Denver North, CO June 2023

ARTS + CULTURE

THE HAND THAT REFLECTS HIS HEART

JUNE 2023

The Men's Issue

Alright Guys, Ladies had last month, so it's our turn.  This month I am pleased to highlight some of the amazing men and businesses that make our city great.  From art to artistry in your home, take the ideas and make them your own.  Feel free to take the credit too.  This is your month.  I am going to give away a REI backpack cooler to take skiing, hunting, fishing or just chillin in the garage to one lucky gentleman this month.  I will also fill it with 12 cans of whatever makes you feel like its your day.  To make the day complete I will also throw in 4 steaks and a custom set of grill tools.

Shoot my social media manager an email (sailor.rule@citylifestyle.com) and tell us why you deserve it.  That is simply just for my entertainment. :) We will pick on July 1st and deliver them to you on July 2nd.  Just in time for the the holiday.

As always, Thank you for being our friend.

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Matthew Coffel | matt.coffel@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynn Schwartz | lynn.schwartz@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sean McNeil | sean@aspenartco.com

Nick Nuemann | nick@nickneumannphoto.com

STAFF WRITER

Kadry Samuels | kadrysamuels@live.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Sailor Rule | sailor.rule@citylifestle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Monty Montgomery

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Denver North CityLifestyle Publisher Matt Coffel spending a day with Larry Herz of OCN Eats 2: The Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Cody Sturma (Arvada Lifestyle) and “The Local Church” Arvada 3: The end of the cover shoot for June at Velart. 4: Denver Auto Show 5: Denver North’s editor Lynn Schwartz finishing her 10k. 6: Jared Leonard, owner of Campfire with Larry Herz of OCN Eats on “What’s For Lunch” 7: The photoshoot at Velart. velartdenver.com

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @DenverNorthCityLifestyle

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males.

Our Picks for The Man Clan

ROLLERDOME: This has everything you didn’t know you were looking for: trash-talking, roller skating, loud music, good times. Go and check out Denver Roller Derby 2375 S.Delaware St., Denver, Colorado 80223

CLASS AXE THROWING DENVER: You and your best mates will square off  in a group tournament that will result in the crowning of an Axe Throwing Champion. 3400 E.52nd Ave, Denver, Colorado 80216

1UP: Who is the champion of Pac Man? Pinball? Find out at this old school arcade! 717 E.Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado 80203

AJ’S PIT BAR-B-Q: Guys who cook are always in demand. Get the credit you deserve with some classes! And really wow the crowd. 2180 S.Delaware St., Denver, Colorado 80223

DENVER COMEDY UNDERGROUND: Wait. Free beer AND free pizza??? AND you might catch a rising star. Go have a laugh, everyone likes a good laugh. 1400 N.Williams St., Denver, Colorado 80218

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

NEVER MISSED A SHOT

Since we just passed March Madness, a story comes to mind about my friend Scott.  I said, “I’m running to the kitchen, yell if something happens.” Then the game was over.  I missed the final buzzer beater. We aren’t friends anymore. Just Kidding.  I replaced him with Brendon..  Brendon never misses a shot and also never misses a beat.

Its very rare to find someone who truly cares more about others than they do themselves.  As an insurance and financial agent with Allstate for more than 12 years, Brendan has made it common practice to not just help his clients, but to help others in general.

In addition to helping hundreds of clients protect their families and their future, Brendon has helped

and equipped more than 35 other Allstate agents to secure their clients future.

This is the Men’s Issue.  This issue salutes Brendon, not just for being an amazing insurance agent, but for being an amazing man.  We can talk about insurance all day but you know about insurance.  Its not the insurance that has your back, its Brendon. Insurance.....financial advice.....yep he has that.  More importantly he has character.

Husband, Father, Friend.....oh yah.. he also handles insurance.

Brendon Ericson...Allstate bericson@allstate.com 303.255.2323

Tilt and Turn

DenCo European Windows and Doors

Let's begin with 2 apologies.  First, I'm sorry to my friends Fred, Penny and Nick Jones for the next sentence.  Why would we want to keep up with the Jones'?  Being the same is boring.

Enter DenCo Eurpean Tilt Windows.  In addition to unbelievable energy savings, DenCo has turned the window world upside down... or maybe just tilted it a bit.  Offering the unique luxury of a European tilt and turn window as well as Euro style doors, DenCo is not only the opportunity to save on your energy bill, but also the opportunity to make you the envy of your neighborhood.

While your neighbors are stuck going left to right, you are only tilting your window down to see ask them if their window is stuck.

Whether you are building your dream home or just remodeling your living room, DenCo has just the added luxury that you are looking for.  Everybody has windows, but they aren't European Tilt and Turn windows.

720.919.3099

europeantiltturnwindows.com

1 | Tilt & Turn Windows

DenCo is proud to offer Authentic European Tilt & Turn Windows, featuring dual-action hardware, allowing the window to tilt inward at the top for ventilation, or be opened inward a full 180 degrees for egress. UPVC, aluminum extrusion, and wood/timber windows are available, in a large variety of colors & styles.

2 | Tilt & Slide Patio Doors

At DenCo we offer both single tilt & turn doors and also twin tilt and turn French patio doors. Our French twin patio doors have both a primary sash and a secondary sash. The primary sash has a dual function of both ‘turn’ for entrance and ’tilt’ for ventilation. The secondary sash has a turn only function for full entrance.

3 | Bi-Fold Accordion Doors

We proudly offer aluminum bi-fold accordion doors imported directly from Europe. Accordion doors are available in many different options, including lengths of over 20 feet, heights of over 10 feet, multiple panels of different sizes, a variety of different glazing options, multi-point locking system, and even 90 degree corner options are available.

4 | European Entry Doors

We offer a full line of stylish European UPVC and aluminum entry doors. Manufactured and imported directly from Europe, these attractive doors are available in a multitude of colors and styles.

5 | Rolling Shutters

We carry a full line of both ‘front mounted’ and ‘top mounted’ roller shutters. Manufactured and imported directly from Europe, our roller shutters are available in a wide variety colors and profile styles.

ART & SCIENCE

MICHEL VELAZQUEZ

The Hand That Reflects His Heart

We all know the hero’s journey, because it’s the foundation of most stories. After being called to adventure, finding a guide, and triumphing over obstacle after obstacle, the hero returns with newfound success, knowledge, or the like, typically in cinematic fashion.

Here in Denver, an eclectic artist with a knack for neon both embodies and creates around that journey; only after returning to his childhood roots CONTINUED >

of painting and finding his wife and trusted business manager did Michel Velazquez cross the threshold to international exposure. Now, his pieces reflect that feeling of triumph over life, of building strength out of struggle.

Michel specializes in portraits and mixed media, working across a variety of mediums including acrylics, water colors, charcoal, and his signature: neon colors. In most of his work, he uses a blacklight to create a two-inone painting that changes when exposed to it. When asked about his intention with this particular style, Mich said he aims to “express happiness through neon” and instill viewers with a sense of hope. One example is his other signature: a neon teardrop on the face of his subject, meant to represent “overcoming, success, relief - like a happy cry,” according to the rising artist.

There are a handful of messages within his work, such as the way he uses black and white colors to represent the obstacles and victories of life, or includes imperfections in his portraits, “Because no one and nothing is perfect - that’s how I see life.” All in all, Mich’s pieces convey that through struggle, we can reach a place of sustained happiness, and accepting our imperfections are part of that process.

Mich’s father, Diego Velazquez, formerly worked at a regal church, the Basilica of Our Lady Guadalupe in Mexico City. When asked when the passion started, Mich said he started painting young - using rocks, wood pieces, any unorthodox canvas he could find as he couldn’t afford a canvas. His father would do

something similar, but would colorfully paint over rare wood furniture.

Interestingly enough, visual art wasn’t always Mich’s focus - poetry was. He published two books prior to arriving in Denver in 2006, and returned to his roots of painting on irregular canvases soon after. This realization that painting was always meant to transcend a hobby propelled Mich forward, sparking a domino effect that resulted in his work being featured throughout the rich cityscapes of Denver, Miami, and New York.

“Nicole is the mastermind behind everything I do,” says Mich, “I’m the artist and she’s the business manager, the wizard behind the curtain. I can’t possibly express how deeply I appreciate her support, guidance, and positive influence on my work.”

Mich was accepted into the Spectrum Miami Art Exhibit  this December, which according to Nicole Velazquez, will open up the opportunity to be featured in additional Art Basels exhibits. The artist was first accepted into a Miami Art Basel exhibit, and now, the Basel Hong Kong, show is  within reach - marking a bright chapter in his hero’s journey, but far from his resolution. What’s more, this soon-to-be-global artist can be visited right here in Denver, in Dairy Block.

You can support Michel, Nicole, and their exciting journey by stopping by their home gallery over in Dairy Block. You can also follow him on Instagram @velart_denver_co and learn more on their website, velart.co. Mich even carries out custom art requests if you’d like to schedule an appointment online.

“Mich’s art is some of the most amazing I have ever seen. I came to see his art, but saw something much more valuable and and much more exclusive. I saw respect in its highest form. I saw a world famous artist in a different light.”

~ Matt Coffel, Denver North Publisher

TRUST OUR FAMILY TO REPLACE YOUR FAMILY'S WINDOWS, DOORS

& SIDING

LOCAL, FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

ALWAYS FAIR PRICING ON PRODUCTS

IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENT & CURB APPEAL

CERTIFIED MILGARD DEALER

Living In A Container

One of the most important factors in the present system of things is having a place to live, that is, a roof over our heads to shelter us from the external elements and provide a comfortable space to relax, rest, and unwind. One company has been taking a very niche and unique approach to designing and constructing homes that are

affordable, based on the needs and size of a family, and are built to last. From the year 1988, Carbon Dwell, a professional welder and family-owned company, has been building custom homes and other structures using reclaimed steel shipping containers. Why take such a unique approach? The company has the primary mission of helping to reduce the carbon footprint of humans by building places of residence out of already existing carbon steel. As such, acknowledging that having a place to live is one of the basic necessity of life, Carbon Dwell is helping to provide homes that are both affordable and long-lasting, while helping to reduce the amount of carbon being released into the earth’s atmosphere.

Carbon Dwell concentrates on building custom models, noting the company starts from the ground up and can construct dwellings that range in size from single to a multi-generational family home. The company can make a home from an individual shipping container that may be approximately 160 to 320 square feet (sq. ft.) or combine several containers that would allow for designing a much bigger structure. One of the largest buildings constructed to date is the 4000 sq. ft. home that owner Shane and his son have designed and made together, which they occupy as their primary place of residence. Now, one of the first questions that may arise when it comes to a container home is that of insulation, noting Carbon Dwell solves this issue using InSoFast® insulating material that contributes to maximum comfort as well as meets all the safety standards and requirements for commercial and residential construction. So, homes constructed by Carbon Dwell are designed with the needs and preferences of the dwellers in mind, are comfortable, and, most importantly, are practical and safe for living.

Carbon Dwell, since its official launch in 2019, has come a long way and continues to develop, grow, and expand on their approach to designing, building, and delivering homes to those in need. The

company acknowledges that many young adults and families have difficulty establishing a home, so their efforts are geared toward increasing accessibility and affordability to those considered to be low-income or underrepresented. Urban Dwell, its non-profit division, is striving to liaise with cities to provide available land and funding, upon which the company would take on the role of building structures that would be provided as places of residence for the impoverished or those who would otherwise not be able afford a traditional home. The effort, impact, and success of Carbon Dwell are all clearly evident, as the company has since then been featured in the Denver Home and Garden Show in October 2022. The company has even begun to expand its reach as it is now shipping custom-built container homes to states like Mississippi and New Mexico as well as constructing full scale homes in James Town, Colorado. Ultimately, Carbon Dwell, established on the foundation of bringing families together, proves to be a niche company making a large impact by providing affordable, long-lasting, safe housing options as well as helping as many as possible to have a place to call home.

“Carbon Dwell is helping to provide homes that are both affordable and long-lasting, while helping to reduce the amount of carbon being released into the earth’s atmosphere.”

Vegas Showers

Everybody wants a change in their life. I have 2 options for you. First, scientifically, if you weigh 150lb you only have to drink 500.4 gallons of water to turn the remaining 40% of your body that isn't water into water. At 100% water, It would officially make you Aquaman. Or

There is Baths by Ben.  For almost 20 years Ben Thorne, master designer and fabricator of bathrooms has been taking ideas and making them into reality.  The only limit to Bens ability is the limit to your imagination.  From simplistic designs to extravagant works of art, Ben is the creator of dreams. Whether you are looking for a simple tub conversion or a complete cultured marble shower, the craftmanship is unmatched.

"Ben was great to work with from project conceptualization to completion. We have used Ben for two full bathroom remodels in our home. At the start of each project, Ben came to our home to view the space and understand our design ideas as well as share ideas from his vast experience.  Once the work began, the team worked meticulously to bring the vision of the projects to light. There is no doubt that Ben’s talent and experience led to ideal remodels. We would use Ben’s services again in the future and recommend him for any project."

Baths By Ben

720.429.0256

bathsbyben.com

Good Food

Teriyaki Steak

TERIYAKI STEAK

Total Time Prep: 20 min. + marinating Cook: 15 min.

Makes: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 beef flank steak (1-1/2 to 2 pounds) •

• 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

• 3 large eggs, beaten

• 2 cups cold cooked rice

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 3/4 cup frozen pearl onions

DIRECTIONS:

01. Place steak in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup soy sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger and garlic. Pour half of the marinade over steak; turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.

02. Drain and discard marinade. Grill steak, covered, over medium heat or broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 7-9 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°). Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

03. Meanwhile, transfer reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Set aside.

04. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Pour eggs into skillet. As eggs set, lift edges, letting uncooked portion flow underneath. When eggs are completely cooked, remove to plate. Chop eggs into small pieces; set aside.

05. In the same skillet, stir-fry rice in remaining butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the peas, onions and remaining soy sauce.

06. Add eggs; cook and stir until heated through. Thinly slice steak across the grain; serve over rice. Drizzle with sauce mixture.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 2ND

First Friday Art Walk

DAIRY BLOCK, DENVER | 5:00 PM

Held in the Dairy Block Alley from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., each First Friday Art Walk will also feature live local music, pop-up bars and food & drink specials from Dairy Block partners. Each Dairy Block First Friday will highlight quality, affordable, family-friendly and inspirational works with a Southwestern theme created by top artists. Stop in for dairyblock.com

Summer Fitness in the Park

O’KANE PARK | 8:00 AM Fitness classes that are free for all! Yoga, Zumba, it’s all free- try something new to you! lakewood.org/ Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Recreation/Recreation-Events/Summer-Fitness-in-

JUNE 10TH

Five Points Jazz Festival

FIVE POINTS NEIGHBORHOOD | 12:00 PM

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE FIVE POINTS JAZZ FESTIVAL JUNE 10, 2023. This free festival takes place annually and celebrates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. artsandvenuesdenver.com/events-programs/fivepoints-jazz-festival

Want

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST

Health and Wellness

An adult field day with fitness activities is a great way to promote healthy living and encourage community engagement. Fitness-oriented field days have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are looking for ways to stay active while having fun. These events provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a variety of physical activities while enjoying the camaraderie of their peers.

Some of the most popular fitness activities that can be incorporated into an adult field day include:

1. Obstacle Course: An obstacle course is a fun and challenging way to test participants' strength, endurance, and agility. Participants can navigate through a series of obstacles, such as climbing walls, balance beams, and monkey bars.

2. Relay Races: Relay races are a great way to get everyone involved and encourage team spirit. Participants can compete

in various relay races such as a running relay, an egg and spoon race, or a sack race.

3. Boot Camp: A boot camp is a group fitness class that incorporates a variety of exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and burpees. Participants can work out together, and a certified trainer can lead the class to ensure that everyone is exercising safely and effectively.

4. Tug-of-War: This classic game is a staple of field days and is a fun and challenging way to test your strength and teamwork.

5. Three-Legged Race: In this game, two participants tie one leg each together and race to the finish line. This game requires coordination, balance, and a lot of laughs.

In addition to these fitness activities, an adult field day can also include healthy food options, such as a fruit and vegetable bar or healthy snacks, to promote good nutrition and hydration.

Milgard AX550 Moving Glass Walls

Elevate the look of your home and make a statement today with our newest patio door. With panels as high as 10 feet and as wide as five feet – depending on the operating style – the AX550 creates an expansive entrance that not only makes a statement, but also opens and closes with ease. Shortly after entering the market, the AX550 was named a 2021 Product of the Year by Architectural Record.

Right now local discounts are available through Milgard certified dealers. Find one near you by visiting www.milgard.com/dealers or calling 800.Milgard.

THE SEAMLESS PLATFORM FOR PRIVATE CHEF DINING