Zimbabwean To Attend Allies For African Art May 3
Zimbabwean Colin Thompson will attend and lend his support to the “Allies for African Art” reception on Thursday, May 3, to showcase Shona Stone Sculpture and raise funds for Families & Allies Working Together, a local nonprofit organization that assists persons with disabilities. Shona Sculpture West, Gallery 821 (821 Santa Fe Dr. in Denver) will give 50 percent of all sales proceeds during the reception, and the following week, to Families & Allies. There will also be an opportunity at the reception to bid on an African safari through African Eyes Travel and a brunch with Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.
For more information, contact Donald Burnes at 303-388-6900 or donburnes@earthlink.net, or visit www.shonasculpturewest.com.

58th Annual DBG Plant Sale
Choose from over 85,000 rare and unusual plants at the 58th Annual Plant Sale at Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG) on Friday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year, the Gardens, 1005 York Street in Denver, will offer plant kit templates for easy gardening, and DBG’s renowned horticulturists will be on hand to answer questions about the best plants for your own garden and design suggestions. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own wagons to the sale. Volunteers are also needed for both morning and afternoon shifts both days of the sale. Volunteers receive a 10-percent discount on plant sale purchases, a free T-shirt, and free refreshments and lunch.
To sign up or for more information, call 720-865-3565 or visit www.botanicgardens.org.

TSAF Seeks Filmmakers For Film Festival
The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF) is asking innovative filmmakers from around the world to submit their work for inclusion in the Tupac Amaru Shakur Film Festival. This year’s festival is scheduled to take place on Nov. 10 at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in Atlanta. The winning filmmaker or team will have the unique opportunity to speak to the audience at the Tupac Center following the screening. Films must be in DVD or VHS format, be 90 minutes or less and be rated PG-13 or lower. Individual or group applicants must submit their material by Oct. 1. There is a $35 non-refundable processing fee. Mail completed movies to the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, 5616 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083.
For more information, call 404-298-4222 or e-mail dinatyler@2paclegacy.com.

CHAC Presents Lucero's Aztec Art
The Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) Norte presents Aztec Art of Visionary Chicano Stevon Lucero through May at the CHAC Art Gallery, 772 Santa Fe Dr. in Denver. An opening reception will be held on First Friday, May 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. CHAC Art Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and closed Monday and Tuesday.
For more information, visit www.stevonlucero.com or www.chacweb.org.

Singing Outside The Box With Harmony Chorale
Harmony Chorale presents their spring concert, "Singing Outside the Box: Music & Gender," May 11 and 12 at 8 p.m., and May 13 at 2 p.m., at the Metropolitan Community Church, 960 Clarkson St.in Denver. Harmony Chorale is a Denver choral group that celebrates diversity. We welcome with open arms people of all sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and ages, and also welcome new members. Tickets are $20 for evening performances and $15 for the matinee performance.
For tickets or more information, call 303-331-2667 or visit www.harmonychorale.org.

Sinbad Comes To Paramount May 19
Live Nation will present Sinbad at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, May 19. Sinbad's name recalls the literary legend that symbolizes strength, adventure and optimism and that is what he strives for. Born in Benton Harbor, Mich., he grew up telling jokes to his three brothers and two sisters. Sinbad doesn’t tell jokes but rather stalks the stage, telling real-life stories. He doesn't deliver payoff lines; he slam-dunks them. He is the explosive energy of the neighborhood; his phrasing is manic, musical and right on time. He doesn't write his material; he relives it as he remembers it. And he never curses. He wants people to bring the whole family to the show. Showtime is 8 p.m., and doors open at 7 p.m.
For tickets or more information, visit www.livenation.com.

CSO Presents Un Toque De México
The Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO), with the Consulate General of Mexico, NEWSED CDC and the Mexican Cultural Center, presents a night of stars at the free concert “Un Toque de México” (A Touch of Mexico) on Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Boettcher Concert Hall, 14th and Curtis streets in Denver. The CSO will be conducted by Maestro Scott O' Neil, with guests violist Juan Miguel Hernández, Mariachi "Sol de Mi Tierra" and Ballet Folklorico "Fiesta Colorado", with arrangements by Jeff Nevin. The concert will celebrate Mexico’s battle with France, also known as “Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla de Puebla,” an important episode on Mexico’s history. Admission is free.
For more information, call 303-331-1110 ext. 111 or e-mail culdenver@sre.gob.mx.

Scholarship Luncheon To Benefit RFB&D
The Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), Rocky Mountain Unit, will hold its third annual scholarship luncheon named in honor of the late Bud King, a volunteer and past board chairman, on Friday, May 11, at the Cherry Hills Country Club, 4125 S. University Blvd. in Denver, at 11 a.m. The master of ceremonies for the event is Ernie Bjorkman, news anchor for WB2 News and a regular RFB&D volunteer reader. Registration is $50.
For more information, contact Betsy at 303-692-9213 or betsyrfbd@qwest.net.

Roy Carrier And Zydeco Night Rockers In Town
The legendary Roy Carrier and the Zydeco Night Rockers will dish out some of the hottest zydeco the Front Range has ever experienced on their Spring 2007 Colorado Tour. Roy and the Rockers will be at the Fortune Valley Casino in Central City May 3-5 at 8 p.m., no cover charge, and at the Mercury Cafe on May 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be a dance lesson at the Mercury performance at 1:30 p.m., and the cover charge is $12. Carrier still fronts the longstanding Night Rockers band, which he started at age 14. Decades later, his music still retains that classic zydeco texture that, at times, is grizzled and gritty, bluesy and joyous, but always delivered with strong, irrepressible rhythms.
For more information, call 303-443-8580.

Rhythm And Motion In Colorado Springs
The Colorado Springs Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration Committee presents “Rhythm and Motion of Africans in the Diaspora” Saturday, May 12, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St. in Colorado Springs. This event features West African drummers, traditional and contemporary African dancers, a food and African marketplace, poetry, spoken word and story telling. Donations are $10 per family.
For more information, call 719-337-6409 or visit www.coloradospringskwanzaacelebration.com.

Denver Academy Hosts Reach For The Stars
The Denver Academy will host its 10th annual Reach for the Stars event on Saturday, May 5, from 5:30 p.m. to midnight in the Donald R. Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street in Denver). This event will benefit the Denver Academy Scholarship fund, and will include a gourmet dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. Denver Academy is a local and national leader in teaching students with learning differences. Its specially trained faculty seeks to understand each student’s learning style and teach those students in a way that will help them fully develop their intellectual, social, creative, physical and moral potentials.
For more information, call 303-777-5870, ext. 218.

PlatteForum Announces May 9 Deadline
The PlatteForum arts center, 1610 Little Raven St., Suite 125 in Denver, announces May 9 as the applications deadline for its unique Creative Residency Program. The program is open to artists in all genres, including the visual and performing arts, design arts, new media, installation, filmmaking, writing, book arts and craft/folk arts. Artists can apply as individuals or in collaborative teams. Artists may apply to use PlatteForum as a studio environment from 4 to 6 weeks, and have 24-hour access to the studio.  Each resident or collaborative team proposes a body of work that will be in part dedicated to creating unique art experiences with youth. Artists receive a modest stipend during their residency. The May 9 deadline is for the residency period from Sept. 10 to May 23, 2008.
For applications or more information, call 303-893-0791 or visit www.platteforum.org.

Celebrate PHAMALy At Annual Circle Of Stars Gala
Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League, Inc. (PHAMALy) invites the public to its annual fundraising soiree, the 2007 Circle of Stars: Cabaret Urinále, on Friday, May 11, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Mile High Station, 2027 W. Colfax Ave. in Denver, under the viaduct. The event will include hors d’oeuvres and dinner, silent and live auctions and entertainment, including showcases from PHAMALy’s cast to support its upcoming summer production, Urinetown - The Musical. Reservations are $75 per person.
For more information, visit www.phamaly.org.

Open Your Heart And Home To Exchange Students
Caring host families (with or without children) and single parents are needed to provide food, a bed and a loving home for one or two semesters starting in late August. Educational Merit Foundation (EMF) high school students are between the ages of 15-18, have medical insurance, spending money for their personal expenses and expect to share their host family’s daily life including household responsibilities. They speak English, are well-screened and eager to experience life in America. Their stay here is sponsored and supervised by EMF, a non-profit, educational exchange organization.
For more information, call 1-800-467-8363 or visit www.emfusa.org.

NARAL Celebration And Auction
The public is invited to the 25th Annual NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Celebration and Auction on Saturday, May 5, at the Denver Marriott City Center, 1701 California St. in Denver. The event features a silent auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and a dinner and live auction from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with opportunities to socialize with progressives from all corners of the Colorado non-profit community. Tickets are $150 per person, or $100 for young professionals (under 35). Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, call 303-394-1973 ext. 11 or visit www.ProChoiceColorado.org.

My Horizon And Magic Mountains Receptions
The Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA), 1405 Florence St. in Aurora, will host an opening reception of My Horizon, artworks by DAVA youth, and Magic Mountains, photography from China, on Thursday, May 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. The exhibits run through July 6th, with an additional artist reception on June 1 from 6 to 10 pm during the Aurora Asian Film Festival and the neighborhood summer Art Walk. The exhibits are free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or by appointment.
For more information, call 303-367-5886 or visit www.davarts.org.

Metro CareRing Presents Mall-Mart The Musical!
Metro CareRing and the Curious Theatre Company, in collaboration with the University of Colorado at Boulder, Department of Theatre and Dance, will produce the world premiere of Mall-Mart The Musical! On Thursday, May 10, at the Curious Theatre, 1080 Acoma St. in Denver, at 8 p.m. Mall-Mart is a fast-paced epic comedy with dark undertones that makes us share the joy of selling more of everything – cheaper – and asks us to explore the price of getting the best deal possible. Tickets are $30.
For more information, visit www.metrocarering.org or www.curioustheatre.org.

Free Public Library Events In May
The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library (2401 Welton St., Denver, 720-865-2401), the Ford Branch Library (2825 High Street, Denver, 303-294-0907), and the Montbello Branch Library (12955 Albrook Drive, Denver, 303-373-0767) host a variety of free public events throughout the year. These events include children’s story times, English classes, GED study hours, citizenship test study hours, and children’s activities that run concurrent to adult programs. A special event this month is Literacy for Your Child, where Ana Gustafson and Lucia Aandahl, Parenting-with-Love-and-Logic instructors, will explain how you can help your children improve their literacy skills. This event will be held at the Blair-Caldwell Library on Monday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m.; at the Ford Library on Tuesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m.; and at the Montbello Library on Tuesday, May 8, at 6 p.m.
For more information, call the above libraries.

Leadership Denver Seeks New Leaders
Leadership Denver is accepting applications for people to participate in its intensive year-long leadership courses. Leadership Denver strives to enhance communications among leaders from diverse backgrounds and interests and to provide them with a practical and sophisticated understanding of the major community issues facing the Denver metro area. The program is a balanced combination of educational experiences, including seminars, dialogues, a retreat and a group community action project over an 11-month period, August through June. Approximately 55 participants are selected to represent a cross-section of the private/for-profit, public and non-profit sectors throughout the region. Applications are due June 4.
For an application or more information, call 303-620-8055 or visit www.denverchamber.org.

Honor Mom With Brunch And Entertainment At DBG
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Denver Botanic Gardens’ (DBG) Mother’s Day Brunch this year. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch of eggs benedict, assorted quiche, French toast, salmon mousse, English cakes, Mexican shrimp cocktail, a flowing chocolate fountain for dessert, and much more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at DBG, 1005 York St. in Denver. The deadline for pre-purchasing brunch tickets is May 10. Tickets will not be sold the day of the event. Entertainment will be provided in the amphitheater, and guests can walk through the gardens and enjoy the flowers and exhibits. Tickets are $23.95 for adults and $13.95 for children 3-11.
For tickets or more information, call 720-865-3649 or visit www.botanicgardens.org.

9th Annual Washington Park Home Tour May 12
Give your mother, aunt, grandma and you a Mother’s Day to remember by attending the 9th Annual Washington Park Home Tour on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All funds benefit Steele Elementary School. On the tour this year is an original two-story home, a Denver square that won a Mayor’s Design Award in 2006, a late 1800’s original farmhouse, and two recent, gorgeous pop tops. There will also be a barbeque, student art show and plant sale at Steele Elementary. Tickets are $15, or $20 the day of the show. Tickets may also be purchased from Steele Elementary at 320 Marion Parkway, Coldwell Banker at 101 University Blvd., or the First Bank of Cherry Creek at 1st Ave. and St. Paul.
For tickets or more information, call 303-744-1717 or visit www.washparkhometour.com.

Free Family Fun Forum May 20
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street in Denver, will offer a free Target Family Fun Forum on Sunday, May 20, from noon to 2 p.m. These forums are sponsored by Target and are offered by the Denver Center Theatre Academy, an educational department of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Family Fun Forums are free events for groups where participants juggle, sing opera, recite Shakespeare, learn hip-hop dance moves and walk the balance beam among a number of other activities. Groups will earn tokens redeemable for treats and other rewards.
For reservations or more information, please call 303-446-4892.

FBR Guild Hosts World’s Largest Baby Shower
The Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) Guild will host the World’s Largest Baby Shower, in an attempt to beat Oprah Winfrey’s record of 640 attendees, on May 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria in Parker. There will be games, cake decorating competitions, a fashion show by Three Blind Mice, and much more. Either a $10 minimum donation or a donation of diapers, formula or other baby items valued at $10 or more is recommended. All donations will be distributed through Food Bank of the Rockies to agency partners and the babies they serve.
For more information, visit www.foodbankrockies.org.

East End Arts Walk Sees Hints Of Asian Art
A thread of Asian art will weave its way through the galleries, working studios and arts-related venues of the East End Arts District during the 2007 Summer Art Walk, happening in conjunction with the 10th Annual Aurora Asian Film Festival, June 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. and June 2 from noon to 6 p.m. Open houses will feature pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, performing and culinary arts, with some artists available on site. Spoken word performances and live music will pepper the streets among the galleries. The East End Arts District, a 16-block area, is located along the historic commercial corridor from Clinton to Geneva streets on East Colfax Avenue.
For more information, visit www.auroragov.org/artwalk or www.auroraasian.org.

DST Sorority Holds Annual Reception 
The Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) Sorority, Inc. will hold its annual scholarship reception on Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m. at the Lowry Community Christian Church, 855 Yosemite St. on the Lowry Campus in Denver. Scholarship recipients will receive awards at this reception, and the chapter will also present its Woman of the Year award.
For more information, call 303-343-3146.

Cure Magazine Launches Breast Cancer Forums
Cure magazine will host the Cure Day of Caring Breast Cancer Forums on Saturday, May 12, at the Denver Marriott Tech Center Hotel. Cure created a one-day meeting that allows breast cancer survivors and friends to hear the latest in medical information from nationally known speakers as well as inspirational speakers. Breakout sessions include medical and psychosocial issues and allow women to ask questions of expert speakers. Dr. Lauren Shaiova with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center will present information on managing pain. The forum costs $50 for the day, which includes take-home presentations from the program, breakfast, lunch and other conference materials.
For more information, visit www.curetoday.com.

Labyrinth Arts Presents Zoot Suit Romeo & Juliet
The Labyrinth Arts Academy presents Tony Plana’s Zoot Suit musical version of Romeo and Juliet at the Buell Theatre on Friday, May 4, at 8 p.m. Zoot Suit Romeo and Juliet is a fundraiser for Labyrinth Arts Academy, a new non-profit arts organization geared toward giving underserved Denver youth the opportunity to develop a skill set in the creative and performing arts. General admission tickets range from $20-$50, and orchestra-level seats are $100. A free matinee for Denver Public Schools students will be held May 4 at 10 a.m., followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast.
For tickets or more information, call 303-893-4100 or visit www.denvercenter.org/zootsuit.

Got “Back-Home Gospel” Music?
Sisters Enterprise is currently seeking gospel vocalists, choirs, praise dancers, bands and rappers for the 3rd Annual Back Home Gospel Shout Out Talent Show on Saturday, May 5, at 3 p.m. at the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 1780 S. Buckley Road, Unit 1 in Aurora. Three categories of cash prizes will be awarded to children, ages 5-12; teens, ages 13-17; and adults, 18 and over. There will be live gospel entertainment, a fashion show and a barbecue luncheon. Tickets are $15 or $12 for children 12 and under.
For more information, call 303-632-7676 or e-mail backhomegospel@yahoo.com.

Aurora Singers Presents Tribute To Elvis
The Aurora Singers will don their blue suede shoes as they present a tribute to Elvis Presley on Saturday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m., at South Middle School, 12310 E. Parkview Dr. in Aurora. The concerts will feature nearly two dozen songs from Elvis’s expansive career through solos, duets, and trios sung by select choir members. There will also be an Elvis-impersonation contest, with local Elvis impersonators vying for a $100 cash prize. The winner will be determined by the audience. Audition information is available by calling 303-337-5650. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors, and free for children 12.
For tickets or more information, call 303-343-3377 or visit www.aurorasingers.org.

100 Black Men Sponsor Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament
The Denver Nuggets and the 100 Black Men of Denver will host their annual gold tournament on Sunday, May 12, at the Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course, 23155 E. Heritage Pkwy. in Aurora. Sponsorships are available as well as a $10,000 putt-off contest. A continental breakfast, golf prizes, a scholarship luncheon and silent auction will be available to all participants. All funding will be donated to the 100 Black Men Scholarship Fund.
To become a sponsor or player, or for more information, call 303-864-0945.

9th Lead-Safe Denver Program Forum
The 9th Annual Lead-Safe Denver Program Leadership Forum and Luncheon will be held Tuesday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Park Hill Golf Club, 4141 E. 35th Ave. in Denver. Elizabeth Colon, the Community Outreach Director with Rhode Island’s Lead-safe Kids, will be the speaker. Colon has a lead-poisoned child and was instrumental in Rhode Island’s lead prevention legislation. This traumatic experience spearheaded a campaign that eventually put her face to face with city and state legislatures to say, “No!” to the lead poisoning of Rhode Island’s children. Guests are requested to remain for the entire program.
For more information, call 303-377-3334 ext. 238.

Judge Hatchett Comes To Black Summit
Several nationally known personalities, including Judge Glenda Hatchett, host of the nationally syndicated Judge Hatchett Show on KTVD Channel 20, will speak at the 3rd Annual Mountain Region Black Economic Summit and Expo June 7 and 8 at the Colorado Convention Center. Themed Reach for New Altitude, the Black Economic Summit is geared toward professionals on their upward climb, entrepreneurs seeking new business opportunities and others looking for new job opportunities. The summit will also offer networking events, a business and career expo, and day-long activities for area youth.
For more information on registration, exhibitor space, and advertising opportunities, call 303-400-5928 or visit www.mrbes.com.
 
Pacific Asian Heritage Month Celebration May 12
The Asian Roundtable of Colorado will host a community celebration for Asian Pacific Heritage Month on Saturday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Bank at 1700 Lincoln St., 17th and Lincoln, in the Hershner Room. Entertainment includes a Chinese Lion Dance, a Filipino Choir, a Hawaiian Dance, a Tibetan Dance and Chinese Traditional Pi Ba Music. Food from various Asian Pacific countries will be also provided. Come celebrate the rich Asian Pacific cultural heritage of Colorado during Asian Pacific Heritage Month.
For more information, call 303-870-3209 or 720-256-8888.