Oct. 20 Free Day @ Denver Zoo

Saturday, October 20 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Zoo.

June 1 Art Walk @ RiNo

The RiNo Arts District is billing the June First Friday as an evening in rino , featuring quite a few opening receptions. The weather should be great, so why not get out for a walk?

Just say No! to summer replacements

We are again officially a two-income household. My new place of employment is so close to home it's almost annoying. If nothing else, my utter lack of a commute means that I have no excuse not to do anything I've ever said I wanted to do with my spare time. Including getting out more often. With the pop culture summer season having just started a few days ago, there will be countless outdoor concerts, festivals, art walks, and performances every single weekend for the next few months. All I can say is, Bring it!

April 22 Free Day @ Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Sunday, April 22 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming

All I can say is that life is never boring around here. Just as it seemed that things (e.g., income, finances) might be picking up, we found ourselves unexpectedly still a one-income household [Note: I am writing this from my home computer in the middle of a workday]. Plus ça change...

So here I am, still broke, with more time on my hands than is proper, and it's time to get back to this blog despite not needing it to react against my daily grind. Posts may not be quite as frequent, but there will be posts.

March 14 João Junqueira @ Broomfield Auditorium

The CU in Broomfield World Music series continues this Wednesday, March 14 with João Junqueira and the CU Brazilian Ensemble. The show starts at 7:00 at the Broomfield Auditorium.

Guitarist, performer, composer, arranger, and CU lecturer, João Junqueira, brings his unique style of improvisational music-weaving guitar, voice, and percussive sounds influenced by Brazilian, Jazz, and World Music. Join him and the CU Brazilian Ensemble for an evening that transcends the boundaries between beings, spirits, and cultures.

March 14 Mrs. Warren's Profession @ DCTC

The final round of plays in the Denver Center Theatre Company's season gets started this month. There will be an SCFD-funded free performance of Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession on Wednesday, March 14 at the Bonfils Theatre. Box office opens at 4:30, and curtain is at 6:30.

March 13 Opera 101 @ DPL

On Tuesday, March 13, the Opera 101 program will focus on La Traviata (Central City Opera) and Un Ballo in Maschera (Opera Colorado), both by Verdi. As always, there will be excerpts performed live. Go if only for the Traviata excerpts -- it's a fabulous opera.

March 12 Young Dubliners in-store @ Twist & Shout

Bring on St. Patty's Day! The Young Dubliners will do an in-store at Twist & Shout on Monday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m. I don't think they'll be serving any Guiness, unfortunately...

March 8 is International Women's Day

Although art that is purely agenda-driven doesn't usually do it for me, I believe that the arts do have tremendous power to impact society at large. I like to think that sometimes just hearing diverse voices telling diverse stories will help us all see things in new ways, which may in turn help us see each other in new ways, which may someday lead to global, everlasting peace. I appreciated Forest Whitaker's Oscar acceptance speech, and think his sentiment can be applied to any creative effort:

Because when I first started acting, it was because of my desire to connect to everyone. To that thing inside each of us. That light that I believe exists in all of us. Because acting for me is about believing in that connection and it's a connection so strong, it's a connection so deep, that we feel it. And through our combined belief, we can create a new reality.

Hey, a chicksinger can dream, can't she?

So today, in honor of International Women's Day, I'm going to blog against sexism and highlight some women's artistic ventures in the Denver and Boulder area. And also, because the personal is political, I just might be engaging in some self-promotion with this post.

If you -- that is, if there is a "you" out there reading this -- know of something I overlooked that you think should be included in this list, please leave a comment for me. Thanks.

Vox Feminista is a "multi-media, multi-passionate performance tribe of womyn" that is presenting an event this Saturday, March 10. From their website:

VOX RISING! proudly presents their first show "Closet Traumas" Saturday, March 10 @ Nomad Theater1410 Quince Ave, North Boulder at 8:00 pm --- $5-$500 sliding scale --- no one turned away
VOX RISING! is a safe-space theater for passionate youth to speak out on political issues. Through music, spoken-word, and group skits, young people will create dialogue on issues meaningful to them and their future. "Closet Traumas" is more than young people deciding what to wear. It is an exploration into the many dilemmas youth face in their possible futures.

Marin Alsop, Conductor Laureate of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, founded the Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship to "foster and encourage women who are studying or training to be orchestral conductors in orchestras or ensembles.” Rei Hotoda, the 2006 fellowship recipient, will be appearing with the CSO and Maestra Alsop in concerts March 9-11.

The Denver Women's Chorus is a lesbian community choir that will be presenting a joint concert with the Denver Gay Men's Chorus on April 13 entitled "A Night of Dark Music" at St. John's Cathedral.

The chorale Safonia is a "women's ensemble dedicated to the synergy of music, passion and excellence." They have concerts coming up April 14 & 15 in Denver based on the theme "The Poet Sings," featuring many works by women composers.

The ASTER Women's Chamber Choir is also presenting a spring concert entitled "The Poet Sings" (April is National Poetry Month) on April 14 & 21 in Broomfield and Boulder. Donations accepted, but tickets are free.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has created the Women’s Voices Fund, an endowment fund "designed to foster the work of women playwrights in the American theatre." There don't seem to be any upcoming events scheduled in the immediate future, but keep your eye on the website for premieres and receptions.

March 11 Kids for Bach concert @ BPL

From the Boulder Bach Fest website:

Sunday, March 11, 2007 — 2:00 & 4:00 PM
Kids for Bach — A Concert for Children, by Children
Boulder Public Library
FREE!

“Kids for Bach” gives students of all ages an opportunity to perform in an excellent small concert hall, the auditorium at the Boulder Public Library. The two concerts, free and open to the public, take place Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 2:00 and 4:00 pm at the Boulder Public Library Auditorium, 1000 Canyon Boulevard. Student performers are selected from taped auditions submitted in January.
Each program includes a mix of ages from 6-18 years old, with some 30 soloists and small ensembles performing on a variety of instruments, such as piano, violin, cello, guitar, voice and recorders. Children’s choirs and string groups often appear as well. All the pieces performed are works of J.S. Bach or one of his sons, most in the range of 2-4 minutes. The student participants are residents of Boulder County.

March 11 Meditate with a Master @ Samadhi Center

From the Samadhi Center for Yoga website:

Sunday March 11th, 2-4:30pm By donation.

Shivabalananda, a long-term, very close and direct disciple of Sri Sri Sri Shiva Bala Yogi Maharaj for thirty years, blessed with the yogic powers of his Master, Shiva Bala Yogi, will be offering Shiva Bala Yogi Meditation Programs on the 2007 International Visit.

All programs are free and open to the public. Shiva Bala Yogi Maharaj (Swamiji) attained God-realization through Tapas, meditating in God-consciousness for twelve years, traveled for thirty-three years offering initiation into dhyan meditation and left the body in the spring of 1994, attaining Mahasamadhi. Sri Swamiji's meditation mission continues through several disciples and devotees, such as Shivabalananda, who travel internationally. Shivabalananda/R. B. Singh, scientist and engineer, soon to retire from the Indian Space Research Organization in Sriharikota, India, will be traveling with his wife, Vidyawati Singh, on this fourth visit. His first international visit was in the fall of 1994 with 24 programs in 9 US cities and 21 programs in Germany and the United Kingdom.

For information on Shivabalayogi's Meditation Mission and Tours, please click here.

March 10 "Barbie Fairytopia" @ Starz FilmCenter

On Saturday, March 10, the Denver Film Society Kids First! series will feature "Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow" at 10:30 and 1:30. I think that's 'nuff said about that.

March 9 "Cat People" @ BPL

On Friday, March 9 at 7:00, the Boulder Public Library will show the 1942 film "Cat People," starring Simone Simon and Kent Smith. The blurb from the website describes it as such: "A beautiful, mysterious fashion artist believes that when she is emotionally aroused, she will turn into a panther and kill." Yowza!

Location: Canyon Theater, main library

March 8 "Grand Hotel" @ BPL

On Thursday, March 8, the Boulder Public Library will show "Grand Hotel" starring Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford. They've updated the website, btw.

March 8 "A Land Out of Time" @ American Mountaineering Center

On March 8 at 7:00, the Colorado Mountain Club will present the film "A Land Out of Time" as part of their Conservation Film Series. The showing will be in the American Mountaineering Center's Foss Auditorium. An informal discussion will take place after the screening.

March 8 Wayne Francis @ Broomfield Auditorium

On March 8, at 6:00 p.m., the Science, Sights and Sounds series at the Broomfield Auditorium will feature Wayne Francis, Ventriloquist and Comedian.

Laughter...Excitement...Surprises...
Look on as Wayne Francis and Wingnut barnstorm their way into your hearts. Life-size puppets, comedy and music are on top for this family fun evening. For all ages!
Free tickets available at the Auditorium Box Office beginning at 6:00 PM on day of program. For more information call 720-887-2320 or 303-460-6800. Space is limited.

March 7 "Black Gold" @ Starz FilmCenter

On Wednesday, March 7, the Denver Film Society will show "Black Gold" as part of its Community Cinema series. Seeing as how the guitarhero and I are addicted to our morning cup(s) o' joe, I have a feeling that this is something I should see. From the website:

Wednesday, March 7th - 7:00pm - FREE!

Multinational coffee companies rule our shopping malls and supermarkets and dominate an industry worth over $80 billion, making coffee the most valuable trading commodity in the world after oil. But while we continue to pay for our lattes and cappuccinos, the price paid to coffee farmers remains so low that many have been forced to abandon their coffee fields. Nowhere is this paradox more evident than in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Tadesse Meskela is one man on a mission to save his 75,000 struggling coffee farmers from bankruptcy. As his farmers strive to harvest some of the highest quality coffee beans on the international market, Tadesse travels the world in an attempt to find buyers willing to pay a fair price. Against the backdrop of Tadesse’s journey to London and Seattle, the enormous power of the multinational players that dominate the world’s coffee trade becomes apparent. New York commodities traders, the international coffee exchanges, and the double dealings of trade ministers at the World Trade Organization reveal the many challenges Tadesse faces in his quest for a long term solution for his farmers.

Directed by Nick Francis and Marc Francis
(USA, 2006, Not Rated, Digital, 78 min)
Visit the OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Oxfam America has partnered with the US distributors of Black Gold to provide film viewers with opportunities to learn more about the international coffee crisis, and to take actions that address the plight of the impoverished coffee farmers in Ethiopia and other coffee-producing countries. For more information, visit Oxfam America's coffee campaign.
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/campaigns/coffee

Visit The Independent Lens WEBSITE

March 7 Silversun Pickups in-store @ Twist & Shout

On Wednesday, March 7, Silversun Pickups will do an in-store at Twist & Shout at 6:00 p.m.

March 6 Free Night @ Denver Children's Museum

The Denver Children's Museum offers monthly Free First Tuesdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., featuring special activities and story times.

March 5 "Seconds" @ BPL

On Monday, March 5 at 7:00, the Boulder Public Library will show John Frankenheimer's 1966 "Seconds" starring Rock Hudson. Details on the Film Series can be found here.

March 3 "Eloise in Hollywood" @ Starz FilmCenter

The Denver Film Society just added more Kids First! series dates to their website. This Saturday, March 3, brings "Eloise in Hollywood" with showings at 10:30 and 1:30. I'll admit to being a bit of an Eloise purist what with the Plaza and all,* but since we all know that being bored is not allowed, I'm sure it would be worth the trip.


* Makes me wish I had my old tattered copy of the book here for a quick mid-day read.

March 2 "Blue Dahlia" @ BPL

The Boulder Public Library as of today has not updated the Film Series page for March, but this pdf schedule lists the schedule through mid-April. On tap for Friday, March 2 at 7:00 p.m. is "Blue Dahlia" starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.

March 7 Ramona Quimby @ Mizel Center

The Children's Theater Company at the Mizel Center will be mounting Ramona Quimby, a play for children and families, starting in March. Although I don't see any free performances for children listed, they will be having a free Teacher's Night preview performance for teachers and group leaders on Wednesday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m.

Reservations recommended. Call 303-316-6360

March 3 Full Moon Sit Meditation @ Yoga Workshop

There is monthly meditation session at Yoga Workshop to coincide with the full moon, and this month's is Saturday, March 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

While officially there is no fee to participate, it is being offered in the spirit of dana, which means generosity or sharing. So share as much as you feel you can.

March 3 "Cyrano de Bergerac" @ Starz FilmCenter

This Saturday, March, 3, the Tattered Cover Free Classic movie being shown by the Denver Film Society will be "Cyrano de Bergerac" starring Jose Ferrer. The screening starts at 7:00.

March 2-3 Free Days @ Denver museums, galleries

The first weekend of the month belongs to the fine arts in this town. Here's what's doing this Friday and Saturday, March 2-3:

1) The Art District on Santa Fe gets things started with its First Friday Art Walk, which includes numerous galleries and a couple of museums, too.

2) The RiNo Art District also has First Friday events happening on March 2.

3) The Denver Art Museum's Free First Saturday on March 3 is open to all Colorado residents with proof of residency. Tickets are needed.

4) The Museo de las Américas has Family Free Days (sponsored by Target) on the first Saturday of the month. From 12 to 4 pm, there are free interactive workshops for children and teens, plus free tours and santos demonstrations. Also note that the Museo participates in the Santa Fe Arts District Art Walk, offering free admission to all on the first Friday evening of each month.

5) For just a penny, you can get in to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver on the first Saturday of the month. This will be your last chance to catch internationally renowned artist Erwin Redl's site-specific installation, as the exhibit closes on March 11.

March 2 Free Day @ Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield

Friday, March 2 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (in Littleton).

March 2 Paolo Nutini in-store @ Twist & Shout

Paolo Nutini will be doing an in-store at Twist & Shout on Friday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Feb. 28 365 Days/365 Plays @ Paragon

Huzzah for Paragon Theatre! I don't remember signing up for their e-mail list -- they must have rented someone else's database -- but their e-marketing lately has been really well done. A full week before this event, I got an e-mail with details on their 365 Days/365 Plays performance. Great job, Paragon!

Anyhow, they will be performing all of Week 16 on one night, Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Theatre. And because Parks threw in a play for Leap Year, this means there will be eight play-lets performed. Hey, wait a minute -- shouldn't the project be called 365 Days/366 Plays instead? Hmmm....

Feb. 28 "Into the Arms of Strangers" @ CU Boulder

From the CU Boulder Arts & Humanities calendar:

Wednesday, February 28, 7:00pm,

Muenzinger Auditorium International Film Series:
"Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport"

This Academy Award-winning documentary chronicles one of the lesser-known stories of the Holocaust: that of the kindertransport, which saved the lives of 10,000 Jewish children who were sent by desperate parents to England to seek refuge from Nazi oppression. Introduction and Q&A with director Mark Harris. Made possible by the Conference on World Affairs and the Roser Visiting Artist Fund. Sponsored by Conference on World Affairs and Roser Visiting Artist Program, and in conjunction with CHA's "Reaping Profits, Reckoning Loss" colloquium held March 1-2.

Free admission!

Feb. 27 Cendrillon Opera 101 @ DPL

The spring season of Opera 101, a joint effort from Opera Colorado and Denver Public Library, will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 27 with a discussion of Central City's upcoming production of Cendrillon. This French opera by Jules Massenet is a late 19th century version of the well-known fairy tale of Cinderella, so even if you're afraid of opera, at least you'd know the story going in. The lecture starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Branch library, and will feature excerpts performed live.

Feb. 27 Mayor's Awards reception @ DCPA

From the Colorado Theatre Guild newsletter:

Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs are pleased to announce the 2006 recipients of the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The 2006 honorees are Fiesta Colorado, PlatteForum and Dianne Perry Vanderlip.

The 2006 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts reception will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (14th & Curtis). Mayor Hickenlooper will present the awards to the honorees at the event. Mistress of Ceremonies will be Tamara Banks, journalist and broadcast personality.

The evening will feature performances by some of Denver’s finest talent. Kim Robards Dance (a modern dance troupe) and Elements of Motion (a break dancing crew) will battle it out on stage in a unique and exciting combined performance. Youth from PlatteForum will participate in the program by painting live and reciting poetry. Denver Poet Laureate Chris Ransick also will read a selection. The night will be capped off with a surprise musical performance by one of Denver’s top bands.

The public is invited to attend this free community celebration—a night of art, entertainment, food and drink. Please RSVP to 720-865-4318 or doca@ci.denver.co.us.

Feb. 23 African Extravaganza @ DU

This just in from the Denver Post:

The fourth annual African Extravaganza, timed to coincide with Black History Month, celebrates African culture with traditional dance, drumming, food and dress. But wait, there's more: 20 local and national organizations working in Africa will host booths and sell African handicrafts, and African documentaries will be screened. Most important, it's free!

6-9 p.m. today
University of Denver, Driscoll North Ballroom, 2005 E. Evans Ave., 303-871-4626 or du.edu

Feb. 26 Harold Lloyd's "The Freshman" @ BPL

From the Boulder Public Library website:

Monday, February 26
Time: 7 p.m.
LIBRARY FILM PROGRAM
Harold Lloyd in The Freshman
Directed by Fred C. Newmeyer and Sam Taylor, with Harold Lloyd (1925).

Excited about going to college, Harold Lamb arrives at Tate University and becomes the target of ridicule. With the help of his one friend, he resolves to become popular. (76 min.)
Location: Canyon Theater, main library

Phone: Library Film Program Coordinator Joel Haertling at 303-441-3197
Email: haertlingj@boulder.lib.co.us
Web site: www.boulder.lib.co.us/films

Cost: Free

Feb. 26 Jazz concert @ DU

Monday night events aren't all that common, but Feb. 26 brings us this jazz concert from University of Denver:

JAZZ Night. Lamont Ensemble Concert Series.
Monday, February 26, 2007
7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Contact: Victoria Brandys

Featuring three large jazz ensembles: University Jazz Ensemble, Jeff Uban, director; Lamont Jazz Ensemble, Alan Hood, director; Lamont Jazz Orchestra, Malcolm Lynn Baker, director. Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver. Free admission. Lamont concert Line (303) 871 6412. Free parking at the Newman Center parking garage.

Sunday Studio Talks @ Yoga Workshop

from the Yoga Workshop website:

Richard Freeman will be giving a series of Sunday talks, following afternoon Mysore at the Yoga Workshop, from 5:45 to 6:45 PM.

Dates and topics are:
February 25 - Mulabandha: Whatever that is
March 18 - Yoga Asana as Yantra
March 25 - Pranayama
April 1 - Obstacle and the Six Enemies

These talks are open to all and free. As usual there will be a Dana* bowl. All money collected will go towards the 2007 Yoga Workshop Teachers Endowment.

*dana = generosity; no set fee, by donation only

Feb. 25 The Sweet Life/Brazilian Jazz @ BPL

From the Boulder Public Library website:

Sunday, February 25
Time: 3 p.m.
MEADOWS CONCERT
The Sweet Life/Brazilian Jazz Band

Jazz singer Molly Greacen, who currently lives in Boulder, brings her own bittersweet and sensual individuality to spicy, enticing Brazilian jazz when the Sweet Life/Brazilian Jazz Band performs.

For adults and older children.
Reservations required: call Meadows Branch Library at 303-441-4390 to sign up.

Location: Meadows Branch Library, 4800 Baseline Rd. (behind Safeway)
Phone: Meadows Branch Library at 303-441-4390
Meadows e-mail: klopfd@boulder.lib.co.us
Molly Greacen e-mail: m.greacen@worldnet.att.net
Molly Greacen Web site: http://www.mollygreacen.com/

Cost: Free

Feb. 25 Charles Eakin concert @ CU Boulder

CU Boulder Music Faculty Series

Sunday, February 25, 4:30 p.m.

The Music of Charles Eakin – 80th Birthday Celebration

Every 5 years friends gather to celebrate Professor Emeritus of Composition Charles Eakin’s legacy by performing his music. The first half of this year’s event features Eakin’s Unaccompanied Violin Sonata performed by Professor Oswald Lehnert and his String Quartet No. 4 performed by the Veronika Quartet. The second half of the program features selected jazz compositions by Professor Eakin. Please join Professor Eakin, faculty and other friends for this special musical celebration!

Faculty Series recitals showcase CU-Boulder College of Music faculty performances. Faculty Series recitals are held in Grusin Music Hall in the Imig Music Building. Recitals are free and open to the public.

Feb. 25 Chamber ensembles @ DU

From the DU website:

String and Wind Chamber Ensembles.
Lamont Ensemble Concert Series
Sunday, February 25, 2007
7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Contact: Victoria Brandys


Lamont String and Wind Chamber Ensembles. Richard Slavich and Joseph Martin, directors. Lamont Ensemble Concert Series. Free admission. Hamilton Recital Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver. Lamont Concert Line (303) 871 6412

Feb. 25 String Quartet family concert @ BPL

From the Boulder Public Library website:

Sunday, February 25, 4 p.m.
The Boulder Philharmonic String Quartet Family Concert

Children, grandchildren (and grownups) can learn about music and the instruments of the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra’s string section in this free Boulder Philharmonic Family Concert.

The showcase, a part of the orchestra’s ongoing youth and education outreach, is designed to appeal especially to children.

Visit the Boulder Philharmonic Web site.

Feb. 24 New Generation of Race Plays @ DPL

From the Denver Public Library website:

Saturday, February 24, 1-2:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Discuss three new plays by three young writers exploring race relations in the United States. Written as companion pieces to Curious Theatre Company's mainstage production, A House With No Walls, each writer examines the themes of color and culture from the fresh perspective of the next generation. These three short plays speak directly to the issue of how history, gender and geography color our world. Readings and discussion hosted by the playwrights. For more info on Curious Theatre Company, go to curioustheatre.org

Feb. 24 soul food cooking demo @ DPL

The final Southern Life cooking demonstration will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Denver Public Library at 10:30 a.m. The theme this week will be collard greens, and will include a representative from the Southern Foodways Alliance who will talk about soul food.

Feb. 24 "Strawberry Shortcake" @ Starz FilmCenter

I ask you, does it get any more sugary sweet than Strawberry Shortcake? The Denver Film Society's Kids First! series will screen "Strawberry Shortcake: The Sweet Dreams Movie" on Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 21 In the Works reading @ Curious

Curious Theatre will present its In the Works Reading Series #3 at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The suggested donation at the door is $5, which includes food and drink.

recap of Feb. 10: New Play Summit

This recap of the New Play Summit and 365 Days/365 Plays at the DCPA on Feb. 10 is long overdue.

True to what the DCPA customer service rep had said when I called, I was able to snag a ticket to the 10:00 a.m. reading of A Visitor's Guide to Arivaca (Map Not to Scale) by showing up a few minutes beforehand. Because I then had to move my car into the pay lot (why pay $8 if there was no guarantee of a ticket?), I entered the packed theater a few minutes after the reading had begun. I recognized a few actors I'd seen in 1001 and King Lear, including Jeanine Serralles and Markus Potter, and wondered how many rehearsals for this they'd been able to squeeze in amid their busy performance schedule.

I left the reading with mixed feelings about the play, which has already been workshopped in Tucson (American Theatre magazine's Dec. 2006 cover article covers it here). Having just finished The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle, the territory felt familiar yet more distant. Whereas Boyle's novel focuses sharply on the personal experiences of four people to illustrate the issues/problems of illegal immigration, Evangeline Ordaz's play seemed more didactic. She has placed at the center of her story one Mexican couple attempting to cross the border south of Tucson, with the supporting characters all receiving plenty of stage time as well. On the one hand, Ordaz gives voice to the many sides of the debate, and is generally even-handed about it, but on the other I came away from the reading feeling like I'd heard from archetypes more than from individual characters.

Regardless, it's always a pleasure to see and hear good actors at work. Despite what had to have been limited time to prepare, the performances were superb across the board. Special recognition should go to William Hahn, whose first entrance as Eddie the stoned ranch hand had his castmates laughing and enjoying his performance as much as the official audience did.

At noon, a group of DCTC actors performed one of the 365 Days/365 Plays in the Bonfils lobby. These plays are more like play-lets, or tiny versions of plays that may someday grow and develop. This noon offering seemed to be part of the recurring Father Comes Home from the War theme that Parks has described in some article I read somewhere. (By the way, I added a link to the More Sites I Like section of this blog that will take you to 'today's play' on the TCG website.) It was short, spare, and left me with more questions than I had before it started -- who was the man posing for the portrait with what seemed to be the Father's family? Why does the injured Father end the scene by dancing? Ah well, such is cutting edge work.

After my side trip to the library, I returned to the Bonfils lobby briefly, wondering if I wanted to stick around until 3:00 to see another of the 365 Plays. When I realized that the New Play Summit panel discussion already in progress was also free, my decision was made for me. I had thought the panel would feature playwrights whose plays were being read over the course of the weekend, but Evangeline Ordaz and Jason Grote were the only playwrights whose works were being performed. The rest of the panel was made up of Octavio Solis, Thomas Gibbons, and Julie Myatt. As moderated by Kent Thompson, the discussion was already well underway, and the prevailing theme seemed to be views on writing characters from a background different than one's own. Again, it's always interesting and edifying to hear more about process and motivation from those who've been doing it for a while.

The next two 365 Plays followed the end of the panel discussion in fairly quick succession, even catching a few patrons unaware as they tried to make their way down the steps and past the performers. The real excitement of the inclusion of 365 Plays into the New Play Summit, for me at least, was watching art being presented in a space not designed for that specific purpose. I like the idea that theater can happen any time, anywhere, with the audience standing around the sides and even behind the action. There is value in that, I think, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the 365 performances through the year to see how they handle the challenges.

Feb. 20 & 23 365 Days/365 Plays @ DU

Again, props to John Moore, whose MySpace page was the only source of details for this week's offerings that I could find.

WEEK 15: UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
Suzan-Lori Parks' '365 Days/365
Plays' Colorado cycle now shifts to the University of Denver, where the Week 15 cycle will be performed at the following times:

*Tuesday, Feb. 20 at the Driscoll Student Center Bridge.
When? 12:50 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:50 p.m.

*Friday, Feb. 23 in the Ritchie Center just before the school's 7 p.m. hockey game, and again after the first period ends (estimated 7:45 p.m.).

This is what we're told: "Look for the Babe Catcher, tap dancing, a man walking on water and the waitress from Coney Island Joe’s. You’ll see a woman in mourning, hear a short sketch performed in Spanish, and marvel at a painting on the wall of the King President’s bedroom." The performers are not from the theater department but from DU's Living and Learning Communities students and staff. They are "an ensemble of risk-takers with a passion for community engagement, performance, the arts and creative endeavors."

All performances are FREE. For more info, email Fay Coulouris (fcoulour@du.edu) or Roscoe Hill (rehill@du.edu).

March 1 Pure Confidence Director's Notes @ DCPA

I'm posting this event earlier than I might normally because registration is required and there's already a waiting list. The director of the DCTC's upcoming production of Pure Confidence, Kent Gash, will lead a Director's Notes session at 6:00 on March 1, featuring a discussion of the play and a tour of the theater.

Feb. 23 "Jason and the Argonauts" @ BPL

From the Boulder Public Library:

Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly. He assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, including Hercules. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects of film wizard Ray Harryhausen. (104
min.)

Location: Canyon Theater, main library
Phone: Library Film Program Coordinator Joel Haertling at 303-441-3197
Email: haertlingj@boulder.lib.co.us
Web site: http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/films/

Cost: Free

Feb. 22 "The Red Shoes" @ BPL

From the Boulder Public Library website; turns out they've got quite the active film series over there:

Thursday, February 22
Time: 7 p.m.
LIBRARY FILM PROGRAM
The Red Shoes
Directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, with Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook (1948)

Under the rule of impressario Boris Lermontov, his protégées realize the full promise of their talents, but at a price -- utter devotion to their art. One ballerina falls in love with the composer of the ballet staged to showcase her talents. She leaves the company and marries the composer, torn between Lermontov's demands and those of her heart. Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. (133 min.)

Location: Canyon Theater, main library
Phone: Library Film Program Coordinator Joel Haertling at 303-441-3197
Email: haertlingj@boulder.lib.co.us
Web site: www.boulder.lib.co.us/films

Cost: Free

Feb. 21 "Race to Execution" @ Starz FilmCenter

From the Denver Film Society website:

Wednesday, February 21st - 7:00pm - FREE!

Race To Execution traces the fates of two Death Row inmates—Robert Tarver in Alabama and Madison Hobley in Chicago. Through these compelling personal narratives and the often unexpected results of research on race, justice and the media, the film exposes the factors that influence who lives and who dies at the hands of the state. Co-production of ITVS and co-presentation with NBPC. Directed by Rachel Lyon and Jim Lopes (USA, 2006, 60min)

Visit the INDEPENDANT LENS website

Feb. 21 "One False Move" @ DPL

The Black Images in Film series at the Denver Public Library will feature "One False Move" on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2:00 p.m.

Feb. 20 "Night of the Iguana" @ DPL

The Denver Public Library concludes its Tennessee Williams on Film series on Tuesday, Feb. 20, with a showing of "Night of the Iguana" at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 18 bourbon tasting & benefit @ Walnut Room

From the Denver Post:

Who knew drinking could feel so good? Knob Creek will present a free tasting of "rare and special bourbons" from around the country, with a small suggested donation to benefit The Woman's Bean Project, which helps women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment through job training. The Walnut Room will provide its famous thin-crust pizza and sandwiches at no charge.

6 p.m. Sunday
3131 Walnut St.
free with $5 suggested
donation
303 295-1868 or thewalnutroom.com

Feb. 19 Free Day @ Denver Botanic Gardens

Monday, February 19 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Botanic Gardens (on York St.). Luckily for us all, the weather is supposed to be mild next week.

Feb. 18 Colo. Singer Songwriters @ Boulder Library

From the Boulder Public Library website:

Sunday, February 18, 4 p.m.

Colorado Singer Songwriters
Rebecca Folsom, Danny Shafer, Dan Sheridan, Ray Smith & Cari Minor

With this program, the Library Concert Series kicks off its first Local Colorado Musicians Songwriters on the Round program. Featured songwriters are Dan Sheridan (Aspen), Danny Shafer, Rebecca Folsom, Cari Minor (all from Boulder) and Ray Smith (Rollinsville).

The kick-off of the program inaugurates a special “local Colorado” CD music section at the Boulder Public Library, which has been built up with significant donations from Albums on the Hill, 1128 13th Street, and Bart’s CD Cellar, 1015 Pearl Street.

Feb. 18 Paul Erhard/Atmic Vision @ CU Boulder

CU Boulder Music Faculty Series

Sunday, February 18, 4:30 p.m.
Paul Erhard, double bass with Atmic Vision

The acclaimed Indian music trio Atmic Vision returns by popular demand for a concert as part of a two-week Indian music residency in the College of Music. CU professor of double bass, Dr. Paul Erhard, Bansuri master Annada Prasanna Pattanaik, and tabla drum wizard Muthu Kumar (both from Bangalore, India) invite you to enjoy their exciting and heartfelt musical blending of East and West. In the words of a 20-year member of Metropolitan Opera Chorus in New York City, “each musician of Atmic Vision is stunning in his virtuosity. This is only the beginning of an even more profound capacity to touch audience members with a pureness of joy I no longer thought was possible.”

Faculty Series recitals showcase CU-Boulder College of Music faculty performances. Faculty Series recitals are held in Grusin Music Hall in the Imig Music Building. Recitals are free and open to the public.

Feb. 17 BBQ cooking demo @ DPL

Another component of the Denver Public Library's focus on the American South has been the cooking demonstration series. Now this is something I wish we'd known about sooner, as the series is about to end. But when I first told the guitarhero of this Saturday's BBQ demo (free samples!), I had barely finished my sentence before he was saying, "we're there."

Jim 'n Nicks Bar-B-Q
Saturday, February 17, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Recently opened in Aurora at the new Southlands Mall, Jim 'n Nicks Bar-B-Q is the real deal. Their Bar-B-Q pork and beef brisket are made the old-fashioned way, patiently smoked over real hickory wood fires. Their commitment to authentic and southern cooking is evident in every dish from the true southern vegetables to their fried catfish. Everything is made fresh, from scratch, everyday and served in a casual setting that raises Southern hospitality to a high art. Chefs Drew Robinson and Grace Charnow will create the dishes for this cooking demonstration. Recipes and samples included. www.jimnnicks.com.

Feb. 18 Lottery Party @ Boulder Fringe Fest

On Sunday, Feb. 18, the Boulder Fringe Fest will choose the 2007 line-up from all submissions by holding a lottery. In a smart marketing move, they're combining this very administrative task with an everyone-is-welcome party at 7:00 p.m. that will feature local performers. More details here and here.

Feb. 18 Jake Adam York, poet @ DPL

From the Denver Public Library website:

Jake Adam York – Murder Ballads – Author Talk and Book Signing
Sunday, February 18, 2 - 3 p.m.
Central Library, Level 5 Gates Conference Room

Jake Adam York's first book of poems, Murder Ballads, opened a long project, the creation of a poetic memorial for the martyrs of America's Civil Rights Movement, a project York has continued in his newly completed sequel, A Murmuration of Starlings. Join York for a reading of poems from the memorial sequence. A question-and-answer session will follow, for those interested in discussing the memorial poems or the contexts of American and Southern literature out of which these poems emerge. Book signing to follow.

recap: Feb. 10 On the Road manuscript @ DPL

How is it possible that I've lived here for as long as I have but only found out last Saturday that, all this time, a Denver Public Library card could have been mine? Unbelievable. I had gotten back into the habit of going to the library a few years ago when we were still living in L.A. Although our neighborhood branch was small and was closed most evenings and Sundays, I had the entire Los Angeles Public Library catalogue at my disposal. And it's a big catalogue.

Having downsized library systems twice since moving to the Denver area -- once to the JeffCo library, and again to our current county -- imagine my amazement, my glee, when I found out on Saturday that a Denver Public Library card is the inalienable right of any and all Colorado residents. I felt almost as if I were Mary Lennox fitting key to lock and stepping into that walled garden for the first time. ("Might I... might I have a bit of stacks, sir?") What I love the most about libraries is that I can be as focused and research-driven as I want to be, or I can indulge in being able to indulge in whatever strikes my fancy. I currently have at home (from my local library) a book on bistro cooking and another on artisanal bread baking just cause they looked pretty, as well as season 2 of "Jeeves & Wooster." (If you're not familiar with the show, just think of Bertie Wooster as the anti-House.)

I only found out about the availability of the DPL card while perusing the brochures at the Central Branch for possible free events. I had walked down from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts between New Play Summit events (recap to follow) to view the On the Road manuscript that went on display the first weekend of January. I wish I'd known in advance of all the activities that surrounded the opening of the exhibit, as it's one of the guitarhero's favorite books and it would have been great to hear some jazz for free, but let's be honest -- that was a snowy weekend and we weren't in the mood to go anywhere.

The exhibit itself is low-key: pretty much just the first 60 feet of that famous scroll, single-spaced, a little tattered around the edges, with some inscrutable editorial marks here and there. This not being the final, published draft, you can catch Allen Ginsburg playing himself in this version, before the name was changed. I think Sal makes it to Denver after about 15 feet of type, and to L.A. another 15 or so feet later. I do not recommend trying to actually read the book in this fashion, as I got a good crick in my neck after just a couple of minutes of leaning to the side over the low glass display case.

The walls of the gallery are hung with some period photos showing Denver in the 1940s through late 1960s, some shots of Kerouac and contemporaries, and a few placards that describe the historical context. Unless you're a die-hard student of the Beats, I don't know that the exhibit itself is worth a trip solely to view it (note that the second 60 feet will go on display Feb. 24). But if you're in the area or at the library for any number of other activities (some of which I've already started listing here), then it's just a very cool -- like, crazy, man! -- thing to see. Although the glass display case wasn't working for me, I think that Kerouac's desire to write uninterrupted resulted in the medium informing the message. Somehow, returning to my old paperback version, with its foreword, page turns, and paragraph indentations doesn't pack the same visceral punch as reading even a few lines of that fantastic, mad, caffeine- and Catholic guilt-fueled stream of consciousness. If I ever read On the Road again -- and I plan to -- I'll try to set aside a weekend with nothing else to do, and try to forget everything I learned in high school about looking for predominant themes and recurring motifs. Kerouac just wrote, so I should just read, my only knod to context some Charlie Parker playing in the background.

Crazy, man.

Feb. 17 "Dora's Musical School Days" @ Starz FilmCenter

The Denver Film Society's Kids First! film series is showing "Dora's Musical School Days" on Saturday, Feb. 17. Again, this looks like a straight-to-video production that's being shown on the big screen, but I know from experience that the little 'uns loves them some Dora. Free showings at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 17-18 Panel Discussions @ Boulder Film Festival

The Boulder International Film Festival is happening Feb. 15-18, 2007, and there are a couple of free events associated with it. The first, a Filmmakers' Panel, is on Saturday the 17th, and the Confessions of a Film Critic panel on Sunday the 18th will feature pretty much every local critic you can think of.

Feb. 17 Appalachian clogging workshop @ DPL

The Denver Public Library's focus on the American South continues this weekend with an Appalachian clogging workshop on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2:00. It's free, but registration is required; visit the website for more info.

Feb. 14-17 365 Days/365 Plays @ Dairy Center

This week's set of plays in the 365 Days/365 Plays cycle are being presented by madhause at The Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder.

Week#14
February 14th, 16th, 17th at 8:00pm
February 15th at 2:00pm
The Dairy Center for the Arts
East Theater, 2590 Walnut Street

FREE ADMISSION

recap of Feb. 9 yoga class @ Samadhi Center

Finally, yoga!

On Friday, Feb. 9, I attended a new class at Samadhi Center for Yoga that I learned about via their e-newsletter. In Fall 2005 I was much more diligent about trying to establish a yoga practice and was sampling some different studios around Denver, mainly taking advantage of the new student discounts that most studios offer. Samadhi offers an unlimited one-week pass for $20 (if I recall correctly) for new students, a great value even if you only attend two classes in that week.

But, as we all know, I am not in the market to pay for yoga classes these days as much as I'd like to, and I don't think I practiced at all in 2006 (The Year of the House). Even though I'm woefully out of shape, I made a special effort to attend this free introductory class at 7:15 on Friday -- yes, I am physically and mentally weak, but one thing I've always liked about Samadhi is the openness and support of the teachers and students. Samadhi may attract a largely young and attractive crowd, but I've seen people of all shapes, ages, and flexibilities there, not to mention more men and yogis of color than found at some other studios.

The new class is Shakti yoga taught by Lara Catone, and is being billed as a blending of vinyasa yoga and exploratory dance. (I couldn't find anything about it on the website, and I've deleted the e-newsletter already, so I hope I'm getting this right.) While the description of the dance component did make me think of "free form jazz exploration" for just a second, I also know that you only get out of exploration what you put into it. And God knows, we grown-ups only get so many opportunities a week to let our freak flags fly, so you need to take every chance you get.

The larger studio at Samadhi was packed by the time class started -- at least 35 people, maybe more. Lara led us through 90+ minutes of traditional asanas and sequences interspersed with guided explorations of the space around us, all set to a great mix of music. In all seriousness, it's a crime that most of us only use our bodies to sit, lie down, or walk, considering the range of motion available to the vast majority of us. Whereas on most Friday nights I just veg out in front of the TV, this was a fun way to get some exercise and do a bit of meditation but still feel like the weekend had arrived.

Om shanti shanti shantihi, indeed.

Feb. 14 "To Sleep with Anger" @ DPL

This month the Denver Public Library's Film at Central Cinema Club is focusing on the theme of Black Images in Film. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, "To Sleep with Anger" starring Danny Glover will be screened at 2:00 p.m.

Feb. 14 Paul Erhard/Atmic Vision @ Broomfield

The CU in Broomfield World Music Series continues on Wednesday, Feb. 14 with a concert featuring a fusion of Indian classical music.

February 14: Paul Erhard and ATMIC Vision present “Across the Seas”

Paul Erhard, Associate Professor of Double Bass at CU-Boulder, performs internationally as a soloist and is one of the world’s only double bass soloists exploring the use of the bowed double bass in Indian Classical music. Join him and his double bass-flute-tabla group, ATMIC VISION, for an exotic musical journey across the seas.

Feb. 14 Free Day @ Denver Zoo

Wednesday, February 14 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Zoo.

Note that the next free day at the zoo isn't until October, so grab your sweetie(s) and make a day of it now!

Feb. 13 "Suddenly Last Summer" @ DPL

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Denver Public Library continues its Southern Gothic film series focusing on adaptations of the works of Tennessee Williams by showing "Suddenly Last Summer" at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 Rachmaninoff recital @ CU Boulder

CU Boulder Music Faculty Series
Tuesday, February 13, 7:30 p.m.

Big Hands to Fill: The Music of Rachmaninoff
Margaret McDonald, piano and Friends

Get yourself into a romantic mood just in time for Valentine’s Day. Margaret McDonald will be joined by CU faculty members Judith Glyde, Margaret Lattimore, and Christopher Zemliauskas for an evening of works by Rachmaninoff. The program will include his famous Vocalise, Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos, and Sonata Op. 19 for Cello and Piano.

Visit the CU Boulder Music Faculty Series webpage for details on location, free admission, etc.

Feb. 13 Lecture on Horace Pippin @ SPARK Gallery

Lawrence Allen lectures on the life of folk artist Horace Pippin at 7:00 p.m.

http://www.sparkgallery.com/

UPDATE: This event has been postponed according to the SPARK Gallery website.

Feb. 13 Active Minds Lecture: Afghanistan @ TC

The Active Minds Lecture series will focus on the current state of Afghanistan on Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover on Colfax. Everyone is welcome*, and reservations are recommended; call 303-436-9291 ext. 2728 to RSVP.

* In checking out the Active Minds website, it would appear that these lectures are geared toward the senior citizen community, but they do specify that everyone is welcome.

Feb. 11 Free Day @ Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Sunday, February 11 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. And as if that wasn't fab enough, there's free parking available, too!

Feb. 11 Kristin Hersh in-store @ Twist & Shout

On Sunday, Feb. 11, Kristin Hersh, formerly of Throwing Muses, will be doing an in-store at Twist & Shout Records at 5:00 p.m. This is being billed as her only live appearance in Colorado, so if you're interested, I suggest showing up somewhat early as I'm sure her longtime fans will be out in force.

Feb. 10 Christopher Morris @ BMoCA

On Saturday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m., photographer and exhibiting artist Christopher Morris will be participating in a free artist salon at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

Feb. 10 "Words of Art" @ Stories on Stage

On Saturday, Feb. 10, Stories on Stage presents "Words of Art" at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance space.

While not strictly a free event, Stories on Stage offers pay-what-you-can tickets to all of their events. All you have to do is ask.

Feb. 10 "Go Diego Go!" @ Starz FilmCenter

On Saturday, Feb. 10, the Kids First! series at Denver Film Society will be screening "Go Diego Go!" at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Geared toward the preschool set, it looks like it's four TV epidodes strung together. But still, a free movie is cheaper than a Netflix rental.

Feb. 9-10 New Play Summit @ DCTC

I just called the DCPA box office to inquire about the individual play readings that are described as being free on the Colorado New Play Summit webpage. They are free, but there are no tickets currently available. The box office associate I spoke with recommended that I either call back later in the week to see if there have been cancellations, or that I can try to get an unclaimed ticket 10 minutes before curtain.

Feb. 9-10 365 Days/365 Plays @ DCTC

The best place to find details on this week's presentation of 365 Days/365 Plays is again on John Moore's MySpace page. All plays will be performed at the Denver Center on Friday, Feb. 9 & Saturday, Feb. 10, in conjunction with the New Play Summit.

Feb. 9 "Downtown Denver" @ Sherman Complex

On Friday, Feb. 9, the film "Downtown Denver: Heart of the Queen" will have its premiere at the Sherman Street Event Complex.

It's described as "a one-hour documentary showcasing Denver's rise from dusty boomtown to regional metropolis."

Patron reception at 5:30pm
Film starts at 7:00pm
1770 Sherman Street Event Complex

From the summary on the website:

The audience for this documentary includes historical societies, professional associations, service organizations, tourists and special interest gatherings, as well as local and national television audiences. Videos and DVD’s will be placed in schools and libraries throughout Colorado and will be available in museums and book stores.

The character that fuels downtown Denver’s current renaissance is rooted in the structures, streets and stories that reflect its historic role as a center of regional leadership. From gold and silver to oil and technology, pivotal events and powerful people, monumental masonry and soaring skyscrapers — this documentary will bring the history of downtown Denver to life, evoking an informed appreciation for the legacy that enlivens a unique urban center.

Feb. 6 Patrick Mason recital @ CU Boulder

Tuesday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.

Crossing the Pond
Patrick Mason, baritone

When Associate Professor of Voice Patrick Mason was nominated for a Grammy this December, the honor came as no surprise to his many Colorado fans. In the past he has been a soloist with the Waverly Consort, the Boston Camarata and Schola Antiqua. As a recitalist he has appeared in London’s Wigmore Hall, the Cairo Opera House, at festivals in Luxembourg, Holland and throughout the United States. Crossing the Pond features British and American songs by Roger Quilter, Noel Coward, John Harbison and John Musto. Pianists Mutsumi Moteki, Robert Spillman, Margaret McDonald and Charles Koslowske will also be featured on the program. Please join us in cheering Patrick Mason on before the Grammy Award ceremony!

Visit the CU Boulder Music Faculty Series webpage for details on location, free admission, etc.

Feb. 8 Chinese New Year @ Broomfield Auditorium

Science, Sights and Sounds will present a Chinese New Year celebration for the community at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road.

The evening will include a Chinese Lion Dance and Kung Fu demonstration by Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association and Chinese folk dances by the Christina Yeh Dance Studio.

Free tickets will be available at the Auditorium box office starting at 6 p.m. Information: (720) 887-2320 or (303) 460-6800.

Feb. 5 Judaic Studies Lecture @ DU

Rimon: Master Classes in Judaic Studies (a project of the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver)
Featuring a public lecture with special visiting scholar: Professor Claire Katz
Monday, February 5, 2007 at 7 p.m.
Lindsay Auditorium, Sturm Hall 2nd Floor
University of Denver, 2000 E. Asbury Ave.

"Educating the Solitary Man: Levinas, Rousseau, and the Return to Jewish Wisdom"

Description of talk:What is the goal of education, and what if any, relationship does education have to the political community? This paper examines Emile, Rousseau's influential treatise on education, and the Jewish writings of Emmanuel Levinas, in order to explore the relationship that primary education has to the development of the political community and the ethical responsibility of all its citizens.

All events are free and open to the public; however, RSVPs are required, as space is limited. Please call 303.871.3660 or email palarsen@du.edu by February 1, 2007.

http://www.du.edu/cjs/suggested_readings_and_guiding_questions.html

Feb. 3 Community Dance @ Mercury Cafe

From the Mercury Cafe's e-newsletter:

Free Community Dance!

Let's Warm Up By Dancing!

This Saturday at 7:30, join us in a free Waltz class, followed by a free community dance.

Hope to see you,
the Mercury Cafe

Feb. 3 Full Moon Sit Meditation @ Yoga Workshop

There is monthly meditation session at Yoga Workshop to coincide with the full moon, and this month's is Saturday, Feb. 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

While officially there is no fee to participate, it is being offered in the spirit of dana, which means generosity or sharing. So share as much as you feel you can.

Feb. 3 "Went the Day Well?" @ Starz FilmCenter

From the Denver Film Society website:

"Went the Day Well?"

Sponsored by the Tattered Cover Bookstore. Join us as we explore the world of classic movies with Colorado Public Radio film critic Howie Movshovitz. Programs begin at 7:00pm at the Starz FilmCenter at the Tivoli. Admission is free, but tickets are required from the box office and are available ONE HOUR prior to screenings.

Saturday, February 3rd - 7:00pm - FREE!

A beautifully understated World War II movie based on a story by Graham Greene about the invasion of a British village by German soldiers. The German pose as British soldiers assigned to secure the town from the coming German counterattack. Oddly, and with touching determination, this 1942 film is narrated as if the war has already ended.

Directed by Alberto Cavalcanti
(UK, 1942, Not Rated, 92min)

Feb. 3 "The Last Unicorn" @ Starz FilmCenter

This week's Kids First! movie selection at the Denver Film Society is "The Last Unicorn." It's being billed as the 25th Anniversary edition, which I guess is fair if IMDB.com is to be trusted. But I have no recollection of this movie from 1982, which was probably the apex of my cohort's obsession with all things unicorn-, rainbow-, and Pegasus*-related. You'd think at least one of us would have gone to see it in the theaters?

Two showings, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* OK, so maybe I was the only one into Pegasus. I was just trying to find a new angle on an already exhausted trend.

Feb. 3 One Penny Day @ MCA Denver

And as if to prove that the first weekend of the month belongs to the fine arts community, this Saturday, February 3, is an almost-free day at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver -- admission for non-members is one penny. (On the MCAD website, go to Visitor Information and then Admission.)

Feb. 3 Free First Saturday @ Denver Art Museum

Saturday, February 3 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Art Museum.

recap of Jan. 24 King Lear

I consider myself fairly well-versed in Shakespeare's body of work -- more so than the average American, but perhaps less so than a lot of English majors. In school we read the basics: Romeo and Juliet in 9th grade, Macbeth in 10th, and Hamlet in 12th. I know enough to know that Sting took the line "...nothing like the sun" from a Shakespeare sonnet. Because of my family's involvement in theater, I've seen As You Like It and Much Ado About Nothing multiple times, and my Kenneth Branagh phase of the early 90s made me fall in love with Henry V (or "Hank Cinq" as I've heard it referred to).

I've seen mixed-bag productions in small theaters where the actors rush through their lines, I've seen surprisingly effective takes on what had become pedestrian, and I've seen top-knotch performances where every word and intention were crystal clear.

But somehow, with all of this education and exposure to theater, I had never seen nor read King Lear . I had tried once in junior high when our English teacher recommended we watch a made-for-TV version starring Laurence Olivier that was being broadcast. I made it as far as Cordelia's banishment before I bailed -- I may have been a 12-year-old geek, but even I had my limits.

The King Lear currently running at the Denver Center is probably as good as regional Shakespeare gets. As I mentioned above, I've seen some great productions, mostly at A Noise Within in Los Angeles, and I use that company as my benchmark. "Could the ANW crew have done that better?" When it comes to the actor playing Lear, Philip Pleasants, my answer is No. As well as -- perhaps. But better? It's hard to imagine that anyone could inhabit that role more fully than he does. His transformation made perfect sense, tragic and beautiful all at once, and I was surprised by what a witty fellow Lear could be through it all. Lear's death, coming as it does on the heels of his finally becoming fully alive for the first time, was moving without becoming maudlin. Pleasants also has played Scrooge here, and I told the guitarhero that we'll have to make a point of seeing any A Christmas Carol that he is in, if only to see him in a happy ending.

As for the rest of the production, I can say that it was very good overall, but I did feel myself at a loss because of not knowing the play going in. With Shakespeare, you sometimes don't know something is meant as a joke or a quip unless you already know the joke or quip. There were a few times when some of the audience (which filled over 80% of the house) reacted to a line that I completely missed. And I hate not knowing what's going on -- I'm smart and cultured after all, right?

Even so, there were other performances that I particularly liked, such as Mike Hartman as Gloucester, Markus Potter as Edgar (who lists an A Noise Within credit in his bio), John Hutton as Kent, and Remi Sandri as Cornwall. Rodney Hicks as Edmund was sexy and showy, but his musical theater background (ensemble in the original cast of Rent ) seemed a little too evident for this production.

As for the sisters -- those are tough roles, all three of them. I think that poor Cordelia can only pale next to her duplicitous siblings no matter who's playing her. Because most of the intrigue and plot twists depend on Regan and Goneril, I think my lack of familiarity with the play most impacts my view of those two performances. Sharon Washington as Goneril and Kathleen McCall as Regan were evil and scheming as required, but I'm just sorry that I don't know the roles better to have appreciated their performances more.

There were a few National Conservatory students in the cast, and their main duties seemed to consist of holding flaming torches while other cast members spoke. The two or three who did have lines, despite being talented and experienced students, still came off as novices among pros. A few women were cast as (male) soldiers, costumed in capes with their hair pulled back in manly ponytails. Even with their backs to my section of the audience, I was struck by how much the angle of one's head can betray femininity at the same time one is adopting a wide-shouldered, square-hipped stance. And after all is said and done, that's what I've learned from the great Shakespearean performances that I've seen -- don't ignore the details, for they are what transform the Bard's text into stories for a 21st century audience.

Jan. 31 Highlife African Ensemble @ CU Boulder

There is a concert tonight, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m. as part of CU Boulder's Pendulum: New Music series. There's not much detail on the website, but it does look interesting. Will it be a fusion of African percussion with Western classical traditions? Can't really tell what can be expected, which I guess would be part of the fun.

Wednesday, January 31
CU musicians, & audience participation project with African Ensemble

All concerts are Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Grusin Music Hall, Imig Music Building unless otherwise noted. Admission is free and a reception follows every performance. For more concert information, call the College of Music Box Office at 303-492-8008.

Feb. 2 First Friday @ RiNo

This Friday, February 2, is also a First Friday 'happening' at select RiNo (River North) galleries starting at 6:00 p.m.

Feb. 2 First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe

This Friday, Feb. 2, is the monthly 1st Friday Art Walk at the Art District on Santa Fe from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. It'll be cold, but there's a (free) shuttle from the Osage Light Rail station.

Feb. 1 Free Day @ Denver Zoo

Thursday, February 1 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Zoo.

Jan. 31 "Melting Siberia" @ DU

This Wednesday is the final screening in the DU Center for Judaic Studies 3rd Annual Film Series.

January 31 – Melting Siberia
(Israel, 2004/Hebrew and English with subtitles/72 mins.)

Directed by Ido Haar Marina, a Russian Israeli, was raised by her mother after WWII. Her father, a Red Army soldier, had disappeared in the Siberian steppes, never to know his daughter. What ensues is a family reunion that is full of emotional surprises.

Davis Auditorium in Sturm Hall
University of Denver
2000 E. Asbury Ave.

Free and open to the public, reservations are appreciated – please call 303.871.3660 or email mailto:palarson@du.edu

Tuesday Yoga Sutras Discussion Group @ Bookends

This falls under the "I can't, I have rehearsal" category when it comes to my availability for this activity, but it looks interesting.

Patanjali's Raja Yoga Sutras Discussion Group

A group of dedicated Yoga Workshop students are starting a weekly discussion group on Patanjali's Raja Yoga Sutras. The plan is to discuss one sutra each week. Everyone is welcome. Bring your own translations.

When: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM
Where: Bookends, 1107 Pearl Street, Boulder

Topics:
Jan 23rd - 1.4. vrtti-sárúpyam-itaratra
Jan 30th - 1.5 vrittayah pañchatayyah klishtaklishtáh
Feb 6th - 1.6 pramána-viparyaya-vikalpa-nidrá-smritayah
Feb 13th - 1.7 pratyakshanumánagamáh pramánáni
Feb 20th - 1.8 viparyayo mithyá-jñánam atad-rupa-pratishtham
Feb 27th - 1.9 shabda-jñánanupáti-vastu-shunyo vikalpah

For more information contact Corrie Detweiler at Corrella.Detweiler@colorado.edu or 303-442-2455 or Beth Reninger at halfmoon108@yahoo.com or 720-596-9926

Contact Corrie to be added to the email-update list. If you are not already on this list, contact Corrie or Beth to double check the schedule, as occasionally we may meet at an alternative location.

Jan. 31 "Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" @ Starz FilmCenter

I'm getting mixed messages from the Denver Film Society website regarding the Community Cinema screening of "Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes." Either it really is on Wed. Jan. 31, or it was shown on Dec. 31. Either it's free, or general admission is $8.75. I prefer to be optimistic that there's a free showing this week.

Jan. 31 Jazz Ensemble Concert @ DU

JAZZ Night. Lamont Ensemble Concert Series

Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Contact:
Victoria Brandys
Complete Description
Featuring three large jazz ensembles: University Jazz Ensemble, Jeff Uban, director; Lamont Jazz Ensemble, Alan Hood, director; Lamont Jazz Orchestra, Malcolm Lynn Baker, director. Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver. Free admission. Lamont concert Line (303) 871 6412. Free parking at the Newman Center parking garage

recap of Jan. 22 1001 & Su Teatro rally

I ended up seeing 1001 at the Denver Center Theatre Company on Monday the 22nd, not Wednesday the 17th as originally planned. When I got to the Bonfils Theatre last week at about 4:45, expecting to find myself at the end of a line of people already getting tickets for 1001, I found that the performance that evening had been canceled, but that they were allowing those who'd turned up the chance to reserve a free ticket for any of the upcoming previews. So I picked Monday the 22nd, thinking that I stood the least chance of having any conflicting events on that day.

Well, I was only partly right about that. A couple of days later El Centro Su Teatro sent around its announcement about the City Council meeting on Monday. It's true, I have become so obsessed with free tickets (I believe one coworker called me a "theater whore") that I viewed this as a potential conflict.

No matter, I decided, I'll make it work. On Monday I left my office a few minutes early, lucked out with easy traffic, and actually ponied up the $8 to park in the DCPA lot. After picking up my 1001 ticket from will call, I immediately set out to hoof it from the DCPA to the Denver City & County building even though it was already 5:30 at that point. And hoof it I did, making up for at least a few days' worth of inactivity. Once I found the correct building, I was directed to go down the hall and up to the 4th floor by a guard who was just like Michael Jeter, except more so. By now it was just about 6:00, and I wondered if it was even really worth it, considering the curtain for the ticket I already held was at 6:30 and I still had to walk back. But what the hell, I was already there, so I followed Michael Jeter's directions.

Once I made it to the chambers, I learned that not only did I miss the vote on Su Teatro's new space, but there hadn't been much to miss. There were a lot of people just sort of hanging around in the hall and chambers, some hobknobbing and some who looked like they were still waiting for something to happen. Not wanting to approach just any Latino to ask "where's my free ticket at?" I lingered until I saw a young woman passing by holding a stack of flyers & vouchers for I Don't Have to Show You No Stinking Badges. She gave me one while she shrugged and said, "Yeah, it was really quick. They just voted and it passed." So there you have it. And I now have a voucher for any Thursday night performance for the production that opens Feb. 15. More to come on that one.

I walked into the Bonfils about about 10 minutes before curtain and immediately felt a sense of being back, similar to returning after a few years to the home of a close relative where you spent good times growing up. That sense of, "Oh yes, I know this place, I know these people. This is one place I can feel I belong." My breath came more easily, I felt my brow unfurrow slightly, and in the mirror lobby I looked more like... me. Cause after all, everyone is beautiful at the ballet...
I thought to myself, Man, it's been way too long since I've been to see a play.

The house was full, mostly with folks in their 50s and 60s -- not a full-on 'blue hair' audience, but more of a traditional subscription-type crowd.

You definitely either 1) trust your supporters, or 2) don't give a rat's ass what people think when you decide to program a world premiere such as 1001 in a city like Denver. It defies easy explanation; I think my attempts to tell people about it have sounded like this: "Well, um, it's based on Scheherazade's One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, and some it kind of takes place in that sort of mythical time. But then there's a modern couple living in New York, and their story kind of parallels it. And the stories kind of interweave and lead into one another. I mean, uh, an article I read kind of compared it to a webpage full of hyperlinks that take you to this story or that one, and they all relate on some level. And it's sort of like, uh, have you heard of magical realism? And it deals with 9/11 in a way but it's not heavy-handed. And an actor playing Osama bin Laden does Vincent Price's rap from 'Thriller,' and I totally laughed at that but I don't think the older people around me knew why. So it's kind of like that -- but you should totally go see it. I think you'd like it."

So now you don't need to ask me what 1001 is about because I just told you. It has some really beautiful moments, some jarring and surprising moments, a fantastic six-person cast, and a bitchin' DJ-as-sound board. You should go see it, especially if you don't see much theater and you're in that 20-45 year old age bracket that communicates a lot via e-mail and can recognize a Clash bassline when you hear it and have maybe even seen "Vertigo." I think you'd like it.

On Tuesday, I dropped a quick e-mail to Bret Saunders at KBCO, thinking that his is the perfect demographic for this production and maybe he'd mention the play at some point. On Wednesday my supervisor said, "Oh, someone on KBCO this morning was raving about that play you saw!" Turns out Bret read my e-mail on the air at about 8:30, so maybe I helped pay for my free ticket by getting a couple more butts in seats.

And the icing on this theatrical cake is that on Wednesday evening I got my own Q&A session with the playwright, Jason Grote. I had made his electronic acquaintance via the BCT Yahoo group for theater. So when the Denver Post published the article about 1001, I posted it to the group, and Jason and I e-mailed each other a couple of times about his plans to be here for the opening. He was completely gracious about offering to meet up for a cup of coffee when I told him of my plans to see King Lear on Wednesday, since he would be at the DCPA, too. So we met for about an hour. I followed my introduction by confessing that I hadn't realized how much he'd done until I read his full bio in the program; I knew wasn't a total neophyte, but I sort of thought of him as that playwright on BCT. Even so, this premiere at DCTC is still a big deal, which is why I was doubly impressed that he'd meet up with a local like me about whom he knew nothing. I got a chance to ask him a few questions about the play and how I thought some of the stories folded in on one another. I said that, especially having seen a very fluid performance, I wondered what the "Fuck you, Jason!" moments were that Ethan McSweeney, the director, had talked about in the Post article. While he didn't know of any specific moments, Jason said that he imagined they had to do with working out the tone and transitions, having had a few "Fuck you, Jason!" moments himself while writing the piece.

So I was a bit of a dork with my questions, and he was cool about it, and I came away from our meeting very appreciative of the opportunity to talk about the process with someone who really knows what he's doing. It made me feel again a little bit more like the me I hope to be.

Jan. 28-29 King Lear symposium @ DCPA & CU Boulder

From the Denver Post:
Former United Nations ambassador Ken Adelman, who originally said the war with Iraq would be a "cakewalk" but now thinks it has been "grossly mishandled," is the featured speaker of a symposium surrounding the opening of the Denver Center Theatre Company's King Lear. Led by artistic director Kent Thompson, panelists include Colorado Shakespeare Festival artistic director Philip Sneed.

Sunday
Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom, Denver Performing Arts Complex; 1-3 p.m.; free, RSVP 303-446-4881 (Call 303-492-1423 to learn of additional events)

Jan. 27 Welsh Fest @ Wash Park UCC

Hoo-boy, is this one busy weekend! This Saturday night the Colorado Welsh Society is celebrating St. Dwynwen's Day with a mini-festival of music, dancing, poetry, and a potluck at the Washington Park United Church of Christ. According to the website, it's free and open to the public, although members are asked to bring a dish for the potluck.

Jan. 27 "Flicka" @ Starz FilmCenter

This just in: there will be two free showings of the recent movie version of "Flicka" starring Tim McGraw at Starz FilmCenter on Saturday as part of the Kids First! series. Recommended ages are 8-15, but I think this falls under the heading "fun for the whole family."

I just took a look through the Denver Film Society's calendar for February, and it looks like the Kids First! series will be featuring animated straight-to-video type movies, such as Dora the Explorer and Strawberry Shortcake (is she really still around?). There's nothing posted for March yet, so you may want to take advantage of the live action "Flicka" on the big screen.

Jan. 27 Master Class with Evelyn Glennie @ DU

Just as the Thomas Hampson master class earlier this month was a big deal for singers, I have to imagine that Evelyn Glennie's master class this Saturday is a big deal for percussionists. She is perhaps the world's pre-eminent solo percussionist, and one of the only ones to do it full-time. This master class is in conjunction with concerts she is performing this weekend with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

Title: Evelyn Glennie, percussion. Master-Class.
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2007
Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Calendar: Lamont Music Events
Contact: Victoria Brandys

Complete Description
Room #130. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver. Free and open to the general public (to observe the class only.) Lamont Master-Classes and Worksop Series. Lamont Concert Line (303) 871 6412

Jan. 27 Yoga Day USA @ various studios

If you missed last Sunday's World Yoga Day class at Samadhi Center for Yoga (as I did -- stupid snow), this coming Saturday offers more opportunities to take yoga classes for free as part of Yoga Day USA. Most studios are accepting donations for various charities and causes.

In Denver at Pearl Street Yoga

In Centennial at Skin Rx and Body Wellness

In Centennial at 24 Hour Fitness; contact Laura Clarke LClarke@24hourfit.com for more info.

In Parker at one branch of Inner Connections Yoga

In Castle Rock at the other branch of Inner Connections Yoga

Jan. 27 Free Day @ Denver Zoo

As I mentioned before, this weekend has a lot to offer. First up: Saturday, January 27 is an SCFD-funded day of free admission to the Denver Zoo.

Jan.26-27 RiNo Art District Tour

I heard about this for the first time on KCUV as I was pulling into my office parking lot this morning. The River North area has declared itself an arts district, and this weekend marks its first anniversary. The birthday party starts on Friday night with gallery tours, and continues into Saturday with tours, free shuttles, an iron pour demonstration, a raffle, and... well, perhaps you should just check the website for full details.

This is just one more option for what's shaping up to be a full weekend for the cash-strapped who simply want a little cul-tcha in their lives. More to come...

Jan. 26 Winter Closing Party @ BMOCA

I've passed the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art quite a few times as it's right next door to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, one of my favorite local places and a required stop on the tour for out-of-town visitors. I've never gone in, though, because of time and money constraints. It seems that this Friday would be a great chance to check it out -- maybe I can persuade the guitarhero (aka the husband) to come along.

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Winter Exhibit Closing Party
Friday, Jan. 26 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Free

One last chance to view Jimi Billingsley's photographs, Terry Maker's wallsculptures and DJRABBI's video installation.

The evening will feature a live VJ performance by DJRABBI, food and drinks.

Jan. 24 King Lear @ DCTC

The final free performance of January at Denver Center Theatre Company is this Wednesday, Jan. 24. On tap is King Lear, which I've never seen on-stage, or even read all the way through, come to think of it.

King Lear
Jan 24, 2007 · 6:30pm · Stage Theatre (box office opens at 4:30)

King Lear’s plan to test the love of his three daughters goes tragically awry and hurtles his kingdom into chaos, pushing Lear towards madness. An epic tale of political intrigue and family dysfunction, King Lear is Shakespeare’s harrowing look at the inevitability of death amid the conflicting values of love and duty, friendship and betrayal, leadership and loyalty, and good and evil. A Shakespearean masterpiece.

Jan. 22-26 365 Days/365 Plays @ Naropa U

Again, my plans to attend a performance in the Colorado 365 Days/ 365 Plays festival have been thwarted by my day job. This week's set of plays is being performed at Naropa University in Boulder during the lunch hour, Monday through Friday only. It's too bad, because it sounds very interesting.

The format here will be a contemplative, improvisational practice called 'The Red Square,' which involves calling upon audience members to help create each piece. The technique was developed by Barbara Dilley.

The only place I was able to find details regarding Naropa's performances was on John Moore's MySpace page, as the main Colorado page hasn't been updated in a few weeks.

Jan. 23 Concert: Mostly Douglas @ CU Boulder

Tuesday, January 23, 7:30 p.m.
Mostly Douglas: A Musical Feast
Clarinetist Daniel Silver joins Boulder’s own pianist/composer/master-musician Bill Douglas, with colleagues Yoshiyuki Ishikawa, bassoon, and Christina Jennings, flute. Bill Douglas has continued to enrich the chamber music literature with works for winds and piano, lending his distinctive jazz and world music influenced voice to the genre. Some of his signature tunes (Feast and Begin Sweet World) are mixed in with some Schumann, Mozart and Debussy.

Faculty Series recitals showcase CU-Boulder College of Music faculty performances. Faculty Series recitals are held at 7:30 p.m. on most Tuesdays and at 4 p.m. on selected Sundays in Grusin Music Hall in the Imig Music Building. Recitals are free and open to the public.

Jan. 22 Support El Centro Su Teatro, receive theater tix

I received this notice through a Denver actors Yahoo group:

El Centro Su Teatro has been working to acquire the property at 215 S. Santa Fe Drive. The first step in this process is to receive a loan from the city. The last several months have been a long process, but finally congratulations are in order as Su Teatro's loan has passed two phases of the review process and is ready to go to City Council. Thank all of you who have been so supportive.

Now, we are asking everyone for your help to let the Denver City Council know that we have your support. All you need to do is show up, the more the better. As an added incentive all who attend will receive free tickets to I Don't Have to Show You No Stinking Badge good any Thursday night from February 15th -March 24th at El Centro Su Teatro at 4725 High.

El Centro Su Teatro Staff and Board
Support Su Teatro on Santa Fe Drive
Denver City Council meeting
Monday January 22, 2007 5:30 PM
Denver City & County Building

So, exercise your right to free assembly, support a Denver theater that does great work, and receive free theater tix! Not a bad deal at all.

recap of Jan. 12 Thomas Hampson master class

There's a part of me that really wants to title this post "Why Thomas Hampson Is My New Boyfriend." But I'll refrain from such schoolgirlish claims and try to be a grown-up (even though he really is my new boyfriend).

First of all, mad props to my supervisor who, when told on Thursday afternoon of the master class, said, "Oh, well you have to go," and I don't think she even follows classical music (nor do I think she knows about this blog, unless she's secretly tracking my internet history, in which case -- 'sup?). So I did end up taking Friday off, one of the best decisions I made all week.

When I walked into the recital hall at CU at 12:45, my first and recurring thought was, "I can't believe this place isn't already packed." And although more people came in before the class began, I still don't think there were more than 150 people in attendance: students (although certainly not every student in the CU voice program), faculty, a contingent of Ladies Who Lunch who were probably attending every MahlerFest event, and scattered "independents" like me. Mr. Hampson unassumingly entered the hall from the back of the house to no ovation, though he was greeted by long and enthusiastic applause after being introduced that he good-naturedly cut off with a gesture. We, being the good little musicians that we are, obliged subito.

I'm trying really hard to be mature as I write about this, but the giddy voice student in me is waving her hand for attention like Horshack on Red Bull and just needs to say this: Thomas Hampson is so my new boyfriend. OK, girl, just shake it off.

I was hoping that he'd open the master class with a solo of his own, much like my alma mater's most famous alumna did at the master class she gave when I was still a student (after the applause died down, she just said, "Next!" with a gleam in her eye only a spinto would dare). Alas, he didn't sing, only spoke. Well, that's not exactly true, since he sang along with some students or offered up a phrase here or there to illustrate a point.

But what a speaker he is. A couple of times he said, Don't get me started on the Kindertotenlieder or I'll be here all week. To which my response is, Just name the date and I'll be there. Thomas Hampson posesses all of the qualities a modern American opera singer should have. He carries himself as the trained stage actor he is while being completely accessible and bien dans sa peau. He can swoon when describing the poety in one measure of Mahler's orchestrations one minute and later coach the pianist to bring out more inner harmonies because "that's where the sex is." He can go off on a tangent by saying, "I'm sorry, but this currently accepted interpretation we have of 'Ich grolle nicht' is bullshit!" and go on to explain why without feeling he has to apologize for either assuming that everyone in the room is familiar with the song or for the vulgarity. (He had warned us early on that he has the mouth of a sailor at times, yet another reason he's my... well, you know.) Put together with his intelligence, good looks, and beautiful instrument, he is quite simply the Complete Package.

But what about the class, you ask? Well, there is no way that I can adequately relate all that happened or was said, so rather than continue in paragraph form, I'm switching to bullet copy, roughly organized according to the song under discussion. (All songs composed by Mahler, natch, and all singers and pianists were CU students.)

1. Erinnerung sung by a 20-year-old baritone

• The text is about love's torment, but the kind that "hurts so good." Made me reflect on the fact that as a 20-year-old, I would've just nodded my head if asked, "Do you know what I mean when I say that?" but wouldn't have really known what I was talking about. Let's just say that 10 or 15 (or more) years later, I have gained new insight. Some songs just weren't meant for the young 'uns.
• The pianist's job is to play the heartbeat in the music, not to accompany the singer.
• Hear the phrase before you sing or play it, then make audible what you hear.
• Think upbow with the phrase, not downbow, both in terms of how you're using your body and how you're breathing.

2. Liebst du um Schonheit sung by a 24-year-old baritone

• To Hampson, this singer seemed to be getting wrapped up in the meaning of the text almost too much, and warned him against making it too personal, which pushes the audience away. Bring the audience to you instead. Our job is not to re-live emotion, but to re-create it for the audience. It reminded me some of the little bit of the Meisner acting technique that I've studied, in which your first job is to stay constantly in the moment with your partner and not get wrapped up in your own emotion. (You might describe Meisner as the "anti-Method.")
• Hampson had this singer work with his physicality through the use of gestures ("pretend you're an alte rebbe with your hands") and through taking steps backward while singing. The point of stepping backward is that it forces you to center and balance your spine, bringing everything else into alignment, and counters the tendency to hunch forward. Hampson's understanding of what he called Anatomy 101 and its impact on singing was on full display. He contends that "there's nothing 'relaxed' in singing, least of all the jaw."
• "When I need more energy or I need help, I move backward."

3. Nun will die Sonn' so hell aufgen sung by a 35-year-old baritone, an age Hampson called "the birth of a baritone's life"

• Here beginneth the Kindertotenlieder lecture series, for which Hampson apologized to the singer for taking up so much of his stage time by talking. But trust me, the audience was eating it up with a spoon.
• To the pianist: "Try not to be musical... play it as polyphony... make it more ambivalent." Hampson's point was that nature is ambivalent, nature doesn't care about humans but that we project emotion onto nature. But the sun rises each day regardless of the death of children, and the pianist must reflect that ambivalence of nature and not get too musical (read: emotional).
• To the singer: "You don't have the right to question the mysteries (of life), but you do have the right to understand them."
• "Profound things may be slow, but very rarely are slow things profound... Don't be slow."

4. Das irdische Leben sung by a 22-year-old mezzo-soprano

• Again, there was physical work with walking backward to find better balance in the body.
• As a mezzo whose technique has never been as good as this student's, I must say that I was impressed with her. But Hampson pointed out that she may eventually find herself more comfortable in a soprano fach, as her upper range was stronger than her middle and lower. He told her, "your idea of singing is stronger than your understanding of your body," and then reprimanded everyone in the audience who thought s/he could have a professional career without working out regularly.

One overriding point made with all the singers is that we must constantly strive for a balance between the physical, the emotional (including all the components in playing a role), and the spiritual. A singer is only as good as her/his weakest moment in maintaining that balance. Which reminds me -- I better start practicing again.

Oh, and one more thing: Thomas Hampson is totally my new boyfriend.