MOVIES
Director Marcos Siega’s “Pretty Persuasion” may not be the best high school comedy ever made, but it is a wicked satire with enough bite to leave marks. Evan Rachel Wood (“Thirteen”) plays Kimberly Joyce, a hyper-aware sophomore at Roxbury High in Beverly Hills. Together with two girlfriends, they accuse teacher Percy Anderson (Ron Livingston) of sexual assault – fairly or unfairly, we don’t know at first. After a local TV reporter gets wind of the story, a media circus ensures followed by trial that seems a “Perry Mason” spoof. This is a nasty piece of work, but it offers some unvarnished and amusing thoughts about American contradictions.
– LISA KENNEDY
TELEVISION
Sean Combs – that’s “Diddy” to you – hosts the 22nd annual Video Music Awards in Miami at 6 tonight on MTV. Kanye West is slated to perform with Jamie Foxx. Mariah Carey, Coldplay, 50 Cent, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris and Green Day are also set to appear.
– JOANNE OSTROW
COUNTRY MUSIC
Diamond Rio has been a hit machine for 14 years, beginning with its self-titled 1991 debut album, which went platinum. The six members of the contemporary country band use their bluegrass backgrounds to deliver outstanding picking and wonderful three-part harmonies. They play the Grizzly Rose, 5450 N. Valley Highway, on Friday. Mike Love and his band open the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the dance hall or through Ticketmaster at 303-830-8497 or ticketmaster.com.
– ED WILL
ART
Following one big-name artist with another, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., turns its attention to pop artist Andy Warhol. Opening Thursday with a reception from 5-10 p.m. is “Andy Warhol’s Dream America.” The traveling exhibition surveys Warhol’s extensive printmaking career, featuring more than 100 screenprints from the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. The show runs through Dec. 31. Call 719-634-5581 or visit csfineartscenter.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
STAGE
Modern Muse’s “Inherit the Wind” could hardly be timelier, this being the 80th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial and in light of the current feverish debate over the teaching of creationism’s newest incarnation, “intelligent design.” From the start, a beautifully rendered preface depicting the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, this telling of the tale is something special. In addition to a star-studded cast, director Stephen Lavezza has infused this courtroom drama with gospel tunes and an innovative use of masks. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 18 at the Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St. $12-$20 (303-780-7836).
– BOB BOWS
POPULAR MUSIC
Ciara was dubbed the First Lady of Crunk & B by super-producer Lil Jon, and the artist has been rolling out the hits since to solidify that reputation. (Mind you, Lil Jon and Jazze Pha and their hot production on “1, 2 Step” and “Goodies” are equally responsible for her climb.) Ciara plays the Fillmore on Wednesday with Common, providing the awkward juxtaposition of the radio-hit-worthy status of Ciara and the underground legitimacy of Common.
– RICARDO BACA
CLASSICAL MUSIC
In classical music as in other genres, steep ticket prices can sometimes keep interested fans from attending concerts. A welcome antidote is the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Faculty Tuesdays Series, which offers free, high-quality concerts by the school’s artist-faculty. This year’s lineup begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Imig Music Building, 18th Street and Euclid Avenue, on the CU-Boulder campus. Featured will be Michael Thornton, principal French horn player of the Colorado Symphony, and soprano Jennifer Aylmer. Call 303-492-8008 or visit colorado.edu/music.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
NIGHT LIFE
Names and faces are ever-changing in club land, so it’s nice to know some things stay the same. Like the low-key dance scene happening every night at The Snake Pit, 608 E. 13th Ave., one of the few downtown-area clubs where parking is rarely a nightmare. On Wednesday the Pit hosts David Garcia, a genre-bending California mixmaster who strikes a balance between club-friendly dance jams and high-end production. No cover.
– ELANA ASHANTI JEFFERSON
