Critic’s pick
Another “Amazing Race” around the world
7 P.M. Sunday. They don’t eat bugs, they don’t spend the day tanning, and they skip the usual “reality” trope of living together in a fancy loft or beach hut. They simply race. Around the world. Using planes, trains, automobiles, camels, whatever it takes. Married couples, friends, twins, cousins, sisters … it’s amazing how irritating a close traveling companion can become, especially when both of you are caught on camera. The will to overcome personality clashes and the skill to read maps and timetables are at the heart of “The Amazing Race,” the 20th season of which premieres Sunday, locally at 7 p.m. on KCNC-Channel 4. Joanne Ostrow
Family Fun
“Lord of the Dance,” updated for a new era
Through Sunday. St. Patrick’s Day comes a little early this year when “Lord of the Dance” visits the Buell Theatre. Created by Irish-dance master Michael Flatley, the Celtic extravaganza features more than 40 dancers telling the folk tale of a battle between the Lord of Darkness and the Lord of the Dance. Originally staged 16 years ago, this latest production features updated costumes, sets and lighting — including video on an LED wall. 7:30 p.m. today, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Buell Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets. Tickets are $30-$85. Buy tickets by calling 303-893-4100, or visit or .
African-Americans and the railroads
Saturday. The Colorado Railroad Museum presents a unique take on Black History Month with “Black on Track.” A collaboration between the Railroad Museum, the Black American West Museum and the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, the event explores the ways African Americans contributed to the railroading industry in the decades after the Civil War. Take a ride in one of the museum’s passenger coaches, watch actors re-create the period and check out a display of photos from the early 20th century. Food from CoraFaye’s Cafe will be on hand, too. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden; 303-279-4591. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children ages 2 to 16. A $30 Family Pass admits two adults and all kids under age 16.
A free, kid-friendly day with the symphony
Saturday-Sunday. Music fans of all ages are invited to the Aurora Symphony’s annual free children’s concert. This year’s show is a production of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” a classic for young audiences. The symphony is joined by the Audience of One youth theater company — the all-kid cast will take over the roles of Peter and his animal pals. After the performance, youngsters can come on stage to get a closer look, ask the orchestra members questions, and even give some of the instruments a try. 3 p.m. Saturday, Vista Peak Preparatory School, 24500 E. Sixth Ave., Aurora. 4 p.m. Sunday, Living Way Fellowship Church, 345 E. Wildcat Reserve Parkway., Highlands Ranch. Admission is free.
Kids at comedy works?
Sunday. It’s not often kids get to spend an evening at a comedy club, but they’ll get their turn when “Conjure” appears at Comedy Works South. The kid-friendly show, created by the Handsome Little Devils theater troupe, combines storytelling with magic and comedy. The show takes audiences back in time to the turn of the 20th century, where “mad magician” Newton performs his illusions with the help of his lovely assistant, Abigail Nightly. Young ones can bring an appetite, too — Comedy Works now has a children’s menu. 6 p.m. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place; 720-274-6800. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 12 and younger. Buy tickets and learn more at .
“It’s A Small World” – as told by a symphony
Today-Saturday. Go on a musical trip around the globe in the Colorado Wind Ensemble’s latest concert, “It’s a Small World.” The show features works like the Latin-inflected “Latitudes,” by Jerome Naulais, and “Slavyanskaya” Symphony No. 3, by Boris Kozhevnikov. French composer Laurent Jacquier will be in attendance to premiere his piece “Court Metrage,” and younger fans get a shout-out in Percy Grainger’s “Children’s March.” 7:30 p.m. todaty, Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $6 for children age 12 and younger; buy at colorado windensemble . 7 p.m. Saturday, PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker; 303-805-6800. Tickets are $11-$19 at . Tickets for both performances are also available at the door.
Music
An unusual pairing, DeVotchka and the CSO
Saturday. Two of Denver’s most influential musical acts, DeVotchKa and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, join together Saturday for a rare crossover concert at Boettcher Hall. DeVotchka, of course, is the (formerly) underground, four-piece band that fuses sounds near and far into its world-music-inspired rock. The CSO, of course, is the CSO, and it will be interesting to see the pairing. DeVotchKa may be a pop act at heart, but the group’s strength comes from the way it incorporates an unusual lineup of instruments — guitar, yes, but also theremin, bouzouki, accordion and sousaphone — into its music. The show is at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, go to coloradosymphopny.org, or call 303-623-7876. Ray Mark Rinaldi
Theater
“The Whale” extended, lucky for you
Through feb. 25. We told you to go see “The Whale,” DCTC’s buzz play of the season. But you waited, didn’t you? And then most of the performances sold out. Well, lucky for you the run has been extended through next weekend, giving you more chances to catch this drama about a (very, very) fat guy trying to reconcile with the family he left behind. The DCTC announced this week that the play is headed to New York, where it will appear next season at the prestigious Playwrights Horizons theater. You can see it here at the Ricketson Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets at denvercenter.org at at 303-893-4100. Ray Mark Rinaldi
Comedy
Mountains of laughs
Wednesday-Feb. 25. The second annual installment of the Aspen Laff Festival — the latest comedy event to take over the Wheeler Opera House in that tony mountain town — kicks off next week with various sets and showcases featuring “The Daily Show” co-creator Lizz Winstead, Bobcat Goldthwait, Ben Bailey, David Brenner, Jimmy Pardo, Colorado comics like Hippieman and Phil Palisoul, and many more. Visit for full schedules and prices. John Wenzel
Don’t sleep on this one
Today-Sunday. Despite his laconic delivery, Hannibal Buress is one of the most vital, hilarious voices in contemporary stand-up. The former “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” writer just happens to prefer a laid-back style to the breathless chattering of so many of his peers. Buress, who debuts as co-host of Adult Swim’s delightfully disturbed “Eric André” show later this year, continues his run at Comedy Works through Sunday. Various times. $14-$22. 1226 15th St. 303-595-3637 or comedy works.com. Check out our exclusive “Why So Serious?” Q&A with Buress on heyreverb.com. John Wenzel
Dance
“Stepping Out,” and in
Today-Sunday. Contemporary choreography shows are an ideal way to tap into modern dance without feeling like you need some special training or background, and the Boulder Ballet’s annual “Stepping Out” program is the latest example. This weekend’s show includes works by Boulder Ballet artistic directors Ana Claire and Peter Davison, as well as guest choreographer Valerie Madonia, former principal dancer with American Ballet Theater and the Joffrey Ballet. 8 p.m. today-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. The Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. in Boulder. $17-$25. 303-444-7328 or boulderballet.org. John Wenzel
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