See also: Gallery Sketches: Ring in the New Year at These Three First Friday Shows
First Friday at Denver Metro Area (Friday, free) First Friday happens every month, but it's really only the first First Friday of the year once. Bundle up and stroll out to the Santa Fe, Golden Triangle, RiNo, Navajo and Tennyson art districts to see amazing local works of art, and catch a buzz from the complimentary wine.
Lindy Hop & Libations at Infinite Monkey Theorem (Friday, free) Swingin' Denver and The Infinite Monkey Theorem is kicking off the new year with a partnership, pairing wine and dance class. The classes happen on Thursdays and will set you back $15, but tonight try out the program for free. Learn some steps to woo the crowd.Ian Mellencamp / Joshua Novak at Mutiny Information Cafe (Friday, donations) Coming in hot from New York City, Ian Mellencamp brings an acoustic set of his technological spirit sounds to the Mile High City. Denver's own Joshua Novak will be there as well, and is sure to get your feet tapping. Tonight's show is free, or you can catch Mellencamp at Lion's Lair on Sunday as well for a mere $6.
Los Angeles Plays Itself at Sie Film Center (Saturday, $10) Much like people think Denver is just a place to smoke weed, Los Angeles gets a bad rap for it's proximity to Hollywood. The way cinema has portrayed the City of Angels may or may not be a true depiction of the town. Film professor Thom Andersen's 2003 documentary powerfully shows that by juxtaposing footage from Hollywood movies and that of his own lens. Although it was made in 2003, it was not released to a nationwide audience until now, so don't miss this one time showing in Denver.
INTIMäT Launch Party at DADA Art Bar (Saturday, free) A staple in the Denver House music scene, INDUSTRIA : Electronic Music Sessions, is proud to announce a new partnership with DADA Art Bar to showcase their monthly DJ sets. Join them for a "boiler room feel," which means the DJ's will be able to spin and interact within the crowd. Get ready to dance to the sexy and sophisticated set provided by Fiat LuXx, Annelise Ohlson, Stephen Ganser and Victor Murcia.
Free Psychedelic Rock Show at Dark Horse (Saturday, free) I always thought it would benefit a band to call themselves Bluegrass Festival, because all kinds of weirdos would show up for what they thought was an actual bluegrass festival. The main band playing tonight's show is Tom Waits For No Man, which is definitely one of the most brilliant band names out there. Based on that alone you should cruise up to Boulder and see what these dudes are all about if you're into the sludge and psychedelic side of life.
Mile High Soul Club (Saturday, $3) at Syntax Physic Opera Hopefully you went to the free swing dancing classes we mentioned above, because here's a party to show it off at. Dance the night away to rhythm and blues, northern soul, funk and maybe even a little popcorn, or maybe a lot of popcorn.American Culture Tour Kick-Off at Meadowlark (Saturday, free) We're covering almost every genre this weekend, so for your noise-pop-punk fix get down to the Meadowlark tonight. These dudes rip and could use the pos vibes before they take off on tour, so check them out. Joining them will be special guests CP 208 and Disaster Canyon.
Free Fitness Boot Camp at Commons Park (Sunday, free) According to the United States Government, losing weight is the number one new year's resolution in the country. If you find yourself in that boat, get motivated with this group to start the year off right. It's hard to do alone, but with all these people on your side, it will make things a lot easier and definitely more fun.
Luche Libre & Laughs at The Oriental Theater (Sunday, $10) Don't go back to work without having a good chuckle. Goofy (but manly) wrestling and even goofier comedians will round out your weekend and bring a close to this crazy holiday season. Let Ben Roy, Sam Tallent and Ian Douglas Terry tell you jokes off the top ropes before you get to see a suplex or two.
