MOVIES
When Melquiades Estrada is killed by a border patrol agent, his first burial hardly deserves the name. His second is a disgrace. Only friend and fellow cowboy Pete Perkins, played by Tommy Lee Jones, believes in justice and a proper burial. In his directorial debut, Jones and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga deliver a tale worthy of Greek drama. Perkins kidnaps the agent, takes possession of Estrada’s corpse and sets off into Mexico to bury his friend (Jose César Cedillo). “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” is a stunning visual ballad about loss and a staggeringly soulful meditation on loyalty. That it speaks to one of our nation’s most volatile issues only amplifies its remarkable achievement.
– LISA KENNEDY
VISUAL ARTS
The 2003 overhaul of Skyline Park, which meant the destruction of a 1976 design by famed landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, sparked considerable controversy. Halprin’s work was the first Colorado project documented as part of the Historic American Landscape Survey, a National Park Service program. A free exhibition of the resulting photographs, videos and other documentation will be shown in the Dean’s Gallery on the third floor of the University of Colorado at Denver building, 1250 14th St. It opens with a reception at 4:30 p.m. Friday and runs through Feb. 24. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. 303-556-3382.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
POPULAR MUSIC
While Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s first two records proved the strength of its aggressive bite, its third, last year’s “Howl,” showed the band’s restraint, its tender kiss. “Howl” isn’t from the same genre as B.R.M.C.’s previous work. It’s almost a concept record, a band getting in touch with the roots of American music. Call it gospel, folk and blues for hipsters. The vocals are similarly intriguing, but it’s all taken down a notch or five. It was a welcome experiment, and their live shows have been infused with a new energy, thanks to the musical departure. B.R.M.C. (yes, named after the biker gang in the Marlon Brando film “The Wild One”) plays the Gothic tonight; Elefant and The Morning After Girls open. Information: nipp.com and ticketweb.com.
– RICARDO BACA
STAGE
“Gem of the Ocean” has indelible characters and all the oratorical grandeur one might expect from an August Wilson piece. This is the Denver Center Theatre Company’s ninth offering in Wilson’s 10-play cycle on the black experience in the 20th century. This one is set in 1904 and introduces Aunt Ester, a 287-year-old matriarch representing the strength and struggle of all black people since they were first brought to America. Israel Hicks draws uniformly awe-inspiring performances. At the Space Theatre, 14th and Curtis streets. 6:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday through Feb. 25. Tickets $29-$45 (303-893-4100, denvercenter.org, King Soopers stores or TicketsWest, 866-464-2626).
– JOHN MOORE
TELEVISION
The Super Bowl gets underway at 4 p.m. on ABC, locally KMGH-Channel 7. If the game doesn’t do it for you, you can wait three hours and tune in to Liza Minnelli’s two-hour sitdown on “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” in which she chats with James Lipton about her mother, Judy Garland, and other entertainment history. At 7 p.m. on Bravo.
– JOANNE OSTROW
CLASSICAL MUSIC
A highlight of this year’s classical music season in Colorado will be Central City Opera’s 50th-anniversary production of “The Ballad of Baby Doe.” The work by Douglas Moore is one of the few American operas to be performed regularly. The company will offer a free lecture preview of this important event at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Denver Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. It is part of the Opera 101 Series, cosponsored by the library and Colorado Public Radio. 303-292-6500 or centralcityopera.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
COUNTRY MUSIC
Last month the Dick Frost Band self-released its second album “Old Guys Rule.” The title track, written by the band’s namesake, singer-guitarist Dick Frost, tells you a lot about the band. At age 50, Frost is the youngest of the country music trio. He’s joined by bassist Chris Cranston and steel guitarist Gary Morrison. As the band likes to say, it offers real country music played by real country players. All three are talented veterans who as a bar band cover tons of classic country but mix in some of Frost’s originals. And that, along with the repartee between songs, makes this group special. Show yourself a good time and take in the trio’s appearence at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Hubba’s Pub, 13740 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora. Cover is $3. Call 303-400-1236.
– ED WILL
