ART

NOW ON VIEW: DEBORAH JACK: THE HAUNTING OF ESTUARIES…AN (AFTER)MATH OF CONFLUENCE – MCA Denver Deborah Jack’s solo exhibition (her first in Colorado) includes a dynamic, six-channel video installation featuring tumbling waters and fauna from the shorelines of four geographically distant places: Maine, Louisiana, Brazil (Belém), and the island of St. Maarten. Entitled a sea desalts, creeping in the collapse… in the expanse…a rhizome looks for reason… whispers an elegy instead, 2024, this installation offers a meditation on the dynamic nature of coastlines and humanity’s relationship to water. Along the coastlines of Louisiana, Maine, and St. Maarten, land is rapidly disappearing and changing due to erosion, warming ocean waters, and hurricanes. Meanwhile, in Louisiana’s river delta, Neptune Pass and Quarantine Bay offer unexpected examples of where the land is naturally repairing itself. These shifting edges of where the water meets the land underscores the limitations of humans’ ability to control nature. 

NOW ON VIEW: Southwest Impressions: Prints from the Barbara J. Thompson Collection – Denver Art Museum Southwest Impressions: Prints from the Barbara J. Thompson Collection, on view in the Western American Art galleries, highlights works on paper by artists who lived or traveled in the American Southwest during the late 1800s and first half of the 1900s, drawing inspiration from the region’s unique landscapes, people, architecture, and animals. The exhibition celebrates Barbara J. Thompson’s collection of over 100 prints gifted to the Petrie Institute of Western American Art (PIWAA) in 2024 in honor of her grandfather, the printmaker C. A. Seward. Southwest Impressions acknowledges the important role of printmaking in western American art, particularly during the first half of the 20th century. Presented in two rotations of around fifty prints each, visitors will be guided through a range of print processes including intaglio, block printing, lithography, and serigraphy.  

NOW ON VIEW: Eyes On: Susan Wick – Denver Art Museum For more than six decades, Denver-based artist Susan Wick (born 1938 in Madison, Wisconsin) has made art without inhibition. Driven by a relentless curiosity, Wick conjures worlds of fantasy, intrigue, and desire. Her daring compositions and experiments with materials such as fabric, foil, and printed paper, inspire, and excite the imagination.Eyes On: Susan Wick features 40 rarely seen paintings on paper with mixed media and collage. Wick created works like those in the exhibition around 1996 for a monthly art subscription, which she mailed to subscribers across the country. By sending her art out into the world, these dreamy and playful paintings exemplify Wick’s desire to foster community and connection. The exhibition also includes a selection of Wick’s artist’s books from the 1970s to the 2000s. Some books contain daily paintings using discarded books from the Denver Public Library. Others are thematic, like one that illuminates the best sources of chocolate. Often stored in suitcases for ease of transport, these artworks contain a visual lexicon of birds, flowers, domestic interiors, and human figures that find their way into the other works on view. Together, they encourage us to see the artfulness of everyday life in the objects we behold.

THRU NOVEMBER 1: NEW EXHIBITION – Space Gallery Featuring new work by Patricia Aaron and Jeff Wenzel with sculpture by Stephen Shachtman. Opening reception: Friday, September 26th, 6-8pm. Exhibition runs through November 1st. Space Gallery – 400 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204. Wed-Fri 11am-5pm. Saturday 10am-3pm. 303-993-3321 www.spacegallery.org

MUSIC

SEPTEMBER 15: Deftones w/IDLES – Ball Arena Timeless. A fitting title for a band who have stayed ever-present and loyal to making defining works of music, Deftones’ career has spanned over thirty years of relentless intoxication of damaging riffs and cathartic vocals – with three platinum albums in tow. One of the most influential alternative presence with a back-catalog that never seems to fade away into obscurity, Deftones have been trailblazing the gloomy sphere of shoegaze and nu-metal for the better part of three decades.

SEPTEMBER 20: Alex G – Mission Ballroom Alex G’s performance is a magical blend of nostalgic sounds and contemporary hits, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend. Whether you’re a vinyl collector or a social media-savvy fan, this concert is a testament to the appeal and incredible talent of Alex G. It’s all love.

OCTOBER 1: Modest Mouse w/Built to Spill – Mission Ballroom Modest Mouse’s tour brings a wealth of classic Modest Mouse energy and new material to the stage The entire night is packed with fan favorites, deep cuts, and the packed venue will be treated to some new music as well.

COMEDY

AVAILABLE NOW: Adam Sandler: Love You – Netflix Adam Sandler hits the stage for a thrillingly unpredictable comedy special featuring songs, jokes, party-crashing dogs and plenty of love.

FILM

NOW PLAYING: Pools – In Theatres People seem to think you only come of age once in your life. That strange limbo between the teenage years and adulthood isn’t the only time a person’s life is wholly upended, but the coming-of-age movie is usually reserved for that period. Of course, everyone who’s made it out of their teenage years knows this is just the first of many moments of upheaval that will come around in a lifetime. Sam Hayes’ Pools is a special coming-of-age flick that manages to transcend time, space, and age to tell one of the sweetest stories ever told: how to grow up. In the midst of her whole life falling apart, Kennedy attempts to somehow reconnect with her dead father, searching for permission to live her own life within a wild pool-hopping escape through the elaborate estates of her college town. Pools is refreshing and alive, and evokes the feeling of diving into the deep end of a swimming pool in the dog days of summer.

NOW PLAYING: Twinless – In Theatres In Twinless, two young men meet in a twin support group and form an unlikely friendship. Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney) both search for solace and an identity without their other halves and soon become inseparable outside the group. But when Roman meets Dennis’ ebullient co-worker, Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), all is revealed to be not what it seems, as each man harbors secrets that could unravel everything. The screenplay, smarter (and perhaps more uncomfortable) than most, explores the tricky territory between grief and loneliness, where people are at their most vulnerable. What I love about this movie is that it is truly the definition of a “dark” comedy. The dark parts are really dark but you still find humor in it all.

OPENS SEPTEMBER 12: The History of Sound – In Theatres The History of Sound follows two young men — Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O’Connor) — in the shadows of WWI who are determined to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen. As they begin to log the events, the two fall in love. Like echoes through time, like the relationship between David and Lionel itself; fleeting, a distant memory, but permanently imprinted on the record of the soul. With no tricksiness, no amplification and no unnecessary embellishment, it is allowed to resonate quietly and linger in the mind and ears, with no false notes. A masterclass in tender restraint. A rare treat to luxuriate in.

OPENS SEPTEMBER 19: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey – In Theatres Some doors bring you to your past. Some doors lead you to your future. And some doors change everything. Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell) are single strangers who meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and soon, through a surprising twist of fate, find themselves on A Big Bold Beautiful Journey — a funny, fantastical, sweeping adventure together where they get to re-live important moments from their respective pasts, illuminating how they got to where they are in the present… and possibly getting a chance to alter their futures. Along the way, they confront their pasts and explore painted landscapes, leading to a deeper connection. As they contemplate their future, they face a crucial decision about their relationship.

THEATRE

SEPTEMBER 20: La Mezcla – Manos Sagrados in Aurora Bringing together tap dance, Son Jarocho (a music and dance tradition from Veracruz, Mexico), Afro-Caribbean rhythms and movement, and live Jazz music, La Mezcla’s repertoire show features excerpts of their award-winning production “Pachuquísmo,” new show “Ghostly Labor,” and company repertoire. Rooted in historical references, activism and polyrhythmic dance arrangements, audience members of all ages will learn about the history of Pachuca culture, while clapping their hands for labor rights. 

EVENTS

THRU SEPTEMBER 14: Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem, and Jewelry Show – National Western Complex Denver’s Mineral, Fossil, Gem, and Jewelry Show is the largest America has to offer. Spend a day strolling through miles of tables and booths where 500+ dealers from all over the country come to sell their products. Experience the beautiful world of geo right in the Mile High City. This gigantic show is packed with an array of everything from dinosaur bones, fossils, and minerals to artisan jewelry, gemstones, meteorites, gold, Native American items, art, and miners’ tools and supplies. It’s quite a unique gathering and a fantastic way to spend a few hours in the Mile High City. Food trucks are located on-site for anyone who gets hungry while they’re browsing. 

SEPTEMBER 16-21: Aspen Filmfest – Aspen Perfectly scheduled during the breathtaking fall season, the 46th Aspen Filmfest is intended to satisfy everyone’s visual taste buds. Going by the catchphrase “Independent By Nature”, it aims to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film. Founded in 1979 by Ellen Kohner Hunt, the Aspen Filmfest is an annual short film festival held in Aspen, Colorado. The organization has been creating extraordinary experiences for both the cinephile and casual moviegoers of all tastes and ages. Aspen Filmfest really champions filmmaking at its finest. With the high level of significance given to independent productions from around the world, this six-day feast of creativity is sure to satisfy all of the film lovers out there.

SEPTEMBER 20: Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival – Lake City One of Colorado’s most remote and beautiful towns, Lake City, invites you out for a lovely fall weekend of good food, wine, and music. The Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival is held every third weekend in September. Sample the local cuisine from a number of the town’s top restaurants or opt to just sip on a drink or two. Beer lovers will also find craft brews from San Luis Valley Brewing in Alamosa. 

SEPTEMBER 19-21: Colorfest Balloon Rally – Pagosa Springs Every vernal equinox, Pagosa Springs hosts a trifecta of festivals to cap off the summer and welcome in fall. They’ll all be organized around the vivid Colorfest Balloon Rally, which returns for its 38th year. The Colorfest Balloon Rally combines a wine festival, beer festival, and hot air balloon show all in one wild west Pagosa weekend. The Passport to Pagosa and Bands & Brews festivals are known to sell out, so book early. There is also a 5k run hosted on Saturday during the morning ascension.

SEPTEMBER 27: The Cortex Collection – Stanley Marketplace Big. Beautiful. Brains. Each with a story to tell. The Cortex Collection – a selection of illuminating sculptures designed to spread brain health awareness. Experience the collection in person at Stanley Marketplace starting Sept. 12th + join us Sept. 27th for Neurosculption, a free, all-ages reception, to meet the artists behind the sculptures, construct your own mini brain, and bid on one of these incredible brains! 2-4 pm. brainfestdenver.com/cortex-collection

OCTOBER 1-4: Durango Cowboy Gathering – Durango Durango is a unique historic town, characterized by lively culture and interesting stories. Going on its 37th year, the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering has been a featured event of the fall season and has maintained the good old culture of the American cowboy and ranching in Southwest Colorado. This gathering offers a myriad of events and activities for people of all ages, such as riveting poetry readings, magical storytelling, amusing live entertainment, vibrant parades, and much, much more. The highlight of this year’s festival is the large, motorless, Cowboy Parade. It features horses, donkeys, mules, llamas, longhorns, coaches, carriages, wagons, and riders. Adding to the parade are the Native American Dancers, buckaroos on stick horses, and lovely ladies & gents dressed in period costumes.