Friday, June 21, 2013

Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) June Festival

The anticipated, 23rd annual JAS June Festival stages four nights of world-class musicians at the beautiful Benedict Music Tent. This year’s headliners include Jackson Browne, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Pink Martini. Held through July 6, the festival also includes weekly performances at the JAS Café Downstairs at The Little Nell. 960 N. 3rd St., 866-JAS-TIXX; jazzaspensnowmass.org

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Theatre Aspen Kickoff

Join theatre Aspen for its 30th Anniversary Season. This Aspen institution offers amazing Broadway talents that promise a fun and entertaining night with friends and family. Now staged in the new, incredibly designed Hurst Theatre, on tap this summer season is Les Misérables, Fully Committed, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Cross That River: A New Musical. Through August 18. 470 Rio Grande Place; 970-925-5313; theatreaspen.org/

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Aspen Ideas Festival

One of the highlights of an Aspen summer, this heady event draws global leaders, media tycoons, CEOs, scientists, and politicos to the mountains of Aspen. Now in its ninth year and presented by the acclaimed Aspen Institute and The Atlantic, it features three inspiring program tracks spanning four topics each. More than 300 speakers include the likes of US Supreme Court Associate Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan; Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih; Twitter CEO Dick Costolo; Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA); National Rifle Association of America President David A. Keene; Goldman Sachs CEO and Chairman Lloyd Blankfein; and Cellist and the Aspen Institute’s 2013 Harman-Eisner Artist in Residence Yo-Yo Ma, among others. Through July 2. Aspen Meadows Resort, 845 Meadows Rd., 970-544-7960; aspenideas.org

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Aspen Music Festival

This summer favorite has become an iconic Aspen event. Featuring more than eight events a day for 53 days, highlights of the AMFS eight-week summer season include debuts by Joyce DiDonato, the new Emerson String Quartet, and Simone Dinnerstein in concert with Tifft Merritt. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Harris Concert Hall. Through August 18. Held at the Benedict Music Tent and Harris Concert Hall, 960 N. 3rd St.., 970-925-9042; aspenmusicfestival.com

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Aspen Backcountry Marathon

Challenge yourself to a marathon that winds through the beautiful backcountry of Aspen. The route traverses the Colorado high country via dirt trails, with views of the Elk Mountains and the City of Aspen. Presented by Aspen Parks & Recreation and Marmot, this race is sure to get the heart pumping and the legs burning. Individuals or relay teams may register. 970-429-2093; aspenbackcountrymarathon.com

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Aspen’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration

There’s no better way to spend the 4th than in the picturesque streets of Aspen. This year’s celebration includes a downtown parade, kids carnival, live music, picnics, fireworks over Aspen Mountain, and much more. The celebration of our country’s independence has become one of the most attended events in the Rocky Mountains, drawing visitors near and far. 970-925-1940; aspenchamber.org

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet: 2013 Summer Dance

Aspen’s cultural scene heats up with the start of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s summer season. Directors Jean-Philippe Malaty and Tom Mossbrucker lead such performances as Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Program A, Momix-Botanica, Dance for Kids!, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and more. Through August 24. Aspen District Theatre, 335 High School Rd., 970-925-7175; aspensantafeballet.com 

Classical Music Atop Aspen Mountain

Everything looks a little prettier and sounds a little better at 11,000 feet atop Ajax Mountain. Presented by the Aspen Skiing Company, Classical Saturdays, as known by locals, is a summer must. Pack a picnic or eat at the tasty Sundeck Restaurant, and be sure to bring the kiddos as there’s plenty of children activities, too. Through August 10. Sundeck Restaurant, Aspen Mountain, 970-923-1227; aspensnowmass.com/en/events-and-activities/outdoor-music/saturday-classical-music-on-the-mountain

Friday, July 12, 2013

Aspen Historical Society 50th Anniversary Block Party

This year marks the 50th birthday of the Aspen Historical Society, which preserves our town’s unique heritage. This fun-filled block party includes live music, barbecue, cocktails, entertainment, and more. Don’t miss the traveling Smithsonian exhibition, titled "Journey Stories," (also to commemorate the 50th), held June 4-July 10, at the Aspen Fire Station in downtown Aspen (420 E. Hopkins). 620 W. Bleeker St., 970-925-5532; aspenhistorysociety.com/home.html

Aspen Art Museum’s Architecture Lecture Series

This ongoing series fuses art and architecture, two of Aspen’s most passionate pursuits. A free public program held at 6 p.m., the esteemed Aspen Art Museum and the Questrom Education Fund bring Jeanne Gang, founder and principal of Studio Gang Architects in Chicagoto the Limelight Hotel. The conversation will revolve around architecture and its impact on society. 355 South Monarch Street, 970-925-8050; aspenartmuseum.org/emails/architecture_lecture_may_2012.html

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Komen Aspen Race for the Cure

An important fundraiser in the fight against breast cancer, this benefit for the Aspen chapter of Susan G. Komen supports local and western Colorado breast cancer programs. There’s no excuse not to get out there! The race features a family fun 1-mile walk, a 5K and a 10K run/walk, as well as the PAWS for the Cure dog walk. Rio Grande Park in downtown Aspen, 970-920-0250; komenaspen.org

Friday, July 26, 2013

Aspen Art Museum Exhibition

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) holds two new exciting exhibitions: Lorna Simpson: Works on Paperand Hayley Tompkins. Simpson, AAM’s Jane and Marc Nathanson Distinguished Artist in Residence, is one of today’s leading female artists. Her work is centered on the African American woman as a platform of drawings and collages. Additionally, Tompkins explores the boundary between painting and reality, and her AAM debut marks her first solo North American show. Through September 22. 590 N. Mill St., 970-925-8050; aspenartmuseum.org/events/category/upcoming-exhibitions/

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Vince Gill & Amy Grant Golf Classic

Now in its 10th year, this festive event benefits Challenge Aspen and features a golf day with PGA and NAGA players. Pro Fred Funk also hosts a benefit dinner and a live concert by Gill and Grant. Challenge Aspen has been in the Roaring Fork Valley for many years, and provides possibilities for those with disabilities. 970-923-0578; challengeaspen.org/fundraising-events/vince-gill-amy-grant-golf-classic/