Variety in Vail
SYMPHONIC MUSIC|A 20th-century classic, a violin masterpiece and a contemporary work all are on the program at The Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, featuring the Rochester Philharmonic and violinist Chee-Yun. Included will be Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “Petrouchka” and Michael Torke’s “Ecstatic Orange.”|6 tonight |Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail; $21-$54; 877-812-5700 or vailmusicfestival.org.
Really old game
BASEBALL, ICE CREAM|Old-fashioned baseball rules and uniforms take to the field for the Westminster Historical Society’s Annual Vintage Baseball Game & Ice Cream Social. The social, which begins immediately after the game, also features hot dogs, brats, chips and drinks for sale. The homemade ice cream will sell for $2.|10 a.m. Saturday|Baseball: England Park, West 71st Avenue and Raleigh Street, Westminster; ice cream social: Bowles House Museum, 3924 W. 72nd Ave., Westminster; free; 303-426-1858.
“Vanessa”
OPERA|If “Vanessa” has still not become a fixture in the standard operatic repertory, the gothic psychodrama is coming closer all the time. Not only does the 1956-57 American work boast a lush, lyrical score by Samuel Barber, who is best known for his “Adagio for Strings,” it also has a lucid, well-assembled libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti.|Opens at 8 p.m. Saturday and continues through Aug. 7|Central City Opera House, 124 Eureka St., Central City; $34-$79; 303-292-6700, 800-851-8175 or centralcityopera.org.
Strike up the band
SYMPHONIC MUSIC|The Colorado Symphony is offering a perfect way to be outdoors, hear first-rate live music and celebrate Independence Day at the same time. The orchestra is presenting a festive program of mostly American favorites for the first of its four offerings as part of the 2005 City Park Free Concert Evenings in the Parks Series.|7 p.m. Saturday|City Park; free; 303-623-7876 or coloradosymphony.org.
Jungle journey
DANCE|David Taylor Dance Theatre presents a magical journey into the ecological levels of the rain forest with “A Children’s Rainforest Odyssey.” The performance features vivid costuming by Boulder artist George Peters and original music by Jesse Manno. This is a one-hour outdoor performance.|7 p.m. Tuesday|Englewood’s City Center amphitheater; free; 303-789-2030.
Lynne at Soiled Dove
AMERICANA MUSIC|Grammy winner Shelby Lynne is on tour supporting her new CD, “Suit Yourself,” which is her ninth album. It is one of the singer-songwriter’s best efforts, offering a variety of music that shows off Lynne’s singing and writing talents.|8 p.m. Wednesday|The Soiled Dove, 1949 Market St.; $23-$25, soileddove.com.
Songs for survivors
SYMPHONIC BENEFIT|Although breast cancer has claimed thousands of victims, many other people have managed to not only beat the disease but go on to enjoy happy, long lives. A program titled “Sing for the Cure, a Proclamation of Hope” pays tribute to these survivors and their families. Conductor Vicki Burrichter and the Colorado Symphony will present the song cycle this week, with the Rev. Cynthia James as narrator.|7:30 p.m. Tuesday|Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets; $45-$100; 303-830-8497 or ticketmaster.com.
A sci-fi soiree
EXHIBIT|The Aurora History Museum opens its new, temporary exhibit, “Science Fiction Century,” with a party. The exhibit provides a look at 100 years of science-fiction history, using items such as sci-fi toys, costumes, props, artwork and other memorabilia. One highlight is first-edition copies of books by authors such as Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and Isaac Asimov. It also offers free sci-fi movie matinees. Call the museum for show times and dates. The exhibit runs through Sept. 18.|Opening 5-8 p.m. Monday; regular museum hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday|Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway; free; 303-739-6660.
