That aspect gets off the ground with a bang at tonight's Miss Modernism Pageant, part of the opening preview party, which begins at 7 p.m. The bulk of it will focus on the introductions and questions, like 'How would you make the world a better place?' And then there's the talent competition, Cain teases. She says to expect the retro, campy and kitschy in that area, possibly including balloon animals, hula-hooping, sketch comedy and a Barbarella striptease by local burlesque queen Michelle Baldwin (aka Vivienne VaVoom). Winner gets a $500 shopping spree at the expo.
Saturday brings out a special edition of Cain's Vintage Voltage Expo, featuring classic electronic gear and lots of vinyl records, and on Sunday, the expanded Denver Modernism Car Show: Stylish at Any Speed will park itself in the complex, showcasing a retro fleet of post-atomic vehicles dating from 1947 to the present. Fins and candy colors: You can't beat it. Plus, Beatles tribute band Fables will provide tunes.
Denver Modernism is open to the public from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at National Western, I-70 and Brighton Boulevard; admission is $15 on Friday, $5 Saturday and $8 Sunday (includes car show tickets). For information, visit www.denvermodernism.com.
Fri., Aug. 27, 7-10 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2010