🚨 Local music promoter arrested

🚨 Arrest of Denver Music Promoter

Denver police have arrested Jay Bianchi, former owner of several Grateful Dead-inspired bars, on six counts of felony sexual assault. The arrest is the culmination of an investigation that began three years ago after two of his alleged victims first came forward. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Catch up: In the summer of 2021, we spoke with two organizers behind the Colorado Musicians Union about Jay Bianchi’s controversial place in the local jam band scene and the allegations against him. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

👀 The Underground Mole People of Denver

Have you noticed any strange figures emerging from the city’s manholes? How about unfamiliar creatures lurking in the shadows of tunnel entrances? Signs of interdimensional infiltration?? Fliers appearing around town are asking you to report such sightings to the Denver Bureau of Exploration. What’s it all about? Don’t worry, it’s just a little artistic fun 😉 [Westword]

📣 Local Legacy Businesses

A new city program aims to recognize and celebrate local small businesses that have impacted the community for 10-plus years. Selected businesses are listed on the online Denver Legacy Business Registry and offered marketing and networking support. This year’s pilot run includes 50 Denver institutions, ranging from Dazzle and Truong An Gifts to Great Divide Brewing and Rockmount Ranch Wear. [Denverite]

🏀 WNBA Eyes the Mile High

During the 2024 WNBA Draft this week, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed plans to add four new teams to the women’s professional basketball league by 2028. The Mile High is in the running and Denverites are ready for it. [Denverite]

Last week’s answer: The Evans overpass over Santa Fe

• Reader Matthew S. says: “Kind of a miserable place to walk or drive (and you can feel the bridge rocking), but I remember when the volunteers painted that lovely mural. More public art! And more financially supported artists!”

👏 Big claps for our correct guessers:

• Matthew S. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• But Leisa, Holly H., Ren C., Corinne J., and Erin W. weren’t far behind!
• And a special thanks to reader Colleen A. for sending in the photo!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do YOU know where this colorful pickup counter is? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter! Bonus points if you share your go-to order 😉

📸 Want to submit a photo? Send me a snapshot of somewhere in Denver, and I’ll consider it for an upcoming photo trivia segment!

Meow Wolf Layoffs, Nightmare Denver Blunt Rotations, and To Catch a Predator

Meow Wolf announced major layoffs this week but the immersive experience company is still sticking by its plans to expand to new cities. Then, a former local music venue owner is arrested on charges of sexual assault — a long time coming, according to some musicians in the scene. Plus, a fun new game in honor of the 420 holiday: draft your own dream blunt rotation!