Movies
There are still plenty of awards contenders in the theaters to see (and with “Persepolis” opening Friday, one more on the way). But for those of you hankering to keep up with the younger Joneses, there’s “Cloverfield.” Matt Reeves directed and buddy J.J. Abrams produced this monster flick that combines the hand-held camera tricks of 1999 cult hit “The Blair Witch Project” with the nightmarish imprint of 9/11. Four friends try to reach one another when Manhattan is rocked by a gigantic creature. “Cloverfield” is far from perfect, squandering some of its well-established emotional ties in the action chaos and leaps of logic. But for sheer visual tenacity and visceral force, it’s a tense ride. Warning: Motion sickness bags and Dramamine are not provided by theaters. Lisa Kennedy
Television
“Amazing Race 12” makes the final push tonight at 7 on KCNC-Channel 4. The CBS globe-trotting competition has covered four continents this season. For the finale, the remaining three teams will trek through one state only: the urban areas, wilderness, beach, glaciers and national parks of Alaska. Joanne Ostrow
Popular music
Pop quiz: What solo rock artist co- wrote “Justify My Love” for Madonna, appeared on Mick Jagger’s solo outing “Wandering Spirit” and worked with his heroes Al Green and Curtis Mayfield in the early ’90s — all while breaking his own successful rock career? Lenny Kravitz, that’s who. The ’90s were good to Kravitz, whose “Are You Gonna Go My Way” remains a classic record. (And who could forget the epic, Mark Romanek- directed music video that accompanied the title track?) The creative vigor of his music fell off in the late ’90s, but he still has his fans. The new record, “It Is Time for a Revolution,” is due next month, and you can bet he’ll be playing a bunch of new material when he performs at the Paramount Theatre on Tuesday. More info: 303-830-8497 or . Ricardo Baca
Classical music
The six-stringed viola da gamba emerged in the 16th century and became a popular instrument in the Renaissance and baroque eras. With the renewed interest in period music in recent decades, this once-forgotten instrument has undergone something of a revival. Ann Marie Morgan, one of the instrument’s leading exponents, will join Fiori Musicali, a Denver-based early-instrument ensemble, for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday under the auspices of Augustana Arts. The program, titled “Beyond the Baroque,” will take place at Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Ave., in Golden. Tickets are $15, $10 seniors and $5 students. 866-464-2626 or . Kyle MacMillan
Stage
Despite its seeming perpetuity, many Americans are not yet connected to the full impact of “Bush’s War,” as it’s called in Heather Raffo’s “9 Parts of Desire.” They will at least be better informed after witnessing the remarkable Karen Slack bring nine disparate Iraqi women to life in a heartbreaking and eye-opening evening presented by Curious Theatre. Short on political rants, this deeply personal piece is rather an attempt to explore the resilience, ambitions, warmth, humor, integrity and ancient history of women who have struggled for self-identity and liberation since long before the U.S. ever found Iraq on a map. It’s an unbearable and unmissable experience at once. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 23 at 1080 Acoma St. $26-$32 (2-for-1 Thursdays). 303-623-0524 or . John Moore
Night life
DJ Sara T.’s Danceotron parties are sporadic now that she resides in L.A., and the Hi-Dive’s Off the Wall nights were permanently shelved. What’s a Vans-wearing glitter child to do? Distortion Disko, a Wednesday-night party that starts this week, is DJ Rockstar Aaron’s solution. Aaron, who helms Thursdays at Rock Bar, will present a mash of electro, new wave, funk, glam and Britpop aimed at the same kids that eschew LoDo and Regas Christou’s Broadway clubs equally. This week features Lipgloss’ Michael Trundle and Hells Belle. 9 p.m. $3 after 10 p.m. 7 S. Broadway. 720-570-4500 or hi-dive.com. John Wenzel
Visual arts
For those who know little or nothing about color-field painting, a soon-to- close look at this long-undervalued chapter of 20th-century American art will be an exciting revelation. For lovers of beautiful painting, especially abstraction, it will be a total pleasure. “Color as Field: American Painting, 1950-1975,” which runs through Feb. 3 at the Denver Art Museum, West 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Street, contains more than 40 works. All are prime examples by the 19 artists represented, from Helen Frankenthaler, Mark Rothko and Frank Stella to lesser-known contributors such as Jack Bush and Friedel Dzubas. The show is free with regular museum admission. 720-865-5000 or . Kyle MacMillan
