This week in Denver you can get a jump on holiday activities with shopping and theatre, but if you would rather make it through at least Thanksgiving without holiday music blaring, check out some of the other concerts, comedy skits, and more.

 

The Addicts Comedy Tour

Photo courtesy of Addicts Comedy Tour on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Addicts Comedy Tour on Facebook.

When: November 14, 8 p.m.

Where: Improv Comedy, 8246 E. 49th Ave, Denver

Cost: $17-$22

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Comedy helps overcome even the worst of life’s misfortunes in this stand-up show featuring the hardship of addiction. Mark Lundholm and Kurtis Matthews use laughs to build strength and reminisce on their years of continuous struggle, jail, love and experience.

DU Lamont Steel Drum Ensemble

Photo courtesy of Lamont School of Music on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Lamont School of Music on Facebook.

When: November 14, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Newman Performing Arts Center, 2344 East Iliff Ave, Denver

Cost: Free

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: The cultural music of Caribbean nation, Trinidad and Tobago, will be performed by the Lamont Steel Drum Ensemble. The ensemble will take listeners through history in a night full of culture and music. Steel drums, the primary instrument used for this performance, are made from an oil barrel and tuned by hand. The drums originated on the island of Trinidad early on in the 20th century.

Eating Alabama

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Garden on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Garden on Facebook.

When: November 15, 6 p.m.

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver

Cost: $5

Registration: Available here

The Lowdown: A young couple learns that the food system has changed drastically since their ancestors made their lives as farmers in this film featuring sustainable food practices, organic farming and community agriculture. Food provided by Chipotle will precede the film and a 20 minute discussion about the film and why food matters will follow.

Writing the West at AMWA— Working the Mine

Photo courtesy of American Museum of Western Art- The Anschutz Collection on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of American Museum of Western Art- The Anschutz Collection on Facebook.

When: November 16, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: American Museum of Western Art, 1727 Tremont Pl, Denver

Cost: $5

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Enjoy writing? Novice and professional writers come together for an informal writing session about working the mine in the American West. Guided by Lighthouse Writers Workshop, this session is sure to get your brain’s historical and creative gears moving.

Goldyn x Sacred Thistle Kickoff Event

Photo courtesy of Goldyn on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Goldyn on Facebook.

When: November 17, 5-8 p.m.

Where: Goldyn, 2040 W 30th Ave, Denver

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Celebrate the season as Goldyn and pop-up shop, Sacred Thistle, launch their holiday partnership. Every year, Goldyn invites a like-minded designer onsite to sell their products alongside those of Goldyn. Sacred Thistle is comprised of a mother daughter duo who specialize in the art of Japanese Wabi-Sabi. The duo uses the imperfections and uniqueness of flowers and plants to build floral sculptures. This kickoff event will help shoppers get a jump on their holiday gifts and the chance to support two local businesses at once.

Conviction (Preview)

Photo courtesy of Dairy Arts Center on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Dairy Arts Center on Facebook.

When: November 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder

Cost: $18-$20

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Conviction is an award winning play based on the Spanish Inquisition. Based on an original file, the play centers around the difficulties of maintaining faith, identity and love under extreme oppression.

Anthony Bourdain

Photo courtesy of Anthony Bourdain on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Bourdain on Facebook.

When: November 18, 8 p.m.

Where: AXS, 700 14th St, Denver

Cost: $60.50-$330

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Food enthusiast, world traveler, author and television star, Anthony Bourdain, visits Denver for one night during Anthony Bourdain: The Hunger Tour. Topics including diversity, street food, and world culture will accompany Bourdain’s sense of humor during his show.

Comedy Happy Hour

Photo courtesy of Rory Albanese on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Rory Albanese on Facebook.

When: November 18, 5 p.m.

Where: Comedy Works Downtown in Larimer Square, 1226 15th St, Denver

Cost: $4

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: On a budget? Join Rory Albanese a night of laughs and food and drink specials at Comedy Works. Albanese is a seasoned comedian with nine Primetime Emmy Awards for his work as the executive producer and writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Photo courtesy of The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Facebook.

When: November 20, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St, Denver

Cost: Starts at $20

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Yeah, it’s exactly how it sounds. This contemporary twist on Tchaikovsky’s original score, brings together a dozen professional dancers, an electric violinist and a DJ to perform a unique rendition of the timeless story. 1980s Brooklyn takes the place of the sugarplum palace as the primary setting as memories are rekindled and new ones are made during this unique show.

 

Mark Your Calendar

Artful Insight— Frank Mechau

When: November 21, 3-4:30 p.m.

Where: American Museum of Western Art, 1727 Tremont Pl, Denver

Cost: $10

Tickets: Available here 

Making Sense of Colorado’s Purple Politics

When: November 21, 1-2 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.

Where: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver

Cost: $8-$12

Tickets: Available here

Peace, Love, and Improv

When: November 22, 7:30-9:15 p.m.

Where: Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma St, Denver

Cost: $10

Tickets: Available here

Denver Zoo Lights Preview Weekend

When: November 25-26, 5:30-9 p.m.

Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver

Cost: $12-$17, Online Discount $2

Tickets: Available here

Colorado Ballet Presents 56th Annual Production of the Nutcracker

When: November 26th-December 24th

Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St, Denver

Cost: $30-$155

Tickets: Available here

Prototype Market

When: November 26, 4-9 p.m.

Where: Craftsman and Apprentice, 1325 E 32nd Ave, Denver

Cost: Free

Cherry Creek North Celebrates Small Business Saturday

When: November 26

Where: Cherry Creek North

Cost: Free

“Revenge Of The Misfit Toys,” An Improvised Christmas Musical Comedy

When: November 25, 8 p.m.

Where: “The Clocktower Cabaret,”  1601 Arapahoe St

Cost: $25.00

Tickets: Available here