HQ Has Grand Re-Opening in Denver This Weekend

“I’ve become fond of saying over the last few months, ‘It’s only money, right?'” says HQ co-owner Scott Happel. “You gotta find a way to laugh here.”

He insists he’s been able to stay “cautiously optimistic” after experiencing any venue owner’s nightmare: HQ was forced to shut down on August 15 after a water pipe burst near the space at 60 South Broadway and flooded HQ Underground, which hosted the venue’s drag and burlesque shows. HQ concerts were moved to other venues while Happel and fellow co-owner Peter Ore created a fundraiser to deal with the immediate damage.

 Insurance, they soon discovered, wouldn’t cover any costs — the surface water exclusion found in most Colorado insurance policies does not protect properties from damage caused by water outside of the building. “It’s…