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John Wenzel

@johnwenzel.bsky.social
1.2K followers 292 following 433 posts

A&E reporter / critic for The Denver Post. Bylines in Rolling Stone, Esquire, The Atlantic and my 4th grade book report. Dayton, Ohio, native. Send Marion's Pizza.

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Reposted by John Wenzel
Jon Murray @jonmurraydp.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Yesterday @johnwenzel.bsky.social took a look at the improvements and what this park means. www.denverpost.com/2026/09/25/c...
denverpost.com
One-of-a-kind Denver park opens this weekend with BMX, birdwatching and industrial graffiti
There’s nothing quite like Carpio-Sanguinette Park & Heron Pond Open Space — in Denver or anywhere else.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Always psyched to appear on Denver's @citycastdenver.bsky.social, this time talking about Sundance Film Fest updates, a unique and surprising move by EDM favorite GRiZ for his Colorado fans, and my rec for the most interesting show to see this fall. Check it out below! denver.citycast.fm
denver.citycast.fm
City Cast Denver - Daily Podcast and Newsletter - City Cast Denver
City Cast Denver is the daily podcast and newsletter bringing you the local conversation in the city you love. Find out what Denverites are talking about.
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Reece @thiccreese.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Meta's new AI agent wanted my passport info. Not to help me. To train on me. Actually, it wanted everything: bank accounts, email inboxes, ID info. No surprise coming from Meta. But always worth reminding readers that AI automations come with major privacy risks. www.wired.com/story/metas-...
wired.com
Meta's Muse Is Better at Surveilling Than Helping Me
The Muse app continues Meta’s trend of opting users into data collection for AI training. It also nudges you to share your bank account, email, and passport information.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
#GRiZ is only artist I've ever seen who said he'd play "a more accommodating venue" than Red Rocks on his next visit (a venue mostly booked by AEG Presents). His new, free, charity-driven shows? They're at Live Nation's Junkyard this month. Tickets are free and non-transferrable, even.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Gen-AI is an insulting plagiarism and regurgitation machine, and there's no counter-evidence that comes even close to holding water. It steals the Library of Alexandria every second of every day and we're all supposed to cheer about it. Proud to work at the @denverpost.com
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Don't let Sundance hype distract you: Colorado hosts dozens of historic #filmfestivals that have long made us a destination for cinephiles and creatives. With biggies like Denver Film Fest (and yes, Sundance) on the horizon, it's a good time for a @denverpost.com roundup (link in comments)
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The Denver Post @denverpost.com · 15/09/2026
"A lot of alarming news is circulating right now about federal efforts to change how states run their elections," two Colorado clerk and recorders write. "For now, the answer is simple: Nothing has changed; keep your voting plans."
denverpost.com
Keep your voting plans, Colorado, because we will be sending mail ballots (Opinion)
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Matt Sebastian @mattsebastian.com · 10/09/2026
Miami Herald's deputy investigations editor on McClatchy's layoffs today: “Now, they can move chess pieces around, but how do you do that when you have no chess pieces left? As I understand it, this would be 30 overall slots (eliminated) in a newsroom that was already under 80 positions.”
poynter.org
McClatchy cuts more than 90 staff in its most severe layoffs in years - Poynter
At least 13 papers — including The Miami Herald, The Sacramento Bee and The Kansas City Star — lost reporters
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Success! See? Sometimes we can have nice* things. #NobHillInn update for @denverpost.com. Link in comments. (nice = wonderfully gritty)
denverpost.com
Beloved Denver dive Nob Hill Inn will stay open after funding success
The East Colfax Avenue bar said it faced Sept. 30 closure due to increased costs, disruptive BRT construction
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Honored to win 1st Place for Best A&E Writing from the Colorado Press Association for my @denverpost.com reviews of "Frozen," and a great Maurice Sendak exhibit at Denver Art Museum (all linked in comments). Arts writing still matters! Thanks for recognizing it @coloradopress.bsky.social
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Raise your hand if you always knew Roseanne Barr and Tina Peters would end up on a conspiracy-driven conservative event together. (I am not raising my hand.) Noted politico and reality-hewer Roseanne Barr.
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Tamara Dunn @tamaraddunn.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Despite A-list cast, ‘The Dog Stars’ is no match for Peter Heller’s Colorado-set novel | Review www.denverpost.com/2026/08/26/d... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
denverpost.com
Despite A-list cast, ‘The Dog Stars’ is no match for Peter Heller’s Colorado-set novel | Review
The Ridley Scott-directed feature stars Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin and Guy Pearce.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Inarguably the kindest and most self-aware person I've ever interviewed, and that's saying something among the world class musicians, actors and humanitarians over the years. R.I.P. to a piece of my heart. Here's my only interview with #DollyParton, for @denverpost.com
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WFMU @wfmu.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Space and astronomy seem to be the only place where the global community isn't 100% dysfunctional, but the U.S. has lately bled a lot of STEM talent that would help that continue. Here's how to keep it alive, for @denverpost.com (link in comments)
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Ashamed of my home state. There are a lot of good people and things still in Ohio, but they're fighting steeply uphill to stay that way.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
The debates over subject matter and message continue, but there IS an intentional way to read artist #LeoTanguma's murals at Denver International Airport (from right-to-left) which paints a very different picture than the conspiracy theories. My latest on #DEN reinstallation, for @denverpost.com
denverpost.com
Mural section at the heart of DIA conspiracy theories is coming back
The mural by artist Leo Tanguma, “In Peace and Harmony with Nature,” completes the striking “Children of the World Dream of Peace.”
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
States are weakening protections for disabled people and returning to re-institutionalization policies. My son, who has Type 1 diabetes, uses a 504 plan so he can attend school like everyone else. "504: The Musical," performed by an all-disabled cast, shows what's at stake. For @denverpost.com
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
It's been 20 years of Gil Boggs leading #ColoradoBallet, and it's hard to find a more nimble upswing for a nonprofit arts company in Denver (despite starting with financial ruin and enduring COVID, a changing audience and everything else). How'd he do it? My latest for @denverpost.com
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
And heeeeeeere we go: Venues, discounts, dates for passes going on sale, expanded categories and Oscar qualifications, and much more from @sundance.org's film fest coming to Boulder in January. Link to #EllaCobb's detailed story for @denverpost.com and @dailycamera.com in comments
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
I don't remember seeing statements like this from History Colorado, well, ever. They depend on a bit of federal funding but not a ton. Still.
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Indie Book Spotlight @bookspotlight.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
LMFAO
AI User: I'm an artist.
Me: *turns off wifi* Prove it.
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Marc Masters 🌵 @marcissist.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
“There is no ethical use of generative AI. The labour of working creatives has already been steadily devalued over the years, and now it has arrived at a place where it only holds financial merit when fed to the machine.” www.anxietyshark.ca/an-empty-bit...
anxietyshark.ca
An empty bit of good.
Let the machine work and drain and sputter and purge, may we dance and clap at what meagre pleasures it can conjure.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Truly, I hope both events succeed. But I've never seen anything like this in any local music scene -- 2 major fests with hundreds of local bands on each, on the same days and geographically so close. For @denverpost.com (link in comments)
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Matt Sebastian @mattsebastian.com · 10/07/2026
Journalism friends, please share: The @denverpost.com is looking to hire 2 new reporters: a full-time legislative reporter, plus a part-time breaking news reporter #journalismjobs —> myworkdaycenter.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MNG/jo... —> myworkdaycenter.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MNG/jo...
The Denver Post newspaper front page from July 1, 2026, with the headline "Weiser defeats Bennet after late surge"
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
More of this Denver please (sober, early starting and catering to small groups). #FMBoutique, formerly Fancy Tiger Clothing, is a South Broadway institution and expansion is never a given, but owner/founder Matthew Brown is an enterprising guy. My piece for @denverpost.com
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Elizabeth Hernandez @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Any professors/grad student at a Colorado university interested in talking about research or grant funding canceled under this federal administration & the impacts of that to your field/science/academia/career etc? I’d love to chat! Feel free to message me & pass along. #HigherEd #Edcolo
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Denver musicians! I'm writing for @denverpost.com about making ends meet as an artist, and wondering if anyone would let me shadow them at their dayjob(s) to show how hard folks have to work to get gigs and stage time and etc.? DM or email me (jwenzel@denverpost.com)
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The Denver Post @denverpost.com · 02/07/2026
Looking for something to do over the long weekend?
denverpost.com
Cherry Creek Arts Fest’s 35th, Andrea Gibson tribute at Red Rocks, and more Denver events
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Luke O'Neil @lukeoneil47.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
That's my guy since like 1984
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Time to bookmark stories like this ahead of national journalists swooping into Boulder, pre-Sundance, and writing stories of varying accuracy and ownership over a city they'd never been to! Great job here by the award-winning #OliviaDoak of the @dailycamera.com (link in comments)
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
This one hurts. #BretSaunders is a tireless, upbeat host, writer, interviewer, podcaster, humorist, fundraiser and all-around great guy as long as I've known him. Laid off today. And more KBCO 97.3 FM layoffs are on the way, I'm hearing. Details for @denverpost.com
denverpost.com
Denver radio legend Bret Saunders laid off from 97.3 KBCO after three decades
Host, jazz expert, writer, podcaster and interviewer Saunders is one of the most prominent radio names in Colorado.
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Josh Shepperd @joshshepperd.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
A literal “radio tower” art installation at The Tate Modern. Made of radios. 📻
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Quentin Young @quentinyoung.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
No context news clip, May 4, 1982, Rocky Mountain News.
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Tamara Dunn @tamaraddunn.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
These are Colorado’s top 150 movies. Where did your favorite land? www.denverpost.com/2026/05/28/c... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
denverpost.com
These are Colorado’s top 150 movies. Where did your favorite land?
Curators combed more than 800 films made in Colorado, about Colorado, or by Coloradans past and present.
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The Denver Post @denverpost.com · 08/06/2026
‘No Kings’ movement to host weekend concert watch parties around Colorado
denverpost.com
‘No Kings’ movement to host weekend concert watch parties around Colorado
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
REVIEW: I'm not a Potterhead but "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is a killer show with a smart balance of character work and spectacle. Rank nostalgia, a tangled plot, accents of varying authenticity, and a shockingly terrible score by Imogen Heap notwithstanding. My review for @denverpost.com
denverpost.com
Review: ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ brings heart, spectacle in Denver debut
The new tour of the Tony-winning Broadway play is a stunner, despite a tangled plot and recycled dynamics.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Great piece from @meganburbank.bsky.social that centers women and their experiences in music. Having written these kinds of pieces I know how difficult it is to report and how courageous the survivors are. Hard to argue there's a cancel culture when these shameless men keep coming back #BelieveWomen
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Lil' surprised not to see Pam Grier's "Coffy" on here, but also glad they snagged some Westerns that haven't gotten much modern attention. Also: "Cannibal! The Musical" and the epically shitty "Snowbeast" are nice touches. Top 25 titles and screening details up now at @denverpost.com
denverpost.com
These are Colorado’s top 150 movies. Where did your favorite land?
Curators combed more than 800 films made in Colorado, about Colorado, or by Coloradans past and present.
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Elizabeth Hernandez @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Update: Colorado wordsmith Nikhil Ganta was toppled by "carreta" in the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Great performance, Nikhil! No CO kids left standing now. www.denverpost.com/2026/05/27/s... via @denverpost.com
denverpost.com
Colorado sixth-grader toppled by ‘carreta’ during Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals
Nikhil Ganta advanced to the nearly century-old national contest after winning the 86th annual Denver Post Colorado State Spelling Bee in March.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Denver's #SaidTheSky is a world-touring, Red Rocks-headlining EDM act with a pair of new albums and a unique live show at Mission Ballroom 5/29. So how does the Berklee-trained musician do it all from Colorado, and what keeps him inspired for his marathon stage sets? For @denverpost.com
denverpost.com
Global headliner Said the Sky is bringing a special live set to Mission Ballroom
Songwriter/EDM producer Trevor Christensen recently dropped a pair of invigorating, and very different, Said the Sky albums.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
I'm not totally sure "The Mandolorian and Grogu" is a #StarWars movie, and that's maybe the best thing about it. I AM sure that it pays tribute to Ray Harryhausen and Jim Henson and other mid-to-late 20th century SFX and puppetry geniuses (woot!) My review for @denverpost.com (link in comments)
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Tamara Dunn @tamaraddunn.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
This Friday, Pam Grier will be honored as an Alamo Drafthouse theater will be renamed after her: www.denverpost.com/2026/05/14/p... by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
denverpost.com
Pam Grier Cinema replaces Alamo Drafthouse, a food truck carnival and more Denver things to do
Colorado’s own Pam Grier — of legendary titles such as the Blaxploitation classic “Coffy” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” — is getting her due this weekend as a local Alamo Drafthouse…
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Another exclusive: I've got the rundown of local @sundance.org co-presentations this summer, from Film on the Rocks to Outside Days and Boulder Creek Festival. SFF director Eugene Hernandez tells me monthly events will continue right up until the festival's Boulder debut. More at @denverpost.com
denverpost.com
Sundance Film hosting pre-festival summer screenings at Outside Days, other events
The Sundance Institute is co-presenting movies at local events before its January 2027 festival debut in Boulder.
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I talked to The Underground Music Showcase director Keanan Stoner about this year's lineup, whether Blucifer's First Rodeo is competition, and why RiNo is a good fit for the rebooted event. So who's playing? For @denverpost.com (paywall article; link in comments)
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The performing arts can be a balm for the soul, and in this case, something that even gives me a modicum of hope (OK, maybe a sliver more) for the future. Brava, #ColoradoSymphony For @denverpost.com (paywall article)
denverpost.com
A ‘Rhapsody’ with my kids: Colorado Symphony sounds brand new again
Colorado’s biggest and best symphony happily brings my kids into the fold
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
If you're good at something, don't just not-do-it-for-free, make sure you own it. I'm moderating this panel at @seriesfest.bsky.social on Sunday with some industry pioneers, artists and writers AND YOU SHOULD ATTEND. Festival's on now at Denver Film's Sie FilmCenter (link in comments)
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Truly insane that no one died from this, between employees, customers and folks on the street. I went by yesterday and the damage was hard to capture, but impressive (in the bad way).
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John Wenzel @johnwenzel.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
I've been lazy in posting my @denverpost.com work here, but this story was a blast to contemplate and explore. Symphony show is Thursday this week; sound exhibition runs through early next year (link in comments) #ClyffordStill #ClyffordStillMuseum
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Adam Keiper @adamkeiper.com · 04/05/2026
Specifically, Pulitzers for: - Washington Post coverage of DOGE - NYT coverage of Trump enriching himself in office - Chicago Tribune coverage of ICE - Reuters coverage of Trump "expand[ing] executive power and exact[ing] vengeance" - And M. Gessen for "essays on rising authoritarian regimes"
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