MOVIES
It can either feel refreshingly old-fashioned or utterly annoying when a Hollywood movie ends on a true cliffhanger. The second episode in Disney’s “Pirates” franchise, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” finishes with an abrupt plummet, because they’re already wrapping up the third episode. Parts 2 and 3 were filmed simultaneously so that the increasingly famous cast wouldn’t be tied up forever on the blockbuster series. Other triple-movies have tried the cliffhanger approach; remember Doc in “Back to the Future,” closing the movie by shouting, “It’s your kids, Marty!” as he whisks Michael J. Fox off into the unknown. Not that there’s really much in doubt for the third episode of “Pirates,” due next summer. We have a sneaking suspicion that the good guys win. | Michael Booth
CLASSICAL MUSIC
This is a big week for the Colorado Music Festival. Culminating its parade of artists is Alexander Kobrin, gold medalist of the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Although the contest’s record of selecting performers who go on to influential careers is mixed, its winners always generate widespread attention. Kobrin will join the festival’s orchestra for concerts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. Tickets are $15-$45. 303-440-7666 or coloradomusicfest.org. | Kyle MacMillan
STAGE
What makes for great theater can be so simple, a 6-year-old could tell you: Talent. Imagination. Heart. That’s just what makes the Aurora Fox’s all-star production of the simple comic-strip musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” so adorable. This is a breezy, family-friendly sketch comedy with surprisingly deep philosophies on life. Director Nick Sugar isn’t kidding around: His staging features some of Denver’s best musical-theater actors, including Chris Whyde, Amy Board, Steven J. Burge, Amanda Earls, Brian Hutchinson and Philip Martin. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through July 30 at 9900 E. Colfax Ave. $12-$24 (303-739-1970). | John Moore
TELEVISION
Today marks Stage 8 of the Tour de France. CBS provides a one-hour update at 3 p.m. on Channel 4. While there’s no Lance Armstrong to cheer for – or against, depending on how you feel about the seven-time winner – it’s compelling viewing. What will French sports fans do, forced to choose between the Tour and today’s World Cup final between Les Bleus and Italy? Denverites can watch the match at 11:30 a.m. on KMGH-Channel 7. For continuing Tour coverage, OLN has daily reports and expanded primetime reports, 6-9 p.m. through July 23. | Joanne Ostrow
VISUAL ARTS
Veteran Denver artist Tracy Felix serves as guest curator for “Colorado Modernism: 1930-1970,” an ambitious show examining the array of 20th-century Colorado artists who worked in a modernist vein. It will draw on several private collections as well as area museum holdings. The exhibition will run Saturday through Sept. 15 at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. in Golden, with an opening reception set for 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Admission is free. 303-279-3922 or foothillsartcenter.org. | Kyle MacMillan
POPULAR MUSIC
Built to Spill has made quality, roots-inspired indie rock for nearly 15 years. While such longevity is rare in the fickle music industry, even rarer is the fact that Doug Martsch and his band have maintained such relevance. When Built to Spill releases a record, such as the recent “You in Reverse,” or tours the countryside, including shows Monday and Tuesday night at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, the band provides a master class on making music for the right reasons. The music is obviously coming from the heart, still. And it’s still touching ours. Bret Nelson opens both nights, and Hot IQs are also on Monday’s bill. | Ricardo Baca
NIGHT LIFE
The 16th Street Mall’s iconic D&F Tower has enjoyed a rebirth since Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret opened there in January. The nightspot, tailored for grown-ups, offers national touring acts and weekly theme nights. “Soul Wednesdays” have been a popular addition, delivering a sensual evening of classic R&B and soul in the main showroom. This Wednesday Lannie’s welcomes Ron Ivory and the Miles Apart Band performing “One-on-One,” a doo-wop tribute to the hits of the Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, the Platters, Al Green and more. 1600 Arapahoe St., 7:30 p.m., $10. | John Wenzel
