A&E Agenda: Allison Russell makes Aspen debut, all-female ski film goes full send, Muscadine Bloodline at Belly Up
Here's what's on tap for the weekend in and around Aspen
Roaring Fork Sessions: Allison Russell, Friday at 7 p.m., Harris Concert Hall
Since the release of Allison Russell’s solo album two years ago, the self-taught singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist has redefined what artistry means in the 21st century.
“Outside Child,” her often devastating, deeply moving, cathartic celebration of survivor’s joy, has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the past 10 years (various honors include three Grammy Award nominations, the Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, the 2022 Americana Music Association’s Album of the Year Award, two International Folk Music Awards, three Canadian Folk Music Awards, and four UK Americana Music Awards).
Now comes the second chapter in her story, “The Returner,” a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of Black liberation, Black love, of Black self-respect. Written and co-produced by Allison along with Dim Star (her partner JT Nero and his brother Drew Lindsay), the album was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles and features an astounding all-female musical collective Allison dubbed The Rainbow Coalition.
Tickets: aspenshowtix.com
‘Advice for Girls: An All Women Ski Film,’ Friday at 6:30 p.m.(sold out) and Saturday at 3 p.m., TACAW
“Advice for Girls” puts a spotlight on the collective experience of women in the ski industry. The film showcases advice from three generations of women in skiing. Each generation reminds women and girls of all ages that they are worthy of success, allowed to take up space, and are extremely valuable to the ski industry.
With an intersectional cast featuring all types of women — women of color, queer women, women with disabilities, and more — the crew hopes that everyone can find someone in the film to connect to.
Tickets: tacaw.org/calendar/advice-for-girls-matinee-screening-film-only
Muscadine Bloodline, Saturday at 8 p.m., Belly Up Aspen
Proudly independent and unapologetically Southern, country duo Muscadine Bloodline found their true voice on their latest album, “Dispatch to 16th Ave.”
Their sophomore record debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Country Chart, hit No. 4 on the iTunes All Genre Chart, and peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Chart. Lauded by Taste of Country, Rolling Stone, PEOPLE, and Billboard, the duo’s new music is the most authentic Muscadine Bloodline yet.
Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton grew up in Mobile, Alabama, but didn’t cross paths until they each started to pursue their musical dreams. In 2012, they forged a friendship when Stanton opened a show for Muncaster’s band at Soul Kitchen in their hometown. Since naming themselves Muscadine Bloodline in 2015, the duo has charted three albums, sold out shows across the country, and played the Grand Ole Opry multiple times, hailed often as the most successful independent duo in Country music. Their Southern roots carry over to their band name as well: Muscadine grapes grow in the South while Bloodline represents their heritage.
Tickets: bellyupaspen.com/events/muscadine-bloodline
Local Comedy Showcase, Saturday at 8 p.m., TACAW
Spend the evening with the best of the Roaring Fork Valley’s growing standup comedy scene. Hosted by Ryan Honey, the evening features quick-hit sets from Louis Beck, Beth Brandon, Don Chaney, Miller Ford, Nikolai Furmansky, Garrett Hall, Jordon Lowe, Zoe Rom, and Sarah Sanders.
Celebrate the valley’s funny people, enjoy drink specials, and laugh.
Tickets: tacaw.org/calendar/local-comedy-showcase
Aspen Film Presents: ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m., Isis Theatre, Aspen
Following the Normandy landings, a group of U.S. soldiers goes behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
The special 25th-anniversary screening will include a “Boot Camp” featurette. Go behind the scenes with Steven Spielberg and the cast of Saving “Private Ryan” as they recount their memories of the grueling 10-day boot camp they underwent to prepare for the film.
Tickets: aspenfilm.org/film/saving-private-ryan-1998
