The hotly anticipated 6th Annual Denver Modernism Show
hits town August 26-28, with more than 100 booths of vintage and
contemporary modern design, home decor and art. Held every year at the
National Western Complex Expo Hall, the event draws buyers, sellers and
modernism fans from across the US.
"We have a great reputation nationally," says
organizer Dana Cain. "And more folks are planning their vacations around
our show, which is nice. Every year, we seem to get bigger and
better."
Part of the draw, in addition to the eye-popping retro show
floor, is the event schedule. The Denver Modernism Show is
known for it's fun, party-like atmosphere. The Miss Modernism Pageant,
held Friday night at 8pm, became an instant classic when it debuted last
year. Contestants vie for the sash and crown that also comes with a $500
shopping spree at the show, and a free ticket to Palm Springs Modernism Week in
February.
Other entertainment this year includes Honey Touche and the
Touchettes ( imagine if the Rockettes had been GoGo Girls ), a vintage fashion
show spanning 3 decades, The Beloved Invaders (surf music) and Vibes on Velvet.
DJs will also factor into the mix this year. The full event schedule is online
at
On Sunday, the post-atomic cars roll in! The Denver Modernism Car Show: Stylish
at Any Speed features free car entry, and
a plethora of category prizes and ribbons, leading up to the $200 cash prize
for "BEST IN SHOW." The show features the best of
mid-century auto design, from big fins to muscle cars and more, US and
foreign-made.
Charles Phoenix, America's favorite histo-tainer,
dubbed "the King of Retro" by the LA Times, returns to the Denver Modernism Show
as MC again this year. Phoenix
will be hosting the Miss Modernism Pageant, judging the Car Show, and treating
fans to samples of his wondrous new Fried Cereal recipe at the Charles
Phoenix Test Kitchen booth.
Once again, the Tiki Lounge is open all three days with
tiki drinks, tiki vendors and tiki artwork. The popular lounge is hosted
by the The Kahanui Chapter of The Fraternal order of Moai. And the juried
Denver Modernism Gallery art show is up for all three days, with the Art Awards
being presented Friday night at 7:30 pm. This year's jurors are Michael
Paglia (art critic, Westword, Art Ltd. Art News) and Robert Delaney (artist and
owner of Popular Culture).
Tickets are $8 on Saturday and Sunday (includes admission to
the post-atomic Car Show) and children under 12 are admitted free. Friday
Preview Party tickets (7 - 10 pm) are $20, and there are a limited number
of VIP Early Preview Gala tickets (5 - 7 pm) for $40. VIP tickets also act
as weekend passes, good for all events. More info, and online ticket sales are
all at www.denvermodernism.com
