by Amy Allen

So, things haven’t loosened up as much in the expendable income column as you might have hoped, and it looks like you’re going to be sticking close to home turf this summer. Why not relax and enjoy it?       

ROSIE LEDET'S ZYDECO BAND and the Tommy Castro Band headline Pearl Street’s Blues & Brews. Photo: flickriver.com

Looking for activities to please your entire brood – or a passel of restless friends? From the peaceful lawn in the Shady Grove at Four Mile Park, to the stunning sights and sounds of Red Rocks Amphitheatre; from the urban environs of downtown Denver to the semi-suburban reaches of the new Stapleton, you’ll find a brimful roster of free and low-cost live music and popular films beckoning all summer long.

Gather up friends and family, dust off your lawn chairs (low-profile festival chairs are more crowd friendly in park settings), grab your favorite blanket and pack some delicious edibles. It’s time, once again, for summer fun in the Queen City of the Plains.

Rock The Block South Pearl Street 2012 Summer Music Festivals in the 1200 block of S. Pearl St.

For the sixth consecutive year, the merchants of South Pearl Street invite music lovers to a series of high powered but laid-back concerts featuring “tasty bands and full bodied music,” held monthly throughout the summer. All of the festivals are held in the 1200 block of S. Pearl St., between Buchtel Blvd. and Louisiana Ave. (Simplify parking: take light rail, or ride your bike. And bring a chair!)

The season kicks off on Sat., June 9, luring bluegrass aficionados to the area for BrewGrass, a mixture of hot licks and cold beers, presenting Colorado in a fine light in both categories. Next up, on Sat., July 14, is the second go-round for the South Pearl Jam Festival, bringing a taste of the jam band phenomenon to the South Pearl stage. Closing out the South Pearl season in fine form on Sat., Aug. 11 is Blues & Brews, featuring another strong lineup dipping deeply into the depths of American blues.

All three concert events run from noon-10p.m., and welcome all members of your tribe (but no pooches, please). This year’s admission charge is a still affordable $5. Once inside, you’ll have the chance to purchase a variety of microbrew beers as well as some downright tasty festival eats. All shows will take place rain or shine.

For information, visit SouthPearlStreet.com.

June 9
BrewGrass

The David Mayfield Parade
The Stone Foxes • Fruition String Band
Oakhurst • Musketeer Gripweed
Bonnie & The Clydes
Acoustic Mining Company

July 14
South Pearl Jam Festival

Rubblebucket • Juno What? • David Starfire
Larry Keel & Natural Bridge • Shakedown Street
Atomga • The Magic Beans

August 11
Blues & Brews

Tommy Castro Band • Rosie Ledet Zydeco Band
Harper & Midwest Kind • The Informants
Rockin’ Jake Band • Doug Mac Leod
Delores Scott from Chicago with Jack Hadley

Movies In The Park!
Denver City Parks

The City of Denver’s Department of Parks & Recreation brings back its popular Movies in the Park! series for a seventh go-round, offering 16 Blu-ray formatted films shown on 24-foot-wide inflatable screens with high-quality sound to heighten your viewing and listening experience. The series focuses on six of Denver’s fine city green spaces. As always, lawn chairs, blankets and picnic treats are welcome – food will also be available on site. All films are G, PG or PG-13.

Denver kicks off the series at Skyline Park on June 30 with the classic heart-tugging comedy, Forrest Gump, one of eight showings slated for that location throughout the summer. The Skyline Park films are sponsored by Southwest Airlines and hosted by the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, with live music opening each evening’s festivities.

For the second year in a row, the Civic Center Conservancy will host four Bike-In movies at Civic Center Park. The Sunday and Friday night shows will feature a state-of-the-art 40-foot screen and a festive atmosphere – including gourmet food trucks – before each show. Bike racks will be provided by the 2012 USA Pro Challenge.

Lala’s Wine Bar and Pizzeria will be at Governor’s Park on Aug. 22, spicing up a yet to be determined flick with a pre-show dinner menu to be enjoyed on a street-side patio.  

For Movies in the Park! info, visit denvergov.org/parksandrecreation. Details on the Civic Center Bike-In Movie Series can be found at civiccenterconservancy.org.

Skyline Park, Arapahoe St. & 16th St. Mall

Sat., June 30, Forrest Gump • Sat., July 7, Moneyball
Sat., July 14, Grease • Sat., July 21, The Incredibles
Sat., July 28, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Sat., Aug. 11, Mary Poppins • Sat., Aug. 18, Hugo
Sat., Aug. 25, American Flyers

Ruby Hill Park, W. Florida Ave. & S. Platte River Dr.
Sun., July 1, Puss in Boots

Civic Center Park, Colfax & Broadway
Sun., July 15, Kicking & Screaming • Sun., July 29, The Blind Side
Sun., Aug. 12, Monty Python and the Holy Grail • Fri., Sept. 14, Top Gun

Bible Park, E. Yale Ave. between Monaco Pkwy. & Quebec St.
Wed., July 25, Dolphin Tale

Curtis Park, 30th St. & Curtis St.
Wed., Aug. 15, Kung Fu Panda 2

Governor’s Park, E. 7th Ave. & Logan St.
Wed., Aug 22, TBD

University of Denver Lamont School of Music 3rd Annual Summer Carillon Recital Series
south of the Ritchie Athletic Complex

This unusual summer series highlights the 65-bell Williams Carillon located in the golden spire of the Ritchie Center athletic complex, at the southwest corner of Buchtel and University Blvd. Cast in 1999 by Royal Eijsbouts Bellfoundry in The Netherlands, it’s the eighth largest carillon in North America by number of bells. Carillonneurs hailing from Belgium to Berkeley will bring their best to DU’s bells; the best listening space is in the courtyard at the south end of the Ritchie Center. All the free recitals take place Sunday evenings at 7p.m., and will be played rain or shine. Bring a chair, a picnic supper and enjoy! Info: Lamont Concert Line, 303-871-6412.

June 24, Jacques Maassen  •  July 8, Carol Jickling Lens July 22, Jim Fackenthal  •  Aug. 5, Koen Cosaert Aug. 19, David Hunsberger

Stapleton Under The Stars Film & Concert Series
Founders Green Amphitheatre, E. 29th Ave. at Stapleton Town Center

Founders Green comes alive throughout the summer months with a Concert Series featuring two bands each evening, Saturdays, 4:30-8:30p.m. The headline band begins at 6:30p.m. Movie Nights on Fridays start at dark. Performances of Once On This Island (in conjunction with the Aurora Fox Arts Center) will run in early June. Admission is free to the general public. Grab a blanket or chairs, some sustenance for your clan, and head  over to 29th Ave. & Quebec St. on the Green. No reservations necessary. Information: stapletondenver.com.

Stapleton Theater and Concert Series

June 1, 2, 8 & 9 (6p.m.), Theater On The Green – Once On This Island
June 23, Starcar Sunday//Hazel Miller Band
July 7, Outta My Alley/The Nacho Men
July 21, Wabash Cannonballs/Serenade in Blue
Aug. 4, Control Tower/Dotsero
Aug. 18 (4-8p.m),Tommy & The Tangerines/Chris Daniels & The Kings
Sept. 8 (noon-10p.m), Concert For A Cause – Local Bands

Stapleton Movie Nights

June 15, The Adventures of Tintin • June 29, Moneyball
July 13, Hugo • July 27, Cars 2 • Aug. 10, The Help • Aug. 24, The Lorax

THE STONE FOXES WILL GET DOWN WITH THE DAVID MAYFIELD PARADE and other cutting-edge bluegrass bands at BrewGrass on South Pearl, June 9. Photo: treeswingers.com

City Park Jazz
Bandstand by City Park Pavilion on Ferril Lake

City Park Jazz, presented this year by Frontier Airlines and Cornerstone Apartments, returns for another great summer of music exploring the many facets of modern jazz. More than a quarter century ago, a small group of neighbors thought it would be great to bring the neighborhood folks together for an evening of family, friends, music and community fellowship. CPJ continues to be organized and managed by volunteers.

The 2012 schedule is an eclectic mix ranging from straight-ahead jazz to Brazilian and South African beats and jump, with a little rhythm and blues mixed in for good measure. Rain or shine, all shows are held at the City Park Bandstand northwest of E. 17th Ave. & Colorado Blvd., 6-8p.m.; concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic (some food is available for purchase), and to take time to explore Denver’s namesake green space. While nonmotorized transport takes pressure off the surrounding neighborhoods (the park is closed to vehicles on Sundays, and BikeDenver provides safe storage during concerts), the Museum of Nature & Science garage and parking lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For information about the City Park Jazz series, visit cityparkjazz.org or call the hotline at 303-744-1004.

June 3, Adam Bodine Trio • June 10, Los Bohemios • June 17, Salsa Con Jazz • June 24, Tribute to Charlie Burrell, featuring Purnell Steen and Le Jazz Machine • July 1, Lionel Young • July 8, Jakarta • July 15, Jeff Jenkins’ Piano Africa • July 22, Carmen Sandim • July 29, Eric Gunnison’s Wake Up Call • Aug. 5, Chris Daniels & The Kings

Confluence Concerts
Confluence Park – 15th St. & Little Raven – LoDo Ruby Hill Park – Florida Ave. & S. Platte River Dr. TAXI-RINO – 34th St. & Ringsby Ct.

The Platte River Greenway Foundation is anxious to show off its namesake waterway, and this summer has expanded your viewing options by spreading their quartet of free concerts among three lovely venues on the banks of the South Platte River.

Bring friends and family for Thursday concerts each week in July – with everything from big band to funk, salsa and blues. Local food and local beer will be available for purchase. All shows run 6:30-8p.m. For information about the Confluence Concerts, visit greenwayfoundation.org or call 303-455-7109.

July 5, Denver Municipal Band -– Confluence Park; July 14, Mary Louise Lee – Ruby Hill Park; July 19, Johnny O Band – Confluence Park; July 26, Quemando Salsa – TAXI/RINO

Denver Municipal Band
Free Parks Concerts

The Denver Municipal Band, our city’s longest-running musical organization, returns for its 120th season of free musical performances. Under the direction of Gerald Endsley, the band will mix performances by the full 40-piece Concert Band with the smaller DMB Jazz Band, Brass Quintet and other ensembles.

The DMB always serves up a top-flight musical performance with a nod to easier days gone by. Following is a list of close-in performances scheduled at press time. All shows are free and open to the public. For a complete, up-to-date recorded schedule, call 303-322-8608 or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for email updates.

June 2         11a.m.           Eisenhower Park, Colorado Blvd. & Dartmouth Ave. • DMB Brass

July 4          7:30p.m.         Washington Park, 715 S. Franklin St. • A Patriotic Celebration Concert Band

July 5          6:30p.m.         Confluence Park, 15th St. & Little Raven • Concert Band

July 8        7:30p.m.       Washington Park, 715 S. Franklin St. • Jazz Band

July 15      7:30p.m.       Washington Park, 715 S. Franklin St. • Concert Band

July 19      7:30p.m.       Newman Center for the Performing Arts Gates Concert Hall, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. • Concert Band w/Summit Brass soloists

July 21      6p.m.           Clement Park, W. Bowles Ave. at S. Long St. DMB Wind Festival, Concert Band with 3 guest bands & 16 Civil War cannons for 1812 Overture

July 22      7:30p.m.       Washington Park, 715 S. Franklin St. • Concert Band

July 28      6:30p.m.       Platt Park, 1501 S. Logan St. • Jazz Band

July 29      7:30p.m.       Washington Park, 715 S. Franklin St. • Concert Band

Aug. 3      6:30p.m.       Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec St. Colorado Day Celebration • Jazz Band

Aug. 4      7:30p.m.       Harvey Park, 2120 S. Tennyson St. Nearby fireworks at 9p.m. • Jazz Band

Aug. 5      7:30p.m.       Washington Park, 715 S. Franklin St. • Jazz Combo

Aug. 7      7:30p.m.       Cook Park, 6500 Cherry Creek Dr. S. • Jazz Combo

Aug. 12     7:30p.m.       Washington Park • 715 S. Franklin St. • Concert Band

Aug. 17     7p.m.           Bates Hobart Park, W. Bates Ave. at Hobart Way • Brass

Aug. 26     6:30p.m.       Cheesman Park, E. 8th Ave. at Franklin St. • Concert Band

Shady Grove Picnic Concerts
Sponsored by Swallow Hill MusicFour Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St.

Swallow Hill’s 2012 Wednesday evening series will fill the Shady Grove with folk, jazz, roots, chamber, bluegrass, blues and country music, with historic Four Mile Park, built in 1859, providing a perfect backdrop for an early evening picnic in the fresh summer air (no glass containers or pets, please). For details on individual performers and general Swallow Hill info, call 303-777-1003 or visit swallowhillmusic.org. All shows begin at 6:30p.m. Tickets available day of show: $7 for Swallow Hill members/seniors, $10/nonmembers; $2/children under 12. Bike over to Four Mile – and you’ll receive member pricing for admission throughout the 2012 season.

June 20, Clay Kirkland & Al Chessis

June 27, Frank Fairfield w/Two Thin Dimes

July 11, Ian Cooke w/You, Me and Apollo

July 18, Wendy Woo and Megan Burtt w/Jeff Brinkman Band

July 25, Matt Skellinger Group & Ayo Awosika

Aug. 1, Rocky Mountain Jewgrass w/Dave Devitt

Aug. 8, Patrick Dethlefs and Glowing House w/Poets Row

Aug. 15, Katie Glassman w/special guest

Aug. 22, Bonnie and The Clydes w/special guest

Aug. 29, Harry Tuft & Dick Weissman

Denver Concert Band
Free Parks Concerts

The Denver Concert Band is a group of 90 volunteer musicians who have an undeniable love for music, and an eclectic sound ranging from jazzy Sinatra stylings and Mozart concertos to a rousing march or even bluegrass rave-ups. Audiences know they should expect something new and different every concert, which makes DCB performances fun for everyone. For a full schedule, visit denverconcertband.org. Free, unless noted.

July 4        noon           Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St. (fee for Four Mile Park admission; concert is free)

July 21      6:30p.m.       Clement Park, W. Bowles Ave. at S. Long St. Denver Municipal Band Wind Festival

Aug. 26     4p.m.           Washington Park, 715 S. Franklin St. The Goddard School Children’s Concert

Colorado Symphony Orchestra
2012 City Parks Concert Series

The 3rd annual Independence Eve Celebration, Tues., July 3, 8p.m., will feature a free patriotic concert by the Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs are encouraged. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics; concessions will also be present on-site. Civic Center is easily accessible by light rail, bus, bicycle or the 16th Street free MallRide and use of public transportation is encouraged. Parking is available at nearby surface lots and parking garages.

Info: civiccenterconservancy.org or coloradosymphony.org, or call 303-623-7876.

Mondays At Infinity Park
Infinity Park, S. Cherry St. at E. Kentucky Ave., Glendale

The Village of Glendale has created a first class athletic/entertainment venue in the heart of their little kingdom just east of Colorado Blvd. In addition to building the first pure rugby stadium in the United States, the complex includes a 35,000-square-foot sports/fitness center and adjacent event center.

The weekly free events begin at 8p.m. Feel free to bring blankets, picnics, etc., but alcohol and pets are off limits. Visit infinityparkatglendale.com or call 303-248-7100 for information.

June 11, The Wizard of Oz • June 25, Ghostbusters

July 9, The Goonies • July 23, Toy Story

Aug. 6, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial • Aug. 20, The Princess Bride

SEE PUSS IN BOOTS IN BEAUTIFUL RUBY HILL PARK on Sun., July 1, part of Denver Parks & Rec’s free Movies In The Park! series, running at six area parks throughout the summer.

Film On The Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison

There may be a more impressive venue for music and movies under the stars, but we don’t know where that would be. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and dress for the vagaries of summer nights in the foothills. Each evening will begin with music at 6:45p.m.; movies start at dusk. Tickets are $12 general admission and can be purchased from the Denver Film Society at denverfilm.org or at Denver Film Center/Colfax, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. Day-of-show tickets – if available – will be sold at Red Rocks box office for $14.

June 4, Office Space (band: The Moderators)

June 11, Iron Man (band: The McRae)

June 18, Tropic Thunder (band: A Tom Collins)

June 25, The Notebook (band: The Dunwells)

July 2, Wayne’s World (band: School of Rock National All-Stars)

July 10, Bridesmaids (bands: Land Lines)

July 16, Spielberg Fan Favorite TBA (band: Joe Sampson’s “Kill Our Friends”)

July 30, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (band: Take to the Oars)

Aug. 13, Spirited Away (band: Meiko)

Aug. 20, Awesome: I F-in’ Shot That (band: School of Rock Beastie Boys Tribute)