AURORA | Do you hear the people sing? You can, that and all of your other “Les Mis’ favorites through the weekend at the People’s Building on Colfax. You can tap your foot to the music that made Victor Hugo a household word in this country as the “Les Miserable” production, school edition, offers up the timeless spectacle.
Maybe you dreamed another dream for the weekend? No worries. Sentinel Muse has something for everyone. Scroll down.
‘Les Misérables’ the school edition at The People’s Building
Victor Hugo’s sweeping tale of justice, redemption and revolution takes the stage in this powerful musical adaptation that has captivated audiences around the world for decades. Set in 19th-century France, the story follows Jean Valjean, a former prisoner seeking to rebuild his life, while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. Along the way, the lives of factory workers, students, revolutionaries and ordinary citizens intertwine against the backdrop of political unrest. Featuring a soaring score that includes “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home” and “One Day More,” the production combines intimate storytelling with epic theatrical spectacle.
IF YOU GO:
Date: through April 19. Curtains vary.
Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $25–$50
Information: ThePeoplesBuilding.com
Django Jingles — Jazz Manouche and more with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
Hot swing and spirited improvisation take center stage as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents Django Jingles: Jazz Manouche N More at Lakewood Cultural Center. Led by artistic director Drew Zaremba, the concert pays tribute to legendary guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, whose groundbreaking work with the Quintette du Hot Club de France helped define the vibrant jazz manouche style.
Blending American jazz traditions with Romani musical influences, jazz manouche—also known as “hot club jazz”—is characterized by its acoustic instrumentation, driving rhythms and high-energy improvisation. The CJRO brings that sound to life with a dynamic ensemble featuring saxophonist Jared Cathey, pianist Ben Hall, guitarist Mike Abbott, bassist Eric Hitt and vocalist Marion Powers.
The concert also features special guest violinist Enion Pelta-Tiller, co-founder of the internationally recognized band Taarka. Known for blending Gypsy and Eastern European folk traditions with modern sensibilities, Pelta-Tiller adds a fresh dimension to the performance, honoring Reinhardt’s legacy while expanding the sound with her own distinctive style.
Organizers describe the evening as a celebration of rhythm and melody, capturing the infectious energy of early 20th-century jazz while showcasing the CJRO’s signature blend of tradition and innovation. The orchestra, one of the region’s premier jazz ensembles, continues to push boundaries with inventive programming and performances that highlight the depth and versatility of the genre.
IF YOU GO:
Date: 3 p.m. April 26
Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway
Tickets $36 – $38
www.coloradojazz.org or call 303-987-7845
“Fat Ham” at Aurora Fox Arts Center
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames re-imagines Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in this contemporary comedy-drama that unfolds during a family barbecue in the American South. The story follows Juicy, a thoughtful young man confronting family expectations and personal identity after the ghost of his father demands revenge. Instead of following the traditional tragic path, Juicy wrestles with whether breaking cycles of anger and violence might offer a different kind of resolution. The play mixes humor, music and emotional reflection while exploring themes of family, identity and self-determination.
IF YOU GO:
Date: through April 19
Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $20–$42
Information: aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970
Aleks Syntek in Concert at Stampede
Latin pop icon Aleks Syntek delivers a high-energy live performance filled with chart-topping hits and fan favorites that have defined his decades-long career. Known for blending electronic elements with melodic pop and heartfelt lyrics, Syntek’s music resonates across generations. His live shows are dynamic and immersive, featuring vibrant visuals, audience interaction and a setlist that moves seamlessly between upbeat dance tracks and emotional ballads. The atmosphere at Stampede adds an extra layer of excitement, turning the evening into both a concert and a full-scale nightlife experience.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 19 at 9 p.m.
Place: Stampede, 2430 S Havana St., Aurora
Tickets: $40–$85
Information: stampedeclub.net or call 303-696-7686
Ari Lennox – “The Vacancy Tour” at Summit Music Hall
Celebrated R&B artist Ari Lennox brings her soulful voice and emotionally rich songwriting to Denver as part of her national tour. Known for her smooth vocal delivery and deeply personal lyrics, Lennox creates a concert experience that is both intimate and electrifying. Her setlist blends tracks from her latest album with fan-favorite songs, offering a journey through themes of love, vulnerability and self-discovery. Backed by a live band and thoughtful stage production, the performance promises to be a standout moment for R&B fans.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 26 at 7 p.m.
Place: Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St.
Tickets: $66-$354
Information: www.summitdenver.com or call 303-487-0111
Alesso Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Set against the dramatic natural backdrop of Red Rocks, international DJ and producer Alesso headlines a major electronic music event that blends sound and scenery into an unforgettable experience. Known for his melodic progressive house style, Alesso’s performance combines powerful beats, cinematic builds and immersive visuals. The open-air venue enhances the music with natural acoustics and sweeping views, making it one of the most iconic concert settings in the world.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 25 8 p.m.
Place: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Tickets: $60–$150
Information: redrocksonline.com or call 720-865-2494
Immersive Concert Experience at Meow Wolf Denver
Blending live music with interactive art installations, this immersive concert event invites audiences to explore a surreal environment while enjoying a live performance. The venue’s imaginative design creates a multi-sensory experience where sound, light and visual storytelling intersect. Guests are encouraged to move through the space, discovering hidden rooms and artistic elements that enhance the music and create a one-of-a-kind cultural event.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 25
Place: 1338 First St.
Tickets: $25–$45
Information: meowwolf.com or call 866-636-9969
Skizzy Mars Live at Marquis Theater
Hip-hop artist Skizzy Mars takes the stage for an energetic performance that blends introspective lyrics with catchy, genre-crossing beats. Known for his engaging stage presence, Mars creates a lively atmosphere that encourages audience participation and connection. The intimate setting of the Marquis Theater allows fans to experience the performance up close, making for a memorable night of live music.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 28, 2026; 7 p.m.
Place: 2009 Larimer St.
Tickets: $25–$40
Information: marquistheater.com or call 303-487-0111
“South Pacific” at Paramount Theatre
This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical transports audiences to a remote Pacific island during World War II, where love stories unfold amid cultural tensions and wartime realities. Featuring a lush score and timeless songs, the production explores themes of prejudice, courage and human connection. With full orchestration and elaborate staging, the show delivers a rich and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Opens April 29
Place: 1621 Glenarm Place.
Tickets: $30–$90
Information: paramountdenver.com or call 303-623-0106
Candlelight Concert Series at Trinity United Methodist Church
This atmospheric concert series transforms a historic church into a glowing performance space illuminated by candlelight. Featuring classical interpretations of well-known works, the concerts provide an intimate and visually striking setting that enhances the emotional power of the music. Try “90s Unplugged” or “Tribute to Fleetwood Mac”
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 17–25, 2026
Place: 1820 Broadway, Denver
Tickets: $30–$60
Information: trinityumc.org or call 303-839-1493
Comedy & Music Showcase at Comedy Works South
Blending stand-up comedy with live performance elements, this showcase features nationally touring comedians alongside occasional musical guests. The venue’s professional setting and strong lineup make it a staple of the region’s entertainment scene.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 17, 2026
Place: 5345 Landmark Place
Tickets: $25–$45
Information: comedyworks.com or call 720-274-6800
Spring Dance Night at Stampede
A lively evening of country, Latin and contemporary dance music brings together Aurora’s diverse nightlife community. With multiple dance floors and professional DJs, the event offers an energetic social experience rooted in music and movement.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 18
Place: 2430 S Havana St., Aurora
Tickets: $10–$25
Information: stampedeclub.net or call 303-696-7686
Spring Arts Market & Performances at Southlands
Combining artisan vendors with live entertainment, this outdoor event showcases local artists, musicians and performers. Visitors can explore handmade goods while enjoying live cultural performances throughout the day.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 25
Place: Southlands Shopping Center, Aurora
Tickets: Free
Information: shopsouthlands.com or call 303-627-5000
Ecosystems: Opening Reception at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts
Celebrate the opening of “Ecosystems,” a printmaking exhibition at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts reflecting biodiversity and environmental dialogue through the medium of print. The show features work by local and guest artists, and the opening reception invites the public to engage with innovative techniques and thematic depth.
IF YOU GO:
Date: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. weekdays through May 15
Place: Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, 1405 Florence St.
Tickets: Free
Info: www.davarts.org or call 303-367-5886
“The Deluge” exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Artist Bethany Collins examines American history, language and identity in this multimedia exhibition that combines sculpture, sound, text and installation. Collins is known for transforming historical documents and cultural symbols into artworks that explore how stories about the nation are constructed and remembered. The exhibition includes pieces created from materials connected to historic monuments as well as works that reinterpret literature and music through erasure, repetition and sound. By reshaping familiar texts and symbols, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how narratives about race, justice and national identity continue to evolve over time.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through July 5,
Place: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St.
Tickets: $8–$14; free for members
Information: mcadenver.org or call 303-298-7554
“World’s Largest Dinosaurs” at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
This traveling exhibition explores how the largest land animals in Earth’s history lived and functioned. Rather than focusing solely on fossil bones, the exhibit examines the biology of giant sauropods, which are dinosaurs whose massive bodies required unique adaptations for breathing, circulation and movement. Through interactive displays, models and scientific research, visitors can learn how scientists study both fossils and modern animals to understand how these enormous creatures survived and thrived millions of years ago. The exhibition also explores the evolutionary advantages and challenges of extreme size, offering a deeper look at how the scale of these animals shaped their behavior and ecosystems.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Sept. 7
Place: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.
Tickets: $6-$9
Information: dmns.org or call 303-370-6000