Kristen Fiore

Denver

Culture Editor at Westword

culture editor @denverwestword • formerly: @coloradonewsCCM, @vdailysun • plant enthusiast • I make art sometimes • they/them

Articles

Photos: Performances, Food and Shopping at the 51st Cherry Blossom Festival

5 days ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Temperatures climbed to 100 degrees on Saturday, but thousands still made their way to the 51st Cherry Blossom Festival at Denver's Sakura Square for a day of shopping, food and performances celebrating Japanese culture. People found air-conditioned relief (and groceries) at Pacific Mercantile, bought cold bottles of ramune from a kiddie pool filled with the popular carbonated drinks, and stood in line for snow cones that came in a dozen flavors.
Fighting Fire With Ire: Lesbian Band the Dead Sinatras Used Music as Activism

1 week ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

At the end of March, the Mercury Cafe held one final open mic for those who wanted a last chance to perform on the legendary stage before the fifty-year-old cultural mainstay became The Pearl. A seemingly never-ending string of hopeful musicians took to the stage for a show that went late into the night. While there was plenty of talent in the room, one standout act drove a large crowd of people out of their seats and onto the dance floor.
Where to See the Sunrise, Sunset in Denver on the Summer Solstice

1 week ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Falling this year on Friday, June 20, the Summer Solstice is the official first day of summer and the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning that the day gets more sunlight and fewer hours of darkness. For those who dread the short, dim days during the winter months, the Summer Solstice is worth celebrating, especially in a place like Colorado, where it seems to get dark as early as 3:30 p.m. in the dead of winter.
Classy Keys: Steinway & Sons Opens Piano Store in Cherry Creek

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Around thirty pianos stand tall and gleaming under the careful placement of lights in a Cherry Creek showroom. All of them exude an elegance...and a hefty price tag. Situated at the side of the showroom on a raised platform is an immense concert grand that can play itself. It's available for purchase — if you have $280,700 to spare. These aren't just any pianos; they're Steinways, the Ferraris of pianos.
Denver Officially Names New Rhino Sculpture Erected in RiNo

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Readers commenting on our recent article about RiNo's new rhino sculpture, which the public would get to christen, had many name ideas: Ryan o'ceros, Daryl and Gentry (short for Gentrification) among them.
Molson Coors Collab Rolls Out New Blue Moon Lip Balm

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Since 2009, beauty and skincare company eos has been making spherical lip balm in a variety of flavors — strawberry, apricot, vanilla, coconut milk — and now, Blue Moon. Yes, the beer brewed by Molson Coors. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the two companies announced the limited-edition product on June 11, promising that each swipe of the balm made of shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil "delivers a burst of refreshing citrus," inspired by Blue Moon's signature garnish.
Back in Bloom: Denver's Cherry Blossom Festival Returns for 51st Iteration

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Wendy Thompson remembers attending the Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple's Cherry Blossom Festival as a Dharma School student decades ago, when she was tasked with bussing tables and serving hot tea inside the temple's gym. Back then, the festival didn't close down Lawrence Street for vendors and entertainment, as it will for its 51st iteration on June 21 and June 22.
When to See the Strawberry Full Moon in Colorado

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Local skywatchers have already had an eventful month, what with the Northern Lights that set Colorado skies aglow at the beginning of June. While Northern Lights are only visible in areas without light pollution (so, not in Denver), the cosmically curious should plan for another event that will be much more accessible. Because when it comes down to it, June's full Strawberry Moon is low-hanging fruit.
The Elephant at the Ren Fest: Colorado Denies Permit After Animal Activist Group Threatens Litigation

3 weeks ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

Let's talk about the elephant in the room...or at the Colorado Renaissance Festival. For years, the hulking beasts have joined in the festivities in Larkspur — but squeezed into a tiny pen, sometimes donning tapestries or flower crowns, and forced to do tricks and give rides when they could only walk in a slow, tight circle.
Why Not Close Santa Fe Drive to Traffic for Every First Friday Art Walk?

3 weeks ago | westword.com | Kristen Fiore

The Art District on Santa Fe's First Friday Art Walk event has been experiencing some growing pains. Last year, officials from the Denver Department of Infrastructure & Transportation started telling vendors setting up along Santa Fe Drive during the eclectic monthly event that they would have to move off the main street because of accessibility and safety concerns, as well as some issues with blocking entrances to businesses. Ouch.