CSI DMC’s official launch party for our new Denver office earlier this month was an evening full of surprises. There was no way to miss the excited crowd that filled the space, spilling out from the venue’s doors and onto the sidewalk. Guests paused to take photos and enjoy the custom chalk mural that graced the pavement outside Millers & Rossi, a contemporary art gallery and speakeasy located in RiNo, one of Denver’s burgeoning creative neighborhoods. This remarkable arts district offered guests a vibrant collection of eclectic businesses and galleries, and at the heart of it all, CSI welcomed guests to the hidden venue that many guests exclaimed with delight that they had not yet visited.
Stepping through the front doors, the local CSI team welcomed guests as they entered. Each wall was resplendent with local art, from living plant vignettes and watercolors, to cityscape scenes in bright hues. The artist whose work was on display mingled with guests while another local painter composed a new piece during the event, which was later raffled off to a lucky guest! Tucked in between the art, interactive stations offered guests a chance to tap into their own innate creativity, and the handwriting analyst was the crowd favorite! With the simple flick of a comma, or curve of a letter, the analyst deftly deciphered each writer’s personality traits, mannerisms, and personal characteristics – truly a remarkable show!
Fans of Denver’s active local brew scene were pleased to discover that in addition to the art, some of the city’s trademark small-batch beer and ciders were available at the bars, along with savory passed appetizers. The in-house chef designed a food menu specifically to showcase the fall bounty, and dishes were quickly consumed as they circled amongst the guests – after all, who doesn’t love the choice between meatballs, seared scallops, and goat cheese croquettes!?
Walking through the gallery, it became clear there was more to this event than could be seen. Hidden behind a red-curtained doorway, guests could draw back the velvet draping to reveal a hidden surprise-an extravagant speakeasy lounge! It was there that most guests spent their night, tucked behind the gallery and hidden from view until someone peeked behind the curtain. With a lively jazz ensemble infusing the air with sultry tunes, CSI’s design for the space was illuminated by gold geometric votives, arranged atop highboy cocktail tables dressed in a glitzy blue and gold linens. A roving photographer captured guests’ images and a custom hedge wall backdrop with CSI branding framed one side of the room. Replacing the existing venue furniture, CSI glammed up the speakeasy space with lush linens and an interactive typewriting poet for entertainment. This talented writer perched in a wingback chair before the venue’s fireplace facade, and as guests pick a topic for her to write she quickly put her thoughts on paper. Everyone was in awe and couldn’t wait for their turn!
Walking through the event space, guests couldn’t help but become enchanted by the light smoky aroma of the signature cocktail served in the speakeasy – Old Fashioneds, served in a smoke-filled rocks glass! Guests were drawn to the flame of the bartender’s torches, where quick movements burned cedar to fill glasses before filling them with a swirl of whiskey and twist of fresh orange peel. Each cocktail was craftily made with pure, fresh ingredients and specifically tailored if guests had custom requests.
Capping off the night, savory desserts were passed as the CSI team raffled off a curated selection of gifts and surprises. As winners’ names were called, they claimed exclusive dinners from some of our restaurant partners such as Linger’s restaurant and the downtown gem Guard & Grace. The pinnacle of the raffle came as a complementary group activity for up to ten members of their team was awarded to one lucky guest, showcasing the local dining scene, and CSI’s love of an exceptional evening!
Watch how our evening unfolded below!