This Labor Day, Colorado’s Western heritage and bright future will be celebrated through exhibits, performances, and demonstrations at the 28th annual A Taste of Colorado. Featuring entertainers showcasing the state’s cultural traditions and diversity, the four-day, free admission, food, music, and entertainment Festival will take place Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2 through Sept. 5, in Downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park.
A Taste of Colorado provides numerous opportunities to experience music and dance that reflect the uniqueness of the state on the Colorado Heritage Stage presented by Westword. Using instruments including the mandolin and banjo, Skean Dubhis an acoustic fusion band that combines instrumentals, Scottish ballads, Irish pub songs, and gorgeous slow airs. The Hoofin’ High Country Cloggersperform traditional American folk dances, combining influences from Scottish flings, Irish jigs, German polkas, and dances of African and Native Americans. Dancers from the Hannah Kahn Dance Company,a nonprofit that conducts educational outreach programs for public schools and has performed extensively around Colorado, will entertain with their modern dance routine. Funk, Latin, and soul mingle to create the New Orleans sound of the Otone Brass Band. Eldorado Springs-based group Laughing Handswill play instrumental originals and traditional music from around the globe. The Triunfal Triowill deliver a concert that includes classical, Russian, baroque, and tango music.
The following is a lineup of music, dance, and cultural performances on the Colorado Heritage Stage presented by Westword:
Friday, Sept. 2
11:45 a.m. Roman Holiday
1:45 p.m. Skean Dubh
4:15 p.m. Shimmy with Sheikha
6:00 p.m. The Rick Garcia Band
8:00 p.m. Denver Taiko
Saturday, Sept. 3
10:45 a.m. The Hoofin’ High Country Cloggers
12:15 p.m. Hannah Kahn Dance Company
2:00 p.m. Gora Gora Orkestar
4:15 p.m. Planina
7:15 p.m. The Otone Brass Band
Sunday, Sept. 4
10:45 a.m. ARCINDA - Javanese Gamelan Music Orchestra
1:00 p.m. Laughing Hands
3:45 p.m. Grupo Huitzilopochtli Danza Azteca
5:30 p.m. Flamenco Denver
6:45 p.m. Fiesta Colorado Dance Company
8:15 p.m. Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra
Monday, Sept. 5
10:45 a.m. Koto Colorado
12:30 p.m. Triunfal Trio
2:15 p.m. Great Wall Chinese Academy
4:15 p.m. FUEGO!
6:00 p.m. La Candela
In addition to these cultural demonstrations and performances, families can journey back to the roots of Colorado and have fun learning about the state’s pioneer past, nature, and the environment. In the Festival of Mountain and Plainarea, featured artisans will demonstrate Navajo weaving and culture, spinning, rug braiding, lace crocheting, felting, and quilting, along with the popular blacksmith demonstrations.
The Raptor Education Foundation (REF) uses non-releasable eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls to educate children and adults about the natural world. At the Festival, view live raptors and enjoy informative and entertaining presentations about these fascinating birds. Memberships are also available; check out the“Colorado Respects Wildlife”license plates, which feature a bald eagle.
In addition to the Colorado Heritage Stage presented by Westword, the Main Stage and two other stages located throughout the festival will serve up a continuous menu of music, featuring rock, country, jazz, classic rock, and blues.
More than 50 of Colorado’s favorite food establishments will be selling a wide variety of small portions to full meals, ensuring that there will be something for every palate. The Fine Dining area will host some of Denver’s finest restaurants. The Culinary Showcase features local and nationally-renowned chef demonstrations creating simple, yet elegant meals.
Festivalgoers can shop in more than 280 Marketplace booths for original arts and crafts, home and gift items, furniture, jewelry, imports, and more. Fine Art in the Park will display original works in a variety of mediums created by artists from around the country. Shoppers also can explore the Home & Lifestyles area, which features a variety of exhibitors displaying products and services such as window installation, kitchen remodeling, cookware, basement refinishing, and salons and spas.
There will be plenty of music, magic, clowns, and puppets on the KidzStage, and the KidZone features play equipment and hands-on craft activities. Kids and adults also can enjoy carnival rides and games Saturday through Monday.
Festival hours:
Friday, Sept. 2, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 3, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m
Sunday, Sept. 4, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more info, visit www.ATasteofColorado.com
Comments