“Bunyan” a big show
OPERA|When English composer Benjamin Britten took on one of this country’s most cherished folk tales, he steered clear of convention. More an operetta or even a musical revue than a standard opera, “Paul Bunyan” contains arias more akin to songs from a Broadway musical, and there are even elements of what might best be described as early country-western music. Central City Opera’s production opens this weekend and runs through Aug. 6.|8 p.m. Saturday|Central City Opera House, 124 Eureka St., Central City; $34-$79; 303-292-6700, 800-851-8175 or centralcityopera.org.
All aboard “The Train”
ALT-COUNTRY MUSIC|Wayne “The Train” Hancock has proven himself a master of many musical styles. The Texas singer-songwriter’s music, which attracts rockers and country fans, ranges from the blues to honky-tonk to rockabilly to Western swing. He’s one of those performers whose songs perfectly fit his unusual voice.|9:30 p.m. Saturday|Benders 13th Street Tavern, 314 E. 13th Ave.; $9; 303-861-7070.
“Carmen” in Vail
OPERA|What is many people’s favorite opera? “Carmen,” of course. The Dallas Symphony and Dallas Symphony Chorus will present the fiery work as part of the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival. The event will conclude the orchestra’s annual summer residency in the mountain town.|6 p.m. Saturday|Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail; $21-$54; 877-812-5700 or vailmusicfestival.org.
Kids get their own party
FAMILY FESTIVAL|Jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers, living statues, a balloon artist, life-size board games and scores of hands-on art activities make up the 10th annual KidSpree. It’s the largest festival of its kind in Colorado. Free parking and shuttle bus service is available in the southwest parking lot of the Aurora Mall, 14200 E. Alameda Ave.|10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday|Bicentennial Park, 13655 E. Alameda Ave. Aurora; free; 303-739-7000, auroragov.org/kidspree.
CU opera keeps it light
MUSICAL THEATER|Putting the accent on lighthearted entertainment, CU Opera in the Summer is offering two classics through July 31. Running in repertory are Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.”|7:30 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Saturday, “The Mikado”; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, “The King and I.”|Music Theatre, Imig Music Building, University of Colorado at Boulder; $22 and $27; 303-492-8008, cuconcerts.org.
“Monty” and “Madness”
CLASSICAL BRASS|The main attraction for this week’s Film on the Rocks presentation will be “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” But it’s worth coming early to hear the warm-up act – the Denver Brass presenting a program titled “Coconut Madness!”|7:30 p.m. Monday; doors open 6 p.m.|Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison; $8 in advance and $10 at the gate; 866-464-2626 or redrocksonline.com.
Hum to Disney tunes
MUSICAL|”Disney’s on the Record” is set in an “enchanted” studio where musicians and other performers gather to record hit songs from Disney movies, such as “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Dumbo,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King.” The musical features some 60 songs. |Tuesday-July 31: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sundays|Buell Theatre, DPAC, 14th and Curtis streets; $25-$60; 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org.
Tunes from a Bell
CHAMBER MUSIC|Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell mounts an intimate recital with pianist Frederic Chiu as part of the Strings in the Mountains summer festival.|7 p.m. Monday|Music Festival Park, Steamboat Springs; $50-$65; 970-879-5056, ext. 105; stringsinthemountains.com.
Mixing it up
ROCK|Ben Harper brings his funk-folk mix to Denver during a concert with his band, The Innocent Criminals, that’s sure to draw the musician’s rabid, jam-loving fans.|8 p.m. Tuesday|Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St.; $35; Ticketmaster.
