We’re halfway through July, which means the crowds are slowly starting to lighten up, making way for just a little more breathing room around town. It’s a lot about the music this weekend, with options to entertain ears of all ages. Here, we arm you with an agenda to help you navigate the still rockin' sea of arts and activity schedules—unparalleled among any other mountain town.

Friday, July 15

Aspen Chamber Symphony with Joshua Bell
6 p.m., Benedict Music Tent
Aspen Music Festival and School alumna-turned-superstar-violinist Joshua Bell returns to the stage for the Saint-Saëns Third Violin Concerto, a work full of melodic invention dedicated to the composer and virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate. AMFS Music Director Robert Spano conducts the program, which also includes Mahler’s sweetly innocent Fourth Symphony.
$85
Tickets: aspenmusicfestival.com

Saturday, July 16

Roaring Fork Valley Lemonade Day
Times vary by town in Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs
Local students are setting up shop on every corner in every town throughout the valley for the culmination of the month-long experiential learning program to teach local youth how to start, own, and operate their own businesses—in this case, a lemonade stand. Buy a cup or few from any  of the always impressive setups to help the young sellers learn fundamental lessons about entrepreneurship and themselves.
Info: rfv.lemonadeday.org 

Theatre Aspen Presents Dear Edwina
10 a.m., The Hurst Theatre
In what it terms the perfect girl-power musical for a new generation, Theatre Aspen presents this endearing comedy of a spunky 13-year-old who, along with her friends, has plenty of advice to share. Adults will succumb to the story’s charms, too. Runs through August 13.
From $25
Info: theatreaspen.org

Deaf Camp Benefit
12—8 p.m., Snowmass Base Village
Headliners Pimps of Joytime are joined by local favorites Jes Grew and the trio of Mack Bailey, Bobby Mason, and Rich Ganson in this annual afternoon picnic fundraiser for the Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Free with donations encouraged
Info: gosnowmass.com 

Puccini’s La Bohème
7 p.m., Wheeler Opera House
The Aspen Opera Theater brings the tragic tale of Rodolfo and Mimi, young lovers in bohemian Paris, to the local stage in the first of three operas that will be performed this summer. Bring tissues.
From $70
Info: aspenmusicfestival.com

Sunday, July 17

Dean Street Social
11 a.m.—2 p.m., St. Regis Aspen
The St. Regis starts a new weekly brunch focused on plenty of activities for the kids, while parents can imbibe on bottomless bloody Marys, mimosas, and tequila tastings (yes, you read bottomless tequila right). Through October 2, the five-star feast features everything from a raw bar and omelette, crêpe, and pasta stations to a curated children’s buffet and candy store. Out in the courtyard, the little ones can play corn hole, decorate cookies, and take cooking lessons at a chef’s station complete with mini-chef coats.
$65 with bottomless beverages; $55 without beverages; $25 for children (5-12); complimentary for children under 5; reservations recommended
Info: stregisaspen.com

Market Street Kitchen Jazz Brunch
11 a.m.—2 p.m., Element Basalt
Meanwhile in Basalt, Mawa McQueen is turning it up on summer Sundays with her signature fresh fare and crêpes set to the sounds of local duo Niki Boxer and David Dyer performing on the patio.
Info: mkstreetkitchen.com 

Friends of JAS Benefit
7 p.m., Belly Up Aspen
Special guests will surprise with their musical talent (JAS founder/CEO James Horowitz included) as they take the stage to perform classic hits in celebration of the life of longtime philanthropist Mark Levinson. Proceeds from the evening will support Jazz Aspen Snowmass’s in-school music education programs.
From $50
Info: jazzaspensnowmass.org