Ride 'Em, Councilman

"According to the official scorekeeper, I beat 'em all last year, stickin' like a tick to a beast with a bellyful of bed springs for a full 45 seconds!" brags Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown, winner of the mechanical-bull-riding contest at the 2006 Concerts for Kids Country-Western Fundraiser. This year's incarnation kicks off with another celebrity challenge (yes, Brown will be back) tonight at 7 p.m., followed by a performance by the Railbenders, five-time Westword Music Showcase Awards winners in the Country/Roots category, at 7:30. And if Brown thought his ride was "gut-twisting," he should prepare to bust a gut over headlining comedian Bill Engvall; the Blue Collar Comedy Tour star comes on at 9. The evening, at the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson Street, benefits a half-dozen worthy charities that support children's health and education; general admission tickets are $37.75 through Ticketmaster (VIP and sponsor tickets start at $60). For more information, call 303-605-2885.
Wed., Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.