Fall preview: arts and entertainment in Denver

Rocky Mountain News

Published August 29, 2008 at 3 p.m.
Updated August 29, 2008 at 3:13 p.m.

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The coast is clear. The Democrats are heading home (or to the campaign trail), which means Denver is all yours again. Good thing, since there are a lot of things going on during the coming months. Readers will revel in visits from authors such as David McCullough and film fans will get their annual dose of celluloid when the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival returns in November. Speaking of returns, the Great American Beer Festival figures to slake many a thirst next month. Pop music runs the gamut from Ice Cube to Toby Keith, Madonna to Jackson Browne. Did we mention that the Tony Award-winning Avenue Q finally was reaching town as well as a homespun mounting of Les Miserables? Our Fall Arts Preview has the details on these shows and many more.

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Classical music & dance

Colorado Symphony

Jeffrey Kahane opens the season with soprano Dawn Upshaw and the CSO Chorus. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12-13, 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14; Marin Alsop and pianist Lukas Vondracek offer Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3-4, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 5; Finnish violinist Elina Vahala plays Brahms' Concerto. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 26; all concerts at Boettcher Hall; 303-623-7876; coloradosymphony.org

Colorado Ballet

Works by Jessica Lang, Peter Anastos, Clark Tippett. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12-13, 2 p.m. Sept. 13, Gates Concert Hall; 303-837-8888; coloradoballet.org

Rainforest

The contemporary dance company Robert Moses' Kin performs this environmental work. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27, Gates Concert Hall; 303-871-7720; du.edu/newmancenter

Swan Lake

Colorado Ballet presents the beloved "white ballet" for 13 performances. Oct. 11-26, Ellie Caulkins Opera House; 303-838-8888; coloradoballet.org

Kronos Quartet and Alternative Radio

World music blends with discussions of global issues, hosted by David Barsamian. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Gates Concert Hall; 303-871-7720; du.edu/newmancenter

Madama Butterfly

Opera Colorado opens the season with Puccini's beloved tragedy. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 11, 14, 2 p.m. Nov. 16, Ellie Caulkins Opera House; 303-468-2030; operacolorado.org

Charlie Chaplin's City Lights

The CSO plays Chaplin's score in accompaniment to the film. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Boettcher Hall; 303-623-7876; coloradosymphony.org

Guarneri String Quartet

The venerable chamber ensemble is in the midst of its farewell tour. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Gates Concert Hall; 303-388-9839; friendsofchambermusic.com

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Art spaces

Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center

This $33 million arts building designed by Albuquerque-based Antoine Predock officially opens at Colorado College during the school's Homecoming Weekend (Oct. 9-12). Expect Predock at the ribbon-cutting (10 a.m. Oct. 11) and a weekend of performances. coloradocollege.edu/news_events/Cornerstone/events.asp

Center for Empowered Living and Learning (The CELL)

This offshoot of the Mizel Museum opens to the public Tuesday. Its mission: display material addressing global political and social issues, such as the opening installation "Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: Understanding the Threat of Terrorism." 99 W. 12th Ave. 303-844-4000; thecell.org

Ron Judish re-enters the gallery scene five years after Judish Fine Arts closed, teaming with Andrew Kalmar for a space opening early this fall showing regional and nationally recognized artists, and focusing on important works from the secondary market. 878 Santa Fe Drive

RedLine

The art center spearheaded by photographer and philanthropist Laura Merage opens Oct. 24 with a gala and a show organized with New York's venerable P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center. RedLine will house exhibition space and studios for more than a dozen artists with community responsibilities. 2350 Arapahoe St. 303-296-4448; redline art.org

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Pop music

Nine Inch Nails

As Trent Reznor's vision of the future grows darker, his shows get more intense. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2, Red Rocks, $49.50-$55

Ice Cube

Don't let the kiddie movies fool you: Onstage, Cube gets back to his gangsta-rap roots with ferocity. 9 p.m. Sept. 7, Ogden Theatre, $39.50

Foo Fighters

After Dave Grohl's voice gave out in July, these shows were rescheduled with Grohl's promise to work twice as hard. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 and 9, Red Rocks, $45-$49.50

Santana

Despite his pop-rock successes this decade, Carlos Santana has never taken the focus off his guitar-playing. 8 p.m. Sept. 13, Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, $20.50-$75

Monolith Festival

Why the buzz on Band of Horses, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Atmosphere and dozens of other bands? Find out at a bargain price. 1 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14, Red Rocks, $59.50 per day, $110 for both

Jenny Lewis

Fans love it when Lewis steps away from her band Rilo Kiley for her side projects. 8 p.m. Sept. 17, Ogden Theatre, $20.50

Toby Keith

Kick butt? Check. Take names? Check. Fans may get a preview of the country singer's new album due in October. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, $18.75-$60

Weezer, Angels & Airwaves

With the great new Red Album in stores, Rivers Cuomo and company take to the road for what promises to be an amazing tour. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, Broomfield Events Center, $45-$49.50

Jackson Browne

His upcoming album Time the Conqueror has songs like The Drums of War, so this pre-election full-band show promises to be fiery. 8 p.m. Nov. 1, Temple Buell Theatre, $39.50-$69.50

Roger McGuinn

Ever have a living legend play in your living room? This small club in Golden has that feel. 2 p.m. Nov. 9 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, Miner's Alley Playhouse, Golden, $40. Tickets available via phone only: 720-870-0397

Rise Against

With the political punk band breaking as big nationwide as they have been here, this may be the last time to see a relatively intimate show. Appeal to Reason is out in October. 7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13, Fillmore Auditorium, $28

Madonna

Under the terms of her $100 million Live Nation deal, the Material Girl has to work hard for the money - thus her first-ever Denver shows. 8 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12, Pepsi Center, $55-$350

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Art events

Denver Arts Week

The second edition devoted to the city's art scene includes a Nov. 14 "Night at the Museums," Nov. 15 "Night on the Red Carpet," and a Nov. 22 birthday bash involving free cake all over town for the city's 150th birthday. Nov. 14-22, various locations, denver.org

MCA/Denver

Top Brit wit Damien Hirst shows a variety of work from Oct. 7 through next August at the museum. Also: Colorado artist Terry Maker (Sept. 16-Jan. 11) and Berlin-based painter Jonas Burgert (Sept. 30-Jan. 4). Burgert also has work going on Oct. 2 at DU. MCA/Denver, 1485 Delgany St. 303-298-7554; mcadenver.org

"Dave Yust: Looking Back/Looking Forward 1970s-2008 Explorations in Symmetry and Inclusion Series: Circles and Ellipses"

Work by the veteran painter, printmaker and educator. Opens 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18, through Nov. 16, Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. 720-898-7200; arvadacenter.org

Denver Art Museum

"Daniel Richter: A Major Survey," work by the artist based in Berlin and Hamburg, Oct. 4-Jan. 11 (Richter speaks Oct. 2); "Houdon From the Louvre," Oct. 11-Jan. 4; "In Contemporary Rhythm: The Art of Ernest L. Blumenshein," Nov. 8-Feb. 8. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. 720-865-5000; denverartmuseum.org

"In and Out of Time: Selections from the CU Art Museum's Video Collection"

Work by artists including Jeremy Blake, Gary Emrich and Mary Lucier. Opens 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 26 through Dec. 27, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St. 303-492-8300; colorado.edu/ cuartmuseum

UP Al Wynne's 1969 oil on canvas "City Forms"

"Wynne / Wynne: The Art of Al and Lou Wynne"

Paintings by Al Wynne and ceramics by Lou Wynne form a retrospective of the Colorado Springs-based artists' half-century career. Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art; Oct. 3 through Jan. 4. 303-832-8576; kirklandmuseum.org

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Theater

Jersey Boys

The hit musical re-creates the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Dec. 11 to Jan. 3. Buell Theatre. 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org

The Trip to Bountiful

Kathleen M. Brady stars at Denver Center Theatre Company in the story of a woman in miserable straits yearning to return home before she dies. Sept. 19 to Oct. 25. Space Theatre, DPAC. 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org

Les Miserables

The first homegrown production of the hit musical, starring Randal Keith reprising his Broadway role of Jean Valjean. Sept. 16 to Oct. 12. Arvada Center. 720-898-7200 or arvadacenter.org

The Producers

Wayne Kennedy and Scott Beyette star in the Mel Brooks musical about a corrupt Broadway producer and his protege. Nov. 14 to March 7, Boulder's Dinner Theatre. 303-449-6000 or theatreinboulder.com

Speech and Debate

A story of high-school misfits linked in a town sex scandal in a comedy set to the music of a Casio keyboard. Nov. 1 to Dec. 13. Curious Theatre Company. 303-623-0524 or curioustheatre.org

The Glass Menagerie

Spouses Michael Stricker and Barbra Andrews play siblings in Paragon Theatre Company's production of the Tennessee Williams drama. Oct. 18-Nov. 15, Crossroads Theater. 303-300-2210 or paragontheatre.com

Braided Sorrow

World premiere of Marisela Orta's play interweaving the murders of hundreds of Juarez, Mexico, factory workers and the legend of La Llorona. Sept. 18 to Oct. 18. El Centro Su Teatro. 303-296-0219 or www.suteatro.org

Escanaba in Love

The sequel to the Jeff Daniels' hit Michigan hunting comedy Escanaba in Da Moonlight. Sept. 12 to Oct. 12. Aurora Fox. 303-739-1970 or aurorafox.org

Avenue Q

Sesame Street it's not. The profane but sweet puppet musical won the Tony for its songs about post-college struggles,monster love and Internet porn.Sept. 9-21, Ellie Caulkins OperaHouse, 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org.

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Events

Oktoberfest

In heaven there are no beers, brats or polka bands - that's why we enjoy them here every year. Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 26-28, Larimer Street between 20th and 22nd avenues; oktoberfestdenver.com

Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries

An exhibit about these always-popular animals in the wake of new discoveries, with "Dinosaurs Alive!" in the Phipps IMAX Theater. Exhibit: Sept. 26-Jan. 4, IMAX: Sept. 26-Feb. 12, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 303-322-7009; dmns.org

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Bello the Clown, human cannonballs, acrobats, tigers and cotton candy. Oct. 2-13, Denver Coliseum, $15-$82; ticketmaster.com

27th Annual Great American Beer Festival

46,000 people taste 1,800 beers from more than 400 U.S. breweries. Oct. 9-11, Denver Convention Center, $50; greatamericanbeerfestival.com

Comedy Works South

The opening of the laugh institution's second venue features Bob Saget (Oct. 17-18) and Jimmy Fallon (Oct. 23-25); 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, 303-595-3637, comedyworks.com

MileHiCon

Largest science fiction, fantasy and horror convention in the region. Oct. 24-26, Hyatt Regency Tech Center; $38; milehicon.org

Fourth Annual Denver International Wine Festival

Wine tastings, dinners, seminars and a chef competition. Oct. 29-Nov. 1, University of Denver; denverwinefest.com

31st Starz Denver Film Festival

Filmmakers and stars align to view new movies from around the world. Nov. 13-23, Starz FilmCenter and other locations; denverfilm.org

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Books

Speakers

19th Annual Kappa Book & Author Dinner

Dinner and readings by authors David Roberts, Brunonia Barry, James Rollins and Marisa de los Santos to benefit spinal cord and head injury victims. Sept. 24, Four Points Sheraton, Denver; $95; 303-894-7951, ext. 21

Pen & Podium

The lecture series features David McCullough (Oct. 1) and Sara Gruen (Nov. 10). Newman Center for the Performing Arts; $143-$191 series tickets; complete schedule at penandpodium.com

David Sedaris

The popular essayist shares his quirky take on modern life. 7:30 p.m., Oct. 29, Macky Auditorium, Boulder; $42-$65; 303-786-7030

Signings

Tattered Cover Book Store

Readings include Kathy Reichs (Sept. 2, Colfax); Terry Brooks (Sept. 11, LoDo); Brad Meltzer (Sept. 11, Highlands Ranch); Francine Prose (Sept. 25, Colfax); Candace Bushnell (Sept. 25, Highlands Ranch); Kathleen Norris (Sept. 26, LoDo); Neil Stephenson (Sept. 30, LoDo); Dennis Lehane (Oct. 2,) LoDo; Nikki Giovanni (Oct. 8, LoDo); Julia Glass (Oct. 20, Colfax); Maureen McCormick (Oct. 23, LoDo); John Grogan (Oct. 28, Highlands Ranch); Jack Bishop (Dec. 4, Colfax) and Sheila Lukins (Dec. 8, Colfax). Locations: 2526 E. Colfax Ave.; 1628 16th St. (LoDo); 9315 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch

Boulder Book Store

Readings and signings: Mark Richardson, Sept. 15; Steven Pinker, Sept. 18; John Elder Robinson, Sept. 23; Brunonia Barry, Sept. 24; Laurence Gonzales, Oct. 13; 1107 Pearl St., Boulder; 303-447-2074

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