Here is your end of summer Platt Park and Washington Park Business Update
Ah the dog days of summer. Still holding up that Denver Nuggets trophy up in my mind—that was sweet. At least we have the Rockies to pass the time now (Zzzzzz) but sitting outside on a Denver evening with a cold beverage watching a game is pretty nice—winning can be overrated I guess sometimes. Looking forward to what the Broncos might do and how about those Buffs! Hope you are getting outside and doing whatever you do to enjoy another beautiful summer. Let’s get you caught up on a few happenings around here.
Local man finds job! Local Platt Park resident Jolon Clark became officially unemployed when the clock timed out on his job with the City of Denver on July 17th. Fear not however as Jolon has managed to land a new gig as the Colorado state director for Environmental Defense Fund which is a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization based out of New York.
“During my eight years in the public sector, I have been proud to work alongside the environmental community to push forward our shared priorities at both the municipal and state level …. Addressing the real concerns of communities overburdened by climate pollution will be top of mind as we work with policymakers, other NGOs and industry toward meaningful solutions that support both our environment and the economy in Colorado,” Clark said in a statement.
We are grateful to Jolon for his service and advocacy for Platt Park over the last eight years. Jolon is succeeded on the City Council by Flor Alvidrez who won the runoff election on June 6th. We’ll be reaching out Councilwoman Alvidrez at some future date to get her take on matters related to the Platt Park’s slice of District 7. Stay tuned.
Live music in the neighborhood
I get asked periodically about where one can find live music in our little hood so thought I’d put together a little directory of the local music scene. Let me know if I’ve left something off this list:
First mention, of course has to go to Platt Park’s only fully dedicated music venue which is Herman’s Hideaway located at 1578 S Broadway. Herman’s has been around for over 55 years as a venue and regularity hosts a variety of both local and national bands. Great place to watch a show in a small venue. Full bar to quench the thirst while you are out there hitting the mosh pit. hermanshideaway.com
Next on this list would be Lincoln’s Roadhouse at 1201 S Pearl. Lincoln’s has been serving up Cajun Food and live music for decades. There is live music every Friday and Saturday night starting at 8:00 pm. Blues and Jazz are the dominant music themes. The building is currently up for sale but no word yet on the long-term future of this historic Platt Park venue. Lincolnsroadhouse.com
A number of other local haunts also feature live entertainment on less regular basis:
*Trashhawk Tavern at 1539 S Broadway features bluegrass music every other Thursday evening. trashhawktavern.com
*Grandma’s house at 1710 S Broadway. Guess it’s not music but Grandma’s offers a weekly comedy show every Saturday evenings at 9:00 pm. Grandmasbeer.co
*Jacks on Pearl at 1475 S Pearl has live music on the upstairs patio every other Thursday evening from 5:30 till 8:00 pm. Jacksonpearldenver.com
*And last but not least our own Farmers Market has live music every week to enhance your shopping pleasure. For a full list of weekly entertainers visit Southpearlstreet.com/farmers-market
The Adelitas food and beverage empire is growing along South Broadway. Adelitas owner and founder Sylvia Andaya is partnering with her son and daughter-in-law Victor & Manda Ayala to open up a new cantina (bar) at 1312 S Broadway called Desert Social. I caught up with Victor the other day to learn about the project. Victor said with the crowds that now regularly visit Adelitas and La Dona Mezcaleria, a bar across the street (Louisiana) where people could hang out before or after dinner seemed a natural. The new décor has much the same rustic flavor of the other family spots with both indoor and outdoor seating. Victor’s goal is to offer high quality cocktails but not at typical top-shelf pricing. Light bar munchies will be offered but no kitchen items as guest will be also be welcome to bring in food—ideally takeout from the family eateries! Live music will be on deck weekly (so add this to the above list). Looks like another great place on Broadway to hang out with friends. Desertsocialdenver.com
While we are at it, in the coming-soon department a new restaurant, Joe Willy’s is going in next to Desert Social opening in the fall. We’ll get back to you on that one
New to the local shopping scene is Second Wind Sports located at 1901 S Broadway. Looking to pick up some outdoor gear that has been lightly used but at a great price then this might be your place. They will also take your used gear on consignment so don’t just let those Black Diamond hiking poles collect dust in your closet, go put them back into circulation and make a few bucks along the way. Says owner Charlie Fay, “we are looking for high quality outdoor gear—if it’s in good shape then we’ll likely use it.” Open every day except Monday from 10 am till 6 pm. Secondwindsportsdenver.com
Later in August if you happen by Ruby’s Market at 1569 S Pearl St you might notice out front a colorful shed housing of all things a refrigerator. It’s not there because Ruby’s ran out of frig space but rather it is a Gelli’s Fridge which is part of a worldwide effort to help ease those who suffer from food insecurity. Owner Michelle Lasnier partnering with local Platt Park resident Lisa Ridenour have spearheaded this effort. Denver and specifically Platt Park might look like a prosperous area but there are people who struggle to just put food on the table everywhere. Just check the local free school lunch program statistics to gain an idea about how many families struggle with this basic need every day.
Gelli’s Fridges partner with local shops and restaurants to take unused food that typically just gets thrown away and is used to stock these community fridges with things that can go a long way to ease suffering and cost nothing other than a few volunteer hours. Said Lisa, each week our own Farmers Market vendors donate hundreds of pounds of quality food that would otherwise just end up in landfills but instead goes to needy people. Gelli’s is always looking for volunteers to help with the project, you can get involved by emailing at [email protected].
There you go, you are all caught up and in the know. Have fun out there the rest of summer and don’t forget the sunscreen.
See you around the neighborhood
Tom Snyder