Lakewood’s Heritage, Culture & the Arts Magazine
JANUARY-APRIL 2026
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ARTS & HISTORY
Photo credit: Jordan Collins
ON THE COVER 2026 marks many significant milestones – the Sesquisemiquincentennial honors America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries, and Heritage Lakewood celebrates 50 years of preserving local history at the museum. Since its opening in the calving barn in 1976 to refining its focus on Lakewood's 20th century in 1996, the site has been guided by community input. Read the full story on page 8 or plan to visit today!
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH JOIN THE LIST: Receive BRAVO magazine directly to your home three times a year. Submit your address at Lakewood.org/Subscribe. CONTACT US: Send feedback or questions about Bravo content to BravoEditor@Lakewood.org. STAY INFORMED: Sign up for the arts e-newsletter to receive updates about arts programs, classes and events at Lakewood.org/Newsletters. VIEW OR SHARE: Love this magazine? Share it with your friends by sharing the link, Lakewood.org/BRAVO.
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CELEBRATING HERITAGE, CULTURE & THE ARTS: A Letter to Our Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 A SEASON OF COMMUNITY ART: Exhibitions at CC and LCC . . . . .6 LOOKIN' GOOD AT 50: History Highlight for HLBP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 DISCOVERING WHO LIVES HERE: Exhibitions at HLBP . . . . . . . . . . .9 IMAGINING DRAGONS: At-home craft from HLBP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
IN THE THEATER LCC PRESENTS: 2026 Spring Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MORE THAN ENDURING WORDS: The Langston Hughes Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PERFORMANCES: Partner Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
COMMUNITY HISTORY ROCKS THE NIGHT: Rockin’ Block Party at HLBP . . . . . .4 LAKEWOOD'S DANCE EVOLUTION: Dance Programs at LCC . . . 11
BEHIND THE SCENES ART: A VISUAL LOVE LETTER: Featuring a WHAC Instructor . . . . 16 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE: Spotlight on HLBP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 ABOUT OUR FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
#HeritageLakewood #LakewoodCulturalCenter #WashHeightsArts
Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park (HLBP) Lakewood Cultural Center (LCC) Washington Heights Arts Center (WHAC)
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
Rockin’ Block Party | Saturday, June 6 • 5-11 p.m.
EAGLES COVER BAND
FRE E COM MUNIT Y E V E NT
CELEBRATE A “NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM!”
Movie at 9
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Enjoy live music, local history and a classic movie screening while honoring Heritage Lakewood’s 50th Anniversary! • Live music • Outdoor movie • Kids’ activities • Beer garden
801 S. Yarrow St. | 303-987-7850
Lakewood.org/RockinBlock
A LETTER TO OUR READERS | CITY OF LAKEWOOD
CELEBRATING HERITAGE, CULTURE & THE ARTS By: Michelle Nierling
Welcome to BRAVO magazine, a guide to performing arts, history, culture and visual arts in the City of Lakewood. Whether this is your first time reading or you have followed us for years, we invite you to explore this issue and discover how arts and culture are integral to the Lakewood community. You will find opportunities to participate in the arts throughout the city in parks, cultural facilities and community gathering spaces. Lakewood is home to talented artists, performers, vital cultural organizations and diverse community celebrations, many of which are included in this issue. The city’s Heritage, Culture & the Arts Michelle Nierling, Heritage, Culture & the Arts Division contributes to this vibrant sector by providing engaging manager for the City of Lakewood. programs and partnerships that create exceptional arts and cultural experiences for our community. As Jonathan Fanton, former president of the MacArthur Foundation, once said, “The arts deepen our understanding of the human spirit, extend our capacity to comprehend the lives of others [and] allow us to imagine a more just and humane world.” Lakewood’s creative community contributes to a broader, thriving, equitable and connected society that bridges differences in race, ethnicity and background and helps people better understand themselves and each other. Economically, arts programs drive revenue for local businesses through tourism, local attendance and employment opportunities. In Lakewood, we strive to bring history, arts and culture to all through quality, affordable and accessible programming at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Amphitheater and Washington Heights Arts Center. Funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) ensures ongoing access for a diverse array of classes, exhibitions, performances and events for all ages and abilities and keeps cultural experiences within reach to support an inclusive environment. Looking ahead, we are celebrating several milestones. We recently marked the 25th anniversary of the Lakewood Cultural Center in 2025 and are now celebrating 50 years of preserving history at the museum at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park throughout 2026. This year will also commemorate the broader Sesquisemiquincentennial, recognizing the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In 2026, we look forward to marking these milestones with you, the Lakewood community, at our events, programs and exhibitions. Thank you for your continued support of the arts in Lakewood. We look forward to seeing you soon, whether you are discovering new talents, enjoying an exhibition or connecting with fellow community members.
Michelle’s deep dive into the arts began in college when she discovered a passion for producing arts and entertainment on her college campus, which opened the door to touring the world with the international cast of Up with People. She has been with Lakewood since 2007 and serves as the Heritage, Culture & the Arts manager.
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LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER | EXHIBITIONS
A SEASON OF COMMUNITY ART AT THE LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER This winter and spring, the North, Corner, and Mezzanine Galleries at the Lakewood Cultural Center offer a welcoming perspective with a wide range of exhibitions. Our goal, as always, is to celebrate the breadth of creative talent in our community by showcasing works from thought-provoking contemporary pieces to traditional methodologies, in both intimate exhibitions and large communitybased group shows. In the North Gallery from late January through March, viewers can explore the group exhibition, "Words Matter: Works inspired by the ways in which the written and spoken language shapes our lives." This show is presented in parallel with The Langston Hughes Project, an LCCP Presents performance presented on February 28, and highlights artists working within book arts, text manipulations, spoken word, literature, and visual arts informed by text relationships. The Corner Gallery features the fifth annual juried exhibition, "Wildlife of Lakewood," a group photography show that celebrates the incredible diversity of fauna within our very own city. This show welcomes submissions from the community, filling the gallery walls with a menagerie of wildlife photography, March 1-31. The Mezzanine Gallery schedule features several highly anticipated shows. Red Rocks Community College shares an annual show of student work, BRAVO JANUARY-APRIL 2026
followed by an exhibition of IB and AP Jeffco Art Students. The Colorado Watercolor Society’s annual juried exhibition, in late spring through summer, features work by talented artists from across the state. With diverse styles and processes, these annual shows guarantee a delightful experience for everyone. Each spring, the LCC galleries are filled with the youthful energy of local student artists. The season opens with an exhibition of thesis artworks by over 20 students of the Jeffco IB Arts programs in the Mezzanine Gallery. In April, several galleries will be transformed by an abundance of young talent in the annual "Jeffco Middle Schools Art Show" and the "Fletcher Miller and Sobesky Schools’ Show." While the student artists are celebrated in the Cultural Center Galleries, the Richey Gallery, located in the Civic Center, hosts the "Jeffco Teachers’ Show," which features the incredible talent of the educators who inspire students across the school district. From thought-provoking language-based works to celebrations of local wildlife and student talent, the Lakewood Cultural Center galleries provide a continuous source of discovery and inspiration. To find out more about LCC galleries and exhibitions, including dates and public receptions, visit Lakewood.org/Exhibitions or scan the QR code. 6
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HERITAGE LAKEWOOD BELMAR PARK | HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
LOOKIN' GOOD AT 50: HERITAGE LAKEWOOD BELMAR PARK 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park! While still a hidden gem for some residents, the site is an integral piece of Lakewood’s history, having opened its doors to the public just seven years after the city was incorporated in 1969. of the first curator, who joined Lakewood's Parks Department payroll the following year when the museum was officially turned over to the city. Current Status and Community Events An exhibit hosted in the museum’s original Visitor Center, the Calving Barn, in 1993, offering a look at Lakewood’s civilian home front during World War II.
Humble Beginnings Led by a newly formed Lakewood Historical Society, the museum began humbly in the rehabilitated Calving Barn. This former white barn belonged to Denver Post heiress, May Bonfils Stanton and was used to house her prize-winning sheep and bulls. The structure was remodeled to house the museum, sheathed in rough cedar and featuring a commissioned stained glass “Belmar” window. The museum was operated by volunteers and opened in 1976 as the Belmar Museum. In 1977, the Historical Society received a federally funded grant to cover the part-time hours
Today, the site is open to the public year-round. The permanent gallery, temporary exhibit space and museum store inside the Visitor Center are free to access and open Tuesday through Saturday. The facility presents Lakewood’s 20th-century story and a variety of rotating educational exhibits and programming. Heritage Lakewood strives to meet its planned goals to serve as the focal festival area for the City of Lakewood. In addition to being a popular spot for school field trips, family visits, outdoor concerts in the summertime and seasonal events like Cider Days, Heritage Lakewood has become a niche venue for other organizations to host their own special events throughout the year. The Ukrainians of Colorado, for example, hosted their Ukrainian Festival for the fourth consecutive year in August 2025. Over the past
four years, West + Main Realty has found Heritage Lakewood to be the perfect location for its annual customer appreciation Octoberfest. Gigi’s Playhouse and Bodies Race Company have also hosted fun runs with great success. New additions to the site in 2025 included the 5280 Swap Meet and Le Diner en Blanc event. Community Impact With over 50,000 visitors each year, this 20th-century history park and museum come alive with new faces, fresh ideas and fun events driven by you—the members of our community, wanting to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who has walked through the park, attended our events or rented the facility to create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.
Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/HLBP to learn more about Heritage Lakewood.
A Planned Progression Strategic planning and community-driven milestones have guided five decades of museum evolution. 1976
Began restoration of historic buildings, an ongoing mission.
Opened as Belmar Museum and hosted first Cider Days. City of Lakewood took over leadership soon after.
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1980s
1990s
Completed amphitheater, festival area and created a community plan focused on Lakewood’s 20th-century history through 1960.
Added the Visitor Center (photo on cover) and established the Colfax Hub.
2000s
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2010s
Introduced Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park name and new logo. Rehabilitated the Caretaker’s Cottage and Peerless Gas Station.
Updated the community plan and opened the permanent exhibit, “Lakewood: A 20th Century Journey.”
2020s
2026
Unveiled sitewide interpretive signage to celebrate the 50th anniversary!
Lakewood.org/Bravo
EXHIBITIONS | HERITAGE LAKEWOOD BELMAR PARK
DISCOVERING WHO LIVES HERE Who lives in Lakewood and how do they define home? During 2026, Heritage Lakewood will explore those who live in Lakewood now, and those who lived here in 1976, 1876 and 1776. The exhibitions examine the many ways people identify where they live, from specifying the state or city to mentioning a subdivision or even showing a location on a map. On July 4, 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain with the approval of the Declaration of Independence. The area known today as Colorado was home to 51 federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho. By 1876, the Gold Rush to the Rockies was already in full swing, leading to the loss of homeland and relocation of Native Americans to many other states although some remained in Colorado. Miners, railroad workers and ranchers moved into the area, building new houses and businesses. Colorado became a state, the only one to be admitted to the U.S. on the 100th anniversary of the country’s founding. The country's history, with a local twist, was the focus again during 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, when Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park and numerous other new institutions opened their doors. As the museum plans its 50th anniversary celebration and introspective in 2026, it will consider the impacts that people and their experiences had on the area that is now Lakewood: 50, 150 and 250 years ago. A closing celebration will occur on June 6, the final day of the “Who Lives Here?” exhibition (January 20-June 6), during the Rockin’ Block Party. Opening on Colorado Day, August 1, will be an exploration of why and how the museum began, what stories it tells about the community and what may happen in the future. The exhibit “50 Years of Heritage Lakewood” will be open August 1-November 28, 2026. The community is invited to share their stories and participate in celebratory tours, activities, snacks and music. Lakewood.org/Bravo
Pictured above: The Stone House in Lakewood, built on farmland in the 1860s by the Hodgson brothers and renovated in 1976.
Throughout the year, displays will honor the stories of Heritage Lakewood’s past, present and future. Hallway displays will feature community groups and destinations that have collaborated with the museum, including Heritage Lakewood volunteers, scouting groups and the Rocky Mountain Deaf School. A Belmar Park bird feature will also be included, complete with a newly updated birding booklet. The windows of the historic buildings on-site will showcase preservation stories and the history of the people who built, lived or worked in them. Join Heritage Lakewood to reflect on the past residents of our city, state and nation, honor community contributions and look ahead toward the next generation’s future.
Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/ Exhibits to view details about 2026 exhibits.
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DANCE PROGRAMS | LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
LAKEWOOD'S DANCE EVOLUTION Inspiring Teachers
Starting with a single class in the early 2000s, the Lakewood Cultural Center Dance Program has since blossomed into a thriving community for dancers of all ages. After moving from Washington Heights to LCC in the early 2010s, the program now offers hundreds of annual dance classes in a vast range of styles from ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop to ballroom, belly dancing, and modern/contemporary. These inclusive classes offer a welcoming space for students to explore movement.
The program’s success is rooted in the passion of its dance teaching artists. • Tanniqua-Kay Buchanan weaves culture and urban planning into her choreography, helping students explore identity through movement. • Anthony Morales is known for his dynamic style, fostering confidence and camaraderie, particularly among hip hop students. As one parent noted, “[He] has a great time and loves Mr. Anthony!” • Chris Scott emphasizes creativity and fun, encouraging dancers to fall in love with movement while building solid technical foundations. “Everyone is so welcoming. The instructor (Dana Wasielewski) is so approachable and skilled. This is a FABULOUS class!!” praised adult jazz student Katie echoing the broad enthusiasm for the program’s skilled and supportive instructors.
A Language of Belonging The LCC dance philosophy is fundamentally rooted in the belief that dance is for everyone, driving our commitment to making the arts approachable, affordable, impactful and innovative. It fosters lifelong enrichment and encourages dancers, from the youngest creative movement students to adults, to see movement as a language of belonging. Every participant is invited to learn, grow and perform with joy. “This is an amazing program with very good teachers,” shared youth modern/contemporary student Anastaysia. That sentiment is reflected in the program’s emphasis on connection and self-expression as much as technical precision. A highlight of the year is the annual recital, a celebration of artistry and community spirit featuring more than 200 dancers ages 3 to 80 and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Movement Residency Exciting things are on the horizon with the launch of the Pilot Lakewood Movement Residency program, a partnership between LCC and SpaceTalks. This initiative will provide rehearsal space and professional support to one dance company or movement artist. In exchange, the selected resident artist will offer community engagement through workshops, masterclasses and performances, culminating in a short performance at the May 2026 LCC Dance Recital. This community pilot program marks a new chapter for dance in Lakewood, celebrating innovation and community through the power of movement. From humble beginnings to a thriving center of creativity, the Lakewood Cultural Center’s Dance Program continues to grow and inspire, deeply rooted in the passion of its community.
Learn more about Lakewood’s dance teachers, class schedules and how to register at Lakewood.org/Dance.
Lakewood.org/Bravo
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LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER | LCC PRESENTS SCHEDULE
A Chorus Line
Co-presented with Performance Now Theatre Company
2026 Spring Season
Fridays-Sundays, March 13-29 This groundbreaking, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning concept musical set a new standard for Broadway when it premiered 50 years ago and remains relevant, provocative and explosively entertaining as it captures the tension and spirit of an ensemble Broadway audition. Featuring powerhouse numbers “What I Did for Love,” “I Can Do That” and “One,” this show is a brilliantly complex interplay of song, dance and compelling drama. Recommended for ages 13-plus.
Nostalgia, literature, history and cultural exploration converge through music and theater in the LCC Presents 2025-2026 spring season. From lush a cappella harmonies, thrilling guitar riffs and vibrant jazz to visceral Taiko drumming and a Broadway gem, this diverse season of music and theater offers something to suit every taste.
Kings Return Thursday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals (Concordtheatricals.com).
Grammy-nominated Kings Return is set apart by the seamless integration of the genre-mixing aspects of the a cappella tradition. The group’s brand of R&B weaves together free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel and bright touches of pop — all firmly rooted in a solid, classical foundation.
San Jose Taiko: Rhythm Journey Friday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. San Jose Taiko has captivated global audiences and critics alike with the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of Taiko, the Japanese drum. The company merges traditional Japanese drumming with global rhythms and jazz from Africa, Brazil, the Philippines and Latin America in a style that bridges diverse musical landscapes while deeply resonating with the Asian American experience. “Rhythm Journey” exemplifies a high-energy performance art that combines earth-rumbling drums, music, dance and martial arts.
The Langston Hughes Project: Ask Your Mama (12 Moods for Jazz) Featuring the Ron McCurdy Quartet
Saturday, February 28, 7:30 p.m. A joyous multimedia concert based on Langston Hughes’ kaleidoscopic jazz poem suite, “Ask Your Mama,” which Hughes scored with musical cues drawn from blues, gospel, Latin rhythms and more. Together, the words, sounds and images recreate a magical moment in our cultural history that bridges the Harlem Renaissance, the Beat writer’s coffeehouse movement and the Black Arts performance explosion of the 1960s that still resonates today. CPR Classical host Kabin Thomas puts voice to Hughes’ poem in harmony with McCurdy’s original music.
San Jose Taiko
Huu Bac Quintet Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. Huu Bac Quach, a Montreal-based multiinstrumentalist, masterfully blends his Vietnamese and Chinese musical roots with North American jazz. Playing the (Vietnamese instrument), erhu (Chinese fiddle), quena (Peruvian flute), and guitar, the Huu Bac Quintet creates a dynamic fusion. The ensemble offers an authentic musical dialogue between Asian, North, and South American cultures, which “enthralled concertgoers with its signature blend of traditional jazz and music from around the world,” according to Ryan Macrae of The Argosy (Mount Allison Paper). BRAVO JANUARY-APRIL 2026
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Lakewood.org/Bravo
LCC PRESENTS SCHEDULE | LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
Luca Stricagnoli
with special guest Meg Pfeiffer
Saturday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. Celebrated for his patented instrumental fireworks and distinctive takes on rock classics, virtuoso acoustic guitarist Luca Stricagnoli, hailed as an “acoustic wizard with extraordinary virtuosity” (Guitar Player) and a “Phenomenon!” (La Repubblica), electrifies the stage with enthusiastic energy. Joining Luca on stage for an intimate acoustic set will be his wife and special guest, Meg Pfeiffer, a multi-award-winning and internationally acclaimed singer songwriter and music producer.
Meg Pfeiffer
Scan the code or visit Lakewood.org/LCCP to purchase tickets for the 2026 LCCP spring season.
Lakewood.org/Bravo
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American poet and social activist Langston Hughes is highlighted in a multi-media presentation where live music, spoken word, literature and visual arts intertwine.
LCC PRESENTS FEATURED PERFORMANCE | LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
MORE THAN ENDURING WORDS
The Langston Hughes Project: Ask Your Mama (12 Moods for Jazz) Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes is responsible for some of the most powerful writing about the African and African American experience in literary history. One of his most searing works is “Ask Your Mama,” a 12-part social commentary on the struggle for freedom and equality happening all over the world in the early 1960s. The poem is unique because Hughes included musical cues—ranging from blues and Dixieland to Afro-Cuban mambo music and Jewish liturgy—to underscore the poetry. Though an ambitious work, it went unperformed during his lifetime. To create The Langston Hughes Project: Ask Your Mama (12 Moods for Jazz) concert, coming to the Lakewood Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, Dr. Ron McCurdy took those cues and composed music to accompany the poem. He also added video elements to bring audiences into Hughes’ world—a world that blends the Harlem Renaissance, the Beats’ coffeehouse movement and the rise of Black protest performances. “It’s a very thought-provoking work and in the times we find ourselves in, the poem is very applicable,” said McCurdy, professor of music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. “We’ve taken the presentation all over the world, and it’s been very successful wherever we go.” The Lakewood concert features McCurdy performing with his quartet, with Kabin Thomas from Colorado Public Radio serving as the narrator. This multilayered performance is complemented by concurrent events at the Cultural Center. Its galleries host an exhibit of works that creatively engage with books, text, literature and spoken word. The Cultural Center is also coordinating a Youth Spoken What keeps me energized Word Competition in collaboration with Lighthouse Writers Workshop and local is that there’s a new high schools. generation of young people This blend of words, music and images who don’t know this history, fully immerses audiences in Hughes’ storytelling and perspective. “Langston so they can learn about it. Hughes’ words are enduring. This poem — DR. RON MCCURDY was written more than 60 years ago, but Professor of music in the it’s just as relevant now,” McCurdy noted. Thornton School of Music “What keeps me energized is that there’s a new generation of young people who at the University of don’t know this history, so they can learn Southern California about it. And because it’s jazz music, it’s different every time we do it. It never gets stale to me.” McCurdy hopes to immerse himself in the community and have meaningful conversations about the importance of preserving history and the ways people can change society for the better. “There’s a long history of African Americans using their gifts to speak out against oppression and being marginalized because of that,” he said. “The poem asks people to reexamine what they really believe in and what they’re willing to stand for.”
Article by Clarke Reader, freelance arts and culture journalist in the Denver metro area.
Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/Tickets to view the season schedule and to buy tickets.
THE LANGSTON HUGHES PROJECT: Ask Your Mama (12 Moods For Jazz) Saturday, February 28 · 7:30 p.m. | Lakewood Cultural Center Lakewood.org/Bravo
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WASHINGTON HEIGHTS ART CENTER | INSTRUCTOR PROFILE
ART: A VISUAL LOVE LETTER As one of the talented instructors at Washington Heights Art Center, Angel Estrada is a passionate educator and accomplished printmaker rooted in the vibrant arts community of Denver. Originally from the sun-soaked deserts of Indio, California, Angel carries the spirit of the Southwest in both his heart and his work. For the past 12 years, he has called Colorado home, where the dramatic landscapes and dynamic creative scene continue to inspire his artistic journey. Angel’s studio is located at the Globeville Riverfront Arts Center (GRACe), a thriving hub within Denver’s renowned RiNo Arts District. Surrounded by fellow creatives and the hum of artistic energy, his studio serves as both a sanctuary and a launchpad for his printmaking practice. By day, Angel is a dedicated art educator in Adams County, where
BRAVO JANUARY-APRIL 2026
he has been shaping young minds and nurturing creativity for over a decade. His commitment to arts education is deeply intertwined with his identity as an artist. He believes in the transformative power of visual storytelling and strives to instill that same belief in his students. Angel’s artwork is a visual love letter to the landscapes of the American Southwest. Through intricate printmaking techniques, he captures the textures, colors and emotional resonance of the desert terrain—its vast skies, rugged mountains and quiet, enduring beauty. His work is not just about place, but about presence: the act of observing,
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remembering and honoring the land that shaped him. Whether in the classroom or the studio, Angel continues to explore the intersection of memory, environment and expression—inviting viewers to see the land not just as scenery, but as a living, breathing part of our shared experience.
Learn about Lakewood’s exceptional instructors by visiting Lakewood.org/ Instructors or scanning the QR code.
Lakewood.org/Bravo
ACCURATE BOOKS, CLEAN TAXES, BETTER DECISIONS SERVICES INCLUDE: Tax Preparation and year around planning Monthly bookkeeping & reconciliations Payroll & QuickBooks support Budget Set-up and consulting
HEARTBEAT Friday, March 6
Professional expertise, personal attention, and no hidden fees.
Lakewood Cultural Center Fiery Celtic fiddling ignites this dynamic performance with music of First Nations and European classics. An inspiring celebration, bringing together cultural traditions.
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE US: 10 + years of experience Local service with personal touch Virtual and in person appointments Locally owned and operated, because numbers matter and so does trust.
Tickets start at $17 Scan to Set-up Free Consult
DAWN CHOURY 355 S Teller St. Suite 200 Lakewood CO 80226 720-626-8139 dawn@fiscalcurator.com www.fiscalcurator.com
C E L E B R A T I N G
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YEARS OF LIVE MUSIC
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Tickets are available at Lakewood.org/Tickets or 303-987-7845. Lakewood Cultural Center offers performance space to many partner organizations in addition to the LCC Presents series. Tickets for these performances are available at the LCC Box Office. South Pacific Performance Now Theatre Company 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays, January 9-24 2 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, January 10-25 The classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein intertwines the themes of romance, duty and prejudice to create a story that is all at once hilarious, heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
Not Til Now Presented by Brit Stueven 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 28 Not Til Now is a storytelling and comedic event where people finally do what they’ve always wanted — share a story, try stand-up, or create on stage — for the very first time.
Comedy for CASA Presents Phil Palisoul! CASA Jeffco/Gilpin 6:30 p.m., Friday, January 30 Enjoy food, drinks, a silent auction and a paddle raiser before laughing with Lakewood’s own Phil Palisoul. Phil's 30-year career has featured appearances on The Tonight Show, "The Late Late Show," and more!
Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf – A Musical Storytime Adventure Lakewood Symphony Orchestra 11 a.m., Saturday, January 31 Prokofiev’s classic tale comes alive as instruments become characters. Narrated by Joel Hillan, this fun, family-friendly concert introduces children to orchestral music in a playful, welcoming setting.
Hello, Dolly! Colorado Christian University 7 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, February 5-7 2 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, February 7-8 A classic, golden age musical, “Hello, Dolly!” celebrates New York’s most adored meddler, Dolly Gallagher Levi. BRAVO JANUARY-APRIL 2026
The Secret Garden
The Langston Hughes Project:
Missoula Children’s Theatre 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m., Saturday, February 14
Ask Your Mama (12 Moods for Jazz) 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 28
A special engagement of LCC Presents featuring local youth. In this original musical adaptation, Mistress Mary Quite Contrary embarks on a journey from India to England. Friendships made along the way restore health and happiness to the whole household.
See page 12 for details.
Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show Go Big Productions 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 18 See the best mom comedians from around the country! We have been selling out shows and are coming back to Lakewood with a brand-new lineup!
Kings Return
7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 19
Owls Friends of Chamber Music 4 p.m., Sunday, March 1 Owls is a fresh and original new string quartet collective featuring some of chamber music’s most creative voices, including violinist Alexi Kenney, violist Ayane Kozasa, and cellists Gabriel Cabezas and Paul Wiancko.
1812 Lakewood Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 5 Enjoy Rossini’s sparkling Thieving Magpie, Brahms’ heartfelt Haydn Variations, and Bizet’s spirited Symphony in C. A vibrant evening of drama, elegance and joy from the Lakewood Symphony Orchestra.
See page 12 for details.
Heartbeat
Hearts for Hearts Charity Benefit
Baroque Chamber Orchestra 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 6
Rand Dance Academy 3:30 p.m., Sunday, February 22 Celebrate movement and meaning at the Hearts for Hearts Charity Benefit with Rand Dance Academy. Stunning dance performances raise funds for a selected charity — because every heart deserves a helping hand.
The Beatles Songbook with pianist Annie Booth & vocalist Marion Powers
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra 7 p.m., Thursday, February 26 Join the CJRO small band for an intimate evening of Beatles classics reimagined through the lens of jazz, bringing fresh creativity to the timeless songs of the Fab Four.
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Fiery Celtic fiddling by Morgan Toney ignites this dynamic performance with Indigenous and European classical tunes. This unique and inspiring performance bridges generations and cultures.
Mini Música: The Story of Peter Rabbit Colorado Symphony 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 7 "Mini Música: The Story of Peter Rabbit" is a dual-language program designed to engage young children in literacy with a 16-piece orchestra and narrator who incorporates storytelling, dancing and singing.
At the End of the Rainbow Heritage Irish Stepdancers 3:30 p.m., Sunday, March 8 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish dance, music and storytelling! A family-friendly show that’s fun for all ages. Lakewood.org/Bravo
PERFORMANCES | LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
Swell Sounds of Spring A Chorus Line Co-presented with Performance Now Theatre Company 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays, March 13-28 2 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, March 14-29 See page 12 for details.
NABBA - An English Suite Colorado Brass 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 3 Get your tickets today to hear the awardwinning Colorado Brass perform two colossal brass band masterworks: An English Suite by world renowned brass band composer Eric Ball, and the Colorado Brass national competition choice work.
The Gospel Side of Elvis George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Saturday, April 4 Elvis loved gospel music, and you’ll love this concert full of his favorite gospel songs! George Gray and the Elvis Experience return with another highenergy, spiritual and moving concert as they sing the gospel hits of Elvis!
1932 Lakewood Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9 Beethoven’s bold Egmont Overture and Florence Price’s soulful Symphony No. 1 unite in a moving program of courage, discovery, and timeless musical storytelling that celebrates resilience and artistry.
San Jose Taiko Rhythm Journey 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 10 See page 12 for details.
Runes Zikr Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11 Zikr Dance Ensemble presents “Runes,” featuring internationally acclaimed choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s stunning duet from “In Memoriam,” Tomm Ruud’s iconic “Mobile," and Artistic Director David Taylor’s masterpiece, “Runes.”
Lakewood.org/Bravo
Rocky Mountain Chapter American Theatre Organ Society 2 p.m., Sunday, April 12 Enjoy an afternoon featuring the Cultural Center’s majestic theatre organ, showcasing timeless classics and seasonal favorites that music lovers of all ages will recognize, presented by a nationally featured theater organist.
Robin Hood, An Outlaw and a Play Augustine Classical Academy 7 p.m., Friday, April 17 2 p.m., Saturday, April 18
Django Jingles Jazz Manouche & More with Marion Powers Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra 3 p.m., Sunday, April 26 The CJRO small band ignites the stage with hot swing, honoring Django Reinhardt and exploring the spirited rhythms and lasting influence of gypsy jazz.
LCC Presents performances are hosted by the Lakewood Cultural Center. Performances and prices subject to change.
Join the English countryside's most endearing outlaw as he and his merry men and maids battle the nefarious sheriff of Nottingham. Will justice prevail, or will the sheriff and his cronies prove victorious? This original musical production is performed by students in grades 3 through 11.
Musical Theater Collaborative Summit Academy South 7 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday, April 21 & 23 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 22 Summit’s homeschool enrichment program proudly presents a spring musical! This show—full of heart, laughter, and intrigue—will dazzle audiences. Thank you for your support as we share our passion for the arts.
Ars Nova Singers Presents Shared Visions Ars Nova Singers 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 24 A collaborative concert featuring Colorado artists, poets and musicians, artists share their work, poets respond and composers create new choral pieces performed by Ars Nova Singers, completing the circle of inspiration.
Luca Stricagnoli
Exceptional Performances. Convenient location. Great group rates.
470 S. Allison Parkway Lakewood, Colorado 80226 303-987-7845 tickets@lakewood.org *Discounts vary for specific shows.
with special guest Meg Pfeiffer 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25 See page 13 for details.
Scan the QR code or visit Lakewood.org/Tickets for more information. 19
BRAVO JANUARY-APRIL 2026
HERITAGE LAKEWOOD BELMAR PARK | AT-HOME CRAFT
PAPER CHAIN DRAGON Dragons are fun year-round, not just for February’s Chinese New Year! Consider these dragon facts while designing a colorful, custom creature using these easy, affordable materials you can often find around the house. • Dragons are worldwide! Legends about them exist in almost every culture, from fire-breathing monsters to kind, helpful friends. • Dragons are known for being masters of disguise! Not all dragons have wings; some have multiple heads or can change size and shape. • They’re also powerful magicians! Dragons often have amazing powers and are most famous for breathing fire. • Want to get a dragon’s attention? They love treasure and are often shown guarding mountains of loot and gold.
Now that your imagination is flowing, gather supplies and follow these directions. 1. Cut construction paper into 1-inch-wide strips of the same length. 2. Tape the ends of one strip together to form a simple loop. 3. To start the body chain, thread a new strip through the loop and its ends together. Continue this process until your chain is the desired length. 4. Create the dragon’s head. Take a new piece of construction paper, fold the paper lengthwise into thirds and tape or staple the long edge to create a paper tube (like a flat envelope). 5. Fold the tube in half, then fold each half back again to make an “M” shape. (This forms the mouth.) You can trim the edges to make a rounded mouth, if you like. 6. Attach the head: Tape the folded “M” shape to one end of the paper chain body. 7. Decorate! Add teeth, eyes, a tongue, feathers or scales to make your dragon unique!
M Shape
Rounded
Finished Dragon
Watch an instructional video at: Lakewood.org/BRAVO.
8. Send us a pic with your dragon, your first name and age for a chance to be featured in our newsletter or on social media! Email the photo to hca@lakewood.org.
Visit Lakewood.org/Register and search "craft" to join Heritage Lakewood's Craft-Teas and make other wonderous projects!
BRAVO Lakewood is produced for the City of Lakewood by The Publishing House. ANGIE FLACHMAN JOHNSON | Publisher STACEY KRULL | Production Manager WILBUR E. FLACHMAN | President Emeritus
For advertising, please call 303-428-9529, e-mail sales@pub-house.com, visit coloradoartspubs.com online or follow us on the social channels above.
For more crafting fun,
register for a Craft Tea BRAVO Lakewood is the magazine of the Heritage, Culture & the Arts Division, Community Resources Department, City of Lakewood, 480 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood,Lakewood. CO 80226, distributed free of charge throughout the community. All rights reserved, including the right to at Heritage reproduce in whole or in part. BRAVO Lakewood is funded in part by the generous support from the residents of the Scientific and Cultural Scan the QR code or visit Facilities District (SCFD). Alternative formats of this publication available upon request. The mission of the Heritage, Culture & the Arts (HCA) Division is to to engage and build community through inclusive, diverse and sustainable experiences, programs and places that inspire opportunities for discovery and foster connection.
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AL L P ER F OR MANCE S AT THE EL L IE CAUL KINS O PER A H OU SE W I TH LI V E MU S I C FE ATU R I N G THE C OLOR A D O BA L L ET ORC H EST R A
T I C K E T S A T C O L O R A D O B A L L E T. O R G P H OTO S: JENNI F ER G R AC E, LIAM HO GAN , J ESSICA PAYN E, & PAT RICK MIHM B Y R ACHEL N EVILLE
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Celebrating 50 years of volunteer service kindness, reliability and eagerness to learn, setting the tone for volunterism at Heritage Lakewood. Following in her footsteps, Jean Jackson served for an impressive 32 years. Jean carried forward Maxine’s legacy, embodying the values of service, hospitality and community that continue to define our volunteer program. Today, Heritage Lakewood is fortunate to be supported by an incredible team of volunteers who build upon the foundations laid by those early pioneers. Whether they are helping with large-scale community events like Cider Days, tending to historic gardens or bringing history to life for visitors of all ages, our volunteers ensure that Heritage Lakewood remains a vibrant place where history connects and inspires. As we celebrate 50 years of volunteer service, we honor the thousands of hours, countless stories and enduring spirit that make our volunteers not just helpers, but true stewards of Lakewood’s history.
For half a century, volunteers have been the heart of Heritage Lakewood, shaping its story from the early days of the Lakewood Historical Society to the thriving museum campus it is today. What began as a grassroots effort to preserve local history has grown into a dynamic community hub, thanks in large part to the dedication of volunteers who give their time, energy and talents. From leading tours and hosting educational programs to preserving and cataloging historic collections, volunteers have always been at the center of our work. Their contributions built the foundation on which Heritage Lakewood stands today. Among the many individuals who left a lasting mark, two stand out. Maxine Barnes, who joined as a volunteer in 1983, was known for wearing many hats: welcoming guests in the Museum Store, accessioning donations in the collections building and guiding visitors through our exhibits. Beyond her skills and knowledge, Maxine was known for her
Interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park? Contact volunteer@lakewood.org. BRAVO JANUARY-APRIL 2026
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7110 E County Line Rd. Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 www.RightTime.com
LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
HERITAGE LAKEWOOD BELMAR PARK
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS ART CENTER
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Lakewood.org/WHAC
Museum Tours | Store | Exhibits Classes | Concerts | Events
Classes | Workshops Self-Directed Studio Time
VISITOR CENTER & GALLERIES (Ohio & Wadsworth) 801 S. Yarrow St. Lakewood, CO 80226 303-987-7850 Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday and Monday: Closed
ARTS CENTER (Between Sheridan & Wadsworth) 6375 W. First Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226 303-987-5436 Open Weekly, Hours Vary
Lakewood.org/LCC Theater | Classrooms | Galleries LAKEWOOD CULTURAL CENTER (Alameda & Wadsworth) 470 S. Allison Parkway Lakewood, CO 80226 303-987-7845 NORTH, MEZZANINE & CORNER GALLERIES Weekdays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. JAMES J. RICHEY GALLERY Lakewood Civic Center South 480 S. Allison Parkway Lakewood, CO 80226 Weekdays: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hearing Loop Equipped Theater Personal receivers also are available on loan from the box office. Closed on major holidays. All exhibits are free. No reservation required. Free surface & covered parking with elevator access.
MUSEUM STORE 303-987-7848 Closed on major holidays. All exhibits are free. No reservation required.
Washington Heights Arts Center is a renovated early 20th century schoolhouse that enriches the community by offering arts opportunities for all ages. Closed on major holidays.