...Garden Railroad Grand Opening, June 1-2...

Join us for the official grand opening and ribbon cutting for the internationally recognized Garden Railroad.

...The Nacho Men, June 2...

The Nacho Men deliver zany fun with oldies rock-and-roll. Their unique combination of dance music, costume changes, choreography and humor makes The Nacho Men Colorado's favorite musical performance group. More info at www.nachomen.com.

...DKO: The Darren Kramer Organization, June 9...

This band includes 10 world-class musicians performing innovative funk and R & B, as well as contemporary jazz fusion featuring a four-piece horn section. Kramer has toured with Tom Jones and Matchbox Twenty and is a winner in the 2000 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. DKO is an education in the beauty and power of music! More info at www.darrenkramer.org.

...Garden of Sculpture Show, June 13 - Sept. 8...

Back by popular demand, the Littleton Fine Arts Committee and The Hudson Gardens & Event Center present 7th Annual Garden of Sculpture Show. Garden guests can view large artistic wonders against a botanical backdrop. Items displayed will additionally be offered for sale by the artists.

...Firefall, June 13, 2002, Thursday...

Enjoy Firefall's vocal harmonies, melodic blend of guitars, flute, sax and subtle keyboards. Reminisce with Firefall's top-20 hits such as You Are The Woman, Strange Way, and Just Remember I Love You in the spectacular setting of The Gardens. Tickets are $15. More info at www.firefall.com

...Father's Day All-Ford Car Show, June 16...

Bring Dad to the 17th Annual All-Ford Car Show for a Father's Day he will truly enjoy! Nearly 200 Ford cars will be on display throughout the Gardens. Sponsored by the Hi-Country Regional Early Ford V8 Club.

...Lannie Garrett & Her Big Band, June 16...

Lannie Garrett-Colorado's famous redhead-is a highly sought-after singer and entertainer, known for her comedic instincts and natural charisma. Named Favorite Female Vocalist six years in a row by Denver Post readers, Garrett has a large and loyal following. Lannie brings her BIG band for a BIG Father's Day extravaganza! More info at www.lannie.com.

...Dotsero, June 23...

Named after a small Colorado mountain town, Dotsero means something unique according to Ute legend. Voted by Westword's reader's poll as the Best Jazz Band in Denver a record eleven years in a row, Dotsero undeniably means smooth, energetic, spontaneous jazz. With their #1 national hit, Jubilee, Dotsero is a true Colorado legend. More info at www.dotsero.org.

...Nina Storey, June 30...

The music of Boulder, Colorado-based R & B singer Nina Storey is unforgettable. Nina Storey's sultry sound has graced the stages of the American Music Festival, Lilith Fair, Woodstock '99 and The Montreal International Jazz Festival. Nina's eclectic, soulful style is one that distinguishes her as a genuine talent! More info at www.ninastorey.com.

...Johnny Rivers, July 3, Thursday...

Join The Hudson Gardens & Event Center for a patriotic salute to the good ol' U-S-of-A, complete with concert featuring Secret Agent Man Johnny Rivers from the Poor Side of Town. You'll catch a case of the Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu that will last for weeks! Tickets are $20. More at www.johnnyrivers.com.

...Opie Gone Bad, July 7...

This super-popular Denver band plays a pop-funk style that keeps their listeners coming back! This grammy-nominated band features lead singer Jake Schroeder, whose voice has been likened to the blue-collar drawl of a young Bruce Springsteen. Opie Gone Bad-quintessential funk rock for your soul! More info at www.opiegonebad.com.

...Blues in the Garden, July 14...

The Erica Brown Band, delivering high-energy rockin' blues and soul, is a favorite of the Denver area's club circuit and Little Mary & her Hometown Boogie Kings has wowed Colorado audiences for years. Join us for an evening unlike any other, with this dynamic combination of bands! More info at www.ericabrownband.com and www.littlemary.com.

...Pan Jumbies, July 21...

Shake your party bones…it's Carnival time with Pan Jumbies! This fusion of Caribbean world beat music combines the finest tradition of steel pan, calypso and the funk of bass and percussion. Performing pop hits and standards along with original music, the Pan Jumbies have created something new, yet decidedly Caribbean. More info at www.panjumbies.com.

...Midsummer's Night Dream, July 24...

A dream come true for children of all ages! Join us as The Hudson Gardens & Events Center becomes a world of enchantment. Based on Shakespeare's Midsummer's Night Dream, interactive children's theater and performances, face painters, roving jugglers and magicians create a mystical evening.

...Chris Daniels & the Kings, July 28...

This seven-piece horn band celebrates their 16th year of performing great R & B, funk, "jump", blues and swing. Climbing to the top of the charts in Adult Contemporary Radio with current hits such as An American Tragedy and Is My Love Enough, The Kings bring new forms and new riffs to blues and R & B--a new lyrical energy to the music we love! More info at www.chrisdaniels.com.

...Hot Tomatoes Jazz & Swing, August 4...

The Hot Tomatoes recreate the sound and feeling of the Swing Era and the Great Jazz Age. From Ellington to Basie to Goodman, the Hot Tomatoes will put you In the Mood with Fascinatin' Rhythm! A nine-piece ensemble featuring sax, trumpets, trombone, piano, bass and drums, the Hot Tomatoes perform with precision, style and wit. More info at www.hottomatoes.com.

...Once Upon a Time... August 6, 7, 8, 11, 18...

Plan to bring the whole family to Once Upon a Time...a Story for Miranda, a production of South Suburban Theater at The Hudson Gardens & Event Center amphitheater. All performances start at 1:00 PM. Tickets are $5 and are available through our Ticket Line at 303-797-8565 ext 321. For more information, call South Suburban at 303-483-7074 or visit them on the web at www.ssprd.org.

...Pete Wernick's Live Five, August 11...

Grammy-nominated blend of bluegrass and jazz. Also known as "Dr. Banjo, Wernick is one of the most creative musicians in new, blue and jazz grass. Fans can count on his love of tradition, good taste, and pure, rippling tone!More info at www.petewernick.com.

...Western Regional Chili Cook-Off, August 11...

Spend the afternoon tasting some of the Rocky Mountain Region's finest red chili, green chili, and salsa at this regional competition. Officially sanctioned by the International Chili Society, this cook-off promises to draw some of the best chili and salsa cooks west of the Mississippi!

...Michael Martin Murphey, August 15, Thursday...

Inter-Faith Community Services and The Hudson Gardens & Event Center are proud to present Michael Martin Murphey in this Western Welcome Week flagship event. Murphey is the #1 best-selling singer of American Cowboy Music today. His legendary Wildfire is one of the most played songs in the history of radio. Tickets are $25. More info at www.michaelmartinmurphey.com

...Hazel Miller, August 18...

A first-class lady singing first-class blues! Hazel's amazing blend of soul and jazz has made her a Colorado landmark for the past eighteen years. A legend on the Denver blues scene, Miller is the 2002 Independent Music Award winner in the blues/R & B category for her hit I'C'U'N Everything. More info at www.hazelmiller.com.

...Denver Brass Goes Celtic, August 25...

Don't miss the Denver Brass with the Colorado Isle of Mull/St. Andrew Pipes & Drums and The Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers. Bagpipes and Celtic dancing accentuate an evening of first-class Brass. More info at www.denverbrass.org.

...Taste of South Metro, August 29...

Hosted by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and The Hudson Gardens & Event Center, featuring the finest from an array of South Metro area restaurants within the spectacular setting of The Gardens. Join us for food, friends, wine and fun from 5 PM to 7PM!