The folks at The Tonight Show With Jay Leno had been bugging Rockmount Ranch Wear founder Jack A. Weil to come to L.A. and appear on the talk show for five years.

"Every year he's declined," said grandson and Rockmount heir Steve Weil.

"We've told them if you want to fly him privately, maybe he'll go. But at 106 (years old), he's not going to go through the hassle of commercial flying. They said, 'We don't fly Richard Gere on a private jet.' I said, 'Maybe you will when he's 106.' "

So Tonight came to "Papa Jack" earlier this month, when correspondent Mo Rocca visited Denver to film segments on what to do here during next year's Democratic National Convention. One of his interviews was with the Rockmount legend. That interview and other Denver bits are scheduled to air tonight (10:35 p.m., 9News).

"They asked Papa Jack, 'Who do you prefer, Grover Cleveland (who was a Democrat) or George Bush?' " Steve said. "The joke is on them, as (Papa Jack) is a Republican."

I asked Steve to ask his grandpa whom he prefers, Leno or Letterman? "He said, 'Jay Leno, but Johnny Carson was the best.' "

Will the centenarian stay up late to catch the show? "Of course," Papa Jack said. CRU CREW: Cru, A Wine Bar is opening a second Denver spot in the old Emogene space, 2415 E. Second Ave. in Cherry Creek. Like its LoDo location, the new Cru will serve dinner nightly and offer more than 40 wines by the glass. Owner Patrick Colombo is considering adding lunch to the Cherry Creek menu, according to executive chef Wes Ebey. Look for the opening in late October or early November.

GOING GONZO: Anita Thompson, wife of the late Hunter S. Thompson, will be the guest speaker on Thursday when the Colorado Society of Professional Journalists kicks off its new series of mixers at the Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm Place.

Thompson will talk about her new book, The Gonzo Way. Rocky Mountain News reporter Jeff Kass will serve as moderator. Thompson family friend Matt Moseley will be guest bartender.

The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. talk. The event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. RSVP: spjcolorado@yahoo.com

TOGETHERNESS: Rabid Republicans Edie and Mort Marks celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary Tuesday. A friend told Mort: "There's only one appropriate gift to give to Edie after being married to you for 42 years: sainthood."

THE SEEN: Russell Martin, catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, dining and playing games at ESPN Zone Saturday night. CBS News chief legal analyst Andrew Cohen dining Monday at Del Frisco's.

EAVESDROPPING on a flight attendant to a demanding passenger aboard a Frontier flight from Puerto Vallarta to Denver: "You're not at the all-inclusive resort anymore."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMountainNews.com.