Author Archives: Leah H.

If Your Daddy Don’t Got a Beard…

The ladies of Beards of Denver love frequenting the local haunts in their neighborhoods, and Park House at East Colfax and Madison has emerged as a favorite spot over the past few months. With frequent bluegrass shows, great drink specials, and a homey feel, there’s no shortage of bearded men milling about, which is an added bonus. But one beard stood out above the rest on a recent visit: Beards of Denver lovelies, meet Brian, the head chef at Park House. Originally from Alabama, Brian first came to Denver in the early ‘90s to play baseball at CU Boulder. Though that never materialized, he did earn a degree in sociology, but discovered culinary school was his true calling, which he went on to complete in New York. After a stint in St. Petersburg, Florida, Brian made it to Denver nearly two years ago. Back in St. Pete’s, Brian entered many a beard contest, and we can certainly see why based on his beard-prowess. When asked if the beard is a staple for him, Brian’s response was, “I always say, if your daddy don’t got a beard, you got two mammas” (we take that as his beard is a mainstay for him). Brian’s fiancé, Kat, is a huge fan of his beard, and even asked him out first while he was still building up his courage to ask her out (a woman after our own hearts!) You may also notice Brian sporting a Reba McIntyre t-shirt; which, he assured us, isn’t ironic—he went to the concert when he was 13. He likes Reba, has a southern accent, AND sports a bad-ass beard?  Color us smitten.

The ladies of Beards of Denver love frequenting the local haunts in their neighborhoods, and Park House at East Colfax and Madison has emerged as a favorite spot over the past few months. With frequent bluegrass shows, great drink specials, and a homey feel, there’s no shortage of bearded men milling about, which is an added bonus. But one beard stood out above the rest on a recent visit: Beards of Denver lovelies, meet Brian, the head chef at Park House. Originally from South Carolina, Brian first came to Denver in the early ‘90s to play baseball at CU Boulder. Though that never materialized, he did earn a degree in sociology, but discovered culinary school was his true calling, which he went on to complete in New York. After a stint in St. Petersburg, Florida, Brian made it to Denver nearly two years ago. Back in St. Pete’s, Brian entered many a beard contest, and we can certainly see why based on his beard-prowess. When asked if the beard is a staple for him, Brian’s response was, “I always say, if your daddy don’t got a beard, you got two mammas” (we take that as his beard is a mainstay for him). Brian’s fiancé, Kat, is a huge fan of his beard, and even asked him out first while he was still building up his courage to ask her out (a woman after our own hearts!) You may also notice Brian sporting a Reba McIntyre t-shirt; which, he assured us, isn’t ironic—he went to the concert when he was 13. He likes Reba, has a southern accent, AND sports a bad-ass beard? Color us smitten.

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The Friend Maker

It's not everyday that a girl walks into a Chicken Wings joint and encounters one of the most impressive beards she's ever seen; but when you're a lady of Beards of Denver, sometimes that hankering for chicken wings and an affinity for discovering great beards collide, and great things happen. Beards of Denver, meet Sam. Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, he's lived in Denver for 14 years, and his amazing beard is a testament to his scholarship; he's been growing his beard for three and a half years, the length of his stint as a doctoral student in the creative writing program at UC Denver. Sam loves having his beard, and stated its's his "friend maker" and helps him get his message across and presents a certain constitution, one of patience and that he works on things. He loves the subliminals that come from the noverbals of the beard, and I don't think we could've stated it an better than that. Sam's wonderful wife Pari loves his beard, and has actually only seen him once without it. She says it's also softer than day-old scruff and encouraged him to use morrocan oil in it. Sam is a huge fan of Al at Al's Barber Shop downtown on Larimer; Al makes sure Sam's beard is all trimmed up, particularly around his mouth, which we've learned is essential. Both Sam and Pari stated that Sam's beard changes interactions with people because he gets approached far more often with it than without. They say people build bridges?  Well, I think we have the proof here that beards do.

It’s not everyday that a girl walks into a Chicken Wings joint and encounters one of the most impressive beards she’s ever seen; but when you’re a lady of Beards of Denver, sometimes that hankering for wings combined with an affinity for discovering great beards collides, and magic happens. Beards of Denver fans, meet Sam. Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, he’s lived in Denver for 14 years, and his amazing beard is a testament to his scholarship; he’s been growing his beard for three and a half years, the length of his stint as a doctoral student in the creative writing program at University of Denver. Sam loves having his beard, and stated it’s his “friend maker;” it helps him get his message across to people by presenting a certain constitution, one of patience and that he works for things, and he prizes the “subliminals that come from the nonverbals of the beard” (we couldn’t have stated it any better than that). Sam’s wonderful wife Pari is the number one fan of his beard, and has actually only seen him once without it (impressive because they’ve been together for something like 19 years!) Pari says Sam’s long beard is also softer than day-old scruff and encouraged him to use morrocan oil in it for better care. Sam is a huge fan of Al at Al’s Barber Shop downtown on Larimer; Al makes sure Sam’s beard is all trimmed up, particularly around his mouth, which we’ve learned is essential. Both Sam and Pari stated that Sam’s beard changes interactions with people because he gets approached far more often the longer it gets. You think that people build bridges? Well, we have the proof here that beards do.—-Photo Credit by Dave Getzschman.

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Spring Training Baseball Beard

When the ladies of Beards of Denver headed down to Scottsdale, Arizona to catch some of the Colorado Rockies' spring training games, we were pleasantly surprised to also catch a great beard from (where else?) Denver! Meet Jeff, who we encountered at a Rockies vs. Brewers game on a sunny Sunday in Phoenix. Jeff's lovely wife Erica is a big fan of his beard; he usually shaves during baseball season, but with her encouraging he's likely to keep his beard all season long (it's sure to be the Rockies good luck charm, we're certain). Jeff and Erica live in HIghlands and will definitely be attending Opening Day this coming Friday. Jeff's favorite part of his beard is the beautiful girl it got him, and Erica says all her girlfriends admire Jeff's beard, too. Obviously, we like that those ladies share such good taste!

When the ladies of Beards of Denver headed down to Scottsdale, Arizona to catch some of the Colorado Rockies spring training games, we were pleasantly surprised to also snag a great beard from (where else?) Denver! Meet Jeff, who we encountered at a Rockies vs. Brewers game on a sunny Sunday in Phoenix. Jeff’s lovely wife Erica is a big fan of his beard; he usually shaves during baseball season, but with her encouraging he’s likely to keep his beard all season long (it’s sure to be the Rockies good luck charm, we’re certain). Jeff and Erica live in HIghlands and will definitely be attending Opening Day this coming Friday. Jeff’s favorite part of his beard is the beautiful girl it got him, and Erica says all her girlfriends admire Jeff’s beard, too. Obviously, we appreciate that those ladies all share such good taste! Play ball, go beards!

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Designer Beard

We know all of our Beards of Denver readers are hip to certain high-end designer labels, but no Louis Vuitton or Gucci hold a candle to the literally designer beard we have for you. Meet Rick, a graphic designer from Boulder who we were lucky enough to meet at the Bluebird Theatre when he showed off his singing prowess through a Jameson-fueled solo during the Pickwick show. Rick, who is originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has lived in Boulder about three and a half years. Rick said that his family is not too keen on his beard, but being a clean-cut designer is out of the question. He said that he recently trimmed his beard and that normally, it's rather bushy and that we " don't know how bad it really is." Rick, if bad means good, I think we understand.

We know all of our Beards of Denver readers are hip to certain high-end designer labels, but no Louis Vuitton or Gucci can hold a candle to the (literally) designer beard we have for you. Meet Rick, a graphic designer from Boulder who we were lucky enough to meet at the Bluebird Theatre when he showed off his singing prowess through a Jameson-fueled solo during the Pickwick show. Rick, who is originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has lived in Boulder about three and a half years. Rick said that his family is not too keen on his beard, but being a clean-cut designer is out of the question. He said that he recently trimmed his beard and that normally, it’s rather bushy and that we “Don’t know how bad it really is.” Rick, if bad means good, I think we understand.

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All Ears on This Beard

The ladies of Beards of Denver love catching live music in town, and recently when waiting to see the amazing band Pickwick play at the Bluebird theatre, we were lucky enough to meet Tim and admire his fantastic beard. Tim was not only at the show to enjoy the music, he was also covering it for the wonderful music website Listen Up Denver! TIm has been in Colorado 13 years, the past 10 in Denver, and he has also kept his beard the past 10 years (we, of course, think the correlation of beard growth and Denver residence is more than just a coincidence!) Tim's wife loves his beard, as does their seven week old daughter, Story. Already such good taste at such a young age! Tim and his beard also are contributing to building the local music scene in Denver; he helps organize the Soulfax Sessions at Park House, which are weekly free music nights on Thursdays at Park House. Be sure to check that out and say hi to Tim while you're at it!

The ladies of Beards of Denver love catching live music in town, and recently when waiting to see the amazing band Pickwick play at the Bluebird theatre, we were lucky enough to meet Tim and admire his fantastic beard. Tim was not only at the show to enjoy the music, he was also covering it for the wonderful music website Listen Up Denver! Tim has been in Colorado 13 years, the past 10 in Denver, AND has kept his beard the past 10 years (we, of course, think the correlation of beard growth and Denver residence is more than just a coincidence!) Tim’s wife loves his beard, as does their seven week old daughter, Story. Already such good taste at such a young age! Tim and his beard also are contributing to building the local music scene in Denver; he helps organize the Soulfax Sessions, which are weekly free music nights on Thursdays at Park House on East Colfax and Madison. Be sure when you get your Soulfax on, you also say hi to Tim and admire his beard!

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Luck ‘O The Irish Beard

We've all heard of Luck of the Irish, but it was luck for the ladies of Beards of Denver to meet Mr. Al Trout on St. Patrick's Day at the Whiskey Bar in Denver. Al, who is originally from Kansas City but has lived in Denver about four and a half years, usually has some sort of facial hair going, and we were glad it was a beard when we met him! Recently, Al boasted a full-on handlebar mustache, and is attempting to grow it back since the New Year. Bad-ass beards run in Al's family,  as his brother first encouraged him to grow a beard several years ago. Though we're sure Al spends lots of time contemplating his beard, he spends much more of it playing music; you can check out his Americana gems here. Thanks Al!

We’ve all heard of Luck of the Irish, but it was luck for the ladies of Beards of Denver to meet Mr. Al Trout on St. Patrick’s Day at the Whiskey Bar in Denver. Al, who is originally from Kansas City but has lived in Denver about four and a half years, usually has some sort of facial hair going, and we were glad it was a beard when we met him! Recently, Al boasted a full-on handlebar mustache, and is attempting to grow it back since the New Year. Bad-ass beards run in Al’s family, as his brother first encouraged him to grow a beard several years ago. Though we’re sure Al spends lots of time contemplating his beard, he spends much more of it playing music; you can check out his Americana gems here. Thanks Al!

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High Caliber Hi-Dive Beard

On a recent jaunt to the Hi-Dive, we were lucky enough to meet JJ.  JJ, who is the head bartender at the Hi-Dive, hasn't been clean shaven in--get ready--12 years. He's grown his current impressive beard for about two and a half years, which started, much like some of our other amazing beards on Beards of Denver, as a battle with his buddies to see who could grow the most awesome one. When asked about care for his beard, JJ said he only started washing it about six months ago, but brushes it out everyday. Though he grew up in Kansas, JJ and his beard have called Denver home for the past nine years. He and his beard are celebrating their 30th year on June 21st with an art show at the Hi-Dive; seriously, his beard is a work of art on its own. Keep it growing, JJ!

On a recent jaunt to the Hi-Dive for some great live music, we were lucky enough to meet JJ. JJ, who is the head bartender at the Hi-Dive, hasn’t been clean shaven in–get ready for this–12 glorious years. He’s grown his current impressive beard for about two and a half years, which started, much like some of our other amazing beards on Beards of Denver, as a battle with his buddies to see who could grow the most awesome one. When asked about care for his beard, JJ said he only started washing it about six months ago, but brushes it out everyday. Though he grew up in Kansas, JJ and his beard have called Denver home for the past nine years. JJ’s celebrating his 30th year on June 21st with an art show at the Hi-Dive, where it’s reported the theme of the show will revolve around him; seriously, his beard is a work of art on its own. Keep it growing, JJ!

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Bearded Road Warrior

On a recent week day night, at the Hi-Dive in Denver (little known fact, that was where Beards of Denver was born!) we were lucky enough to strike up a conversation with Ruston Kelly, one of the musicians performing that night. From Nashville, Ruston was on tour with Marcus Foster and was kind enough to chat with us about his beard.  Normally, he says he has it much longer (you can check out his website for longer beard photos, and for his music) but he says he has to change it up. Something to spice up those long stretches on the road between gigs, we imagine! We look forward to catching his show next time he's in town--and updating you all on the state of his beard!

On a recent week day night at the Hi-Dive in Denver (little known fact, this was where Beards of Denver was born!) we were lucky enough to strike up a conversation with Ruston Kelly, one of the musicians performing that night. From Nashville, Ruston was on tour with Marcus Foster and was kind enough to chat with us about his beard. Normally, he says he grows his beard much longer (you can check out his website for more photos of his beard, and, of course, for his music) but he says he has to change it up. Something to spice up those long stretches on the road between gigs, we imagine! Not only can he grow a mean beard, he’s an amazing musician and perhaps a personal favorite of the ladies of Beards of Denver for covering “Come Pick Me Up” by Ryan Adams. We look forward to catching his show next time he’s in town–and, naturally, updating you all on the state of his beard!

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Lone Star ‘Stache

A few weeks ago, Beards of Denver ventured down to Dallas, Texas.  When not searching for Willie Nelson and admitting that, yes, everything is bigger in Texas, we were fortunate enough to enjoy some whiskies while a country band played at Adair's Saloon in Dallas, and lucky enough to encounter our latest Guest 'Stache: Rhett. Rhett, who's had his 'stache in this amazing condition for the past three years or so is Fort Worth born and raised and now lived in Texas, but interestingly enough, had a Colorado connection of a friend's band touring in Denver the same weekend we met him; we thus loved he and his stellar 'stache even more. Rhett originally decided to grow out his 'stache to battle a buddy who was also growing out his beard, and he had--he said, regretabbly--recently trimmed up his 'stache. A hair stylist by trade, Rhett took extra pride in his 'stache, and we can see why!

A few weeks ago, Beards of Denver ventured down to Texas. And when not searching for Willie Nelson and admitting that, yes, everything is bigger there, we were fortunate enough to enjoy some whiskies on a raucous Saturday night while a country band played at Adair’s Saloon in Dallas, and happened upon our latest Guest ‘Stache: Rhett. Rhett, who’s had his ‘stache in this amazing condition for the past three years, is Fort Worth born and raised and now lives in Dallas, but, interestingly enough, had a Colorado connection of a friend’s band touring in Denver the same weekend we met him; we thus loved he and his stellar ‘stache even more. Rhett originally decided to grow out his ‘stache to battle a buddy who was also growing out his beard, and Rhett had–he said, regrettably–recently trimmed up his ‘stache. We still thought it more than impressive, and weren’t surprised to learn he’s a hair stylist by trade; that ‘stache ain’t from just any amateur. Pleased to meet you, cowboy!

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Bearded Wine Wizard

On one recent weekday, late night excursion to Steubens, the ladies of Beards of Denver were lucky enough to late night dine with Bob and his fantastic beard. Bob not only can grow a stealth beard, he is also a wine connoisseur, as in, this bearded boy knows how to make the sauce! Because he's also extremely sharp, Bob's had his beard since he was 20 years old. Originally hailing from Southern Missouri, he's been in Denver for the past 10 years. A hustler at dominos, he also told us he excels at gold brickin', making hooch (as previously stated), and wrastlin'. Combine all that with his beard, he's really the total bearded package.

On one recent weekday, late-night excursion to Steubens (following an amazing concert from Denver’s own Nathaniel Rateliff at the Mercury Cafe), the ladies of Beards of Denver were lucky enough to late night dine with Bob and his fantastic beard. Bob not only can grow a stealth beard, he is also a wine connoisseur, as in, this bearded boy knows how to make the sauce! Because he’s also extremely sharp, Bob’s had his beard since he was 20 years old. Originally hailing from Southern Missouri, he’s been in Denver for the past 10 years. A hustler at dominoes, he also told us he excels at gold brickin’, making hooch (as previously stated), and wrastlin’. Combine all that with his beard, he’s really the total bearded package!

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