Top Five Tadoos in Aurora and Beyond -- June 10 to 18

"Footloose" at Stapleton. (Photo courtesy of the Aurora Fox).

The range of events this week is impressive for art lovers, theater lovers and music lovers alike, from open access at two arts districts to the takeover of Havana Street by gearheads next Saturday. A list of the five best bets follows after the jump.



1. "Footloose" at Stapleton

It's the last weekend to catch the Aurora Fox's tribute to an '80s classic. The troupe from the Fox is kicking off the summer with a good dose of nostalgia with their production of the musical“Footloose” at the outdoor theater on Founder’s Green at Stapleton at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11. Based on the 1980s film starring Kevin Bacon and John Lithgow, “Footloose” tracks the story of a small town that outlaws dancing and a teenager that defies the rule. Now in its second year, the collaboration between the Fox theater and the Stapleton Master Community Association is part of a push to build a new public arts scene in the area. Information: 303-739-1971; aurorafoxartscenter.org.

2. Second Friday Artwalk in the Aurora Arts District

Art Walk: This month’s 2nd Friday Art Walk centered in the Aurora Arts District on East Colfax Avenue will feature live music, artist demonstrations and interactive craft, as well as a large selection of new gallery exhibits. The 16-block area will be buzzing with activity on Friday, June 10, as the band Instant Impressions plays a live soundtrack for artist Mark Cline’s in-person chalk demonstrations in Fletcher Plaza starting at 5 p.m. The Red Delicious Press Gallery at 9901 E. 16th Ave. will also unveil its latest show titled “Expulsion,” a collection of prints by David Wyzenbeek. The Other Side Arts Gallery at 1400 Dallas St. is set to open “From a Different Point of View: Artists Breaking Barriers,” a show that includes pieces by comedian Josh Blue and musician Kalyn Heffernan. Information: 720-276-0201; auroraartsdistrict.com.

An artistic sample from the Walnut Workshop that will be on display during the Sixth Annual Open Studio Tour on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Ashlee Temple).

3. RiNo Art Safari: Sixth Annual Open Studio Tour, noon to 5 p.m., June 11, River North District in Denver

This year’s open studio tour in Denver’s burgeoning River North Arts District will include open tours of 25 studios, spaces that range from the Dry Ice Factory ceramic studio at 3300 Walnut Street to the Ironton Studios and Gallery at 3636 Chestnut Place. One of Saturday’s best bets will be at the Walnut Workshop at 3525 Walnut Street, the sister gallery of the neighboring Wazee Union. Information: www.rivernorthart.com/second-saturdays.

4. “Rock of Ages” at the Buell Theatre will offer another tribute to the music of the 1980s starting on Tuesday, June 14. The Broadway musical features a classic girl-meets-boy love story set to tunes by Journey, Poison, Pat Benatar, Styx, Whitesnake and other power rock combos. The musical includes some adult content and settings; the show is recommended for audiences aged 14 and older. Information: 303-893-4100; denvercenter.org.

5. Fourth Annual Cruzin' Havana Car Show and Poker Run

Saturday, June 18 from 3 to 9 p.m. along Havana Motor Mile, Alameda to Parker Road along Havana Street.

Vintage car collectors and gearheads will converge on Havana Street in Aurora to show off an estimated 5,000 classic automobiles, models that range from modern Corvettes to Model T Fords from the early 20th century. Businesses like the Stampede, Gibby's, the Gardens on Havana and Stevinson Toyota East are set to participate in the Cruzin' event, which will also include a "Poker Run" contest with a big screen TV as a prize. Admission in free. For more information, contact the Havana Business Improvement District, 303-360-7505.