2000-2001 Yearbook
Annual Awards

When we first decided we were old and wise enough to create an awards issue, we listed out 40 or so categories covering the main subjects we deal with day in and day out. Not wanting to mimic any other publication's awards issue, we used the rather bulky suffix "of the year" to distinguish ourselves from the pack. On a blank piece of paper, that long list of "year" drilled into our brains until the theme "Yearbook" flopped out like a suicidal fish.

So here it is, our expert compilation of the best 2000-2001 had to offer, complete with several of the "special" awards high schools are fond of using to spruce up their annual catalogs of mug shots and sports photos. We'd like to thank all the writers and photographers who have helped us in the creation of this issue (and, for that matter, the issue-to-issue support and hard work). Also, special thanks to those of you who wrote in to help us nominate and eventually reward the very best of Colorado's entertainment scene.

Enjoy the memories, and (as they say) have a nice summer!
--Go-Go Staff

BAND OF THE YEAR

CABARET DIOSA

The mighty mambo shows no mercy in the hands of Cabaret Diosa. This band's mission is to bring the exotic and sensual mambo, cha-cha-cha and rumba into the feet and hearts of each person lucky enough to hear their magnificent sound. For five years, Cabaret Diosa has worked to create a live show that not only features their tasty Latin big band, but fearlessly unites music with spirit, soul and vision. With some successful tours behind them, Diosa's reputation for hot rhythms and astonishing performers is beginning to spread and earn the band some well-deserved acclaim. Muchas gracias to the band for bringing class and sass back to town. --Judy B.

VENUE OF THE YEAR

GOTHIC THEATRE

The Gothic Theatre is a modern success story that can only get bigger and better. After being saved from a dangerously poised wrecking ball, the venue now offers an extensive variety of live shows and events for national and local acts. Renovations included sound, lights, walls, floors, the bar, plumbing ... you name it. Said talent buyer Matt Need, "The owners of the Gothic are music fans and the room lends itself to pretty much any style of music." Since the summer of 1999, the room has hosted everyone from Public Enemy to Leftover Salmon, King Crimson, kd lang, Roy Ayers, Margaret Cho, as well as Denver favorites Hazel Miller, Ryan Tracy Band, and the indie-friendly Local Shakedown concert series. This spring and summer should be especially kind to music fans. --Judy B.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

CHERRY BOMB CLUB

This city is chock full of amazing musical talent, and every local band recording that makes it to this desk impresses the staff more than the last. Still, it took a special blend of talent, musicianship, songwriting, originality, and production values to win this award. Cherry Bomb Club's self-titled debut album has all of the above in spades. In a town that sometimes suffers from too many white-boy strummers and female folk singers, the Cherry Bomb Club brings a fresh breath of funk and blues to revitalize pretty much everything. The lineup itself speaks to the diversity of Cherry Bomb Club sound: a DJ, a rapper, a blues maven, a cellist, and a Broadway-quality belter. Light the fuse with a touch of Motown and metal, and you've stuffed your CD player with a genuine explosion. This isn't just the best album in town this year, it's the best album anywhere. And we're not even touching on the live show here.... --Chris J. Magyar

CONCERT OF THE YEAR

GLORY HOLE AT THE PINE BOX

Last summer's Glory Hole was filled with illegal, immoral, and even some illicit activities, and thus deems itself, rightly so, the best concert of the year. The flyers for this show were elusive about details (such as time and place), creating a scavenger hunt for the kindred who wished to attend the warehouse of ill repute. Hidden somewhere on the north side, as promised in the promotion, free alcohol, strungout strippers, and amazing local bands swirled upon the concrete hall. The main attraction of a knuckle-to- knuckle no rules brawl dissipated by fight time, as both men were heavily inebriated and preferred to stumble in their alcohol-induced bliss rather than go heads. The crowd, however, made up for the pitfall as an impromptu wrestling match took place in a baby pool, where a local shopkeep wrapped in a soaked red feather boa (who shall remain nameless) kicked ass on any geek who dared to oppose her. Costumes, outrageous garb, and even a gorilla suit were spotted on the esoteric ball's patrons, rounding out the bizarre and surreal evening. Rumors abound about a sequel to Glory Hole-- and we could tell you some of the details É but then we'd have to kill you. --Kity Ironton

LABEL OF THE YEAR

SUBURBAN HOME RECORDS

Suburban Home Records is perhaps the hardest working record label in Colorado. The company set up shop nearly six years ago in a house in Thornton, converting the lower level into offices and the garage into a DIY warehouse, which stores more than 50,000 records. The company also distributes for Orange County's Liberation Records, but spends most of its time promoting and producing local favorites The Fairlanes and The Gamits. "I think there are a lot of strong labels in Denver," said Virgil Dickerson, Suburban Home's Label Manager, "but we try to give back to the local scene by supporting local artists, independent companies, and independent music." If trying to create an independent community is Suburban Home's goal, then it's giving it a good run. It recently organized and sponsored the first Punk Rock Bowling tournament at Sonesta Lanes, held the Halloween Monsters of Mock show, as well as e-mail weekly the comprehensive Colorado Show Update list to more than 2,000 people. Suburban Home is currently planning The Fair Lanes Release Party-- where the opening band will be elected by voters at their website-- and aims to throw the first punk rock flea market this summer. "We're just always trying to do things that are fun but also support local music and business," said Dickerson. --Kity Ironton

MISS CONGENIALITY

DOLLY ZANDER

Miss Congeniality speaks: "I'm so flattered. Can't wait for the board [of the Colorado Music Association] to hear this one, as I've been a flaming bitch of late." Such is life for Dolly Zander, President and founder of COMA, the city's most aggressive and prolific music network association. Denver's music scene has gained momentum, knowledge, talent, and notoriety largely due to Zander's organizational efforts and public relations savvy. Unfortunately for Zander, it is sometimes she, not the city, who never sleeps.

Zander will be the first to admit that the growth and quality of Denver's music scene should be credited to the collective efforts of the entire COMA Board of Directors and all 750 members, club owners, media outlets, retailers, music fans, instrument dealers (you get the picture). But her efforts and ability to be captain of such a huge ship should not be slighted. This summer, COMA turns two years old, and it has grown into a feisty ball of musical energy that needs constant maintenance and monitoring, similar to the fate of many toddlers.

Originally, Zander wanted to provide a website for "frequently asked questions," which she could answer based on her music experience and legal knowledge. "It's the boring stuff that musicians need to know so they don't get screwed," explained Zander, "like copyright details, mechanical licenses and contracts. I was getting a lot of calls about that and I thought I could just put it all on a little website or something." She also noticed that a lot of energy was misspent on musicians not working together to solve problems. After some brainstorming and ideas for a bigger musician's resource project, COMA seemed to happen overnight. The first meeting in July 1999 had 12 members.

"It's amazing how much of a need there was for all of us to get together," said Zander. COMA provides an umbrella for local musicians to unite, socialize, network, and learn from more experienced players. Panel discussions at monthly meetings have included music journalism, management, publicity, brainstorming sessions, and song critique.

"I still have some projects I'd like to see happen with COMA," said Zander. "I'd like to see more media support from the larger corporate people. We have made progress in that area, but there is more to do. I'd also like to see some funding come our way at the government level. Music is a viable commodity in our economy."

Zander refers to the Austin, Texas, model for how the local music industry can impact statewide funding and legislation. Texas has a specific government office committed to the spread and dissemination of its music and arts information. That kind of support trickles down to the musicians, the fans, and the overall value placed on local music. "With the kind of reception and growing support we've seen Denver, we should have our office on some floor of the Capitol Building, not in my living room," said Zander.

The interest in COMA is not waning, but gaining strength. Zander averages 40 to 60 e-mails a day regarding COMA issues and inquiries. The maintenance paperwork alone is staggering beside the duties of meeting plans, memberships, frequently asked questions, and oh, yes, the music. Zander does get out to see bands and steps back from it all on occasion. "The music is ultimately why I do all of this," said Zander, as always, with a smile. --Judy B.

SINGER OF THE YEAR

NINA STOREY

A large shiny ruby, hot molten lava, and fiery explosive dynamite. What do they all have in common? They are all images readily associated with singer-songwriter Nina Storey. The first is obvious upon sight. The second two are burned into the cerebellum as soon as the first notes from this incredible vocalist travel through one's auditory canal. But, local jewel Nina Storey might not be local much longer. During the past few years, Nina has received glowing recognition within the pages of People, Billboard, Performing Songwriter and Music Connection. She has traveled with her mom as her manager and her dad as her sound engineer across the country and Europe performing at clubs and festivals including Lilith Fair, Woodstock and The New Orleans Jazz Festival. Nina has released three CDs to date on her own independent label Red Lady Records, with the latest, Shades, receiving extensive radio airplay. Hard at work preparing to release her fourth as-yet-untitled CD, Nina is poised to step out of the shadows of being an opening act for nationals and burst into the spotlight in her own right. If you haven't had the chance to see this amazing performer yet it is recommended that you keep a close watch on area venues for CD release dates around the end of April or beginning of May. It may be the last chance for many to see this Ruby of the Rockies up close and personal. --Jessica Vogelgesang

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

DAVE WATTS

He is everything a drummer could wish to be, with knowledge and a soulful approach to music. He is the pinnacle of what a drummer wants to be," said Jonny G. of Jyemo. Jonny is speaking of Boulder-based drummer Dave Watts. Hailing from the East Coast with about 20 years of percussion experience behind him, Dave Watts made Boulder his home base about five or six years ago. Currently with the band The Motet, Dave attributes his unique style to an enduring and deep-rooted love of folkloric music of which Santeria is his current influence. Santeria is the main religion of Cuba, which includes a certain African style of drumming and singing. Dave's continuous exploration of new styles of percussion recently took him to Cuba for three weeks to study Santeria. Respected among his peers Dave has played with area musicians on dozens of CDs as well as having the distinction of being a member of the Theory of Everything, a group of local musicians includes members of The String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon. Dave also plays with an ever-evolving cast of accomplished musicians known as Nederland Acid Jazz and Dave Watts & Friends. --Jessica Vogelgesang

GUITARIST OF THE YEAR

FARRELL LOWE

For many musicians, the guitar is an instrument. For Farrell Lowe it is an emotion. "The electric guitar is a very young instrument," said Lowe, who has been playing in Denver since 1986. "It's not terribly explored." The 46-year-old jazzman is redefining the guitar through innovative experimentation and refined skill. The end result is a rich texture of sound similar to John Coltrane or Louis Armstrong. "I try to think of the ensemble, and not of the instrument itself," Lowe said. "I approach the guitar like a horn player would." In addition to recording several CDs, such as First Church of This and In Light under his own label, Ammediat Records, Lowe's work can also be heard on Denver jazz trumpeter Ron Miles' CD My Cruel Heart. --Sean Weaver

HORN SECTION OF THE YEAR

YO FLACO!

Perhaps the exclamation point in the name Yo Flaco! refers to their unbelievable horn section. The horns definitely do add that extra punch to this upbeat funky ska band. The band as a whole drives home electric beats and lyrically-driven tunes that make dancing feet happy. The horn section, including Ethan Raczka on saxophone and Adam Bartczak on trombone, accentuates this style of music by complementing the high-energy grooves with powerful blasts of brass bliss. For a step outside of the ordinary, take in a Yo Flaco! show and bask in the vibrant glow of one fantastic horn section. --Elizabeth Beeson

DJ OF THE YEAR

VITAMIN D

With vinyl releases on Terraform, International House Records, Jump, Electrik Soul, Om, and a weekly show on one of the highest traffic rave sites in the world (www. raveworld. net), it is no wonder that Derrick Daisey a k.a. Vitamin D is taking home DJ of the year honors for the state of Colorado. For more information on Vitamin D, visit him in cyberspace at www.djvitamind.com --orange peel moses

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED

NGOMA

It's been a very lovely six months," said Reese, one half of the hip hop duo nGomA. Since we featured nGomA in Go-Go last August, Reese (Maurice Smith) and Dap (Rob Woolfolk) have been busy, busy boys. "We've done a lot of really cool and amazing things since the summer," explained Reese, "and now we are focused on the opportunities we've opened for the future."

Opportunities, indeed. nGomA will arrive in Austin, Texas, March 14 for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival. In the large crowds drawn to the festival are music fans and other musicians, agents, artist managers, attorneys, record company executives from major and independent labels and talent scouts. One key factor in nGomA's live performance success has been the creation of a live band, an element that is grabbing hold of the hip hop community.

Along with MCs Reese and Dap, nGomA now features bassist Kent Young, drummer Count D and keyboardist Mark O. Having a stage full of great musicians is appealing not only for sound quality, but also for the audience, club owners, and for increased compatibility with other artists. "The live band has definitely opened a door for us," explained Reese. "We've been able to play for and with people who probably wouldn't have seen us live just as a duo and turntable." nGomA performed at Herman's Hideaway with Judge Roughneck in December and hosted a successful CD release party to a capacity crowd at the Soiled Dove. do-u-no? has met with both critical and popular success this year.

But victory has not remained at only the local level. "Our best experience, by far, was the show with [hip hop rapper and artist] Common at the Gothic Theatre," said Reese. nGomA also performed with Phife Dawg (formerly of ATribe Called Quest), Shaggy, and Cee-Knowledge (of Digable Planets). nGomA is also found on www.garageband.com, currently holding spots three and four on the online hip hop charts.

Although the local market has been good to the band, Reese wonders if nGomA will break into the larger national scene. With calls from both Epic records and Warner Brothers Music, Reese speculates about what type of exposure and assistance a major label could offer. Warner Brothers called the band after a friend of a friend of a friend saw the Common show at the Gothic. "I'm not sure how it all works in corporate music land," said Reese, "but I'd be interested in hearing what they had to offer, if anything."

While outside interests may be knocking, nGomA still focuses on how to make the future in Denver bigger and better. "We want to get a tour together and take our music to other areas. We are excited to represent Denver," said Reese. "We don't do a whole lot of gigs like some bands do, so we try to make each one special. A tour would be our next big adventure. We just have to keep working and see what happens." --Judy B.

CLOTHING STORE OF THE YEAR

FASHIONATION

For 13 years Fashionation has squatted in the middle of the block once known as Wax Trax Row. Now a destination all its own, Fashionation is recognized across the country as the "It Girl" of boutiques by wholesalers, retailers and imitators. Regarding its success, Paul Italiano of Vixens and Angels-- Fashionation's parent company-- said, "We have always done our own thing. We don't really go into other stores-- we have just tried to stay true to our own vision." And what a vision-- in the old school years Fashionation had a $20 a day goal, made all of its own clothes, and peddled handmade garb to other boutiques in the area. The store now sells the popular line Lip Service, has the market cornered on funky big soled shoes like TUK, and has the very popular and successful website, www.vixensandangels.com. "Nothing in our store is juiced," said Italiano. "Everything in our store is standard. The cost is what it costs." The staff at Fashionation contributes a great deal to the store's reputation. Said Italiano, "They were all hand picked-- they all know what they're doing. They live this lifestyle so there is nothing fake." The walls of Fashionation have been graced (and signed) by many popular celebrities and bands: Love and Rockets, The Specials, and most recently Flock of Seagulls are just a few of the illustrious names scribbled on its beams. "MotorHead, now that was fun," said Italiano. "That is the whole reason we opened the store, to just have fun." --Kity Ironton

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

WOOD HOG

Tie-dyed fingers, stained clothing, and exhaustion are just a few of the identifying marks of a Wood Hog. The local tie-design company has been dyeing everything in sight for the last two years, and its hard work seems to be paying off. "Our first account was Mixed Up Creations," said Rebecca Miller, Wood Hog designer. "We just kept going and now our stuff is in 30 stores all over Colorado." Like the Energizer Bunny, these girls just keep going (and going), with their clothes now available at Spirit Ways (Denver), Buffalo Exchange (Boulder), In The Groove (Estes Park) and all three locations of Freaky's. "I learned the process originally from some touring Dead Heads," said Stacey Golden, also a Wood Hog designer. "I was doing some designs in Chicago, met Stacey through a mutual friend here in Denver, and now want to take it to the next level." Personal promotion and dedication is Wood Hog's answer to their key of success. "We got all of our accounts on foot," said Miller. "We are constantly promoting-- there is not a single one of our accounts that haven't seen our smiling faces." The future of Wood Hog looks as bright as their shirts, with accounts popping up in Puerto Rico, Tupelo, and Dayton, Ohio. Golden and Miller will also be at the People's Fair this summer with the Wood Hog line. "We want to grow and expand into other markets," said Miller, "but we also always want to be those girls in the parking lot of the Cardboard Derby, selling our stuff out of boxes." Added Golden, "We just want to see a bunch of little Wood Hogs walking around." --Kity Ironton

MODEL OF THE YEAR

ALICIA K.

She's on her way. (We'll take a little credit for that.) Twenty-two-year-old Alicia K. has the passion. "I did an ad for Rocky Mountain Jeans when I was 11 and loved it," she said. Since then, Alicia has appeared in several runway shows for local designers as well as appearing in several issues of Go-Go Magazine. She has graced our pages in several style sections and even appeared in the very popular Sugar Clothing ad. Her appearances in Go-Go have prompted local designer Xorussi to bring her on for print and runway next season. As a photographer, I love working with her because her look changes so easily. She is always enthusiastic and creative, on time and professional. She adds valuable insight on each shoot. --Sean Hartgrove

SAMPLE STORE OF THE YEAR

THE LOOP HOLE

We buy one-of-a-kind samples, which keeps everything unique," said Angela Tubbs, co-owner of The Loop Hole. "We get it at a discounted cost then deliver it to the public at a lesser price." The Loop Hole opened its doors at the East Colfax location in October of last year, offering a new direction in the marketing of club clothing. Samples from sought after labels such as Kik Wear, Stoopid, Roxy, and Adidas pack the racks and are offered at unbelievable prices. "Dave Bryson (co-owner of The Loop Hole) was a professional snowboarder and snowboard rep," said Tubbs. "He had a huge sample line of dead stock and has always been really good friends with Kik Wear." The store draws a lot of ravers, club kids, and students, combining them with the traditional eclecticity of Colfax. "We get quite a strange mix of people in here," said Tubbs. Affordable prices make The Loop Hole a must-stop shop, but selection is just as substantial at the versatile store. "We continue to get different things in all the time," said Tubbs, "so we are able to offer high fashion at a really low price." Scoot on over to this chic boutique, where The Loop Hole will help fill in the gap between swank style and a tight budget. --Kity Ironton

BEST DRESSED

LINDSEY KUHN

Snowboarding fanatic, thrashed skateboards, and old school punk rock might not get a guy People Magazine's "Man of the Year," but Lindsey Kuhn has definitely got style. Lindsey Kuhn probably does not list shopping as one of his top ten favorite past times; however, that has not stopped him from becoming an icon in the downtown Denver scene.

What does he think about winning an award for his trendsetting style? "You know, I dress pretty much the same as I did in high school" Lindsey said. "Isn't that scary?"

Reared in down home Mississippi, Lindsey went to a small high school, but has always had his mind and a foot on skateboards. "In my school there were rednecks, cheerleaders, and jocks," said Lindsey, "and then there were skaters. I knew everyone, but didn't really talk to any of them. I just didn't care-- I'd go to school, leave school, and skate."

Lindsey doesn't confess being considered cool in school. In fact, he said when they passed around the yearbook questionnaire with the John Hughesesque inquiry of where will you be in ten years, Lindsey answered, "Under a pier in Venice Beach, California." "They didn't print it in the annual," he laughed. "Instead, they just put 'unknown'."

In and around his high school era, Lindsey learned to silk screen. "I learned printing from a friend who was bootlegging Independent shirts. There weren't any stores in Mississippi at the time where you could get them," said Lindsey, "so we started to make our own clothes-- Independent, Misfits, Black FlagÉ." Soon he was on tour with his shirts, creating his own skate-inspired designs, selling them to make a few bucks to get to the next town, skating all the cement parks along the way. "That's really where the company name came from," said Lindsey. "We had a ramp down in the swamp, we lived in the swamp, so we started using the name-- Swamp."

Lindsey eventually landed in Austin and with friends started Conspiracy Boards, creating decks, shirts, and sweats. After a few years in the Texas sun, Lindsey wanted to move where the weather was a little cooler and more skate friendly. A shift in plans developed from his relocation to Epitaph Records in Seattle, dropping Lindsey here on the Front Range. "When I moved to Denver, everything kind of stopped," said Lindsey. "I instantly met a bunch of people, but I had to get Swamp going again. Now that I'm all settled, I have time to focus on Conspiracy. My partner in Dallas is also settled and ready to start as well. Conspiracy is what I want to do right now."

Conspiracy Boards, a "Texarado Company" (as described by Lindsey), will once again create and skate on decks with original artwork. "We don't really have any set themes," said Lindsey, "but there are tons of conspiracies-- aliens, assignations, political agendas. Everyone is a target of corporate propaganda-- that's why we have the cross hair target logo. But if you want me to talk about politics, you'll have to catch me when I'm drunk."

Now that Lindsey has snowcapped hills to board, mild summers to skate, and Swamp and Conspiracy to take up his "spare" time, what's next for Lindsey Kuhn? "I can't think about that. I just want to move forward. I like it here, and I am having fun. If I don't like it anymore, I won't do it. It's that simple. I do think it would be fun to do film someday, direct-- maybe animation-- and I have some film friends that have asked me to work with them, so maybe one day I'll do that ... maybe." And on his accomplishments, what Lindsey is really proud of doing: "I made a great dinner the other night," he said, laughing. "I'm just doing what I want to do. I never really thought I'd be doing this. I think I thought I would finish business school, and end up working for a skate shop in the business end, but I didn't have any idea I'd end up doing my own stuff."

Lindsey Kuhn-- whether he likes it or not-- has become a cornerstone in Denver's urban culture, so we asked Lindsey what he would say to someone who looked up to him. "Who? Midgets?"

"I guess I'd ask, 'What are you doing to participate? ' Go and do something. It doesn't matter what, positive or negative, it will have an effect." Now that's style. --Kity Ironton

GALLERY OF THE YEAR

FRESH ART

It's a good thing when Denver gets a new gallery; it's a better thing when the new gallery shows superlative art from new artists. Despite a lot of competition, Jeannie King's Fresh Art Gallery at 208 S. Broadway stands out for the sheer beauty of the modern art that has graced its walls. And not every talented gallery owner gets kudos for kindness. "Her intentions are really heartfelt," said painter David Sawyer. "She has such a great spirit." According to King, Fresh Art is going to be staying with its strong suit. "We're going to be staying with the contemporary feeling-- no representational art any time soon," said King. "The response has been kind of overwhelming." We hope it stays that way. --Kate Williamson

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

LINDA HERRITT

Boulder-based artist Linda Herritt doesn't create objects of art. She creates spaces of art. Herritt, best known for her installation work, creates dramatic work combining textures, forms and space, which invite the viewer to become part of the piece. "The way fiction writers and poets see the world is very similar to the way visual artists see the world," she said. "When you read a piece of fiction, the points of view shift. Sometimes you're in a person's mind, sometimes you're out. The shifting point of view in literature provided inspiration to include more than one view." Her work was included in the Museum of Contemporary Art/ Denver's Colorado Biennial, displayed October 6 to December 29 last year, and she was a recipient of a Colorado Council on the Arts' 2000 Grants to Artists and Organizations Award. --Sean Weaver

TATTOO ARTIST OF THE YEAR

JOSH HUGHBANKS

Josh Hughbanks upholds the highest standard of professional tattooing and artistry. He's also a hell of a friendly guy. Hughbanks has been tattooing for nine years-- the last two of which, he has been working at Celebrity Tattoo at 1628 Market St. The 28-year-old Denverite claims influences as diverse as tattooing legend Sailor Jerry as well as renowned San Francisco graffiti and tattoo artist Grime." I am happy to see tattooing treated as a serious art form. The old negative ideas about it are fading away more and more," he said. Josh works in all styles-- from new school, portraits and traditional as well as custom-- with equal skill, but said he loves black and gray work the most. "I take inspiration from everywhere. It's really hard to say where it all comes from, but artists like Dali, Von Dutch and Robert Williams are a few of my favorites," he said. "I really love tattooing, and will tattoo anything, really. It's all about what the customer wants. I don't have any attitude about what an individual wants to put on their body." --Sean Hartgrove

TATTOO PARLOR OF THE YEAR

TWISTED SOL

What do the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Blink 182, and hundreds of readers of Go-Go Magazine have in common? They all have a bit of Twisted Sol. The parlor at 1405 Ogden St. was opened by Big Mike and Alicia Cardenas four years ago, with full service to their clientele in mind. "We were sick of working with people who didn't care a lot about the industry," said Cardenas. "We wanted to give it a new face-- a place where people can go and not get treated badly because they have more or less tattoos. We don't discriminate. We just really want to explore the art by working and learning together." The tattoo and piercing abode, which recently expanded to three times its original size, specializes in one-of-a-kind artwork, original body piercings, and everything to go with it. "We import body jewelry, t-shirts and gear-- but it's not cheesy head shop stuff," said Cardenas. "We have jewelry and gift items to cater to all types of people." Twisted Sol also boasts some of the biggest name tattooed talent in Denver. Jeff Cobb, who specializes in realistic portraiture, has a four to five month wait list. However, with six artists under Twisted's roof, Cardenas is quick to point out, "We can take care of anybody who walks through the door." Any tattoo parlor is only as good as their reputation, and Twisted Sol has just that. Twisted's artwork graces the souls of many area DJs, store owners, and band members all over town. "We want to thank everybody for their support-- we couldn't do it with out them," said Cardinas. "We have clients who have supported us from the beginning, and are still supportive. We feel really grateful for that." --Kity Ironton

VALEDICTORIAN

OWNERS OF REVOLUCIONES

This is Revoluciones Collective Art Space's second big accolade this year, but we're not worried about the gallery owners getting too big for their britches. They've got too much on their minds already. According to Seema Pandya and Jeremy Marquez-Simanca, two of the four owner/ directors along with David Hails and Terry Beck, goals for the gallery in the coming year include setting up a "web environment" at www. revoluciones. com, creating a seamless photo cove, and making the gallery self-sufficient.

Chances are, you've already been to Revoluciones. Few galleries in Denver have been as successful at becoming part of their environment and attracting and keeping a crowd. The place has the feel of a co-op-- roomy, cool, and comfortable, with progressive art ranging from the hip to the hippy. It might not always look professional, but it never looks commercial. Defaced mannequins and dolls seem at home here, as do the frequent references to Latin Catholicism in the art.

That's only natural, said Marquez-Simanca: "The goal of the gallery is freedom of expression-- taking traditional forms and putting them into a contemporary context."

Pandya feels the gallery also works to help build Denver's art culture, and considers Revoluciones kin to other art groups, like Soulciety. "Revoluciones pushes the awareness of the surrounding area. We've had graffiti art and fetish art-- a lot of different kinds of progressive art," she said.

"Craftsmanship and progressiveness are what we look for," said Marquez-Simanca. "And variety, so there's something for everybody." The openings tend to attract people of all ages, races, economic backgrounds, cultures and subcultures.

Although Revoluciones displays good art by day (it's open weekends from noon to 5 p. m.), the place really sparkles at night, and the gallery is at least as well-known for its great events as for its art. "People tend to come here last [on first Fridays]," said Pandya. "People come in at around 9 or 10, when other shows are getting out, and stay late. It gets packed-- it's not the kind of place where people come, look at the art, and leave. You can look around the space, and everyone's talking."

At least part of that energy comes from the performance events Revoluciones usually hosts during its First Friday openings. The shows range from capoeira to classical cello to breakdancing. Revoluciones keeps its draw through the rest of the month by hosting concerts, multimedia entertainment nights, and other events put on by various groups. The gallery also has an in-house DJ-- DJ Lung from Turbo Alliance.

Revoluciones just celebrated its second anniversary. Beck, Hails, and Marquez-Simanca inaugurated the space with its first opening in February 1999. The three, all roommates and Denver natives, have actually lived in the space since June 1997. Beck and Hails had already had experience running an art collective, Iota, and drew upon its base of artists when founding Revoluciones.

It's a lot to have accomplished as a labor of love. All the owners work other jobs to support the gallery, and they all still live in a private area of the space, although some are moving out soon. Do these people never sleep? In any event, Revoluciones, here's another feather in your cap-- we wish you all the best, and think you're part of what makes Denver great. --Kate Williamson

FILM OF THE YEAR

NIXING THE TWIST

I have the giddy feeling that Nixing The Twist is the start of a real film explosion here in Denver. Frank Rich's High Crime Films is poised to make another movie in the near future, and I'll be shocked if Nixing doesn't hit the festival circuit and do very well. As Jimmy the wrestler-cum-hit man, Luke Schmaltz is a breakout star, acting with enough head-twitching, over-confident fury to make him the most likeable criminal this side of Elmore Leonard. His line deliveries, facial expressions, and crazy-with-a-purpose movements all add up to a natural actor hiding in a punk singer's body. (Schmaltz is also the front man for local rockers King Rat). David Gayman also brings a fresh wind to Jimmy's senior partner, Happy. Despite Schmaltz's ingenious interpretation of Jimmy, Happy is obviously the best-written character in Rich's script. Gayman takes full advantage of this, slipping easily from hard-ass killer to maternal affection for Jimmy. When Happy's character takes a turn at the end, it's truly gut-wrenching... even though you still like the big lug. It's hard to hate a guy that takes such pride in his work. If we're lucky, Nixing The Twist will find some investors or a small studio to pick it up for distribution. Not only will that allow the rest of the country to see this gem of crime cinema, but it will drop a few reels in local theaters and let us all show up, night after night, week after week, to give this wonderful movie the backing it deserves. --Chris J. Magyar

MOVIE HOUSE OF THE YEAR

MAYAN THEATRE

The Mayan's selection as Denver's top movie house is as natural as can be. There's not a publication in town that doesn't hand the Mayan a plaque with unanimous support behind it, as if the joint were George Washington and Denver a fledgling nation. There's good reason: only the Mayan makes an effort to complete the hollow movie-going experience one finds nearly everywhere else. The architecture still looks fresh, the ticket takers are still the spunky punks one expects when seeing a flick downtown, and even the concession stand offers a welcome respite from the tub o' butter offered at most movie houses. Still, the main reason the Mayan is such a recognized paragon of movies is its position as the beating heart of the local movie-lover scene. Denver Film Society screenings, press screenings, midnight showings of cult movies on the weekend-- all of this is run out of the poster-adorned walls of the Mayan's basement. How could the award possible go anywhere else? The only pity is that the Mayan is only one theatre in a city of bankrupt United Artists boxes. --Chris J. Magyar

THEATRE OF THE YEAR

BUG THEATRE

Our hands-down choice for Theatre of the Year is the Bug. Theatre managers Donna Morrison and Alex Weimer have tripled the box office sales since they took over the building during the fall of 1998. They've done so by forming an in-house acting troupe, opening the venue to various alternative entertainment and paying close attention to the quality of every production that runs at the Bug. Built in 1911, the building was originally a Nickelodeon Film House and the resident spirits of entertainment seem to be responding well to Morrison and Weimer's dream of breathing fresh air into these old walls. www.bugtheatre.com --Cilicia Yakhlef

PLAY OF THE YEAR

BLUE ROOM

Nicholas Sugar's graceful direction coupled with David Hare's stunningly intricate script to create a theatrical orgy that left the audience drifting in satisfaction through 10 intertwined one-acts about sex and one-night stands. David Russell played multiple roles while Sheila Ivy Traisiter brought five wildly disparate characters to life with perfect skill and ease. Set design was stellar, with backlit scrims revealing the actors changing costumes between acts. The Blue Room wins play of the year as a beautifully voyeuristic, sensuous, artful and wonderfully cohesive example of great theatre. --Cilicia Yakhlef

CUTEST COUPLE

CHRISTOPHER TABB & MCPHERSON HORLE

Titania's Bottom is ugly, hairy and makes more noises than a light-rail train in downtown Denver. None of that seems to matter though; that vamp's got a real thing for her ass and just can't keep her hands off it ... or him. Of course, what else would you expect from a girl who walks around dressed in a sheet with a face full of glitter goo makeup and calls herself a nymph-queen? Sure, she'll go for anything that moves and from what I hear, the kinkier the better. And what guy could be kinkier that poor Nick Bottom, that special-needs kid who has a tail and a speech impediment that makes him shower everybody he talks to with spit. Still, it's great to see a guy like Nick Bottom pull in a live one for a change. Rumor has it that his last girlfriend was a faun suffering from a bad case of myth-taken gender identity. I'm sure Bottom must have been as surprised as anyone else when Titania took one look at those shiny buck teeth and jumped him like a frog does a lillypad. I mean, it happened right on the stage in front of everyone. And as if that wasn't enough, that little Springer-bait ho brought out her homegirls and they all partied with that poor jackass Nick right there in front of a whole theatre full of kids. Hell, I hear they even charged admission! Well, the story has it that before the party got all revved up, Titania's off-and-on squeeze slipped some screw-juice onto some bud she was holding. It must have been a pretty strong dose because she just kind of disappeared. They say she went and passed out under some bushes outside the auditorium. Things started getting really hairy when old Nick wandered by. They say he had to take a leak or something and everybody says that his ears aren't as big as his ... well suffice it to say the guy's hung like a mule. Anyway, Nick's doing his bizness and somehow wakes up Titania from some golden shower dream or something and whammo! The girl's gotta have it, just like that. 'Course Nick's so used to rubbing his own ears that all he can do is slobber and drool and start spouting off some poetry nonsense he learned in Lit class last semester. Well, you might think our girl Titania would find all that spray in her face a little offensive, but it just makes her hotter and, well, before you know it she's got her homegirls bringing out the liquor and even gets them to start rolling grapes around on his face and ... I won't go any further, but that's about all it took for Nick to be in love. Now Titania's starting to get used to the poetry gig, along with Nick's other 'attributes' and well, it seems the homegirls are getting pretty attached to rubbing those soft furry ears of his, and somehow that goofoff fool Nick Bottom has made some kind of difference in those girls and they're starting to act real nice and everything. Nick and Titania and the girls are planning to buy a nice place in the country and start some kind of hippie co-op after they graduate. And there's even talk of Nick and Titania getting hitched some day. Sometimes magic happens, I guess. --Cilicia Yakhlef

MUSICAL OF THE YEAR

WHEN PIGS FLY

Cowboys in pink satin chaps wearing vests trimmed with pastel ric-rac flounced and danced to a light-hearted musical with a score that took the 'tire' out of political satire with numbers like "Light in the Loafers," "Adam and Steve" and a little medley of love songs addressed to some of society's most pronounced homophobic icons. Cast, crew and director all had the time of their lives with this production and their exuberance was catching. When Pigs Fly filled the seats of the Theater on Broadway for nearly half a year. It was the musical to see-- at least twice. --Cilicia Yakhlef

ACTOR OF THE YEAR

GARY CULIG

Gary Culig can Puck around on stage with the best of them. Culig, famed star of the hilarious Santaland Diaries, had the Bug Theatre filled with elf sympathizers from November through the end of the year. No stranger to Denver theater, Culig has played Crumpet the Elf in Santaland, Romeo in Shakespeare's R&J, Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and is opening next week playing eight different roles in On the Verge at the Bug. Known for his versatility and effortless character transitions, the unpretentious Culig makes acting seem easy. --Cilicia Yakhlef

ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

FELONIZ SALAS

Feloniz Salas has been acting on and off for the last 13 years. The 23-year-old actress has recently been in Prometheus Bound and The Water Children, but her performance in This Is Our Youth was show stopping. The play, which ran at the nonprofit Bug Theatre (2654 Navajo), is the story of three misguided teenagers living in New York City in the early '80s. Salas portrayed Jessica, the self-righteous, idealistic love interest who is as articulate as she is amusing. "Jessica is a girl at the beginning of the Me Decade dealing with the juxtaposition between what her parents taught her and what she is doing," said Salas. "She is not afraid to speak her mind, but she doesn't really know how to use it yet. We watch her learn how to do that in the play." Salas executed Jessica with a seemingly deeply rooted understanding and a perfected sense of comedic timing. Salas credits Donna Morrison, who directed This is Our Youth, as her mentor. Up next for Salas is Eric Overmeyer's On The Verge. Salas will portray the character of Fanny. "I love the play," said Salas. "I think it's beautifully written." --Kity Ironton

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

NICHOLAS SUGAR

Nicholas Sugar credits his high school drama teacher, Ms. Teaberry, with talking him into his first audition. That's all it took. He was hooked. Last season found Nick at the helm of several notable productions including ART, Shakespeare's R& J, The Blue Room and Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly. Nick's artful aesthetic sense, cohesive direction, energy and adept use of all available stage elements make him a quickly rising talent within the Denver theatre community. His favorite quote: "People don't remember what you say. People don't remember what you do. People remember how you make them feel." Nick said, "That's what I want my work to do-- make people feel." --Cilicia Yakhlef

CLASS CLOWN

ERIC MATHERS

With a face like Alfred E. Neuman and a body more flexible than a Gumby doll, Eric Mathers seems made for the improv stage. Small wonder then that Mathers' lanky rubber frame can be found most nights bouncing around the stage of Denver's premier improv comedy venue, the Bovine Metropolis Theater.

What might seem a little strange, however, is that 26-year-old Mathers first set foot on stage a mere two-and-a-half years ago. "A friend of mine thought I might be good at comedy," he said, "so I decided to try it out." Mathers' freckles and red hair have been setting the local comedy scene on fire ever since.

Mathers credits several elements with his natural knack for comedy. First and foremost, he said, his regular job puts him in front of a very tough audience daily. As a high school math teacher, he claims an affinity for comedy and a good sense of humor is more a survival tactic than a talent. And of course, Mathers earned his own degree at the University of Northern Colorado where the heady aroma of weed is the only antidote for the clinging cow-pow vapors that inundate the campus. After enough grass, the body begins to bend in new ways and the world begins to look pretty damn funny. All hail UNC. Mathers is also a native Denverite and touts the psychological abnormalities caused by a lifetime of oxygen deprivation as yet another great comedic gift. Still, our man Mathers wouldn't leave anything to chance, so his preperformance routine includes a Red Bull before every show, followed with a vitamin B and ginseng shooter.

Mathers' trademark on stage is exaggerated physicality which infiltrates everything from his body movements to his facial expressions to his highly mobile vocal inflections. Prat falls and helicoptering legs shuffle on stage between voice impersonations and little boy grins in the storm of comedy that's named Eric Mathers.

Yet, for all the diving body slams and rollicking spills our class clown bounces off the theatre walls, he's never had to miss a show due to a stage mishap. The guy flies around the theater like the Hardy Boys on crack, minus the mats and soft bodies to land on, yet seems to go unscathed. Maybe it's the ginseng. Or maybe it's the hot-dogging Mathers does at Copper Mountain in his off-time. Claiming his constant need for an audience, Eric said he can often be found boarding under the lift chairs wearing a bright yellow and black bumblebee hat. Not a bad way to practice falls and strange body postures.

Mathers also said working with the gang at the Bovine is an education in itself. The Acme Comedy Players have worked together since the Bovine opened a few years ago and they seem to have as much chemistry off stage as they do on. In fact, the group often goes into LoDo after a show, only to use unwary pedestrians as an unwitting audience. They've pretended they had boards with nails stuck in their heads, feigned arguments and illnesses and perpetrated any number of tasteless jokes on the in crowd.

One can only imagine the innocent looking face of Mathers taking on a suddenly ominous cast, teeth flashing and gnashing, long finger pointing at some unsuspecting well-coifed middle aged woman on Larimer who's just realized the murder she's witnessed was a fraud-- maybe-- and saying, "All the better to make you bust a gut my dear," before he and the rest of the gang move out in search of fresh improv victims. --Cilicia Yakhlef

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

BASIL RESTAURANTE

During my tenure as tattooed food critic extraordinaire, I've been to a lot of restaurants, had a few secret missions and endured a personality slip or two. But, all in all, my finest moment was experienced at Basil Resturante. There were many points that made this place The One. The food was impeccably traditional Italian. The ambiance was casual but very classy. The price was reasonable, and the service, oh, the service! I was treated like royalty! I have since sent many people there and their experiences were all similar. So now I'm sending you: go check it out and see why I'm giving them the coveted Bobby Black seal of approval for restaurant of the year.--Bobby Black

BAR OF THE YEAR

SKYLARK

In Denver, it seems a bar is a bar is a bar. Every once in a while though, you stumble across a place that sticks to your brain like gum to the bottom of a shoe. That place in Denver is the Skylark (58 N. Broadway). This bar is like a comfy old chair that you don't just plop down on, but settle into. You have to ease yourself into the atmosphere. The dimly lit, one-room bar has glimmering bottles lined up against walls filled with nostalgic posters. A picture of Rita Hayworth stares down at an out-of-order '50s cigarette machine, offering up packs for 35 cents (once again, I stress out-of-order). A solitary pool table sets in the back of the room and smoke swirls through the lamplight coming from each corner. Add to the atmosphere a friendly, no-frills staff and great drink prices, and you've got the bar of bars in Denver. --Elizabeth Beeson

CLUB OF THE YEAR

TRACKS 2000

Club years are like dog years. Just as four years of a dog's life are equal to 28 of a human's, four years of a club's life can be responsible for entertaining an entire generation of party kids. Tracks 2000 (celebrating its fourth anniversary March 31) has been crowned nightclub of the year not only for its longevity, but also for throwing parties like Jerrod and Aaron's Armageddon featuring Nigel Richards on the final Thursday of 1999. The power outage at midnight, followed by a bone-rattling atom bomb sample (which caused debris to fall from the ceiling), was saved by men in gas masks and isolation suits who set the dance floor on fire with thousands of red glowsticks. For more information on Tracks 2000, give its information line a buzz at 303-780-7811 or visit it in cyberspace at www.tracks2000.com --orange peel moses

BIG MAN ON CAMPUS

ROVELLE AT MICOLE'S

What does it take to be Big Man on Campus? Well, you might say you've got to satisfy a lot of different appetites, and few do that as well as Rovelle Lackey. Rovelle, being an ever-popular kind of guy, found himself in a quandary a few years back. The hundreds of people that came to the Lackey's house for Bronco games got a little messy with their finger food, and pretty soon their home was decorated in that lunch-o-matic motif called taco salad shag. Never one to get riled at his friends, Rovelle decided to work on the problem of making indestructible tacos. What he came up with became known as the Big-Ass taco: a 12-inch taco shell wrapped by a flour tortilla sealed together by a mortar of refried beans. The invention was revered by Rovelle's friends and has led to a highly successful business.

Rovelle has more going for him than an aptitude for Mexican food though. He's an all-American hero. Someone to look up to. Rather than getting rich, Rovelle bought Micole's as a way to spend more time with his wife. The two spend more than 14 hours a day hand-picking ingredients, slicing potatoes, boiling pinto beans and washing tomatoes for their customers. Each item is made to order, and every serving is blessed with a smile and a sense of gratitude for being part of what used to be called the American dream.

Although the lines start outside before the place opens and customers linger well past closing to listen to Rovelle's unique twist on life, the couple has no great plans for expansion. They've tried hiring extra help, but although they can afford it, they can't seem to find anyone who cares about their customers as much as they do, so they've opted to hold business to what the two of them can handle together.

Rovelle could probably sell out his idea to some big Chihuahua-driven conglomerate, or maybe the mascot will just tell Rovelle to "Drop the Big Ass taco" and steal it directly some day. But the dog will never find the magic sealed into the gentle arc of Micole's Big-Ass taco. The magic doesn't have anything to do with ad campaigns, or profits, or stocks, or infinite expanses of late-night neon menus.

It has to do with holding out for what is right in the world. It has to do with being happy to have enough ... being happy to spend time with your wife. The magic has to do with smiling at the beans when you cook them, talking to the tomatoes when you pick them out. The magic has to do with taking the time to enjoy a moment or an hour with every customer you encounter. The magic has to do with being more human, more often than most.

The most important possession Rovelle has that qualifies him as Big Man on Campus is a picture frame that sits inside a glass case just under the cash register. The frame holds the first dollar Rovelle and La Dene ever made at Micole's. It is surrounded by a verse: "May those who love us, love us, and those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts. And if he doesn't turn their hearts may he turn their ankles, so we'll know them by their limping." The words are punctuated by two pressed four-leaf clovers, because Rovelle and La Dene really do believe they're lucky. And that, my friends, is how you get to be Big Man on Campus. --Cilicia Yakhlef

CHEF OF THE YEAR

TOM CASABONA

Rose's had built quite a cult following at its old, unimpressive strip location at 731 Quebec St. Society types normally loathe to leave 17th Avenue comforts trekked out to Rose's to enjoy the casual-but-classy decor, up-front hospitality from Rose herself, and of course Tom Casabona's ever-inventive menu of mixed Italian/ Vietnamese/ American influence. Until this year, the only way to discover Tom was by word of mouth or by staying up until 3 a. m. to hear Rick Barber sing the chef's praises on 850 KOA-AM. Since the restaurant's move to the old Normandy Restaurant building on Colfax, however, Tom has found a chance to put his dishes in front of a much wider audience. Though the other aspects of the old haunt have been oddly warped by the Normandy's heavily sectional layout (the decor is downright frantic, and Rose still seems a bit lost), the food is every bit as good as it ever was, defying description or classification-- in the words of one veteran waiter at Rose's, "Only wonderful." --Chris J. Magyar

SERVICE OF THE YEAR

JOU JOU

Although it has only been open for two-and-a-half years, Restaurant Jou Jou is quickly making its way to becoming a Denver institution. Asister restaurant to Zenith and Kevin Taylor's, Jou Jou, at 1106 14th St., combines New York quality service with its commendable menu and sophisticated surroundings. "Our philosophy is a relaxed atmosphere while still providing a fine-dining experience," said general manager Michelle Bishop. "We hire the best in Denver based on experience and personality. A good percentage of our waiters are not looking to go anywhere else." --Sean Weaver

HAPPY HOUR OF THE YEAR

BANK BAR & GRILL

he Bank reintroduced Denver to the same great happy hour its sister establishment, The Park Tavern, has used for years: a two-for-one deal using poker chips to redeem free drinks. What makes The Bank's reiteration of an old classic so much better? Everything. The Colfax location and recycled York Street Cafe decor add some class to an intersection that needed it badly: the menu is filled with food that actually tastes good; the upstairs section features cozy and comfy seating arrangements; there's a pool table and several video games for distraction's sake; and the bouncers are some of the nicest bruisers in town. As the bar has picked up steam, the happy hours (an early one for when you're just off work, and a 10 p. m. to midnight stint for a nightcap) have become events to plan your afternoon around-- a thrilling atmosphere for the heavy drinker on a light drinker's budget.--Chris J. Magyar

BEST SPIRIT

PASQUINI'S BROADWAY

Dining at Pasquini's restaurant borders on transcendent. As you walk through the front doors, the modest-sized restaurant bustles with a mass of humanity. Friends chat over drinks and breadsticks. Gurgling babies slop tomato sauce on their pudgy fingers and cheeks. There's that jumbled choir of busy voices that makes you feel like you've come to a place where people can put down their daily lives, unwind a bit and enjoy themselves.

The eatery has the atmosphere of a laid-back family pizzeria. There are no unnecessary formalities or airs. The waiters and waitresses, in casual dress, could just as easily be mistaken for customers as servers. Colorful designs painted on the walls and chairs create a playful atmosphere. Art can be found everywhere, from the cartoon drawings on the back of the menus, to the oil paintings and pencil sketches hanging on the walls, and as soon as your keister hits a seat, there are fresh hot buttery breadsticks delivered to the table.

Despite the easy-going atmosphere, there's nothing casual about the food. Pasquini's serves up decadent morsels of gourmet grub. Pizza lovers can find any topping under the sun, from shrimp and scallops to goat cheese and roasted asparagus. Though you might not want to try all of the topping possibilities, it's great to know you have the option. They also offer up gorgeous calzones and lasagnas, as well as subs and foccacia sandwiches. The desserts are also a meal to themselves. Each one is rich enough to last your sweet tooth a week. The chocolate candle is one of the most innovative desserts ever, with its perfectly molded white and dark chocolate shell and creamy mousse and Kahlua center. They don't skimp on size or taste, either, by offering huge portions and rich ingredients.

The drinks never stop flowing at Pasquini's. Not only do they sport a full bar with beer, wine and liqueurs, but they serve up the drinks in a fun and unpretentious manner. The waiter won't look down his nose at you as you struggle to pronounce the name of the wine. The wines are listed by price, which makes it easy to decide what you really want. This makes Pasquini's the ultimate destination to relax and enjoy some drinks with good friends. Whether you try some mixed drinks at the bar, or sample some wine with dinner, you'll be sure to be satisfied with their extensive selection.

As I said before, dining at Pasquini's is truly transcendent. Nothing could be better than its great food, laid-back atmosphere and fantastic drink selection. It is truly a gem that outshines the majority of the stuffy Italian restaurants in Denver. With a little moola, an appetite and some friends, Pasquini's can give you a dining experience you won't soon forget. --Elizabeth Beeson