Making a Mountain at Dairy Center for the Arts

Since mid-July, visitors to the Dairy Center for the Arts visual galleries have been sewing a mountain. Making a Mountain is an interactive installation which asked the community to come together to sew while sharing stories and building out a large-scale installation made from pink and orange tulle. The tulle comes together, eventually forming the mountain – and will stay up through September 9. The artist, Ana María Hernando, uses femininity and empathy to make the invisible visible and to question our own preconceptions of worth and value. Admission to the galleries at the Dairy Center is free. 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder. Visit thedairy.org for more info.

Janelle Monáe at Red Rocks

In 2010 Janelle Monáe burst into American consciousness with her first studio album, The ArchAndroid (Bad Boy Records). Thanks to her appearance on fun.’s hit single, “We Are Young” in 2011, which was certified diamond of the RIAA, she was able to carve out a space as a household name and parlay that into incredible follow-up releases, The Electric Lady (Bad Boy Records/Atlantic, 2013) and Dirty Computer (Boy Records/Atlantic, 2018) — the latter of which earned her a Grammy Nomination for Album of the Year. Now touring on her 2023 outing, The Age of Pleasure (Atlantic), a genius collection of slick, soulful pop/reggae tunes, Monáe comes to Red Rocks on Sept. 7. Tickets are $50+, visit RedRocksOnline.com for more info.

The Tempest at Dairy Center for the Arts

The Upstart Crow Theater Company is bringing one of The Bard’s most beloved works to the stage. Running Sept. 7–17 is William Shakespeare’s The Tempest – the story of an exiled, single father left alone to float in the ocean with only his daughter and his vengeance. So that everyone may enjoy the power of Shakespeare, Upstart Crow has also announced two name-your-price nights – Thursday Sept. 7 and 14. There will also be a talkback with the cast and crew following the Saturday, Sept. 16 performance. At the Carsen Theater at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder. Admission ranges from $24 to $28. Visit thedairy.org for more info.

The Curious Savage at Theatre Company of Lafayette

Head to Lafayette for a fun, comedic production titled The Curious Savage, which runs Sept. 22–Oct. 7 at the Theatre Company of Lafayette. It tells the story of Ethel P. Savage, an older woman who has recently lost her husband, though he left her $10 million. While her stepchildren have her committed to a sanatorium in hopes of securing the fortune for themselves, Mrs. Savage meets a variety of misfits who help her to establish a fund to support others. Director Munam Goodwin brings this to life on the Mary Miller Theater stage. Tickets start at $25. Visit TCLStage.org for more info.

Nuns of Brixton/Reptiles and Samurai at the Oriental Theater

It’s been more than two decades since Oingo Boingo broke up and more than three since The Clash ended their run, yet both bands remain beloved by legions of fans — many of whom weren’t even alive when they were active. Seeing them perform their material live on stage isn’t possible but the Oriental Theater is presenting the next best thing, thanks to Colorado-based tribute bands Reptiles and Samurai and The Nuns of Brixton. Both bands are considered legit powerhouses in the tribute band scene in the Centennial State, and both absolutely slay when it comes to performing the music of the original incarnations of the bands they pay homage to. Seeing this incredible music performed live by top-notch musicians is a must. Catch the one-night-only show at the Oriental Theater in Denver on Sept. 15. Doors are at 7 p.m., tickets available online for $18 ($25 at the door). Visit TheOrientalTheater.com for tickets and more information. 

Various exhibits at Arvada Center for the Arts

The Arvada Center frequently hosts compelling exhibits in its many art galleries throughout the impressive facility. Running Sept. 14–Nov. 12 is an entire series focused on Southern Colorado, with three different exhibits. The Main Gallery will feature Emilio Lobato A Mi Manera – A 40 Year Survey, which weaves together the artist’s themes of loneliness and culture in Southern Colorado. The Upper Gallery will host Latitude 37°, showcasing Colorado’s unique history through a group exhibit featuring artists living within the 37th parallel. Lastly, in the Theatre Gallery, is Colcha Embroidery of the San Luis Valley with a variety of stitch embroidery techniques highlighted by Southern Colorado artisans with pieces on loan from History Colorado. Admission to the art galleries is free. Visit www.arvadacenter.org for more info.