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

A glittering ‘Great Gatsby,’ giant RVs, cowpokes on stage and more Denver things to do
Plus more reading-and-nightlife events that bring energy, hipness to Denver's literary scene

New Colorado poet laureate appointed following Andrea Gibson’s death last year
He comes to the position as the Gibson doc "Come See Me in the Good Light" is up for an Oscar

Huge new $27 million Denver bathhouse would include sauna, cold plunges
Coba's owners hope to turn $220 per month memberships into a relaxing routine for city dwellers.

‘Serial sexual predator’ Jay Bianchi sentenced following 2025 convictions
The former Grateful Dead-themed bar owner was convicted on five counts in November.

Two new Colorado films garner Oscars, Sundance buzz this week
Andrea Gibson doc "Come See Me in the Good Light" and Adam Cayton-Holland's "See You When I See You" lead Oscar, Sundance picks.

Frustrated neighbors sue Colorado concert venue after years of noise complaints
Some neighbors of the 8,000-capacity luxury music venue say nearby concerts are ruining their lives.

Jewish films galore, Egypt in VR, snow sculptures and more things to do in Denver
Plus: Colorado comic Rory Scovel's brilliant stand-up comedy at the Boulder Theater.

New commissioner hired to lead Colorado film office as Sundance looms in 2027
Former film office commissioner Donald Zuckerman was fired in September without explanation

Step inside Cleo Parker Robinson’s $25 million new addition, a state-of-the-arts utopia
The Denver dance legend just opened a 25,000-square-foot addition in Five Points

Denver Center’s ‘Cowboys and East Indians’ explodes Western clichés with heartfelt comedy
Despite having no costumes, sets or actors, staged readings of "Cowboys and East Indians" sold out faster than any other presentation two years ago at the Colorado New Play Summit.