POPULAR MUSIC
There’s something to be said about holiday tradition, and although it’s not the most musically relevant group in the weekend bouquet of live concerts, Blues Traveler has the market cornered for July 4 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. John Popper and his band will again rock the Rocks on Monday, this time with some help from The Wallflowers and The Motet.
– RICARDO BACA
TELEVISION
With all the news about changes in the way we understand dinosaurs, it’s time for an update to Steven Spielberg’s 1997 adventure flick. (For starters, the big guys can’t run as fast as scientists previously believed.) In the meantime, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (6 tonight on KDVR-Channel 31) remains a fun visit to an island full of genetically engineered dinos. Rated PG-13.
– JOANNE OSTROW
VISUAL ARTS
At the apex of his career in the 1930s, Frank Mechau reached such impressive heights that his works were featured in many of the period’s major exhibitions of contemporary art. But after his death in 1946, his fame quickly cooled. That is why the title of a new survey of his work continuing through Aug. 30 in the Vida Ellison Gallery on the seventh floor of he Denver Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, seems so appropriate – “Shooting Star: The Artwork of Frank Mechau (1904-1946).” Call 720-865-1111 or visit denverlibrary.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
MOVIES
It’s not the sight of aliens that scares quite so much in Steven Spielberg’s bravura spectacle “War of the Worlds,” which is based on H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel. It is the look of fear itself. It comes in the stunned terror and maturing resolve that registers on Tom Cruise’s face, as divorced dad Ray Ferrier struggles to fathom the impossible and protect his son and daughter. When Ray scuttles under a table beside tween daughter Rachel (Dakota Fanning) you realize, what can be more frightening to a kid than an utterly scared parent? For all its jaw-dropping effects, the film is about the limits of parental knowledge, and the lengths to which a parent may go to protect a child.
– LISA KENNEDY
STAGE
Theatre Aspen, formerly Aspen Theatre in the Park, has opened for the summer season in an expanded and renovated venue, a doubled budget and a new artistic director, respected Denver Center Theatre Company veteran David McClendon (“Boston Marriage,” “Lobby Hero”). The pop-oldies revue “Smokey Joe’s Café” is underway (starring George Jackson II and Joshua Landay; directed by Anthony Powell), followed by “The Colorado Catechism” opening July 14 and “The Underpants,” starring Bill Christ, on Aug. 4. Located at 400 Rio Grande Place. Tickets $30-$35 (970-920-5770).
– JOHN MOORE
CLASSICAL MUSIC
The Dallas Symphony returns to Colorado this week for its annual residency at the Bravo! Vail Valley Festival. The Texas orchestra will open its series of six concerts with a performance at 6 p.m. Friday in the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. The program will include an overture by Melinda Wagner, the festival’s composer-in-residence, as well as works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms. Tickets are $21-$54. Call 877-812-5700 or visit vailmusicfestival.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
NIGHT LIFE
The hepcats at Club Allure, 1111 Lincoln St., have initiated another, well, alluring event. The “Beauty Mark Lounge” on Sunday nights boasts a mellow vibe with scented candles, smooth grooves and copious drink specials. Sounds like the perfect way to round out the weekend, especially during this extra-long July Fourth romp.
– ELANA ASHANTI JEFFERSON
