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Since Christmas falls on a Thursday, many of us get a four-day weekend. To get through this long, intense weekend we're going to laugh at people, explore magic and dance to some heavy psychedelics. Click your way over to the Westword calendar for even more bargain events and let us know about any we missed in the comments section below.
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BoomBox Hat Release Party at Grassroots Colorado (Friday, free) Apparently, this band is widely popular -- so popular they made hats. To celebrate such things, come out and meet the guys from the band and get your hat signed. It's pretty obvious these guys like to have a good time as much as they like hats. There's going to be free Great Divide to imbibe as well.
Gen-Xmas at Monkey Barrel (Friday, free) How about a good old fashion house-party-style blowout complete with red cups and a keg of free beer? This one's for the nostalgia of the Gen-Xers, so get ready to dance and swoon to all of your favorite hits from the '80s, '90s and early '00s. We can only hope for this one.
The Grawlix at Bug Theater (Friday, $10)The Grawlix have been hard at work in Los Angeles for the pilot of their new show
Those Who Can't. With that all wrapped up, they made their way back to town for an extremely special Grawlix Christmas performance. Repent sinners, Jesus is in town and he's encouraging singing and fighting in the name of comedy.
Pale Sun at Hi Dive (Friday, $8) Pale Sun plays warm and heavy psychedelic music that could hypnotize any crowd. Maybe you got to see them at last summers Denver Psych Fest-- or maybe you've never heard of them-- but if you want to check out a concert this weekend, this is the one to see. Also joining them for the evening will be Plume Varia and Pythian Whispers.
Dawn of the Shred at Lost Lake (Friday, free) For all the guitar rippers and shredders, it's like karaoke, but with heavy riffs instead of forgotten lyrics. Bring down your axe, plug in and see if you can keep up with your favorite rock, metal and punk chords. Even if you're not a guitar god, it should be fun to watch. There's going to be some horror movies playing in the background to make the night extra gnarly.
Kwanzaa at Denver Metro Area (Friday-Sunday, free) If you just can't let go of the holiday spirit, Kwanzaa can add seven more days of festive fun. Over the weekend celebrate the first three days of Kwanzaa at places like the Black American West Museum, Blair Caldwell African American Research Library and the Denver Zoo, where you can participate in parades, drum circles and all kinds of other pan-African rituals. December Gayme Night at Enchanted Grounds (Saturday, free) Everyone is invited out to play some Legendary Villains or Magic: The Gathering or whatever else tickles your fancy. Since it is holiday time, there will be an extra special raffle and game giveaway.
The Duel: An Improv Cagematch at Voodoo Comedy Playhouse (Saturday, $5) In the olden days, when two people needed to squash a quarrel, they slapped each other on the cheek and then held a gunfight to determine the winner. Not that anyone has to die tonight, but there can only be one winner between these two improv troupes vying for cash and prizes, and it's up to the audience to decide the winner. Come check out the duel and maybe you'll feel like starting your own improv group to compete with next week.
The Magic Within Psychic Explorations in Telepathy and Empathy w/ Magician Erica Sodos at Mercury Cafe (Saturday, $10)Explore the magic within yourself as Erica Sodos takes you on a whimsical journey. One part magic, one part telepathy and one part music will add up to be an enchanted evening. It's not everyday you can interact with one of the world's only female mentalists.
Propaganda! A Comedy Show at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret (Sunday, free) The last Sunday of the month always brings us laughs in the basement of the old D&F clocktower. On top of a handful of local jokesters, Noah Savage and Alyssa Wolff will make their way from New York City to complete the night of free comedy, pizza coupons, t-shirts and Uber rides home.
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