You’ve scanned the schedules of the orchestra and opera, pored over the exhibitions at the major museums, read the mailings from the major theater companies.
Those options are easy to find.
But here are eight things that you might not have heard about, a few choices that aren’t so obvious. Maybe one or two, or all eight, will give you some warm thoughts for winter fun. Happy to say, they all take place indoors.
Hard Rain Revelations, Jan. 10-March 29,
Artist Jane McMahan promises to “make rain into art” with this exhibition of works at . Her passion grew out of the floods of 2013 when her Boulder home was damaged. The show looks at climate change and its effect on water patterns.
1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder. 303-497-1000 or ncar.ucar.edu.
The Coors Western Art Exhibit, Jan 10-25, National Western Stock Show
All that livestock on parade overshadows this annual event at the stock show, but it’s definitely worth a look. This exhibit features the country’s top Western artists, and it’s included in the regular show admission. Mosey up to the third level of the Expo Hall for this one.
4655 Humboldt St. 303-295-6124 or
Drawn to Action: Posters from the AIGA Design Archives, through Jan. 18, Denver Art Museum
Few exhibits fly under the radar at DAM, but this one has quietly won over a slow and steady crowd during its long tenure, now coming to an end. A good sideshow to check out, especially if you are heading there for the big or t . The museum has a sizable collection of graphic design works, and this shows it off well.
13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock. 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org.
“Matisse from MoMA and Tate Modern,” Jan. 13, area movie theaters
Now you can go to the museum without going to the museum, thanks to Exhibition on Screen, which makes mini docs out of current exhibits for movie theaters across the country. This one focuses on Matisse’s cut-outs, which are showing to great acclaim at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The evening program lasts 90 minutes and costs $15.
Tickets and a list of theaters at fathomevents.com.
Martin Luther King Day events, Jan. 19, Colorado College, Colorado Springs
This all-day event has some serious highlights, including an 11:15 a.m. screening of “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” a documentary that looks at civil rights history with music from John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean and others. Later in the day, “Courageous Conversations Continued” is a panel discussion that connects to current racial tensions and explores “the intolerance for civic rage.”
Events across campus, 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs. 719-389-6000 or coloradocollege.edu.
Classical Music Unbuttoned, Jan. 20,
Musicians from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra get a chance to have a little fun on this unusual Tuesday night. The bill includes Cellisimo!, with five of the CSO’s cello players and Lumos Percussion, with three percussionists. Expect some serious tango from those cellists.
1601 Arapahoe St. 303-293-0075 or
Swan Lake, Jan. 25, area movie theaters
The Bolshoi Ballet has had a international resurgence with its presentation in movie theaters far and wide. This one has the world’s most admired dance company performing everyone’s favorite piece. Yes, it’s a little early at 10:55 a.m., but convenient with theaters in Denver, Westminster, Highlands Ranch and more. $18; $15 for seniors and students.
Info and a list of theaters at bolshoiballetincinema.com
Opera Colorado: Arias and Ensembles, Feb. 11,
This dress-down event has skilled singers performing some of opera’s greatest hits. The evening ends with an abridged take on Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet.” A good place to introduce young listeners to the genre. The show is at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $23-$33.
10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. 720-509-1000 or lonetreeartscenter.org.
Ray Mark Rinaldi: 303-954-1540, rrinaldi@denverpost.com or twitter.com/rayrinaldi
