Entertainment Reporter
John Wenzel
John Wenzel joined The Denver Post as an arts and entertainment reporter and critic in 2006. He fell in love with newspapers in the mystical land of Dayton, Ohio, and feels lucky to have spent his adult life exploring Colorado's culture. In addition to contributing to Esquire, The Atlantic and Rolling Stone, he is the author of the nonfiction book "Mock Stars" and has had essays published in music, horror and comedy anthologies. He lives in Denver with his family, a Hobbit garden, and a half dozen overworked gaming consoles.
Featured Stories

Broken family: Sexual assault allegations against Jay Bianchi splinter Denver’s jam-band scene
Two women alleged sexual assault against Denver businessman Jay Bianchi, a longtime Deadhead and bar owner, after a 2020 Halloween party.

Infiltrating Hate: How Colorado Springs’ first black detective joined the KKK — and became the subject of Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman”
Police veteran Ron Stallworth is disturbed by today’s parallels to racial strife of the 1960s and ’70s

The definitive guide to Denver International Airport’s biggest conspiracy theories
To get to the heart of their continuing popularity, a Denver Post team was granted behind-the-scenes (and underground) access to examine the theories, facts and history of Denver International Airport.
All Stories

Tyler Childers is back at Folsom Field in Boulder next year — with more concerts in store
Tickets for the country singer-songwriter's 2026 show are on sale next week.

A guide to Denver’s best 2025 holiday lights, displays, shows and parades
From Zoo Lights to the 9News Parade of Lights, Denver is ready to light up and sing

Zach Bryan will play two Denver shows next year. Tickets on sale this week.
The country music star stops at Empower Field as part of his With Heaven tour.

The business of Christmas is booming for Christkindlmarket
The chamber has lately used the holiday event, which draws about 350,000 annually, to drive new recruits for Colorado business

Things to do in Denver: ‘Santa’s Big Red Sack,’ Magical Winter Nights and more holiday fun
Plus a holiday circus/variety show, "Moonlight Elves," and a huge History Colorado exhibit.

Mile High Tree, holiday drone shows open tonight in new location downtown
The kickoff celebration at the Auraria Campus begins Friday, Nov. 21 and includes Christkindlmarket.

Things to do around Denver: Museum-quality Legos, a craft brewing fundraiser and more
Plus the return of the 29-year-old Boulder Balkan Bash, an Eastern European cultural event with dancing and live music.

A rare dance costume exhibit debuts at Denver airport
Cleo Parker Robinson, the 55-year-old dance nonprofit, is also previewing its $25 million new studio addition.

Jury finds Grateful Dead bar owner Jay Bianchi guilty on 5 counts of sexual assault, unlawful contact
The verdict is a notable moment for Denver's jam-band scene, where close-knit fans of the Grateful Dead and similar artists were initially split in their support or criticism of Jay...

Berkeley’s historic Yates Theater is back on track to become a movie house
The pandemic nixed a previous renovation project that would have turned the 1926 building into a performance venue.