Old-world glamour has been quietly thriving in Downtown Denver since 2006. It’s been hiding behind the iconic glow of the Daniels & Fisher Tower.

What began as Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret was founded by celebrated singer and entertainer Lannie Garrett alongside actor, writer, and producer Jefferson Arca and renowned Denver artist and designer Lonnie Hanzon, with a vision of creating an intimate underground (literally) experience unlike anything else in Denver. Tucked beneath the historic D&F Tower on Denver’s 16th Street, the cabaret quickly became known for its vintage atmosphere, eclectic entertainment, and immersive nightlife experience. (Denver Westword)

From the beginning, the venue blended classic cabaret traditions with Denver’s independent creative spirit. Inspired by the intimate European cabarets of Paris and Berlin, the space welcomed burlesque, comedy, drag, live music, circus arts, theatre, and touring performers into one velvet-draped room where audiences sat just feet from the stage. The venue’s lavish interior — designed by Lonnie Hanzon — helped establish the Clocktower as one of the city’s most visually distinctive nightlife destinations. (Denver Westword)

Over the years, the cabaret became a launching pad for countless local performers while also hosting nationally touring artists, musicians, comedians, and specialty shows from around the world. The venue developed a reputation for championing bold entertainment — the kind of shows that didn’t quite fit anywhere else.

Among its most beloved homegrown productions was Naughty Pierre's Burlesque & Comedy Show, which ran for ten years and became a cornerstone of the Clocktower experience. Hosted by Naughty Pierre (who looked mysteriously like Jefferson) — the the mustachioed, mischievous emcee. Each week, Pierre led audiences through a romp of burlesque, comedy, and variety, with pianist Larry Wegner at the baby grand providing the perfect musical accomplice. The show became one of Denver's longest-running weekly variety productions and a proving ground for local and national talent alike.

In 2016, after a decade of helping build the venue into a beloved Denver institution, Lannie Garrett stepped away from ownership. The business was officially renamed The Clocktower Cabaret, marking the beginning of a new chapter under the continued leadership of The Arca Family and the cabaret’s evolving creative team. (Colorado Public Radio)

Today, nearly two decades after opening its doors, The Clocktower Cabaret continues to serve as one of Downtown Denver’s hidden gems — a place where burlesque, drag, live music, comedy, immersive theatre, and nightlife collide beneath one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Generations of performers and audiences have celebrated here, and as we celebrate 20 years in business, we also celebrate the history that built us while welcoming the next generation of artists, dreamers, and unforgettable nights beneath the D&F Tower.