Jay Bianchi of Quixote’s True Blue nightclub sent out a touching e-mail earlier this week in memory of his friend Scott Larned, who died earlier this week. Larned was the keyboardist and co-founder of the popular Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra. Bianchi has planned a memorial tonight to honor Larned at Quixote’s True Blue (303-297-1772), which recently reopened alongside its sister club, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, at 2637 Welton St.
Quixote’s True Blue has been known as “Denver’s Grateful Dead connection” in each of the three locations the bar has occupied over the years, keeping the groove going on East Colfax, South Broadway and now in Five Points. So it’s a fitting location for Larned’s memorial. August West, a Denver-based Grateful Dead cover band, will be sure to keep Jerry Garcia’s and Larned’s spirits alive.
“Not an event, but a work of art”
With 14-foot-tall clocks melting along the walls, empty window frames floating mysteriously in the middle of the dance floor, human pirate ships on parade, and a troupe of “anti-dancers” carousing throughout the club, Saturday’s “Salvador Dali Live” party at the Church nightclub sounds more like a bad acid trip than a birthday party. But leave it to local event promoter Kevin Larson and friends to come up with a challenging theme for his own birthday bash.
Party pal and event host Brian “Goldie” Robinson goes so far as to proclaim that this is “not an event, but a work of art.” A half-dozen other co-hosts and birthday boys and girls will help with the life-imitating-art aspects of the event, and DJ Rain and DJ Hollywood both share turntable duty. Tickets run $20 for club access and $35 for the VIP treatment. Doors open at 9 p.m., 1160 Lincoln St., 303-832-3528.
Larimer Lounge fires up the grill
Some people just can’t wait until the sun goes down to get the party started. Inspired by the many afternoon barbecue shows he attended at the South by Southwest music showcase over the years, Larimer Lounge owner Scott Campbell started booking his own regular weekend barbecue shows last year. The afternoon gigs were so successful that they often outperformed his regular nighttime shows, so this summer Campbell plans even more of the Sunday afternoon delights.
The weekly Punk Rock BBQ parties officially launch the season at high noon Sunday, and include Drag the River, Red Cloud, Ghost Buffalo and John Common, hosted by Jim “Sputnik Slovenia” Yelenick. They’ll haul out the grill and serve up brats, burgers, and plenty of cold beer all afternoon. Upcoming Sunday barbecue performances include the Railbenders, Black Lamb, New Ancient Astronauts and Reno Divorce. And to keep up with the weekend demand, the Larimer will soon host a new Saturday afternoon series scheduled to kick off as summer approaches.
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St., 303-291-1007.
Jet-setting DJ lands at Vinyl
Doc Martin has been jet-setting between the East and West coasts and abroad for nearly 20 years now, and the L.A.-based DJ is still on a roll. As perennially fashionable as a pair of Doc Martens boots, his style of funky house – plus his impressive collection of rare tracks – keeps fans packing the dance floor for his notoriously long sets. Check out his latest selections Saturday at Vinyl nightclub during the weekly 18-and- over night. Audio snobs take note: The club recently upgraded the sound on the main floor with a new custom system.
Vinyl, 1082 Broadway, $10, 9 p.m.
Kat Valentine writes about night life Fridays in 7Days. Reach her at kat@kingproduction.com or call 303-820-1568.
