On The Inside Outside at
32ND AVENUE

Look over there. What do you see? Cozy, warm stores, amiable people, and grub as authentic as it comes (minus a few joints such as Chipotle). It's difficult for those of us who enjoy the small, ski-town atmosphere to get up to the mountains very often and enjoy a dinner out--in fact, it's not practical at all if you're just looking to eat dinner. Well, look no further than 32nd Avenue in northwest Denver. The 3400 to 3600 blocks to be exact. This area offers something nowhere else in Denver does: the small town in the big city where everyone knows everyone, even when they really don't.

It has a picture-perfect setting as the block extends up the hill lit up with lights strung through the trees running along side the street, lights normally hung only during the holidays in other places. The block attracts people of all ages. You'll find the Partridge families eating dinner alongside the street where parents enjoy the company of their obnoxious children. Just a few strides up the hill, the 21 and older group is enjoying laughs as they put back a few drinks, perhaps nibbling on an appetizer.

Did I forget to mention that the street doesn't just attract humans of all ages, but dogs of all ages as well? If you have a best friend and would like to bring it along so you don't feel so lonely, go ahead. It's no fun to be the guy or gal sitting alone because your best friend is locked up at home. You'll find water barrel dispensers that empty into bowls just for your pooch.

Remember, it's not all dinner and drinks. You can come in the daytime hours and do breakfast or lunch. On the block you'll find breakfast spots and a few coffee shops as well. There is a handful of bookstores around for you to pick out a good piece of literature ... skip over to the coffee shop and have yourself a latte or cappuccino ... or whatever floats your boat, just don't overdo the espresso. The last thing this small communi-ty wants is to have to call a cab in the morning because someone got too wired to drive. Along with all the grubbing spots and bookstores are an assortment of other stores worth checking out. If you do happen to get too wired, truck on over to Silver Eagle Music, have a seat at a drum set and beat your energy out (ask of course, if you're not buying). You could also head over to The Perfect Petal, Tongue Groove, and Indulgences Day Spa (which I think we all could enjoy). A great thing about this block on 32nd Avenue is just about everything is locally owned and operated. It has the atmosphere of a friendly ski town (without the skiing) and its doors are always open to new urban tourists. --Michael Pierzchala

Local Music

In the news again is Bob Rupp. It seems after the recent departure of drummer Jeff Gust, the Denver band Carolyn's Mother needed a strong rocker to push things into higher gear. Enter Rupp. Lead singer Rhett Lee commented it was "a no-brainer" to put Rupp on the skins. The band will take a hiatus from performing this fall in order to rehearse, relax, and begin recording its next record. . . . The Soiled Dove recently hosted its annual two-night AIDS benefit that included 16 local bands and raised $4,000. Those proceeds will be combined with the team's effort from the national AIDS Walk. Xiren, Kristina Ingham (with Jeff Gust on drums), Carolyn's Mother (seventh year in a row), Rubber Planet, Michelle and the Book of Runes, Tinker's Punishment, NewComers Home, You Call That Art? and Ryan Tracy Band were among the performers. . . . The Bluebird Theater will begin a local hip hop night on September 27. The soundman for the venue, Big G, will organize the Thursday night events. The first acts for the weekly show will be DJ K-Nee, The Procussions, and nGomA. In other nGomA news, Dap (a.k.a. Rob Woolfolk) now lives in Los Angeles and has recently married. While we are happy for Dap, the local music scene hopes he can continue to come back to town for gigs, such as the above Bluebird date. Reese Smith, the other half of the duo, is committed to keeping nGomA alive. Show support by dropping in at the Bluebird. . . .

The Colorado Musicians Association (COMA) will hold its monthly meeting at 6 pm September 16 at the Soiled Dove. This month's discussion will feature a recording studio panel offering tips, advice, how-tos and audience queries. Go-Go would like to congratulate new COMA president David Barber and give a high salute to former prez Dolly Zander for keeping the organization up and running. Meetings are always free of charge and anyone is welcome to come. . . . In brief ... Sickbox Beast hosted a CD release party recently at The Bluebird Theatre ... local eclectic faves Ed Fingers are gigging again after a bit of a break ... Boulderite Sally Taylor released her third recording called Shotgun ... Judge Roughneck will release its third CD, True, sometime this fall. --Judy B.