Service set in memory of showman

Randy Weeks could handle the truth. In all the years that I have written column items about Denver Center Attractions productions, he never admonished me when I didn’t like or walked out on a particular play or musical at The Buell Theatre.

But we weren’t done. The professional relationship I so valued was cut short when the DCPA president and Broadway executive director died Oct. 9 during a trip to London to attend the Independent Producers Network conference. He was 59.

The public is invited to honor Weeks, along with his family, during a celebration of life at 4 p.m. Nov. 3 on the stage of the Buell Theatre.

Memorial gifts can be made to The Randy Weeks Memorial Fund for the Bobby G Awards, which supports the advancement of musical theater for Colorado high school students. Please make checks payable to Denver Center for the Performing Arts and mail to: DCPA Development Office, 1101 13th St., Denver, CO 80204.

Pot shop eyed for TV

Though the lead of a new television pilot ordered for truTV is Denver marijuana dispensary owner Andy Williams, don’t expect him to be singing “Moon River.”

Williams would more likely sing Abba’s “Money, Money, Money” in the reality series that centers on the family dynasty behind the Medicine Man Marijuana Dispensary at 4750 Nome St.

truTV has ordered a pilot for “Medicine Man” (working title) with executive producer Tony Krantz (“24,” “Felicity”)  with Wilshire Studios producing and Flame Ventures’ Drew Comins as co-executive producer.

“Medicine Man” will focus on the Williams family dynasty and its unusual brand of business savvy. Medicine Man has a 40,000-square-foot industrial cultivation facility used for growing its award-winning product, employs 75 people across its various divisions, and is in construction on its first satellite outpost in nearby Aurora.

Arena books Sam Smith

British singing sensation Sam Smith will make one Denver-area stop on his “In The Lonely Hour” tour at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the 1stBank Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane, Broomfield.

The soulful Smith has been lauded for his singles “Stay With Me” and “I’m Not The Only One” in his debut album “In The Lonely Hour,” which opened the charts at No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 on Billboard.

To see his revealing recent interview on CBS’ “Sunday Morning,” go to www.cbsnews.com/news/the-revealing-sam-smith. For concert tickets, go to www.altitudetickets.com/event/sam-smith-3035.

Barn blowout marks changes

The Barn at Raccoon Creek, at 7301 W. Bowles Ave. near Littleton, celebrated its groundbreaking of an extensive project that includes the renovation of the historic red milking barn on the Grant family-owned Raccoon Creek property, and a series of new builds to accommodate Colorado’s booming destination wedding industry.

In addition to officially breaking ground on the project, the event featured a raffle giveaway and site discounts to attendees, tours of the historic property and refreshments from Gigi’s Cupcakes. Littleton-area resident and bride-to-be Kaley Barrett won the raffle giveaway of one waived site fee (up to a value of $ 5,500) for her future wedding held at The Barn. Barrett and her fiance Stephen Sferra plan to be wed at The Barn next July.

The event featured members of the Grant family, with former resident of the property Newell Grant serving as the family spokesperson. Other notable guests included Jefferson County Commissioners Faye Griffin, Casey Tighe and Donald Rosier, The Barn at Raccoon Creek sales director Abby Nurre, and Jordy Construction’s Sean Wardroup, Dan Martell, Edgar Quintero and Kristin Kyser.

When renovation of The Barn is complete next May, it will be Denver’s only historic barn venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings and special events.

The Barn at Raccoon Creek is a part of the original Grant Ranch property that dates back to 1878, when the first Democratic Gov. James B. Grant purchased the property to use as a gun and sporting club for family and friends. The property was later sold to a cattle rancher, and in 1933 was repurchased by the Grant family.

Today, the property houses the 18-hole Raccoon Creek Golf Course, the Grove restaurant and a clubhouse that includes a full pro shop.

Lone Tree gets ‘Inspyred’

Oct. 18 marked the grand opening of Denver-based Inspyre Boutique’s third location. The new 2,000-square-foot boutique, at 8441 S. Yosemite St., Suite 1, in Lone Tree, joins Inspyre’s two existing Denver boutiques, in the Lower Highland and Cherry Creek neighborhoods. The Lone Tree boutique is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

During the grand opening celebration, the first 41 people (a nod to the store’s address) in the door received a $ 25 gift certificate. Shoppers also enjoyed a photo booth with props and other perks throughout the day.

Inspyre Boutiques feature women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes and gifts from local, national and international designers, including BB Dakota, Voluspa Candles and Denver-based Hippo Kiss Creations.

Overheard

Eavesdropping on a man watching Bravo TV’s reality show “Manzo’d With Children” and commenting on oldest son Albie’s new girlfriend: “It’s obvious what Albie sees in that girl. And it’s not her brains.”

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 [email protected] or at 303-619-5209.

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