"Wild Things" Will Stomp Into Denver in Fall 2024

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) will welcome Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak, for the 2024/25 holiday season. One of the most versatile artists of the 20th century, Maurice Sendak is best known for award-winning titles Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There and Nutshell Library. He also designed theater sets and collaborated on films. Wild Things will open at the DAM Oct. 13, 2024 and will be on view through Feb. 17, 2025, in the museum’s Hamilton Building.

The show will include a wide array of objects, drawings, paintings and mockups. It also includes sketches for the set designs of the Where the Wild Things Are opera and costumes for the live-action, feature-length film.

Wild Things is titled after Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, the beloved children’s book he authored in 1963 that became a cultural touchstone, signaling to all the beauty, whimsy, and mischief that his art inspired over his 65-year career. Among many other highlights, the exhibition will feature the first presentation of all the original paintings for Where the Wild Things Are and significant additional loans from The Morgan Library & Museum in New York and Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

Maurice Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1928 to Polish Jewish immigrant parents and began illustrating books in 1947 as a mostly self-taught artist. For more than six decades, Sendak expanded and redefined the picture book.

“Maurice Sendak’s art tells stories of courage, adventure, resilience, curiosity and a deep understanding of the human desire for connection and discovery,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the Denver Art Museum and co-curator of this exhibition. “Sendak’s identity and experiences as a first-generation American, combined with the legacy and heritage of his Polish Jewish family, especially through WWII and the Holocaust, make his personal perspective and artistic insight immensely valuable, powerful and timeless.”

Following the success of Where the Wild Things Are, Sendak embarked on a second career as a stage designer and producer for theater productions including The Magic Flute and The Nutcracker throughout the 1980s. He collaborated with many of the greatest writers, directors and composers of his time and received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Caldecott Medal, the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the National Medal of Arts, making him the most celebrated picture book artist in history.

“Sendak’s art has been meaningful for so many of us and will certainly be for future generations,” Heinrich said. “Wild Things not only offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy his original drawings for these books, but also to explore Sendak’s artistry and the depth and complexity of his exhaustively creative mind.”

In Wild Things, visitors will see unique examples of Sendak’s timeless art, gaining an understanding of his extraordinary skill and his deep understanding of the process of creating picture books, stage sets and productions. Alongside Sendak’s work, Wild Things will showcase works by other artists that Sendak collected throughout his life, tracing the origins of his creativity to William Blake, Winsor McCay, Beatrix Potter, George Stubbs and Walt Disney. Sendak’s collaborations with distinguished directors, musicians, and visual artists such as Carroll Ballard, Frank Corsaro, Carole King, Spike Jonze and Tony Kushner, among many others, are illuminated throughout the exhibition.

Wild Things will be accompanied by an abundantly illustrated catalog. Including scholarly essays focusing on Sendak’s origins, it is the first in-depth analysis of his artwork by art historians and other experts of visual culture.

 

Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak has been co-organized by the Denver Art Museum and the Columbus Museum of Art in partnership with The Maurice Sendak Foundation. It is curated by Jonathan Weinberg, Ph.D., Curator and Director of Research at The Maurice Sendak Foundation and Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the Denver Art Museum.

Candi Carpenter - Seasonal Depression

 

Singer, songwriter and musician Candi Carpenter’s new song, “Seasonal Depression,” is debuting today alongside an official music video.

 
Reflecting on the song, written by Carpenter, Carter Faith, Peter Shurkin and Alden Witt, Carpenter shares, “I think it’s appropriate that the acronym for seasonal affective disorder is SAD, but seasonal depression isn’t the only reason I always seem to have an existential crisis over the holidays. I have a lot of weird and uncomfortable memories tied to autumn and winter, and nothing but time over the holiday break to sit in my fears and worry about the past and the upcoming year. This is a song for anyone who is dreading going home for the holidays and communing with the ghosts of Christmas past. I see you, and we’re not alone.”

“Seasonal Depression” follows Carpenter’s new EP, Demonology - Part 1, which was released earlier this summer via A-Frame Records/House of 42 (stream/purchase here). Produced by Carpenter, Shurkin and Witt, Demonology - Part 1 features Carpenter’s most raw and honest writing to date, revealing some of their most vulnerable thoughts and experiences. The release marked a new creative chapter for the Nashville-based artist, who left their country roots for the alternative/pop space where they feel most authentically themself.

Rainbow Railroad aims to raise $400,000 this Giving Tuesday

On this Giving Tuesday, Rainbow Railroad is on a mission to raise $400,000 to support LGBTQI+ Ugandans facing increased challenges after the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May. This controversial bill, criticized globally, has imposed some of the harshest anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world.

Rainbow Railroad is actively channeling funds to multiple partner organizations committed to aiding the most vulnerable individuals in Uganda. However, the stakes are rising as more East African nations adopt their own anti-LGBTQI+ legislation.

The urgency for assistance in Uganda has reached unprecedented levels:Rainbow Railroad has fielded nearly 1,500 help requests from Uganda in 2023, marking the highest number in the organization's history.
LGBTQI+ Ugandans are grappling with home evictions and violence within their communities, often without protection from law enforcement.
Overwhelmed and underfunded, community organizations are struggling to meet the escalating demands for support.

The call for solidarity and support has never been more crucial. Join Rainbow Railroad in making a difference and standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQI+ individuals in Uganda.

Bleachers Announce 2024 US Tour; Coming to Red Rocks May 20

Bleachers today announce details of the US leg of their ‘From The Studio To The Stage’ tour in support of their highly anticipated new album ‘Bleachers’.

The newly announced tour dates will see the band take their renowned live show across the US in May and June 2024 with support from Samia, including a headline show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado and the sixth edition of the band’s legendary Shadow Of The City festival in New Jersey, started in 2015.

Fans can sign up now at bleachersmusic.com/tour to access the Seated registration presale beginning on Tuesday, December 5th at 10am local time. General onsale begins on Friday December 8th at 10am local time at bleachersmusic.com/tour. As usual, $1 from every ticket sold will go to The Ally Coalition and their work supporting LGBTQ Youth across the country.

Founded in 2013 by Jack and Rachel Antonoff, The Ally Coalition is committed to bettering the lives of LGBTQ youth through tours, campaigns and partnerships, providing support to organizations serving LGBTQ Youth. You can find more information on The Ally Coalition HERE.

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Step into Mystical Realms: Pre-order 'The Tarot of A. E. Waite and P. Colman Smith' Kit Today!

Explore the uncharted depths of mysticism with "The Tarot of A. E. Waite and P. Colman Smith." Crafted by modern mystic Arthur E. Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith, this influential Tarot deck is a doorway to profound insights.

Johannes Fiebig, a pioneer in Tarot history, provides context to this unique deck, featuring over 800 images and texts. The kit includes facsimiles of the 1910 original edition of the cards and A. E. Waite's Key to the Tarot.

Embrace the mystic journey with this hardcover edition, complete with 78 cards and a facsimile, all housed in a clamshell. Pre-order now for $125 and open the doors into the fascinating world of Tarot.

Unlock New Adventures and Puzzles in 'Craig Before The Creek': The Original Animated Movie by the Creators of Craig of the Creek! Available Digitally on December 11, 2023, and on DVD March 26, 2024!

Get ready for big adventures, laugh-out-loud whole-hearted family fun, and a magical mystery with the long-awaited prequel to the hit Cartoon Network series Craig of the Creek! Discover the origin story of the Creek’s greatest explorer trio - Craig, JP, and Kelsey - and in a way we’ve never seen them before when the original animated movie, Craig Before the Creek is released digitally on December 11, 2023, and on DVD on March 26, 2024.

 

Cartoon Network will debut Craig Before the Creek on Saturday, January 13 at 10:00am ET/PT and the next day on Sunday, January 14 at 10:30am ET/ PT. The network will also celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15 with a marathon block of the original series, its spin-off Jessica’s Big Little World and Space Jam: A New Legacy, all leading to an encore airing of Craig Before the Creek.

Now in its fifth season, the Emmy, GLAAD-, and NAACP Image Award-nominated Craig of the Creek sits among one of Cartoon Network’s top 10 series by reach, and among its top 15 series by hours streamed. In 2023, the series garnered over 13 million viewers! Additionally, Jessica's Big Little World, a spin-off series featuring Craig’s little sister Jessica, premiered in 2023 as part of Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito preschool block. Craig of the Creek was created by Matt Burnett & Ben Levin. The pilot episode debuted on the Cartoon Network app on December 1, 2017, and the show premiered on February 19, 2018.

 

Craig Before the Creek will be available on December 11, 2023, to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more. The DVD will be available March 26, 2024, to purchase online and in-store at major retailers. Pre-order your copy now. 

IGLTA Welcomes Greater Miami & Miami Beach as Newest Global Partner

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association announced today its exciting new global partnership with Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Distinguished by its enduring dedication to providing year-round support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, the GMCVB has forged a global partnership with IGLTA, amplifying its commitment to welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers from all over the world. 

 

Greater Miami & Miami Beach stands out as a favored destination for LGBTQ+ visitors because of its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where diversity is celebrated with open arms. The destination is not only a haven for stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but also a hub for LGBTQ+-friendly establishments and events, providing a safe and affirming space for everyone. From the more than 12 marquee LGBTQ+ annual events to vibrant neighborhoods like Wynwood and Miami Beach, Greater Miami & Miami Beach offers an array of experiences that embrace and celebrate the richness of LGBTQ+ culture.

 

“The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau's decision to become a Global Partner speaks volumes about their dedication to the LGBTQ+ travel community. Recognizing the importance of active participation in this industry, especially in a state like Florida, they are setting a standard for inclusive tourism,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella (he/him). 

 

"We are ecstatic and deeply honored to cement our global partnership with IGLTA. The GMCVB aligns with the IGLTA's visionary mission of propelling LGBTQ+ travel onto the world stage. Greater Miami and Miami Beach are celebrated for their international appeal, embracing a remarkable 2.7 million self-identified LGBTQ+ travelers each year," enthused David Whitaker (he/him), President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Diversity is ingrained in our very DNA, and our newly formalized partnership with IGLTA elevates it to unprecedented heights."

 

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to have launched the Rainbow Spring program in March of this year. Designed to provide LGBTQ+ visitors with unique programming and promotional offers in Miami and Miami Beach during the spring season, this program is a fantastic addition to the destination. Beginning with Winter Party Festival in March and ending with Wynwood Pride in June, Rainbow Spring showcases Miami Beach Pride, the destination’s largest LGBTQ+ event in April, and additional experiences and events that are as diverse and colorful as the greater LGBTQ+ community itself, including OUTshine Film Festival in April, SweetHeat Miami in May, and No Fear, We’re Queer Comedy Festival in June.

 

The destination has fostered a relationship with the LGBTQ+ community since the 1930s, and as early pioneers in LGBTQ+ marketing, was proud to welcome its first international press group in 1997. GMCVB has continued to welcome and host international journalists through individual media visits and press groups since. This year, the GMCVB will also launch an international program with Expedia, which will continue to expand the global LGBTQ+ visitors network, which IGLTA is a leader in. In this partnership with IGLTA, the GMCVB remains committed to sharing the Greater Miami & Miami Beach story with the world and continues to welcome LGBTQ+ visitors to its vibrant destination.

WalletHub Study: Denver Is 2023’s 6th Most Sinful City

Source: WalletHub

While many people are looking ahead to the start of the new year as a catalyst for making positive life changes, such as improving their financial situation or giving up their vices, it is not always easy to avoid temptation. Since most sins come with a price, keeping one’s darker desires in check often benefits one’s bank account too. For those looking to avoid temptation during the holidays and into resolution season, it is a good idea to consider how your location might influence how easily you give in to your desires.
 
Las Vegas is the most sinful city in America, according to a new report by the personal-finance website WalletHub, which compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on seven sinful behaviors: anger/hatred, jealousy, excesses/vices, greed, lust, vanity, and laziness. Houston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, are the next most sinful cities after Sin City itself, according to the report, while Port St. Lucie, FL, Madison, WI, Bridgeport, CT, Fremont, CA, and Pearl City, HI are the least sinful cities.
 
“Las Vegas topped the list for the most sinful cities this year, but the other cities gave Sin City a run for its money,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst. “While Vegas may have a hold on the greedy and excessive folks, second-place Houston has almost as many options for those looking to indulge their lustful side, with the city’s high concentration of adult entertainment venues. On the other hand, residents of third-ranked Philadelphia have a history of researching plastic surgery options, which could be a sign of their vanity.”
 

Most Sinful Cities	Least Sinful Cities
1. Las Vegas, NV	173. Laredo, TX
2. Houston, TX	174. West Valley City, UT
3. Philadelphia, PA	175. Cape Coral, FL
4. Los Angeles, CA	176. South Burlington, VT
5. Atlanta, GA	177. Columbia, MD
6. Denver, CO	178. Port St. Lucie, FL
7. Dallas, TX	179. Madison, WI
8. Phoenix, AZ	180. Bridgeport, CT
9. Miami, FL	181. Fremont, CA
10. Cleveland, OH	182. Pearl City, HI

 
It is unfair to say that all residents of a particular city are sinful, yet the perception of sinful behaviors and access to vices can influence how easily residents fall into bad habits. “Every city struggles with one flaw or another, from high bullying rates and frequent hate crimes to a prevalence of binge eating and excessive drinking among residents,” noted Happe. “While it is a personal choice to indulge in one vice or another, these choices can have a financial impact on others in the community, especially when more and more residents partake in these activities.”

Sin doesn’t take a break for the holidays, either. Some people may be more tempted during the holiday season to overindulge in eating, drinking, and shopping. While it is important to remain financially vigilant year-round, this prime shopping season can test the virtues of even the most innocent spenders. To help combat temptation, keep your budget in mind as you hit the stores to avoid a sinful credit card balance at the end of the year.

Lakewood Cultural Center presents "The Queen's Cartoonists"

Looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays this season? Venture into a world of virtuosic musicianship with multi-instrumental mayhem and comedy that’s holiday-oriented and fun for the whole family. Experience The Queen’s Cartoonists at the Lakewood Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22. Purchase tickets now and give the gift of entertainment.

 

During the “Holiday Hurrah: Yule Love It!” show, The Queen’s Cartoonists perform original soundtracks and fresh compositions perfectly synchronized with projections of cartoons pulled from the golden age of animation, cult cartoon classics and modern animated films. Tying everything together is the group’s unique brand of comedy – anecdotes about the cartoons, the composers, stream-of-consciousness humor and elements of a musical circus. Inspired by the crossroads of jazz, classical music and cartoons, the group brings animated films to life, matching the energy of the cartoons and dazzling audiences of all ages.

 

Rooted in jazz, The Queen’s Cartoonists are a sextet of talented musicians garnering acclaim performing in a wide variety of venues, including opening for the New York Philharmonic, selling out the Blue Note Jazz Club, receiving a residency at Konzerthaus Berlin and having an extended run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The band is led by Dr. Joel Pierson at the piano and includes Greg Hammontree (trumpet, trombone), Mark Phillips (clarinet, soprano saxophone), Drew Pitcher (flute, tenor saxophone), Rossen Nedelchev (drums), and a rotating cast of bassists. Guest vocalist Tara Lynne Khaler joins the band for the holiday smorgasbord, which pairs traditional numbers (“White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” “Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah,” etc.) with jazz arrangements and classic cartoon characters including Betty Boop, Bugs Bunny, Popeye the Sailor Man and Porky Pig.

 

This holiday season Lakewood Cultural Center Presents is offering three new holiday productions. Purchase tickets for Kat Edmonson-Holiday Swingin’, The Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers, or The Queen’s Cartoonists – “Holiday Hurrah: Yule Love It!”

Jesse Lynn Madera's Fifth Annual Holiday Release: "Frosty The Snowman"

Jesse Lynn Madera invites listeners to unwrap the joy of the season with her latest release, "Frosty The Snowman." Collaborating with producer Stevie Blacke (Olivia Rodrigo, Kylie Minogue, Pink), Jesse infuses her distinctive Americana style into this beloved classic, creating a festive treat for all to enjoy. The single, featuring Jesse's sons, not only marks the fifth installment in her annual tradition of releasing heartwarming Christmas singles but is also a testament to her love of the holiday season. Listen to the Christmas single now!

Reflecting on the recording process, Jesse shares, "Choosing the sound effects felt like being kids again. Overall, this was just such a fun song to do, and I think that shines through in the final product."

Tank and the Bangas Share New LP 'Floating' + Deluxe Edition of Grammy-Nominated Album 'Red Balloon' Out Now

Three-time GRAMMY-nominated and critically acclaimed band Tank and The Bangas have released a new LP, Floating.

Floating continues the electric sonic world of their Grammy-nominated sophomore album, Red Balloon. Available on magenta vinyl, the record was pressed exclusively for RSD Black Friday 2023.

The band recently released the deluxe edition of Red Balloon. This edition formally adds six previously-only-released-as singles to the album, which are also included as their RSD ‘Black Friday’ LP track listing. Listen to the new songs HERE.

‘TODO COLORE’ by Ibrahim Maalouf Featuring Cimafunk & Tank And The Bangas received a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance. This marks the band’s third Grammy nomination, following Best New Artist in 2020 and Best Progressive R&B Album in 2022.

National AIDS Memorial Commemorates 35th World AIDS Day

In commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, the National AIDS Memorial is organizing a series of events that pay tribute to the history of the AIDS movement, shed light on current challenges, and inspire hope for the future. The celebration begins with the highly regarded Light in the Grove on the evening of November 30, followed by thought-provoking conversations on December 1. These events aim to humanize the impact of the pandemic that has claimed the lives of 32 million people globally and offer support to the 1.2 million individuals estimated to be living with HIV in the U.S. today.

Light in the Grove, held on Thursday, November 30 from 6 PM to 9:30 PM, promises a magical evening under a large tent in the heart of the National AIDS Memorial Grove. All proceeds directly contribute to the mission and programs of the National AIDS Memorial.

World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1, from Noon to 2 PM, features two powerful conversations that explore the intersectional issues connected to living with HIV/AIDS, providing hope and inspiration for the future. The day begins with a performance by Dance AZTECA, followed by a conversation on bodily autonomy in 2023, addressing the definition of this fundamental human right, its impact on various communities, and the existing legal, social, and political barriers. An all-BIPOC, female-identifying panel will engage in an insightful conversation around personal freedom, choice, and self-determination. The day concludes with Insights with Greg Louganis, where the renowned athlete shares his deeply personal story of living with HIV/AIDS under public scrutiny.

Following the conversations, participants are invited to the Grove's Circle of Friends, where nearly 4,000 names of lives touched by AIDS are engraved. A reading of the names engraved in 2023, including Louganis, will take place, followed by a light lunch.

The event takes place at the National AIDS Memorial Grove, located at Nancy Pelosi Drive & Bowling Green Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122—the only federally designated memorial to the pandemic.

'Drive-Away Dolls' Cruises into Theaters Nationwide on February 23, 2024

 

Get ready for a laughter-filled adventure as Focus Features gears up to release "Drive-Away Dolls" in theaters nationwide on Friday, February 23rd, 2024. Directed by the talented Ethan Coen and featuring a stellar cast, including Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, and Matt Damon, this comedy caper promises to be a must-watch.

Penned by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the story revolves around Jamie, an uninhibited free spirit recovering from yet another breakup, and her demure friend Marian, who is in desperate need of some excitement in her life. Seeking a fresh start, the duo embarks on a spontaneous road trip to Tallahassee. However, their plans take a hilarious turn when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

With a talented team of producers, including Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke, Robert Graf, Tim Bevan, and Eric Fellner, "Drive-Away Dolls" promises to deliver a rollercoaster of laughs and unexpected twists. Mark your calendars for February 23rd, 2024, and get ready for a comedy caper like no other, brought to life by the creative genius of Ethan Coen.

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