We all know Denver Urban Spectrum has been a powerful vehicle for creating a platform where untold stories can be told and celebrated. The founder of the Denver Urban Spectrum, Rosalind “Bee” Harris, for many years has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for those in Denver to be heard and for those willing to listen to be informed. What you may not know, however, is that all of this began exactly 30 years ago. After word got out that the Spectrum was celebrating its 30th anniversary, so many individuals from the community expressed a sentiment of gratitude and astonishment. Hence the theme, “DUS Power 30…More Today Than Yesterday.”
It became clear that it would take more than one event to include everyone and everything in the festivities. As the outpouring of congratulations and admirations continued to grow, the number of events grew as well and for good reason. The public is invited and encouraged to come out and support events dating from the kickoff reception that took place on April 26, and the many events to follow over to help sustain and celebrate DUS’s historic 30th anniversary.
In case you missed it, the kickoff reception was held at the Clocktower Cabaret in downtown Denver started the upcoming chain of events, featuring live music by vocalist Jah Goatfish and friends. Those superbly talented musicians included Freddy Rodriguez on keys, Orlando Rafael on electric guitar, Tarell Marin on drums andJeroan Adams on bass. Highlights of the event included paying homage to the 2017 DUS African-Americans Who Make A Difference. These individuals, recognized in the February Denver Urban Spectrum, were Albert Cooper, Arthur C. Jones, Brande Micheau, Brenda Lyle, Christopher Herndon, Elysia R. Cook, Gary M. Jackson, Haroun K. Cowans, Linda Theus Lee, Regina L. Jackson, Reginald Carl Holmes, Ty McKay, and Vanessa Power Anderson. The 15 DUS Power 30 Couples were announced and the theme song video, More Today Than Yesterday, was presented. Proceeds from downloading the song from CD Baby (www.cdbaby.com/cd/jahgoatfish) will benefit the Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation’s scholarship to be presented during the Family Reunion Festival in August.
On May 13, the DUS will host the Power 30 Luncheon and will recognize 15 powerful couples that have been striving to profoundly and positively affect the community.
Announced as the DUS 15 Power Couples during the kick off reception included Wellington and Wilma Webb, Johnny and June Johnson, Reggie and Faye Washington, Eula and Janet Adams, Geta and Janis Asfaw, Greg and Nina Moore, Timothy Tyler and Nita Mosby, Scott Durrah and Wanda James, Damon and Heather Barry, Gerald and Glynis Albright, Ryan and Simone Ross, Michael and Mary Hancock, Matthew and Priya Burkett, Chauncey and Piper Billups and Eric and Kathy Nesbitt.
A major highlight of the event will be a video presentation of the30 year history of Denver Urban Spectrum.
The luncheon will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Stapleton, 3801 Quebec St. The event will be emceed by former Denver City Councilwoman and president Allegra “Happy” Haynes and former StateRepresentative and Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll.
Luncheon attendees will be serenaded by Jah Goatfish and Linda Theus-Lee who will be belting out familiar duet ballads. There will be an opportunity to mingle with some of the most influential individuals in the Greater Denver community while striking great deals from the many companies who were excited to participate in the silent auction.
General admission tickets are only $50 and seating is limited so make sure to get your spot soon. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite of visiting http://bit.ly/2nIxTXL
On June 28 from 7 to 9 p.m., the Spectrum will be hosting a Comedy Explosion that will feature Louis Johnson and special guest comedians Sam Adams, Stephen Agyei and Janae Burris. Prepare for a night of laughter and good times with some of your favorites and a couple of up and comers on the Denver comedy scene. This event will take place at Comedy Works at Landmark, 5345 Landmark Place in Greenwood Village. Tickets can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/2nV3lSu or www.comedyworks.com.
On Aug. 5, and 6, the Family Reunion Festival will take place at the Great Lawn Park in Lowry. This festival will provide a new and exciting opportunity for the whole family to enjoy themselves in a family friendly atmosphere. There will be a stage full of live entertainment for every member of the family, as well, as delicious food provided by a host of vendors from throughout the Denver area. Activities will include an athletic field, a car show and several family areas to provide a variety of options to enjoy your time at the park. The community is encouraged to bring the whole family out and participate in the institution of family reunions. Family cabanas with all the trimmings will be available to create a comfortable way to spend two beautiful summer days with your family and the community.
A car show, showcasing some of the most awesome and creative car attractions in the state will be on display. Along with a children’s pavilion, there will be a host of opportunities for full-family engagement activities including a scavenger hunt, gaining valuable knowledge on Sankofa hill or observing some masterpieces at the art exhibit.
Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation participants from 2001 to present will be reunited, a scholarship will be presented to a student pursuing a degree in journalism and 10 three-generational families who are making an impact in the community will be recognized.
For more information on the festival and to reserve your family Cabana, visit www.familyreunionfestival.com or call 888-995-5556 or 720-744-2300.
Event sponsors include Land Rover, Xcel Energy, Denver Water, Denver Health, Janus, Sawaya Law Firm, ARC, Comedy Works, Clocktower Cabaret and Banneker Watches and Clocks.
Denver Urban Spectrum thanks the community and supporters for making the first 30 years possible and invites everyone to come out and participate in these events with more to come, as we celebrate DUS Power 30…More Today Than Yesterday.
Editor’s note: Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information on the Denver Urban Spectrum’s 30th anniversary events, email power30@urbanspectrum.net, call 303-292-6446 or visit www.denverurbanspectrum.com.
