Tori Amos, Weird Al and Jurassic Park This Weekend!

From brain games and dinosaurs, to Tori Amos and Frankie Valli, Weird Al and Kathleen Madigan there’s much to do this weekend and next at music and comedy venues, in and around Aurora and nearby Denver.

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, June 2

TORI AMOS COMES TO DENVER!
The red-haired singer/songwriter and sometimes-actress Tori Amos has accumulated one of the most ravenous, cult- like followings known to the entertainment industry. After cutting a 45″RPM record at the age of 18 called “Baltimore” (which, along with the flip-side song “Walking With You,” won her a citation from the mayor of Baltimore and the key to the city,) Amos began recording demonstration songs and sending them out to the recording industry.

In 2001 Amos released “Strange Little Girls,” an album of 12 cover songs. This album was a full-on concept album. Amos’ goal was to re-interpret these songs, all written by male artists about female characters, from a female point of view. Tori has garnered 7 Grammy nominations, sold close to 20 million albums worldwide (despite receiving little, if any mainstream airplay) and according to VH1, is the 77th greatest woman in rock n’ roll history.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $86-$582
Phone: 303-623-0106

ONE NIGHT ONLY: COLIN QUINN
In a society where there are too many voices, Colin Quinn offers up his voice as the only one that needs to be heard! Colin’s beloved commentary on news headlines dates back to his run hosting Weekend Update on NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live and as host of Comedy Central’s classic fan favorite series Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. Colin’s HBO Max special Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show premiered on November 12, 2020. In addition to his special, Colin released his new book Overstated: A Coast-to-Coast Roast of the Fifty States on St Martin’s Press on September 22nd, 2020.

Overstated comes off the heels of his most recent one-man show, Red State Blue State, which premiered in January 2019 to rave reviews at The Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City and is currently streaming on Netflix. Red State Blue State followed the wildly successful off-Broadway run of Colin Quinn: The New York Story, directed by Jerry Seinfeld, and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short, which garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination.

Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
7:30 p.m. 
Tickets: $30
303-595-3637

Thursday-Saturday, June 2-4

DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
This water wonderland mixes family fun, a variety of exhibits, an Aquatic Carousel ride, 4-D Theater, upscale-casual dining and spectacular marine life in Denver. Explore the Aquarium Adventure exhibit with more than 1 million gallons of extraordinary exhibits. Dine in the Aquarium Restaurant seated around a 50,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium featuring a variety of delicious menu selections.

Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St., Denver
Fri.-Sat., 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Admission: $18.99-$24.99 (More for Exhibit – Plus passes)
Phone: 303-561-4450

Thursday-Sunday, June 2-5

MAZES & BRAIN GAMES
The “Mazes & Brain Games” experience explodes with dozens of puzzles and mazes. You’ll discover surprises around every corner and new methods of problem solving through open-ended play. Make music as you navigate your way through the Junior Explorer Music Maze. Get tangled and untangled in the Web Maze. Whatever challenge tickles your fancy, get ready for a fun experience, perfect for kids in elementary school and younger and their families.

“Mazes & Brain Games” includes an exciting lineup of family-friendly adventures, 3-D puzzles and full body games to nurture your creative genius through open-ended play. Test your perceptions in a feast of visual trickery inside the giant Maze of Illusions. Wrap your head around the Puzzle Maze, put your finger on the pulse of the Finger Maze and get lost in a network of color in the Color Maze. There are off-peak times and admission tickets/reservations, as well as peak times/tickets.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $14.95-$19.95
Info: 303-370-6000

JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
The exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in interactive scenes inspired by the beloved film. Now, the park that was only a promise comes to life right before your eyes.

– Discover the science of Jurassic World
– Meet the most adorable baby dinos
– Get up-close and personal with velociraptors
– Come face to face with life-size dinosaurs

Don’t miss this awe-inspiring journey into Jurassic World: The Exhibition, for a limited time in Denver.

National Western Center, 5004 National Western Dr., Denver
Weekdays: 11:00 a.m.-6-8:00 pm.; Weekends: 10:00 a.m.-7-8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19.50-$94.50
Info: JWE@roundroomlive.com

Friday, June 3

JUSTIN HAYWARD PERFORMS LIVE
Having chalked up over fifty years at the peak of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice has been heard the world over.  Known principally as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer for the Moody Blues, his is an enduring talent that has helped to define the times in which he worked. 

Over the last 45 years the band has sold fifty five million albums and received numerous awards. Commercial success has gone hand in hand with critical acclaim, The Moody Blues are renowned the world over as innovators and trail blazers who have influenced any number of fellow artists.  In 2018, along with the other members of The Moody Blues, Justin was inducted into the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $84-$594
Phone: 303-623-0106

Friday-Saturday, June 3-4

WEIRD AL YANKOVIC WITH EMO PHILLIPS
“Weird Al” Yankovic burst onto the scene over three decades ago and never looked back.  For the second time in his storied career, the world’s foremost musical satirist and five-time Grammy winner foregoes his usual high-octane, big-production show for an intimate evening of music, focusing on original (non-parody) songs from his 14-album catalog.  Marking his highly anticipated return to the concert stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where Weird Al performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra, this is a rare opportunity to get up-close and personal with this legendary performer.

Ellie Caulkins Opera House, DCPA COMPLEX, 14^th & Curtis, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $55

Friday-Sunday, June 3-5

FAMILY FRIENDLY COMEDY: STEVE SIMEONE
Steve Simeone’s positive, family-friendly approach to comedy has delighted audiences around the world. Steve has been featured on Comedy Central’s This is Not Happening and his comedy is heard regularly on SiriusXM radio. His album, What’s Up Nerds?, debuted at number one on both the Apple iTunes and GooglePlay charts. A regular guest on Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank and Joey Diaz’s The Church of What’s Happening Now, Steve also has his own podcast, Good Times.

Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.; Sun., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22
303-595-3637

QUIXOTE NUEVO

Set in the fictional modern-day Texas border town of La Plancha, Quixote and his luckless but trusty sidekick, Sancho, embark on a fantastical quest in search of long-lost love. Infused with imagination, comedy, and Tejano music, Quixote Nuevo reveals the joys and perils of facing down Death and becoming the hero of your own story.

In service and celebration of Tejano culture and Cervantes’ classic tale of Don Quixote, audiences can expect to hear lots of music and Spanish language throughout this wildly theatrical reimaging of a classic.

DCPA, Wolf Theater, 1101 13th St, Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-73
Information: 303-893-4100

DEAR EVAN HANSEN
After winning six Tony awards on Broadway, Dear Evan Hansen has returned to Denver for what will likely be sold-out shows!  The musical follows Evan Hansen, a high school senior with social anxiety, “who invents an important role for himself in a tragedy that he did not earn”. It unfolds with the makings of great, lyrical drama: a letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. 

Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: A chance to finally fit in. Both deeply personal and profoundly contemporary, Dear Evan Hansen is the new American musical about life and the way we live it.

The musical has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post which declares Dear Evan Hansen “theatrical magic…One of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” The New York Times calls it “a breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And Entertainment Weekly says that it, “Instantly pierces your heart and burrows into your consciousness.”

DCPA Complex, Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$125
Information: 303-893-4100

BLACKADEMICS
When Ann and Rachelle meet for dinner, there’s already tension in the friendship they’ve built on their common experience navigating academia as black women. At first, it’s easy to overlook odd things like the single water glass they’re offered, or the mysterious server who keeps assigning points to their conversational gambits. But as the hunger sets in, the two professors find themselves the unknowing stars of an absurdist dinner theater performance of black plight. A sharp, surreal satire about who gets a place at the table.

Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Phone: 303-856-7830

Saturday, June 4

SOUTHLANDS FARMERS MARKET
The Southlands Farmers Market is an annual tradition that we look forward to every May. The Market features the freshest local and seasonal fruits and vegetables, unique food items, fresh baked breads, jams and jellies and handmade crafts from local artisans and much more!

SOUTHLANDS TOWN SQUARE, Aurora
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OPEN TO EVERYONE

KATHLEEN MADIGAN
Who did Jay Leno call one of America’s funniest female comics? And who did Bob Costas say was one of his favorite comedians? And who was the only 5’2”, Mid-Missouri Hoop Shoot Champion? St. Louis native, comedienne Kathleen Madigan.

Madigan’s 32-year comedy career is showing no signs of slowing down. Madigan has been touring 250 nights a year on the road and has risen from performing in comedy clubs to performing in marquee theaters with sold out shows. She’s squeezed in over 40 appearances on late night talk shows and multiple comedy specials airing on Netflix, Comedy Central and HBO. She also recently joined Jerry Seinfeld on his Netflix show “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” and made the most of the pandemic by launching a podcast, “Madigan’s Pubcast,” on all streaming outlets. Recently asked if her career was planned, she said, “No, like that guy in the Joy of Painting used to say, it was a happy accident. This whole thing just started out as a reason to drink and wow, what a great drinking accident.”

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $107-$261
Phone: 303-623-0106

Sunday, June 5

LEANNE MORGAN AT THE PARAMOUNT
After 22 years in comedy, Leanne Morgan has cemented herself as a must watch comedian. Leanne was feeling the lure of Hollywood after graduating high school, but the idea of moving there was unheard of and too daunting for a country girl who had never been away from home. She went to college, married and had a baby, and to stay busy sold jewelry at home parties. She was so hilarious – and successful – the company booked her to speak at rallies and when her family moved to San Antonio, she began doing stand-up. Her fan base continues to grow with her relatability as she discusses everything from being a housewife, sharing Jell-O recipes to having a new grandbaby. She has appeared on ABC’s The View, Nick at Nite’s Funniest Mom and toured with the Southern Fried Chicks.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$157
Phone: 303-623-0106

NEXT WEEK: Monday-Sunday, June 6-12

Monday, June 6

EVENINGS AL FRESCO
Talented local musicians and small ensembles perform throughout the York Street location as visitors stroll and explore at their own pace. Reduced capacity allows for a more socially distanced experience. Awash in the golden light of the evening, this collaborative series enhances the beauty of the Gardens with musical performances, providing respite and renewal in nature.

Denver Botanic Gardens is proud to partner with Swallow Hill Music to produce this series as part of Music at the Gardens. (Plan ahead – these sell out with preregistrations — Mondays and Wednesdays through the summer).

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Admission: $30
720-865-3500

Tuesday, June 7

BARRY MANILOW: GREATEST HITS
Leonard E. Barrett Jr. and Donna Debreceni take a close look at the phenomenon known as Barry Manilow. From the 60’s to the 80’s, Barry was ever-present in advertising jingles and Billboard’s trending and hits charts. During that period, he reigned in both concert venues and his Grammy award-winning television specials and turned out hits like Mandy, Could it Be Magic, I Write the Songs, Can’t Smile Without You, Copacabana, and more. In person and streaming tickets available! 

Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$48
Phone: 303-856-7830

Thursday-Saturday, June 9-11

ADRIENNE IAPALUCCI: RATED XXX
Adrienne Iapalucci is a writer, comedian, and podcast host who made her stand-up debut on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has appeared in Degenerates Season 2 on Netflix, This Week at the Comedy Cellar, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Gotham Comedy Live on AXS TV. She was a featured performer on Just For Laugh’s New Faces. She won the first ever People’s Choice award at the New York Comedy Festival. Adrienne was also a semifinalist in the festival’s New York’s Funniest Stand-Up competition and a runner-up in the New York Underground Comedy Festival’s Best of the Boroughs contest.

Adrienne wrote for What’s Your F@3King Deal?! with Big Jay Oakerson. When she’s not touring comedy clubs around the country, she can be seen regularly at The Comedy Cellar and New York Comedy Club in New York City. Warning: Explicit Content! 

Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m., Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. 
Tickets: $42
303-595-3637

FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS
Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of The Four Seasons, is hotter than ever. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Valli and his legendary group, such classic songs as “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” are all the rage again. The widelyacclaimed musical has touring companies around the world, including a successful nine-year engagement at Paris Las Vegas which concluded in 2016.

The Four Seasons (group members 1960–1966) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and joined the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. With 71 chart hits (including 40 in the Top 40, 19 in the Top 10 and eight No. 1’s), they are one of the best-selling musical groups of all time, having sold an estimated 170 million records worldwide. Valli is the only member of the group from its inception who currently tours.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $134-$311
Phone: 303-623-0106

Friday, June 10

MEXICO EN EL CORAZON
Alliance Sports Association in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center, Museo de las Americas, and the Colorado Symphony are thrilled to present the return of “México en el Corazón”!

The interactive performance will bring the heart and soul of Mexico directly to you with authentic Mexican culture, song, dance and folklore performed by México en el Corazón. The cast of musicians and over a dozen dancers and singers offer artistic expressions that allow for immersion into the sights and sounds of Mexico’s traditions and the contribution and presence Mexican art and culture has made in the United States.

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
7:00 p.m
Tickets: Free 
Phone: 303-623-7876

Saturday, June 11

COCKPIT DEMO DAY
Once a month, 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 June:

• Aerospatiale AS316
• North American F-86H
• Paser-Bushby Mustang II
• Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLD
• Steen Skybolt

Please note: Featured aircraft are subject to change.

Wings Over the Rockies, 7711 East Academy Blvd., Denver
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $1-$18.95

Sunday, June 12

VOICES ROCK
It’s called yoga for the brain and you’ll not only learn more about music, you’ll meet new people and treat your soul to an uplifting hour or two of fun. Denver’s Original Rock Choirs, Voice Rock and VR2, come together to spread the joy of music at our Spring Concert. Come to listen…come to dance! The doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the show starts at 6:00 p.m. There’s no reserved seating, so get there early!

The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., #135, Denver
5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$20

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.