HOT TIX
Michael Cunningham won the Pulitzer Prize for “The Hours,” his novel about three women’s lives interwoven through Cunningham’s literary hero, Virginia Woolf, and her novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” That “The Hours” became an Oscar-winning film (Nicole Kidman won best actress in 2002) is beside the point of its incisive charm. The Pen & Podium series brings Cunningham to the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at DU on Monday for a lecture and signing ($33-$48, Ticketmaster).
Flogging Molly will introduce a renovated Ogden Theatre to concertgoers when it plays the first of two back-to-back shows there March 4. The band, which combines traditional Irish folk with blistering punk (think Dropkick Murphys or the Pogues), isn’t afraid to show its political side. The first show is sold out, but tickets are still available for March 5 ($20-$22, TicketWeb).
Stereolab took a serious blow in 2002 when longtime member Mary Hansen died at 36 in a bicycle accident. It’s a testament to the band’s talent and perseverance that continued to craft its trademark electro-
lounge pop without (or perhaps in tribute to) Hansen. Melding artsy, intelligent lyrics with Serge Gainesborg-influenced rhythms and instrumentation, these indie darlings rarely fail to captivate. Check them out with Hot Chip on March 9 at the Gothic Theatre ($16, TicketWeb).
Black Eyed Peas continues to ride the success of their ubiquitous singles “My Humps” and “Don’t Phunk With My Heart,” with the latter snagging the group a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group. Pussycat Dolls, an L.A.-based all- female burlesque revue that has featured guest members like Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani, will open as part of the 2006 Honda Civic Tour. Tickets for their May 21 Universal Lending Pavilions show go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. ($35.50, Ticketmaster).
Collin Raye has far outstripped the popularity of mom Lois Wray, a country music vocalist who opened for Sun Records artists in the 1950s. With five platinum albums and 10 No. 1 singles under his belt, Raye should be no stranger to pop-country fans. He brings opener Walker Williams to the Budweiser Events Center Aug. 4. Tickets go on sale Feb. 25 ($20, ComcastTix.com).
– John Wenzel
