This month's venue, The Gothic Theatre, in Englewood,Co., has been on my short list of "must see" venues since I was sent their web site link about a year ago. The Gothic is obviously a labor of love for the owners who renovated a classic suburban Denver theater creating a venue that surprised this month's writer, Aimee Welch-Kuntz from Florida.

As always, send your venue ideas to venue@jambands.com

THE GOTHIC THEATRE
DENVER, COLORADO BY AIMEE WELCH-KUNTZ

The Gothic Theatre, Denver, Colorado. The name had images of gargoyles, vampires, and Anne Rice novels dancing in my head but gargoyles couldn't have been further from what I found.

The Gothic Theatre actually resides in Englewood, Colorado a southern suburb of Denver. As I approached the building that houses the Gothic nothing about it struck me as extra special except for the fully refurbished original 1920's movie marquee bearing the words DEEP BANANA BLACKOUT LIVE TONIGHT. My excitement at this point had nothing to do with being at the Gothic Theatre or having the opportunity to experience this fully renovated jewel, but simply the fact that I was about to have yet another Deep Banana Blackout. As I stepped foot into the building this soon changed.

I handed the doorman my ticket and stepped into the lobby. My full focus was still all about what my musical experience was about to be. The unassuming lobby where the band has set up their goods to sell did nothing to distract me from my musical mission. But one foot into the theatre and there was no turning back. What did my eyes behold and Art Deco palace. My eyes were dancing everywhere as I was unable to take it all in but the conveniently rested first on the bar. Not only because I has a bit of ye ole dry mouth but also because the amazing downstairs watering hole is the first thing that greets you on your journey from the lobby into the theatre.

A masterpiece is the only word to describe this beautiful bar. Big enough to accommodate many comfortably but what is special is the ceiling above. Cut out in the shape of a huge kidney bean and scooped out, this hole above the bar is painted with clouds and lighted in orange-pink hues, which evokes the feeling of watching a sunset while waiting to be served.

Beverage in hand I began to venture deeper into this Art Deco palace. The floor tiers down to the dance floor, every tier large enough to accommodate plenty of table and chairs (for those of you that don't like to shake that ass). As I mosey down toward the stage and come out from under the balcony ceiling I am truly able to take in the splendor. Two staircases on each side of the dance floor carry you up to a balcony that seems to go back forever. Just as the downstairs does, the balcony tiers up toward the back culminating into the bar in the sky. Yes in the very tip top of this theatre resides another bar. In fact from the dance floor it resemble some sort of unidentified flying object. Being Colorado of course these two full liquor bars are also stocked with a hearty selection of kind beers, enough to satisfy even the biggest beer snob.

The beginnings of the Gothic actually lie in the roaring twenties. The Art Deco style that the theatre bears today is the original style it wore in the twenties. This theatre has the illustrious title of being the first theatre in Denver to show talking movies and has entertained generations of Denver residents. Unfortunately changes in ownership as well as the styles and tastes of the times brought changes to the original styling. Fortunately for us the original Art Deco interiors were never radically changed and the original rounded walls and recessed coves remain for us to enjoy to this day.

Years passed and the theatre went from a veritable Denver staple to struggling to stay afloat. The musical names that have graced the Gothic's stage (from Phish to Nirvana) gave Colorado music lovers a reason to save this declining landmark.

In 1998 steeped in bankruptcy it looked like this piece of history was going to go the way of so many other historical buildings. Fortunately two music loving friends were able to purchase the historic building and with the help of artists and designers were able to transform this aging theatre back to it's original Art Deco splendor.

On June 23, 1999 New Orleans natives the Rebirth Brass Band took the stage and were given the lofty title of being the first to play the newly renovated musical venue.

With a 700 person capacity and a good- sized stage this venue is large enough to accommodate many touring acts yet small enough to still feel intimate. From a layman's perspective the sound in this place was just spectacular. Brand new state of the art sound and lighting were installed with the renovations and should be able to accommodate most acts without any problems.

The Gothic Theatre is truly a must see for the music aficionado. Not only does this place invite some of our favorite jam bands to grace their stage but they do it with the style and class that only a historic venue could do.

If you are in the Denver area don't miss the Gothic Theatre because you'll be missing a historical trip with the soundtrack being your favorite band.

For more information on the Gothic Theatre please visit their web site http://www.gothictheatre.com or call #303-380-2333.