The Chocolate Therapist
Julie Pech
Julie Pech, author of "The Chocolate Therapist" has an important message for the world: EAT MORE CHOCOLATE!!! She is an incredibly poplular speaker, at conferences, restaurants, club meetings, and on cruise ships... She is constantly in the news, being interviewed on TV, in the newspaper, on radio..... EVERYONE wants to hear why they should eat more chocolate! Julie will teach you about the actual HEALTH benefits of chocolate - the physical, emotional and metal perks that come from eating the right kinds - and the right amounts - every day! Who doesn't love that....
Julie was born in Seattle, Wa, and presently lives in Denver. Julie earned a degree in Psychology from CU Denver while balancing motherhood and a career in the wholesale sporting goods industry. After 12 years, she left her management position to launch her own corporate apparel company, but sold it five successful years later to follow her dream of becomming a writer. Finally capitalizing on her degree, Julie set out to prove that when you combine the mind, the body, and chocolate, something extraordinary happens.
Julie speaks regularly about the health benefits of chocolate. A percentage of all book profits go to fund The Dragyn Foundation, an organization she created to benefit worldwide children's programs.
She also supports non-profit organizations by donating a percentage of book sales to groups that host book signings. In her spare time, she works as a certified hypnotherapist, helping others achieve their goals and dreams.
Denver Jazz Quartet
While working for years as side-men in various groups, these four musicians decided to form a working quartet in the late 90's which has transformed into one of the most sought after jazz ensembles in the rocky mountain area. The DJQ performs all the jazz standards including Latin jazz, mainstream, swing, ballads and blues.
The DJQ performs at a variety of venues from small to large, from club dates to jazz festivals. They were the featured jazz group at the Queenstown International Jazz Festival in Queenstown, New Zealand in October, 2003 in celebration of their 25th anniversary.
The group performs primarily as an instrumental jazz quartet or sometimes as a jazz trio. The DJQ can also be augmented by adding another instrument or a vocalist. The DJQ has performed with some of the finest jazz singers both locally and nationally. We are VERY proud to have them as our live entertainement Friday evening! Visit www.denverjazzquartet for info!
Gabby Gourmet
Pat Miller
One of the most respected names in the Denver Restaurantt scene, the Gabby Gourmet is the "go to girl" when you're looking for just the right place to eat... orthe perfect recipe! Her weekly KHOW radio show, her website, and her annual book are extremely popular - and essential ingredients for all Foodies! Gabby will be broadcasting LIVE from the Colorado Chocolate Festival on Saturday, May 10, 1-3pm! Visit www.gabbygourmet.com .
Galaxy Pageant Queens
For those of you that were thinking..... Yeah, chocolate is okay, but WHERE ARE THE BEAUTY QUEENS??.... Fear Not! We got 'em! Saturday, on our main stage, helping us out with the Colorado Chocolate Queen Compeition, will be our team of gorgeous Beauty Queen Assistants....Mrs. Colorado Galaxy - Deanna Winick; Miss Colorado Galaxy - Amanda Kepple; Miss Teen Colorado Galaxy - Jamie Bell; Miss Pre-Teen Colorado Galaxy - Jacqueline Delgado; Mrs. US Colorado - Trinity Prescott; Miss Teen Us Colorado - AJ Prescott; and Ms. Southern Colorado Touch of Class - Paije Koza!
Denise Nickerson
"Violet Beauregard"
One of the most memorable "bad children" from the original Willy Wonka film was little Violet Beauregard. "You're turning violet, Violet" was one of the film's classic lines! Everyone remembers "The Blueberry Girl..." who was famously portrayed by Denver's own Denise Nickerson! Denise also had a recurring role in Dark Shadows. No - not Dark Chocolate... Dark Shadows... the FABULOUS spooky soap opera of the 1960s-70s! Denise will be signing photos and greeting fans both days!
Chris Parente
News2 Colorado
 Early risers will recognize Chris Parente as the feature reporter on News2 This Morning. It's always something wild and different with his live reports. Yes, Chris is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get. Chris spends a lot of time staring at the mountains (he's from Indiana...they don't have mountains in Indiana, only "lumps").
After his morning reports, Chris heads back to the studio, where he co-anchors News 2 at Eleven each weekday with his colleague and good friend, Kellie MacMullan.
Most recently, he worked as anchor and reporter at WAVE in Louisville, Kentucky. Chris has 13 years on-air experience, and his work as a journalist has earned him two regional Emmies for news reporting. Chris graduated with honors from Indiana University, with degrees in both Journalism and Theatre.
When he's not on air, his other real passion is improvisation. He studied improv at Chicago's famed "Second City," and has since performed in hundreds of improvised shows. Chris is always looking for new and groovy stories about the people and places of Colorado. Visit www.cw2.com .
Willy Wonka
actor Brian Dowling
A Denver native, Brian has appeared in many theatrical productions right here in Colorado. Currently, he can be seen portraying a recurring role as 'Headmaster Clark Dowling' in Mischief Managed Entertainment's Tales From Avistrum Academy of Sorcery. The Tales From Avistrum show is an interactive theatrical production based on the Harry Potter book series. You can also catch him this summer at the Colorado Renaissance Festival as Prince Charming. Do not miss the national stage act "Charming & Dashing" coming to the Colorado Renaissance Festival this season! Visit www.avistrum.org and www.coloradorenaissance.com
Other Guests and Presenters:
Rose Beetem - Colorado Chocolate Queen Trivia Hostess.
When Rose isn't working in the Denver Art Museum's PR Dept, she's busy being one of Denver's leading sci-fi community socialites!
Cast Members of Death, Taxes....and Chocolate
They'll be here to talk about the film's Colorado premier and answer questions! It's a Dark (Chocolate) Comedy you don't want to miss! Visit www.deathtaxesandchocolate.com
Our Creation Station Demo Chefs:
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