KGNU's bluegrass Jingle Jam at Velvet Elk and other things to do in Boulder today

Christy Fantz, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·4 min read

Dec. 18—KGNU's Jingle Jam Christmas Spectacular at Velvet Elk: Some of the area's top local bluegrass stars are gathering for a concert benefiting Conscious Alliance. Jam out to this eclectic holiday revue that will host Greg Schochet, members of Bowregard, Man About A Horse, Brandywine & the Mighty Fines, Liver Down the River, Hot Rize, Flash Mountain Flood and more; 8 p.m. Sunday; Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder; $15; velvetelklounge.com.

Conscious Alliance Benefit show with Goose: American indie-groove band from Connecticut, Goose, will perform at this show that will benefit Conscious Alliance, which is a movement of artists, musicians, food-makers and music lovers on a mission to end hunger nationwide. From the company's first grassroots food drive to hitting a current milestone of over 8 million meals, the nonprofit is all about bringing people together to create a culture of giving back; 8 p.m. Sunday, The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder; $85; z2ent.com.

Boulder Opera's Hansel and Gretel: You won't want to miss this family-friendly production about a brother and sister who get lost in the forest and fall into the hands of a witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread. Enjoy a night of fairytale wonder and glorious song; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $28.25-$33.90; boulderoperacompany.com.

Colorado Skies — 'The Winter Solstice': Head to the planetarium to learn about the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Attendees will also explore winter constellations and learn what objects to look for with the naked eye, a pair of binoculars or a small telescope; 1 p.m. Sunday, Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Drive, Boulder; calendar.colorado.edu.

Figure drawing marathon: Draw four different nude fine arts models, two at a time, collectively offering dozens of different poses throughout the duration. Attendance will be capped at 20 to help ensure good views for all. Some marathons include live background music, snacks and drinks and chances to win prizes; 1 p.m. Sunday, The Spark, 4847 Pearl St., Suite B4, Boulder; $45; artofmodeling.org.

Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra Brass and Percussion show: Create joyful memories this December with signature holiday pieces and festive favorites; 4 p.m. Sunday, Mountain View United Methodist Church, 355 Ponca Place, Boulder; $44; boulderphil.org.

Bangers and Blunders at BOCO Cider: Bangers and Blunders is a Boulder-based traditional Irish music duo. Members Shannon Muenchow and Graeme Danforth bring uplifting, beautiful traditional tunes to life with twin-fiddle melodic interplay and driving rhythmic renditions on fiddle and Irish bouzouki; 4 p.m. Sunday, BOCO Cider, 1501 Lee Hill Drive, Unit 14, Boulder; free; bococider.com.

Christmas Pageant: Check out this outdoor Christmas pageant and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies after the event; 4 p.m. Sunday, St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, 4775 Cambridge St., Boulder; free; smmboulder.org.

Moroccan Nights cooking class: Bust out the tagines and spices, this class is sure to get your taste buds dancing. Cook Moroccan meatballs, Moroccan salad, preserved lemon, chicken and onion tagine, chermoula and Majadra rice; 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Food Lab, 1825 Pearl St., Boulder; free; boulderdowntown.com.

Sugar Moon at Gold Hill Inn: Based out of Longmont, the all-female bluegrass project Sugar Moon blends original and traditional bluegrass music. Solid banjo chops, timeless fiddle melodies, tight harmonies and heartfelt song-writing are at the core of this musical duo; 7 p.m. Sunday, Gold Hill Inn, 401 Main St., Boulder; bandsintown.com.

Daniel Rodriguez and Dead Horses at Etown: Local iconic musician Daniel Rodriguez, of Elephant Revival, and Milwaukee-based folk band Dead Horses will perform at this live radio taping; 7 p.m. Sunday, Etown, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder; $25; etown.org.

Boulder Comedy Show: Boulder's longest running comedy show features national and local comedians seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, HBO, Late Night and more; 7 p.m. Sunday, Rayback Collective, 2775 Valmont Road, Boulder; $20; BoulderComedyShow.com.

Jonah Werner's Annual Christmas Concert: Born and raised in Colorado, Jonah Werner is a singer-songwriter that will perform his originals and Christmas standards at this 21-year-old and up event only; 7 p.m. Sunday, The Louisville Underground, 640 Main St., Louisville; thelouisvilleunderground.com.

Face Holiday Concert: Face is an internationally acclaimed, all-vocal a cappella rock band from Boulder that has been captivating audiences for 15 years with its high-energy shows; 7 p.m. Sunday, Nissi's, 1455 Coal Creek Drive, Unit T, Lafayette; nissis.com.