the variety pack rundown

Something inexplicably divine happens when the creative geniuses, outcasts, movers, writers, performers, and divas of a community gather in one place to share their own expression. DeEtta Jain’s variety show has woven several different corners of Denver’s artistic scene into one heart warming psychedelic blanket. This blanket transcends age differences, financial gaps, cultural differences, and more. When attending, one can anticipate unabashed authenticity, top tier conversation, mind blowing performances, and a %99 guarantee of discovering new creators to support and fall in love with. The artists, who are often overlooked or unheard, go home feeling appreciated and adored. The audience leaves feeling inspired and connected to source. All in all, these have proven to be medicinal and electrifying for anyone who chooses to participate.

Pictured above is María Morera, a.k.a femmeinboots. They are a local performance artist/dancer who always bring a feeling of future to the lineup. The soundtrack is typically experimental reggaeton paired with movement so sensual and powerful, one can’t help but feel in awe. Their pieces involve themes of gender exploration, homage to cultural roots, and an emphasis on loving the self ferociously. It is empowering to witness.

This is one our all time favorite shares from Denver’s own, Azura Trella. Azura is a young fashion designer who has done countless DFW shows, as well as independently hosted runway spots to showcase her work. We asked her to switch it up for the variety show due to the venue’s layout, and together landed on a theatrical live-styling session. It was thought provoking, entertaining, and an overall unusual way to experience fashion.

This was photographed during one of DeEtta Jain’s live sets. Since her music is mostly electronic, she likes to add performance art elements to the show to make for a more captivating experience. Our lovely friend shaved his head live to help illustrate a song about conventional beauty, and the extreme places people are pushed to when feeling cornered by their own physical limitations and beliefs about themselves. It was a riot.

This slightly disorienting frame was snapped at the beginning of Count Kuumba’s live knife juggling set. We were under the impression that he was just going to juggle knives, but he actually pieced together a riveting production including three actors, several props, an explosion of emotion, and music that perfectly glued together the scene.

Amongst the chaos, we like to include utter masters of their craft. Uhl is a classically trained vocalist turned pop star. There is a depth to her voice and a truth to her lyrics that finds a way of resonating with every walk of life. The roar that follows her performances is worth noting too. She’s our very own Celine Dion.

Here is a very special shot of an artist named Soleil Kohl. Soleil is a theatrical savant, a writer, and also a clown, quite literally. She has provided us with multiple comedic performances so everyone sort of started to expect that from her. Most recently, she shared this piece about her father’s passing a few months ago. It challenged the audience, it made us cry, and it explored a deeply complex relationship with her father and saying goodbye to someone who always felt like a bit of a stranger.

It felt exciting to include this image because it depicts the vulnerability, freedom, and catharsis these shows are providing to the artists/audience members alike.

A collective release