Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble celebrates 35 years of hoofing with a gala celebration Friday night at the Seawell Ballroom. The black-tie party benefits Robinson’s educational programs – but in the wake of Katrina, ticket sales have been sluggish.
“Everything seems to be very slow,” says Robinson. “I think it’s because of the Katrina tragedy, but we’re trying very hard to do some things that will support the victims.”
Robinson wants to get the Katrina survivors now living at Lowry to the theater and rehearsal halls to see the ensemble. “We need to feed their spirits,” she says.
The dance company’s season starts Saturday night at the Newman Center. An anonymous donor has pledged to give $10 to Katrina relief for every ticket sold.
Robinson says Friday’s gala will be “the party of the year” if people respond. For the $150 gala tix, call 303-295-1759, ext. 14. Performance tix available through Ticketmaster.
Grin and bear it
Oscar-winning filmmaker Donna Dewey had her hands full last week. She’s one of the producers of “Looking for Sunday,” an indie boy-band flick shooting in Denver. The crew and cast (Orlando Jones, Michael Weston and Katherine Towne) were filming at Whiskey Bar day and night Wednesday and Thursday. And on Thursday, Dewey was making a TV commercial supporting the proposed lodging tax. The commercial featured the Blue Bear.
At the end of the TV campaign, the bear will take off its head. And who do you think is wearing the bear suit? I hear it’s Hizzoner, John Hickenlooper.
“I will not confirm or deny rumors of the bear’s identity,” said campaign brain David Kenney.
Read him like a book
Tattered Cover owner Joyce Meskis and Mayor Hick introduced author J.R. Moehringer at the SRO reading and signing of his book “The Tender Bar” on Wednesday night. And Hickenlooper had the pleasure of announcing the book’s arrival at No. 13 on the N.Y. Times best-seller list. According to Variety magazine online, producer Scott Rudin recently bought screen rights for the book. The price: six figures with the potential for seven if there are profits.
Opener
The Broncos home opener is today at Invesco Field at Mile High – with plenty of action. The game is dedicated to U.S. military forces and with lots of military presence. The national anthem will be sung by Harmony in Motion Military Choir from Fort Carson, followed by a flyover by four F-16s from the 120th Fighter Squadron stationed at Buckley. Before the game, military peeps, Broncos cheerleaders and Broncos wives will be collecting cash donations for Katrina relief at all gates.
City spirit
Colorado Hip-Hop Coalition is “Kickin’ Katrina to the Curb!” Thursday at Kilimanjaro Sports Bar and Sept. 28 at Polly Ester’s … Denver International Film Fest comes later this year, Nov. 10-20, and takes a look at Japanese cinema … Via Italian Restaurant & Bar at the Ice House threw an opening party for a few hundred revelers Wednesday night. The name was Via Italian Eatery & Bar – but people were confused and thought it was a deli, which it ain’t … Sez who: “I do most of my writing sitting down. That’s where I shine.” Robert Benchley
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears Thursdays on Fox 31 News at 9. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com.
