Movies
Depending how you feel about family, “The Savages” may have been too close to the bone for Christmas, the day it opened. But Tamara Jenkins’ dramedy about a middle-aged brother and sister forced to deal with the slow diminishing of their father is funny, astute and humane. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney capture the persistent tensions siblings carry for a lifetime. Instead of going for the obvious and finding wicked humor by making Jon and Wendy Savage avoid responsibility, writer-director Jenkins allows the humor and misery to unfold as they try to rise to the occasion.
Classical music
The Colorado Symphony offers a classy way to celebrate New Year’s Eve and escape club-hopping or the neighbor’s dull party. The orchestra presents “A Night in Vienna,” a usually sold-out evening of waltzes, polkas and other suitably light, festive classics. The concert will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Boettcher Concert Hall, with the early start allowing time to catch the fireworks on the 16th Street Mall or other activities. Tickets are $15-$69.50. 303-623-7876 or .
Visual arts
There are enough exhibitions happening at the same time at the Denver Art Museum, West 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Street, that it’s easy to overlook a few of them. One ongoing show that should not be missed is “Maria: American Icon.” It pays tribute to Maria Martinez, who easily ranks among the five best-known Indian artists of the 20th century. Spanning nearly the entirety of her career, with more than 30 large- and small-scale selections, it provides the most comprehensive look at the museum’s collection of her work in at least 20 years. It is free with regular museum admission. 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum .
Television
This CW show can be recommended only for its sociologically revolting and kitsch value: “Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants,” at 8 p.m. on KWGN-Channel 2, represents the worst aspects of all TV reality shows. Distorted self-images, preoccupation with physical perfection, youth and superficiality, backstabbing and more are on display as the nine remaining mother-daughter teams get makeovers and participate in a pageant photo shoot.
Popular music
The countdown is almost here. But before you worry about the new year, you should ring out the old year with some live music. The Mile High City has seen better years for New Year’s Eve offerings, but there’s still plenty to do. A sampling: Slim Cessna’s Auto Club at the Bluebird Theatre; the Railbenders at the Soiled Dove Underground; King Rat at 3 Kings Tavern; Rose Hill Drive at the Boulder Theater; Yonder Mountain String Band at the Fillmore Auditorium; the Mighty 18 Wheeler at the Skylark Lounge; DEV-Oh! covers at the Hi-Dive; Zilla at the Fox Theatre; the Greyboy Allstars at the Ogden Theatre; Hot Buttered Rum at the Oriental Theater; Outformation at the Gothic Theatre; and Homemade Tank at the Larimer Lounge.
Night life
It’s hard to imagine a classier place to celebrate New Year’s Eve than Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret. On Monday, the cozy club under downtown’s D&F Clocktower will hold its “S’Wonderful” Tribute to Gershwin, featuring namesake Lannie Garrett and her quintet playing two sets of that master’s music. The $104 ticket isn’t exactly cheap, but you’ll get nostalgic, expertly rendered songs, a champagne toast with party favors, a dessert bar, commemorative photo and choice view of the 16th Street Mall fireworks. 1600 Arapahoe St. 8 p.m. 303-293-0075 or .
Lisa Kennedy
