Weekend Arts Roundup: A Tommy Lee Jones puppet, ice climbing and more

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Photo: Ouray Ice Festival
The 20th Annual Ouray Ice Festival starts this Thursday

20th Annual Ouray Ice Festival
Jan. 8 - 11
Ouray Ice Park in the Uncompahgre Gorge, Ouray

This major international gathering of ice climbers, gear manufacturers and enthusiasts of the sport includes more than 80 clinics and seminars, competitions and free climbs for attendees. (Read more.)

Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado performs “The Story of Jephte”
Jan. 9, Church of the Eternal Hills, Tabernash

Jan. 10 - 11, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Denver
Giacomo Carissimi’s "The Story of Jephte" tells the tale of a tragic warrior who must fulfill a vow to sacrifice his daughter in return for victory. Six guest vocalists join the Baroque Chamber Orchestra for this landmark oratorio and other musical gems from 17th-century Italy.

William Reiquam’s “The Radiance of Ordinary Things”
Jan. 9 - Feb. 28
Robert Anderson Gallery, Denver

This exhibition by William Reiquam, a retired Colorado pathologist and pediatrician who has been a photographer for more than eight decades, contains images taken over 60 years. The photographer specializes in taking photos that make you see everyday objects in new and unusual ways.

Photo: Tommy Lee Jones Puppet
A near life-size puppet stars in “Tommy Lee Jones Goes to the Opera Alone”.

“Tommy Lee Jones Goes to the Opera Alone”
Jan. 9 - 31
Buntport Theater, Denver

In this play, a near life-size puppet of Hollywood actor Tommy Lee Jones waxes poetic about cowboy boots, his life as a movie star and his love of opera – particularly Puccini's Turandot – all while enjoying a slice of pie.

Cameron Carpenter with the Colorado Symphony
Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver

An organist known for both his technique and showmanship, Carpenter presents works for solo organ before being joined by the Colorado Symphony for a performance of Francis Poulenc’s “Concerto for Organ in G minor” and Samuel Barber’s “Toccata Festiva.”

Colorado Mountain Club presents the Backcountry Film Festival
Jan. 10, 6:00 p.m.
Salida Steam Plant, Salida

This winter-focused, one-day festival’s program features stories of the backcountry, non-motorized recreation, and environmental preservation. The event will feature nine short films, including Best of Festival winner “Out on a Limb” which tells the story of a man who pursues his love for skiing despite having only one leg.

“The Clean House”
Jan. 9 - Feb. 1
Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton

A romantic comedy about a Brazilian housekeeper who would rather be a comedian, this play - a Pulitzer Prize finalist written by Sarah Ruhl - takes a poignant look at class, comedy and the true nature of love.

United Nations Association Film Festival
Jan. 11
SIE Film Center, Denver

The theme for Denver’s inaugural edition of the traveling United Nations Association Film Festival is “Bridging the Gap.” The day-long program features international documentary films and expert panelists and focuses on environmental, women’s and humanitarian issues.

“Connected by a Thread”
Jan. 9 - 31
Durango Arts Center, Durango

The pieces on display in this exhibition about quilts and quilters range from contemporary pieces created by Four Corners area quilt and textile artists to those made of flour sacks and old shirting by anonymous artisans more than 100 years ago.

Orchid Showcase
Jan. 8 - Feb. 23
Denver Botanic Gardens (York St.), Denver

Hundreds of orchid blooms provide a colorful display among fragrant citrus collections at this beloved annual winter event.