The Fort goes dark
Friday. “Of all of our senses, sight dominates how we perceive the world around us. Most of us live our daily lives not thinking how powerful our vision is, or how much we actually use our vision day to day. … Have you ever wondered about a world without sight? How would our other senses react to complete darkness?” That’s the premise behind The Fort restaurant’s unusual Dining in the Dark event, which takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12.
Guided by The Fort’s staff, guests will experience different ways to experience food and interact with their companions. There are two four-course mystery meals to feel and taste your way through: a $75 option featuring fish, poultry and vegetarian dishes, and a $95 option, focused on game meat. The Fort is located at 19192 Colorado 8, in Morrison. For tickets and more information, go to bit.ly/48KBUjI. — Jonathan Shikes
Free movies from Boulder Int’l Film Fest
Thursday. The folks at Boulder International Film Festival, which returns for its 20th year on Feb. 29, are getting a jump on programming with a free online screening series.
Following its Thursday, Jan. 11 debut title (2021’s “Mission: Joy – Finding Happiness in Troubled Times”), the series continues with 2020’s “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President” (Jan. 18), BIFF’s 2023 Short Film Program (Jan. 25), and the 2016 documentary “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,” among others.
These are acclaimed festival favorites, some of which you won’t see (for free, at least) anywhere else. See the full schedule and register by signing up for BIFF’s newsletter at biff1.com/about/newsletter. — John Wenzel
Northside history lives on
Friday. Denver natives and transplants with a long memory will appreciate the Friday. Jan. 12, launch of “Roots of an Era: Mixtape to the Northside Arts Scene,” an exhibition that traces Denver cultural foundations laid in part by the Northside’s Chicano muralists and, more recently, co-op art galleries and cultural workers in what’s now called the Highland neighborhood.
Friday’s 6-10 p.m. opening reception features work and historical contributions from Navajo Street arts veteran Jill Carstens, as well as Zoa Ace, Phil Bender, Jill Hadley Hooper, Randy Hughes (in memoriam), Arlette Lucero, Stevon Lucero (in memoriam), Chandler Romeo, Tracy Weil, Reed Weimer and many more.
The free reception, with a book release from Carstens and a performance by The Flat out Five, takes place at the BRDG Project building and gallery, 3300 Tejon St. in Denver. Visit brdgproject.com for more. — John Wenzel
Biome Ball drops
Friday, Jan. 12. Denver’s Grasslands cannabis-PR agency — founded by former Denver Post critic and editor Ricardo Baca — is closing out its annual biennial celebration this weekend with its first Biome Ball. Following a series of 9 art events over the last 16 months, the Friday, Jan. 12, ball puts a bow on Grasslands’ current focus on Indigenous and BIPOC voices, displayed at its colorful and cozy headquarters on Santa Fe Drive.
Revery’s soon-to-leave “Biome” painting, cumbia jams (and an attendant dance party) and cocktail attire are all part of the deal, with a $20 advance ticket, or $25 at the door. Our take: It’s one of the more affordable art galas around town, and a chance to network with diverse creatives. 8 p.m.-midnight on Friday 100 N. Santa Fe Drive in Denver. bit.ly/3NX4FkW for tickets or artbiome.com for more information. — John Wenzel
