Buntport
Audio By Carbonatix
As we move into spring, it’s a time of new beginnings (especially as pandemic restrictions loosen). But it’s also a time to look back and celebrate past accomplishments while considering future changes. This week you can ponder everything from the environment to education, while also being entertained by Buntport and a trio of poets.
Keep reading for six free events in and around Denver this week.
Suzi Q. Smith
Lighthouse Writers Workshop
Happy Hour Reading: Suzi Q. Smith, Deborah Jang, and Tameca L. Coleman
Friday, March 26, 5 to 6 p.m., online
Tune in and be amazed when Lighthouse Writers Workshop pulls together the fabulous female trio of Denver authors/poets Tameca L. Coleman, Deborah Jang and Suzi Q. Smith for a virtual Happy Hour Reading. Coleman will share her debut book, an identity polyptych, set to be released this fall by The Elephants on the Salish Sea; Jang, best known as a fine artist for her sculptures made from salvaged metal and wood, will read from her lovely poetry collection Float True. And Smith, a major player in the local artivist community, will launch her new collection, A Gospel of Bones, from Alternating Current Press. Register for the free event here.
The Armchair Amateurs
Saturday, March 27, 6 p.m., online
The creative minds behind Buntport Theater have kept busy through the pandemic, even though it’s been more than a year since the troupe’s members have staged a full original play for a live audience. Now they’re introducing a new, virtual trick: As the Armchair Amateurs, they’ll squeeze investigative news stories through the grinder, inspired by cues from social media, with a show in the spirit of past entertainments like The Great Debate and buntporTED talks. It’s free; all you have to do is RSVP for the Zoom link here.
WOW Family Seder
Saturday, March 27, 5 to 6 p.m., online
Tuesday, March 30, 5 to 6:30 p.m., online
Judaism Your Way is organized for Passover – are you? If not, JYW makes it easy with virtual seders in child- and adult-friendly versions. The family-style event on March 27 takes cues from NPR’s Wow in the World podcast with a mix of science experiments and Passover trivia, while the traditional seder will unfold on March 30 just like a live one, with recitations and songs around an internet-wide table – but you’ll need your own matzos for a live afikoman hunt. Both events are free to join; register online in advance for the Zoom link.
Love in the Time of COVID-19: An Apocalypse Cabaret
Saturday, March 27, 7 to 8 p.m., online
Since the start of the pandemic, Opera On Tap Colorado has been offering monthly online shows. The March theme comes from Shakespeare, who said: “When words fail, music speaks.” It’s free to watch the performance, but donations are accepted; learn more here.
The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop
Sunday, March 28, 2 p.m., online
You’ve read Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be an Antiracist; now learn how educators can put that book’s practical lessons into redirecting their thinking in an educational format. Author Felicia Rose Chavez will introduce some of her strategies in a free reading and discussion of her new book, The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop: How to Decolonize the Creative Classroom, joined by artivist podcaster Courtney J. Boddie and playwright Idris Goodwin, who will lead a Q&A session. Do the right thing and register here; join the Zoom meeting here.
Welcoming the Stranger: Motus Theater
Sunday, March 28, 5:30 p.m.
Motus Theater works with leaders on the frontlines of violence in the U.S. to write and perform autobiographical stories during Motus Monologue performances. On Sunday, Bishop Karen Oliveto – who serves 400 churches covering Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and a portion of Idaho – and Reverend Jeff Rainwater will partner with Motus, reading aloud and reflecting upon Cristian Solano-Córdova’s story of enduring courage in the journey across the border, through threats and towards liberty. The monologue will be followed by a musical response from Uruguayan musician Elisa Garcia; and then personal and theological reflections on the importance of sacred hospitality, and the impact of stepping into the shoes of an undocumented neighbor. Register here.
Know of a great free event around town? We’ll be updating this list through the week; send information to editorial@westword.com.
