All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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One of the most enjoyable things about Rock & Rails is the mix of bands that play each week. It's possible that the only thing each week has in common is that whoever is playing on stage, they are going to be danceable. And Los Cheesies might be one of the most unconventional bands to step onto the bandstand stage at Whistle Stop Park. Their mix of fusion reggae, ska, Latin, '80's, rap and psychedelic rock stylings is blended with wacky humor that could winkingly be called "Yankovian" (as in Wei...
This week's Rock & Rails stage will feature familiar faces of Mojomama, with their beloved mix of funky blues, rock and soul that ranges from Aretha Franklin to Susan Tedeschi to Steely Dan. "Knowing that we get to play for the best crowd all summer makes us happy," said lead vocalist Jessica Rogalski. "People are really in a good mood, everyone's up dancing. As performers, it's fun for us to have that energetic exchange. It feeds our energy too." She remembers the fun, colorful crowd from last...
This week, CW & Twenty Hands High are returning to the Rock & Rails stage for their second year, bringing their country, Southern rock, outlaw, red dirt sound with them. Local musician Taylor Shae will open for them. I talked to the band's founder and frontman, CW Wooten, just after the band finished a performance at Beasts and Brews, a taphouse and butcher shop in Colorado Springs. Our conversation started not by talking about music or his latest show, but about the food that was there. Wooten...
This past weekend, the Slepicka Tractor Show was held just off 79th Street in Niwot near the Monarch Road intersection. Attendees enjoyed beautiful weather for the show, as they browsed among decades' worth of restored tractors, engines and other farm equipment displayed on the front of the farm of long time Niwotonians, Jerry and Marsha Slepicka, who have owned the property since 1994. Co-sponsored by the Niwot Community Association, the show gave a peek into a past way of life in the area with...
Thursday's Rock & Rails headliner is familiar to many attendees, with proven performers who can get the audience up off of their lawn chairs, abandon their picnic baskets and onto the dance floor. It will be the popular Chris Daniels and the Kings, the beloved Colorado Music Hall of Fame inducted band, which has played its rock and blues-based music in venues throughout the world. They will be preceded by the opening act, Gunbarrel acoustic guitarist Dean Himes, a 2022 Colorado Country Music...
More art is coming to Niwot as summer begins. Open Studios, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists and enhancing and enriching the visual arts in Boulder County, in cooperation with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, is bringing its annual members' show to the former feed store on 2nd Avenue. The exhibit features work from the more than 205 member artists who participate in the organization. It includes work in a variety of mediums, ranging from watercolor, paint on acrylic, mixed-m...
Niwot High School's graduation ceremony last Saturday was equal parts bright and sentimental. The football field was awash with rows of white chairs and green capped and gowned members of the class of 2023. Proud families, teachers and staff assembled under a photo-ready crisp blue sky to honor the students. Nearly 300 students accepted their diplomas from Principal Eric Rauschkolb, after experiencing one of the most normal school-year experiences since classes were disrupted by the COVID-19...
Over the next few months, the former feed store on 2nd Avenue will continue its reimagined purpose as a home for art and culture in Niwot. "At this time, the climate isn't good to start building any kind of development for that lot, so we decided to do a minimal fix up and get the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) involved and create something that would encourage people to come downtown," said John Fischer, who co-owns the building with his wife Xan. "Until the climate for redevelopment...
Last Saturday, May 6, friends and colleagues of Ann Whitehill gathered to honor her with the dedication of a beautiful bench on the patio outside of Niwot Jewelry & Gifts and next to Osmosis Art and Architecture. Approximately 35 people attended to share stories and reminisce, including Whitehill's sister Alice, and her brother David. The bench dedication had been planned for some time by Jan Kahl of Niwot Jewelry & Gifts, who had employed Whitehill. Kahl helped with a location for the bench,...
The Niwot community is home to artists of all sorts. The area's painters, writers, dancers, musicians, potters, sculptors and others enrich Niwot and do what they can to give back to the town. Niwot resident and woodworker Jeff Wolcott exemplifies this inclination. He not only appreciates living here, but he answered the call when he was asked to be part of the effort to restore Spear Lodge Man, and the other iconic Native American tree carvings that are located on Niwot Road near the...
Just over a year ago, in April of 2022, a treasured member of the Niwot community, Left Hand Valley Courier Advertising Director and Niwot Jewelry & Gifts staff member Ann Whitehill, passed away suddenly. Since then, she has been greatly missed by the community and members have been working to honor her with the dedication of a bench in her name outside of the jewelry store on 2nd Avenue. A dedication of the bench will be held Saturday, May 6 at 4 p.m. on the patio outside Niwot Jewelry & Gifts...
Pun intended: love between Belle Terre Floral and the Niwot community has blossomed since the business opened in 2021. What many don't know, however, is the story of owner Sarah Cioni, who is one of the best floral designers in the region and has maintained a deep love for the area and the town. Her background as an area florist began a little more than two decades ago, coinciding with one of the most striking moments in our nation's history. "In 2001, I decided it was time to open my first...
Last month, Catherine McHale completed her contract with the town of Niwot as the Niwot Business Association's Economic Development Director (EDD). She has held that role since 2018, and this milestone marks a change in her professional life. "It's been a great five years," McHale said. "At the same time, essentially, I feel that it's time to focus on my core business. I've achieved a lot of things that I wanted to with Niwot but it's time to make a shift." McHale talked about things she feels...
When Niwot eighth-grader Meredith Champion of Boulder Country Day School had to choose her Middle School IB Program capstone project, it became the beginning of a journey that transcended the simple impacts of a traditional school activity. As most good projects do, it related to something she and others her age experience, affected her view of the world, and changed the views of friends, family and community members. Her project was designed to build awareness and make a positive impact in the...
Earlier this month, Valerii Danylenko and Anna Bilous, a professional couple in their 30's from Kiev who were forced to leave Ukraine due to the war, found a place to live in Niwot. "Eight or nine million left Ukraine," said Danylenko. "Our apartment was damaged and unfit to live in because of the Russians. For three days no power, no water, no anything in Kiev." Before they left, the pair had previously held professional office jobs making airplane meals for a food manufacturer. He served as a...
Each month brings a fresh round of paintings to Winot Coffee Company and The Old Oak Coffeehouse in Niwot. March was no exception. Both venues have showcased area artists on their walls for the month, with the work of each artist available for sale. Winot featured Megan Gael McCarthy, a member of the Longmont Artists' Guild, Boulder Art Association, and Art Students League of Denver. McCarthy's work recreates emotion of a time and place. It also focuses on paint textures and the physical...
Though the Marshall Fire was more than a year ago, its impact is still top of mind for many area residents. It has made the threat of wildfires, including grassland and urban wildfires, more apparent to Boulder County residents. In addition, recent years have seen extensive summer months with rural wildfires in close proximity to the Front Range. Those fires bring secondary impacts including resident displacements, air quality issues and ground instability which contributes to flooding and...
Blue skies and a warm early spring day set the stage last Saturday for Lucky Niwot Day festivities held on 2nd Avenue and at Cottonwood Square. As part of the event, families and groups of friends dressed in green walked between stations and into shops, filled tables at restaurant patios and made lines at coffee shops. Street musicians performed at stations along the street and Irish dancers performed in front of Inkberry Books. Individual retailers gave away a range of delicious food fit for...
Close to 200 speech and debate competitors gathered on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28, for the CHSAA 3A Speech and Debate State Tournament. Fourteen events were slated to take place over the span of the event, with a champion named in each event and an overall school champion taking an ultimate prize. Schools from as far away as Steamboat Springs and the state's other mountain regions competed against local teams. Niwot's team, coached by Niwot High School alumnus Evan Clark, competed with...
A Niwot-area resident and former U.S. Representative, David Skaggs, is one of a handful of people who have expressed interest in the vacancy in Colorado House District 12. The unexpected opportunity became available when Representative Tracey Bernett of Louisville recently tendered her resignation. Bernett resigned just before the new legislative term began under allegations that she falsified her residency to qualify for the recent November election, which resulted in her arrest on multiple...
Anyone looking to view beautiful nature artwork should be sure to visit The Old Oak Coffeehouse and Winot Coffee Company. Although there are only a few days left in the month, you will not want to miss the January art exhibits on display. The Old Oak Coffee House features work by its baker, Natalie Brey, whose paintings of sunflowers, mountains and other natural views are elegant and beautiful. Created using oil and cold wax on canvas as well as other mediums, the work on display includes a...
Some of the best middle school choir students in the area came to Niwot High School last week for a district-wide honor choir concert. Despite the start of a mid-winter snowstorm, more than 100 students filled the stage, performing eight songs for an auditorium filled with parents and friends. Students represented 13 schools, with choir teachers from each school taking the stage as the concert began to thank students, their parents and Niwot High School as a host. The evening consisted of three...
With just a few days left until the Christmas holiday, the season of downtown carolers, visits by Santa (and for the past two years, Elsa), holiday markets full of food, crafts, art, and good cheer, horse-drawn carriages and festive parties featuring competitive gingerbread house decorating, is coming to and end as well. We asked Niwot's downtown merchants to reflect on this season, and how the events impacted their businesses. Generally, merchants were pleased at how all the activities brought...
Last September, the community of Niwot mourned the sudden death of Craig "Lefty" Harris, owner of Lefty's Gourmet Pizza on 2nd Avenue. A little over two months later, the iconic restaurant that means so much to the community has launched a new chapter. Lorenzo Villalobos, who worked as a chef for Harris for 24 years and considered him family, along with Villalobos' wife, Marciela Vazquez, have purchased the restaurant from the Harris family and have reopened it to the delight of the pizzeria's...
Louisville Mayor Ashley Stolzmann prevailed in the Nov. 8 election to replace Matt Jones as Boulder County Commissioner for District 3. She won her race by a wide margin, and when she takes office, she will be representing the needs of the Niwot community as part of her work. Stolzmann brings a great deal of civic service to her new role. Prior to the election and prior to her service as Louisville's mayor, she was, among other things, a member of Louisville's Finance Committee, represented her...
Niwot is filled with art for the holidays. This past Saturday, Open Studios Pop! Gallery at the former Niwot Rental and Feed store on 2nd Avenue was open to the public in a holiday showing. The space showcased between 20 and 30 artists in a variety of mediums, and artists with work on display are available, in turns, to speak to gallery visitors. Megan Morgan and Terri Ficken were two of the artists available for the weekend shift. Morgan showcased her work as a variety of subjects portrayed on...
Festive crowds flocked to Niwot Wheel Works at 3 p.m. sharp Dec. 3 to deliver gingerbread house creations that were part of this year's gingerbread house decorating competition. This year, 50 houses were picked up from Saturday's Niwot Christmas Market at the Left Hand Grange to be decorated. Approximately 30 of the entries were returned, the plain houses made beautiful by icing, candy and creativity. They will be judged by baker Joan Grunzweig, owner of local business Joan's Petite Sweets and...
The mid-20th century modern, bi-level home is a classic design found around the country and in many Boulder County neighborhoods. Decades after their building date, many of these homes are in need of a refresh. When Niwot-based Osmosis Art and Architecture was called on to participate in the design for a Boulder-based home in this style, the result led to a significant industry award. On Nov. 5, the project earned Osmosis a MAME (Marketing and Merchandising Excellence) award sponsored by the Hom...
This year, The Courier asked local residents and visitors to share what they are thankful for. Below are their responses; each of them notable in their own way. Equally wonderful was the process of gathering responses. Most of the research occurred in the town's coffee shops and at first, getting responses was slow and awkward. But the tipping point was when some customers overheard others answering and asked to join the conversation. Ultimately, responses and ensuing conversation were full of...
November has brought new art to Winot Coffee Company in Cottonwood Square and The Old Oak Coffeehouse on 2nd Avenue. Winot Coffee Company is featuring art from Jacque Michelle, a local artist and art educator who specializes in colorful, expressive acrylic-based work. Her pieces typically depict lush landscapes and bright, floral arrangements, and she teaches her technique to others from her Boulder studio. She also takes students on trips to Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, New Mexico, and this...
This Saturday, Oct. 29, ghosts, ghouls, monsters and witches of all ages will be descending on 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square for the community's annual Great Pumpkin Party. The colorful harvest event features trick or treating with kids, adults and pets in costume, a haunted house, live music, games, hayrides and an appearance by Stinky the Donkey. Pat Murphy of Niwot Group at Compass also advises anyone planning to attend – "Watch out for witches, they're going to be around." In addition to...
The Cougars final softball games last Saturday took place on a textbook-perfect October day. Complete with off-field tailgating and a ceremony honoring the seniors, it was by equal turns bright, exciting and sentimental. The first game of the day took place against the Poudre Valley Impalas. Poudre Valley scored once in the top of the first, and then, when it was the Cougars' turn at bat, shortstop Autumn Rutherford led off with a single and the Cougars went on to score four times. Poudre Valley...
The Cougars girls softball team played three games last week, enjoying two wins by a large margin over the Thompson Valley Eagles and Mountain View Mountain Lions, before suffering a tough loss to the Riverdale Ridge Raptors. "We definitely had a change of mindset throughout the week. We've been competing and having more fun, no matter what happens," said second baseman Zoie Chociej, summing up their play after the end of the third game. She spoke in between bites, enjoying an impromptu...
Sometimes a battle is in the batter's box between a hitter and a pitcher. Sometimes it's the entire game or series. After a mixed week of play, where the Cougars lost against Northridge by a score of 13-3, and won against Thompson Valley, 10-0, a battle is what the team had on Saturday in their matchup against Severance. During the game, the women proved that their defense and ability to show fortitude is one of their biggest strengths even if it doesn't bring the outcome they desire. The...
Niwot attorney, co-founder of the Left Hand Valley Courier, longtime Niwot resident and (extremely) active community member, Bruce "Biff" Warren, received yet another honor this week. Partner and founding attorney at Warren, Carson & Moore LLP, Warren was inducted into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame. "A couple of people showed up in my office one morning, without an appointment," Warren said. "It was Dennis Paul, who is president of the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame, and Jeff...
Rock & Rails' second complete season following pandemic interruptions was a notable success. A full slate of musical acts played each Thursday between Jun. 2 and Aug. 25 and included 26 musical groups split between main stage and opening acts. Talent included long time performers who return each year, new performers, Colorado Music Hall of Fame members and newly appointed Colorado Country Music Hall of Famer, Gunbarrel resident Dean Himes. Business numbers also point to a strong season....
This week, NHS softball showed that they are willing to make a sustained and focused effort no matter what, even if positive results aren't always assured. On Tuesday, the team came out ahead against the Skyline Falcons by a score of 20 to 4, and prevailed again on Thursday against the Severance Silver Knights, 3-2 in 7 innings. The Severance victory included an RBI from pitcher Anne Booth, two RBI from catcher Selene Amaya, and a sixth-inning rally by Severance that closed Niwot's lead to a...
As if NHS homecoming week events weren’t exciting enough, Niwot’s softball team played in a tournament at Barnes Softball Complex in Loveland. The schedule stretched through four games from Friday to Saturday, with Friday’s play leaving the girls rushing to participate in the Homecoming Week parade and then get to Friday night’s first home football game. Saturday’s games were canceled due to rain and poor field conditions, which was a mix of disappointment and relief for players who no longer had to rush after the games to change into form...
Although she grew up in Littleton, Colorado, when Carol Riggs came north to attend CU Boulder, she found a home in East Boulder County. In the years after graduation she worked at, then purchased and grew Sturtz and Copeland Florist to where it was consistently named Boulder's best florist by The Boulder Weekly. Riggs integrated into the business community in Boulder, and settled in Niwot to raise a family. As a testament to her achievement, she was inducted into the Boulder County Business...
Although Niwot High School's softball team has been off to a strong start and is showing a strong sense of teamwork, this week saw the girls continue to experience both the highs and the lows of growth together. Tuesday's game saw the girls winning handily over their opponents, the Mountain View Lions. They played well together as a team in the field, and showed up at the plate, with a collective batting average of .310. Second baseman Zoe Chociej continued her strong performance, going 3 for 3...
Last Saturday's Niwot High School girl's softball double-header was something of a "wildcat" contest as the Cougars battled the Lyons Lions and the Peak to Peak Pumas. Junior Jenna Hobson and Maddie Stimack shared pitching duties both days with Hobson starting and Stimack coming on in relief. Scoring began early in the first game, with shortstop Autumn Rutherford singling to reach base before she was brought home with the first run. After catching up at the bottom of the first inning, the Lions...
This week's Student Athlete of the Week is Niwot Senior Softball player Zoie Chociej, who was named Max Prep's first national softball player of the week for the 2022-2023 season. According to the organization's announcement, the Niwot senior was chosen based on her accomplishment of going 10-for-10 at the plate, including two home runs during the week of August 15-21. "It felt amazing," she said. "It makes me feel good about all the hard work I put in after years of coaches not believing in...
For years, beloved Colorado performer Hazel Miller has been part of the annual Rock & Rails lineup. Fans have packed her performances for a night of blues and boogie among friends and neighbors. We talked to Miller in advance of her Thursday, Aug. 25 performance to see what attendees can expect when she takes the stage this year. Q: Welcome back to Niwot for Rock & Rails. How are you feeling about closing out the series this Thursday? A: Well, we've been playing a gig for more than a decade and...
After a challenging first away game at Frederick High School, Niwot varsity softball went on to a pair of victories and an overall winning record for the opening week of the season. "I feel pretty good about week one," said Head Coach Bobby Matthews. "We were able to put a bad loss behind us on Tuesday and build off a good win on Thursday. It all came together on Saturday for the second win of the week." Scores for the week tell the fuller story. After Tuesday's 20-3 loss to Frederick High...
Residents who've been fine-tuning their Latin ballroom dance moves in Cottonwood Square will have their chance to shine when Quemando takes the stage at this week's Rock & Rails. The band is well known in the area, having performed at the Niwot Jazz Festival in June. The band has also opened for acts like Sheryl Crow at Jazz Aspen Snowmass, and Oscar De Leon. We talked to Quemando's founder, Eric Schneider, to get a preview of this week's high-energy show. Q: Thanks for talking to me today. Can...
Face Vocal Band, the beloved a cappella band that has been featured on both local stages and in venues as elevated as Carnegie Hall, Red Rocks, The Broncos' Empower Field, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, is coming back to Rock & Rails. This year's concert comes during a time of change for the band, as longtime member Cody Qualls prepares to step away later this month. We talked to the band's percussionist/beatboxing master Mark Megibow about the band, current changes, some of their favorite...
There's one person who commands the Rock & Rails stage more than once during the course of this season, and it's Mark Trippanese, frontman for Last Men on Earth. While he also leads The Long Run, he calls Last Men on Earth a "variety rock band." It's really a lot more than that. It's arena rock for everyone, featuring popular favorites that audiences know and can dance to. And the band can switch it up In a heartbeat. This popular group has played all around the Front Range including The Buffalo...
There aren't many bands fans can hear at Rock & Rails and also enjoy in a store's music feed while shopping at WalMart, Target or elsewhere. But that's the case for Twenty Hands High, the nationally touring Southern rock band that's this week's performer. We talked to CW, the band's founder, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, about the band and the upcoming performance. Q: So, what are your thoughts in advance of Rock & Rails? CW: We're stoked to be part of the whole lineup. When you do get to...
Two local breweries recently medaled in the coveted U.S. Beer Cup. Niwot-born Bootstrap Brewing took home gold for its often awarded Wreak Havoc Imperial Red and a silver for its Chillax Pineapple fruited beer. Gunbarrel's Beyond the Mountain Brewery took home two medals, a silver for its Klaus' Kolsch, and bronze for its Headspin, a New England IPA. Eleven other Colorado breweries also medaled, including three from Liquid Mechanics in Lafayette. The championship is one of the largest...
The Eagles is the kind of music that whenever it's played it's hard to keep from tapping your feet or humming along. Fans know the songs, though many prefer one style of the group's songs over another. When The Long Run takes the stage at Rock & Rails, fans can do more than hum or tap. They can dance the night away while, according to rumors, enjoying more copious adult beverages than at any other Rock & Rails show. Band founder and Don Henley-style vocalist Mark Trippensee talked to us about...
