This is how it starts.
Staffers from “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” are due in town today and Wednesday to shoot fun things to do in Denver during next summer’s Democratic National Convention.
First stop: The Demented Divas Show at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret. In covering the drag-queen revue, roving reporter Mo Rocca will interview Nuclia Waste (Denver’s favorite transvestite), Portia Potty, Iona Trailer and Gabbriella Butz’In.
So much for the cow-town image.
Angela Berardino, senior communications director at the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, was in touch with the Leno show over many weeks, making recommendations. Rocca will definitely interview Mayor John Hickenlooper and Papa Jack Weil, the 106-year-old CEO at Rockmount Ranch Wear. Other stops may include interviewing people on the street on the 16th Street Mall and at Larimer Square, Coors Brewing Co., Red Rocks, the Mile High step at the Capitol, the Hamilton Wing at Denver Art Museum, REI, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Elitch Gardens, Funky Buddha, Tryst and Lucky Strike Lanes.
“They’re going to tease us a little bit,” says Berdadino. “And we’re OK with that. They have a good sense of humor. They’re not mean.”
We hope.
Dog days
Cyndi Lauper says dogs just want to have fun. She’s the big-name entertainment at the upcoming Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ party Aug. 18 in Castle Rock.
Attorney Fred Bartlit, his wife, Jana, and their dog Lulu know how to throw a party. Two years ago, Little Richard brought down the house. Last year, it was Dwight Yoakam – and the BBQ always comes from Tom Perini at Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas.
Tix are $300, about 300 people are expected, proceeds go to the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Denver. Call 303-751-5772, ext. 7223.
Aspen words
This just in from the Aspen Ideas Festival newsletter: “President Bill Clinton today said if his wife wins the next presidential election, he would like to be called ‘First Laddie’ instead of ‘First Gentleman’ or ‘First Man.”‘
City spirit
Colorado balladeer Jeff Finlan, profiled glowingly in the new 5280 by J.R. Moehringer, plays Lannie’s Clocktower on Wednesday night and July 18 … Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain’s sideliner Charissa
Thompson will host the nationally telecast MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Show 5 p.m. today on FSN … Maroon 5 and The Hives booked into the Pepsi Center on Oct. 29 … Denver comic Ben Kronberg skedded to joke on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on July 23 … nine75 chef/partner Troy Guard is talking to landlord Walter Isenberg – hoping he might take over the beautiful and vacated Il Fornaio space in LoDo … Michelle Kwan, still rumored to be dating Denver developer Christian Anschutz, is down to light the torch and open the 2007 State Games of America Aug. 2 at Colorado Springs World Arena … Sez who: “I’ve had more women than most people have noses.” Steve Martin
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at.
