“Simpsons” voice in Aspen
Sunday. Rocking the mic this weekend: “The Simpsons” actor and Hollywood ringer Hank Azaria, whose chameleonic voice and snappy delivery make him a joy to watch on stage. This time, however, the six-time Emmy winner isn’t bringing a comedy set but rather a tribute to Bruce Springsteen, along with Azaria’s EZ Street Band. Approved by The Boss himself, the live-music and storytelling show finds Azaria slipping into his best Springsteen guise for a night of gruff tales and greatest hits.
Springsteen super-fan Azaria headlines the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave. in Aspen, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28. Tickets are $45-$90. Call or visit for more information.
Nutcracker and jazz
Friday-Sunday. Holiday shows, as you may have noticed, tend to stay fresh through New Year’s Day, even after Christmas has passed. That makes this weekend your best chance to catch “The 5 Points Nutcracker,” a reimagined take that injects jazz and local history into the classic tale, given the Five Points neighborhood’s celebrated past as the Harlem of the West. Or, as organizers put it: “Let the jazz carry you. Let the lights move you. Let the spirit of Five Points remind you that history, when danced and sung, can become a gift.”
The music-driven show with a six-piece band is produced by LunAseas, with direction by Larea Edwards and musical direction by Tenia Nelson. The show runs for various performances from Friday, Dec. 26, to Sunday, Dec. 28, at The Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St. in Denver. Call 303-476-5902 or visit for tickets and for more information.
Comedy superpowers
Friday-Saturday. Denver comedy fans are well served this weekend with headlining sets from hometown hero Josh Blue, a stand-up crusher who’s been showing comics how it’s done since grabbing national attention in 2006 with his hilariously deft, self-effacing routines. He leads the bill at Comedy Works Downtown with 6 and 8:15 p.m. shows on Friday, Dec. 26, and an 8:45 p.m. set on Saturday, Dec. 27. (Note: hyper-sensitive ears need not apply.)
Tickets for the show at 1225 15th St. in downtown Denver are $30-$35 and are 21-and-up only, via . Call 303-595-3637 for more information.
Affordable live music
Sunday. You don’t have to wait until Dec. 31 to ring in the New Year. Downtown Denver jazz club Dazzle is hosting a Sunday, Dec. 28, “Ring in the New Year” concert at 6 p.m. with tickets running $18 to $30 — by any standard, an affordable live-music experience compared to most.
The always-nimble Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Quintet, with vocalist Hannah Rodriquez and artistic direction by Drew Zaremba, will belt out “a festive night filled with timeless jazz standards and seasonal favorites.” The show is part of the larger fourth-Sunday Night Sessions with CJRO at Dazzle, which takes place every month and features rotating artists and themes. Shows take place at Dazzle, located within the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 1080 14th St. in Denver. Call the box office at 303-839-5100 or visit for more.
