It’s only halfway through October, but you might want to break out a costume for Saturday’s Masquerade Gala at the Walnut Foundry. Most of the masks you’ll see will be more of the Mardis Gras variety than the scary Halloween type, but the result remains the same; once you conceal your identity, you can kick your heels up just a bit higher than you would normally.
Saturday’s party includes a fashion show with four local designers, including organizer Crystal Sharp from She She Boutique. “This is the eighth year I’ve done this,” said Sharp. “But this year I wanted to make it bigger, and the other three are designers that I’ve been both working with and competing with recently.”
The VIP party kicks off at 7:30 p.m., with drinks and DJ Darcy Armstrong mixing up big band and swing music as a backdrop for an early trunk show. At 8:30 the party opens up to general admission, and the fashion show gets going at 9:30 p.m.
So what’s the proper dress code for a masquerade ball these days? “It’s just dress to impress,” Sharp said. “Just dress up however you want. And you don’t have to wear a mask, but that’s really the whole idea.” Tickets are $20 for general admission, or $35 for VIP.
Southside WineFolks on the south end of the metro area have a new reason to raise a glass: JaJa Bistro at 5641 S. Nevada St. The new wine bar opened last month and adds a much-needed element to the historic Main Street district in downtown Littleton. The smallish bistro offers a good selection of affordable wines by the glass and bottle, along with French-inspired small plates, coffee and dessert.
Housed in a cozy converted bungalow with a dozen or so tables scattered around the former living and dining rooms, the homey space already has gained a loyal following among the locals. It’s a small but inviting gathering spot, with the home’s original woodwork, windows and a working fireplace adding to the ambience.
The mom-and-pop feel of the place is further enhanced when owners Janelle Sullivan and Stephan Poullier make their nightly stop at the community table to introduce themselves to any newcomers. For now it’s open Tuesday through Saturday evenings only, and the only drawback is the limited hours; JaJa is open only between 5 and 10 p.m.
Zombie Dance PartyThe zombies are coming out to party a bit early this year. Halloween is still a few weeks away, but tonight and Saturday at the Flying Dog Brewery, 2407 Blake St., it’s a combo of local artists and local bands – and possibly a special appearance by the dancing undead – at the Zombie Dance Party, produced by Bad Art for Bad People. Whether or not the zombies get their groove on, the event promises burlesque performances, live body painting, make-and-take art, a magic show by Phelyx and a comedy and puppet show by Naughty Pierre.
On stage, look for Dario Rosa, The Dropskots, Whiskey Throttle, Gina Go Faster, Get Your Going, DJ Frank Bell, Get 3 Coffins Ready, Tard, Stinger and art displays by more than 40 local and national artists.
Magic NumberHere’s one just for 33-year-
old women. Literally. Theorie, 1920 Market St., a newish martini lounge and restaurant in Lodo, is hosting a free dinner and offering free drinks for 33-year-old gals who head down tonight until midnight.
Why do they want to reward women for being this particular age? The invitation states that women are supposed to reach their sexual peak at precisely 33, and they want to gather a crowd to celebrate. Call Theorie at 303-296-2255 to join in.
Kat Valentine: 303-954-1568
