Nightlife

BY JEREMY DILLAHUNT

LIVING THE MILE-HIGH LIFE

Denver’s club scene is hard-pressed to keep up with a booming population that has elevated expectations for nighttime activities.

A one time Gold Rush town, Denver lured people with promises of easy money. But as its heavy metal reserves diminished, residents began to turn elsewhere for their livelihoods. The settlers—a mix of East Coast fortune-seekers and European and Asian immigrants—also had to tackle the problem of what to do on the weekends, and the fruits of these considerations can be seen in the city’s varied musical lineage, which includes John Denver, The String Cheese Incident and India.Arie. Today, the nightlife scene is as rich as ever.

Performance by PBSKCervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom 2637 Welton St 303-297-1772 www.cervantesmasterpiece.com

Denver’s music fans range widely in age and back-ground—from college students to cowboys. Nowhere is this mishmash flavor more evident than at the Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom. Catering to a college and Dead Head crowd that is equally comfortable listening to hip-hop or jam bands, Cervantes’ books an eclectic stage. Recent acts have included a Neil Diamond tribute band, indie hip-hop star Immortal Technique and jamsters Garaj Mahal. The club itself was originally a jazz hall that regularly saw the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Split between a stage level and mezzanine, Cervantes’ can hold up to 700 people—more than enough to rock any party.

The Church • 1160 Lincoln St • 303-832-3528 • www.coclubs.com

The area’s mega-club scene is rooted in this converted sanctuary in the SoCo nightlife district. The venue regularly books international DJ superstars, who draw a congregation of 1,400 to raise the rafters in a different sort of way. There’s also a sushi restaurant, VIP lounge and separate basement bar. The Church caters to a young, credit card-wielding crowd, so dress to impress and, for guaranteed entry, reserve a table.

24K • 1414 Market St • 303-888-0655 • www.lotusentertainment.net

To get to 24K, you have to walk down a dark alley and up a flight of nondescript stairs.

Once inside, however, it’s clear you have arrived at the most exclusive, high-end club in Denver. For starters, the décor is almost completely faux gold. There are only 15 tables, which can seat up to 12 people each, and the venue attracts 24K talent on the dance floor and behind the turntables. If you plan on showing off your Midas touch, bring your gold card (what else?) and reserve a table early.