AURORA August | September 2018

CArtsR & HistoryE AWorthT DiscoveringES

AURORA’S SUMMER ARTS SCENE: Something for Everyone!

Internationally renowned drummer, Paa Kow, to perform with his Afro- Fusion orchestra July 22.

Celebrate El Salvador in Aurora MESSAGEfrom the Editors

Aurora is now a majority-minority community, where people identifying with a racial or ethnic minority group make up a majority of the population. And a fifth of Aurora’s residents are foreign-born. According to Brown University, Aurora is the ninth most diverse city at the neighborhood level and the 10th most integrated community among the 100 most FALL INTO populous cities in the U.S. The city’s Cultural Services Division AUTUMN has an important role to play in welcoming and respecting Aurora’s diverse residents because it is through the arts that we can broaden and deepen our understanding of and CELEBRATING appreciation for the diversity of cultures that make this city so unique and special. The Aurora History SALVADORANS Museum has been a great contributor to this effort through its ongoing The Aurora History Museum, in “A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s series of exhibits that tell the story of partnership with Aurora Sister Salvadoran Community” runs through Aurora’s transformation from a one- Cities, is celebrating the third-largest Nov. 4 and includes complementary horse town (thank you, Patches) to foreign-born community in Aurora, programs such as the Sept. 19 Brown one of the country’s most diverse and Salvadorans, with an exhibition that Bag Lecture: Salvadoreños Residiendo welcoming large cities. honors this community and educates en Colorado (Salvadorans living those who are not that familiar with it, in Colorado), where attendees will This issue’s cover story features Tin a fun and interesting way including have another opportunity to learn images from one of the museum’s images, videos and items on display. about Aurora’s vibrant Salvadoran current exhibits: “A Mosaic of community. Cultures: Aurora’s Salvadoran From the color selection on the walls Community.” Aurora is home to to the vibrant colors of the art and This is the second installment in more than 3,000 Salvadorans, traditional clothing on display, the a series of collaborative exhibits making them the third-largest exhibition is a cultural fête, both of between Aurora Sister Cities and the foreign-born population in the the past and present, as the images museum. The first was two years ago city (after Mexico and Ethiopia). accompanying this story can show. on Ethiopia, the second-largest foreign- born community in Aurora (Mexico Many of these residents are in the “A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s United States under the Temporary is número uno). For the El Salvador Salvadoran Community” is also a exhibition, the Aurora History Museum Protected Status (TPS) Program, a connector as it engaged members of the humanitarian program where the U.S. also worked in close collaboration Salvadoran community in a significant with the Consulate of El Salvador in suspends deportations to countries way. In preparation for the exhibition, that have been destabilized by war or Aurora and the city of Aurora Office of the museum and the Consulate of El International and Immigrant Affairs. catastrophe. Salvador in Aurora hosted a series of So go to the Aurora History Museum community meetings. The result: The Cover Image: Detail of a beach and feel good about Aurora’s status as exhibit was shaped by community towel on display at the Aurora History Colorado’s most diverse city. As they input, and many Salvadorans even Museum for the “Mosaic of Cultures: say in El Salvador, “Ta’ chivo, ¿vá?” shared items for the exhibition. Aurora’s Salvadoran Community.” The (It’s cool, isn’t it?!) design is inspired by folk art from El Salvador’s La Palma region and world- 1 |AURORA CREATES renowned artist Fernando Llort. SPOTLIGHT ON Salvadoran Culture Champion Roxy Hernández

Roxy Hernández, an immigrant disseminate the Salvadoran traditions. What are some of the most common from El Salvador, defines herself Our motto is, “Dancing with a things people don’t know about El as an entrepreneur and a helper by purpose,” that way people come closer Salvador that you are proud to talk nature. She runs a nonprofit dance and engage by asking what that purpose about? is. program, Eco Folklórico Cuscatlán, Almost all Salvadorans don’t eat and a catering business of traditional What do you want people to know pupusas with a fork. The Butterfly RSalvadoran food, Antojitos Cuscatlán. about the Salvadoran culture Pavilion is supplied butterflies from Hernández moved to Colorado 23 years through your dancing and food? El Imposible National Park in El ago, 13 of which have been spent in Salvador. El Salvador is “El pulgarcito Aurora. Although we are part of the American de America” (Americas’ Tom Thumb) continent, our dance, music and due to its size being smaller than the AC: Tell us about your passion for gastronomy is different and we will state of Massachusetts. San Salvador, dancing and your background in that humbly share it with you. the capital, is known as “the valley of discipline. the hammocks” because of the frequent You are considered to be a pioneer of earthquakes. Horchata de morro –the RH: My passion for dancing, socially, Salvadoran heritage by preserving Salvadoran delicacy made with toasted has been there since very young but I and disseminating Salvadoran nuts that get blended to make our never really received formal training traditions. Why do you do this? famous beverage– won first place at the in regards to folklore. Typically, we Denver County Fair in 2017. used to dance one or two times a year Latin America is diverse and through the school year, and then Coloradans needed to be exposed to the there was no more exposure to it until richness and diversity of our culture. So I moved to Aurora 13 years ago and back in 2007, a small group of friends I saw the need to represent my roots, who love dancing and my children so needless to say, I have done a lot of became Eco Folklórico (although it reading, asked a lot of questions and officially became a nonprofit in 2013) watched lots of YouTube performances. and ever since I’ve done my best to participate in community events, AC: Why is dancing to traditional public schools, faith communities, Salvadoran music important to you? art festivals, etc. I just love the look of enjoyment people show at our RH: Because although the Mayans, performances and the satisfying look at Pipiles, Lencas, etc., are gone, there is a tastings of Salvadoran gastronomy...I story to share with the world. Diversity do it for love of the art and my of all ethnic groups living in the indigenous heritage. community should be represented to share the richness of our heritage while What are some of the changes you at the same time other cultures realize have seen in the city’s cultural scene the similarities and differences of our in the last decade or so? culture. Slowly but surely Aurora and Colorado AC: Is that what you try to in general have been adapting to accomplish with Eco Folklórico accommodate the immigrant population Cuscatlán? in the last 12 years. Now you see more authentic ethnic restaurants, and Yes, Eco Folklórico Cuscatlán’s a lot of community events labeled as mission is to promote, preserve and “international.”

August-September 2018 | 2 august

01 Cabaret Series: “Unexpected 11 Aurora Dance Arts Auditions Songs with Kaitlin Weinstein for “The Nutcracker” Ballet and Friends” 12:30 – 5 p.m. $ 7:30 p.m. $ Aurora Center for Active Adults Vintage Theatre 30 Del Mar Circle

02 Concert: Chris Daniels and New Play Comedy Festival: the Kings “I Left My Dignity in My 6 p.m. Other Purse” Southlands Lifestyle Center 2:30 p.m. $ 6155 S. Main St. Vintage Theatre New Play Comedy Festival: 03 Opening Night: Neil Simon’s “Dead Behind the Eyes or “The Sunshine Boys” The Ingenue Play” 7:30 p.m. $ 7:30 p.m. $ Vintage Theatre Vintage Theatre

04 Aurora Dance Arts Performance 12 Aurora Dance Arts Callbacks Aurora Public Schools 11th for “The Nutcracker” Ballet Annual Back to School Kick Off 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Aurora Center for Active Adults Town Center at Aurora 14200 E. Alameda Ave. New Play Comedy Festival: “Certifiably Yours” That Eighties Band 09 New Play Comedy Festival: 2:30 p.m. $ “The Best Day of Your Life” Vintage Theatre 7:30 p.m. $ Vintage Theatre New Play Comedy Festival: “Pretty Naked People” Auditions for Aurora Symphony 6:30 p.m. $ Violin, viola, cello, double bass, Vintage Theatre trumpet, percussion, piano/key- board 13 Industry Night: Neil Simon’s 6 – 9 p.m. “The Sunshine Boys” Aurora Central Library (Benefiting the Denver Actors Fund) Concert: That Eighties Band 7:30 p.m. $ 6 p.m. Vintage Theatre Southlands Lifestyle Center 15 Lecture: Rocky Flats and the 10 New Play Comedy Festival: Cold War THE “The Cannibal of Ajax” NUTCRACKER Noon $ 7:30 p.m. Aurora History Museum Vintage Theatre $ et AUDITIONS 18 Global Fest 11 DeLaney Farm Historic District 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Open Days Aurora Municipal Center Lawn 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Aurora History Museum

Radio Days: “Jane Thinks Mink” 19 2019 Season Announcement A live performance of a classic Party “Easy Aces” radio broadcast from 6 p.m. (reservations required) the 1930s Free food; cash bar 11:30 – noon Vintage Theatre Aurora History Museum 21 Concert: Byron Shaw Projex Auditions for Aurora Symphony The Gardens on Havana Violin, viola, cello, double bass, 1350 S. Ironton St. trumpet, percussion, piano/key- board Noon – 3 p.m. Aurora Central Library

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25 DeLaney Farm Historic District 07 Opening Night: “The Kentucky Open Days Cycle Parts 1 & 2” 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. $ Vintage Theatre Radio Days: “Jane’s Mother Comes to Visit” 08 Go Wild West Aurora (Aurora A live performance of a classic Dance Arts Performance) “Easy Aces” radio broadcast from Byron Shaw Projex 12 – 4 p.m. the 1930s Moorhead Recreation Center 11:30 a.m. – noon 2390 Havana St. Aurora History Museum Tea Time at the Aurora History 26 Centennial House Open Day Museum: Sarah Platt 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2 – 3:30 p.m. $ Aurora History Museum 27 Art in Public Places 25th Anniversary Proclamation 14 Opening Night: “Songs for a 7:30 p.m. during Aurora City New World” Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. $ Aurora Municipal Center Aurora Fox Arts Center Council Chamber 15 Polynesian Arts and Cabaret Series: “The Jerseys: Culture Programs 29 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Unplugged” “The Jerseys: Unplugged” 7:30 p.m. $ Aurora History Museum Vintage Theatre 19 Lecture: Salvadoreños Residiendo en Colorado (Salvadorans living in Colorado) Noon $ Aurora History Museum

22 Antique Appraisal Fair ONGOING 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $ Aurora Central Library Exhibit: “Micro Cosmos” 14949 E. Alameda Parkway works by DAVA youth and guest artist Nicole Banowetz DAVA Through Aug. 30

Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys” Vintage Theatre Aug. 3 – Sept. 9 RADIO “The Kentucky Cycle Parts 1 & 2” Vintage Theatre Sept. 7 – Oct. 21 DAYS “Songs for a New World” Aurora Fox Arts Center at History Museum Sept. 14 – Oct. 14 Exhibit: “1968: A Fifty-Year The Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, invites you to the Retrospective” watch the last two live performances of a classic radio broadcast, featuring Aurora History Museum news from the early days of our fair city in the 1930s. These stories have Through Nov. 4 been borrowed from the Aurora Democrat newspaper, which reported the happenings in Aurora, and around the nation, from 1909 to 1955. On Aug. Exhibit: “A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Salvadoran Community” 11, watch a performance of Easy Aces’ script “Jane Thinks Mink,” and on Aurora History Museum Aug. 25, watch Easy Aces’ script “Jane’s Mother Comes to Visit,” both at Through Nov. 4 11:30 a.m. Admission to the Aurora History Museum is always free. Details at AuroraMuseum.org.

August-September 2018 | 4 The Aurora Fox Arts Center opens with Second City’s “Twist Your its 2018-19 season in September Dickens,” (Nov. 23-Dec. 23) an with “Songs for a New World” irreverent and interactive seasonal (Sept. 14-Oct. 14), written and satire. This madcap, and adult, AURORA composed by Jason Robert Brown. send-up of the holiday classic This unique musical centers on finds Scrooge, Tiny Tim and those the idea of life-changing decisions know-it-all ghosts hopelessly that land us in a place we never mixed up in zany holiday sketches. FOX expected, a metaphorical and And the New Year will bring us sometimes literal “new world.” Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm’s Kick Offs Season The cast features Aurora/Denver explosive, funny and searing look ‘Full of Hope’ favorites Leonard E. Barrett Jr., at being a young black teenager in Lainey Riggs, Sarah Rex and America today with “Hooded, or Randy Chalmers. Being Black for Dummies” (Jan. 18-Feb 10). This brilliant new “I am excited to start the season comedy is sure to spur rigorous with a musical that is so full of discussion about the life and death hope,” said Helen R. Murray, issues dealt with in this wildly Aurora Fox executive producer insightful piece. and director for ‘Songs.’ “Songs for a New World” explores the The second half of the season lives of very different people all features “Life Sucks” (Feb. confronting a crossroad. From the 22-March 17) by Aaron Posner, a deck of a ship that needs to make special limited-run performance it to shore, to a woman about to be of Philip Dawkins’ “The Happiest a mother, to a couple who grapple Place on Earth” (March 8-24), with trying to stay connected–these and a thought-provoking musical are stories that ring true to so “Caroline, or Change” (April many of us. I am also thrilled to 5-May 5) by Tony Kushner and be working with such a stellar cast Jeanine Tesori, as the season and to team up with David Nehls, closer. More on each production as our awesome music director.” they come closer.

The season continues with a This is a season you simply diverse and exciting line up. In cannot miss. Get your tickets at December, the Aurora Fox will AuroraFox.org turn the holidays upside down

1968: A 50-Year Retrospective The Aurora History Museum’s latest exhibition, “1968: A Fifty-Year Retrospective,” explores key events and movements of 1968, such as civil rights, the Vietnam War, space exploration, political identity and advancements in gender equality. As 50 years have passed, what lessons can be learned from such a tumultuous and transformative year in American history? Come to the Aurora History Museum through Nov. 4 and join the conversation. This exhibition also includes some programs, Tsuch as the Aug. 15 Brown Bag Lecture: Rocky Flats and the Cold War, by History Professor Stacey Pendleton with the University of Colorado Denver. The lecture has a $4 ($3 for Aurora residents) fee, but admission to the museum is always free.

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ARTS AND CULTURE IN AURORA CITY PROGRAMS OTHER ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS AND VENUES Arts in Public Places Multiple locations 5280 Artist CoOp 303.739.6747 1400 Dallas St. AuroraGov.org/PublicArt 303.432.9162 • 5280ArtistCoOp.com

Aurora Dance Arts Academia de Ballet Folklórico Multiple locations Nezahualcoyotl 303.326.8308 (Mexican Folklore Dance Classes) AuroraGov.org/Dance ACAD, 1400 Dallas St.

FALL INTO Aurora Fox Arts Center Aurora Artists’ Guild 9900 E. Colfax Ave. AuroraArtistsGuild.com 303.739.1970 AuroraFox.org Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) AUTUMN Aurora History Museum 1400 Dallas St. 15051 E. Alameda Parkway 303.913.7508 • AuroraCulture.org with Aurora 303.739.6660 AuroraMuseum.org Aurora Singers 303.343.3377 • AuroraSingers.org Dance Arts Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora Symphony Orchestra 303.739.7000 303.873.6622 • AuroraSymphony.org AuroraGov.org As the leaves begin to change and “back to school” Community College of Aurora Aurora Public Library-Central Arts and Communication Dept. beckons, Aurora Dance Arts –a Cultural Services Division 14949 E. Alameda Parkway 303.340.7335 • CCAurora.edu 303.739.6600 program–is gearing up for another fabulous autumn of AuroraLibrary.org Downtown Aurora Visual Arts rewarding dance education. The performing groups are (DAVA) Aurora Rhythms – 1405 Florence St. looking forward to three performances during August- Concerts on the Lawn 303.367.5886 • DavArts.org Aurora Municipal Center September. These dancers will be serving as ambassadors Great Lawn Grand Design Inc. of Aurora Dance Arts at the following events: Aurora 15151 E Alameda Parkway 303.955.2724 • GrandByDesign.org 303.739.6520 APublic School’s Back to School Kick Off at the Town AuroraGov.org/Concerts Inside the Orchestra 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Center at Aurora Aug. 4, the city of Aurora “Go Wild Bicentennial Art Center - Pottery 303.355.7855 West” event at Moorhead Recreation Center Sept. 8, 13655 E. Alameda Ave. [email protected] 303.344.1776 and at the SCDF Educators Night event Sept. 24 at the AuroraGov.org/Pottery Kim Robards Dance, Inc. 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Denver Museum of Nature and Science. And the auditions Centennial House (Historic Site) 303.825.4847 for Aurora Dance Arts new members of the 2018-2019 1671 Galena St. KimRobardsDance.org 303.739.6661 Season of Junior and Senior Performing Group will be held AuroraGov.org/HistoricSites Mushin Martial Arts ACAD, 1400 Dallas St. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Expo Recreation Center. City of Aurora Cultural Services Division Nueva Escuela de Música Theatre, music and visual arts 9995 E. Colfax Ave. But that’s not all. Aurora Dance Arts is also proud classes at multiple locations 720.500.3306 to announce auditions for our 2018 production of 303.326.8650 NuevaEscuelaDeMusica.org AuroraGov.org/Arts “The Nutcracker” ballet, which includes a sensational Red Delicious Press DeLaney Farm Historic District 9901 E. 16th Ave partnership with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, 170 S. Chambers Road 303.366.2922 making Aurora Dance Arts one of the only productions 303.739.6661 RedDeliciousPress.com AuroraGov.org/HistoricSites of “The Nutcracker” in the state of Colorado to have live Roshni Fletcher Plaza Multiple locations orchestral accompaniment. Auditions will take place Aug. 9898 E. Colfax Ave. 720.427.0404 • RoshniIsLight.org 11 and 12 at the Aurora Center for Active Adults. And of The People’s Building Theatre Esprit Asia course, our fall season would not be complete without 9995 E. Colfax Ave. ACAD, 1400 Dallas St. the Continuous Children’s Dance Program! This amazing Rental Inquiries: 303.739.7310 303.370.6014 • TeaTheatre.org dance training program is for students, ages 3 to 18 years, Vintage Theatre Productions Inc. 1468 Dayton St. and is a comprehensive program that runs parallel to the 303.856.7830 • VintageTheatre.com

school year with classes in a large variety of dance genres. Visions Performing Arts Classes commence Aug. 27 and run through June of 2019. 720.620.2316 VisionsPerformingArtsCompany.org There is so much to look forward to as Aurora Dance Arts falls into autumn, and information for all of the exciting opportunities described above can be found at AuroraGov.org/Dance.

August-September 2018 | 6 7/20 MEMORIAL Offers Comfort, Peace, Hope and Strength

The 7/20 Memorial honoring the these compartments has been filled now continues that tradition, working victims, families and survivors of the with a canister containing meaningful with community members to create Aurora theatre shooting of 2012 offers words, objects and mementos. The wreaths of 1,000 origami cranes to a message of comfort, peace, hope and compartments were welded shut, so send to other communities coping strength to everyone. This was the goal that the contents of each bird are unique with tragic, violent events. Thus, of the members of the 7/20 Memorial and will forever remain a mystery. the image of cranes became the Foundation, and they found the right Blumberg was selected by the 7/20 foundation of the memorial sculpture. Tartist to realize that vision for them. Memorial Foundation from more than When you visit this memorial, do Kentucky artist Douwe Blumberg 160 artists nationwide who applied not expect to find a list of names, designed, created and installed for the project, with the support of the references to the event or perpetrator, “Ascentiate,” a sculptural composition city of Aurora Art in Public Places or other elements that you might of 83 cast aluminum cranes in the program. The four artist finalists were find at other memorial sites. Instead, city of Aurora Water-wise Reflection provided with access to relevant items the hope of everybody involved in Garden on the southeast side of in the archives of the Aurora History this project is for you to experience the Aurora Municipal Center at Museum, including elements from comfort, peace, hope and strength –and East Alameda Parkway and South the makeshift memorials that were that something of sustaining beauty Chambers Road. The Reflection created on Sable Boulevard across and deep meaning has been created Garden’s winding path culminates from the theatre and also around Dawn for all of us to enjoy. Enjoy it now, with this stunning sculpture. Seventy Fountain at the Aurora Municipal white cranes representing those and imagine it in five years, and in Center. Blumberg was moved by 10 years, as the plantings become injured in the shooting converge from 1,000 hand-folded origami cranes mature and the landscape is rich. all sides and begin to rise upward. that had been sent after the tragedy. Then the 13 uppermost cranes with Cranes are a mystical creature in Japan The memorial was formally dedicated translucent wings that glow in the where a legend promises good luck Friday, July 27, and is open to sunlight continue to rise upward, or successful recovery from an injury the public. representing those who perished. to anyone who folds 1,000 cranes. The sculpture is about 18 feet tall. They may also be given as healing All of the cranes were cast with a gifts and are often created as a group hollow interior compartment. Each of effort. The 7/20 Memorial Foundation