Crystal Valley Blog

New Year, New Things to Do! While 2024 is getting off to a sloooow start, there are still plenty of happenings this weekend and next in Castle Rock and nearby locales! The Stock Show is in town and a must-see, plus you’ll find music, comedy, Ted-like talks, and more!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, January 11

THE HISTORY OF CATTLE BREEDS
Local historian, Larry Schlupp will talk about the history of cattle breeds and brands here in Douglas County. He will highlight when and how cattle breeds were brought into the area and the various brands that originated in the area – exploring the early entry of beef cattle and where the early various breeds of beef stock originated to the ranchers who brought the cattle here. 

Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock
7:00 p.m.
FREE

Thursday-Sunday, January 11-14

IT’S STOCK SHOW TIME!
Grab Your Cowboy Hat and Boots – it’s Stock Show Time in Denver! The iconic tradition of longhorn cattle marching through the streets of downtown Denver can only mean one thing… it’s Stock Show time. The National Western Stock Show, presented by CommonSpirit Health, opened its doors last week with events you love like the ropers and rodeos, the sheep shearing, pony rides, kids activities and Farmyard Follies, to Mutton Busting and Dog pulls and performances. It’s over-the-top fun and excitement. The annual kick-off parade began with a pilgrimage of longhorn cattle, western wagons, horses, and pooper scoopers making their way through Denver.

You have another two weeks to participate in celebrating Colorado’s iconic western heritage, action-packed events, horse shows, family events, acres of shopping, and the “Super Bowl” of livestock shows. With over 300 events and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“We are so excited to open our doors for the 118th edition of Stock Show,” said Paul Andrews, President & CEO of the National Western Stock Show. “Based on our livestock entries, rodeo, and event ticket sales, and the sheer excitement around our state, Stock Show is the place to be this month.”

Here is some important information for attendees to know before you go. Parking near the NW complex fills quickly, and several lots are permit-only. [Stock Show Parking Map] For a hassle-free experience, head straight to the free parking and complimentary shuttles at Coors Field. These dedicated lots for Stock Show guests have easy access off Park Avenue and Wazee. The Coors Field lot opens at 8 a.m. daily, with complimentary shuttles running every 15 minutes. Arrive at the Coors Field parking lot one hour before the ticketed show time for a seamless experience. 

Alternative Transportation: Consider ride-sharing with Lyft or Uber, with designated spots in front of Denver Coliseum for drop-off and pick-up. The RTD N-Line stops at the National Western Center station, providing an easy walk or short shuttle ride to the Stock Show.

National Western Stock Show, 4655 Humboldt St., Denver
Various Event Times 
Buy Tickets

JACKIE KASHIAN: SHE’S BACK!
Jackie Kashian has been doing stand-up for over 35 years. Last seen on the Late Late Show with James Corden, her new special (and album of the same title) Stay-Kashian was #1 on Amazon, iTunes and debuted #3 on Billboard’s Comedy Chart. She has over 75 million listens on Spotify and Pandora. She has two podcasts; The Dork Forest, (since 2006), where she talks with people about what they love to do, think about, and collect. She also has a podcast with Laurie Kilmartin, where they talk about the thing they both love to do and think about… stand-up comedy. It is called The Jackie and Laurie Show.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$28
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, January 12

WINE TASTING AT THE CASTLE
While you may have already rung in the New Year, you can still celebrate the start of 2024 with sparkling wines! Bring your bride, your hubs, your neighbors and friends and toast together in the beautiful castle setting for this entertaining and educational event. 

The castle will still be beautifully decorated for the holidays and is a great place for Mary and Natalie to lead you through a tasting of delicious wines. 

Charcuterie appetizers will accompany your tasting. When the tasting is completed, 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 Open
7:15 p.m. Tasting with charcuterie
8:15 p.m. Complimentary glass of wine & Cash Bar
Cost: $62.75 + $3.50 fee (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

Saturday, January 13

JOHN JORGENSON BLUEGRASS BAND
John Jorgensen Bluegrass Band, also known as J2B2, is an all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians who deliver bluegrass in a spot-on union of impeccable musicianship. The band’s incomparable songwriting, incredible harmony vocals (a fresh twist combining bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock), and seasoned showmanship produces the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music at its finest.

The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band made its Grand Ole Opry debut in October 2013 and has returned several times to the Opry since. The Weekly in Greensboro, NC reported of J2B2: “Expect fireworks and amazing playing from some of the best string players in the world.”

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

Phone: 720-509-1000

Sunday, January 14

YOGA AT THE CASTLE
Yoga will take place in the Castle Great Hall, arrive at the Castle surrounded by nature and the beautiful mountainous Cherokee Ranch. Enjoy the wild turkeys in the meadow as you drive up to the Castle. Please bring your own mats. Class is taught by Stephanie White unless noted. Attendees will be able to explore the Castle with Castle staff immediately following Yoga. The Cherokee Castle is a rare example of a 15th century edifice containing world-class art and serves the public by producing an array of enriching programs.  Please note: there are no lockers, showers, or child-care facilities. Please do not bring food into the Castle. Limited mat rentals are available by advance arrangements with VIBE studio. 

Stephanie White, Co-Owner and Teacher, has studied meditation, yoga, acupuncture, naturopathy, and healing the body with the mind to help bring her body to a healthy state after a high risk, difficult pregnancy. 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
9:00 a.m. Check In
9:30 a.m. Class
Cost: $36.50 Reservations Are Required
CALL: 303-688-5555

NEXT WEEK: Friday, January 19

STORIES FROM BEHIND THE LENS LUNCHEON

An extraordinary luncheon unlike any other! Join business and community leaders for a glimpse behind the lens of a groundbreaking photographer —  Jean Fruth — that has shattered the diamond ceiling of sports photography. Nationally recognized for her baseball photography, her photos take us behind America’s favorite pastime and prove that baseball is much more than a game – it’s the story of who we are.

Networking gathering will be followed by lunch and the keynote by Jean Fruth.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $100
Box Office: 720-509-1000

SINATRA TRIBUTE
Sinatra Sensation, Derek Evilsizor is back by very popular demand for a dazzling show at Cherokee Ranch & Castle. Grab your Rat Pack, swing and swagger for the best Sinatra show in the country. Doppelganger, Derek Evilsizor is high energy, with off-the- charts charm and good humor as he engages everyone with his truly uncanny impersonation of a young Frank Sinatra. Retro skinny ties, hats, and little black dresses are encouraged for a nostalgic trip to the Las Vegas strip! Event includes delicious charcuterie appetizers.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:00 p.m. Doors/Bar/Tour
7:00 p.m. Appetizers
7:30 p.m. Show Starts
Cost: $84.50 Reservations Are Required
Info: 303-688-5555

FROM SANDLOTS TO STADIUMS
Rather than a seat at the table, she’ll take one down the third baseline – With this bold approach, sports photographer Jean Fruth has carved a unique niche in the world of sports journalism. As one of the few women to break through and cover the Majors, she has brought a fresh perspective to America’s favorite game. Jean’s passion for baseball is infectious, from the storied ballparks of the U.S. to grassroots leagues across Route 66 and beyond. Beyond simply covering the game, Jean’s work has also focused on how women have made their mark in baseball. From the Diamond to the Owner’s Box, she documents the inspiring stories of women who have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes in the sport.

Drawing on her extensive interviews with baseball legends, the all-women league that inspired the film A League of Their Own, and the trailblazers who are energizing the game today, she paints a vivid picture of the sport’s rich history and exciting future. Join Jean on a journey through the world of baseball and discover why it’s so much more than just a game.

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

HAIRBALL
Welcome to Las Vegas meets Arena Rock!  Over the past 20 years, Hairball has evolved into an explosive national touring act that brings the glory of the 80’s to hundreds of thousands of fans throughout the country, with a two-plus hour drop-dead accurate homage to the biggest arena acts in the world.  You’ll see all of your favorite legendary hits – from Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, Aerosmith, and more – recreated time and time again in front of your very eyes! This bombastic, action-packed, Rock & Roll party is chock-full of surprises guaranteed to thrill – with an arena-sized light show, smoke, fire, pyrotechnics –  we bring a Rock & Roll arsenal to your event that will hit you so hard,  you’ll forget it’s not the original. 

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$110
Phone: 719-575-9632

SCHOOL OF ROCK
Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme… You better get me to school on time!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – The Musical is a two-hour, two-act show (plus intermission), based on the hit movie. The tuner follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

Lloyd Webber produced the stage musical on Broadway and in the West End, penning 14 new numbers for the show, which additionally features all of the original songs from the movie. The composer’s tracks “You’re in the Band” and “Stick it to the Man” are well on their way to becoming rock solid standards, while the finale with “Teacher’s Pet” brings audiences to their feet.

School of Rock – The Musical, with its sensational live kids’ rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music. May the spirit of rock be with all who pledge allegiance to Lloyd Webber’s newest hit!”

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $39
Info: 303-805-6800

Friday-Saturday, January 19-20

HARLAND WILLIAMS
Comedian and Actor Harland Williams is known the world over for his hilarious movie roles and outlandish stand up and sketch comedy routines. From his unforgettable roles in films such as Dumb and Dumber, Something about Mary, Half Baked, Rocketman, Sorority Boys, Down Periscope and so many more. Harland has been described as a scene stealing actor whose unique portrayals of his characters keep them etched in the minds of filmgoers everywhere. Add to this his incredible stand up comedy routines, which have been seen on Letterman, The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brian, HBO, Comedy Central and everywhere else. Described as sharp, witty, unpredictable and original; Harland is the true master of joke telling and crowd interaction. His improvisational skills led to him winning the award for best improviser on NBC’s prime time series, ‘Thank God You Are Here’ (available on YouTube).

Harland Williams is the rare comic artist who has managed to master both Stand Up and Sketch comedy and combine them both masterfully into his shows. Fresh, funny and always full of the unexpected, Harland’s incredible shows are not to be missed.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25
Phone: 720-274-6800

Saturday, January 20

MARY LOUISE LEE: TINA TURNER TRIBUTE
The Mary Louise Lee Band is back with the music of the queen of rock and roll herself, Tina Turner. Mary Louise Lee ignites the stage once again lending her powerful voice to one of music’s greatest legends. With her amazing range, emotional fire, and sheer charisma onstage, Mary Louise Lee and her full band will take you on a tour through some of Tina Turner’s most popular songs and some lesser-known melodies.

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

Sunday, January 21

COMEDY: MOMS UNHINGED
Join us for a night of laughter as we 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: $26-$33
Box Office: 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, and Richmond American Homes. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.