See also: - Chelsea Peretti on writing standup and talking to creepy podcast callers - Mustaches: They're gross, they scratch my face, and the Civil War is over - Mustaches: They're exciting, and they celebrate a classic ode to manhood
Bloodsister at Kaze Gallery (Friday, free) You don't have to wait until the next First Friday for stellar art openings. This collaboration between tattoo artist Sandi Calistro and Blair Pascal looks to be one of the best bets for the evening, with pieces that meld photography and spindly illustration to create wonderfully witchy art. See it all at the opening reception tonight.Recession Aesthetic at Good Thieves Press (Friday, free) Continue your Friday night gallery hopping at this themed show organized by Good Thieves Press. A variety of artists -- including Corrina Espinosa, Kevin Frazier, Michael Frazier and more -- will display pieces that relate to the theme Recession Aesthetic; the result is described as "a collection of works by emerging artists whose praxis is shaped by the confluence of concerns and limitations created by the economic conditions of the early aughts." Come see the art that's come out of the recession.
Free Days at the Denver Zoo (Friday-Saturday, free) Free days at the Denver Zoo are always a treat, and this weekend offers not just one, but two days when admission is completely free. Join the throngs of families that are always present at these crowded days of complimentary animal-viewing. Be sure to check out the new lion cubs from Qatar while you wander the grounds.
Broncos Pep Rally at Sports Authority Field (Friday, free) Even if you don't have a ticket to the playoff game on Saturday, you can still party with other Broncos fans at today's pep rally outside the field where the home team will play the Ravens tomorrow. The event will feature cheerleaders, music from Funkiphino, and prizes like game tickets and other swag -- including a chance to win actual tickets.DKBC Bandimals Winter Social at the Hi-Dive (Saturday, $6) This Denver Kickball Coalition winter soiree is sure to be a real kick: Three supergroups made up of members of local bands will perform sets of covers, with tunes from Mouth Full of Thunder and songs between the sets by DJ Jus-panda. Don't miss this chance to see hits performed by groups that might never exist again.
Fingerstyle Guitar with Jon Sousa at the Denver Central Library (Saturday, free) The Denver Public Library's Weekend Music Series kicks off today with the impressive stylings of guitarist Jon Sousa. The musician has trained all over the world, everywhere from France to West Africa to Ireland, to learn different styles of music. He'll display the results of all that training at this special free concert.
Prom Redux at the Oriental Theater (Saturday, $10) Relive your high school prom experience (or make up for a bad one) at the Arabian Nights-themed Prom Redux. The best part? It's all for a good cause. A portion of the ticket proceeds to the event, which includes a fashion show and crowning of a queen and king, will benefit the Prom Dress Exchange, which helps clothe needy high school kids in formal wear so they can attend their own proms. Bring gently used fancy wear to donate to the cause before you relive your own teenage years.
Night Drive at Beauty Bar (Saturday, $3) No weekend is complete without a killer dance party, and Night Drive promises to be just that. The Beauty Bar bash will feature jams from DJs James Miles and Shannon von Kelly and should be just the place place to chase away the winter blues with dancing and cocktails.Archaeological Institute Lecture at the Tattered Cover Lodo (Sunday, free) Can't remember what happened last night? Spend your Sunday atoning for your sins by actually learning something. At a lecture entitled "What was that horrible thing that happened around the world in AD 536?," the University of Colorado's Dr. Payson Sheets will talk about the mystery of a worldwide disaster, possibly a volcanic eruption, that caused intense cold, crop failures, starvation and deaths all over the world.
The 'Stache at the Deer Pile (Sunday, $8 or free with a moustache) Mustaches are controversial. In fact, their mere existence created a heated pro-con debate between Westword writers Samantha Alviani and Bree Davies this week (Pro: They're exciting, and they celebrate a classic ode to manhood, Con: They're gross, they scratch my face, and the Civil War is over). This night at the Deer Pile is definitely meant for lovers of facial hair; it will include a mustache contest, 'stache-themed crafts, and mustachioed comedians and musicians. Even if you're not a fan of the fur, this night might just convert you.Follow @WestwordCulture
