ECOtoberfest, Los Lobos and Hamlet!
Indie artists and SRO artiests are everywhere this weekend so find your favorite jams and settle in for exceptional entertainment! This weekend you can also enjoy a variety of art classes, comedians and theatrical performances — with various locations in Erie and nearby Boulder, Denver, Lafayette and Longmont.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, September 26
FISKE WELCOME AND PREMIERE: DESTINATION MARS
Join Dr. John Keller, Fiske Planetarium Director and Teaching Professor in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, as he provides an update on Fiske’s NASA Science Activation project Science through Shadows, and introduces the film, Destination Mars, an up-close look at humanity’s most epic endeavor – building the technology to get to the Red Planet. Explore the work being done around the globe to help make the dream of getting humans to Mars a reality. Fly through the International Space Station, where astronauts are already living and working in space, and follow the rockets and vehicles that will take humans beyond the Moon and, one day, all the way to Mars!
Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Dr., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10+
Info: 303-492-5002
MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE
Mo Lowda & the Humble are a self-produced indie rock band hailing from Philadelphia. The band just finished up their fourth LP, to be self-titled and released March 3, 2023 with five singles leading up. Since releasing their debut album in 2013, they’ve vastly expanded the sonic exploration of their recorded material whilst developing a dialed-in, yet energetic live show through persistent touring. In turn, they’ve built a ravenous and loyal following across the country, selling out clubs and theaters throughout the US each year. Mo Lowda’s upcoming self-titled album is their most versatile and ambitious work yet. It visits some previously uncharted sonic territory for the band, while still providing the thoughtful, creative songwriting their fans have grown to love.
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $23
ART & SIP: BOTANIC PAINT & STITCH
Experience multi-media art making! First, you’ll create a simple acrylic painting of a plant in a vase. Next, you will add depth, texture and dimension with hand stitched details. Grab a drink and get creative with these classes designed to guide beginners as well as bring new skills to experienced artists and crafters. Beer, wine, fizzy water and snacks are available to purchase at the Atrium Bar. Register online with the link below or call the museum.
Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
4:00 & 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $45
Info: 303-651-8374
OUTDOOR CONCERT: GREG SCHOCHET & LITTLE AMERICA
Stretch out and take in expansive views of the Front Range from the confines of our gorgeous, new Stewart Family Courtyard and enjoy some of your favorite local musical acts perform live from the stage of our new performance pavilion! Lawn chairs and picnics (w/o alcohol) welcome. Lead guitarist for Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams for 16 years, Greg Schochet is fluent in all manner of acoustic and electric styles, specializing in bluegrass, swing and country. He’s assembled a crew to funnel that experience into a Western Swing powerhouse that harkens back to Colorado’s halcyon 70s era. With pedal steel and alto sax bringing the country and swing bona fides, upright bass and drums keep it dancing.
Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
6:30 p.m.
Free
Thursday-Sunday, September 26-29
ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
A doctor discovers a health-care emergency and is vilified by politicians, libeled by a corrupt news media and shunned by a gullible citizenry. Will he stand up for the truth and fight his neighbors and the leaders of his town? Or will he recant his scientific discovery to protect his family and his reputation?
Henrik Ibsen’s classic play may have been staged in 1882 but the story could have been ripped from last week’s headlines. BETC opens the season with Ibsen’s searing take on human nature, majority rule and one man’s lonely war against a corrupted and hoodwinked society. Previews Thursday and Friday, with opening night this Saturday. Opening weekend (Sept. 26-29) includes free drinks at the Denver Savoy’s Jazz Age bar and a post-show talkback with members of the cast!
The Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-25
Friday, September 27
HANS ZIMMER
Hans Zimmer may be one, if not the most popular contemporary composer of the modern age. His repertoire of film work alone reads as a menagerie of cultural zeitgeists throughout the years of his magnificent career. Zimmer has scored more than 500 projects across all mediums, which, combined, have grossed more than 28 billion dollars at box offices worldwide. Zimmer has been honored with two Academy Awards®, three Golden Globes®, four Grammys®, an American Music Award and a Tony® Award. Highlights of his work include “Dune,” “No Time to Die,” “Gladiator,” “The Thin Red Line,” “As Good as It Gets,” “Rain Man,” “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Inception,” “Thelma and Louise,” “The Last Samurai,” “12 Years A Slave,” “Blade Runner 2049” (co-scored with Benjamin Wallfisch) and “Dunkirk,” as well as recent film scores such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Wonder Woman 1984” and “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.”
For such a great career, he plans to do it justice by hitting the road with an 18-piece live band and full orchestra. What else can you expect from someone of this Oscar-award-winning caliber?
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $169
FRANKIE AND THE WITCH FINGERS
There’s long been a growl festering in the West, an earthen rumble fed by tectonic tension, acrid smoke, and sun-parched air. The brew has boiled over lately, a pressure-cooked chaos that can no longer be contained. The growl has grown to a howl.. the howl is at the door. Few are as ready to meet the madness head on as Frankie and the Witch Fingers. The band has shared bills with Kikagaku Moyo, Ty Segall, Oh Sees, Cheap Trick, and ZZ Top, churning their stage-side scorch into household recognition — burning through a barrage of multicolored vinyl pressings and sparring with indie heavyweights for Billboard chart positions. Their sound is a frenetic blend of rhythmic whiplash and sonic soul shake — it’s the reformation rendered in rock ’n roll.
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27
Info: 303-447-0095
Friday-Sunday, September 27-29
I AM NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER
This vibrant and poignant adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez’s New York Times Bestseller follows Júlia, a Chicago high schooler who is definitely not your perfect Mexican daughter. That’s her older sister Olga’s role. But everything in Júlia’s life weighs heavier after Olga dies in a tragic accident, leaving Júlia to manage her family’s grief and unravel the secret truth — that her sister may not have been so perfect after all.
As she struggles with the all-too-real challenges of coming of age in Chicago and the sense that she’s failing to live up to her family’s expectations, Júlia barely clings onto her dream of becoming a writer and is left questioning what she really knows about anything. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a love story to young Latinas who, in trying to find the truth about the people and the world around them, end up finding themselves. “Every so often a show comes along that moves you in such a way that you are changed.” – Broadway World
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
HAMLET
Arguably one of the greatest plays of all time, Hamlet is a psychological revenge thriller, political epic, and family saga that’s both grand and deeply human. Packed with unforgettable characters and famous lines, Artistic Director Chris Coleman will helm the DCPA’s iconic season opener.
When Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home after his father’s death, he finds his mother remarried to his uncle and his father’s spine-chilling apparition roaming the palace grounds. Commanded by his father’s ghost to avenge his brutal murder, Hamlet’s burden to reclaim the reins of the kingdom becomes a perilous journey through the psyche. Bound by duty yet tormented by the gravity of his mission, every scheme and equivocation will test his resolve, disrupt his relationship with the fair Ophelia, and pose the tragic dilemma of whether “to be, or not to be.” Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy…– The Hollywood Reporter
Wolf Theatre, DCPA Complex, 14th and Curtis St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $40.25
KIMBERLY AKIMBO
A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), KIMBERLY AKIMBO is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone.
Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush…and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.
Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$110
INFO: 720-865-4220
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. If you’ve never seen the movie, or even if you have, this story is heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time and one that should not be missed!
Jesters Theatre, 224 Main St., Longmont
Fri.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22-$55
FOREVER PLAID
A delightful, mischievous, and unashamedly heartwarming homage to the sweet and innocent sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s harmonically performed by four guys. The “PLAIDS” – high school buddies high school pals Sparky, Jinx, Smudge, and Francis – are talented “guy group” – just four nice young men who love singing harmony. When the “Plaids” are killed in a car accident on the way to their first big gig at the Airport Hilton Cocktail Bar, the young men linger in limbo, as unresolved as their final chord, until the conjunction of various “astro-technical” phenomena allows them to return to Earth, perform their final concert, and hopefully win a place in Heaven, and the deluxe plaid dinner jackets of their dreams.
Longmont Theater Company, 513 Main St., Longmont
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Saturday, September 28
DOUBLE FEATURE: INCREDIBLE SUN & ONE SKY
THE INCREDIBLE SUN: Every second the Sun emits million times more energy than the world consumes every year. Where does such a huge amount of power come from? Discover our star through the breathtaking time-lapses. Thanks to the real images taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory and processed by advanced mathematical methods, you will experience the true nature of the Sun and find out that it is far from being as calm as it seems at first glance.
The Sun’s activity, pronounced by terrific solar flares, sunspots and coronal mass ejections, influences our planet, by producing impressive auroras but also by damaging distribution networks and communication satellites. Is it a threat to us, then?
ONE SKY PROJECT: One Sky Project is an international collaboration focused on increasing understanding about cultural and indigenous astronomy, its historical and modern applications, and how our One Sky connects us all.
We’ll visit ancient Greece and find patterns in the Forge of Artemis; measure time with the Diné, or Navajo people to seek the Thunderbird; explore 18th-century India in Jai Singh’s Dream; journey with First People of what is now northern Canada in a Celestial Canoe; visit Japan to find the patterns of the Samurai and Stars; and venture out into the ocean with Hawaiian navigator in Wayfinders.
Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Dr., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10+
Info: 303-492-5002
ODIE LEIGH WITH VALLEY JAMES
Odie Leigh would never have called herself a musician before the depths of the 2020 pandemic, when her rapper roomies made a bet: Whoever records a song that goes viral first, wins. Slightly ticked off that they hadn’t included her in the wager, she decided to hit them with her best shot, and Odie was crowned the victor when a track she wrote blew up on TikTok. “I was like, ‘I’m gonna show y’all. I’m gonna win,’” she recalls, laughing. “Then I woke up to a bunch of comments on TikTok being like, ‘OMG, release this. This is amazing!’ Now, I’m a musician.”
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $25
Info: 303-447-0095
COMEDY IN THE BOE
Join the laugh rioit at The Boedecker Theater for a night of funny stuff with “Dairy Comedy at The Boe.” Headlining the evening is the sensational Mia Wilson, a stand-up comic and writer based in NYC with roots in Chicago’s prestigious Second City. Mia has lit up stages across the country, from the New York Comedy Club to the Gotham Comedy Club and brings her unique blend of sharp wit and upbeat observations to Boulder for one night only.
The lineup also features a diverse group of talented comedians including Ren Q. Dawe, Ali Kareem, Haley Raven, and Ryan Ergo. Each brings a distinct flavor of humor, ensuring a night full of variety and belly laughs. The show is curated and hosted by Zoe Rogers, a cornerstone of the Boulder comedy scene. Don’t miss this blend of top-tier comedy 20 or so minutes from your door!
Dairy Arts Center, Boedecker Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Sunday, September 29
LOS LOBOS: 50th ANNIVERSARY
It’s a matter of time. 50 years to be exact. And in that time Los Lobos have created an unprecedented body of work, a legacy of greatness. The numbers are staggering: 100+ gigs a year for five decades running, crossing millions of miles to rock millions of fans. And that’s just at the live shows. In between they’ve recorded 17 studio albums, seven live LPs, three compilations, two EPs, two DVDs, and contributed 40+ guest appearances on their friends’ recordings—all garnering four Grammys, an Austin City Limits Hall of Fame induction, the ALMA Ritchie Valens Pioneer Award, NEA and Hispanic Heritage Foundation Honors, Congressional recognitions, plus countless “Keys to the City” and “Los Lobos Day” celebrations. And those are just a few of the highlights. But beyond all the hoopla and applause (and the source of it all, really) is the tremendous heart. Rather, hearts. Cinco corazones. Five blood brothers who have dedicated their off-stage time to helping others, working for peace and justice, penning some of the most literate and important music of their time, transforming the hard cries from the East L.A. barrio into songs of hope, tales of common folk finding ways to endure.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 100 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
TICKETS: Start at $62
Next Week: Tuesday, October 1
A1 DI MEOLA ELECTRIC BAND
A1 Di Meola, a bonafide living Guitar Legend, is among the top guitarists of our time. His ongoing fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation combined with provocative lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmony has been at the heart of his music throughout a celebrated career that has spanned four decades and earned him critical accolades, four gold albums, two platinum albums, more than six million in record sales worldwide, five German gold albums, and various awards including an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Berklee College of Music, the Honorary Miles Davis Award presented by the Montreal Jazz Festival, a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Sir George Martin in 2008, Hungarian Foundation for Performing Arts Lyra Award, and numerous Grammy nominations and awards. Al is the recipient of the most prestigious guitar awards ever given, a total of 12 awards from Guitar Player Magazine polls and as a result, was inducted into their Gallery of Greats.
Chatauqua Auditorium, 100 Morning Glory Dr., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: Start at $68
Wednesday, October 2
JEFF LYNNE’S ELO
Jeff Lynne’s ELO is heading out for one last hurrah. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will bring their heydays to the present day to delight audiences with songs like “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Evil Woman,” among others.
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $74
BRIGITTE CALLS ME BABY
The music of Brigitte Calls Me Baby is equal parts elegant time warp and up-close exploration of our modern-day neuroses. The Chicago-based band ingeniously spans genres and eras, merging the lavish romanticism of mid-century pop with the frenetic energy and spiky intensity of early millennium indie-rock. Centered on Leavins’ hypnotically crooning vocal work, the result is a rare convergence of sophistication and style and unabashed sincerity.
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $15
Thursday, October 3
THUMPASAURUS WITH WABI
The inspired members of Thumpasaurus—Lucas Tamaren (vocals, guitar), Henry Was (drums, production), Logan Kane (bass), Henry Solomon (saxophone), Paul Cornish (keys), and Ben Benjamin (visuals/pancakes)—have been honing their craft and gaining a loyal cult for their experimental shows since they first got together 2015. Known equally for their musicality and theatricality, Thump has shared bills with Louis Cole, Vulfpeck, Jacob Collier, and more while individual members may have been spotted on stages with HAIM, Louis Cole, Ye, Snoh Aalegra, and the list goes on.
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $22
ART & SIP: SPOOKY SEASON
Autumn is a great time to be inspired by the ever-changing colors and the beauty of nature. Learn to paint beautiful multicolor fall leaves in watercolor. By popular demand, we have added additional class times! Now you can join us for a 4–6 pm art class or a 6:30–8:30 pm art class on Thursdays. Grab a drink and get creative with these classes designed to guide beginners as well as bring new skills to experienced artists and crafters. Beer, wine, fizzy water and snacks are available to purchase at the Atrium Bar.
Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
4:00 & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45
Friday, October 4
GERSHWIN PIANO CONCERTO
Longmont Symphony Orchestra is proud to present “Sound in Motion”, celebrating the moving works of Bach, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and more. Led by Music Director, Elliot Moore, this season is sure to take you on a memorable symphonic journey. Opening Night the LSO will present Masterwork No. 1, an exciting program, with featured soloist: Spencer Myer, on Piano playing BERNSTEIN Candide Overture; GERSHWIN Piano Concerto (31’); MOUSSORGSKY/RAVEL.
Longmont High School, 1040 Sunset St., Longmont
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$45
CIRCA DUCK POND
Circa reimagines “Swan Lake,” the world’s most romantic ballet, as a circus spectacular—full of the company’s signature physicality, cheeky humor and thoroughly contemporary energy. Be swept away by this tale of swans and hapless princes, sparkling with quirky touches like a sequinned flipper-wearing duck army and a burlesque black swan. There are sumptuous aerials, jaw-dropping acrobatics and—of course—feathers! Touching, funny and utterly entertaining, “Duck Pond” is a tale of identity and finding your true self.
For more than 85 years, the Artist Series has brought the globe’s finest jazz, classical, world music and dance performers to Boulder. Many of these performances sell out; order your tickets today to guarantee the best seats.
Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $22-$99
Friday-Sunday, October 4-6
AVAAZ
Meet Roya, our fabulous hostess, as she welcomes you into her home to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. She’s preparing a feast, but the main attraction is Roya sharing her great American journey from Tehran to “Tehran-geles,” California. Get ready for the time of your life with this hilarious and deeply personal tribute to the playwright’s mother, exquisitely portrayed by the person who knows her best — her son. Traditions, humor, and passionate storytelling transform this tale of family bonds into an unforgettable theatre event!
Avaaz is a radiant celebration of resilience, rebirth, and joy, brought to life by Emmy-nominated writer and actor Michael Shayan. Join the festivities and get your tickets to this one-person show that has delighted audiences across the nation when it makes its Denver Center debut this fall.
Singleton Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Fri.-Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $41-$68
INFO: 720-865-4220
Saturday, October 5
ECOTOBERFEST: ERIE & LAFAYETTE
The cities of Louisville and Lafayette and the Towns of Erie and Superior are hosting a regional sustainability event called Ecotoberfest next Saturday. Ecotoberfest will feature over 50 vendors and exhibitors, a sustainable marketplace, an electric vehicle (EV) showcase, no-cost small electronics recycling, a Halloween costume exchange, a locally-sourced pumpkin patch, a bounce house, food trucks, face painting, a beer garden hosted by the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, and live music!
Join this event to envision and create healthy, resilient, and sustainable communities in Weld and Boulder County!
2:00 p.m. – Event kick-off
2:15 – 3:30 p.m. – Live music from OTones Brass Band
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. – Sustainability Storytime
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Live music from Grey Rails
6:00 p.m. – Event concludes
Louisville Community Park, 955 Bella Vista Dr., Louisville
2:00-6:00 p.m.
FREE
Life in Erie, Colorado
PHOTO BY ANDY SCHWARTZ
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.
