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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