MOVIES
It’s no coincidence Jerry Bruckheimer is rolling out “Glory Road” as the college hoops season takes over television. His timing is impeccable, even when his movies are short of fantastic. “Glory Road” tells the worthy story of the 1966 Texas Western basketball team, which thrived using black players at a time when that was still a risky coaching move in the South. The team went on to topple all-white Kentucky for the national championship. While the movie makes too much of gospel music to drive home a point, there’s no denying the power of this underdog tale.
– MICHAEL BOOTH
VISUAL ARTS
Jaune Quick-To-See-Smith’s ability to create paintings, drawings and prints that both zing and sing goes far in explaining the enormous respect and popularity she has gained in the art world and beyond. The Corrales, N.M., resident has participated in more than 100 solo and group exhibitions, including one continuing through Saturday at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art, 201 S. College Ave. The engaging show features a group of 32 works from 1980 through 2005 centered on the horse. 970-482-2787 or fcmoca.com.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
POPULAR MUSIC
Fans of improvisational jazz sing the praises of e.s.t., the Esbjorn Svensson Trio. But so do rock fans and jam-band kids. The Swedish group has picked up steam and interest worldwide in the five years since its acoustic debut. Its acoustic blend of music is unique, and it employs the art form of jazz to accomplish its lofty goals – based firmly on pianist Svensson’s obsession with melody. The band plays the Boulder Theater on Tuesday. Information: bouldertheater.com.
– RICARDO BACA
TELEVISION
Honestly, aren’t the terriers standouts? Dog show competitions can be relied on to unleash big ratings and so “The AKC Eukanuba National Championship: Live 2006” runs three hours starting at 6 tonight, repeating at 9 p.m., on both Animal Planet and Discovery.
– JOANNE OSTROW
STAGE
The final two weekends of Gemma Wilcox’s solo trilogy “Acts of Love” will be followed by late-night performances of fellow Brit Barnaby King’s tragic clown piece, “Flawed Genius,” a hit on the international fringe circuit. King’s technique synthesizes the American Indian trickster with European clowning traditions. His performances are highly visual and physical and run the emotional gamut, while also employing improvisation and audience interaction. “The show is about the glory of failure and the beauty of disaster,” King says. Wilcox’s “Acts of Love” plays at 7:30 p.m. the next two Fridays and Saturdays at the Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St., followed by King’s “Flawed Genius” at 10 p.m. Those attending both can buy a discounted combo ticket for $22 (720-212-5001 or 720-255-9611).
– JOHN MOORE
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Looking for the next great string quartet? The Borromeo String Quartet just might be it. Respect is growing for the fast-rising ensemble, which makes two stops in Colorado this week, performing Antonin Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in A with pianist Jonathan Biss. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Edna Rizley Griffin Concert Hall at Colorado State University and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Tickets for Tuesday’s concert are $22. Call 970-491-4849. Wednesday’s concert, sponsored by the Friends of Chamber Music, is sold out.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
COUNTRY MUSIC
Robert Earl Keen seems to have crossed that imaginary line separating common entertainers from legends. Not bad for a singer-songwriter without a No. 1 single or album to his credit. But Keen has earned the honor with more than 20 years’ worth of songs that can tickle your funny bone as quickly as they can melt your heart. The best – and there are plenty of them – stand out as short stories set to music. Keen appears at 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Grizzly Rose, 5450 N. Valley Highway. The Keith Mitchell Band opens both nights at 8. Tickets are $13-$15 at The Rose or through Ticketmaster at 303-830-8497 or ticketmaster.com.
– ED WILL
