Barnes is still busy plugging culture in Colorado, teaching four classes at Metro State and plugging away at her own art (her show with Sharon Bankert, Dual Nature, is up through May 21 at Ironton Studios, 3636 Chestnut Street). And now art has returned to the Funky Buddha -- but without Barnes. On Tuesday, May 10, the club will hold Artist Night, featuring an appearance by painter Alison Adams from 6 to 8 p.m. (not to mention $2 Stella Artois).
Another cultural institution, Marilyn Megenity, marked thirty years in the business on Saturday with a dusk-to-dawn party at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street, where her moveable feast finally landed fifteen years ago, after a dozen different locations in the preceding fifteen years. It was a magical night in a line of magical nights, including one just a week before. "Five young harpists playing big, gorgeous, sculpted wooden harps lined up across the front of the stage and played five tango songs," says Megenity, who booted more violent music back in 1996 in favor of more soothing sounds you could dance to. "They were young, not even teenagers. The woman who teaches them is world-famous; she's taking them to Dublin for a competition. People were crying all over the room while they were dancing because it was so beautiful, completely divine, an otherworldly experience."
Thanks for the memories, Marilyn.