Bursting the Bubble: 6th block social substitutes

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Worried that your costume for the “Native American Party” is a little too similar to the one you wore to the “Racist Caricture Party” two weeks ago? Is your liver starting to hurt from weeks of binge drinking? As CC’s number one bitter advocate for non-raging social activities, I’m here to help. What follows is a list of totally awesome events taking place 6th block, both on and off campus. If you’re starting to feel a little burnt out with the cycle of socialization, or just need to let your body recover before you get into the self-destructive zone of the final two blocks, try these as an alternative to another night in the bubble.

To start off, if you’re still scrambling for last minute block break plans, breathe a little easier. You’d be well served to delay your immediate departure from the rocky mountain state by spending Wednesday night in Denver, watching Girls at the Bluebird. Their self titled debut, “Girls,” was one of the most highly acclaimed indie rock records of the year, coming in at #10 on pitchforks best of 2009. With comparisons to both Elvis Costello and 80’s darlings The Replacements, it’s easy to see where the praise is coming from. As a bonus, the opening act might be better than the headliner. The Smith Westerns, four teens from Chicago, play incredibly frenetic lo-fi power pop that ranks up there with The Buzzcocks, and the tragically abbreviated career of The Exploding Hearts. They sound like drinking 40’s in the park with your high school girlfriend- in the best way possible.

Once 6th block gets underway, the visiting writers series is bringing poet and Denver resident Mark Irwin to Gates Common room at 7:00 PM on the 18th. As with most visiting writers events, there will be a reading from his works, followed by a Q&A session. It is strongly encouraged that you join the flock of aspiring writers and poetic souls to hear what the man has to say. Irwin, whose work Senior Erik Hanks describes as “Highly contemplative and naturalistic with a strong emphasis on the self,” has won numerous awards in his decades long career.

The yearly tradition of “The Vagina Monologues” has ended for the time being, but fortunately, a replacement has come forward. “Relations”, a performance piece examining sexual and gender relations at Colorado College, will take place on February 25th, 26th, and 27th. The abandonment of the “Monologues” has opened up the examination of sexual politics to both genders, allowing deeper and more personal explorations of what sex at CC really is. “Relations” is written entirely by CC students, via submission and survey, and is sure to both entertain and enlighten (enlightainment?). As an added bonus, all proceeds from the show will go to TESSA, a local organization dedicated to fighting domestic and sexual violence. This way, you can feel morally satisfied about spending your beer money on a ticket.

As hesitant as I am to recommend Armstrong concerts, the March 6th performance of Laura Veirs would be silly to skip. Her sound is heavily influenced by the classic country and folk acts that so many beloved CC bands(Trampled by Turtles, for one) are indebted to, with a modern edge that is incredibly engaging. Her 6th and most recent album, “July Flame” not only brings to mind the twee folk sensibilities of Joanna Newsom, but also features Jim James on backing vocals. While its kind of a pipe dream to expect the My Morning Jacket front man to put in a guest appearance, I’ll be holding out hope. 7:00 PM, 15 dollars with CC ID. 

Alternatively, you could head up to Denver for the Denver Rootsfest, a night of good feeling bluegrass and folk tunes at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, featuring Jim Lauderdale, Judy Collins, Neko Case, Paper Bird, and Trace Bundy. Normally I would say that Neko Case is the big draw, as a completely fantastic female folk singer/songwriter, known equally for her phenomenal solo records and involvement in Indie super-group The New Pornographers. Somehow though, I think most of the student body would find more appeal in the Bluegrass of Jim Lauderdale, a long time musician who, among other things, is working on bluegrass reinterpretations of “Workingman’s Dead” and “American Beauty,”, an eerily perfect summation of CC’s taste. Judy Collins has been performing since the age of 13(she’s now 70) and will provide a 60’s protest folk revival sound, which, while possibly lacking in relevance, has limitless nostalgic appeal. Paper Bird and Trace Bundy round out the lineup with modern influenced roots music, roots that are planted firmly in the Colorado soil they’ve grown in. Tickets start at $45, but for this many great acts, you’re probably underpaying. Neko Case alone would usually run you at least $30 for a solo show, and this is way less likely to sell out.

So, take a break from the scene of being seen at CC, and get yourself up to Denver. Enjoy a cultural experience on campus. Heck, just do something; delight that you and your friends will have more to talk about than yesterday’s wasted night at the Twamp. Recollections of awesome concerts and events will be cherished much more highly; your best memories aren’t going to be the ones you barely remember.