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 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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 "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.

Jan. 12 Expressions of Freedom & Justice: MLK @ the Dairy Center

Expressions of Freedom and Justice: MLK
Presented by: The Dairy Center for the Arts

The Dairy Community Celebration featuring live music with the Flobots , spoken word open mic, and a performance by the 2006 National Slam competition winners, The Denver Slam Team. Special invitation extended to aspiring youth spoken-word artists! Refreshments provided for your enjoyment and CD's and other items for sale.

The Polly Addison Exhibition Space showcases: Expressions of Freedom and Justice.
by Curators: Isolde Hathaway & Charlotte LaSasso
This is a juried show featuring local artists that celebrates the life and beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. In The MacMillan Family Lobby and The Performance Space
FREE
Info: 303.543.0402