EXPLORERS

Chris Fisher: City of the Jaguar – February 16

Despite an ancient legend promising horrible illness and death to anyone who entered a lost city deep in the jungles of Honduras, a team of archaeologists, led by Dr. Chris Fisher, set foot into the ruins of City of the Jaguar, and discovered a trove of remarkable artifacts— probably dating to the Mesoamerican Post-Classic phase, between AD 1000 and 1520!

Read more about the artifacts in National Geographic here then join this modern-day Indiana Jones to hear about the quest. Thursday, February 16. 7:00 PM. Chautauqua Community House. Buy tickets online.

AUTHORS

Erika Krouse: Contenders – February 22

In Erika Krouse’s newest book, “Contenders,“ street-fighter Nina Black lives by her fists in Denver, stealing wallets and taking advantage of men who try to take advantage of her. This symbiosis is upended when one of her marks, a cop and MMA comeback contender, wants his wallet—and his dignity—back. Avoiding retribution is difficult enough alone, but it becomes impossible when Nina gets unexpected custody of an orphaned eight-year-old niece. When the situation implodes, only one person can help Nina, and prepare her for the fight that might end it. Krouse will read from “Contenders” and discuss the challenges of writing characters who veer from the norm. Listen to Colorado Public Radio’s interview with Krouse here. Wednesday, February 22. 7:00 PM. Chautauqua Community House. Buy tickets online.

LODGING

Enjoy a staycation and low, winter rates

Take advantage of our winter rates and enjoy a Chautauqua getaway in one of our cozy cottages. Available in studio, one, two or three bedroom, each cottage features a full kitchen and screened-in front porch. For reservations, book online here, or contact Chautauqua Lodging at lodging@chautauqua.com or 303.952.1611.

CHAUTAUQUA DINING HALL

Afternoon tea service

Enjoy afternoon tea in front of the cozy fireplaces at the Chautauqua Dining Hall. Afternoon tea service includes a classic, three-tiered assortment of fresh baked sweet & savory pastries, scones, tea sandwiches, sweet cakes and a pot of premium tea. Cost: $23.00 per guest or $28.00 per guest with sparkling champagne. Tax and gratuity not included. Gluten free option available upon request. 24 hour advance reservations with a credit card are required. Served daily from 2-4 PM through Sunday, March 26. For reservations, call 303.440.3776 or click here.

CHAUTAUQUA HISTORY

African American jubilee singers performed on the Chautauqua circuit

African American jubilee singing groups were popular musical acts on the Chautauqua circuit in the first half of the twentieth century. The groups were modeled after the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a male student singing group formed in 1871 at Fisk University. Jubilee groups sang acapella “Negro” spirituals and slave songs incorporating beautiful harmonies. “Wade in the Water,” “Down by the Riverside,” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” were among the popular tunes. Sometimes the groups performed pieces from the well-known Broadway musical theater shows “Porgy and Bess” and “Show Boat.”

Although the jubilee groups were controversial for perpetuating caricatures and negative racial stereotypes, they were enormously popular until the 1950s. The Fisk singers hoped to replace minstrel shows with more dignified professional performances, according to later scholars.

Jubilee groups that visited the Colorado Chautauqua included the Carolina Jubilee Troupe, Deep River Plantation Singers, Dixie Jubilee Concert Company, Jackson’s Plantation Singers, Slayton’s Jubilee Singers and Williams Jubilee Singers.

Brochure for Slayton’s Jubilee Singers, 1906. Image courtesy University of Iowa Libraries, Redpath Chautauqua Collection.

CITY PROJECTS AT CHAUTAUQUA

Baseline Sidewalk Project Update

King’s Gate will be re-opened for pedestrian access to Chautauqua this Friday, February 17. Crews are completing the reconstruction in halves, which allows for pedestrian use on Friday. However, the reconstruction of the Americans with Disabilities Act compliant access ramp has just begun. Those needing an accessible access point to Chautauqua should still use Kinnikinic.

All work is dependent on weather, contractor schedules and material delivery and so is subject to change. For the latest construction and traffic impact information, visit www.BoulderConeZones.net and follow @boulderconezones on Twitter. For more information, visit the City of Boulder’s project page here or contact Melanie Sloan, Transportation Division, at 303-441-4934 or by email at sloanm@bouldercolorado.gov.