MUSIC EVENTS FOR WINTER/SPRING

December 2011 through May 2012

Acoustic Eidolon  When Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire aren’t touring around the world playing their double-necked guitjo (Joe) and cello (Hannah), they’re performing for audiences in their home state of Colorado. Some area events are listed below, but check www.acousticeidolon.com for more. 

Ars Nova Singers  This Boulder-based group specializes in a-cappella music of the Renaissance and the 20th and 21st centuries, and they have been entertaining audiences in the metro area for 26 years. They split their performances between Boulder and Denver venues; Boulder concerts are at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1419 Pine St., but Denver locations vary, so check online for details. www.arsnovasingers.org; 303-499-3165. 

Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities  The Arvada Center presents CenterFest concerts as well as the “Keyboard Conversations” (Feb. 8 and May 16) and “Music with a View” series. Check www.arvadacenter.org for a schedule. The center is at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. 720-898-7200.

March 10: Arvada Chorale presents “The Pipes Are Callin’: A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Featuring Colcannon

Aster Women’s Chamber Choir  ASTER is a small (16-24 voice) women’s ensemble whose mission is exploring women’s lives and music. The group honors women who came before them by singing music composed by women, music set to poetry by women, and traditional songs women sang when they worked and worshipped. See www.asterchoir.org for upcoming performances. 

Astroland  Astroland lost its North Broadway venue, and now is even more DIY in putting together occasional shows by “bands you want to see and those you didn’t even know you’d want to see, too.” Check www.astro-land.org for updates. 

Aurora Symphony Orchestra  ASO’s 2011-2012 season is its last with music director Richard Niezen, who began with a small group of volunteers 10 years ago and is ending with a large, well-respected community orchestra. Performances listed below take place at the Gateway High School Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 South Sable Blvd. in Aurora. Check www.aurorasymphony.org for the full schedule. 

Barbed Wire Books  Longmont’s largest used bookstore hosts a variety of free and low-cost music events throughout the year. Check the updated schedule at www.barbedwirebooks.net. The store is at 504 Main St. in Longmont. 303-827-3620. 

Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado  BCO is a professional period-instrument ensemble that showcases the musical riches and spirit of improvisation of the 17th and 18th centuries. 2012 offerings are listed below; there’s usually at least one performance in Boulder and the others in Denver or elsewhere along the Front Range. www.bcocolorado.org; 303-889-1012.

Blues & Greens Restaurant  Boulder’s “home of the blues” is at the Outlook Hotel with live music (some with a small cover charge) nearly every night of the week; the December lineup includes Gretchen Troop, Stone Soup and the Delta Sonics. Sign up online to get the “Blues News” schedule. Open jams most Sunday and Tuesday nights begin at 7:30pm. The hotel is at 800 28th St. 303-443-3322; www.bouldershomeoftheblues.com.

Boulder Bach Festival  Feb. 24-March 3: The Boulder Bach Festival, led by new music director Rick Erickson, presents a variety of performances during festival week, plus other events throughout the year. Some are listed below, but check the full schedule at www.boulderbachfestival.org.

Boulder Chamber Orchestra  The 2011-2012 season is called “Road to Mastery,” and performances are in Boulder and other Front Range locations. Some highlights are listed below, but check www.boulderchamberorchestra.org for more. 

Boulder Concert Band  This large volunteer band plays free concerts throughout the year in the Boulder area. Dec. 10 is “A Holiday Celebration,” under the direction of new conductor Dana Biggs. See www.boulderconcertband.org for information and to sign up for email alerts about upcoming performances.

Boulder Friends of Jazz  1st Sundays: BFJ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and performance of traditional Dixieland jazz. Monthly jam sessions are held the first Sunday of every month from 2-5pm at the American Legion Post 111, 1150 Pine St., Louisville. Everyone who signs in is guaranteed to play. Door prizes are furnished by local merchants. 303-449-9596; www.boulderfriendsofjazz.org.

Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra   The Boulder Phil’s 2011-2012 season is called “The Spirit of Boulder.” Some performances at CU’s Macky Auditorium (7:30pm) are listed below; check the full schedule and ticket information at www.boulderphil.org; 303.449.1343. 

Boulder Public Library Free Concerts: Meadows and Reynolds Branches  BPL’s Meadows Branch, at 4800 Baseline Road, and Reynolds Branch, at 3595 Table Mesa Drive, hold a number of concerts throughout the year. They’re free and open to everyone, but since space at each venue is limited, please call to reserve seats. Meadows: 303-441-4390; Reynolds: 303-441-3120. 

Boulder Renaissance Consort  Dec. 3-4: Boulder Renaissance Consort presents “Venite, Pasallite, Gaudete” (“Come, Sing, Rejoice”) in Denver on Dec. 3 and Boulder on Dec. 4. The Boulder performance is at Trinity Lutheran Church Chapel, 2200 Broadway, at 4pm. Check www.earlymusiccolorado.org for details 

Boulder Symphony Orchestra  The 2011-2012 season, called “Season of Transformation,” includes both a Symphony Series and a Chamber Series. Boulder performances are at First Presbyterian Church, 15th and Canyon streets. Full schedule: www.bouldersymphony.org. 

Boulder Theater  The historic Boulder Theater, just off the Pearl Street Mall, hosts national music acts all year long. We’ve listed a few of highlights below, but check www.bouldertheater.com for the complete schedule, which often has events added to it daily. The Boulder Theater is at 2034 14th St. Before the show, try George’s Food and Drink, just south of the front doors. 303-786-7030; www.bouldertheater.com.

Broomfield Auditorium  Broomfield’s Cultural Affairs department offers both free and ticketed concerts throughout the year at the Audi, 3 Community Park Road. Check the full schedule at www.broomfieldauditorium.com or call 303-469-3301 ext. 7999.

Caffé Sole  Head to Caffè Sole, 637-R S. Broadway, for live music three to four nights per week, including Monday night jam sessions with the Brad Goode Jazz Quartet from 7-11pm. Check online for the rest of the schedule, which includes regulars Eric Wiggs, Tom Weiser and Ginga. 303-449-2985; www.caffesole.com. 

Cantabile Singers  Auditioned choral ensemble based in Boulder is dedicated to performing a wide range of music, from classical to jazz, gospel to folk. Performances are listed below; check www.cantabilesingers.org for venue and ticket details.

Center Stage Concerts at The Rib House  Fridays: The Rib House, at 1801 13th St., serves up free live music most Friday evenings from 8-10:30pm. The upcoming schedule includes Jack Hadley Dec. 9 and Tyler Farr Dec. 16; check www.theribhouse.com for events after the new year. 

Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side  Cervantes’ two venues—located in Denver’s historic, 1930s Casino Cabaret—showcase live music several nights a week, including Garage A Trois Dec. 17 and Fauxgrass Quartet Jan. 23. 2635 Welton St. 303-297-1772; www.cervantesmasterpiece.com.  

Chautauqua Concerts  The historic Chautauqua Auditorium    and Community House draws popular performers from all over the world. A few highlights from the winter/spring schedule (all at 8pm) are listed below, but check www.chautauqua.com for more, plus ticket information. Chautauqua is at 900 Baseline Road. 303-442-3282 ext. 35.

Christmas Candlelight Festival  Dec. 16-18: This annual holiday event, presented by Tara Performing Arts High School, is at 5pm and 8pm each evening at Columbine Unity Church, 8900 Arapahoe Ave. www.tarahighschool.org.  

Colorado Symphony Orchestra  CSO’s new season includes Masterworks performances, the Pops Series, family events, holiday magic, and special guests—there’s truly something for everyone. Most events are at the Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1000 14th St. in Denver. See the complete schedule at www.coloradosymphony.org.

Colorado Wind Ensemble  CWE, celebrating 30 years this season, is the only nonacademic wind ensemble in the metro area, and they play a diverse array of music, from Renaissance to contemporary. Venues vary, so check www.coloradowindensemble.org for details and the rest of the schedule.

CU Artist Series  CU’s College of Music presents the Artist Series, the resident Takács Quartet, and “scores” of other music, theater and dance events throughout the academic year. Many concerts at the College of Music—including Faculty Tuesdays—are free. Artist Series performances (a few are listed below) take place at Macky Auditorium at 7:30pm; visit www.cupresents.org for a full schedule plus ticket and venue information.

CU Opera  CU Opera presents three classical or contemporary operas each year, under the direction of Leigh Holman and the music direction of Nicholas Carthy. Evening and matinée performances are at CU’s Macky Auditorium; check times and ticket info at www.cupresents.org. 

CU Program Council  Program Council is well-known for putting on great concerts over the years. To find out about upcoming events, check http://programcouncil.com, join the Facebook group, or follow on Twitter.

Cuvée Wine Bar  Cuvée Wine Bar at 946 Pearl St. offers live music most Wed-Sat nights at 7pm and Sun evenings at 6pm. Check the updated schedule online, which likely includes piano/bass duos and jazz trios. 303-447-0475; www.chezcuvee.com. 

Denver Gay Men‘s Chorus Holiday Concert  Dec. 16-18: Founded in 1982 with 75 members, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus was the first openly gay arts organization in Denver and the first to use the word “gay” in its name. The group’s annual holiday concert is at 7:30pm Fri and Sat at L2 Arts and Culture Center, 1477 Columbine St. in Denver, and 2pm Sun at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd. in Highlands Ranch. www.rmarts.org.

Dickens Opera House  Longmont’s historic opera house, built in 1881, is now the site of live music several nights a week. Upcoming acts include Bonnie & The Clydes, Hazel Miller and Trampled Underfoot. At Third and Main streets in downtown Longmont. www.dickensoperahouse.com. 

Early Music Colorado  Jan. 28 & April 21: EMC presents a series of musical soirées, each featuring four to five early-music groups performing short programs. Jan. 28 in Fort Collins and April 21 in Denver; see www.earlymusiccolorado.org for details.

Estes Park Jazz Fest  May 12-13: Annual jazz fest takes place at the outdoor amphitheater at Performance Park in Estes Park and is held in conjunction with the annual spring artwalk. 417 W. Elkhorn Ave. 800-443-7837; www.estes.org.

Estes Park Music Festival Winter Series  Sundays: The Winter Concert Series runs through April and takes place at the historic Stanley Hotel most Sundays at 2pm; call or check online for schedule and more information. 970-586-9519; www.estesparkmusicfestival.org. 

etown  Jan. 26: Etown “On the Road” heads to Fort Collins for a live radio show taping with alt-country rockers The Jayhawks and Justin Townes Earle. At the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia in Fort Collins; tickets at www.lctix.com. 

Fox Theatre  This nationally known club, located at 1135 13th St., presents concerts several nights a week. A few of the names in the upcoming schedule are listed below; check online for updates. 303-443-3399 or 303-447-0095; www.foxtheatre.com. 

High Street Concert Series  Lyons’ volunteer-run, nonprofit concert series has an important mission: to present national and local acoustic and Americana acts in an intimate community setting. Concerts often sell out far in advance, so get tickets early at www.highstreetconcerts.com. At Rogers Hall, corner of Fourth and High streets in Lyons.

Hotel Boulderado  Live music plays in the lobby of the Hotel Boulderado on select evenings, with happy-hour specials every day until 7pm. Check www.boulderado.com for other events, including Music on the Mezz. 2115 13th St. 303-442-4880.

Jubilate! Sacred Singers  This 60-member chorus was born out of a desire to share the gift of a-cappella choral music. Most of their scheduled performances are during area church services; check www.jubilatesacredsingers.org for complete schedule. 303-666-7332.

Kutandara Center  The Zimbabwean music center in Boulder offers classes and workshops for all ages, and the center’s ensembles perform throughout the region at special events. Look online for a list of scheduled performances and a class schedule, which includes special one-day introductory workshops on Feb. 18 and May 5. www.kutandara.com. 

Lakewood Cultural Center  The 2011-2012 season includes music, dance and family programs, with something for everyone, including The Harlem Quartet on Jan. 22 and Soweto Gospel Choir on April 3. See www.lakewood.org/culturalcenter for the complete schedule and ticket information. Lakewood Cultural Center is at 470 S. Allison Parkway. 303-987-7845. 

Laughing Goat Coffeehouse  The Laughing Goat, at 1709 Pearl St., hosts an eclectic variety of musical events every night of the week. For complete schedule, see www.thelaughinggoat.com.

Lone Tree Arts Center  State-of-the-art, venue opened in August 2011, with a grand entry hall event/gallery space, 500-seat mainstage theater, intimate 225-event theater and 350-seat outdoor terrace theater. Check www.lonetreeartscenter.org for complete schedule. 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, south of Denver.

Longmont Council for the Arts  3rd Fridays: Once a month from October through April, Friday Afternoon Concerts and Art Shows pair live musical entertainment with the works of Colorado artists. The art exhibits open at 1:30pm and the music begins at 2:30pm. At the Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Sunday Afternoon House Concerts runs March through June. Schedule: www.artslongmont.org.

Longmont Symphony Orchestra  The LSO, founded in 1966, gives 10 or more concerts each season, reaching more than 15,000 audience members every year. Fall performances are listed below; they take place at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, 600 E. Mountain View Ave. in Longmont. www.longmontsymphony.org. 

Louisville Cultural Council  Coffeehouse Concerts are at the Louisville Center for the Arts, 801 Grant Ave. Check www.louisvillearts.org for the lineup.

Lyons Fork  Sundays: On Sunday evenings at 7:30pm, the Lyons Fork Restaurant hosts acoustic acts in an intimate setting, featuring local and regional favorites. The Lyons Fork is at 450 Main St. in Lyons. 303-823-5014; www.lyonsfork.com.

MahlerFest XXV  May 15-20: Colorado MahlerFest, held yearly in Boulder, celebrates the life, music and times of composer Gustav Mahler. The festival includes concerts, recitals, scholarly symposia, film, fine art, dance, theater and multimedia presentations. The complete shcedule of events and venues is listed at www.mahlerfest.org.

Messiah Sing-Alongs  Community sing-alongs of Handel’s “Messiah,” presented by the Boulder Messiah Chorale and Orchestra, 7pm Sat and 2pm & 7pm Sun at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 14th and Pine streets. Check http://messiahsingalong.org for ticket information. 

Millennium Harvest House Rockin’ the Gardens  The Friday Afternoon Club free concert series begins in early May at 1345 28th St.; check www.harvesthousefac.com for the complete schedule. 

Mountain Sun/Southern Sun/Vine Street  Three restaurant/pubs in the same family (two of them in Boulder) offer free live music on Sunday evenings and often on other nights of the week: Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery at 1535 Pearl St.; Southern Sun at 627 S. Broadway; and Vine Street Pub & Brewery, 1700 Vine St. in Denver. Check the event calendar at www.mountainsunpub.com, which is conveniently color-coded by pub location.  

Nissi’s  Nissi’s hosts live music year-round, nearly every night of the week, and serves bistro-style food, tapas and drinks. Shows start at 7:30pm and end around 9:30pm, 10pm on weekends. See the website for the winter/spring schedule, which includes The Jurassicasters, Face, Angus Mohr and Rebecca Folsom. 2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette. 303-665-2757; www.nissis.com.

Opera Colorado  Opera Colorado’s new season begins in February and includes “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Il Trovatore.” Performances are at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets. Check online for the schedule and ticket info. 303-357-2787; www.operacolorado.org.

Oskar Blues  Oskar Blues’ three locations serve up live blues music and more nearly every night of the week. Check online to see who’s playing at the original location in Lyons at 303 Main St.; the Tasty Weasel Taproom at the brewing facility in Longmont, 1800 Pike Road; and Oskar Blues Homemade Liquids and Solids in Longmont at 1555 S. Hover St. Bluegrass jams at the Lyons location take place every Tuesday night. www.oskarblues.com.

Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra  Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Cynthia Katsarelis, performs at venues in Denver and Boulder; check online for details about the concerts listed. Performances are at 7:30pm, preceded by a talk at 6:30pm. www.promusicacolorado.org. 

Redstone Meadery  Saturdays: Redstone Meadery offers free live music on Saturdays from 2-5pm (through April), and the tasting room is open until 5pm as well. Check www.redstonemeadery.com for a schedule.

The Renaissance Project  The Renaissance Project, a 24-voice a-cappella chorus led by Arthur Hampton Bragg, focuses on Renaissance motets and other music of the period. Venues vary, so check www.renaissanceprojectboulder.org for details.

Rock N Soul Cafe  The Rock N Soul Cafe hosts numerous live music events each month, including Open Mic Night most Mondays at 7pm, and local and regional bands nearly every other night of the week. 5290 Arapahoe Ave., #1. 303-443-5108; www.rocknsoulcafe.com.

Rocky Mountain Brassworks  “No woodwinds allowed” in this brass and percussion band, which performs a varied repertoire of original works, marches, show tunes and more at area venues including Broomfield Auditorium. See www.rockymountainbrassworks.com for more details about the concerts listed. 

Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts  RMCMA, a nonprofit community music school for all ages and abilities, offers lessons on all instruments and voice, plus early childhood classes, music theory for all ages, adult performance ensembles and music therapy. The center is at 200 E. Baseline Road in Lafayette. 303-665-0599; www.comusic.org.

Dec. 3: Student “Performathon,” 9am-5pm

Rocky Mountain Harmony College Barbershop Concert  Feb. 4: From small groups to full choruses, this barbershop event features groups from all over the area. 7:30pm at Assembly Hall at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. 970-586-0927.

Seicento Baroque Ensemble  Brand-new ensemble under the direction of Evanne Browne is a semi-professional, auditioned chamber choir focusing on lesser-known 17th- and 18th-century Baroque choral music, both a cappella and accompanied. Spring concerts listed below are at various venues; check www.seicentobaroque.org for details.

Feb. 17-19: Requiem in F by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber and Musikalische Exequien by Heinrich Schütz; Feb. 17 in Boulder, Feb. 18 in Cherry Hills Village,  Feb. 19 in Estes Park

St Julien Hotel  Catch tunes on the terrace most Tuesdays through Saturdays at the St Julien Hotel, 900 Walnut St., starting at 6:30 or 7pm. www.stjulien.com.

St. Martin’s Chamber Choir  St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, founded in 1994, performs at various venues throughout the metro area, including many in Boulder. See www.stmartinschamberchoir.org for information about the concerts listed below. 

The Stone Cup  Saturdays: Intimate café in Lyons is open until 9:30pm many Saturday nights for live music that begins at 7:30pm. Most events are free, but some are $5. 442 High St. 303-823-2345; www.thestonecup.com. 

Sun Rose Café  Fridays: Catch live music from 7-9pm at Longmont’s intimate Sun Rose Café, 379 Main St. See updated schedule at www.sunrosecafe.com or find the “SunRoseCafe” page on Facebook.

Swallow Hill Music Association  The Swallow Hill Music Association showcases folk, roots and acoustic music in the Denver area. Concerts, jams, open stages, classes, children’s events and much more take place at the three-venue center at 71 E. Yale Ave. in Denver. Check the extensive events calendar online at www.swallowhillmusic.org.

1000 Voices Project  1000 Voices Project was founded on the conviction that whenever we raise our voices collectively, change is inevitable. The group offers a variety of programs and classes in African songs, rhythm games, dance and storytelling. www.1000-voices.com.

Wildflower Concert Series  Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons keeps the music alive all year long, with concerts on selected evenings in its all-season venue, the Wildflower Pavilion. Check www.bluegrass.com for an updated schedule or call 303-823-0848.

Zimbabwean Benefit  April 21: Sixth annual Zimbabwean Benefit features performances by Kutandara, Vanu Vedu and other ensembles. 10am-2pm at the Boulder Farmers’ Market, 13th Street and Canyon Boulevard. Kutandara also performs at the market on May 12. www.kutandara.org.