Scene Stealers, Editor’s Picks and French’s 5: Dec. 2016

Hazel Miller is coming to Nissi’s.

Hazel Miller at Nissi’s

Fresh of her performance of the National Anthem at the Broncos/Texans game on Oct. 24, Hazel Miller trades in Francis Scott Key for the more comfortable jazz/blues/soul duds she’s known for. Hard as it may be to believe, Miller’s been singing in the Centennial State for more than 30 years, and is a long-time beloved backup singer for Big Head Todd and Monsters. Catch her Holiday Groove Show on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Nissis in Lafayette. Tickets start at $15, nissis.com.

Tuesdays with Morrie at Longmont Theatre Company

If you’re looking for something moving, contemporary and thoroughly compelling, check out Longmont Theatre Company’s Tuesdays with Morrie based on the New York Times bestselling book by Mitch Albom. The largely autobiographical story is about the accomplished journalist who learns that his college professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. He sets out to reunite with his favorite teacher and, what starts out as a simple visit turns into a weekly meeting that teaches him the meaning of life. Tuesdays with Morrie runs Nov.11–20 at Longmont Theatre Company. 513 Main St. Tickets are $16-$18, longmonttheatre.org.

Call for Submissions for Lafayette Art on the Street

If you’re a sculpture artist, the town of Lafayette has an opportunity to get your work in front of thousands and make a little scratch on top of it. Art on the Street 2017 is Lafayette’s public art-on-loan program, allowing artists from anywhere to submit sculpture for display throughout the year, beginning in April. Each piece selected — 20 in all — nets the artist a $650 honorarium, meanwhile displaying the work for sale in a very public manner. Submissions are due by Dec. 31. More info at: cityoflafayette.com/570/Call-for-Artists.

Maynard James Keenan at Boulder Theater

Getting in the head of a reclusive artist like Maynard James Keenan can be a tough endeavor. For fronting in some of the greatest-selling rock bands in contemporary — history, like Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, and owning a popular winery — MJK isn’t exactly a mainstay on TMZ, as it were. That’s why his authorized biography, A Perfect Union of Contrary Things, promises to be so fascinating, and the subject himself will be on hand Nov. 25 for a live reading and to answer questions. Each attendee receives a copy of the book, too. Tickets start at $55, check out bouldertheater.com for more information.

Tig Notaro, always and Ed. Pick.

Tig Notaro at Boulder Theater

To say we’re fans of Tig would be an understatement. We adore her. And we’re always rooting for her. We last spoke in 2013, after the releases of her comedy album “LIVE,” a live set she recorded days after receiving a bilateral breast cancer diagnosis. And if you think you can’t be funny, beautiful, intelligent and poignant in the face of such a pivotal moment in your life, she’s proof positive it’s possible. She’s a dynamo and a talented actress (she plays Barb on the Amazon series Transparent), and her comedy is as smart as it is hilarious. Catch her live at the Boulder Theater on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35, bouldertheater.com.

The Fray at Fox Theater

Colorado artists don’t have an overwhelming collection of Grammy nominations among them, thanks to largely being ignored as an arts-friendly city for much of its 240+ years of existence. And that’s despite the fact that the award is made here, in Ridgway, Colorado. The Fray came close in 2007 and again 2010 — picking up Billboard Music Awards along the way to Grammy nominations, but coming up just short of the coveted statuette. But that does nothing to diminish the fact that the band is a double-platinum selling group, and coming back home for a show at the Fox Theatre on Nov. 25. $52.50+ at foxtheatre.com.

Sensory Friendly Performance of The Nutcracker at Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School

As enriching as live theater and music have proven to be for the human experience, it can be a very isolating experience for people with sensory, social and learning disabilities. That’s why this production of The Nutcracker by the Colorado Conservatory of Dance is so unique. The normal “rules” of theatre will be suspended to make this a more inclusive performance — house lights will stay up, sound levels will be more regulated, audience reaction won’t be shushed, and if guests need to move about, they can. Performers will also be available after the performance for pictures and autographs. The show is Dec. 16 at the Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Ave., Denver. Tickets for “guests of honor” are free. For more information, head to ccdance.org.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some) at Dairy Arts Center

How many Christmas plays have you seen? The Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company thinks they can get them all into one show. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some) is a regional premiere play in which three actors set out to perform A Christmas Carol, but the play goes a bit crazy as every Christmas story ever told is thrown in the mix, including traditions from around the world and seasonal references both vintage and modern. With plenty of pop culture, some caroling and more, this is one holiday show you’ve never seen before. Every Christmas Story Ever Told will be performed in the newly remodeled Grace Gamm Theater in the Dairy Arts Center from Dec. 8–24, 2590 Walnut Street in Boulder. Tickets range from $20-$40, betc.org.

FRENCH’s 5

This month: 5 things to buy the alt. monthly entertainment editor in your life:

• Millennium Falcon Quadcopter: $88+, bit.ly/MilFalcQuadCopter
  
• Sweet Steampunk Watch: $280, bit.ly/SteampunkWatch
  
• Bose Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones: $350, bit.ly/BoseQCHeadphones
  
• Fully functional blue tooth Star Trek Communicator: $150, bit.ly/TrekCommunicator
  
• Captain America Shield Backpack: $60, bit.ly/CapAmericaShieldPack