A&E Agenda: Opening Day Weekend
Gabriel Santiago and Peter Stoltzman, 6 p.m. on Friday, The Vault at the Wheeler
Brazilian guitarist Gabriel Santiago and jazz pianist Peter John Stoltzman bring their decade-long collaboration to the stage in an intimate duo performance. Over the years, Santiago and Stoltzman have performed in various ensembles across the U.S. and Brazil, and now, for the first time, they’re touring as a duo to celebrate the release of their new CD, “Joy in Friends.”
Their musical journey began in Austin, where both were completing advanced degrees — Santiago in composition and Stoltzman in music education. Stoltzman recalls being instantly captivated by Santiago’s “gorgeous harmonies and heartfelt melodies” and their shared passion for pushing improvisation to new heights forged a deep connection.
Recorded at Colorado Sound Studio, their latest album blends the rich sounds of Brazilian music with jazz, weaving acoustic guitar and piano into a moving and joyful expression of their friendship. As Santiago describes it, “Peter is such a unique musician, and performing with him has been one of the most precious moments of my life. I can’t wait to share this music with audiences here in Colorado and beyond.”
For information and tickets: wheeleroperahouse.com/event/gabriel-santiago-peter-stoltzman-joy-in-friends.
Emotional Rescue — A Rolling Stones Tribute Band, 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Belly Up Aspen
Born out of Alma, Emotional Rescue is dedicated to delivering a spot-on tribute to the Rolling Stones. Formed in 2017 by Jr. (Mick) and Dean Misantoni (Keith), the seven-member ensemble reproduces the Stones’ iconic 1970s era with a little 1980s added in, as well. Their shows are known for their authentic Stones sound and dynamic stage presence, complete with costume changes that add Qlair to their performances.
“Our goal is to inspire happiness and euphoria in our audiences and get them dancing through the music of the Rolling Stones,” says Jr. “I am not a Mick Jagger impersonator, but I do incorporate some of his moves and postures into my own artistic expression when I perform.”
For tickets: bellyupaspen.com.
Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Opening Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday
Thanks to favorable early-season snowfall — nearly two feet in recent weeks — Aspen Mountain and Snowmass will open ahead of schedule on Saturday, Nov. 23. Get real-time updates on the Aspen Snowmass App. Celebrate your first turns of the season at the Sundeck, Ajax Tavern, or Elk Camp Restaurant.
Enjoy the first turns of the season with $82 adult and $62 child/teen/senior lift tickets opening day through Wednesday, Nov. 27.
The Met Opera HD Live: ‘TOSCA,’ 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aspen Film Isis Theatre
Three thrilling leading ladies trade-off as the volatile diva Floria Tosca. First, soprano Aleksandra Kurzak reprises her riveting portrayal of the title role, starring alongside tenor SeokJong Baek as her revolutionary lover, Cavaradossi, and baritone George Gagnidze as the sadistic chief of police Scarpia.
Later in the season, the extraordinary Lise Davidsen sings “Tosca” for her first time at the Met alongside tenor Freddie De Tommaso in his eagerly anticipated company debut and powerhouse baritone Quinn Kelsey. And in the winter, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky and tenor Brian Jagde reunite following their acclaimed 2021 performances of the lead pair, joining forces with legendary bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, who returns to the Met after more than a decade. Maestro Xian Zhang and Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin trade off on the podium.
For tickets: aspenfilm.org/film/the-met-opera-hd-live-tosca
Game Night, 5-9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, MOLLIE Aspen
Game on, Aspen! Dive into your favorite games like Mancala, Cards Against Humanity, Catan, Scrabble, and Chinese Checkers. Join us every Monday during the fall season for a cozy night of gathering, play, and connection. Get ready for evenings filled with laughter, strategy, and fun. Plus, attend five game nights, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a luxurious MOLLIE staycation night. Let the games begin!
Free to attend (no registration required).
Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.
