AROUND TOWN
4th of July Spectacular 6 – 10 p.m. July 4, Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. Admission and parking are free. Visit auroragov.org/events for more information.
There’s just one night a year when there’s enough light to hold a baseball game past sundown, and it’s happening this weekend. And although that little factoid probably has little relevance to most Aurorans over the age of, say, 12, its basis in adolescent wonder and whimsy, and the Fourth of July remains as relevant as ever. For the uninitiated, that little maxim comes from the beloved film “The Sandlot,” and revolves around a scene in which a bunch of ragtag ball players crack bats well into the night beneath the glow of fireworks. It’s quintessential Americana. This weekend, the city of Aurora is offering up a similar scenario — albeit with a few less mitts and ball caps — for its annual fireworks spectacular, set to feature food vendors, live music and $5 Dry Dock brews. So kick back with the ghosts of Smalls and Benny the Jet this weekend and soak in images of coordinated explosions in the sky. Just stay away from Wendy Peffercorn, please.
Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers & Fireworks display 7 p.m. July 4, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City. Call 303-727-3500 or visit coloradorapids.com for more information. Tickets start at $39, field seats go for $120.
Though not as popular in the United States as in most other places around the globe, soccer has a place in the hearts of the loyal Rapids fan base. The Rapids have rewarded their fans by shooting up to first place in the Western Conference standings through mid-June, making July and August exciting months in their quest for a conference championship. Colorado plays at home at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City three times in July and all are special, with a fireworks game on July 4 — following a 7 p.m. game with the Portland Timbers, a 7 p.m. July 16 visit from Sporting Kansas City (which features Regis Jesuit High School grad Roger Espinoza) and a clash with second place FC Dallas at 7 p.m. July 23. Two of the four games the Rapids play in August come in the friendly confines (Aug. 6 vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps at 7 p.m. and Aug. 20 vs. Orlando City Soccer Club at 7 p.m.).
Ritmo Jazz Latino at City Park Jazz 6 – 8 p.m. July 3. Located at the bandstand on Ferril Lake, City Park, near Colorado Boulevard and 17th Avenue, Denver. Admission is free. Visit cityparkjazz.org for more information.
Whoever says Sunday nights are reserved for eulogies to the weekend and “60 Minutes” has clearly never been to Jazz in the Park. With shows held rain or shine, pass on Leslie Stall for a week this year and enjoy the world-class sounds with a summer sunset in the background. July 3 brings Ritmo Jazz Latino, a sextet of Latin jazz musicians who bill themselves as “Denver’s finest Latin jazz ensemble.” The Heavy Heavies comes to town the following week on July 10, followed by Selina Albright on July 17, SuperCollider with Erik Deutsch on July 24, Imagine featuring Melvin Seals on July 31, and Chris Daniels & the Kinds with Freddi Gowdy on Aug. 7.
Crawfish Boil 4 p.m. July 1, North Dock, 2801 Tower Rd. Crawfish are $11 per pound, and $14 for corn, potatoes, crawfish and sausage. To RSVP for crawfish, visit milehighcajun.com. Visit the Dry Dock Facebook page for more information
Who says that Coloradans don’t know their way around seafood? Well, sure, a lot of people, but the folks at Dry Dock Brewing Company and trying to change that tired stigma this weekend with a Crawfish Boil sponsored by the Mile High Cajun food truck. Part of Dry Dock’s ongoing food truck series, the boil will be paired with specialty Dry Dock suds.
ONSTAGE
Intimate Apparel 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday at The Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St. Tickets start at $24.
Ah, yes, the tale of the starry-eyed hopeful who heads to the East Coast city so nice, they named it after a pompous Englishment (it’s NYC, FYI). “Intimate Apparel” contains some of the clichés found in that tried and true plot line, but several refreshing historical spins make the show worthy of a resurrection. Starring Lisa Young as the savvy lead, the summer show casts new light on an old tale. Seth Rossman directs.