FRIDAY
Save the music
FILM|”Before the Music Dies” is a documentary that explores the drowning of original music in the era of big-label marketing. Featured artists include Dave Matthews, Erykah Badu (pictured at right), Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Widespread Panic, Eric Clapton, Calexico and My Morning Jacket.|7 tonight|Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Blvd.; free; 303-441-4492
Culture, Aurora-style
ART|Aurora has been home to the “Power of Word” exhibit of paintings, poetry, calligraphy, book art and digital stories, and the city and its Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA) space is hosting a closing reception tonight for the popular exhibit. The show features work by Alicia Bailey, Mamiko Ikeda and others. And while you’re there tonight, take advantage of the East End Arts District Winter Art Walk on East Colfax Avenue between Florence and Clinton streets. | 5:30-9 p.m., today.| DAVA, 1405 Florence St., Aurora; free; 303-367- 5886, auroragov.org/ artwalk|7 p.m., today| Continental Divide Theater, 10 E. 120th Ave. in Northglenn; 303-681-3728 for ticket information.
Temporary digs
ART|Borrowing a page from Los Angeles, the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver has moved into temporary quarters – the Temporary Contemporary – pending the opening of its new building across the street. To mark its debut in the new space, the institution has commissioned Austria-born, New York-based artist Erwin Redl to create a site-specific light installation, which will remain on view through March 11.|
Opening reception, 6 to 9 p.m. today|Temporary Contemporary, Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver, 1840 15th St.; reception is free, regular admission is $5; 303-298-7554 or mcadenver.org.
Cole Porter tribute
CABARET|Spider Saloff, a Chicago-based vocalist, is a regular at top cabaret and jazz venues across the country. She also serves as co-star and co-creator of “Words and Music,” a weekly Public Radio International series. Saloff returns to the Denver area this weekend for a tribute to Cole Porter.|7:30 p.m. today|
Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway; $22; 303-987-7845 or lakewood.org.
SATURDAY
Didgeridoo, anyone?
SATURDAY|Looking for a different kind of musical experience? How about a little didgeridoo? Ash Dargan is one of the instrument’s leading exponents. A member of the Larrakia Nation in the Northern Territory of Australia, he blends indigenous musical traditions with a more contemporary vibe.|7:30 p.m., Saturday|Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts, 200 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette; $8 general public and $5 seniors, students and children; 303-665-0599.
Fun fundraising
BLUES AND BBQ|Now in its ninth year, the Blues and Barbecue for Better Housing fundraiser will feature delectable eats, music from The Duke Street Kings and a skateboard demonstration from pro Lynne Cooper. Live and silent auctions, hosted by 99.5 The Mountain’s DJ Pete MacKay, will benefit Habitat for Humanity.| 7 p.m.-midnight, Saturday|The D Note, 7519 Grandview Ave. in Olde Towne Arvada; $20 or $10 for music only; 720-480-4477 or dnote.us.
SUNDAY
Students compete
STORYTELLING|Stories on Stage presents the final phase of its high school competition in which four Colorado prep students will perform five-minute stories. Jacob Sorling and Donovan Armijo, both of Alamosa High, are joined by Devon Moody from Alameda High and Tierra Bonser from Pueblo County High, competing for the chance to perform with Stories on Stage in a mainstage show later this season.|2 p.m., Sunday|Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St.; $5 suggested donation; 303-494-0523
THE WEEK
Judy sings Judy
CABARET|Judy Butterfield is just 16 years old, but she’s already on her way to the big time. A protege of vocalist Andrea Marcovicci, she will make her debut Dec. 17 in the most prestigious cabaret room in the country – the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel. Area audiences can get a preview this weekend, when Butterfield presents “Judy on Judy: The Songs of a Young Garland.”|8 p.m. today and Saturday (both sold out) and 7 p.m. Sunday|Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, Daniels and Fisher Tower, 16th and Arapahoe streets; $25 for Sunday’s show; 303-293-0075 or lannies.com.
Feminism head-on
DANCE|Evolving Doors Dance Project will present the provocative “Pretty is as Pretty Does,” a head-on look at feminism, politics, sex and power in modern dance. The program, which contains adult material and partial nudity, will be followed by a Q&A session with choreographer Angie Simmons and the cast.| 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday| East Theatre in the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St.; $10-$12; 303-444-7328, thedairy.org.
THE WEEKEND
“Milagro” excerpts
READING|El Centro Su Teatro artistic director Anthony Garcia reads excerpts from John Nichols’ “The Milagro Beanfield War,” Mayor John Hickenlooper’s selection for the city’s “One Book, One Denver” program. |6:30 p.m., Monday|Central Denver Public Library, B2 Conference Center, 720-865-1205.
Search and rescue
ROBOT EXPERT|Robots have played important rescue roles in mine disasters and the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Denver Museum of Nature & Science will host expert Robin R. Murphy, director of the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue, at its Phipps IMAX Theater.|7 p.m., Monday|Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.; $12-$15; 303-322-7009, crasar.org or dmns.org.
