Denver Performing Arts Complex Announces Summer 2018 Next Stage NOW Programs And Events

Denver Performing Arts Complex is pleased to announce 2018 Next Stage NOW summer programming, including the return of Sunset Cinema, Sterling Vineyards Galleria Bar and Mixed Taste Garden Parties, as well as "Special Guest," a new exhibition at Next Stage Gallery created through a collaboration between Denver Arts & Venues, Meow Wolf and CU Denver's College of Arts & Media, and a new Buell Balcony Concert Series.

"Denver's Next Stage NOW events and programs are just some of the innovative ways we are activating the Denver Performing Arts Complex and elevating the experience of arts and culture in our city," said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. "Throughout the summer, Denver residents and visitors can look forward to this free entertainment and more as we continue to engage our communities in the arts."

Sunset Cinema returns June 12 to Denver Performing Arts Complex Galleria with a four-film season dedicated to the whimsical Wes Anderson:

• "Moonrise Kingdom" June 12
• "Fantastic Mr. Fox" July 10
• "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" Aug. 14
• "The Royal Tenenbaums" Aug. 21.

Each evening begins with costume contests and trivia brought to you by Geeks Who Drink at 7 p.m., followed by a screening of the movie presented by Denver Film Society at 8 p.m. Sunset Cinema is free and open to the public and features curated film-based photo environments, craft movie-themed cocktails and cinema snacks from Centerplate available for purchase, live tote bag screen-printing, poster giveaways and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair.

The Sterling Vineyards Galleria Bar offers the downtown Denver workforce, as well as residents and visitors a way to unwind after the business day, and theatre-goers a place to grab a cocktail and a bite before the show. This pop-up bar will be open on select Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings through Sept. 29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Denver Performing Arts Complex Galleria entrance at 14th and Curtis streets. In addition to cocktails and light bites available for purchase, each evening will showcase rotating musical entertainment from Kelly Triplett, Branden Sipes, Bowleg, Daniella Katzir, Andrew Sturtz, Half Pint & The Growlers, and DIME Denver Student performers.

Mixed Taste Garden Parties return Wednesdays, July 11-Aug. 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Presented by The Next Stage NOW and Denver Arts & Venues, grab-and-go eats and libations will be available for purchase and a relaxing vibe will be set by DJ Uplifted Gourmandizer. This free event in the Galleria at Denver Performing Arts Complex provides a perfect escape from Hump Day and a fun pre-lecture happening for those with Mixed Taste lecture tickets.

Special Guest, a collaborative Denver art show presented by Meow Wolf, will open June 14 at The Next Stage Gallery. This diverse and evolving installation is special partnership between Denver Arts & Venues, Meow Wolf and CU Denver's College of Arts & Media, and is built as a movable talk show stage featuring poetry readings, film screenings and dance performances. "Special Guest" will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 4:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays: 12:30-7:30 p.m.

Buell Balcony Concert Series kicks off this summer at the opening reception for Patrick Marold's exhibition at Buell Theatre June 17, 4-6 p.m. The exhibition highlights Marold's drawings and sculptures from the last decade, and Janet Feder will be offering a free musical performance at 5 p.m. The Buell Balcony Concert Series and Exhibition Reception will return to Buell Theatre for a second presentation this fall.

All of the Next Stage NOW events are rain or shine. For events in the outdoor Denver Performing Arts Complex Galleria, attendees are encouraged to be prepared for Colorado's surprising summer weather.

About Denver Arts & Venues
Denver Arts & Venues' mission is to amplify Denver's quality of life and economic vitality through premier public venues, arts and entertainment opportunities. Arts & Venues is the City and County of Denver agency responsible for operating some of the region's most renowned facilities, including Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum and McNichols Civic Center Building. Arts & Venues also oversees the Denver Public Art Program, Create Denver, SCFD Tier III granting process, Arts Education Fund and other entertainment and cultural events such as the Five Points Jazz Festival, Urban Arts Fund, P.S. You Are Here and implementation of IMAGINE 2020: Denver's Cultural Plan. Denver Arts & Venues is committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness in all our programs, initiatives and decision-making processes. www.ArtsandVenues.com

About Next Stage NOW

On March 10, 2016, Mayor Michael Hancock unveiled The Next Stage Vision Plan for the Denver Performing Arts Complex. This plan aims to re-energize the Arts Complex with new and updated venues, more public space and diverse and accessible programming. While construction will not begin immediately, The Next Stage NOW precedes this exciting transformation with public performances, programming and placemaking initiatives today.

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