Scene Stealers: Best Events to Catch this Winter

Chris Daniels and the Kings at Nissis

Now well into their third decade as one of Colorado’s most beloved blues acts, Chris Daniels and the Kings have found a formula that just simply works for them: Put on a good show, gig relentlessly, and love every minute of what you do. That formula has kept the proverbial roof over their heads and even landed their latest album, Funky To the Bone (Moon Voyage Records, 2014) on a Grammy award nomination ballot. They may not have won the award, but they certainly won all of our hearts. Check them out live at Nissis (2675 Northpark Drive, Lafayette) on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10; www.nissis.com for more information.

 Yankee Tavern at Longmont Theatre

There are a lot of conspiracy theories out there about the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks, and the play Yankee Tavern by local playwright Steven Dietz paints those crazy theories in an entirely new light. When a stranger walks into the Yankee Tavern, a crumbling New York City bar, a young couple ends up caught in what may be the biggest conspiracy theory of them all. This play was a selection of the National New Play Network’s Continued Life Project and is a powerful, funny and challenging thriller. Yankee Tavern plays Longmont Theatre from February 19 through March 5, 513 Main Street in Longmont. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors; www.longmonttheatre.org for more info.

Vera Rubin: Bringing the Dark to Light At the Fiske Planetarium

The Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company is known for bringing truly powerful, edgy new material to the Boulder area, and the upcoming Vera Rubin: Bringing the Dark to Light is no exception. This world premiere play is produced in collaboration with the Fiske Planetarium and centers on the story of Vera Rubin, an astronomer who is challenged to solve one of astrophysics’ biggest puzzles. It’s a 30-minute show that combines state-of-the-art planetarium projections with live action performance. At the Fiske Planetarium 2414 Regent Drive in Boulder. Jan. 21 through Feb. 6; tickets range from $10 to $25; www.betc.org for more info.

The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Bug Theatre

Denver’s Equinox Theatre Company is back for their eighth season with the hilarious Tony Award-winning musical The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This kooky show is about six kids who are competing in the annual spelling bee, all while talking about silly stories from their homes, touching personal anecdotes and much more. With audience participation and lots of fantastic music, this musical is always an audience favorite. Playing at The Bug Theatre at 3654 Navajo Street in Denver, Feb. 5 through 27. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and are available at www.EquinoxTheatreDenver.com