Rod Stewart, Luke Bryan and Ira Glass!
This weekend or next you’ll have plenty of small, medium and HUGH blockbuster performers and celebrities to enjoy – from Alicia Keys, Luke Bryan and Rod Stewart in Denver, to Joshua Bell, Rachel Bloom and Ira Glass in Boulder!
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, July 27
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
Asleep at the Wheel is an American Western swing group that was formed in Paw Paw, West Virginia, and is based in Austin, Texas. Since the early 1970s, Asleep at the Wheel has been the most important force in keeping the sound of Western swing alive. They’ve earned critical praise throughout their lengthy career, not simply preserving classic sounds but updating the music, keeping it a living, breathing art form. The group has gone through myriad personnel changes (over 80 members have passed through their ranks), but frontman Ray Benson has held it together for since 1970, keeping Asleep at the Wheel a going concern devoted to classic-style Western swing.
The band has won nine Grammy Awards since their 1970 inception, released over twenty albums, and has charted more than 21 singles on the Billboard country charts. Their highest-charting single was, “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read”.
Oriental Theatre, Denver, CO
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $54-$65
ALICIA KEYS: SUMMER TOUR
Alicia Keys is a multi-talented artist who has carved a niche for herself in the world of music. Her soulful voice, songwriting skills, and piano-playing prowess have captivated audiences worldwide, earning her several accolades, awards and recognition. Her philanthropic work also sets her apart as a woman who dedicated to humanitarian causes and black businesses, and she even has several acting credits.
Alicia started singing as soon as she could speak, started piano lessons at age 7 and at age 9 was playing Chopin sonatas. She graduated high school early and started her singing career at 16. Alicia made appearances on the soundtracks for Men In Black and the remake of Shaft, but it was her first full-fledged release: Songs In A Minor, that took her to the top of the charts in 2001.
The eventual Grammy winner’s second album, The Diary Of Alicia Keys immediately took the number one spot in the US Billboard chart. Later releases have fared equally well selling millions of copies worldwide.
In 2020, she debuted her eponymous seventh album. Alicia followed this up in 2021 with Keys, and then the surprise Christmas album Santa Baby in 2022. The latter was Alicia’s first album released as an independent artist.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $55
Thursday-Friday, July 27-28
BRAHMS 2 + SHOSTAKOVICH
Despite the distant threat of rain – “the necessary shadow,” as the composer called it – Brahms’ Second Symphony is a sunny and idyllic work beloved for its rambunctious joy and its balance with that hint of cloud. Eun Sun Kim, a conductor of “assured technical command, subtlety and imagination” (New York Times), leads this program, which opens memorably with the “electro-acoustic soundworld” of Mason Bates’ Rhapsody of Steve Jobs. Gramophone calls Johannes Moser “one of the finest among the astonishing gallery of young virtuoso cellists,” and there is no finer showcase of Moser’s musical prowess than Shostakovich’s boisterous and demanding First Cello Concerto.
Program:
Mason Bates, The Rhapsody of Steve Jobs(2021)
Dmitri Shostakovich, Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, Op. 107
—
Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$75
INFO: 303-440-7666
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-Sunday, July 27-30
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
MISS RHYTHM – THE LEGEND OF RUTH BROWN
Before Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, there was Ruth Brown—the legendary rhythm and blues singer best known for her hits “Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” “Teardrops from My Eyes” and “5-10-15 Hours.” Her powerhouse voice and sassy squeal brought such worldwide success to Atlantic Records in the 1950’s, it was deemed “the house that Ruth built!”
This intimate cabaret experience explores the life and times of R&B legend Ruth Brown through story and song, accompanied by a five-piece jazz band. Created by and featuring Sheryl McCallum (Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway; Xanadu, Oklahoma, and The Wild Party at the Denver Center) and featuring David Nehls (The Great American Trailer Park Musical, composer/lyricist; Xanadu and The Other Josh Cohen at the Denver Center). Ruth Brown is a pioneer in the development of rock, blues and jazz, a Tony and Grammy award-winner and an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A true original who showed grace and strength with a great sense of humor, Ruth Brown took the stage with as much talent as she did warmth. Here’s to Ruth!
Garner Galleria Theater, DCPA Complex, 14th and Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$42
Friday, July 28
RACHEL BLOOM: DEATH, LET ME…
Rachel Bloom is an actress, comedian, producer, singer/songwriter and author. She is best known for co-creating, executive producing, and starring in the CW musical dramedy CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, for which she won the 2016 Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy, Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a TV Comedy, and TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy. In 2019, she won an Emmy Award for Original Music and Lyrics for “Antidepressants Are So Not a Big Deal.” The series was also awarded a Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Series. In 2019, Bloom sold out Radio City Music Hall performing CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND: LIVE as well as at The London Palladium, the latter of which earned her a five-star review from The Guardian.
Bloom can also be seen starring in Hulu’s comedy series REBOOT and Netflix’s YOUR PLACE OR MINE. Her voiceover credits include TROLLS WORLD TOUR, THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2, BATMAN VS. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, EXTINCT and CHIP ‘N’ DALES: RESCUE RANGERS. Television guest credits include PORTLANDIA, THE SIMPSONS, BOJACK HORSEMAN, RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE and iCARLY. Bloom released her first book, I Want To Be Where the Normal People Are, in 2020 through Grand Central Publishing.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $29-$45
Phone: 303-786-7030
Friday-Sunday, July 28-30
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)
Saturday, July 29
IRA GLASS – SEVEN THINGS I’VE LEARNED
Ira Glass is the host and creator of This American Life, heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 public radio stations and via podcast. After starting his career as an intern at NPR’s headquarters in Washington, DC at age 19, Glass launched This American Life in 1995. The program was the first ever awarded a Pulitzer Prize for audio journalism, has won seven Peabody Awards and many other honors. In 2021, This American Life’s episode The Giant Pool of Money was the first podcast inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. It remains one of public radio’s most popular programs.
As editor of the groundbreaking podcasts Serial, S-Town and Nice White Parents, Glass is credited with popularizing the format.
In Seven Things I’ve Learned, Glass gives a glimpse of his creative process. Using audio clips, music and video, Glass shares stories and reflections from his long career as an interviewer, producer and broadcaster.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$75
INFO: 303-440-7666
LUKE BRYAN: COUNTRY ON TOUR
Luke Bryan’s music has always reflected life in all its complexities, both the challenges and the unbridled joy. The award-winning superstar does that yet again on his seventh studio album, “Born Here Live Here Die Here.” Great songs have always been the foundation of Bryan’s career. From his early days in Nashville as a songwriter, penning such notable hits as Billy Currington’s chart-topping “Good Directions,” to his current status as one of country music’s reigning superstars, Bryan’s career has been populated by songs that have had lasting impact. Country Aircheck declared him the Most Heard Artist of the Last Decade, an honor he earned with such No. 1 hits as “Rain is a Good Thing,” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” “Crash My Party,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” “Strip it Down,” “Most People Are Good” and “Fast.”
Despite Bryan’s success, he has remained that same small-town guy at heart. Someone who respects his parents and adores his wife, he is always looking to be the kind of man his two young sons can look up to and count on.
The Leesburg, Georgia, native and “American Idol” judge has been named Entertainer of the Year twice by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music and has been honored as a CMT Artist of the Year six consecutive times. He’s won over 40 major music awards and has performed for nearly 12 million fans in the last decade while headlining seven major tours.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $69
Saturday-Sunday, July 29-30
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
Sunday, July 30
SCHUMANN’S PIANO CONCERTO
Internationally renowned guest conductor Hannu Lintu joins the Festival for a program beginning with the “concerto for birds and orchestra” Cantus Arcticus by Lintu’s countryman, Finland’s Einojuhani Rautavaara. One of Schumann’s most enduring works is his Piano Concerto, which creates a thrilling collaboration, rather than a tension, between the piano and orchestra. “After bringing a soft touch to [Schumann’s] opening statement, Yun displayed a robust, muscular sound in the cadenza that complemented the tug-of-war that occurs between soloist and orchestra in this work,” says Bachtrack of guest pianist Tony Siqi Yun. Rounding out the program is Haydn’s Symphony No. 96, one of his famed London symphonies, which earned its nickname “Miracle” when a chandelier fell during its premiere and — by a miracle! — killed no one.
Program:
Einojuhani Rautavaara, Cantus Arcticus, Op. 61 (1974)
Robert Schumann, Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54
—
Franz Joseph Haydn, Symphony No. 96 in D Major, “The Miracle”
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$119
Info: 303-440-7666
DAVE MASON LIVE
Dave Mason left Traffic in 1969 to pursue a solo career in the U.S. Dave has penned over 100 songs, has 3 gold albums: Alone Together, Dave Mason, Mariposa De Oro, and platinum album Let It Flow, which contained the top-ten single “We Just Disagree”.
In addition to cranking out hits, Dave has performed on, or contributed to, a number of famous albums, including: The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Paul McCartney and Wings’ Venus and Mars, and Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland. Mason is featured playing acoustic guitar in “All Along the Watchtower” on Electric Ladyland, a favorite in Dave’s live shows!
Dave, a prolific artist in his own right, has collaborated with an enviable list of the who’s who in the music industry … Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, Ron Wood, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Jim Capaldi, just to name a few.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45
Phone: 303-786-7030
Next Week: Monday, July 31
MAT KEARNEY
Nashville-based, Oregon-born Mat Kearney is back with his new studio album January Flower. Written between an isolated retreat in Joshua Tree and his home studio, January Flower sees Kearney in his rawest form, distilling the songwriting process and rediscovering the joy of making music. Over his career, Kearney has released five studio LPs, claimed the #1 spot on iTunes, topped multiple Billboard charts, made four entries into the Hot 100, amassed over 2.5 BILLION global streams. Kearney, a Multi-Platinum songwriter and producer, has performed live on TODAY Show, Ellen, The Tonight Show, Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and has garnered raves from USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, People, Billboard, PARADE and Marie Claire. He also has an incredible touring history, sharing the road with everyone from John Mayer to NEEDTOBREATHE.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$100
Info: 303-440-7666
Tuesday, August 1
ROD STEWART
Sir Roderick David Stewart is a legendary British rock and pop singer, songwriter, recording artist and record producer. He was born and raised in London and was a member of several musical groups including Steampacket, Jeff Beck + The Yardbirds and The Faces, before becoming a solo artist. He is one of the world’s most successful and popular singers of the past six decades. Known for his distinctive raspy singing voice, Rod has sold over 250 million records world wide. Among his greatest hits are Maggie May, Tonight’s the Night, and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $29
BEETHOVEN, DEBUSSY & DVORAK
The final concert of the 2023 Robert Mann Chamber Music Series highlights the Festival’s own musicians. Though it was composed on the early side of his career, Beethoven’s energetic String Trio in C Minor gives a decisive glimpse into the intensity of expression the composer would eventually be renowned for. In Debussy’s sparkling Danses — commissioned to showcase the rich capabilities of the harp — his first dance explores the ethereal (the “sacred”) and gradually becomes a swirling, earthly waltz (the “profane,” or secular). Dvorák composed his famous Second Piano Quintet during a happy period in his life; that contentment shines through in this treasured jewel of chamber repertoire.
Program:
Ludwig van Beethoven, String Trio in C Minor, Op. 9, No. 3
Claude Debussy, Danses sacrée et profane (Sacred and Profane Dances)
—
Antonín Dvorák, Piano Quintet in A Major No. 2, Op.81
Chatauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$65
Info: 303-440-7666
Wednesday-Thursday, August 2-4
SLEEPING BEAUTY
This class for Summer 2023 is for 5 to 18 year olds. Filled with jealousy, the evil witch Maleficent curses Princess Aurora to die on her 16th birthday. Thanks to Aurora’s guardian fairies, she only falls into a deep sleep that can be ended with a kiss from her betrothed, Prince Phillip. To prevent Phillip from rescuing Aurora, Maleficent kidnaps and imprisons him. The good fairies are the last hope to free Phillip so that he can awaken Aurora. Both 7:00 p.m. shows will offer dinner.
Boulder’s Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Classes: Tuition: $300
Performances: Wed., 7:00 p.m.; Thurs., 11:00 a.m.; 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 3
JOSHUA BELL + DEBUSSY’S LA MER
In the first evening of a two-part preview performance, 2023 Artist-in-Residence Joshua Bell performs selections from Elements, an unparalleled work for violin and orchestra in five movements, each written by a different acclaimed composer. In this concert, Bell performs “Fire” (composed by Jake Heggie); “Water” (Edgar Meyer); and “Ether” (Jessie Montgomery). The program closes with a beloved favorite by Debussy; the musical brushstrokes of La Mer create Impressionistic sketches of the sea.
(A co-commissioned project with five major orchestras, Elements will receive formal premieres around the world beginning in September 2023. Hear it at the Festival first!)
Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$80
Info: 303-440-7666
Thursday-Saturday, August 3-5
Friday-Saturday, August 4-5
THE MULTI-TALENTED ANDREW BIRD
Andrew Bird is an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, whistler, and songwriter who picked up his first violin at the age of four and spent his formative years soaking up classical repertoire completely by ear. Since beginning his recording career in 1997, Bird has released 17 albums and performed extensively across the globe. He has recorded with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, appeared as “Dr. Stringz” on Jack’s Big Music Show, and headlined concerts at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and festivals worldwide.
Bird performed as the Whistling Caruso in Disney’s The Muppets Movie, scored the FX series Baskets, and collaborated with inventor Ian Schneller on Sonic Arboretum, an installation that exhibited at New York’s Guggenheim Museum, Boston’s ICA, and the MCA Chicago. Bird has been a featured TED Talks presenter, a New Yorker Festival guest, and an op-ed contributor for the New York Times.
Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $44-$89
Info: 303-440-7666
Friday-Sunday, August 4-6
AERIAL DANCE FESTIVAL
One of the highlights of the Aerial Dance Festival 2023 is the unique and breathtaking 25th Anniversary Performance Showcase. It features new and innovative work from the internationally renowned artists of the Aerial Dance Festival and also honors the legacy of Terry Sendgraff, the mother of aerial dance with a re-staging of her gorgeous piece: Scorched.
You will never see this mix of internationally renowned artists together anyplace else! Performances by: Jayne Bernasconi, Veronica Blair, Jenn Bruyer, Gena DuBose, Danielle Garrison, Danielle Hendricks, Laurel Johnson, Valerie Morris, Janelle Peters, Nancy Smith, Anastasia Timina, Sam Tribble.
Dairy Arts Center, Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$35
Info: 303-440-7826
Saturday, August 5
THE DOLLOP: TAKING ART TO A CLOWN
Per artist request, all attendees will be required to wear masks at the show except while eating and drinking.
The Dollop is a US history podcast with comedian hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. History buff Dave decided to turn his hobby into a podcast. Each episode he reads one weird and disturbing story from the American past to Gareth, who has never heard the tale. Gareth’s hilarious reactions are why The Dollop is in the top 20 downloaded comedy podcasts in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$75
Phone: 303-786-7030
Sunday, August 6
JOSHUA BELL + MAHLER
Music Director Peter Oundjian and the Festival are pulling out all the stops for an unforgettable season finale. In the second evening of a two-part preview performance, 2023 Artist-in-Residence Joshua Bell performs selections from Elements, an unparalleled work for violin and orchestra in five movements, each written by a different acclaimed composer. In this concert, Bell performs “Air” (composed by Jennifer Higdon) and “Earth” (Kevin Puts). Oundjian continues his tradition of ending the Festival with a grand work by Mahler; in his First Symphony Mahler celebrates the pure taste of victory after a struggle, guiding listeners through daydreams and darkness before rewarding them with a heroic ending and as much blinding joy as the horns can muster.
(A co-commissioned project with five major orchestras, Elements will receive formal premieres around the world beginning in September 2023. Hear it at the Festival first!)
Program:
The Elements Suite for Violin and Orchestra
“Air” by Jennifer Higdon
“Earth” by Kevin Puts
(Commissioned by Joshua Bell)
—
Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 1 in D Major, “Titan”
Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$80
Info: 303-440-7666
Monday, August 7
AN EVENING WITH FRAN LEBOWITZ
In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of our most insightful social commentators.
Her essays and interviews offer her acerbic views on current events and the media – as well as pet peeves including tourists, baggage-claim areas, after-shave lotion, adults who roller skate, children who speak French, or anyone who is unduly tan. The New York Times Book Review calls Lebowitz an “important humorist in the classic tradition.” Purveyor of urban cool, Lebowitz is a cultural satirist whom many call the heir to Dorothy Parker.
L
ebowitz on special interest groups: “Special-interest publications should realize that if they are attracting enough advertising and readers to make a profit, the interest is not so special.”
Lebowitz on frankness: “Spilling your guts is exactly as charming as it sounds.”
Lebowitz on herself: “Success didn’t spoil me, I’ve always been insufferable.”
This is Lebowitz off the cuff. Her writing — pointed, taut and economical — is equally forthright, irascible, and unapologetically opinionated.
In 2010 Martin Scorsese directed a documentary about Lebowitz for HBO titled Public Speaking. A limited documentary series, Pretend It’s a City, also directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on Netflix in 2021, and was nominated for the 2021 Emmys in the Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series category.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$70
Phone: 303-786-7030
Life in Erie, Colorado
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.
