Why Rhinoceropolis Is Hosting a Public Transportation-Themed Dance Party

Set foot inside storied DIY space Rhinoceropolis and it is clear that whatever show or performance is about to be experienced is going to be a unique one. With nearly a decade under its belt as Denver's premiere all ages gallery and music space, Rhinoceropolis is all about the unexpected. This Saturday, February 21, the spot will be taken over by RTD (Ready To Dance,) an epic throw down of music, performance and exhilarating body-moving. 

Organizer Eammon Wilcox — who will also perform at the dance night with his project, Running Niwot — says the idea behind Ready To Dance was inspired by events that played out at Dead Leaf, a short-lived but beloved DIY venue in Boulder, and its penchant for non-traditional bookings. "My friends used to run the venue and would throw regular shows with a bunch of bands, but then they would book movie nights and poetry nights, too," says Wilcox. "When you branch out from the classic show format, people are inclined to turn up."

Wilcox was tossing around ideas for themed showcases at Rhinoceropolis in an effort to change up some of the usual events that are often booked there, as it can be a place that hosts several shows a month with three or four bands to a bill. The name RTD (Ready To Dance) began as a joke — at one point, Mountain Dew and trampoline-themed parties were in the running. But the transportation motif stuck, and RTD became a reality. Of the event's theme, Wilcox asks the obvious: "Who doesn't love public transit?" 

If all goes well, there will (hopefully) be an actual Regional Transportation District component to Saturday's RTD party: With the 48 and 12 busses running in the vicinity of the venue, Wilcox hopes to organize an instantaneous party bus pick-up a few stops before Rhinoceropolis. If all goes as planned, party-goers can check with the Ready To Dance Facebook Event the day of the show and there will be a scheduled time and stop for RTDers to meet. Then, they can transform the public bus into a party bus on the way to the public bus-themed party.


Also, as with all events at Rhinoceropolis, Ready to Dance is a donation-based gathering; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. And for this party only, guests can show a valid bus pass or bus transfer and get in free. Wilcox also says Rhinoceropolis regular David Castillo — also known as head slice of local garage rock outfit Pizza Time — is promising to borrow his father's old RTD bus driver uniform to work the door, so you know this party will be RTD-legit.

The RTD Ready To Dance party heats up this Saturday, February 21 around 9 p.m. at Rhinoceropolis; the event is a suggested donation of $2.25 or free with a bus pass or transfer. Performances by Running Niwot, Cop Circles, Larians, KBTG (formerly known as Alphabets,) GVNDAM and a DJ set by DJ Chive. For more information, visit the RTD Ready To Dance Facebook.

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