Valley Gadfly
Wipe the slate clean, it’s 2026! Time to start from scratch and make a fresh start, make a new beginning. Who knows, this January could be your lucky penny, your four-leaf clover.
It’s a chance to motivate yourself, uplift others, set new goals, and embrace exciting opportunities ahead. You don’t have to be perfect, just be yourself, and that is enough.
January is not about expecting, hoping, and wishing; it’s about doing, being, and becoming. Here are our “chasing dreams” shopping, dining, and entertainment choices:
There’s still time to see the holiday tradition Blossoms of Light®, celebrating 40 years at the Denver Botanic Gardens through January 12. The event showcases the plant collections during the winter months. Information: 720-865-3500.
Guitar virtuoso group the Stanley Jordan Trio show off their “touch technique” and music at Dazzle Denver January 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
The symphony plays Rachmaninoff Rhapsody for piano and orchestra at Boettcher Concert Hall Jan. 9-11, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Looking for BBQ with richness and flavor? Riot BBQ’s thin al pastor ribs, and brisket tacos on bison tallow tortillas feature rich, bold flavors. The laid-back atmosphere is a memorable smokehouse experience. Information: 303-872-6862.
Want to add a fun, fitness element to your life this year? Participate in Glendale Sports Center’s adult coed soccer, volleyball, men’s basketball, table tennis, and pickleball leagues. Call Kelly Legler for dates, times. Information: 303-630-4711.
Catch the music of Grammy-winning mandolinist and singer Chris Thile playing at the Newman Center January 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Hairball brings their Rock & Roll concert with lights, sound, and smoke to the Paramount Theater January 16, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Montana quartet Kitchen Dwellers plays a fusion of bluegrass, folk, and rock music at the Mission Ballroom January 24, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Attend this year’s Denver Animal Shelter’s strongman event, Battle in Mile High. Event is being held January 24, 8 a.m. at Prost Brewery. Shelter is raising funds to help animals in need, and every dollar counts. The Denver Animal Shelter is an adoption center and shelter for dogs and cats. Information: 720-913-1311.
Snow falls to the ground soft and white. Sometimes it falls all through the night, wintertime is here. January is a month of reflection, transition, and emotional contrast.
The truth is that January makes everyone a little bit demoralized. Whether it’s because of the cold, shorter days, or the end of the holidays, it’s tough to maintain a positive attitude.
A New Year’s Resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. What happened to the man who shoplifted a calendar on New Year’s Eve? He got 12 months.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
