Scene Stealers | Sep 2020

Dia de los Muertos at the Longmont Museum

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Longmont Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibition, and while the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact, it’s not going to shut down this beloved perennial celebration of Latnio culture and heritage. This year’s opening reception is Oct. 1 and will be live streamed free via their facebook page, as well as at LongmontPublicMedia.org. The reception will feature a performance by Grupo Azteca Tlahuitzcalli, an artist talk with Tony Ortega, and conversations with altar builders from the gallery show. The museum has crafted a month-long series of virtual events including performances and crafting exhibitions as well so people at home can follow along and make their own sugar skulls for their family altars. Learn more at www.longmontcolorado.gov

Joe Pug at The Armory

Originally scheduled for April 4, Joe Pug’s performance was postponed to Oct. 3, thanks to the crushing blow of COVID-19 on the live music industry. The Maryland-bred singer/songwriter’s touring on his latest outing, The Flood in Color (Nation of Heat Records, 2019), a fantastic collaboration with producer Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids that takes Pug back to his roots in terms of stripped-down arrangements, simple, effective storytelling in his lyrical approach, and the quality of musicianship Pug fans expect. In this go-around, Pug opted for writing music for himself, and the end result is something with meaning and depth. At The Armory in Ft. Collins, doors at 6 p.m., tickets start at $20, www.armoryfoco.com for more information.

Al Chesis trio at the Rayback Collective

A 6-time Westword Award winner for best blues band in Colorado, the Delta Sonics have certainly earned earned their accolades over the years. A key reason for that is bandleader and harmonica player Al Chesis, who brings his trio to the Rayback Collective in Boulder on Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Featuring Bob Pellegrino on the guitar and keys player Ken Saydak, this blues trio brings all the street cred of the Delta Sonics with a much more exposed sound that relies on tight playing and terrific showmanship.
2775 Valmont Road, Boulder, therayback.com.

Camelot at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Thanks to a large dining area and plenty of stage space, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse has been one of the only theaters within Colorado to be able to successfully offer socially-distanced, live musical theatre. Kicking off its 13th season, Candlelight presents the Lerner and Loewe classic Camelot. The story of King Arthur, Lady Guinevere and Sir Lancelot soars with brilliant music from two true Broadway icons, but is a new, scaled down version with only eight actors in an adaptation by Emmy Award-winning writer David Lee. The show runs through Oct. 25. Tickets range from $55.50 to $67.50 and include dinner; masks and social distancing protocols will be in place. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, www.ColoradoCandlelight.com.

We Still Like You at Buntport Theater

If you’ve ever desired the cathartic purge of sharing your most embarrassing and shameful stories in a safe and celebrated way, then you’ll want to check out We Still Like You at Denver’s Buntport Theater. During this celebration of shame, Denver’s best comedians and storytellers share their most embarrassing moments, promptly followed by a loud response of, “We still like you!” from the audience. Tickets are $7 online or $10 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m. on the third Monday of every month. 717 Lipan Street, Denver.