Amelia’s Big Idea—A Musical. 10 a.m. Friday, July 22, Harlow Platts Park, 1360 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder. Free
Gather the kids and head to the park for an imaginative play! Ten-year-old Amelia Smart wants to build a dog park. Her pet, Gadget, needs a safe place to play, but her big idea to transform Townville will take a lot of work! Along the way, Amelia will need help from the Mayor, the Librarian, Mr. Delivery, and others.
square product theatre presents ‘DANCE NATION’
Friday, July 22-25, 28-30, ATLAS Blackbox Theater on the CU Boulder campus, 1125 18th St., Boulder. Tickets: $12.50-$25, squareproducttheatre.org
Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at the Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay. But in Clare Barron’s raucous pageant of ambition and ferocity, these young dancers have more than choreography on their minds, because every plié and jeté is a step toward finding themselves, and a fight to unleash their power. Featuring a multigenerational cast of women playing these pre-teen heroines, DANCE NATION is a play about ambition, growing up, and how to find our souls in the heat of it all.
Author Talk with Dr. Jon Kedrowski. 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 25, City Council Chambers, 350 Kimbark St., Longmont. Free
Dr. Jon Kedrowski will discuss exploring the mountains and high mountain lakes of Colorado as featured in his newest book, Stories of Adventure. He will focus on trip planning as well as weather and climate conditions in Colorado for the recreational hiker and will include information on safety and backcountry preparedness. Kedrowski will also talk about some of his favorite swimming spots as well as his adventures with “Wild Ice’’ skating in this multimedia presentation. As a bonus, Kedrowski will tease his recent expeditions to both Everest and K2. He will discuss the strategy, risk management, and weather considerations for climbing these 8,000-meter giants.
Autism Society of Boulder County presents Grapes for Good Fundraiser. 6-11 p.m. Boulder Jewish Community Center, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder. Tickets: $125-$150, bit.ly/3PpdvH9
This annual wine tasting has been the Autism Society of Boulder County’s principal fundraiser for more than 15 years. Over the years, it has expanded from a small, home grown event into a polished, sophisticated night out. With a generous sponsorship from Superior Liquor, guests will be able to sample over 150 different wines. The night also features a delicious dinner catered by Spice of Life. There will be entertainment with dueling pianos from Denver Piano Shows, as well as both live and silent auctions. The auction items typically include everything from gift baskets and gift cards to fine art and luxury accommodations in mountain resorts. After a two year absence, it promises to be back and better than ever.
eTown presents Will Hoge. 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, eTown Hall, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder. Tickets: $27, etown.org
Nashville-native Will Hoge’s passionate vocals and songwriting have fueled his relentless touring since the start of his solo career in 1998. His blue collar rock sound is accompanied by fantastic storytelling and soulful melodies. He’s released 11 albums so far, each one emblematic of his love for Americana, rock ‘n’ roll, and country music.
A Celebration of Life for Clela Rorex. 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, Boulder Jewish Community Center, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder. Free
Back in 1975, while she was county clerk, Clela Rorex issued the first same-sex marriage license in the United States, right here in Boulder County. Please come celebrate her life at this event. There will be music, poems, singing, and community. At Clela’s request, there will be time in the program to share stories about the impact she had on your life.
‘Traveling Exhibition’ Opening Reception. 5 p.m. Friday, July 22, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. Free, thedairy.org
As a play on words, “traveling exhibition” often refers to an exhibition that is presented to the public in the same way at multiple venues. Traveling Exhibition, in this context, unfolds this concept and reflects back on the artists’ personal experience, combining and showcasing multiple locations of artistic inspiration presented within one venue. The works on view speak to our human connection to travel and our ability to reflect on experiences through art-making that at one time inspire us and at another moment intrigue us enough to ask more questions. The reception is an opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists and curators. Enjoy live music and refreshments available for purchase. All receptions are free and open to the public.
