Visual arts
Saturday. Paintings and drawings. What could be the most popular exhibition at the Denver Art Museum since the 2006 debut of the Hamilton Building will open Saturday. Titled “Inspiring Impressionism,” this blockbuster explores the many ties between the impressionists and the old masters that preceded them. Timed and dated tickets are $20, with a range of discounts available. 866-942-2787 or Kyle MacMillan
Today. Landscape paintings. After touring to four other venues across the state, “Masterpieces of Colorado: A Rich Legacy of Landscape Painting” makes its final stop at the Denver Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, with a few new selections. The exhibition of historical and contemporary views opens today and will remain on view through May 18 on the library’s seventh floor (closed weekends). Admission is free. 720-865-1111 or . Kyle MacMillan
Through the week.Multimedia installation. Ten students from ArtLab and the African Community Center joined Italian experimental filmmaker Sandro Del Rosario to create a multimedia look at Denver. Titled “Simultaneous Visions: The City Rises,” the installation of crisscrossing projections can be seen through March 2 at PlatteForum, 1610 Little Raven St., Suite 135. Admission is free. 303-893-0791 or . Kyle MacMillan
Music
Tuesday. Folk songs and operatic excerpts Soprano Bonnie Draina, guitarist Carey Harwood and three other musicians will explore the music of Appalachia — its roots and its influences on 20th-century composers — during a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday as part of the University of Colorado at Boulder’s faculty series. The program will include Paul Bowles’ “Blue Mountain Ballads” and arias and duets from Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah” and Kurt Weill’s “Down in the Valley.” 303-492-8008 or Kyle MacMillan
Tonight-Saturday. Country rock. After Buffalo Springfield died, Richie Furay and Jim Messina went on to create Poco, a band that loved its country-tinged rock ‘n’ roll. They have has a couple rare outings in Colorado this week, including tonight at the Boulder Theater and Saturday at the Colorado State Fair Event Center in Pueblo. Pure Prairie League opens both shows. More: . Ricardo Baca
Tonight. Rock. Chris Adolf of Bad Weather California is one of the most fearless songwriters in Colorado, and he’s kicking off a big tour tonight with a show at the Hi-Dive. Playing with him are Pee Pee, Charly “the City Mouse” Fasano and Milton Melvin Croissant III. More: . Ricardo Baca
Through the weekend.Classical Music. A winner of the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award, Piotr Anderszewski ranks among the most sought-after pianists in the world. As part of a regional tour, he will present three recitals this weekend. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. today at the University of Colorado at Boulder (303-492-8008 or .), 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the University of Denver (303-357-2787 or .) and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the University of Wyoming in Laramie (307-766-6666 or uwyoedu/finearts). Kyle MacMillan
Thursday. Piano pop. Billy “Piano Man” Joel doesn’t need a new record to tour arenas. Joel is one of the few artists who can fill an arena with the release of a single song on iTunes. “All My Life” is the first pop song Joel has written and recorded since the five-times platinum “River of Dreams” was released in 1993. Joel brings the new song — along with his more familiar material — to the Pepsi Center on Thursday. More: ., 303-830-8497.Ricardo Baca
Theater
Ongoing. Local original production. Su Teatro’s “Ollin,” an original work by Denver’s Daniel Valdez, is the telling of the Spanish conquest of Mexico through indigenous eyes. Su Teatro’s new production features music by Valdez and traditional Azteca dance in collaboration with local dancers, musicians and designers in addition to the Su Teatro acting company. Through March 29. $12-$15. 4725 High St. 303-296-0219 or . John Moore
Ongoing. Musical. “The Baseball Show” is Heritage Square Music Hall’s returning, lighthearted spoof on America’s favorite pastime. It’s about an inept small-time gangster who doesn’t want his star player to advance to the big leagues. The fan favorite is best- known for Annie Dwyer’s award-winning bubble-gum tricks (seriously). The show is followed by a comedy/musical baseball-themed revue. Through May 18. $23.50-$36.50 18301 W. Colfax Ave., Golden. 303-279-7800 or . John Moore
Ongoing. Drama. “Nickel and Dimed” is Barbara Ehrenreich’s best-selling first-person tale of her three-month experience attempting to survive on low-wage service jobs, which helped spark a national movement to increase the minimum wage. Playwright Joan Holden brought Ehrenreich’s message to an even wider audience in 2002 when she created a stage version that continues to open eyes and touch hearts across the country. Presented by OpenStage & Company through March 22. $15-$20. At Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins. 970-221-6730 or . John Moore
Movies
Tuesday-Wednesday.Documentaries. Tuesday, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the integration of Little Rock’s Central High School by nine teens with “Journey to Little Rock: The Untold Story of Minnijean Brown.” Come back for seconds on Wednesday’s screening of Michael Roemer’s lauded tale of life and love “Nothing But a Man,” starring Abbey Lincoln and Ivan Dixon. “Journey to Little Rock,” Tues. 7 p.m; “Nothing But a Man,” Weds, 7 p.m.; Starz FilmCenter at the Tivoli, Ninth Street and Auraria Parkway; $5; for more info call 303-820-FILM or go to . Lisa Kennedy
Television
Sunday. Awards, Awards! Like sands in the Wicked Witch’s hourglass, time was running out. But the writers strike is settled and Hollywood’s show of shows, the 80th annual Academy Awards, will go on with teleprompters and cameras rolling. Jon Stewart stars in his first hosting sequel. The red-carpet festivities start at 6 and the big show gets underway at 6:30 p.m. on KMGH-Channel 7. Lisa Kennedy
Sunday. Interviews. ABC hopes you’ll remain on the couch long after Sunday’s award festivities for the annual Barbara Walters Oscar interview and tearfest. Because we inhabit the step-child time zone, the Walters special won’t air until 11 p.m. locally on KMGH-Channel 7. This year, she chats up Ellen Page (“Juno”), Miley Ray Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”) and Harrison Ford. Joanne Ostrow
