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Five things to do in Denver (and the Front Range, too)

Ted Alvarez
Vail, CO, Colorado
Special to the DailyYoussou N'Dour, a world-music legend from Senegal, will perform at the Boulder Theatre on Sunday at 8 p.m. He blends traditional Senegalese sounds with American jazz, Afro-Cuban dance and Western pop music.
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Editor’s note: Ted Alvarez writes a weekly column for the Vail Daily, choosing his top five things to do in Denver and nearby. From music to films and even art exhibits, Ted shares all that’s cool in Mile High City.

DENVER, COLORADO ” Snowfall has finally made it in full force to the High Country, which might make it that much more difficult to cross the passes into the Denver area for a little big-city culture. But don’t let that dissuade you from checking out this week’s art, music and entertainment options out east. Aron Ralston, a world music legend, and the real-life School of Rock all make appearances on the Front Range this weekend.

On Saturday, the Colorado Mountain Club Mountain Fest celebrates everything great about living close to the mountains by presenting learning sessions on snowshoeing, skiing, climbing, survival and other outdoor skills. Courses range from family fare to expert instruction. A benefit dinner at 6 p.m. features a talk from climbing-disaster survivor Aron Ralston, who completed climbing all of Colorado’s 14ers in winter after cutting off his arm. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. Tickets range from $5 to $40; visit http://www.cmc.org or call 303-279-3080.



“Jewtopia” creators Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson mix standup comedy with bits from their book and scenes from their play for a night of hilarious multimedia on what it means to be Jewish today. Expect large projections, video, audience participation and a lewd menorah joke or two. “World of Jewtopia” is at Paramount Theatre on Saturday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $34.50 to $49.50. For tickets and information, call 303-830-TIXS or visit http://www.livenation.com.

Yeah, the movie starring Jack Black ruled, but the real-life inspiration for the movie is even cooler. The school began in Philadelphia, but the Denver branch opens in January. To raise awareness, funds and just plain for fun, students from other branches will be on hand to rock out at the Oriental Theatre. The show starts at 7 p.m. and admission is $10. Tuition discounts and giveaways will be on hand. For info, contact 720-276-7625 or http://www.schoolofrock.com.

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This three-way exhibition at the Sandra Phillips gallery showcases works by Anna Kaye, Susan Jean Hart and Pauline Foss, who explore the strain of man’s intrusion on the habitat of the natural world. Pieces include lush three-dimensional paintings, mixed media and abstract sculptures. An opening artists reception will be held tonight at 5:30 p.m., and the exhibit runs through Jan. 2. For details, call 303-573-5969 or visit http://www.thesandraphillipsgallery.com.

This world-music legend from Senegal has been blending traditional Senegalese sounds with American jazz, Afro-Cuban dance and Western pop music for nearly 20 years. He’s an institution because his music attracts and thrills nearly everyone who sees him, not just the world-music audience. N’Dour visits the Boulder Theatre at 8 p.m. Sunday,and tickets are $34. For information, call 303-786-7030.


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