MOVIES
Chances are good that we will never be fully satisfied by any movie taking on the events of 9/11. In part, because telling one story leaves too many untold. Even so, “World Trade Center,” starring Nicolas Cage and Michael Peña as police officers pinned in the rubble when Tower Two collapsed, approaches drama’s potent promise. It digs to find in a tale of two individuals and their families uncommon valor and common ground at ground zero. Directed with discipline by Oliver Stone, “WTC” wants to reconnect us to our better selves, not our vengeful warrior or our too-comfy jingoistic selves. With the fine ensemble work of Cage, Peña and Maria Bello and Maggie Gyllenhaal as their wives, it often succeeds.|Lisa Kennedy
CLASSICAL MUSIC
The Aspen Music Festival continues for one final week, culminating at 4 p.m. Aug. 20 with Benjamin Britten’s “War Requiem,” featuring the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chorus. In between will be a host of other offerings, including two Aspen Opera Theater Center performances of Britten’s opera, “Albert Herring” at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Also appearing will be conductor Peter Oundjian and pianist Vladimir Feltsman. 970-925-9042 or aspenmusicfestival.com.|Kyle MacMillan
STAGE
“Swing!” is the crowning achievement at the Country Dinner Playhouse. And that’s saying something, considering this pulsating, 1930s big-band-and-blues dance spectacular has no plot and little dialogue. Choreographer Kitty Hilsabeck’s numbers are thrilling, perilous, playful, gymnastic, elegant and sweaty. With one knockout number after another, this may just be the best locally produced, dance-oriented musical any area company has ever unleashed. 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; 1:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays (dinner 90 minutes before) through Sept. 10 at 6875 S. Clinton St., Greenwood Village. Tickets $38-$44 (303-799-1410).|John Moore
TELEVISION
Matthew Perry continues to put his Chandler role behind him, offering his version of a new-age Mr. Chips in the inspiring, feel-good “The Ron Clark Story,” as a teacher who makes a difference in the lives of his at-risk students, at 6 and 8 p.m. on TNT.|Joanne Ostrow
VISUAL ARTS
Carlos Fresquez, Tony Ortega, Sylvia Montero and a dozen other artists are featured in “Chain Reaction,” a showcase of Chicano and Latino art in Colorado. Organized by guest curator Quintin Gonzalez, the exhibition continues through Aug. 25 in the Vida Ellison Gallery on the seventh floor of the Denver Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. Admission is free. It is open during regular library hours except evenings and weekends. 720-865-1482. |Kyle MacMillan
POPULAR MUSIC
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are getting older – and so are their fans. Amazingly, the Chili Peppers are still drawing in newer, younger listeners with their radio-friendly rock, as evidenced by their new singles “Dani California” and “Tell Me Baby.” And that equates to a summer arena tour for the 23-year-old band, including a Friday-night stint at the Pepsi Center. Mars Volta opens, and tickets are available via ticketmaster.com or 303-830-8497.|Ricardo Baca
NIGHT LIFE
Many service-industry nights skimp on the service and emphasize the industry, offering drink specials and little else to the servers and cooks that provide our delicious libations and food. DC10, the new aerospace-themed lounge at 940 Lincoln St., goes a step beyond the usual. Every Sunday, its Flaunt night appeals to “all artists, fashionistas, stylists and industry people” and provides “sexy music” by Kostas K and Kevin Alves. Hosted by Mariela and Mirror Image Recordings, the night looks to be more than free peanuts and discount beer. 720-771-3500, DC10Denver.com.|John Wenzel
