MOVIES
Forget the faux epiphanies about guys and love in “Wedding Crashers.” Bill Murray is at it again in “Broken Flowers,” delivering a bittersweet lesson about men, aging and melancholia in Jim
Jarmusch’s moody comedy. When Don Johnston receives an anonymous letter from an old paramour, he learns he’s the father of a 19-year-old son. Don’s friend Winston (Jeffrey Wright) persuades him to resolve the mystery by embarking on a journey that takes him to four old flames and a grave site. Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange and Tilda Swinton don’t disappoint as the women from this former Don Juan’s past.
– LISA KENNEDY
VISUAL ARTS
Author A.V. Jones is not a big fan of pigeons. In a new book titled “Canceled Flight: 101 Tried and True Pigeon Killin’ Methods,” he offers some comical solutions to getting rid of the feathered urban dwellers. More than 75 artworks used to illustrate the book by some of today’s hottest street-inspired painters, designers and photographers are on view through Aug. 20 at the Andenken Gallery, 2110 Market St. Call 303-292-3281 or visit andenken.com.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
STAGE
A World War I “Othello” is the triumph of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s season, not only because of the epic grandeur of its opening moments, but for its wrenchingly intimate portrayal of a great man’s unraveling. That may seem inevitable to any audience, but in the hands of outstanding actors John Cothran, Elgin Kelley, Matthew Penn and Karen Slack, it is mesmerizing to watch. Runs in repertory with “Twelfth Night,” “The Winter’s Tale” and the improv comedy “Unexpected Shaxpere!” through Aug. 12 at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Showtimes vary. Tickets $10-$50 (303-492-0554 or coloradoshakes.org).
– JOHN MOORE
POPULAR MUSIC
Iron Maiden is breaking zero new ground these days, but the seminal British metal group doesn’t have to – it did all that 25 years ago. Now little more than a nostalgia act, the former innovators are still making music and, like Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest and a host of others, making money on the live product. Stopping at Coors Amphitheatre on Tuesday night, Iron Maiden is joined by Rob Zombie and Mastodon, the latter having enjoyed an epic past 12 months with its invigorating live shows and its sophomore record, “Leviathan.”
– RICARDO BACA
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Last year in his Aspen Music Festival debut, Neville Marriner showed what a little age and experience can do. The veteran conductor, who has made more than 600 recordings, led a thrilling performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2. It comes as no surprise that he was invited back, leading the Aspen Chamber Symphony at 6 p.m. Friday in the Benedict Music Tent. Tickets are $63. Call 970-925-9042 or visit aspenmusicfestival.com.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
NIGHT LIFE
It’s hard to ignore the positive vibrations emanating from people involved with reggaemovement.com, the online space for Rocky Mountain reggae fans. That community is feeling “irie” all the time now that reggaemovement.com stepped up its commitment to bring more Jamaican acts to the region and promote more homegrown reggae talent. As part of its Denver Reggae Series, popular Jamaican harmonists The Itals will turn up at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom on Saturday. Tickets: $15, 866-464-2626, cervantes.baselineticketing.com.
– ELANA ASHANTI JEFFERSON
