Winter bluegrass, a ‘Benediction,’ and more weekend arts happenings to grab your attention

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7min 29sec

Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival
Feb. 20 - 22
Northglenn Ramada Plaza, Denver

This three-day indoor bluegrass festival features instrumental and vocal workshops, jam sessions for beginners and live performances from more than 15 artists, including the renowned Fort Collins-based Bluegrass Patriots. The group split in 2011 and is reuniting at this event.

Colorado WinterWonderGrass Festival
Feb. 20 - 22
Nottingham Park, Avon

Now in its third year, this outdoor bluegrass and beer festival features more than 20 artists, including Leftover Salmon, The Wood Brothers (featuring bassist Chris Wood from jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood) and Nederland’s Elephant Revival.

Photo: Joyce Cohen and Mike Hartman in Benediction"Benediction"
Jan. 30 - March 1
The Space Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Center, Denver

This world premiere drama, adapted for the stage by Eric Schmiedl, represents the completion of late Colorado author Kent Haruf’s “Plainsong” trilogy. “Benediction” follows the story of Dad Lewis, owner of a hardware store in fictional Holt, Colorado, who has just received a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The McNichols Project presents "Light Years"
Feb. 19
McNichols Building, Denver

The first in a new quarterly event series takes inspiration from art and photography exhibitions on display at the McNichols Building -- in this case, a pair of photography shows devoted to the Denver International Airport and 20th century icons like Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe. “Light Years” features music from vintage jazz band Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles, art, photography and libations.

Photo: Aspen Santa Fe BalletAspen Santa Fe Ballet
Feb. 21 - 22
Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver

This dance company, based both in Aspen and Santa Fe, performs three works in Denver, including two pieces – “Beautiful Mistake” and “The Heart(s)pace” - originally commissioned by the company.

Edge of the Plains: Paintings by Sharon Feder
Feb. 18 - May 3
Gates Garden Court Gallery, Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street), Denver

This Denver-based painter - who is also a set designer, muralist and sign artist - prides herself on capturing details that may go unnoticed by others such as a nondescript building or a vantage point that is seemingly unremarkable.

24th Annual Wine Festival of Colorado Springs
Feb. 19-21
Various venues, Colorado Springs

This three-day wine festival includes a seminar focused on wine and glass pairing, a multi-course luncheon featuring six Italian guest vintners and a “grand tasting” which includes more than 300 wines from around the world.

Live taping of NPR’s "From the Top"
Feb. 20
King Center Concert Hall, University of Colorado Denver, Denver

The acclaimed, long-running NPR music program comes to Denver for a live taping, featuring an appearance by film composer Danny Elfman, who scored “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and other popular movies. The Perlman Music Program String Quartet, Denver School of the Arts String Ensemble, pianist Huan Li, clarinetist Scott Chiu and harpist Abigail Enssle round out the program.

Durango Arts Center presents its 39th Annual Juried Exhibition
Feb. 20 - March 21
Barbara Conrad Gallery, Durango Arts Center, Durango

New Mexico visual artist Elizabeth Stannard selects pieces for an exhibition featuring artists working across a variety of media.

Evergreen Chorale & Center Stage present "Little Shop of Horrors"
Feb. 20 - March 8
Center Stage, Evergreen

Based on the classic 1960 comedy horror film of the same name, this musical tells the story of an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivorous plant who offers a flower shop employee fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite.

Boulder Ballet presents "Stepping Out 2015"
Feb. 20 - 22
The Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder

Choreographers Ana Claire, Peter Davison, Kathryn Elliott, Becky Jancosko and James Wallace premiere new works set to live piano music. Their steps will be matched to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach performed by pianist David Korevaar, and works for two pianos by Francis Poulenc performed by visiting artists Victoria and Dan Sabo.

Artopia 2015
Feb 21
City Hall, Denver

The focus of this year's Westword-sponsored culture and fashion event is the senses. It features multi-sensory art installations, cocktails, music and an "Alice in Wonderland"-themed fashion show including seven Colorado-based designers and boutiques.