While March is technically the beginning of spring, it isn’t until April that it really starts to feel like we’re transitioning from the cold weather to something more pleasant. April is the month where we move from inside activities to music under the stars, meals on patios and art shows spilling out into the street.
With that in mind, here’s a round-up of activities to say a fond (depending on your interests) farewell to winter.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — John Mayer Solo at Ball Arena
When John Mayer first appeared on the scene in the early 2000s, I think even few of even his most devoted fans (of which I am one) could have predicted the journey he’d take in the ensuing 20 years. He mastered the pop guitarist thing and explored a range of roles: blues maestro, folky troubadour and even jam band favorite. During all this he worked hard to stay true to himself and the result is a wonderful song catalog full of radio mainstays and hidden gems.
To celebrate the first two decades of his career, Mayer has embarked on a solo tour, which stops at Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3. He’ll be joined by the fantastic folk/blues singer Joy Oladokun for what I’m certain will be a truly special evening. Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.
Celebrate the legendary Charles Mingus at DU
Charles Mingus is one of jazz’s most incomparable voices — his compositions are as nuanced and innovative as the writing of legends like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. And the Mingus Big Band has been celebrating his music since 1979. It is under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus and was built off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after his death in 1979.
The 14-piece band will be performing at The Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 6. Anyone who loves jazz or wants to learn more about one of the 20th century’s most dynamic composers shouldn’t miss this performance.
According to provided information, the group “features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime.” Get tickets at newmancenterpresents.com.
Visit Brazil via Diego Figueiredo’s guitar
It is difficult to imagine a better music to get you in the mood for warmer weather than Brazilian jazz, which makes guitarist Diego Figueiredo’s performance at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, at 7:30 p.m. April 7 perfectly timed.
According to provided information, Figueiredo takes a unique approach to jazz and classical solo guitar. He’s a Grammy-nominated guitarist, who has performed in more than 60 countries and has an international reputation as one of the world’s best jazz musicians.
For information and tickets, call 303-987-7845 or visit Lakewood.org/LCCPresents.
Explore the transience of photography at Walker Fine Art
Walker Fine Art’s, 300 W. 11th Ave., No. A, in Denver, latest exhibition, “Transient Presence,” began in mid-March to celebrate Denver’s Month of Photography, but runs through Saturday, May 13, to give fans of the medium more time to appreciate the work of six photographers.
This group exhibition features the work of Melanie Walker, Bonny Lhtoka, Joo Woo, Jane Fulton Alt, Kevin Hoth and Katie Kindle, all of whom explore the flexability and impact of photography in unique ways. As is always the case with exhibits at Walker, expect to be both challenged and delighted in equal measure.
Find more information at www.walkerfineart.com/transient-presence.
Dining of the delecTABLE kind at ASLD
The Art Students League of Denver is unveiling the sixth version of its biennial, functional ceramics exhibit delecTABLE: The Fine Art of Dining at the league, 200 Grant St. in Denver, where it is on display from April 7 through May 21.
According to provided information, the show features 90 pieces by more than 70 ceramists, as well as accompanying 2D and fiber arts works by ASLD faculty.
The show was juried by Andrew Clark, a Tennessee ceramics artist and current gallery manager at Companion Gallery in Humboldt, Tennessee. There will be an opening reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 7 and there will also be discussions, workshops and more held during delecTABLE’s run.
For all the necessary information, visit https://asld.org/delectable/.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
