Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Blippi and the Kentucky Derby!
May 5, 2022
Enjoy cerebral conversation, comedy, theater performances, art and music, in and around Aurora and in nearby Denver metro. Just take your pick from a variety of programs and performances all happening this weekend and spilling into next week!
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday-Saturday, May 5-7
COMEDY QUEEN: YAMANEIKA SAUNDERS
Most recently appearing on Netflix’s stand-up series The Degenerates, Yamaneika Saunders has been captivating audiences across the country with her dynamic stage presence for over a decade. Yamaneika is currently a writer on HBO Max’s That Damn Michael Che.
Born and raised in Maryland, Yamaneika combines her high energy improvisational observations and stories with a unique and bold perspective on life. In early 2015, Yamaneika co-starred in Oxygen’s Funny Girls, a docu-series following six female comedians through their everyday lives. Prior to that, Yamaneika was a series regular on Comedy Central’s animated online series In Security. Yamaneika’s stand-up has been featured on NBC’s Last Comic Standinga nd AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, with a half-hour special on Comedy Central released in 2017. You can also hear her on her weekly podcast Rantin’ and Ravin’.
Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m., Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$24
303-595-3637
Thursday-Sunday, May 5-8
FIREFLIES – A PLAY FOR THE TIMES
Olivia dreams the sky is full of fireflies, and hears god telling her ‘Each firefly is one of my colored kids flying home.'” –New York Theatre
Somewhere in the Jim Crow South, the sky glows a deep crimson. A church bombing has shaken the Civil Rights Movement to its core and the Reverend Charles Grace now must galvanize his followers to continue their journey onward. However, it is his wife Olivia who authors his fiery speeches while playing the role of the supportive partner at home. But her ability to do both of these things is starting to buckle under the weight of entirely too many secrets, regrets and uncertainty about the future of Black Americans.
Notice: Please be aware that there is simulated smoking of cigarettes in this production, HOWEVER no cigarettes are actually smoked, and no tobacco or any other packaged products are used in the performance. We support and are in compliance with the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act.
Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$50
Phone: 303-623-2349
Friday, May 6
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND
Utter the phrase, “young blues rock guitarist,” within earshot of anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the modern musical landscape and the first name to surface will be Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The Louisiana-born songsmith has sold millions of albums and launched singles into the Top 10 while shining a light on the rich blues of the past and forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound.
In a 20-year recording career that began when he was just 16, Shepherd has established himself as an immensely popular recording artist, a consistently in-demand live act, and an influential force in a worldwide resurgence of interest in the blues. From television performances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to features in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Maxim Magazine, Blender, Spin, USA Today, and more, Shepherd’s musical career has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $84-$228
Phone: 303-623-0106
Friday-Sunday, May 6-8
THE ONE-ACT PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
“A sharp piece of comedy with a skilled, game and athletic cast willing to go the extra mile to deliver the laughs!” Alex Miller, OnStage Colorado
You all know the classic murder mystery story. There has been an untimely death at a country manor, everyone is a suspect, and an inspector is set on the case to find who the culprit is. However, when this play is performed by the accident-prone thespians of The Cornley Drama Society, everything that can go wrong…does! The actors and crew battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! From Mischief, the creators of the West End smash Peter Pan Goes Wrong, critically acclaimed TV series The Goes Wrong Show, and the Tony-winning Broadway hit The Play That Goes Wrong, this is the original one-act play which started everything going wrong. Over the course of an hour, expect a plethora of disasters from missed lines to falling props. Do you ever find out who murdered Charles Haversham? You’ll have to see for yourself!
Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-34
Phone: 303-856-7830
CHOIR BOY
Pharus doesn’t fit in at The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, a prestigious academy dedicated to the education of young black men. Despite embodying the strong, ethical morals the school promotes, being gay has made him an outsider within its hallowed halls. But this year, his talent and perseverance have paid off with a chance to lead the school’s choir, a position where he may finally have the opportunity to redefine himself as a leader and a confident young man. With its uplifting music and electrifying dance routines, Choir Boywill inspire you to raise your voice and cheer as one student boldly stands up to the traditions that seek to silence him.
This soaring coming-of-age musical drama was the Broadway debut of Oscar-winning screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight), whose deeply human storytelling illuminates the chaotic collision of masculinity, tradition and self-discovery on the path to adulthood.
DCPA, Kilstrom Theatre, Speer Blvd. @ Arapahoe Street, Denver
Fri.-Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$71
Phone: 303-623-7876
Saturday, May 7
DENVER SPRING CRAFT AND FLEA MARKET
Denver Spring Craft and Flea Market will be held on May 7th, 2022. Come do your shopping from a group of local makers, small businesses, vintage and flea curators. There will also be artisanal food, food trucks, live music and much more.
Regis University, 50th and Lowell, Denver
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
OPEN TO EVERYONE
SOUTHLANDS KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY!
Don your fancy hats, fascinators, seersucker suits and join the fun with live music from local favorite – Montage, lawn games like corn hole and ladder golf and tasty food and signature drinks from Southlands’ amazing restaurants including Ted’s Montana Grill, The Lost Cajun, Buffalo Wild Wings and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar.
There will be contests and prizes for:
Best Hat (Women) – 1st Place – $150 in gift cards, 2nd Place – $75 in gift cards
Best Dressed (Men) – 1st Place – $150 in gift cards, 2nd Place – $75 in gift cards
Vote for the Winning Horse – From the Winner’s Bucket — 3 drawn – $100 in Southlands merchant gift cards.
There will also be a kids’ corral, a make-your-own Derby Hat station, stick pony races, mini-horses on display from Peachy Farms and at HUGE video wall where you can watch the actual DERBY!
SOUTHLANDS TOWN SQUARE, Aurora
2:00-5:00 p.m.
OPEN TO EVERYONE
MARK NORMAND’S ALL OVER THE ROAD
New Orleans native Mark Normand is an extremely prolific New York based stand-up known for his relentlessly punchy writing and expert delivery. His self-released one-hour special Out to Lunch on YouTube has quickly amassed over 9 million views. Prior to that, Mark released two comedy specials with Comedy Central and has made an unparalleled thirteen appearances on late night programming including Conan, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. Mark can also be heard on his multiple appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience, dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” or on his own podcast Tuesdays with Stories. Most recently Mark can be seen on The Standups Season 3 streaming now on Netflix.
Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$105
Phone: 303-623-0106
WITH A VOICE OF TRIUMPH
Colorado Symphony Chorus emerges from the global pandemic WITH THE VOICE OF TRIUMPH! Conducted by Mary Louise Burke and Taylor Martin, and accompanied by the illustrious San Francisco organist, Jonathan Dimmock, the Chorus presents renowned choral works that are at once glorious, beautiful, and triumphant – works that they will also sing this July at the Stephansdom in Vienna, Herz-Jesu-Kirche in Graz, and the Salzburg Cathedral.
Don’t miss this Colorado celebration of this magnificent music.
Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$55 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876
Sunday, May 8
BLIPPI THE MUSICAL
Blippi The Musical brings the energetic and loveable character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engagement and amazing music. Children across the world have quickly taken to Blippi’s charismatic personality and innovative teaching lessons. In the live show they will continue to learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along with this one-of-a-kind show. In just a few years since his inception, Blippi has become a global sensation with over 34 million YouTube subscribers and one billion views per month. Blippi is also available on some of the largest premium streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Virgin Media and Kidoodle.
Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St., Denver
2:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 1:00)
Tickets: $34-$77
Phone: 303-778-1500
DOUG LOVES MOVIES PODCAST
Doug Benson has hosted the weekly comedy podcast Doug Loves Movies since 2006, which is recorded in front of live audiences in Los Angeles and at clubs all over the U.S. Benson and his guests talk about movies and then play movie related games.
Guests have included such notables as John Lithgow, film critic Leonard Maltin, Brian Posehn, Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt and Jon Hamm. If you love movies, you’ll love DOUG LOVES MOVIES!
Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
4:20 p.m.
Tickets: $22
303-595-3637
DAYO NEW MORNING FOR THE WORLD
The Denver Young Artists Orchestra presents the Young Artists Orchestra in New Morning for the World led by Maestro Wes Kenney. Let yourself be inspired by Joseph Shwantner’s epic New Morning for the World, narrated by spoken word poet Frankie Le’Troy, and the performance of our Concerto Competition Winner. Come, hear the future!
Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876
NEXT WEEK: Wednesday-Saturday, May 11-14
MICHELLE WOLF LIVE
Most recently, Wolf released her second hour-long stand-up special Michelle Wolf: Joke Show, on Netflix. Now, she is hitting the road with all-new material. Watch Michelle work it out in intimate venues while you still can. Come laugh, be offended, be part of the process!
Wolf has quickly become one of the most influential voices in the comedy landscape with the Village Voice calling her “the voice comedy needs right now” and The Daily Beast declaring, “Michelle Wolf is the future of stand-up comedy.” In 2017 Wolf debuted her first hour-long stand-up special, Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady, on HBO for which she received rave reviews and a Primetime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special.” In 2018, she made international headlines as the much buzzed-about headliner of the 2018 White House Correspondents Dinner. Wolf’s other television credits include being an on-air contributor and writer for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and a writing supervisor and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
Wed., 7:30 p.m., Thurs., 8:00 p.m., Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $42
303-595-3637
Friday-Sunday, May 13-15
MAHLER SYMPHONY
Your Colorado Symphony welcomes acclaimed conductor Asher Fisch to the podium, leading Mahler’s riveting Fifth Symphony. Known for his use of colossal orchestras, Mahler offers a musical landscape that is transfixing and varied — proceeding from tragedy to triumph over five daunting movements in a work Marin Alsop once dubbed the “orchestral equivalent of climbing Mount Everest”. The first half features a pair of female composers with Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman and Jessie Montgomery’s Piano Concerto. The fanfare is a series of five, each dedicated to noteworthy women who are “risk-takers and adventurers,” including Alsop to whom the first fanfare is dedicated and who previously recorded all five of Tower’s fanfares while with the Colorado Symphony. Awadagin Pratt will dazzle audiences on Montgomery’s Piano Concerto. A former pupil of Tower’s, Montgomery is a star on the rise, having recently been named composer in residence for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. These compositions will shine alongside one of Mahler’s most revered works.
Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$76 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876
Saturday, May 14
COCKPIT DEMO DAY!
Kids and adults can look inside select aircraft at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and get a close up look at the instruments and controls. Featured aircraft in May:
Cessna O-2A
Murray Model T
Convair F-102
Martin EB-57
Aeromarine Skyote
Please note: Featured aircraft are subject to change.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $14.95 to $18.95
SINGER TO AID UKRAINE
Zlata Ognevich is a Ukrainian singer and songwriter who is graciously touring the USA to raise funds for Ukraine. She has an astounding music career and is very well known in eastern Europe. Zlata has represented Ukraine at the Eurovision concert in 2013.
We are happy her hosts in Aurora at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center have made this possible – 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to support Ukraine.
Gaylord Rockies Resort, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $0-$95
The Arts, Music and More Near Southshore!
Enjoy Life at the Lake in the master-planned community of Southshore—and find all sorts of entertainment within easy reach! You can personalize your living space – just check out the beautiful model homes from Richmond American Homes and Century Communities. It’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home here, priced from the $500s to the $800s.