TODAY
Head ’em up, move ’em out
Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials
Starting at 7 a.m., on the Hotchkiss family property, south of Hotchkiss Avenue. Free.
Stock dogs, the shepherd’s best friend, will show what they’re made of today in the finals of the third annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials. Plan to spend the day watching the hardest-working dogs in the West gather flocks of sheep. Then wander the grounds where camp wagons and tents are on display, and check out the Fiber Art Show and Sale at the newly remodeled Creamery building.
MORE FOR TODAY: MOSTLY FOR MOMS
9 A.M. – Mother’s Day at Eagle’s Nest | Easy to moderate three -hour hike at Eagle’s Nest Open Space near Livermore, led by a naturalist who will explain a few things about wildlife mothers and offer a look through the binoculars at nesting eagles. Free. | One-third mile west of Livermore on Red Feather Lakes Road (C.R. 74E). Trail entrance is on the south side of the road. | In case of bad weather, call 970-679-4561 for hike status.
11 A.M.-2 P.M. – Mother’s Day Lunch in the Gardens | Pack a picnic and head to the Denver Botanic Gardens for a stroll through the spring blossoms and a little entertainment, beginning with harpist Lani Howarth from Soothing Harp and winding up with Mountain Dance Theatre’s performances of classical ballet and modern jazz. Free with garden admission. | 1005 York St., Denver | 720-865-3500 or botanicgardens.org
NOON-4 P.M. – Estes Park Jazz Fest & Art Walk | A full slate of jazz kicks off the free-concert season. Today’s lineup includes local faves Max Wagner Quartet, Queen City Jazz Band and Nelson Rangel, and the legendary Benny Golson. Fill in the breaks with a stroll through galleries open for Art Walk Weekend | Performance Park Amphitheater, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park | 970-577-9900
2 P.M. – La Curandera | Opera Colorado presents the bilingual family opera by composer Robert Xavier Rodriguez and librettist Mary Medrick. $20 adults; $15 children, through Ticketmaster or operacolorado.org. Program repeats at 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. | King Performing Arts Center, Auraria Campus, Denver
2:30 P.M. – Symphony in the Valley Mother’s Day Concert | Young Artist Competition winners perform in a tribute to mothers. $10 adults, $8 seniors; $5 youths. Music students get in free. | Glenwood Springs High School, 1340 Pitkin Ave.
6:30 P.M. – Sacred Singers and Cowboy Poetry | Performances by Jubilate! and cowboy poet Dr. George Russell combine in a birthday celebration for the Center of the American West and a tribute to mothers and Mother Nature. The concert also kicks off a series of summer lectures on energy, wildfie and modern American Indian identity (centerwest.org). $12; $10 Chautauqua members. | Chautau- qua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder | chautauqua.com or 303-442-3282
Want more? Check denverpost.com/scientificallyspeaking
