Taylor Swift, JFK and Tears for Fears
The Bard is back – as are some classic acts like Tears for Fears and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, plus JFK the Last Speech– screening and symphony. This weekend you can enjoy concerts, musicals, plays, classes and comedians — with various locations in Erie and nearby Boulder, Denver, Lafayette and Longmont.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, July 13
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT: DELTA SONICS
The Delta Sonics’ music takes a Chicago Blues base and seasons it with Swing, New Orleans R&B, and early Rock and Roll. Voted the Westword’s best blues band in Denver, the group dazzles with slide guitar, harmonica, bass, drums, and smooth vocals.
Free outdoor concerts are held in the Longmont Museum’s outdoor grassy courtyard. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics welcome. Alcohol and concessions available for sale (only alcohol purchased on site is allowed).
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
7:00 p.m.
Free
Info: 303-651-8374
JOHN CORIGLIANO: LIVING LEGEND
The Colorado Musicc Festival welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning John Corigliano as 2023 composer-in-residence. Conducted by Music Director Peter Oundjian, this retrospective program examines three stages of Corigliano’s vast career, beginning with his pastoral Gazebo Dances.
Corigliano penned the song cycle One Sweet Morning in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the events of 9/11, borrowing text from four poems. The tender words are performed by the highly sought-after mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke. Corigliano’s most recent work is Triathlon, written for guest saxophonist Timothy McAllister, who returns to the Chautauqua stage after dazzling Festival audiences in 2022. Triathlon demonstrates McAllister’s musical athleticism in three dynamic movements which feature in turn soprano, alto, and baritone saxophone.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$75
INFO: 303-440-7666
Thursday-Friday, July 13-14
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Beatrice and Benedick love to bicker. The only thing they might learn to love more? Each other. (They just don’t know it yet!) In this rollicking lampoon of relationships, romance, and the influence of town gossip, Shakespeare delivers a near-perfect enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy.
Since 1958, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has delighted audiences with professional theatre on the CU Boulder campus. Complete your Colorado summer with Shakespeare under the stars in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre—complimentary seatbacks included.
Hellems Arts & Sciences, Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater, CU Campus, Boulder
7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $34-$90
Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15
BRIAN SIMPSON LIVE!
Brian Simpson is a stand-up comedian based in Los Angeles, CA. His background as a foster child and Marine Corps veteran has led to a rare combination of life experiences that he manages to channel into a refreshingly unique point of view. Brian is a paid regular at the World-Famous Comedy Store, has been named a New Face 2021 at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, a Comedian to Watch 2021 by Vulture magazine, and made his TV debut on Comedy Central’s Lights Out with David Spade.
Don’t miss his half hour comedy special on The Standups Season 3 streaming NOW on Netflix.
Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$23
Phone: 720-274-6800
Thursday-Sunday, July 13-16
NEW IMAGES FROM SPACE TELESCOPE
Recently this giant James Webb Space Telescope has sent back photos of distant black holes, gorgeous rings around the planet Saturn and one never-before seen image that will be revealed Thursday night! The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest, most powerful and complex space telescope ever built and launched into space. Join fellow spectators as NASA celebrates the first anniversary of the telescope’s first images.
Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Dr., Boulder
Thurs./Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Admission: $8-$12
Info: 303-492-1411
KING LEAR
An aging King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, proportionally by who professes to love him most. His plotting comes to catastrophe and sees him cast from his own kingdom.
Shakespeare’s tumultuous tragedy explores speaking truth to power, the cost of grievous mistakes, and whether it’s ever too late for redemption.
Hellems Arts & Sciences, Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater, CU Campus, Boulder
Thurs./Fri./Sun., 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $27-$87
Info: 303-492-8008
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL KOOZA
KOOZA is an innovative journey viewed through the perspective of The Innocent, an endearing yet naïve clown looking for his place in the world. A mystery item is delivered to The Innocent one day when he is flying his kite. The self-discovery journey of The Innocent, who is miraculously transferred to a bizarre but exotic world, is followed in KOOZA under the watchful eye of an enigmatic trickster with remarkable abilities.
From high above the audience spinning and swinging in all directions, the aerialist’s motion is a combination of high acrobatics performed on silks with breathtaking versatility and athletic talent. You’ll see twin highwiare acts as the aerialists cross diagonally at 15 and 25 feet above the stage, and the wheel of death showcasing one brave performer who hangs onto and tames a giant spinning contraption. It’s all Cirque du Soleil and it’s all entertaining!
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
Various Times
Tickets: From $54
Friday, July 14
CRACKPOTS CREATIVE FIX
Discover tricks and tools to make your art fabulous with only a $15 class fee required to reserve your spot. You can choose and purchase a ceramic item that you’d like to work on when you arrive on the day of class.
This class for adults only does not include whatever ceramic piece you choose to paint during the two-hour class.
Crackpots Pottery Studio, 505 Main St., Longmont
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 + tax & fees
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL REVIEW
Join the cast of Disney Channel’s smash hit movie High School Musical as you learn all the iconic songs and dances this summer! You will put their story to life on stage with this two-week review featuring all the hits such as Get’cha Head In the Game, Start of Something New, What I’ve Been Looking For, Breaking Free, and so much more!
The Arts Hub, 420 Courtney Way, Lafayette
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Info: 303-229-1127
MAKING A MOUNTAIN
Making a Mountain is an empowering community performative installation to happen at the McMahon Gallery in the Dairy Arts Center with the help of many. During the first two weeks of the exhibit the artist invites the community to sew and share stories while building a large-scale installation.
At the beginning, visitors will encounter an almost empty space—apart from some art pieces on the walls to give context to the exhibit—with few tables and chairs arranged in a circle. As the days pass, participants will come to the gallery to sew ruffled tulle onto ribbons so that, as the sewn pieces pile up in the center of the circle, they will make a mountain.
With this installation, Ana María Hernando wants to pay homage to the crafting circles of women she remembers from her childhood in Buenos Aires, and many others she has encountered afterwards. Her aim is to share with visitors what happens when we come together in a nonhierarchical way—and perhaps to contemplate hope with the experience that a random group of people can listen to each other. Please note, participants must reserve space by signing up and should bring their own sewing machine, though there is one spot for someone without one. Thread and materials will be provided.
McMahon Gallery, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Reception: 5:00-8:00 p.m. (thereafter Gallery Hours)
FREE
Info: 303-444-7328
Friday-Saturday, July 14-15
THE WINTER’S TALE
When King Leontes inexplicably accuses his pregnant wife of infidelity he makes a cruel, rash decision that he must spend two decades atoning for. Shakespeare’s nuanced epic explores both the heartrending corrosion of jealousy and the joyous redemption of forgiveness that is hard-won. Borrowing elements from fantasy and mythology, “The Winter’s Tale” weaves an audacious tapestry you have to experience to believe.
Roe Green Theatre, CU Campus, Boulder
7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $26-$71
Friday-Sunday, July 14-16
WILLY WONKA
The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.
Jesters Dinner Theatre, 224 Main St., Longmont
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$50: $27 (show only) to $47 (with dinner)
TAYLOR SWIFT AT EMPOWER FIELD
Taylor Swift was discovered in 2005 in a small, Nashville cafe. After scoring a record deal with Big Machine Records, she released her self-titled debut album in 2006 and toured as an opening act for country artists like Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. Her first concert tour was the “Fearless Tour.” Since then, she’s launched 5 headlining tours, the most recent being 2018’s Reputation Tour. As of 2020, Swift has performed in more than 900 concerts.
Empower Field @ Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., Denver
6:30 p.m.
Ticket Office: 720-258-3333 (NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE)
Saturday, July 15
BEGINNERS’ STAINED GLASS CLASS
Have you ever dreamed of learning how to make stained glass?? Here’s your sign! In this comprehensive beginner class you will learn everything you need to successfully make stained glass art from the comfort of my studio! I provide all of the supplies and materials you need and at the end of the class you walk away with a fully finished stained glass piece to hang in your window. Classes are 4 weeks long, 2 hours a week.
Colorado Glass Works, 1500 Pearl St., Ste. D, Boulder
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: $385
Information: 303-381-1750
MYTH ADVENTURES
Join fellow hikers on a fantastical romp along the trail to explore tales of humanity’s quest for mastering the mysteries of the world around us, explaining the unexplainable, and finding meaning in the mystical. We promise you won’t wanna myth this one!
Check in and meet at the picnic pavilion behind the Chautauqua Auditorium. The hikes are usually at a moderate level/pace and last no more than two hours. When you first arrive, you will be greeted by your hiking guide who will lead the way down the trail to each scene location. Once you arrive at a scene location, you can sit back and relax and watch a scene from the production. Once the scene is complete, everyone will gather up their things and hike to the next location.
During an Arts in the Open production, you will be hiking along a moderate trail. We encourage all audience members to wear proper hiking attire and shoes. Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, and blankets to sit on and/or lightweight camping chairs. There will be water and granola bars available for a suggested donation.
Chatauqua Auditorium Picnic Pavilion, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
10:00 a.m.
Reservation: $21
INFO: 303-440-7666
Saturday-Sunday, July 15-16
BRIGHT STAR
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
Grace Gamm Theater, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Fri.-Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$28
Sunday, July 16
JFK THE LAST SPEECH RECEPTION AND SCREENING
Twenty-seven days before he was assassinated, President Kennedy came to Amherst College to honor the poet Robert Frost in a speech Stewart Udall called “the most majestic” of Kennedy’s career. He spoke of the relationship of poetry to power and of a view shared with Frost that power must be exercised, but wisely — tempered by a moral restraint inspired by the arts and a liberal arts education. Produced by an award-winning filmmaker, this film ignites public discourse on enduring values and on our shared responsibility for the public interest. It is a call to action to rebuild our civic sphere — infused with broad sympathy, understanding, and compassion.
Enjoy cocktails and appetizers in Chautauqua’s historic Community House and meet the producers of the poignant documentary JFK: The Last Speech prior to the screening of this important film, which reveals how President Kennedy and poet Robert Frost inspired a generation to serve their country and humanity with their words at Amherst College in 1963.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
4:45 p.m.
Tickets: $125
INFO: 303-440-7666
JFK THE LAST SPEECH SYMPHONY
This world premiere symphony, JFK: The Last Speech, joins two earlier projects, a book and documentary of the same title, which were a project of members of the Amherst Class of 1964 who had the privilege of witnessing President Kennedy deliver his last major speech on October 26, 1963, a celebration of his friend, Robert Frost. Composer Adolphus Hailstork says of JFK: The Last Speech, “My writing will reflect the autumn season, the solemnity of the moment, and the unique oratorical gifts of Kennedy – the president – and the profound literary gifts of Frost – the poet.”
This special evening also includes two additional world premiere performances. Be the first to experience new music by rising star Jordan Holloway and Pulitzer Prize-nominated CU Boulder Professor of Composition, Carter Pann. Flatiron Escapadesis a brand new work by composer Jordan Holloway, commissioned by the Colorado Music Festival in celebration of the Colorado Chautauqua’s 125th Anniversary.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$75
INFO: 303-440-7666
Next Week: Monday, July 17
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band trades on a mix of reimagined classics and compelling newer works. The group formed in 1966 as a Long Beach, California jug band, scored its first charting single in 1967, and embarked on a self-propelled ride through folk, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, blue- grass, and the amalgam now known as “Americana.”
The first major hit came in 1971 with the epic “Mr. Bojangles,” which, along with insistent support from banjo master Earl Scruggs, opened doors in Nashville.
Behind those doors were Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, and others who would collaborate on a multi-artist, multi-generational, three-disc 1972 masterpiece: Will the Circle Be Unbroken went triple Platinum, spawned two later volumes, and wound up in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
the Dirt Band reeled off 15 straight Top 10 country hits, including chart-toppers “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),” “Modern Day Romance,” and “Fishin’ in the Dark. Their second album Circle II won two Grammy awards and a CMA for Album of the Year. Circle III was released in 2003, featuring collaborations with Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, and more.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$58
Info: (303) 440-7666
Tuesday, July 18
NICKLEBACK: GET ROLLIN’ TOUR
A glance at the track listing of The Best of Nickelback Volume 1, the greatest hits set that the Canadian post-grunge rockers released in 2013, shows how dominant the band has been on the airwaves since breaking through with their third album, 2001’s Silver Side Up. Hits like How You Remind Me, Someday, Photograph, and Rockstar have helped Nickelback to sell more than 22 million albums in the U.S., making them one of the top-selling groups of the 2000s. Fans who bought tickets for the band’s 2013 “The Hits Tour” got to see crunching renditions those songs and more in concert.
Frontman Chad Kroeger formed Nickelback with two of his brothers — guitarist Mike and drummer Brandon — and guitarist-keyboardist Ryan Peake in their isolated hometown of Hanna, Alberta. They eventually moved to Vancouver to work on original music, and landed a deal with Roadrunner Records after self-releasing their debut album, Curb, in 1996 and building a large fan base in Vancouver.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $54
Wednesday-Thursday, July 19-20
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
The Sound of Music was the last collaboration of the legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein before Hammerstein’s death in 1960. The duo created some of the most iconic melodies of all time garnering 35 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, two Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards. Many describe the Rodgers and Hammerstein body of work in the 1940s and 1950s as the “golden age of musical theater. The Sound of Music is considered one of their best works and one that has withstood the test of time for several generations.
Based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, this Broadway classic is a tale of courage and love. The winner of several Tony awards, including Best Musical, The Sound of Music, was the final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein.
Having proven too high-spirited for the religious life, Maria is sent to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Though she has an awkward start, she gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain’s immediate service in their navy. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre.
Boulder’s Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $70
Thursday, July 20
TEARS FOR FEARS
While the ’80s remain synonymous with Tears for Fears, the British duo’s rich catalog has never lost its shine, with everyone from Lorde to Gary Jules covering hits like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Mad World.” Their quintuple-platinum breakthrough album, 1985’s Songs From the Big Chair, topped the Billboard 200 albums chart and includes iconic hits like “Shout” that continue to permeate pop culture. Since forming in 1981, the new wave pioneers have sold 30 million albums worldwide and performed for countless sold-out crowds. Their 2022 album, The Tipping Point, peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and sparked The Tipping Point World Tour and The Tipping Point Tour Part II.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $49
Thursday-Friday, July 20-21
MICHAEL CHRISTIE CONDUCTS TCHAIKOVSKY 4
“Fate, that fatal force” is the driving theme of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony. Tchaikovsky explained that the ominous opening fanfare, stridently sounded by horns and bassoons, represents fate hanging over one’s head like a sword. The fourth and final movement projects a bold and positive energy. Although the dark opening theme from the first movement reappears, as if to remind listeners that fate cannot be outrun, the positive force cannot be suppressed and has been called one of the most brilliant and virtuosic finales in all of music.
He wrote to friend and financial backer Nadezhda von Meck, “Never yet has any of my orchestral works cost me so much labour, but I’ve never yet felt such love for any of my things.”
Music Director Emeritus Michael Christie returns to conduct this mighty symphony with 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient Michelle Cann performing Ravel’s glittering Piano Concerto in G as well as Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement.
Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$65
Info: 303-440-7666
Friday, July 21
JEFF TWEEDY LIVE
As the founding member and leader of the Grammy Award-winning American rock band Wilco, and before that the co-founder of the alt-country band Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy is one of contemporary music’s most accomplished songwriters, musicians, and performers.
Jeff has released three solo albums, written original songs for 12 Wilco albums, and is the author of two New York Times’ Bestsellers, Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, etc. and How To Write One Song.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$60
Phone: 303-786-7030
ROCK OF AGES MUSICAL
Rock of Ages is a big, brash, energetic tribute to classic rock, to over-the-top ballads and fierce guitar, to the gritty glamour and rough energy of the Sunset Strip. This jukebox musical built around classic rock songs from the 1980s, especially from the famous glam metal bands of that decade. The musical features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe, among other well-known rock bands. Rock of Ages features ‘80s hits such as “We Built this City”, “I Wanna Rock”, and “Don’t Stop Believin’”.
The Arts Hub, 420 Courtney Way, Lafayette
Fri.-Sat, 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28
Info: 303-229-1127
Friday-Saturday, July 21-22
FUNNY MARCO
With a massive audience of over ten million fans across all social media platforms, Funny Marco is redefining the entertainment industry. He has worked with brands such as Spotify, BET, Footaction, and Fashion Nova. After Rihanna followed the actor and comedian, he knew he could have much success as an entrepreneur. Marco has ventured out by pursuing more acting roles. With support and reassurance from celebrities, the landscape of possibilities for him is endless and motivated him to go harder.
Over the course of Marco’s matriculation, his wit and innate-funny allowed for his opportunities to flourish. Marco set his goals high as a future full- time director and a creator of several television shows across a variety of networks. “Maybe I’ll be the next Ghetto Oprah!” This is an example of how IT’S A MINDSET THING!
Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$23
Phone: 720-274-6800
Saturday, July 22
THE WOOD BROTHERS W/IDA MAE
The Wood Brothers have learned to trust their hearts. For the better part of two decades, they’ve cemented their reputation as freethinking songwriters, road warriors, and community builders, creating a catalog of diverse music and a loyal audience who’ve grown alongside them through the years. That evolution continues with Heart is the Hero, the band’s eighth studio album.
Throughout Heart Is The Hero, those performances are matched by the visceral storytelling and songwriting chops that have turned The Wood Brothers into Grammy-nominated leaders of American roots music, even as their music reaches far beyond the genre’s borders.
Now married, Chris Turpin (steel guitar impresario) and Stephanie Jean first met a little over a decade ago while attending university in Bath. The pair bonded immediately over their love for the sounds of bygone eras, and they quickly earned rave reviews everywhere from the BBC to the NME with their raucous first group, Kill It Kid. Starting over fresh as a duo named “Ida Mae,” the first song they ever harmonized on, Turpin and Jean relocated to Nashville in 2019 and released Chasing Lights to similarly widespread critical acclaim. Rolling Stone hailed the album’s “stomping swirl of blues and guitar- heavy Americana,” while The Independent lauded its “retro lustre” and “impressive experimentation,” and NPR’s Heavy Rotation called it “tightly drawn, harmonic and hypnotic.”
Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$65
Info: 303-440-7666
Saturday-Sunday, July 22-23
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
Brighton, England. The swinging 60s. Hilarity and hijinks ensue when Francis Henshall, fired from a skiffle band and in search of new work, finds himself employed by a woman (posing as her mobster brother) and by her boyfriend (who is hiding from that brother). How long can Francis keep them apart? Featuring live music and uproarious fun, Richard Bean’s adaptation of “The Servant of Two Masters” delivers a fresh spin on a farcical commedia classic.
Roe Green Theatre, CU Campus, Boulder
7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $20-$73
Why Buy New? Colliers Hill!
The master-planned community of Colliers Hill is one of the fastest-growing new home developments in Northern Colorado with lots of exciting amenities to offer new home buyers! And for things to do — whether five minutes away in Erie, or 20 minutes away in Boulder, there are happenings each and every weekend. If you don’t live here yet, check out the stunning model homes from Richmond American Homes and Boulder Creek. Priced from the $600s.
