John Wenzel
@johnwenzel.bsky.social
A&E reporter / critic for The Denver Post. Bylines in Rolling Stone, Esquire, The Atlantic and my 4th grade book report. Dayton, Ohio, native. Send Marion's Pizza.
Reposted by John Wenzel
New: Student journalists say they were banned from CU Boulder campus after covering pro-Palestine protest www.denverpost.com/2025/11/20/c... via @dailycamera.com
Student journalists say they were banned from CU Boulder campus after covering pro-Palestine protest
Sophomore Ašiihkionkonci Parker, one of the student journalists, was banned from campus for two weeks after covering a Students for Justice in Palestine protest against Lockheed Martin at a career …
www.denverpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:33 PM
New: Student journalists say they were banned from CU Boulder campus after covering pro-Palestine protest www.denverpost.com/2025/11/20/c... via @dailycamera.com
#PurnellSteen was an absolute legend and one who deserves all the posthumous attention he can get. News obit and context by jazz columnist and radio host @bretsaunders.bsky.social for @denverpost.com
Tireless Colorado jazz pianist-bandleader Purnell Steen has died
Purnell Steen, a joyous Colorado jazz pianist-bandleader and tireless civil rights advocate, died on Nov. 18. He was 84.
www.denverpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM
#PurnellSteen was an absolute legend and one who deserves all the posthumous attention he can get. News obit and context by jazz columnist and radio host @bretsaunders.bsky.social for @denverpost.com
BREAKING: A jury found former Grateful Dead bar owner and jam-band scene fixture #JayBianchi guilty on five counts of sexual assault related to three incidents -- the most serious of his 10 total charges.
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Jury finds Grateful Dead bar owner Jay Bianchi guilty on 5 counts of sexual assault
Jay Bianchi was arrested in April 2024 on suspicion of six counts of sexual assault and one count of unlawful sexual contact related to three separate cases.
www.denverpost.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:29 PM
BREAKING: A jury found former Grateful Dead bar owner and jam-band scene fixture #JayBianchi guilty on five counts of sexual assault related to three incidents -- the most serious of his 10 total charges.
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Reposted by John Wenzel
What to do: Adult bedtime stories at Meow Wolf; Powderpalooza trib.al/HOcg1iR
Things to do around Denver: Adult bedtime stories at Meow Wolf, Powderpalooza
Your best bets for the weekend also include Denver Arts Week, which continues through Nov. 16.
trib.al
November 13, 2025 at 9:38 PM
What to do: Adult bedtime stories at Meow Wolf; Powderpalooza trib.al/HOcg1iR
Will the fourth attempt in a little over a decade succeed?
Open house tonight, in case you've never been in (and you very likely haven't). More for @denverpost.com
Open house tonight, in case you've never been in (and you very likely haven't). More for @denverpost.com
The new owners of the Yates Theater plan to restore it to its original use as a movie house.
Berkeley’s historic Yates Theater is back on track to become a movie house
The pandemic nixed a previous renovation project that would have turned the 1926 building into a performance venue.
trib.al
November 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Will the fourth attempt in a little over a decade succeed?
Open house tonight, in case you've never been in (and you very likely haven't). More for @denverpost.com
Open house tonight, in case you've never been in (and you very likely haven't). More for @denverpost.com
These new renderings of downtown Denver's #SkylinePark surprised me in how they honor some of the major architectural and sculptural features already there. Details for @denverpost.com (paywall article).
See all renderings via Rios: www.rios.com/projects/sky...
www.denverpost.com/2025/11/05/s...
See all renderings via Rios: www.rios.com/projects/sky...
www.denverpost.com/2025/11/05/s...
Skyline Park’s $5 million makeover closes downtown’s ice skating rink for two years
Improvements are coming to the thin strip of park between 15h and 17th streets on Arapahoe Street.
www.denverpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:05 PM
These new renderings of downtown Denver's #SkylinePark surprised me in how they honor some of the major architectural and sculptural features already there. Details for @denverpost.com (paywall article).
See all renderings via Rios: www.rios.com/projects/sky...
www.denverpost.com/2025/11/05/s...
See all renderings via Rios: www.rios.com/projects/sky...
www.denverpost.com/2025/11/05/s...
The painting in question depicted Sen. Michael Bennet as supporting genocide, and Sen. John Hickenlooper with dollar signs over his eyes. The artist, Madalyn Drewno, says it's intended to spur discussion and accountability.
Is it censorship? For @denverpost.com
Is it censorship? For @denverpost.com
Free speech groups accuse History Colorado of political censorship in new exhibit
The state’s official historical society has removed a painting that it said went awry of political campaign rules.
www.denverpost.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The painting in question depicted Sen. Michael Bennet as supporting genocide, and Sen. John Hickenlooper with dollar signs over his eyes. The artist, Madalyn Drewno, says it's intended to spur discussion and accountability.
Is it censorship? For @denverpost.com
Is it censorship? For @denverpost.com
It's not exactly crazy to see this many #RedRocks shows already set, given how touring and scheduling works. But it FEELS crazy given that it's not even Thanksgiving yet.
Plan ahead, kids! Here are details, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Plan ahead, kids! Here are details, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Every 2026 Red Rocks Amphitheatre show announced (so far)
Tickets are on sale via AEG Presents’ axs.com site.
www.denverpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:59 PM
It's not exactly crazy to see this many #RedRocks shows already set, given how touring and scheduling works. But it FEELS crazy given that it's not even Thanksgiving yet.
Plan ahead, kids! Here are details, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Plan ahead, kids! Here are details, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Some of Colorado's biggest monsters and unsung heroes reside permanently in the infamous #RiversideCemetery, a unique, barren and history-soaked patch of haunted ground. I love it there.
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Colorado’s ghosts and monsters stalk Riverside Cemetery
Time has not smiled kindly on the grubby, unique graveyard along the South Platte River.
www.denverpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Some of Colorado's biggest monsters and unsung heroes reside permanently in the infamous #RiversideCemetery, a unique, barren and history-soaked patch of haunted ground. I love it there.
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Thrilled to have penned liners for #Label51's "Notes from the Underground: Vol. 2," which dives into Denver indie rock acts like Bluebook, Bellhoss, Pink Fuzz, Kissing Party & more.
LP/CD available here: shop.twistandshout.com/UPC/81013704...). Listening party at Lion's Lair 5-8 pm Friday Nov. 14!
LP/CD available here: shop.twistandshout.com/UPC/81013704...). Listening party at Lion's Lair 5-8 pm Friday Nov. 14!
October 29, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Thrilled to have penned liners for #Label51's "Notes from the Underground: Vol. 2," which dives into Denver indie rock acts like Bluebook, Bellhoss, Pink Fuzz, Kissing Party & more.
LP/CD available here: shop.twistandshout.com/UPC/81013704...). Listening party at Lion's Lair 5-8 pm Friday Nov. 14!
LP/CD available here: shop.twistandshout.com/UPC/81013704...). Listening party at Lion's Lair 5-8 pm Friday Nov. 14!
Reposted by John Wenzel
This year's Denver Film Festival is expected to draw 40,000 cinephiles over its run this year. The newest "Knives Out" sequel, "Hamnet," "The Testament of Ann Lee" and more are in the lineup. The festival starts Friday: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/28/d... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
Denver Film Festival 2025: John Elway doc, new ‘Knives Out’ lead city’s biggest film party
The event runs Friday. Oct. 31-Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House and other venues.
www.denverpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:03 PM
This year's Denver Film Festival is expected to draw 40,000 cinephiles over its run this year. The newest "Knives Out" sequel, "Hamnet," "The Testament of Ann Lee" and more are in the lineup. The festival starts Friday: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/28/d... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
It's not every year that @denverfilm.bsky.social and #DenverFilmFestival snag this level of Colorado luminaries to bookend the fest -- with Rian Johnson up front and John Elway on closing night.
Here's what else to watch for, more guests and how to attend, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Here's what else to watch for, more guests and how to attend, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Denver Film Festival 2025: John Elway doc, new ‘Knives Out’ lead city’s biggest film party
The event runs Friday. Oct. 31-Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House and other venues.
www.denverpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:24 PM
It's not every year that @denverfilm.bsky.social and #DenverFilmFestival snag this level of Colorado luminaries to bookend the fest -- with Rian Johnson up front and John Elway on closing night.
Here's what else to watch for, more guests and how to attend, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Here's what else to watch for, more guests and how to attend, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Jonny Barber's long-suffering #ColfaxMuseum archive -- the host spaces for which have been rocked by a fire, floods and gentrifying rent -- is going to #HistoryColorado as part of its permanent archive.
How did it get there, and when can we see it? Details for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
How did it get there, and when can we see it? Details for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
A treasure trove of Colfax Avenue artifacts heading permanently to History Colorado
Jonny Barber is is donating his massive “Colfax Museum” collection so it can have a permanent home.
www.denverpost.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Jonny Barber's long-suffering #ColfaxMuseum archive -- the host spaces for which have been rocked by a fire, floods and gentrifying rent -- is going to #HistoryColorado as part of its permanent archive.
How did it get there, and when can we see it? Details for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
How did it get there, and when can we see it? Details for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
The oft-delayed sexual assault trial of former Grateful Dead-themed bar(s) owner #JayBianchi has begun, with opening statements and witnesses called in what will likely be a 3-4 week trial.
Here's what happened Tuesday, with a preview of the defense strategy, via @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Here's what happened Tuesday, with a preview of the defense strategy, via @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Sexual assault, drugging trial begins for former owner of Grateful Dead-themed bars
Jay Bianchi is alleged to have drugged and sexually assaulted multiple people between 2020 and 2024
www.denverpost.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The oft-delayed sexual assault trial of former Grateful Dead-themed bar(s) owner #JayBianchi has begun, with opening statements and witnesses called in what will likely be a 3-4 week trial.
Here's what happened Tuesday, with a preview of the defense strategy, via @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Here's what happened Tuesday, with a preview of the defense strategy, via @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Ever since Ira Wertenteil, an otherwise healthy mountain climber/developer, started this $3 million reno he's battled 3 types of cancer, his spine fused and he's lost his eyesight on and off.
Cursed? He's got some ideas. Plus a slideshow peek inside Peabody-Whitehead Mansion, for @denverpost.com
Cursed? He's got some ideas. Plus a slideshow peek inside Peabody-Whitehead Mansion, for @denverpost.com
After a $3 million renovation, ‘cursed’ Capitol Hill mansion is ready to reopen
Ghost hunters, tours and TV shows love the mansion because of its deep and haunted lore.
www.denverpost.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Ever since Ira Wertenteil, an otherwise healthy mountain climber/developer, started this $3 million reno he's battled 3 types of cancer, his spine fused and he's lost his eyesight on and off.
Cursed? He's got some ideas. Plus a slideshow peek inside Peabody-Whitehead Mansion, for @denverpost.com
Cursed? He's got some ideas. Plus a slideshow peek inside Peabody-Whitehead Mansion, for @denverpost.com
EDC officials yesterday praised former Colorado film commissioner Donald Zuckerman, who was fired without explanation last month despite his central role in landing the #Sundance Film Fest for Boulder and growing the state's film office.
More, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
More, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
Economic development officials praise former Colorado film commissioner, question his firing
Donald Zuckerman was fired without explanation last month despite having just landed the Sundance Film Festival.
www.denverpost.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:31 PM
EDC officials yesterday praised former Colorado film commissioner Donald Zuckerman, who was fired without explanation last month despite his central role in landing the #Sundance Film Fest for Boulder and growing the state's film office.
More, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
More, for @denverpost.com (paywall article)
And another Denver School of the Arts grad takes the national stage...
I predict a Best Original Screenplay nod, if not something in the acting categories. Critics have been cool or outright antagonistic toward it, but it's gorgeously shot & uncommonly smart & worth making your own mind up about
I predict a Best Original Screenplay nod, if not something in the acting categories. Critics have been cool or outright antagonistic toward it, but it's gorgeously shot & uncommonly smart & worth making your own mind up about
Julia Roberts leads Denver screenwriter Nora Garrett’s thorny new movie, ‘After the Hunt’: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/14/n... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
Julia Roberts leads Denver screenwriter Nora Garrett’s thorny new movie, ‘After the Hunt’
Nora Garrett’s original screenplay for the “After the Hunt” netted big Hollywood names such as Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield.
www.denverpost.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:04 PM
And another Denver School of the Arts grad takes the national stage...
I predict a Best Original Screenplay nod, if not something in the acting categories. Critics have been cool or outright antagonistic toward it, but it's gorgeously shot & uncommonly smart & worth making your own mind up about
I predict a Best Original Screenplay nod, if not something in the acting categories. Critics have been cool or outright antagonistic toward it, but it's gorgeously shot & uncommonly smart & worth making your own mind up about
I've written about Colorado music on and off for 25 years, and our fertile, fearless indie and DIY artists continue to amaze me.
But I'm also impressed at how the state's int'l music profile has risen over the past decade-plus. So who's repping the state in the mainstream? More at @denverpost.com
But I'm also impressed at how the state's int'l music profile has risen over the past decade-plus. So who's repping the state in the mainstream? More at @denverpost.com
These are Colorado’s 5 biggest bands right now
From the folk-rock of The Lumineers’ to the electro fever dreams of Illenium, Denver is home to several multiplatinum artists.
www.denverpost.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:52 PM
I've written about Colorado music on and off for 25 years, and our fertile, fearless indie and DIY artists continue to amaze me.
But I'm also impressed at how the state's int'l music profile has risen over the past decade-plus. So who's repping the state in the mainstream? More at @denverpost.com
But I'm also impressed at how the state's int'l music profile has risen over the past decade-plus. So who's repping the state in the mainstream? More at @denverpost.com
You don't tour Europe with "West Side Story" without learning a few things about theater. Now Denver native #RyanFitzgerald is back with his Buell Theatre debut as part of the Tony-winning "Shucked."
How'd he get there? More for @denverpost.com
How'd he get there? More for @denverpost.com
Denver to Broadway: Ryan Fitzgerald’s corny journey to Tony-winning “Shucked”
The Longmont native is touring with the acclaimed musical comedy, playing Oct. 7-19 at the Buell Theatre.
www.denverpost.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:21 PM
You don't tour Europe with "West Side Story" without learning a few things about theater. Now Denver native #RyanFitzgerald is back with his Buell Theatre debut as part of the Tony-winning "Shucked."
How'd he get there? More for @denverpost.com
How'd he get there? More for @denverpost.com
#OffCenter, the experimental arm of Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is done. They did Camp Christmas, David Byrne & Mala Gaonkar's "Theater of the Mind," groundbreaking VR shows, etc.
This comes after layoffs in June at the DCPA that officials declined to describe. More for @denverpost.com
This comes after layoffs in June at the DCPA that officials declined to describe. More for @denverpost.com
DCPA closes innovative Off Center, producer of “Theater of the Mind,” Camp Christmas
Budget challenges and lack of partners willing to share the risk were major factors, DCPA said.
www.denverpost.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:11 PM
#OffCenter, the experimental arm of Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is done. They did Camp Christmas, David Byrne & Mala Gaonkar's "Theater of the Mind," groundbreaking VR shows, etc.
This comes after layoffs in June at the DCPA that officials declined to describe. More for @denverpost.com
This comes after layoffs in June at the DCPA that officials declined to describe. More for @denverpost.com
"You are taking in the Human Centipede of Content, and from the very very end of the line, all while the folks at the front laugh and laugh, consume and consume" #AI
www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
October 6, 2025 at 10:13 PM
"You are taking in the Human Centipede of Content, and from the very very end of the line, all while the folks at the front laugh and laugh, consume and consume" #AI
www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by John Wenzel
Denver Film Festival lineup features new John Elway documentary amd spotlight on Delroy Lindo, Gus Van Sant and more: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/04/d... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
Denver Film Fest: A John Elway documentary, the new “Knives Out” and Gus Van Sant
The festival returns Oct. 31-Nov. 8 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Sie FilmCenter and other venues.
www.denverpost.com
October 4, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Denver Film Festival lineup features new John Elway documentary amd spotlight on Delroy Lindo, Gus Van Sant and more: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/04/d... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
Reposted by John Wenzel
Radio has served as a medium for live music since its inception. In Colorado, radio stations have featured bands big and small over the decades, through in-studio performances and regular sponsored shows at local venues.
Live music is an integral part of these Front Range radio stations
Radio stations broadcast live in-studio sessions and put on concerts by bands playing jazz, indie rock, bluegrass and other genres
trib.al
October 2, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Radio has served as a medium for live music since its inception. In Colorado, radio stations have featured bands big and small over the decades, through in-studio performances and regular sponsored shows at local venues.
"Brain rot" has lost cachet but as a descriptor for AI-creep in otherwise savvy creative people it's pretty spot on.
I concur w/Dawn here; artists using AI slop in promo speaks poorly of them in every way and makes me wonder what other gen-AI imagery/text they haven't disclosed
I concur w/Dawn here; artists using AI slop in promo speaks poorly of them in every way and makes me wonder what other gen-AI imagery/text they haven't disclosed
seeing a distressing amount of writers, musicians, and other creatives using AI generated art to promote their work. some real artist-on-artist crime happening here
September 30, 2025 at 9:10 PM
"Brain rot" has lost cachet but as a descriptor for AI-creep in otherwise savvy creative people it's pretty spot on.
I concur w/Dawn here; artists using AI slop in promo speaks poorly of them in every way and makes me wonder what other gen-AI imagery/text they haven't disclosed
I concur w/Dawn here; artists using AI slop in promo speaks poorly of them in every way and makes me wonder what other gen-AI imagery/text they haven't disclosed
Old Denver music heads: this one's for you (and me, since I moved to and started seeing shows here many moons ago).
Via George Tanner and @denverpost.com #denvermusic
Via George Tanner and @denverpost.com #denvermusic
15th Street Tavern, Tulagi and more Colorado music venues we miss
Long-gone stages in Denver, Boulder hosted the first Colorado visits from Dolly Parton, Eagles, White Stripes and The Shins.
www.denverpost.com
September 30, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Old Denver music heads: this one's for you (and me, since I moved to and started seeing shows here many moons ago).
Via George Tanner and @denverpost.com #denvermusic
Via George Tanner and @denverpost.com #denvermusic