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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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