Tonight. Pop music. We’ve been watching and writing about Meese since the band was drawing 20 people per night and opening for national acts at the Hi-Dive and the old Soiled Dove. Now the band is signed to a major label, Atlantic, and they’ll be celebrating tonight with a sold-out show at the Bluebird Theater. It’s tough to not get hooked on Meese’s sweeping hooks and jittery piano pop. Just listen to “The Start of It” on the band’s MySpace page — or on KTCL, where it’s been in regular rotation for months — and you’ll hear the energy of singer-pianist Patrick Meese. (And if you like that song, order the excellent independent release “Our Album Year” and track down the early single “I Don’t Buy It.”) Tickle Me Pink and Barcelona open the show. More information: or .
Ricardo Baca
Tonight-Sunday.Art exhibit. Two unsung, multitalented creators deserve a prominent place in the chronicle of Colorado art history: Edward and Donna Marecak. A combined retrospective, continuing through Sunday at the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, 1311 Pearl St., shows the sometimes surprising reach of their accomplishments and conclusively establishes their significance regionally and potentially beyond. This show, the most comprehensive look ever at the couple, runs from the 1930s through the early ’90s and contains more than 180 works. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. $6, $5 seniors, students and teachers. No one under 13 admitted. 303-832-8576 or .
Kyle MacMillan
Saturday-Sunday. Dance. You know about the plethora of professional “Nutcracker” productions around town, so here are a couple of shows by and for kids: Colorado Springs’ Youth Ballet’s charming “A Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Tea” features the beloved ballet plus sweets and treats. Saturday- Sunday, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Rampart High School Theatre, 8250 Lexington Drive in Colorado Springs, $13-$17, 719-337-4343 or visit . Revive Christian Dance Studio also offers “O Holy Night” on Saturday, a telling of Jesus’ birth through dance, drama and song directed and choreographed by Connie Rice. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Pinnacle Dinner Theatre, 9136 W. Bowles Ave. in Littleton. $4-$8 303-902-6588 or .
John Wenzel
