MOVIES
The Canadian drama “Falling Angels” is more than just an awe-inspiring showcase for unknown actors from Up North – though it certainly deserves to be seen for that reason. But Scott Smith’s adaptation of the Barbara Gowdy novel is also a quiet and effective portrayal of a family trying to turn its dysfunctions into something livable. Three remarkable sisters (Katharine Isabelle, Kristin Adams and Monté Gagné) deal in their own way with a tyrannical, well-meaning dad (Callum Keith Rennie). And oh, yes, Miranda Richardson is onboard as an alcoholic, depressed mother. Catch it before it leaves Starz FilmCenter.
– MICHAEL BOOTH
MUSIC
The Oskar Blues Brewery, 303 Main St., Lyons, is hosting a fundraiser for blues harmonica player Rockin’ Jake and his wife, Christy Jacobs. She and Rockin’ Jake, who has five times been named the best harmonica player in New Orleans by Offbeat Magazine, were forced by Hurricane Katrina to flee New Orleans. The ensuing flood dumped 5 feet of water into their apartment. The couple now lives in Dallas, where she is being treated for breast cancer. Rockin’ Jake and his band will play at the benefit, which also includes a Cajun-style buffet. The event begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is $25 for the concert and buffet, $10 for just the concert. All money from the door, as well as all food and beer sales, goes to the couple. Call 303-823-6685.
– ED WILL
TELEVISION
On television’s big night, the air kisses start at 5 p.m. on the TV Guide channel when Joan and Melissa Rivers bring their celebrity fashion worship to the red carpet outside L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium. The CBS telecast of the 57th annual Emmy Awards begins at 7 p.m. on Channel 4.
– JOANNE OSTROW
POPULAR MUSIC
Rarely is rock as severe as it is with The Giraffes. The Giraffes hail from Brooklyn, N.Y., and are anything but docile leaf-eaters. The guitar-rock quartet knows how to throw down and is dead serious – in a non-serious kinda way – about its ridiculously powerful rock. Singer Aaron Lazar brings a unique perspective to the rock. He almost died. Twice. And he brings that immediate sense of danger and mortality to his music. The Giraffes bring the madness to the Larimer Lounge on Thursday night as the support for Local H.
– RICARDO BACA
STAGE
It’s far from perfect, and it’ll make you squirm for one very wrong reason, but there has been nothing on a Colorado stage this year with the bold courage of William Missouri Downs’ “Dead White Males” at the Miners Alley Playhouse. Anyone who has ever taught, learned, parented or administered will have something definitive to say about this black comedy’s incendiary attack on the hypocrisies and abuses in the public school system. Whether it makes you cheer or sick depends on your sensibilities, but it’s thrilling to see a small theater company take the risk and present a new play of such urgent relevance. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 2 at 1224 Washington Ave., Golden. Tickets $16-$18 (303-935-3044).
– JOHN MOORE
ARTS EVENT
At the Tesoro Foundation’s Spanish Market and 1880s Rendezvous, mountain men and women will create historically accurate camps and trading posts in the valley behind The Fort restaurant in Morrison. Guests can mingle with the traders and trappers and learn about life in that era and watch them in mountain-man competitions. The event’s Spanish Market will feature 24 of Colorado’s and New Mexico’s top Spanish Colonial artist showing and selling their works. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 25. The Fort is at 19192 Colorado 8 (just north of the intersection of Colorado 8 and U.S. 285 outside Morrison). Admission is $3-$6 and free for ages 12 and younger. Call 303-839-1671 or visit tesoro founda tion.org.
– ED WILL
