Crystal Valley Blog

Tributes to The Beatles and The Eagles, Nick Thune and Chris Estrada – it’s a music-filled, comedy-packed weekend in and around Castle Rock, from 10 to 40 minutes from the master-planned community of Crystal Valley!

Thursday-Saturday, February 13-15

THE HEART SELLERS 
Thanksgiving dinner looms over a grocery store in 1970s America, when Luna and Jane, immigrants from The Philippines and Korea and both medical student wives, strike up a conversation over matching coats and matching challenges. With a suspiciously frozen turkey in the oven, the two women bond over disco, Disneyland, and the drive to make a home that–until tonight– has felt so isolated. This Colorado premiere of a poignant, charming new play from Lloyd Suh, and directed by Jenna Moll Reyes (Twelfth Night) explores the longing that connects across barriers and against all odds. (Act Now – Performances are selling out!)

Theatreworks, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30; Sat., 2:00; Sun., 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $20.75
Box Office: 719-255-8181

Thursday-Sunday, February 13-16

IN HER BONES
When an unexpected blizzard forces UC Berkeley first-year student Mia to wait out the storm at a rural highway gas station and general store in Southern Colorado, she’s forced to confront a past that she is both fleeing and seeking out. As she shares family memories with store owner Moises to pass the time, another world creeps in — one of shadows, forgotten prayers, and secrets hiding right in plain sight.

In this world premiere production, In Her Bones explores the complicated legacy of crypto-Judaism in the Southwest, illuminating an unlikely tale of secrecy, faith, fear, and how we pass on culture when written records are too dangerous to keep. Driven by a community-engaged, Colorado-based research process, this piece explores if our identities and rituals rise from earth and mountains where we spend our days, are inherited in the ancient stories of our blood, or are learned in the motions of mothers at sunset and overheard songs of grandparents.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27
Info: 719-634-5583

SHE DIES
Experience opera at its funniest! She Dies is a time-looping romp through the great operas, featuring 17 deaths in just 70 minutes—more or less. World-class clowns Jim Jackson and Birgitta De Pree combine for an unforgettable blend of sublime music and ridiculous comedy.Accompanied by live music, this show brings operatic tragedy to comedic heights. 

Millibo Art Theater, 1626 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30.50

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND WITH NICK THUNE
Join Nick Thune to celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend long! Thune is a comedian and actor from Seattle, where he spent his early years growing up. Nick’s absurdist view and deadpan wit have distinguished his unique style of storytelling mixed with one-liners.

Nick has appeared on The Tonight Show 10 times, Conan twice, and Late Night once and performs comedy to sold-out crowds across the country and around the world. Thune has been featured at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival, South by Southwest, Bonnaroo, The Moontower Comedy Festival, The Dublin Comedy Festival, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and many more.

Make your night complete with the CW Valentine Packages:
   – The Casanova includes: Two tickets, a dozen roses and a 
   heart-shaped box of chocolates
   – My Funny Valentine includes: Two tickets and a dozen roses
   – Sweet on You includes: Two tickets and a heart-shaped box of chocolates
   – Swinging Single is an individual ticket to the show

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thur., 7:30; Fri., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.; Sat., 6:30 & 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$124
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, February 14

VALENTINE’S TEA WITH TOUR
Event organizers at the Castle treats everyone like royalty, and they’ve put a regal spin on the Valentine’s Day Tea to celebrate the heartfelt holiday. In the great hall of the Castle, from the mountaintop, you’ll enjoy not just the magnificent view of the front range, but also enjoy a glass of champagne, warm scones, finger sandwiches and delicious pastries with clotted cream and jam. After tea, embark on a journey through the past with the knowledgeable docents who’ll guide you on an hour-long tour of this Sedalia treasure. Reservations are required and non-fundable.

Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
12:30 p.m.
Reservations: $70.60 (all-inclusive)
Info: 303-688-5555

TONY EXUM, JR.
Tony Exum Jr. is a talented contemporary jazz, R&B, and funk saxophonist, Songwriter, and performer with a smooth and soulful sound. He gained international recognition in 2019 with the release of his single “My Name’s Tony,” which charted on the Smooth Jazz Network top 100 chart for 12 weeks. Tony has performed at various festivals and venues across the U.S., including the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, Winter Park Jazz Festival, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Festival, Stockton Jazz Festival and more.

He refers to his music as “Rhythm N Smooth,” a tag that highlights his flawless execution of the smooth saxophone with R&B influenced grooves and melodies. In addition to his successful music career, Tony is also a radio host on Jazz 935 FM where he’s on the air programming contemporary jazz. 

Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25

Friday-Saturday, February 14-15

BACK TO THE FUTURE
Power up your DeLorean, charge the flux capacitor, and get ready for this movie classic as you’ve never seen it before! Celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary with the Philharmonic performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live in sync with the movie.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $46-$62 plus fees
Phone: 719-575-9632

Saturday, February 15 

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WHISKEY
Come to the Castle and join other local whiskey lovers for a magical night dipping into and sipping into the very wonderful world of whiskey! Attendees will sample five different styles of whiskey, including Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey and Rye Whiskey. Experience the “Waters of Life” and learn what makes each of these famous spirits different from one another, what makes them similar, and most importantly, let’s discover which flavor profiles are your favorites? A kilted Scott Beach will be your guide on this journey, as everyone celebrates another great evening at the Castle, with skilled bagpiping and whisky.

The five tastings will be accompanied by charcuterie appetizers. A cash bar is available with wine, prosecco, beer, and whisky specials, and reservations are required and non-refundable.

Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
Doors/Bar/Tours: 6:00 p.m. 
Appetizers: 6:45-7:30 p.m.
Presentation: 7:30 p.m.
Event Concludes: 9:15 p.m.
Reservations: $84.95 (all-inclusive)
Info: 303-688-5555

YESTERDAY: THE BEATLES TRIBUTE
Yesterday, The Beatles Tribute encompasses all eras of Beatles music from The Hamburg days through the Shea Stadium performances into pop history’s magical Sgt. Pepper album and beyond. Taking to Stargazers’ stage next week, Yesterday is known for ensuring their look and sound are on-point with the Beatles, head to toe. According to YES Magazine, “The band filled their roles well…their voices closely emulated those of their inspiration. The costumes were authentic; the film clips that introduced each new era were well chosen, and the instruments for each set were matched accordingly.”

Approved by Paul McCartney, Yesterday’s most rock-and-roll show ran an unprecedented three years in Atlantic City at the Tropicana Hotel Casino Resort on the Boardwalk. The British Are Coming! depicts The Beatles historic journey into the U.S. with first performances on the Ed Sullivan Show, the Hollywood Bowl and New York’s Shea Stadium. This show doesn’t come around often, but when it does, it is an event to remember!

Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30

Sunday February 16

LOVE NOTES IN THE CASTLE
Enjoy a February afternoon rich with the entertaining sounds of musical love notes from a combination of rich vocals and talented piano trilling. These consummate artists will enthrall you with songs spanning the genres which share their excellence as true professionals. Repertoire may be from the Great American Songbook, pop hits, Broadway, and perhaps Ragtime. A few favorites they’ll share are: “If I Loved You”, “On the Street Where You Live”, “So in Love”, “Send In The Clowns” and “You Taught My Heart to Sing.” 

Ms. Perkins is acclaimed by industry insiders as, “that rare combination of beauty, smarts, comedic timing, as a wonderful singer and a magnificent actress.” Listen to Tanya on her preview gallery at Tanyakayperkins.com/shop/.

Mr. Troy is a highly regarded jazz pianist, music director/instructor, recording artist, and arts educator, who may be recognized from his many roles in and around the city performing, improvising for silent films, and in popular engagements with the Queen City Jazz Band and the Big Little Ragtime Band.

Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
12:30 p.m.
Reservations: $70.60 (all-inclusive)
Info: 303-688-5555

FLY-FISHING FILM TOUR 2025
For the last 17 years Angler’s Covey has hosted a showing of the Fly-Fishing Film Tour (F3T) in Colorado Springs. It has been used this as a fundraiser for various organizations in the past, and this year, the F3T promises to be bigger and better!

One hundred percent of proceeds will go to the Morning Hatch Foundation, which will then distribute the funds to key partners addressing mental health in the community such as Project Healing Waters, The Mayfly Project, Reeling in Serenity, Fishing the Good Fight, and more!

This event will feature the current top films in the fly-fishing industry, like-minded friends, fabulous food and your favorite drinks, a fun raffle, Live Guide auction, and more! This benefit will distribute 100 percent of its proceeds directly to organizations that address mental health. Help make this year’s annual F3T the best one yet!

Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs
6:00 p.m. (Doors open 4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 

KODO: TAIKO PERFORMING ARTS
The Japanese word “Kodo” when it is written with different characters can mean “drum” and “child.”  For its 40th anniversary, this unique musical group created two works based on its name: “Tsuzumi” from the drum character, and “Warabe” from the child element.

In “Warabe,” Kodo looks to its classic repertoire and aesthetics from the ensemble’s early days. This production blends simple forms of taiko expression that celebrate the unique sound, resonance, and physicality synonymous with Kodo—forever children of the drum at heart.

Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given over 7,000 performances on all five continents.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $52-$140
Phone: 719-575-9632

NEXT WEEK: Wednesday, February 19

INTERROGATION CRIME STORIES
Comedians tell their own true crime stories, then sit down at the interrogation table for questioning. Audience members can even text in their own crimes to be read live on stage. With the help of the crack detectives, it’s up to the audience to get to the bottom of the case!

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $14
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday, February 20

MATT COBOS ONE NIGHT
Matt Cobos is a one-dude party from Denver, Colorado. His quick, punchy style, and kick-ass attitude quickly gets audiences onboard and ready to party. He also says “dude” and “hell yeah” WAY too much.

Matt has featured for Melissa Villaseñor, and opened for Sam Tallent, Adam Cayton-Holland, Josh Blue, and more. He has also been a mainstay at the High Plains Comedy Festival, and co-hosts both the comedy showcase Thick Skin with Mike Stanley, and his podcast Cobos Patrick Podcast with Patrick Richardson.

Overall, Matt Cobos is just a rad dude with a rad ‘tude and he just wants to party with you.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $14
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, February 21

COLLECTIVE GROOVE DANCED PARTY
Collective Groove is a dynamic and high-energy 9-piece funk and soul dance band based in Southern Colorado. Formed in 2016, the band consists of some of the top musical talents in the region. Known for their killer horn section and compelling mix of dance tunes, Collective Groove offers a diverse range of music spanning from the classic grooves of the 1960s to modern hits, covering artists like Bruno Mars, The Temptations, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Motown, Prince, and many others.

Their performances are characterized as a full-frontal dance assault, blending the timeless horn-powered grooves from the golden age of soul with contemporary beats. The band’s infectious energy and skillful musicianship have helped them steadily build a dedicated local fan base.

Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m. 
Tickets: $20

Friday-Sunday, February 21-23

CHRIS ESTRADA LIVE!
Chris Estrada is an actor, comedian, and writer born and raised in South Central and Inglewood, where he spent his formative years running from loose pit bulls, getting robbed, and geeking out over comic books and punk rock. Most recently, Chris starred in the breakout comedy series This Fool on Hulu, which he also co-created. Previously, he was voted “one of LA’s comedians to watch in 2018,” by Time Out LA and was an Up Next performer at Comedy Central’s Clusterfest in San Francisco.

His short film that he wrote, produced, and starred in, 5th of July, was an official selection at the New York Latino Film Festival and the LA Independent Filmmakers Showcase Film Festival last year.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Fri., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.; Sat., 6:30 & 9:00 p.m.; Sun., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22-$27
Phone: 720-274-6800

Saturday, February 22

THRILLER AFTERNOON WITH BESTSELLING AUTHORS
USA Today bestselling author Carter Wilson will talk about his new thriller, Tell Me What You Did, and Barbara Nickless will talk about her new thriller, The Drowning Game. The authors will also talk about the writing process and answer questions. Book signing to follow presentation. Books will be sold at the event. 

Castle Rock Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock
2:00-3:30 p.m.
FREE
Info: 303-791-7323

THE LONG RUN
The Long Run, “Colorado’s Tribute to The Eagles,” hails from the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado. Formed in 2009, the band immediately hit the road doing fairs and festivals all over the Four Corners region of the southwestern U.S., as well as many others. The band now has five of the busiest musicians in Colorado.

In April 2019, the band celebrated its 10-year anniversary by hosting a concert at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Denver, followed by an appearance at Red Rocks Amphitheater that summer. The Long Run continues more than a decade later, faithfully re-creating the 70s sound of the best-selling rock band in American history. 

Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m. 
Tickets: $20

Living in the Crystal Valley!

Neighbors are friends and getting around the town of Castle Rock is a breeze from this master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where paths and trails take you into natural surroundings, bluffs and parks. Homes here are designed for every lifestyle and budget, built by D.R. Horton, Richmond American Homes and Taylor Morrison. Picture yourself in the home of your dreams, either ranch-style or two-story — priced from the $600s.