New Kids on the Block, Magic and Independence Day!
Next week is the Fourth of July with lots of festivities to choose from and you can also enjoy a variety of plays, musicals, plus throwback artists and performers — with various locations in Erie and nearby Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, Denver and Longmont.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, June 27
MUSIC & PICNIC ON THE PLAZA
Bring your picnic lunch, something to sit on, and join us at Picnic on the Plaza, featuring free, live music on the lawn. Each week will feature a different musician to please a variety of tastes, and today’s artist, Kimmerjae Macarus, is a thoughtful, soulful performer, with a haunting and emotional timbre to her voice and an affinity for Bob Dylan and other storied tunes.
Festival Plaza, 311 S. Public Rd., Lafayette
12:00-1:00 p.m.
FREE
LEGO NIGHT: COMMUNITY BUILD
Brickscape Cafe brings the fun to this summer LEGO event in the Swan Atrium for creative twists on classic LEGO activities. Come together and build a stronger community at Brickscape Cafe’s Neighborhood Build Event! Use LEGO bricks to create your ideal neighborhood, complete with houses, parks, and more. Connect with others to build a miniature world that reflects the diversity and unity of our real communities. Come on everybody – reserve your spot and build together!
Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $8 Adults; $6 Students/Seniors
BLINK 182: ONE MORE TIME
Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in 1992 in Poway, California. Their current and best-known line-up consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Though their sound has diversified throughout their career, their musical style, described as pop-punk, blends catchy pop melodies with fast-paced punk rock. Their lyrics primarily focused on relationships, adolescent frustration, and maturity—or lack thereof, and while they took time off, broke up, weathered health scares and estrangement, are back together and going strong touring and performing their most-loved hits.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $87
THE MAGIC OF ADAM TRENT
Adam Trent presents a Magic show unlike any other in the world, fusing modern illusions, music and comedy in an extremely interactive way. Not only will volunteers come onstage to experience magic throughout the show, but certain tricks even happen in each audience member’s hands across the theatre at the same time.
Adam looks to change people’s perception of magic – he doesn’t want audiences to remember just the “tricks,” but also the laughs and memories made with each performance.
He has been seen by literally billions of people around the globe, both in person and via his own TV series on NETFLIX and Disney Plus. AND, he has made multiple television appearances on America’s Got Talent, Ellen, The Today Show, and Disney Channel plus countless more. He is also one of the most viral content creators on the internet, racking up a staggering seven billion views in the last year alone.
“Adam Trent is unlike any magician working today, a funny, witty and accomplished entertainer — the next David Copperfield meets Justin Timberlake,” says creative producer Simon Painter, producer of Broadway’s ‘The Illusionists’ and top creative producer at Cirque du Soleil. “He has a knack for electrifying giant television and theatre audiences with his unique brand of magic.”
Chatauqua Auditorium, 100 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $35
BRENT DENNEN WITH CERTAINLY SO
Brett Dennen, a Northern California native, has been captivating audiences for nearly two decades with his distinct blend of folk-pop melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and soulful vocal prowess. His signature red hair and lanky frame are as unmistakable as the music that has earned him legions of dedicated fans and critical acclaim.
Dennen’s musical journey began in earnest at Camp Jack Hazard, a summer camp where he first discovered his love for singing and songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell, Dennen crafted his own unique style that reflects his passion for storytelling and social commentary.
With his undeniable talent, magnetic stage presence, and unwavering dedication to his craft, Brett Dennen has carved out a unique niche for himself in the world of singer-songwriters. As he continues to evolve as an artist, fans and critics alike eagerly await the next chapter in this remarkable musician’s storied career.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $25
Phone: 303-786-7030
Thursday-Sunday, June 27-30
DISNEY’S FROZEN
Disney’s Frozen, the animated film inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, opened in the United States on November 19, 2013. An overnight, global phenomenon, the tale of two sisters driven apart by magic and reunited by love quickly became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, a distinction it held until Frozen 2broke its record in 2019.
Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. The musical has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards, and is an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances. Frozen is everything you want in a musical: it’s moving, it’s spectacular, and above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.
Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$110
INFO: 720-865-4220
BROADWAY’S NEXT HIT MUSICAL
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical is the only unscripted theatrical awards show. Have you heard of the TONY awards? Well, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical is…The PHONY Awards! The audience members write down made up song titles and our master improvisers gather these suggestions and present them as “nominated songs” for this coveted award. We create spontaneous scenes and songs filled with great dancing, catchy melodies, and tons of laughter. The audience votes for their favorite song and watches as the cast turns that song into a full blown improvised musical – complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists galore. The New York Times calls Broadway’s Next Hit Musical “Hilarious!” Time Out NY says “At last! A musical of, for, and by the people.”
Garner Galleria Theater, DCPA Complex, 14th and Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $45
Friday, June 28
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK W/PAULA ABDUL
The Magic Summer Tour, featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff, Paula Abdul and New Kids on the Block is a perfect party to start the summer concert season. Here’s what you can expect: Abdul, who began her career as a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader and has had a legendary career as a choreographer, still has a natural grace that makes for an amazing show, and she surrounds herself with props, sets and a stage full of talented dancers.
In color-coded clothes, the New Kids will launch their set with “Magic” on a stage of stairs and rainbow-lit screens, all while making liberal use of confetti cannons. Joey, Jordan, Donnie, Jonathan and Danny can all still put on an amazing show and can still sing and dance, managing some of their best loved music videos’ iconic moves. Fans will love hearing some of their crowd favorites including Block Party, My Favorite Girl, Stay With Me Baby, Cover Girl, and The Right Stuff. And D.J. Jazzy Jeff will entertain with some of his memorable hits, including one he spun with Fresh Prince.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $87
Friday-Saturday, June 28-29
BOULDER MAGIC SHOW
Come to the Dairy Arts Center for this very special FAMILY FRIENDLY event, hosted and curated by Braden Carlisle who continues to bring the best magic in the nation to Colorado.
Braden Carlisle tours the country with his scalable theater show for family audiences. In his home state of Colorado, Braden has performed a monthly Sold-Out Magic Show for 41 consecutive months.
Far from the tackiness or cheesiness* often associated with magicians, Braden’s magic is funny, sharp and relies on a lifetime of practice and performing experience. You’ve seen a rabbit get pulled out of a hat, but have you seen a man swallow a balloon larger than a small child? ALSO, direct from Las Vegas, Comedian-Magician Ben Young, who has appeared on the hit CW TV show Penn and Teller: Fool Us and thrills audiences worldwide, brings his interactive and absolutely hilarious magic show to the Dairy Arts Center! He’s toured internationally, thrilling U.S. troops and their families at over 70 military bases, and performs regularly in major Las Vegas casinos.
The best part about the Boulder Magic Show is that it appeals to all ages. The humor is family friendly and the magic is universally awe-inspiring. You will be thinking about that big finale long after you leave the theater.
Dairy Arts Center, Grace Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 2:00 p.m.
Admission: $12-$19
Info: 303-440-7826
Friday-Sunday, June 28-30
SEUSSICAL!
Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
Jesters Theatre, 224 Main St., Longmont
Fri.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$50
Friday and Sunday, June 28 & 30
ALISA WEILERSTEIN PLAYS DVORAK
Photo: Marco Borggreve
The 2024 Colorado Music Festival season opens with the much-anticipated return of Alisa Weilerstein, whose music “emerges with sunlit clarity” (The Guardian); here Weilerstein performs one of the most breathtaking works for cello. Later: Mendelssohn could not shake the “festive air” of Italy while composing his Fourth Symphony, which he called “ the happiest piece I have ever done.” The program begins with a brief and evocative Masquerade; composer Anna Clyne drew inspiration from promenade concerts held in London’s pleasure gardens and their “exotic street entertainers, dancers, fireworks,” and of course, masquerades.
Chautauqua Auditorium, 301 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18
Info: 303-440-7666
Saturday, June 29
SPIRIT MOTEL: FOLSOM FIELD AFTER PARTY
Spirit Motel is a solo live-performance artist who fuses lush and powerful chords with emotional lyrics to create electronic odysseys that share the adventure of what it means to be human. In 2018, Spirit Motel’s inaugural chapter was written, with the release of his debut album “Congruence” in which powerful compositions wove together a story about new beginnings and the emotions that often accompany them. Five years later marked a new era with new music that tastefully expresses the artist’s internal dialogue as he embarks on his next journey.
Inspired by the likes of ODESZA, Porter Robinson, Madeon, Inzo, Big Wild, and many others, Spirit Motel’s music is a sonic journey through the human experience.
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
11:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $20
Next Week: Tuesday, July 2
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless.
Together, the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds in this Academy Award-nominated DreamWorks animated film.
Stewart Auditorium, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: $3 to $5 (for popcorn and juice)
Thursday, July 4
FOURTH OF JULY CONCERT PLUS…
This free community concert has become an annual family tradition where people of all ages and backgrounds attend in celebration of our nation and those who have served.
Opening Act—The Longmont Chorale performs some of their favorite patriotic music and then the Longmont Symphony Orchestra comes together to bring nostalgic and stirring sounds —from “The Star-Spangled Banner” to “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and more, along with the triumphant 1812 Overture. Along with access to the grounds in Roosevelt Park during the show, this family-friendly event also provides kids with the exciting opportunity to conduct the Longmont Symphony Orchestra! Bring your picnic baskets, blankets, and other decor to show your patriotism and enter the Picnic Contest for a chance to win prizes. The LSO finishes their performance with the igniting of cannons which help bring “The 1812 Overture” to life for the grand finale!
An exciting new event for the community! Enjoy the fireworks as the night sky explodes with color from your ringside seat at Wibby Brewing along with the triumphant and patriotic sounds of the symphony. Wibby Brewing – at 209 Emery St. – is a designated viewing location for fireworks in Longmont.
- 11:00 a.m. — Picnic Contest Registration
- 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. — Picnic Contest Judging
- 12:30 p.m. — The Chorale Opening Performance
- 1:00 p.m. — American Legion Ceremony
- 1:10 p.m. — LSO Concert Begins
- 1:40 p.m. -2:10 p.m. — Intermission
- 2:40 p.m. — Grand Finale
- Sundown — Fireworks at Wibby Brewing
Roosevelt Park, Bross & Coffman Streets, Longmont
Various Timed Events
FREE
INDEPENDENCE DAY FUN & FIREWORKS
Enjoy an old-fashioned fourth of July in Lafayette with food trucks, beer/cider/wine gardens, kids’ activities (including free face painting and MUCH more), plus music by 5280s band and fireworks at dusk. Note: no dogs, etc. permitted, except service animals.
Waneka Lake Park, 1600 Caria Dr., Lafayette
4:00-10:00 p.m.
Free
FIREWORKS AND FOOD TRUCKS
The City of Louisville – just minutes from the master planned community of Erie, celebrates the 4th of July with food, music and summer activities. But, of course, best of all, is a grand finale fireworks display at the end of the evening!
Join the Louisville community for its Independence Day celebration, complete with eight different food trucks, music by the Boulder Concert Band and family friendly fun including additional live music, bounce houses and face painting! Please click this link for full details parking, event timeline, and the activities for the night!
Coal Creek Golf Course, 585 W. Dillon Rd., Louisville
4:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
FREE
Friday, July 5
TAYLOR FEST +18
Boulder Swifties, did you hear Taylor Fest is back? Come party with your co-fans at Fox Theatre as you embark on a career-spanning journey through Taylor Swift’s extensive catalog of music. The DJs will be playing everything from Debut to TTPD, as well as deep cuts and collaborations. Song requests are encouraged and welcomed, so make your lists and prepare to be entertained!
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $18
Saturday, July 6
DARK STAR ORCHESTRA
Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. Their shows are built off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. This allows fans both young and old to share in the experience. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $39
Phone: 303-786-7030
Sunday, July 7
FAMILY CONCERT: GREEN EGGS AND HAM
Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? As part of the Colorado Music Festival, the musical storytellers, Really Inventive Stuff return by popular demand. This time they’ll be performing their fully-staged adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s classic featuring Sam-I-Am. This engaging Family Concert also includes a musical twist on three of Aesop’s most familiar fables: “The Fox and the Crow,” “The Dog and His Reflection,” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
Chatauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder
10:30 a.m.
Tickets: Start at $18
BOULDER ENSEMBLE THEATER: GROUNDED
A fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force is grounded after an unplanned pregnancy and is assigned to the “chair force” in a bunker outside Las Vegas. There, she and other pilots sit at computers and operate drones in bombing raids thousands of miles away. Denver actress Anne Penner stars in this New York Times ‘Critic’s Pick’ play, soon to debut as a new opera at New York’s MET.
Dairy Arts Center, Carsen Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Admission: $15-42
Info: 303-440-7826
Tuesday, July 9
TROLLS – SCREENING IN LONGMONT
A forest tribe of cotton-candy-colored trolls discover that they are the new favorite treat for King Gristle, the leader of the hideous Bergens.
The unlikely duo of Poppy (Ana Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) team up to rescue their friends from the royal chef.
Stewart Auditorium, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
10:00-11:40 a.m.
Cost: $3 movie only; $5 with popcorn and juice
DOHNANYI, BEETHOVEN & SCHUMANN
The 2024 Robert Mann Chamber Music Series begins with a spotlight on the Festival’s own musicians. Dohnányi’s sextet brings together piano, string trio, clarinet, and horn, an uncommon combination which the composer uses to mischievous effect. Beethoven’s brief “Eyeglasses Duo” is so called for a friendly note between colleagues — both Beethoven and his cellist friend Nikolaus Zmeskall required spectacles — and its music is similarly conversational and good-humored. Schumann embedded some of his most aching and romantic music into his Piano Quartet, a chamber gem of contrast and delight.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $18
Wednesday, July 10
DENVER TAIKO CONCERT IN THE PARK
Performing traditional Japanese Taiko drumming as well as their own original compositions, Denver Taiko’s repertoire of rhythmic grooves and heart-pounding beats make for a dynamic and high energy show you won’t soon forget.
Collyer Park, 600 Collyer St., Longmont
6:30-8:00 p.m.
FREE
Summertime in Northern Colorado
Isn’t it time you discovered one of the fastest growing master-planned communities in Northern Colorado? Colliers Hill has so many 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.
