THEATER

Things That Go Bump in the Night – October 14

Join Stories on Stage this Friday for staged readings of spooky stories, just in time for Halloween.

“The October Game” by Ray Bradbury performed by John Arp
Things go terribly wrong when a jealous husband is put in charge of the children’s Halloween party.

“The Open Window” by Saki performed by Adrian Egolf
Poor Mr. Nuttel’s already frayed nerves are strained almost to breaking in this comic gem by H.H. Munro (Saki).

“The Specialist’s Hat” by Kelly Link performed by Ann Penner
A haunted house story featuring the spookiest babysitter ever.

Recommended for ages twelve (12) and older.
Friday, October 14. 7:00 PM. Chautauqua Community House. Buy tickets online.

FILM

Racing Extinction – October 20

From the Academy Award®-winning filmmaking team that revealed oceanic atrocities in “The Cove” comes a bigger and bolder mission. Whether infiltrating notorious black markets with guerilla-style tactics, or working with artists to create beautiful imagery with unexpected animal subjects, director Louie Psihoyos’ “Racing Extinction” will change the way you see the world. Watch the official trailer here. Film producer Olivia Ahnemann will lead a post-screening discussion. Thursday, October 20. 7:00 PM. Chautauqua Community House. Buy tickets online.

MUSIC

Just Announced: Carrie Newcomer – April 8

Carrie Newcomer’s songwriting has impressed the likes of Billboard, USA Today and Rolling Stone, which wrote that she “asks all the right questions.” Newcomer speaks and teaches about creativity, vocation, activism and spirituality at colleges, conventions and retreats. She has shared the stage with performers including Alison Krauss and writers such as Parker J. Palmer, Jill Bolte Taylor, Philip Gulley, Scott Russell Sanders, Rabbi Sandy Sasso and Barbara Kingsolver. Newcomer has written two collections of essays and poetry as companion pieces to recent albums, “A Permeable Life: Poems and Essays” and “The Beautiful Not Yet: Essays, Poems and Lyrics.” In 2016, Goshen College awarded her with an honorary degree of Bachelors of Music in Social Change. Listen to Carrie Newcomer here. Saturday, April 8. 7:30 PM. Chautauqua Community House. Buy tickets online.

Venus Cruz – October 21

Improvisation, a soulful delivery and an ability to transcend genres are always part of local songbird and KUVO radio host Venus Cruz’ approach to jazz. Cruz has a “super-advanced ear, a way with words and spirit that connects with people. She is a brilliant lyricist who infuses the poignant with a sense of humor,” describes professional musician and teacher Greg Harris Turner. This intimate concert will feature Venus performing original compositions as well as modern takes on classic jazz standards. She will be joined by Mikey Smith (guitar) and Mark Emmons (percussion). Watch Venus Cruz perform with the Greg Harris Quartet here. Friday, October 21. 7:30 PM. Chautauqua Community House. Buy tickets online.

CHAUTAUQUA DINING HALL

Children’s Halloween tea party – October 29

Dress up your little goblins, princesses and ghouls for a children’s Halloween tea party! Enjoy an afternoon of fun with creative crafts and a photo area along with afternoon tea served with a tiered tray of sweet and savory treats. Saturday, October 29. 3-5 PM. Price is $25 per person. Space is limited. Reservations with a credit card required. Call 303.440.3776 or email reservations@chautauquadininghall.com.

CHAUTAUQUA HISTORY

Talmage Day at Chautauqua

You may have seen a vintage photograph of the 1898 opening season of the Texas-Colorado Chautauqua labeled “Talmage Day.” Reverend Dr. Thomas De Witt Talmage (1832-1902) was a Presbyterian minister originally from New Jersey. His writings were published in newspapers and magazines across the country. Rev. Talmage was one of the most popular religious speakers of his day and he traveled the country to deliver exuberant sermons addressing social issues like crime and vice. According to Joe Sturtevant’s 1898 photo caption, 8,000 came to Boulder’s Chautauqua for Talmage Day in August of 1898 to hear Rev. Talmage’s speech. Oration, what we now call lectures or public speaking, was one of the biggest draws in the Chautauqua movement.

We’d love your feedback on this new column! Send your ideas and comments to history@chautauqua.com.

Photo: 8,000 attend Talmage Day at Boulder’s Chautauqua, 1898. Colorado Chautauqua Association Archives.