Colorado Explorer
This basement-level den features America’s most significant standup comics.
walls. The group has turned this seeming negative into a positive – a movable tier of comfortable seats faces a performing area that’s reconfigured for each produc- tion, from the standard proscenium to the suspended catwalk complex that served as the stage of “The 30th of Baydak.” Curtain walls soften echoes and help define each show’s shape. Denver’s comedy scene spawned such nationally
known talents as Roseanne Barr and Josh Blue. Ground Zero is Comedy Works (1226 15th St., 303-595-3637,
comedyworks.com), a basement-level den that’s featured every significant standup comic of the last two genera- tions (the club’s Susan Collyer reminds us that the club celebrates its 30th anniversary this year). The intimate seating and superior sightlines make
this club a performer’s favorite. Although the days of smoke-laden atmosphere are long gone, the low ceiling, clatter of drinks and chatter, and raucous interactions makes this one of the liveliest evenings out in town. (“Remember, the more you drink, the funnier we are!” is an emcee’s frequent mantra.) And if you sit down front, the odds are good you’ll get singled out and sucked into a comic’s routine. Fans of improvisational comedy have two sterling
outfits from which to choose. Bovine Metropolis (1527 Champa St., 303-758-4722,
bovinemetropolis.com) is the decade-old brainchild of mom-and-pop founders Eric Farone and Denise Maes. Future shows include “Makeshift Shakespeare” and the competition “Denver’s Next Improv Star” weekends through the spring. At the top of a steep flight of stairs, Bovine hosts its audience in the closest proximity to the action of any theater in town – a step or two puts you stage center.
Improvisation is no spectator sport; the humor (and, occa- sionally, insight) is prompted by continuous interaction with, and sometimes participation by, the customers. In the depths of the Wynkoop Brewery building, Impulse Theater (1634 18th St., 303-297-2111, impuls-
etheater.com) keeps things humming on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights—and they have begun to offer classes as well. For those who prefer a true nightclub atmosphere, Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret (1601 Arapahoe St., 303- 293-0075,
lannies.com) is a little slice of heaven. Denver chanteuse Lannie Garrett holds sway over a swanky lounge at the base of the historic D & F Tower. Not only does Lannie perform regularly, but her stage features other musical acts, comedy, burlesque, magic and even talent searches. This venue wins the award for Most Likely Place to Be Subsumed into a Bachelor/Bachelorette Party. The New Burlesque movement of the past decade has liberated risqué entertainment from its chauvinist background, enabling its performers to combine naughtiness with a wit that’s, well, nice. Music is the primary motor of the night downtown.
The recent profusion of clubs makes it difficult to pick and choose, but here are some recommendations, by genre, from seasoned partying campaigners: Jazz is healthy at this elevation. Dazzle Restaurant
and Lounge (930 Lincoln St., 303-839-5100, dazzlejazz. com), rated one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world by Downbeat magazine, is the undisputed showplace for it. Its warm, acoustically fine-tuned main room also fea- tures a top-notch menu. Stellar touring artists and local legends such as Rene Marie, Ellyn Rucker, Rob Mullins and Ron Miles can be found there. Jam sessions take place every Tuesday night. Herb’s (2057 Larimer St., 303-299-9555, herbsbar.
com) is owned by area saxophonist Laura Newman and features funk, R & B and jazz nearly every night of the week. El Chapultapec (1962 Market St., 303-295-9216) is perhaps the last living link to Old Denver – in busi- ness since the repeal of Prohibition, the cracked vinyl tile floor, well-worn banquettes, lovingly aged bar and elbow- bruising confines make it a confounding but fascinating place to hear live music. n
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What do you think of the new Colorado Explorer? E-mail us at
thess@colorado.aaa.com. EnCompass January/February 2011 45
© Visit Denver
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