Rosen eases his workload on talk radio

Longtime radio talk show host Mike Rosen announced recently that he is stepping down from his daily show on iHeartMedia’s KOA NewsRadio 850 AM and 94.1 FM and will transition to a contributor role, serving as a regular weekend host and political commentator. In addition, Rosen will be heard as an occasional guest host on both KOA NewsRadio and TalkRadio 630 KHOW. Rosen’s final live weekday show will air on Dec. 24.

“Doing my brand of radio, with 24/7 research and show prep, takes a work week of more than 60 hours. After 35 years on-air, I’ve decided to give myself a little more well-earned leisure time as I pass my 71st birthday,” Rosen said. “I’ve been with KOA for almost 30 years and have loved every minute of it. It’s a wonderful station with a glorious history and a great team of people. I couldn’t bring myself to just walk away from it, and a full-fledged retirement wouldn’t suit a Type A guy like me. So, I’m delighted to still have a presence with KOA as a part-time on-air contributor. While this may disappoint my longtime loyal listeners, to whom I’m eternally grateful, I hope they will find a little of Mike Rosen at least better than none at all. I’m passing the baton to Mandy Connell in the midday time slot, who’s done a great job on KHOW in the morning. You’ll like her.”

Rosen has been KOA’s midday host since 1988. His role as an editorial-page columnist for both The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News stretches back more than 30 years, and his columns have appeared in numerous national publications. Rosen has been featured as a political analyst on several media outlets, and has appeared on “The O’Reilly Factor,” “Good Morning America” and “CNN Tonight.” In addition, Rosen has served as a guest host of “The Rush Limbaugh Show.”

Rosen is the author of the recently-released book “REALITY: A Plain-Talk Guide to Economics, Politics, Government and Culture,” which features a compendium of Rosen’s writings, with a focus on politics and economic issues.

Connell has been named the new midday host on KOA NewsRadio, effective Jan. 4. Connell will bring more than 18 years of experience to KOA NewsRadio. She’s currently the morning host on KOA’s sister station, 630 KHOW.

Greg Foster, program director of KOA NewsRadio, said: “Nobody can replace Mike Rosen, but we’re confident that Mike’s fans will connect with Mandy and she’ll bring a new perspective to KOA NewsRadio.”

Tomlin coming to Paramount

Tickets are now on sale for an Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin, spanning the career of the multi-talented performer, at 8 p.m. April 23 at the Paramount Theatre, 16th and Glenarm streets. Doors open at 7 p.m.

As a member of the cast of “Laugh-In” in 1969, Tomlin rocketed to fame with her characterizations of Ernestine, the irascible telephone operator, and Edith Ann, the devilish 6-year-old.

Tomlin wrote and starred in six comedy television specials, and has guest-starred in numerous television shows. She currently co-stars with Jane Fonda on the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie.”

Reserved seating for Tomlin’s Paramount show are $ 44 to $ 95 (plus service charges).  Tickets are available at www.altitudetickets.com/event/lily-tomlin-4660/ or by calling 303-893-8497

Garofalo coming to Comedy Works

Janeane Garofalo has been a ground-breaking performer since she burst on the scene in 1992. The actress and comedienne will perform at Comedy Works Downtown in Larimer Square at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and at 7:40 and 9:45 p.m. Jan. 9. Tickets are available at www.comedyworks.com or by calling 303-595-3637.

Garofalo has had many memorable and critically acclaimed roles in films such as “The Truth About Cats and Dogs,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Ratatouille,” “Reality Bites,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion” and “Mystery Men.”  The actress also co-authored the best seller “Feel This Book,” with Ben Stiller.

Garofalo was a cast member of the Emmy Award-winning “Ben Stiller Show” and played the role of Paula, the acerbic talent booker, on “The Larry Sanders Show,” receiving an Emmy nomination.  During the fall of 1994 she joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live.”  Some of her other television work includes two specials for HBO, Fox’s “24,” “Mad About You” and the final season of NBC’s “The West Wing.”

Wash Park’s Fooducopia open again

Wash Park’s Fooducopia recently reopened to the public after a 10-day renovation and interior redesign. Fooducopia first launched as an organic retail store with a small cafe; after it found neighborhood loyalty and garnered attention from 5280 and Westword’s “Best Brunch” award in 2014, owner Tim Lymberopoulos decided to expand the dining area and make it more accessible for the local breakfast, lunch and dinner crowd.

The new space was designed by Johanna Woodrow Designs and reflects the style of Fooducopia’s true farm-to-table roots. “It’s my design philosophy to create spaces that function to meet the needs or improve the lives of those who use them,” Johanna Woodrow said. The cozy space boasts repurposed barnwood and remains community-focused with shared tables and public events.

Fooducopia is now open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Trout Tank winner

Bringing a focus on healthy eating, kale chip snack company Kulture Superfoods took home $ 5,000 at Trout Tank: Food Frenzy, presented by Denver-based restaurateur and airport concessionaire Mission Yogurt, Inc. and the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center on Dec. 1 at The Denver Post amphitheater.

Kulture Superfoods owner and founder Mike Milakovic and the other contestants, which included Komotodo Sushi Burrito, Just BE Kitchen, Petey Bird and Mac ‘N Noodles, presented their business plan to investors and lenders, as well as a panel of judges comprised of restaurateurs and industry experts: Mark Berzins of Little Pub Company, Pat Miller of Gabby Gourmet, chef Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class, Rod Tafoya of Mission Yogurt Inc. and chef Alex Seidel of Fruition and Mercantile Dining & Provision.

Komotodo Sushi Burrito took home the People’s Choice award, which included a membership to the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and a year of free classes at the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center.

And, finally, eavesdropping on me: Wishing all my suburban column readers a safe and happy holiday season!

Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. You can subscribe and read her columns (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. She can be reached at parkerp1953@gmail.com or at 303-619-5209.