MOVIES
In “Neil Young: Heart of Gold,” director Jonathan Demme captures with unadorned beauty two Nashville concerts the legendary troubadour performed not long after undergoing brain surgery. New songs from Young’s latest “Prairie Wind” have the expansive intimacy and deceptively simple melodies of the best of his older work. At 60, Young isn’t, well, young. Neither are many of us moved by his strange, quavering voice. Yet Demme, Young and the talented friends who join him onstage have made a film that should lure anyone compelled by the power of American roots music. Even if it comes from a guy born in Canada. – Lisa Kennedy
STAGE
What the Lake Dillon Theatre Company’s “Urinetown” lacks in spectacle it makes up for in intimacy. This is the first homegrown production of the witty musical since it blew through Denver in 2003, and it’s in a 50-seat theater, as compared with the national tour that played the 2,880-seat Buell. Thanks to a mostly superb cast of 14 and a live band of four, not a single seat to date has gone unsold. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. Sundays through March 12 at 176 Lake Dillon Drive. Tickets $18-$22 (970-513-9386 or lakedillontheatre.org). – John Moore
POPULAR MUSIC
That Matisyahu hit when he did says something about the current music climate. Matis is a Hasidic Jew and reggae MC whose “King Without a Crown” single is setting the charts afire, especially considering what a niche act he is. The music is closer to traditional reggae than anything else. His lyrics are unflinchingly religious and spiritual. “If you’re drowning in the waters, and you can’t stay afloat/Ask Hashem for mercy, and he’ll throw you a rope,” he sings in “Crown.” Matis has sold out venues since “Crown” broke in mid-2005, and for good reason. He’s an electric live performer. His Tuesday show at the Paramount is sold out, but as Matis has proved to be a touring machine, it’s not too early to keep an eye out for another Fillmore date. – Ricardo Baca
NIGHT LIFE
Deny him if you will, but Magic Cyclops is not going away. This Denver-based dilettante feels equally at home performing absurdist stand-up, singing hilariously awful karaoke or MC’ing air guitar competitions in a fake British accent. Now the mischievous, Hulk Hogan-obsessed madman has his own weekly club night at Rock Island. Stop by the Interstate ’80s Dance Party and try not to have your mind blown open like a party favor. Every Thursday at 10 p.m. at Rock Island, 1614 15th St. $3 cover for 21 and up, $5 for 18-21. – John Wenzel
DANCE
In an unusual bit of programming, the Colorado Ballet is presenting two nicely contrasting productions in repertory beginning Saturday at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. For fans of the classics, there is former artistic director Martin Fredmann’s version of “Cinderella.” It runs for 11 performances through April 2. Complementing it is “Choreographer’s Showcase,” with works by three noted modern and contemporary choreographers, including Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp. It runs for seven performances through April 1. Tickets are $19-$109. 303-837-8888, ext. 2, or coloradoballet.org. – Kyle MacMillan
TELEVISION
Is it spring yet? While it feels like we’ve been watching snow and ice for several weeks it has been only 16 days. And, at this point, we’re not nearly as cranky as Dick Button. NBC’s coverage of the closing ceremonies for the XX Olympic Winter Games from Turin begins at 6 tonight, locally on KUSA-Channel 9. – Joanne Ostrow
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Broomfield High School, 1 Eagle Way, is probably not the first place that someone might expect to encounter two world-class musicians who also happen to be recipients of MacArthur “genius grants.” Yet that’s exactly who will appear in a benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, thanks to the school’s own Mr. Holland, Samuel Martin, director of upper-level orchestras. Bassist Edgar Meyer and banjo player Mike Marshall will take the stage along with the school’s top orchestra. Tickets are $25 for the public, $18 for students. 720-260-6525. – Kyle MacMillan
