauffman Homes and nearing close-out — Century Communities. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.