THE WEEKEND
A bit o’ Brit humor
|”Tales of an Englishman” is a one-man show that spotlights the wit and humor of Matthew Taylor, a founding member of the longtime Denver comedy troupe A.C.E. Taylor grew up on the south coast of England in a village called Itchenor and came to the United States in 1985. Over the years, he has fine-tuned his ability to take everyday moments and make his audience laugh and think.|8 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday|Avenue Theater, 417 E. 17th Ave.; $15; 303-321-5925.
Chamber cellist
CLASSICAL MUSIC|Cellist Shauna Rolston, who made her debut at New York City’s Town Hall at age 16, ranks among Canada’s most respected musicians. The internationally known soloist will join the Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra in works by Francois Couperin and contemporary Canadian composer Doug Schmidt.|7:30 p.m. Today and Saturday|Today, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, East 45th Avenue and
Wadsworth Boulevard; Saturday, Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave.; $15; 866-464-2626 or ticketswest.com.
Tour the Highland
STUDIO TOUR|Art does not just materialize. It takes talent, inspiration and lots of hard work. To give the public a sense of the process, more than 30 artists will open their studios as part of the 2006 Highland Neighborhood Art Studio Tour.|10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday|Studio sites around Highland, maps available at Maria’s Bakery, 3705 Shoshone St.; free; highlandartstudiotour.com.
CSO grabs “Rings”
SYMPHONIC MUSIC|The world of hobbits, elves and dwarves come to life in “The Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy in part through the evocative music of composer Howard Shore. He has created a six-movement symphony based on those scores, and the work has proven popular with symphony audiences across the country. The Colorado Symphony will present its first performances of the work this weekend.|7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday|Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets; $17.50-$75; 303-623-7876 or coloradosymphony.org.
Powwow
NATIVE AMERICAN ART AND DANCE|About 40 Native American artists are set to demonstrate, display and sell their works at the sixth annual Indian Market and Powwow. The juried show features award-winning artists working in all media. The powwow presents many traditional dances done in native dress. |10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday|The Fort, 19192 Colorado 8, Morrison; $3-$6; 303-839-1671 or see tesorofoundation.org
SUNDAY
Animal adventures
FAMILY|Jungle Jack Hanna and his animal friends are well-known from his syndicated television show “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures.” He also has appeared many times on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Good Morning America” and “Larry King Live.” His live show, which features animals, humorous stories and footage from his worldwide adventures, is suited for all ages.|2 p.m. Sunday|Buell Theatre, 14th and Curtis streets; $19.50-$34.50; 303-830-8497 or ticketmaster.com.
THE WEEK
Just a little different
CLASSICAL MUSIC|New and experimental music remains a difficult-to-find commodity in Denver. That’s what makes the Experimental Playground Ensemble, in residence at the University of Denver, such a valuable asset. This week, the group performs works by such contemporary notables as Morton Feldman and Alfred Schnittke as well as local composer Conrad Kehn.|7:30 p.m. Thursday|Hamilton Recital Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave.; $14 and $16 general public and free for students; 303-871-6412 or du.edu/lamont.
Let’s talk art
PANEL DISCUSSION|Denver’s art scene is on the upswing, but what does the future hold? Can the city become a true art center? These questions and others will be addressed during a panel discussion featuring five prominent figures on the local art scene, including Patty Ortiz, director of the Museo de las Américas, and Ivar Zeile, owner of the Plus Gallery.|7 p.m. Wednesday|Capsule Gallery & Event Center, 560 Santa Fe Drive; $5 suggested donation; 303-623-3460 or capsulegallery@qwest.net.
