VISUAL ART
SOFA goes west with Santa Fe fair
The design extravaganza known as SOFA is coming to the Santa Fe Convention Center this June — another sign of the West’s expanding role in the American art world.
SOFA began in Chicago in 1994 and expanded to New York in 1998. Thirty-five dealers from as far away as England, Israel and Denmark are scheduled to take part in this new branch of the contemporary decorative arts and design fair.
SOFA Santa Fe, which includes a lecture series and other related events, will take place noon to 6 p.m. June 11-14. Admission is $15; a four-day pass is available for $25. 800-563-7632 or .
Kyle MacMillan
MOVIES
Seeking Susan
Looking to extend Susan Boyle’s 15 minutes of fame, local director Darla Rae (pictured below) made the great Scot an offer.
Rae was in pre-production on her new film, “Section B,” when she and her sister saw Boyle belting brilliantly on “Britain’s Got Talent.”
Set to star Tippi Hedren, Cyndi Lauper and local light Jennifer Wilde (one of the film’s producers), “Section B” follows a cast of characters who go to a prestigious acting academy later in life, very much like the filmmaker did.
“She fits the role of Lucy perfectly,” says Rae, who recently turned 50. Which is why she sent Boyle a package with “JOB OFFER” written in large letters. The paparazzi and the tabloids took notice.
Leaping over the talent show’s producers to the singing sensation herself caused a bit of a stir. “I wanted her not to throw it in a pile somewhere,” says Rae with a laugh, adding, “This is a legitimate way for her to make money and get an acting credit under her belt.” Lisa Kennedy
ARTS
Bring George to the park
Who can argue with a dollar?
That’s the donation the organizers of the Denver Black Arts Festival are asking from folks at their expanded festival this year. The event, which takes over the east side of City Park July 10-12, will include national acts like S.O.S. Band, a comedy showcase from AD and Friends and a “pumped-up gospel extravaganza.”
“We’ve always asked for a donation from the festivalgoers, but this year it’s really just to offset the cost of bringing in national acts and expanding,” said entertainment manager Sheryl Renee. “Everything has been taken up a notch.”
The festival, which is expected to draw about 80,000 people, will not partner with City Park Jazz this year but instead hold its comedy show during the jazz performance so as not to disrupt the music on the west side of the park. Visit for more information. John Wenzel
MUSIC
A roots fest takes root
Colorado’s not hurting for summer music festivals, but that’s not stopping the first annual MeadowGrass Music Festival from throwing a rootsy party next weekend.
The little fest hasn’t promoted itself all that well, but it’s a solid bill of folksy indie rock, straightforward bluegrass and dressed-up roots music. Saturday’s lineup includes Magnolia Electric Co., Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles, John-Alex Mason and others. The May 24 lineup includes Peter Rowan, Songs and Brothers, Jimmy Ibbotson, Head for the Hills and others.
All the action takes place at the La Foret Conference and Retreat Center in Black Forest — about an hour south of Denver and a few miles north of Colorado Springs. Camping and yert/bed rental are still available. $30-$40 for day passes or $55-$70 for the weekend, depending on when you buy, via TicketsWest outlets. More information: . Ricardo Baca
