West Side Story

When choosing this year's MasterMinds — five arts groups that are changing the cultural landscape of Denver — Creative Music Works was a no-brainer. And that was before we knew that CMW — an unsung hero of the local scene that has been bringing great, far-from-mainstream acts to town for years — has embarked on an ambitious new project: a record label. Tonight's Once Upon a Time in the West will celebrate both the launch of CMW Records and the release of The Bottesini Project, featuring Denver's premier improvisational ensemble, which includes Jeff Parker of Tortoise, Scott Amendola of the Nels Cline Singers and DJ Olive. In addition to the Bottesini Project, other artists will join the showcase: Josh Novak, Elephant Revival, Bela Karoli and Porlolo & Friends, a special all-star band. The fun starts at 7 p.m. at the Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Avenue. Admission is $9, or $5 for students and CMW members — which should include everyone who loves music in this town. For more information, go to www.creativemusicworks.org.
Wed., March 26, 7 p.m., 2008