Colorado Matters

Relax and escape from your everyday hustle and bustle with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza! Recorded at the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver, this year's tradition includes headliner Kayla Marque, a Denver singer/songwriter; Joshua Danger Emerson, a Dine’ Navajo comedian and regular at the Comedy Works who founded the award-winning comedy troupe and production company, DeadRoom Comedy; Scott O'Neil, former Colorado Symphony resident conductor who hosts "Behind the Baton" on CPR Classical; poet, artist and entrepreneur Confidence Omenai of Aurora; and Rabbi Joe Black of Temple Emanuel in Denver with an original song for Hanukkah.

Re-share the music, memories and merriment of the 8th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. Recorded at Denver's Central Presbyterian Church on December 7, 2023, the show is a celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and of the season featuring singer/songwriter Emelise Munoz; Iraqi-American stand-up comedian Ali Kareem; organist and composer Wil Smith; gospel and jazz musician Ron McMillon; musician, educator and composer Eitan Kantor; and Riley, Myles, Daylen, and Sadie with the meaning of Kwanzaa.

Colorado entrepreneur Drew Jarvis co-founded Sunny, which makes a menstrual cup and applicator which just won a big grant. Then, ahead of the legislative session young people stage a “Policy Shark Tank” to share their ideas. Then, the bald eagle is finally poised to become the nation's bird. Plus, as holiday travel hits its peak, DIA chief Phil Washington updates us on getting to – and through – the airport.

Relax and escape from your everyday hustle and bustle with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza! Recorded at the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver, this year's tradition includes headliner Kayla Marque, a Denver singer/songwriter; Joshua Danger Emerson, a Dine’ Navajo comedian and regular at the Comedy Works who founded the award-winning comedy troupe and production company, DeadRoom Comedy; Scott O'Neil, former Colorado Symphony resident conductor who hosts "Behind the Baton" on CPR Classical; poet, artist and entrepreneur Confidence Omenai of Aurora; and Rabbi Joe Black of Temple Emanuel in Denver with an original song for Hanukkah.

Today's Colorado Matters is a laughing matter. We've sewn together a comedy special that, we hope, will have you in stitches! It's a compendium of Colorado comics from our previous Holiday Extravaganzas, featuring Josh Blue, David Rodriguez, Nancy Norton, Rion Evans, Elliot Woolsey, and the comedic musical stylings of "Swelter and Burn" aka Willow Welter and Lauren Ciborowski.

Today, world-class musicians serenade and enchant us! We've drawn from the archives of our Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza to create a collection of some of our favorite vocal and instrumental performances from the past 9 years. Celebrate the season with jazz, blues, country, Broadway, and a cappella with Clare Dunn, FACE Vocal Band, the Andy Hackbarth band, Beth Malone, Hazel Miller, Ron Miles and Emelise Muñoz.

Colleagues and family honor the legacy of Irving P. Andrews, a Denver lawyer who overcame racism and fought for civil rights. Then, Denver author Laura Krantz asks, "Do You Believe in Magic?" which explores how magic interrelates with science. Plus, an Estes Park man's milestone as a Bears superfan in Aging Matters. And, Santa lands at DIA's new Layover Lounge to make hectic holiday travelling a little merrier on Concourse B.

The Secret Service is spread too thin. That’s one of the findings of a congressional panel that looked into the attempted assassinations of Donald Trump while he was a presidential candidate. We talk with Colorado’s U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who was the ranking Democrat on the task force. Then, investigating the turnover in RTD's leadership. Plus, books by Colorado authors to consider as holiday gifts. And a special project creates pillows that provide more than the usual comfort.

"The Order" is about the investigation into one of Denver's most notorious murders, the killing of Jewish shock jock Alan Berg, by white supremacists. We speak with Kevin Flynn, the former Rocky Mountain News reporter whose book inspired a new film. Then, Colorado's congressional delegation on what it might take to cut government waste. Plus, Colorado Wonders about the state flower. And homestyle cooking in Delta.

With his elaborate feathered headdress and red sunglasses, he goes by the name "NDN Santa"-- that's NDN, a play on "Indian"-- and for more than 25 years, Rick Waters has been celebrating Christmas and culture at the Denver Indian Center. Waters is also the executive director of the center. This interview adds to a journey that began last December when Chandra set out to find diverse Santas in Colorado.

At Syrian-owned Shish Kebab Grill in Denver, it's as if a weight has been lifted. One man's hope for a country whose future remains in flux. Then, a farewell in Fahrenheit to longtime Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Later, blood medics are coming to four more Colorado counties. And a homecoming for Michael Trent of "Shovels & Rope."

An investigation into passwords posted online by the secretary of state's office is finished. We talk through recommendations to keep it from happening again. Then, when Bev Marsh gave her father a calendar last Christmas he was a bit confused, until he realized it truly was the gift of time. Plus, Sheridan Guerin, the first Black dancer in Colorado Ballet history to perform as Clara in the Nutcracker, one again takes on the role in the holiday classic. We revisit Chandra Thomas Whitfield's interview with Guerin and young dancers of color.

Eye transplants have not successfully restored vision. Dr. Kia Washington at CU Anschutz leads an ambitious campaign to change that. Then, we linger in the rack room at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey with the 20-year-old distillery's head blender. Plus, cricket is a reminder of home for Afghan middle schoolers in Thornton.

"A blot on American history" is how President Joe Biden described Indian boarding schools as he formally apologized for them in October. For survivors of these institutions, designed to assimilate Indigenous children, it may be too little, too late. CPR's Elaine Tassy spoke with three people who endured boarding schools, Beverly Granger, Amanda Kee and Ruby Left Hand Bull Sanchez, about how their lives were forever changed. Then, re-envisioning an unused rail line between Boulder and Erie. And, what a Denver man who visited very county in the U.S. learned about embracing differences.

Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae talks with Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo that represents far more than art. They spoke on April 11, 2024.

Denver taxpayers have spent millions on mental health, but how's that money invested? CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus has answers. Then, dogs are becoming a powerful resource in medical settings to bring calm and comfort amid anxiety and uncertainty. Plus, Denver comedian Josh Blue reflects on life and comedy in anticipation of his new special, "Freak Accident."

People approaching retirement often face many challenges, such as how to manage finances and healthcare. But they also often grapple with questions about identity, self-worth and, ultimately, what to do next with their lives. Change Makers, a new program offered at the University of Colorado Denver, offers older adults and others a way to navigate those important questions. Plus, a reminder about how to avoid real estate scams.

Five years after she was fired from her hospital system in a dispute over medical aid in dying, Dr. Barbara Morris runs a non-profit that educates people about, and advocates for, the practice. Then, a team from Colorado Mesa University won $5 million for its work to save the rainforest. And, the hidden history of Denver’s longest-running fire station emerges.

Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the U.S. for a few months or longer, with your family in tow and using the world as your classroom. It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Three Boulder moms wrote a book on how to do it: "Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling." Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with co-author Julie Frieder in August, as well as a Denver family who took up the adventure.

At the first Thanksgiving, there were Native Americans and there were colonists. That story’s predominantly been told from the European point of view. Today: We hear from restaurateur Ben Jacobs, a member of the Osage Nation of northeast Oklahoma, who co-owns Tocabe in Denver. His goal – not just on the holiday – is to share the stories of his community through food. Then, why an aging power plant in Glenwood Springs is key to water security on the Western Slope. Plus, farmers celebrate the change of seasons. And, the Roaring 20s at the Kirkland Museum.