Sci-Fi Convention: Anomaly Con more science than fiction
Friday-Sunday: Quick: What year is it? If you said “Alternate History 1875,” you’ve probably already registered for Anomaly Con, Colorado’s steampunk and alternate-history convention that expects to draw about 1,400 this year. A diverse list of award-winning authors, including S.J. Chambers, Cory Doctorow, Jason Heller, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Diana M. Pho and Sherri L. Smith, will appear at the fifth annual, family-friendly event along with live music, gaming, art, film screenings and a Lego contest. Various times, March 27-29 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E. Tufts Ave. $35 for the weekend, kids 8-13 half-price (free under 8). .
–John Wenzel
David Zimmer’s work is on display at Robischon Gallery. (Provided by Denver Month of Photography)
Photography: A surreal trip at Denver’s Robischon GalleryThrough May 2: One of the more interesting aspects of Denver’s biannual Month of Photography is the way the varied galleries come together. The museums are in, as are the smaller nonprofit spaces and college venues. So are commercial endeavors, like Robischon Gallery, now exhibiting a group show of names familiar and new. “Far Between” features regulars Halim Al Karim and David Zimmer and is rounded out by talents from near and far, like Chi Peng, Wang Ningde, Christine Buchsbaum and the duo Nicholas Kahn and Richard Selesnick. The theme invites artists to present images of “a surreal, fantastical or ethereal nature,” and it plays out like a frozen moment of mystical cinema. Robischon Gallery, 1740 Wazee St. Free. 303-298-7788 or .
–Ray Rinaldi
Comedy: Yes, please do Make Me Laugh
The raw numbers behind the Make Me Laugh stand-up contest and tour are impressive: 100 comedians, 37 shows, 19 cities, 6,400 miles, 35 days. But the fact that the organizers — Dan Frigolette and former Denver comic Erik Anker — actually know their stuff doesn’t hurt. The competition invites comics to perform for a panel of judges (who also know their stuff, based on the Denver lineup) for prizes like publicity assistance and slots on headlining shows. It culminates with the “Comedy’s Best Kept Secret Show,” which features Frigolette and Anker, and in Denver, headliner Kurt Metzger (“Chappelle’s Show,” “Inside Amy Schumer”), at the Oriental Theater on March 29 ($15). Competitions take place March 27-28 at the Squire Lounge, Bug Theatre and Colorado Springs’ Sunshine Studios. Full lineup and schedule at .
–John Wenzel
Classical Music: A musical version of Edgar Allan Poe’s dark tale
Saturday-Sunday: William Hill is as close to a classical-music star as Denver can claim. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s principal timpanist is a colorful guy with his hands in music across the region. He’s also a skilled composer who has tried out his works on the home ensemble. That happens again this weekend as the CSO premieres Hill’s “The Raven,” inspired by the lit classic from Edgar Allan Poe. Expect some darkness in the piece based on the poem about a bird and a bit of madness back in 1845. The program also features a complementary performance of Eric Ewazen’s emotional “Down a River of Time” featuring principal oboist Peter Cooper. David Lockington conducts. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex. $25-$89. 303-623-7876 or .
–Ray Rinaldi
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s “A Place Between” is determined to close out Women’s History Month with a proper choreographic tribute. (Provided by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance)
Dance: Cleo finds women in new, evolving works
Friday-Sunday: Women’s History Month usually passes without a crush of mainstream exposure, but Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is offering a parting shot in the form of “A Place Between.” The Denver-based company will mix works in progress with older material from its 44-year repertoire to commemorate the contributions, courage and sacrifices of women through history — including choreographer and activist Winifred R. Harris’ new “Timber” and David Rouseve’s “Dry Each Other’s Tears in the Stillness of the Night,” which was commissioned by Cleo in 1993 with the support of the National Dance Enrichment Program. 7:30 p.m. March 27-28, 2 p.m. March 29 at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Avenue West. $27-$37. 303 295-1759 ext. 13 or .
–John Wenzel
Choral Music: Bach, in rare and original form in Cherry Hills Village
Sunday: In a rare and ambitious event, the Colorado Bach Ensemble will re-create Bach’s “St. John Passion” this weekend in the manner its composer intended when it premiered in 1724. Under the direction of Bach scholar and conductor James Kim, the ensemble will integrate the work into an extended religious service at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village. The event is free and open to all, and the church is welcoming guests to participate at any level they choose — sacred or secular. Audience members can join in on the chorales (sung in English to make them more accessible) or simply sit back and listen as the chancel choir, orchestra and soloists perform the great classical work. 4 p.m. Sunday, Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave. Cherry Hills Village. Free. .
–Ray Rinaldi
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