Updated 10/19/2018

When it comes to Veteran’s Day, Denver does it right. From concerts to parades and more, this coming October-November offers numerous ways to celebrate veterans and active military.

Veteran’s Day 2018 (which is Sunday November 11) is particularly special because it marks the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice. The armistice ended fighting on land, sea, and air between the Allies and Germany. It came into force at 11 am (Paris time) on November 11, 1918. Hence the phrase the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” and that Veteran’s Day is also known as Armistice Day in the US.

If you’re looking to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice, recognize veterans and active military, or both, here are some of events to check out.

Denver Area Veteran’s Day Events List:

Parker Symphony Orchestra: Salute: The Colorado Mormon Chorale and the Parker Symphony join together to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World War I Armistice. This program of music of remembrance and celebration features popular songs of the times, music of consolation, and spirit-rousing anthems. Selections include Battle Hymn of the Republic, Requiem for a Solider (from Band of Brothers), When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Sousa’s US Field Artillery March, a WWI Medley, and more.October 26 at 7:30 at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, CO 80138 Tickets available now: https://parkerarts.ticketforce.com

VetFest 5K – 10K – Street Party: The Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation is proud to Present VetFest, a 5K and 10K race and street party. There will also be artists booths, food trucks, and beer tents. October 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Festival Park in Castle Rock.

Aurora Veterans Salute: An event in Aurora honoring and remembering 100 years since the end of World War I. Held on Wednesday November 7 from 9:30 – 1:30 PM. Tickets will go on sale September 7. Wings Over The Rockies, 7711 E Academy Blvd #1, Denver, CO 80230

Denver Veterans Day Parade: Thousands of spectators will line Civic Center Park and nearby streets to honor local Veterans and enjoy floats, car clubs, marching units, bands, and more. Saturday November 10 at 10 AM. Parade starts at 14th St and W Colfax Ave.

Denver Veterans Day Festival: Immediately following the Denver Veterans Day Parade, the Festival begins. This family-friendly event features a music stage, kids & family activities, military displays, vendors, and food. Admission is free. Saturday November 10 from 12-3 PM at City Park

Denver Veterans Day Run 5K/10K: Hosted by Colorado Veterans Project, this is Denver’s official run for Veterans. The memorial 5K/10K fun run is open to runners, joggers, walkers, dogs, and kids of all ages. Register at https://www.denverveteransday.com/run/ Sunday November 11 at 8:00 AM at City Park

Star Spangled Gala: A fund raising event supporting non-narcotic treatments for pain and Post Traumatic Stress. Will feature Carolyn Strauss as the Master of Ceremonies and the Denver Dolls performing a tribute to the Andrews Sisters. October 20 from 5 PM – 9 PM at the Joy Burns Center Tuscan Ballroom, 2044 East Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80208

Broomfield Veterans Day Ceremony: This annual ceremony celebrates both veterans and current military personnel with speeches, song, and tributes. An honored tradition in Broomfield. Monday November 12 at 10 am at the Broomfield High School Auditorium

Veterans Day Celebration & Annual Chili Cook-off: Honor the Veterans of the I-70 Corridor and help support your Tri-Valley VFW Post 8449. If you live and breathe chili, this event is for you. Whether you want to enter your secret family recipe or just come by and sample all the delicious chilis, join the Town of Bennett at this free event. November 10 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Bennett Community Center, 1100 E Colfax Avenue, Bennett, CO

Free Meal At Applebees: Applebees is offering veterans and active duty military a free meal on Veteran’s Day (November 11). Find an Applebees near you

Castle Marne Annual Veterans Day Giveaway: Every year, Castle Marne in Denver hosts a drawing for a free night for Veterans as a “Thank You” to those who have served. The deadline for entering is Monday October 15 and is open to both active and retired US military personnel. Winners will be served complimentary Afternoon Tea at which time more drawings and door prizes will be given away. Full breakfast the following morning is included. The free stay will occur on November 9 and 10. For more details and to enter, visit their website https://castlemarne.com/annual-veterans-day-giveaway/.

Serving with Honor: A Volunteer Appreciation Event: An event to thank the volunteers who have rendered Bell Honors at over 1,100 funerals and 150 public and school events. The Honor Bell is a 1,000-pound bronze bell cast with artifacts from Colorado’s military servicemen and women, and tolled exclusively by Colorado’s veterans at graveside and memorial services. The volunteers have devoted countless hours to honoring their fellow service members, educating schoolchildren about the importance of military service, and joining the community in celebrating the memory of those who served. In addition to saluting their volunteers, there will also be a screening of the film Taking Chance. November 7, 2018 from 6:00-8:30 PM at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Littleton

Veterans Appreciation at Mile High Harley-Davidson of Parker: This event is open to the public and they ask all of those able to come out and say a special thank you to our men and women in uniform past and present. Complimentary Brunch will be served and special in store discounts for veterans and Active Duty Military and their family. November 10, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Mile High Harley-Davidson of Parker, 6280 East Pine Lane, Parker, Colorado 80138.

Colorado NVSBC October Kickoff Dinner: The goal of the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) is to bring together the Veteran Small Business Community. Now after six months of hard work by the advisory committee, the Colorado Chapter is ready to launch. Join them for a networking cocktail reception, dinner, and a keynote speaker. October 11, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Sheraton Denver Tech Center. Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colorado-nvsbc-october-kickoff-dinner-tickets-48656953257

Fort Logan Tours: In an effort to better honor our fallen, Colorado heroes, join TEDxMileHigh and Denver University graduate students as they guide you through the Fort Logan Cemetery telling the stories of forgotten soldiers who fought and died serving their country and their home state of Colorado. November 10, 2018 at 9:30 AM – 11 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, Colorado 80236

Veteran’s Day Cut-A-Ton: Do the Bang Thing Salon is hosting their 4th Annual Veteran’s Day Cut-A-Ton. Open to any veteran and their families, they will be doing free haircuts from 12-6 PM. Haircuts come with Shampoo and Style. Refreshments and Beverages will be provided. Valid IDs, such as DD214, Military ID, VA Healthcare ID, and Drivers License with Military Badge. Haircuts will be in a first come, first serve basis. November 12, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Glass Poppy Display at the Denver Botanic Gardens: Glass poppies, created by soldiers and veterans, will be displayed at Denver Botanic Gardens in partnership with Denver’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I armistice and to honor the 1,290 Colorado military members who died during the war. October 20-November 11, Boettcher Memorial Center at the Gardens’ York Street location

Aspen Crossing Elementary School Veterans Parade: Hosted by the Highlander Composite Squadron and the Civil Air Patrol, this event includes both a parade and a tribute afterwards. November 3 from 12 PM – 3 PM at Aspen Crossing Elementary School, 4655 S Himalaya St., Centennial, CO

Stay tuned for more events…

Other Colorado Veteran’s Day Resources:

2018 Local Veterans Day Deals for Veterans

Colorado Veterans Project Events

Denver Veteran’s Day Site

Colorado Springs Veteran’s Day Parade

Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Briargate YMCA in Colorado Springs

Pipes & Stripes Concert in Colorado Springs

Veterans Day Open House at the American Legion Post #183 – Strasburg, CO

American Warrior Initiative Gala Loveland

Veterans Tribute in Loveland, CO

Veterans Day Concert in Wellington, CO

The Veterans Rally

Colorado in WWI

Colorado Fallen Heroes Memorial

Ms. Carrier is an established violinist and music teacher. She was the assistant concertmaster of the Lone Tree Symphony and performed with the Parker Symphony last year. She has also previously performed with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra dell’Università di Firenze in Florence, Italy, the Lakeshore Symphony Orchestra in Chicago, the Midwest Chamber Ensemble, and the Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra in Missouri. As a soloist, she performed in the Kansas City and Chicago areas including at the Gospel Fest in 2005 in front of an audience of over 3,000. She is currently also an elementary school music teacher in Castle Rock. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Wheaton College and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“In my heart I know that the decision to choose Cindy is the best one for the PSO,” said Mr. Knetsch. “She has such maturity in her sound, and a command of her instrument. She exudes confidence, and has such poise….. an impressive young woman.”

Ms. Carrier’s first appearance as concertmaster will be at the Parker Symphony Orchestra’s season opening concert on Friday October 26, 2018 at 7:30 PM at the PACE Center in Parker.

Ms. Leathwood has performed with members of the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Colorado Symphony. Since moving to Colorado in 2001, she has performed regularly with leading musicians in the Front Range area. She was a prize winner in the Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition and the Ruth Slenzynska National Piano Competition among others. She is currently part of the Lamont School faculty teaching the Alexander Technique and Piano.

In addition to Ms. Leathwood’s performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, the Parker Symphony will also be playing Sibelius’ “Karelia Suite”, Alfven’s “Midsommarvaka”, and Gade’s “Hamlet Overture”.

Tickets for this Denver area May concert are available now at the PACE Center online box office (https://parkerarts.ticketforce.com/), by phone at 303-805-6800 or in person at the PACE Center. And they make excellent Mother’s Day gifts!!


Established in 1994, the mission of the Parker Symphony Orchestra is to perform orchestral music that will educate, entertain, and inspire the people of Parker, Colorado and the surrounding communities. Under the direction of René Knetsch, the PSO is an all-volunteer orchestra, seventy five members strong, dedicated to continual excellence and growth. They perform with the goal of offering interesting and entertaining performances to tempt everyone’s musical palate.

2017-2018 marks the 24th season for what we now know as the Parker Symphony Orchestra. However, for the first 17 years of its existence, the orchestra was known as the South Suburban Community Orchestra. Founded by Denver resident Alan Long in 1994, the SSCO started as a small orchestra which performed in various churches around Denver and Centennial. Joe Larkin, a graduate of DU, led the orchestra as its Music Director from its inception in 1994 until 2006. René Knetsch has been the Music Director of the orchestra since the Fall of 2006.

The 2010-2011 season was a turning point for the orchestra. SSCO was performing at Grace Presbyterian Church in Centennial that year. The building was sold, which left the orchestra without a venue for performances. As luck would have it, the magnificent PACE center was being built in Parker at that time. René contacted the Executive Director of the PACE, pointing out that we had an orchestra without a performance venue, and PACE was a performance venue without an orchestra. Two of the staff members from PACE attended one of the last concerts at Grace. Liking what they heard, they graciously invited the orchestra to perform on the PACE stage, later naming the orchestra as one of the PACE’s Artistic Partners. The orchestra changed its name to the Parker Symphony Orchestra before the first concert at PACE in November 2011.

Highlights from the past 6 seasons at PACE include collaborations with the Legend High School choir, annual holiday concerts with the Parker Chorale, children’s concerts with the Young Voices of Colorado children’s choir, a Veteran’s Day concert featuring the Colorado Mormon Chorale, several professional guest soloists, a high energy concert of Latin music featuring the amazing tango group “Extasis”, and, of course, performances of many of the greatest classical music compositions ever composed.

Our current season opens with the October 27 concert titled “Sounds of the Deep”. A collection of classical music masterpieces that have a “Halloween-esque” feel to them, including the overture to “Die Fledermaus” (the bat), and the very famous “Orpheus in the Underworld” (think – “Can-Can”). December 1, 2, and 3 will be our traditional “Classic Parker Holiday” with the Parker Chorale, which always includes may well-known holiday favorites. February 23, 2018 we will present a concert we are calling “Gone Too Soon”, which will be music composed by composers who passed away at a much too early age including composers like Mozart, Gershwin, and Bizet. The final concert for the season is May 11 and will feature Heidi Leathwood, piano professor at DU’s Lamont School of Music, performing the gorgeous “Piano Concerto in A minor” by Edvard Grieg.

Despite all that, there are 3 great reasons to perform the Die Fledermaus Overture for Halloween:

1. The opera is about a masquerade: The operetta (a term used to describe a short opera with a light or humorous theme) is centered around a masquerade ball. And what’s more Halloween than dressing up in costumes?

2. The title means “The Bat”: Die Fledermaus is German for “the bat”. The operetta’s main character, Eisenstein, left his friend Dr. Falke abandoned and drunk on the street. Dr. Falke was dressed in a bat costume and from that point on he took on the nickname of “Dr. Bat”. Interestingly, “fledermaus” does not translate to “flying mouse”. “Fleder” is an old form of “flattern” which means “flutter”. So “fledermaus” is “fluttermouse”.

3. It’s fun!: Who says Halloween music has to be creepy? After all, it is meant to be a fun holiday and what’s more fun than clapping or swaying along with the famous waltz melody of this overture once called the “pièce de resistance” of the operetta by a Viennese critic. In fact it was so well-received at its premiere that it was interrupted several times by applause.

Be sure to join us on October 27, 2017 and hear us perform this and other Halloween music at “Sounds of the Deep”

If you’re looking for classical music concerts near you and you live in the South Denver Metro area (Parker, Lone Tree, Centennial, Aurora, Englewood, Littleton), check out what the Parker Symphony has to offer!

We’ve announced our 2017-2018 season presented by Parker Arts and it’s full of amazing classical music you won’t want to miss.

Parker Symphony Orchestra 2017-2018 Season

Sounds Of The Deep: On October 27, the darker side of classical music creeps to the PACE Center. You’ll experience a wonderfully horrific combination of the strange and spacey, the heavy and the dissonant, and music so haunting it’s sure to keep you awake at night. Pieces include songs from Phantom of the Opera, Dvorak’s “The Water Goblin”, and Debussy’s “La Cathedrale Engloutie” (The Submerged Cathedral).

A Classic Parker Holiday: Performing along with the Parker Chorale, the PSO treats you to an evening of traditional carols, familiar songs, and some surprises to help you get into the spirit of the holidays. December 1, 2, and 3.

Gone too soon: Composers who died at a young age: A celebration of the genius of musical prodigies like Mozart, Gershwin, and Bizet who left the world far too soon. February 23, 2018

Grieg Piano Concerto and other Scandinavian favorites: Piano soloist Heidi Leathwood and the Parker Symphony will pay homage to Scandinavian composers who have inspired thousands of up-and-coming artists. May 11, 2018


Tickets are available now at the PACE Center online box office (https://parkerarts.ticketforce.com/), by phone at 303-805-6800 or in person at the PACE Center. Ticket prices range from $24-$29 per ticket.

The Parker Symphony Orchestra joins the Plein Air Painters of America in “Notes From Nature: A Journey of Sights and Sounds”. Presented by Parker Arts, the concert and art show pay homage to our planet with a performance of nature-inspired music alongside breathtaking paintings. The event will be held on Friday May 5 at 7:30 PM at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker.

The program includes melodic pieces like Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and Smetana’s “The Moldau” as well as rousing works like the “Thunder and Lightning Polka”. An hour prior to the concert portion of the evening, an opening reception for the art exhibit will take place. Art on display will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the PACE Center and the Plein Air Painters of America. Light hors d’oeuvres will be available, and our in-house cash bar will be open through the reception and the following concert.

Tickets are available now at the PACE Center online box office (https://parkerarts.ticketforce.com/), by phone at 303-805-6800 or in person at the PACE Center. Ticket prices range from $22-$27 per ticket.

Established in 1994, the mission of the Parker Symphony Orchestra is to perform orchestral music that will educate, entertain, and inspire the people of Parker, Colorado and the surrounding communities. Under the direction of René Knetsch, the PSO is an all-volunteer orchestra, seventy five members strong, dedicated to continual excellence and growth. They perform with the goal of offering interesting and entertaining performances to tempt everyone’s musical palate.

The Plein-Air Painters of America is a fellowship of professional artists dedicated to the historic tradition of painting directly from life. Through this approach of firsthand observation, our members strive to more fully explore and respond to the timeless beauty that surrounds us all. We promote a heightened visual appreciation of the world by sharing with the public our combined knowledge and experience through workshops and exhibitions of the highest caliber.

Updated 2/16/2017

African-American heritage is celebrated year-round in the Mile High City, but during Black History Month, it truly comes alive. Below are just some of the various Denver area Black History Month events you can take part in this February.

Celebrating Black Composers Throughout The Centuries: The Parker Symphony Orchestra and Parker Arts are presenting an amazing concert featuring works by composers of color from the late 1700’s to the late 1900’s. The program includes “Three Black Kings” by Duke Ellington with a saxophone solo performed by Art Bouton, Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” and the Overture to “Treemonisha”, William Grant Still’s “Afro-American Symphony”, and the Overture in D by Joseph Bologne (also known as The Black Mozart). February 25 at 7:30 at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, CO 80138 Tickets available here: https://parkerarts.ticketforce.com

Black American West Museum: Located in the former home of the first Black woman doctor in Denver, Dr. Justina Ford, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the African American men and women who helped settle and develop the West. They will be hosting several educational speaking events. 3091 California St., Denver, CO 80205

Stiles African American Heritage Center: The mission of this museum and heritage center is to teach African American history 365 days of the year. They are located in Five Points, the heart of Denver’s historic African American community. They were named The Best of Denver by Westword Magazine for their rich cultural teachings. 2607 Glenarm Pl., Denver, CO 80205

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library: This 3 story library houses a full-service branch, collection archives, and The Western Legacies Museum and Charles R. Cousins Gallery. The name of the library is a combination of the last names of Omar Blair, the first black president of the Denver school board, and Elvin Caldwell, the first black Denver City Council member. They host events throughout the year as well as during Black History Month including Black History Live – Harriet Tubman on 2/18 and the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame exhibit of Mildred Pitts Walter from 1/23 to 2/28. There is also a solo art exhibition by Christine Fontenot titled Chromatic Attraction through March 24.2401 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205

Hallowed Ground: The University of Denver Black Student Alliance and The Black Actors Guild present a multi-dimensional theater performance celebrating the cherished spaces in African American culture. Admission is free. February 11 at 6:30 PM. University of Denver Lindsay Auditorium
Strum Hall, 2000 E. Asbury ave, Denver, CO 80210

2017 Black History Live – Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman is coming to Colorado. Becky Stone, a national humanities and Chautauqua scholar, will portray Harriet Tubman, showing everyone how one woman became an abolishonist and led hundreds of slaves to freedom. It will be held at various locations throughout the Denver metro area and beyond.

A History Of Black Firefighters The Denver Firefighters Museum is presenting an exhibit about the brave African American firefighters who carved out a career in a historically segregated profession. 02/01/2017 to 02/28/2017. 1326 Tremont Place, Denver, Colorado 80204

History Colorado Center: The History Colorado museum presents the history of Colorado year-round, but on February 25, you can see Tim Johnson portray Sgt. Jack Hackett, a Buffalo Soldier. Buffalo Soldiers were the first peacetime all African American units formed after the Civil War. Ask him questions about the life of a soldier. 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Author Toni Tipton-Martin Lecture, Food, and Book Signing: Enjoy food and a lecture with Toni Tipton-Martin, author of The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks. Book signing is also available. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 4-6 p.m. CentreTech S100 Rotunda, Community College of Aurora

“Black Women in Medicine”: Colorado premiere of documentary honoring black female doctors around the country, featuring rarely-seen documentation of black women practicing medicine during critical operations, emergency room urgent care and community wellness sessions. Includes first-hand accounts from black female pioneers in medicine and healthcare like Dr. Claudia Thomas and Dr. Jocelyn Elders. Airing, Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. Colorado Public Television 12.1.

Incognito: A free, one-man play starring Michael Fosberg detailing the journey of discovery after learning that he is part African-American. A question-and-answer session with Fosberg will follow. Part of Aurora Race Forum Series. Wednesday, Feb. 15 – 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Community College of Aurora CentreTech Campus – 15900 E. Centretech Pkwy. – Aurora, CO 80011

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Facilities Fundraiser: Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, tour the Cleo Parker Robinson dance facilities and hear from the legendary Cleo Parker Robinson, who will be honored for her accomplishments (Presented by Keller Williams Downtown RH Luxe Group). Saturday, Feb. 25 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance – 119 Park Ave. West – Denver, CO 80205

Other Colorado African American History Articles and Resources:

A Look Back At Colorado’s Rich African American History

Denver’s Five Points

Joplin’s Treemonisha – Rediscovered For A New Generation

Dearfield, Colorado

William Grant Still: A Man Of Many Firsts

Get To Know “The Black Mozart” – Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Quiz: Test your Black History Month knowledge

If you’re like me and you read about 4B in the Analysis of the 2016 Ballot Proposals booklet, you’re now totally confused about what it is and what SCFD does. You may have seen the Yes on 4B yard signs – the ones with the polar bear. You may even have seen Popsicle the SCFD polar bear mascot walking around town.

But all of that doesn’t mean much if you can’t translate the legal jargon from the booklet. So here’s a quick rundown of what SCFD and Colorado 4B really are and why they are so critical this election. In other words, why you should absolutely vote YES on 4B.

What is SCFD?

SCFD stands for Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. It is funded by a sales tax of one cent on every $10. It is currently in its 28th year.

Where does the money go?

SCFD supports museums like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Children’s Museum, the Denver Zoo, orchestras like the Parker Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Ballet, and other educational, scientific, and visual and performing arts programs throughout Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. If you’ve been to any of these, you’ve benefited from SCFD. Attended an orchestra concert or an opera performance? That was funded at least in part by SCFD. Took the family to a Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park or the Denver Art Museum? That was made possible by SCFD. And all for only 1 penny of every $10 you spend!

What is 4B?

The sales tax of 1 cent on every $10 to fund SCFD is set to expire in 2018. A vote of YES on ballot issue 4B will reauthorize the funds until 2030 and residents of the 7 counties can continue to experience amazing programs and events for years to come – sometimes for free. A vote of Yes will be a vote to continue to bring culture to all.

Why is Yes on SCFD so important?

SCFD helps organizations in the Denver metro area continue to provide educational and cultural programs to everyone. From Free Days to field trips to special events and exhibits, organizations large and small, SCFD brings culture to all.

It has helped the Parker Symphony purchase instruments, rent and purchase sheet music for concerts like our Music of John Williams performance, and bring in special soloists and performers.

SCFD also generates $1.8 billion annually in economic activity and $520 million in tourism and creates 10,731 jobs. It has served 4.5 million students and 14 million guests.

It has elevated the Denver metro area to a world‐class cultural center with 95% growth in attendance since the district began.

Please vote YES on 4B on November 8 and help us keep the music playing! Learn more at Yes on SCFD.

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