Three Questions with PAULINA SZAFRANSKI

Citrus, Denver's new champagne and vodka lounge, is working to create a fresh, edgy, and hip hangout for anyone hoping for a change in scenery. On October 3, Citrus welcomed new chef Bruce W. Zalk, formerly of Tante Louise. Marketing Director Paulina Szafranski shared the upcoming dinner, drink, and event specials set for the new Citrus season. Located in Union Station at 17th and Wynkoop streets, Citrus hopes to juice up Denver's nightlife.

Where did the concept for Citrus come from?

We wanted to offer something different, a step away from the traditional martini bar. We came up with the idea of a champagne and vodka bar, meaning we offer martinis, champagne cocktails and bottle service on a regular basis. It has been a big introduction to Denver for that kind of service. You get a little extra service this way.

How does Citrus fit into the other bars in Lower Downtown?

We offer both an upscale environment and a great neighborhood bar environment. We have "happy hour" for people getting off of work. It's very accessible to the public. Anyone can feel comfortable coming in, and we certainly want to offer a variety of experiences. We have great eclectic American cuisine, a full bar with mixed drinks and drafts, dinner, and special events that are different than other things around town. We have always wanted sort of an upscale yet casual dinner that's not too pricey but by a renowned chef. Later at night, around 10 p. m., we stop serving dinner and a transformation happens inside Citrus. It becomes more of a lounge. We have DJs nightly, with more of an edgy persona.

What kind of special events do you host?

We have monthly "sit down dinners" with out chef, obviously now featuring Bruce. We also host fashion shows like the recent VH1 event, and art shows once a month, happy hour special events, and other things that will draw in the community. We really want to reach out to the people that live and work in the community and bring them in to see what we have created here.

Find Citrus at 1701 Wynkoop inside historic Union Station. Call (303) 573-1121 for more information.

--Judy B.

Music Notes

Colorado Sound Recording Studio became the site of a musical tribute to both the victims of September 11 and the music of John Lennon. Led by Boulder singer/ songwriter Sally Taylor, along with Chris Soucy, Joseph Brenna, Xiren, and Ben Jansen, the motley crew recorded "Imagine." Boulder label What Are Records? (WAR) will be adding other famous names and voices to the track, including David Gray and Hanson, in the coming weeks and hopes to have the record complete soon after. Proceeds will benefit the children who lost parents in New York City. Find out more at www.sallytaylor.com

KBPI FM106.7, in conjunction with the Clear Channel Disaster Relief Fund, sponsored a benefit extravaganza in the form of Rocktoberfest, October 5 and 6. Two venues, three stages, and thirty local bands performed with all proceeds going towards the Clear Channel Relief Fund for the World Trade Center families, volunteers, and rescue workers. Both 1515 Market Street and the Zodiac Lounge ran the busy stages, with a huge line-up that included Askimbo, Ryan Tracy Band, Wendy Woo, Judge Roughneck, Rubber Planet, Dead Heaven Cowboys, Carolyn's Mother and Love. 45, among many others. Spokesperson Rick Carney anticipates an annual Rocktoberfest benefit, with proceeds funneling to different national and local charities each year.

After making it to the top five, local instrumental guitarist Lynn Patrick has been deemed America's No. 1 New Age Artist. At the 2002 Independent Music Awards last month, a panel of judges including Tom Waits, Ricky Skaggs, Meshell Ndegeocello and Wilson Pickett bestowed this annual honor on the Denver artist. Other performers who release recordings not affiliated with major labels or distributors may want to find out more. Contact Ms. Patrick at www.lynnpatrick.com.

Other news. . . .Local duo Rachel and Andy will be pursuing separate projects this fall. Rachel Simring will lead her new band Rachel's Playpen, and Andy Ard is creating a solo project with a small ensemble of guitar, bass and drums. . . .The Czars will host a CD release party Saturday, October 13, 9p. m. at the Gothic Theatre for the new full-length album The Ugly People vs. The Beautiful People. . .MindGoFlip come back to town October 21st to play the Catacombs in Boulder. The band has been touring low-profile (i.e. sleeping in the van) and playing shows in North Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri. . . . The next meeting of the Colorado Music Association (COMA) is Sunday, October 21, 6 p. m. at the Soiled Dove in LoDo. There is no fee and all are welcome. --Judy B.

Fashion Clip

75 days
1,800 hours
102,000 minutes.

The precious few moments left until Christmas day. The fall lines are cut, the style set, and the anticipation of frantic holiday shopping begins. The teetering economy leaves retailers and designers in the fashion industry no choice but to walk a very tightened rope.

Lucky for us, fashion shows and runway exhibitions will be a necessary tool for the industry to garnish consumer excitement and response. Large and small alike, the fashion scene should present a season full of creativity and innovation.

Club Sanctuary started hosting their new Thursday night christened Scene -a weekly event promising to be filled to the gills with music, fashion, and art. Sanctuary is working with some of Denver's finest, aligning "Scene" with the talents of Donna Baldwin, Casa Del Soul, and Firefly Entertainment among others.

Citrus struts onto the platform with a fashion show on October 12 . Jane from the Dom and Jane morning show will be on hand, and a giveaway will provide two lucky people the VH1 pass to New York City to attend the Vogue Fashion Awards. October 23 will bring the event full circle as Citrus screens the VH1-Vogue Fashion Awards at a cocktail attire required event.

If your style reflects the seedier side of Denver, then Trash at Snake Pit Oct 14, should be scratched into your armer schedule. This perfectly-cast event features a fashion show by the bad-girl-boutique Sugar, a musical interlude by rock n' roll divas Hemi Cuda, and will be hosted by the night's resident Rock Star DJs: JR, Jimpanzee, and DAV. Gabba Gabba Hey!

--Kity Ironton