The Newman Center offers up pure class

There is nothing quite like dressing up for a classy evening on the town—the snazzy suits, the showy ties, the vibrant dresses. There is also nothing quite like big band tunes, and In The Mood brings both in heaping helpings.

In The Mood, a lively celebration of the 1940’s big band era complete with 13 musicians and six singers and dancers, came through Denver at the start of March.

The two-hour show was built like a mash up, a vintage Girl Talk-esque homage to a truly American time when the nation was reviving from the Depression and reeling from World War II.

The show started with a true showstopper. Bud Forrest, in a gorgeous lowlight and framed by the tasteful In The Mood marquee, led The String Of Pearl Orchestra into a beautiful rendition of “St. Louis Blues March.” For the first few songs Bud guided his orchestra through a number of recognizable instrumental tunes with a spark that was thought all but lost.

Once the song and dance numbers began, things started to feel a bit too cheeky, save for the impressive swing dance numbers. But, overall the big band hiding in the back managed to preserve the evening’s grace.

Although rare, events like In The Mood do exist and are made for a classy evening on the town. Any bar veteran knows that even the swankiest bars in town are filled with people in jeans and tattered t-shirts, which inevitably ruins the aesthetic that everyone dreams of inhabiting.

However, certain events call out for a tailored suit and flowing dress, In The Mood being one. Not only was it held at the University of Denver’s Newman Center, but it also acted as a stepping-stone back into the era of a suit for every day of the week.

Fortunately, Denver is a city of certain refinement and there are countless opportunities to hit the town in the finest threads.

The Newman Center, located on the southeast corner of DU’s campus, offers up events a couple times a month, all of which promise elegance and only the finest production.

Thursday March 21 the Limón Dance Company is hitting the stage with its dramatic and intense expressionistic dance.

In April the Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain is serving its unique blend of generic music reinterpreted on loose-change-bought ukuleles. Also in April is the Strings Of Fire guitar concert, which, as one can imagine, promises to be an incredible display of deft classical guitar skills.

Another great place to head for a fancy night is, of course, The Denver Center For The Performing Arts. The DCPA acts as a hub for Denver’s creative and artistic scene, hosting plays, concerts, operas, orchestras, and ballets.

From now until July 14 The Doyle And Debbie Show, a satirical country musical, will be playing at he DCPA. Also, the always must-see opera Don Giovanni will be playing select nights.

So, send those fancy getups to the dry cleaner, pick out a good show, grab a tasty dinner, and have the classy night on the town we all deserve.