This summer’s Riverfront Wine and Fashion series has been a huge hit so far, and the coming event is expected to be the best party yet.
Third in the 2006 Riverfront series, next Thursday’s show features an exotic South American theme, with fall fashions from Max, wines from Argentina courtesy of Little Raven Vineyards, light Latin bites by Zengo, and jewelry by Gnat Original Design. To round out the entertainment, tango dancers will perform before and during the fashion show, and DJ Sway will provide the perfect soundtrack with a few tropical beats.
“Max has the longest running and biggest fashion show in Colorado, so I definitely anticipate an extremely big crowd for this one,” said Kevin Joseph, executive producer for the series. Hosts Rollie Jordan, Ami Cusak, Scott Anderson and Tay Hunt have been helping build momentum for the bash.
The show takes place 5:30 to 9 p.m. on the Millennium Bridge plaza at Riverfront Park (north of the “ship’s mast” in Lodo), which provides a killer view of downtown and the sunset.
The downside to running a wine and fashion event in an outdoor location is that the “rain or shine” clause can put a serious damper on the festivities and its dressed-to-impress guests. The July event kicked off amid afternoon showers that sent partiers huddling under the nearest eaves. “Storms always seem to come and go,” Joseph said. “During the last show, it rained from about 5 to 5:10, and it was a torrential downpour, but it was just a passing thing. If it does rain, we’ll just duck and cover until it goes away. It’s never been an issue.”
Tickets were selling well earlier this week and typically pick up dramatically near the event. A total of 500 people can fit into the space, and this one may sell out. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Railyard Dogs, a group of downtown dwellers – and their pooches – who are promoting the addition of a new dog park. Tickets are $25 for standing-room entrance, $40 for a single reserved seat, or $300 for a table of 6. Tickets and details at www.riverfrontfashion.com.
After the fashion show, the party moves over to Monarck lounge, 1416 Market St.
Good karma
Looking for something different to liven up your Saturday night? Try lounging around a burbling fountain in your own cabana, smoking a hookah as a belly dancer entertains you and your friends. The fading days of summer are upon us, and 5 Degrees (1475 Market St. , 303-260-7505) is planning to make the most of its back patio.
For the next four Saturdays, 5 Degrees will have four tented cabanas set up around the fountain on the plaza behind the lounge. Each 10- by 12-foot cabana includes low couches and accommodates about a dozen seated guests; up to a dozen more can mingle inside and out. Since you’ll be looking at a four-bottle minimum for each reservation, the more you squeeze in, the lower the individual cost.
“We usually only do the cabanas and open up the courtyard once every month, but now we’re doing it four times in a row,” said Amal Rhoe, marketing director for 5 Degrees. Reservations are going fast.
This Saturday, the “Karma” party brings belly dancers and hookahs to the courtyard. On the 26th, the Colorado Crush Girls will host the party with a cabana of their own; tryouts are this Saturday at the Pepsi Center, so the following weekend will be a celebration party for the new cheering squad. On Sept. 2, Brooke Fogg of Premiere Image talent agency will host the event, so expect plenty of pretty girls and socialites. Wrapping up the series, the final party on Sept. 9 is called “Bourgeois,” complete with a courtesan theme and a special hair and makeup show.
Kat Valentine writes about nightlife Fridays in 7Days. Reach her at kat@kingproduction.com or call 303-820-1568
