Author: Amanda Hancock
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Theater group founded by Colorado Springs students returns with free outdoor summer shows
It started with a walk around the neighborhood. Like many people during the summer of 2020, the stroll outside was much-needed for Mikayla Taylor, a college student studying theater who was back home in Colorado Springs amid the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Just off a trail by a lake, Taylor saw something new…
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Pikes Pick: New album from Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers, the indie pop star known for songs such as “Alaska,” has released a new album called “Surrender.” The collection of 12 tracks includes previously released singles such as “Want Want” and “That’s Where I Am.” Rogers will be supporting the new album with a European tour. — Amanda Hancock, The Gazette Maggie Rogers has released…
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Colorado-based father creates ‘Dude Dad’ empire of videos, TV show, books and laughs
What does it mean to be a “Dude Dad?” Give Taylor Calmus a second to grab his coffee mug, where the definition is printed. “1. A father dedicated to raising children in the most epic way possible,” read the words in a format resembling a dictionary entry. “2. Like a normal dad except more fun.”…
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Man dying of cancer seeks matching tattoos with strangers, connections in Colorado Springs
There’s just something about Don Caskey. It could be his long beard, a mix of white and grayish strands that give off a scruffy sort of Santa look. It’s definitely his hundreds of tattoos, so many tattoos that his covered arms and legs look like puzzle pieces of skin and ink. He knows his tattoos…
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Pikes Pick: New album from electronic duo Odesza
Five years after releasing its last album, the popular electronic music duo ODESZA has released “The Last Goodbye,” a collection of 13 songs. The band will soon kick off a tour, which includes two stops at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in Denver in September. — Amanda Hancock, The Gazette Odesza released a new album, called “The…
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Small-scale circus, featuring all human talent, to set up in Colorado Springs
Kevin Venardos never meant to join the circus. He always dreamed of performing on Broadway. But a chance audition with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus set Venardos on another path. The stages weren’t as fancy, but Venardos fell for life on the road and in the ring. After nearly 20 years performing…
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Self-care summer: Ideas for recharging in Colorado Springs
The phrase has been co-opted by hashtags, stickers, pastel Instagram blocks and T-shirts sold at big box stores. References to self-care are everywhere, so much so that the wellness concept has been reduced to a catchy term for drinking wine or binging Netflix. Self-care is rooted in real self improvement. It is defined as “taking…
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Selfie destination opens in downtown Colorado Springs
If you ever find yourself in need of an impromptu selfie, there’s a new spot for that in downtown Colorado Springs. Selfie Bear Bear, billed as a selfie boutique and interactive art experience, opened in early July on North Tejon Street near Colorado College. The so-called Instagram studio or modern photo gallery comes from the…
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Pikes Pick: Group bike ride planned for Pikes Peak Pride Week in Colorado Springs
How about a group bike ride to celebrate Pikes Peak Pride Week? Join the inaugural Pride Ride, which starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday from Streetcar520. Some Pike Ride bikes will be available to reserve for $5 and $3 beers will be available, with proceeds going to Pikes Peak Pride. — Amanda Hancock, The Gazette Every month, PikeRide…
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Colorado Springs soldier finds social media fame by sharing mental health journey
At his lowest, Ryan Griffis started talking to his phone. He pressed record and got his thoughts out, not really expecting to share the videos. At first, it was for him. He didn’t know how else to talk about the bad dreams or frightening flashbacks. He didn’t know those months in Iraq would stay with…