A&E Agenda Aug. 1 to 8 

Carbondale Clay Center hosts reception for “(in)fluorescence,” Aug. 1

Carbondale Clay Center celebrates Resident Artist Molly Altman’s exhibition, “(in)fluorescence,” with a public reception from 6-8 p.m. during Carbondale’s First Friday, Aug. 1. The exhibit showcases lamps consisting of locally foraged plants cast in clay with mixed throwing and handbuilding techniques, available for daily use. Altman is culminating a two-year artist residency. She hoped “that a show of lighting, which was well outside my realm of experience, would be a fresh and fun way of bringing my residency to a close and bringing together all of the people who helped make it such an impactful experience.” For more information, go to carbondaleclay.org/gallery.

The Art Base hosts “10×10 Name Unseen,” a silent auction and party, Aug. 1

The Art Base’s 10th annual “10×10 Name Unseen Silent Auction and Exhibition” will host an Opening Reception from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1, with the online bidding for the auction kicking off at 10 a.m. The event will showcase more than 100 original artworks donated by local artists and reflecting the diversity in the Roaring Fork Valley. Local artists were invited to create freely without rules or expectations based on the theme “Name Unseen.” Yet, the auction adds a little intrigue by keeping artists’ identities hidden for the entirety of the auction as a means to encourage “equitable bidding” and a “deeper engagement” with the artwork. The 2025 annual party is themed “Under the Sky,” where six female volunteers, known as “the Coyotes,” will be honored with the Melva Bucksbaum Dedication to the Arts Award. The exhibit itself will remain on view from Aug. 1-16 at The Art Base, located at 174 Midland Ave. The auction site is listed at cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=10×10. 

Aspen Art Fair to return for summer 2025 

The Aspen Art Fair began July 29 and will continue through Aug. 2 at Hotel Jerome. During Aspen Art Week, this event features artists, curators, gallerists, and collectors. Works from more than 40 influential international exhibitors will be on display with specially curated artist-in-residence projects. The fair aims to offer a unique boutique experience, combining the traditional art fair model with an intimate social setting, featuring pieces by both established and emerging artists. The event extends beyond gallery viewing to include exclusive home tours showcasing private art collections, expert-led talks by notable art figures, and various performances and screenings. There will be curated hikes and early morning river plunges. Plus, social events like cocktail receptions and dinners. Admission to the fair is $35 for a single day, $100 for a four-day “Run of Show” pass, or $200 for a VIP pass. For tickets, go to aspenartfair.org/.

“Siddharta, She” coming soon 

The Aspen Music Festival School orchestra will perform “Siddharta, She” at 8 p.m., Aug. 2, in the Klein Music Tent and features world-class soloists and the rising stars of the opera program in the world premiere and Aspen Music Festival School co-commissioned work, “Siddharta, She.” It is an immersive theatrical experience based on the epic legend. Composed by Christopher Theofanidis, with a libretto by Melissa Studdard. The performance will take place at the Michael Klein Music Tent and Harris Concert Hall, located at 960 N. 3rd St. For tickets, go to aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/siddhartha-she/.

Neil Frances DJ Set at Belly Up Aspen, Aug. 2

The club-ready music of Neil Frances, along with opener Aspenite DJ BlakeGetBackHere, are set for 9 p.m., Aug. 2, at Belly Up Aspen. Formed in 2016, Neil Frances is a duo composed of Austraia-native Jordan Feller and Southern California-native Marc Gilfry. Neil Frances caught attention with their blend of 1970’s funk, 1980’s, and 1990’s rave, yacht rock, and classic hip-hop. Tickets are $67.50 for general admission and $198 for reserved seating. The show is for 21 years old and older with a valid photo ID. For tickets, go to tickets.bellyupaspen.com/link/event?event=neil-frances-8-2-25.

Bluegrass Sundays

Your Saturdays may be full, but your Sundays may have time for Bluegrass Sundays that are underway weekly from noon to 3 p.m. until Aug. 31 in Snowmass. The upcoming Aug. 3 show features The Blue Canyon Boys, known for “high octane Colorado bluegrass,” formed in 2006. The band mixes old-style bluegrass with fresh ideas, strong harmonies, catchy songs, and a touch of humor. Events are open to participants of all ages, including families. Concerts are free with the purchase of a gondola ticket. For band information, go to bluecanyonboys.com/. For more information, go to tinyurl.com/freebluegrasssundays.

“A Recital by the Percussion Ensemble,” Aug. 4

“A Recital by the Percussion Ensemble” will perform at 6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 4, in Harris Concert Hall. Directed by long-time Aspen Music Festival & School faculty member Jonathan Haas, the annual Percussion Ensemble recital offers “an electrifying showcase featuring a dazzling array of instruments.” Talented students and faculty members will traverse different sound worlds in this unique event. For information, visit aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/percussion-ensemble/.

Cinema Under the Stars co-hosted with The Little Nell, Aug. 4

Good news: A little rain did not dampen the dream. Cinema Under the Stars has rescheduled the free screening of “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner to 8:45 p.m., Monday, Aug. 4, at The Little Nell at the base of Aspen Mountain. The movie in the mountains will open the event at 8 p.m. and  provide film lovers with seating, curated snacks, and beverages with options for picnic-style viewing or purchasing tickets for a luxury VIP service. There is limited free seating, so early attendance is encouraged. The 1989 movie run time is one hour and 47 minutes, and it is rated PG. For tickets, go to tinyurl.com/FilmAug4.

Jazz Aspen Snowmass hosts “Creole Soul”: Caribbean Big Band led by Etienne Charles, Aug. 7

Get ready for a conga line! Caribbean Big Band, led by Etienne Charles & Creole Soul, will perform at 8:45 p.m., Aug. 7, at the Aspen Art Museum as part of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Series. Fusing Caribbean music with jazz, the show will be a mix of covers and original music. Charles, who composes a majority of the music, will lead on trumpet and percussion. Haitian Godwin Louis will play saxophone, Cuban Axel Tosca is on piano, Alex Wintz from New Jersey is on guitar, and Haitian and Congolese Harvel Nakundi is on drums, along with the Caribbean Big Band. 

“My band loves playing here. I have been coming since 2014. There’s a feeling in the air that you can’t understand until you experience it,” Trinidad-native and Miami-based Charles said. As for why people might want to attend, Charles shared, “It’s a unique experience to experience a big band playing Caribbean music.” The Aspen Art Museum is located at 637 E. Hyman Ave. For tickets, visit jazzaspensnowmass.org/event/jas-academy-afro-caribbean-big-band-led-by-etienne-charles.

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