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Five things to do in Denver and Boulder

Ted Alvarez
Vail CO, Colorado
Special to the DailyCary Brothers will perform at the Bluebird Theatre in Denver on Friday night.
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Hollywood coffee chop Hotel Cafe has turned into a mecca of sorts for the acoustic singer-songwriter set; now people flock to the location from all over the country with nothing but a guitar in hand and a song in their heart. Luckily, you don’t have to live in Los Angeles anymore to experience Hotel Cafe’s acoustic charms: The Hotel Cafe Tour brings notable musicians from the scene to venues around the country, including Denver’s Bluebird Theatre. Catch “Garden State” faves The Cary Brothers, as well as Ingrid Michaelson, Dan Wilson, Meiko and Jim Bianco, live and intimate just like if you were in Hollywood.

What: Hotel Cafe Tour.

Where: Bluebird Theatre.



When: Friday, 8 p.m.

Cost: $15-17.

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Info: 303-322-2308 or http://www.bluebirdtheater.net.

The 2008 Olympics will bow in August in Beijing ” but not without controversy. China will host the games under the stipulation that they improve their human rights record, and as recent events in Tibet have shown, that hasn’t happened. But Human Rights Watch has sparked their own torch relay in Athens to bring awareness to the human rights plight in China, and they’re taking the torch to over 35 countries. The alternative torch arrives in Denver’s City Park on Saturday, and in addition to learning about the political issues surrounding the games, the all-day event includes a 5K race, speeches, music, poetry and music. Food vendors will also be on hand, because there’s no rule that says you can’t educate yourself about worldwide politics while eating funnel cake.

What: Human Rights Watch Denver Torch Relay.

Where: City Park, Denver.

When: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $10-25 to enter the 5K race; kids 10 and under free. All other activities free.

Info: 303-758-1296 or http://www.humanrightstorch.org.

Some cult artists get that way by having inaccessible or “out there” personalities, but it’s pretty much impossible to top Daniel Johnston. In his 25-year music career, the star of the acclaimed documentary “The Devil And Daniel Johnston” has battled serious mental disorders, depression, drug abuse and out-and-out weirdness, but he’s still here, churning out songs when he’s well enough. But unlike circus sideshow acts like Wesley Willis, Johnston’s simple, clever and often beautiful songs remain the main attraction. The bizarre brilliance at the heart of his music captured the spotlight for a brief period in the early ’90s and earned him fans like Kurt Cobain. Here’s your chance to see why.

What: Daniel Johnston performs.

Where: Ogden Theatre.

When: Saturday, 8 p.m.

Cost: $22.50.

Info: 303-832-1874 or http://www.ogdentheatre.net.

This adventure journalist has tackled war zones, Alaska, comedy, and NPR ” but that’s nothing compared to his latest attempt to erase his carbon footprint and live off of the food he grows at his Funky Butte Ranch in New Mexico. Fine chronicles his attempts in the hilarious memoir “Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living,” and his misadventures see him contend with his two goats mucking about in his garden, converting a monster truck to run on vegetable oil, and converting enough solar energy to power his coveted laptop. Hear Fine speak and sign copies of “Farewell, My Subaru” at both the Boulder Book Store and the Tattered Cover in Denver.

What: Author Doug Fine speaks and signs copies of “Farewell My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living.”

Where: Tattered cover in Denver; Boulder Bookstore in Boulder.

When: Boulder: Monday, 7:30 p.m.; Denver: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free.

Info: Denver: 303-436-1070. Boulder: 303-447-2074. To read more about the author, visit http://www.dougfine.com.

Sure, you could sit on your couch to watch the Final Four at home ” or you could join thousands of raucous fans at Invesco field watching the game on gigantic screens, munching on gourmet food and giving for a good cause. The National Jewish Medical and Research Center’s fifth annual Hoops and Hoopla benefit will feature both games on 35 big-screen televisions, a nine-panel video wall and the Jumbotron, filling your eyes with all the hoops action you can handle. You can also peruse the gourmet buffet, hit the open bar, participate in a silent auction, or spend halftime playing games like Pop-A-Shot, shuffle golf and Basketball Trainer Challenge, as well as Texas Hold ’em poker tournaments. All proceeds benefit the hospital, and you get to get your game on while doing it.

What: Hoops And Hoopla Final Four Benefit.

Where: Invesco Field.

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $275.

Info: 303-398-1897 or visit http://www.hoopsandhoopla.com.


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