This week’s agenda: March 21-27

Unveiling Truths: Paisley Rose’s ‘GOD IS A WOMAN’ explores Black identity at The Art Base
The Art Base presents “GOD IS A WOMAN,” a solo exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Paisley Rose, on view from March 21 through April 18. The opening reception takes place from 5-7 p.m., March 21, with an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. This exhibition explores identity, cultural, religious constructs, and representation through sculpture, painting, and wearable works.
“GOD IS A WOMAN” is inspired by Rose’s lived experience as a Black artist navigating a predominantly white community. Through her art, she confronts the absence of Black voices in media while amplifying the cultural narratives often left untold. At the heart of the exhibition lies a sense of exploration; Black culture emerges through familiar Anglo-Christian motifs and portraiture, encouraging viewers to reconsider these symbols from a fresh perspective.
The body of work engages with religious symbolism, questioning the historical relationship between religion and the Black community. Several pieces in the exhibition carry titles with religious connotations, including “The Son,” “The Holy Spirit,” “The Creator,” and “The Father,” encouraging viewers to reflect on the intersection of faith, power, and identity.
Drawing from her personal history, Rose situates herself within a legacy of contemporary artists embracing Black Aesthetics — a movement originating in the 1960s that has evolved into today’s renewed exploration of Black Figuration. Influenced by artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Amy Sherald, Kehinde Wiley, and Mickalene Thomas, she emphasizes the power of self-representation and its ability to assert Black identity within predominantly white cultural spaces.
“My work reconstructs commonly accepted historical narratives and artworks to reflect the presence of Black people and their influence that has been omitted from historical teachings in America,” Rose said. “Each piece in this exhibition tells a different story about what it means to be Black in this country. Seeing Jordan Casteel’s work in an art museum was the first time I saw a Black artist represented in that space — an experience that inspired me to pursue exhibiting my own work. I want young Black artists to feel seen, inspired, and welcomed into these spaces.”
She is a multidisciplinary artist based in Denver who holds a bachelor’s in fine art from Metropolitan State University. As a Black woman, her art is a celebration of identity, encouraging others within the Black community to embrace and take pride in who they are. More info: theartbase.org

Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series
The anticipated free Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series returns to the base of Aspen Mountain (Gondola Plaza) with The Aces at 7 p.m., March 21 to kick off Spring Jam., followed by Busty and the Bass on March 22.
KickAspen Night Skiing also takes place with late-night laps up the Nell Chair on Aspen Mountain on March 21-22, from 7-10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, regardless of season pass status. All proceeds benefit Aspen Skiing Company’s community employee-led nonprofits, the Environment Foundation, and Caring for Community Fund. aspensnowmass.com
DRAMA at Belly Up
DRAMA is the multicultural collaboration between producer Na’el Shehade’s chic, Chicago house-infused production style and vocalist Via Rosa, whose soulful delivery is inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz and playful patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova. The duo play to the complementary dynamics of their unlikely pairing by blurring the lines between R&B and dance-pop, heartbreak, and bliss at 9:30 p.m., March 21 at Belly Up. bellyupaspen.com
Artist-In-Residence Slide Night
Join Anderson Ranch Arts Center for a conversation with its spring artists-in-residence. The slide night will be available in person and virtually at 4 p.m., March 21. Register for this free event and receive a link to livestream. andersonranch.org
AMFS 2025 Winter Benefit
Experience an enchanting evening of music with renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson at the 2025 Winter Benefit for Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS). Join AMFS at a private residence at 6 p.m., March 21 for an intimate performance and dinner to support 2025 student scholarships and programs. Tickets: $750, aspenmusicfestival.com
Children of Eden at Wheeler
Aspen Choral Society presents a semi-staged production of Steven Schwartz’s “Children of Eden” at 7 p.m., March 22 at Wheeler Opera House. The musical is based on the Book of Genesis, with Act 1 telling the stories of Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel. Act 2 deals with Noah and the flood. The musical presents themes of family, love, acceptance, and the difficulty of letting go through powerful choral and solo pieces. wheeleroperahouse.com
RFV Storytellers Annual Liar’s Contest
The free annual Liar’s Contest highlighting Roaring Fork Valley Storytellers takes place from 4-6 p.m., March 22 at Aspen Elks Lodge. The audience gets involved in judging the stories true or false, with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. More info: jillsheeleybooks@gmail.com
Kevin Nealon at TACAW
Kevin Nealon performs two shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., March 22 at TACAW. Nealon is an Emmy and SAG-nominated actor and comedian who sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit, and likable demeanor. He is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” and received critical acclaim for his role in the hit Showtime series “Weeds.” He currently produces and hosts his digital series “Hiking with Kevin” and tours his stand-up globally. tacaw.org
Tchami plays Belly Up
Tchami is a trailblazing artist in the realm of house music, forever reshaping electronic music with iconic tracks like “Afterlife,” “Adieu,” and “Promesses.” His breakthrough came with “Promesses,” which amassed over 50 million streams across platforms, elevating him to dance music stardom. He performs at 9:30 p.m., March 22 at Belly Up. bellyupaspen.com
Shakey Graves plays Belly Up
Across his career, Shakey Graves — a.k.a. the performance moniker of Austin, Texas- born Alejandro Rose-Garcia — has intentionally created thrilling musical adventures tailored to each fan by burning CDs and putting them in personalized decorated bags, building intricate scavenger hunts that send fans in search of unique tapes, and releasing Bandcamp-exclusives. He plays at 8 p.m., March 24 at Belly Up. bellyupaspen.com
Lynch In Focus: ‘Mulholland Drive’
Join Aspen Film for a screening of “Mulholland Drive” at 7 p.m., March 24 at AF Isis Theatre. Along Mulholland Drive, nothing is what it seems. In the unreal universe of Los Angeles, the city bares its schizophrenic nature, an uneasy blend of innocence and corruption, love and loneliness, beauty, and depravity. A woman is left with amnesia following a car accident. An aspiring young actress finds her staying in her aunt’s home. The puzzle begins to unfold, propelling us through a mysterious labyrinth of sensual experiences until we arrive at the intersection of dreams and nightmares.
Matt Nathanson and KT Tunstall play Belly Up
Over his almost 30 year career, Matt Nathanson has evolved into one of the most applauded songwriters and engaging performers on the music scene today. He performs with KT Tunstall at 7 p.m., March 26 at Belly Up. bellyupaspen.com
Snowmass Live Comedy Presents Open Mic Night!
The Collective Snowmass hosts comedy open mic night, featuring the funniest local and visiting comedians at 7:30 p.m., March 26. Comedians interested in stage time should arrive no later than 7 p.m. to sign-up with The Collective Event team or email info@thecollectivesnowmass.com. Order will be assigned randomly, and spaces are limited.
Visiting Artist: Bari Ziperstein
Join Anderson Ranch Arts Center at 4:30 p.m., March 27 for a conversation with Visiting Artist Bari Ziperstein, who will be at Anderson Ranch from March 24 to April 18.
40oz to Freedom plays Belly Up
40oz to Freedom is an accomplished and highly energetic Sublime tribute band and winner of the 2010 San Diego Music Award for Best Tribute Artist. 40oz to Freedom performs at 9:30 p.m., March 27 at Belly Up. bellyupaspen.com
High Points: ‘Show me to where there’s music’
The late great guitarist Jeff Beck once had a song with the refrain, “Show me to where there’s music.” I remember it coming to mind last year as I traipsed all across town to performances for the June JAS Experience presented by JAS Aspen. The music was phenomenal, but equally compelling were the venues that hosted the talent. They were as important to the event as the artists. They are part of the charm of the June Experience. Strolling from venue to venue as the sun sets over town is an only-in-Aspen experience.
Conservationists urge the public to disinfect all river gear after use, including waders, paddle boards, and kayaks
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) such as zebra mussels, rusty crayfish, quagga mussels, New Zealand mud snails, and invasive aquatic plants have already caused lasting damage to rivers and lakes across the state.