Following years of financial difficulties and a tough comeback from COVID, the theater has been the site of fundraising concerts organized by local promoters who want to keep the Aztlan alive. The next such event, dubbed Universal Love, will take place on Valentine's Day, thanks to a collaboration between Caracol Productions, KGNU Community Radio and Aztlan owners Aurora and Timeo Correa.
"There haven't been many events at the theater in the past few years," says Anna McGee of Caracol Productions. "We thought this was the perfect time to put on positive, heart-warming shows and raise some money to help the theater, bring attention and spread the word that the theater is open, available for rental and is for sale to a good buyer. [We want] to call on the community to make sure this venue is not lost to gentrification.
"We received a lot of surprised reactions," she adds. "People who thought the space was closed, or hadn't been there for decades."
The Aztlan remains "one of my favorite places in Denver," McGee says. "Not only because of its beauty, retro charm and its rich, storied history, but because Tim and Aurora welcome everyone with open arms and treat strangers like family. Tim and Aurora are some of the kindest and most generous folks out there."
Of all the things that make the Aztlan special, the Correas are the heart. Now in their eighties, they have been operating the theater since purchasing it in 1972. Their business has been rooted in their love for community, and now they need that love sent their own way. The fundraisers have been helpful, they say, but they still had to use retirement savings to pay off taxes last year.
"If we can't lower the taxes, they're pushing us out of business. We think small businesses are the heart of the U.S. economy and that people in power should be more understanding," says Timeo, who looks back confidently at his local impact. "By being just Tim Correa, a citizen, I accomplished a lot. I did a lot of things for people, against discrimination, changed people's worlds.
"We helped the city: Leaders asked for help organizing their campaigns, help with gang violence," he continues. "We did a lot of things for everybody because that was part of my background growing up. We felt we needed to be nice to other people, because other people needed to be nice to us."
Timeo was job hunting when he learned the building then called the Santa Fe Theatre was for sale. He bought it on his birthday, on December 19, 1972, after receiving a loan from the Small Business Administration. He opened it as the Aztlan Theatre in January 1973, and screened second-run 35mm movies for the next decade, while also offering the space for food drives, community events, activist gatherings and more.
"I keep asking myself, 'Why did I buy this business?'" recalls Timeo. "Why not explore the unusual — maybe that was it. At that time, in 1972, they were asking minorities to pick up their boots by their bootstraps, which meant if you're willing to make something of your life, then you need to pull yourself up and go for it. I did that, in that fashion. It was quite an adventure that any young guy would've loved to have."
By the mid-'80s, he'd turned the space into a music venue that hosted metal and rock bands; in the '90s, it was raves. But by the early 2010s, bookings began dropping off. Since then, "Save Aztlan" events have been a somewhat regular occurrence. Now, the Correas are looking for a peaceful end to this era, during which they've raised money through GoFundMe campaigns to fund rising property taxes and necessary renovations to make the place more appealing to potential buyers.
"We're under the gun here," Timeo says. "We've done our part. It's time to let go, we feel we have to do that. We still love the place. We love that we're working, we're in movement doing some of these various adventures, but it's time to say goodbye to something we've had our heart and soul in for a very long time."
MAAM is deeply inspired by the fellow artists on this lineup and the venue's significance.
Flint Deluaga
The Correas will attend the Valentine's Day concert and help Caracol Productions along the way. "We'll be working it," says Aurora with a smile.
The show will include headliner Laraaji following Denver DJs FOANS, MAAM and Gi Gi. Laraaji, known for entrancing sets in historic churches and venues, is a veteran within the global ambient scene who's inspired many, including MAAM, or Alex Nees, who grew up in Colorado.
"I've not had the opportunity to play the Aztlan before, which makes this experience all the more special," says Nees. "The Aztlan is a cultural institution. As we see history erased from this city, I'm grateful for any opportunity to hold tight to the sacred spaces that remain.
"I value tradition, longevity, and antecedents," Nees continues. "The Aztlan is culturally rich, an earnest representative of the community-centered merit of DIY culture. I hold Tim Correa and all involved in high regard for protecting the mission and the heart investment it takes to preserve a community space."
Laraaji, DJ Gi Gi, FOANS and MAAM, 7 p.m. Friday, February 14, Aztlan Theatre, 976 Santa Fe Drive. Get tickets, $34, here.
