Datebook

5 Things to Do This Week: July 1, 2020

The Aspen Music Festival opens (virtually), Aspen Film streams a timely doc, the Aspen Historical Society goes touring, and more.

By Aspen Sojourner Staff July 1, 2020

The Aspen Invitational's virtual Strava challenge helps provide water and other basics to those who need them in Zambia.

1. Celebrate AMFS Music Director Robert Spano. The Aspen Music Festival and School launches its virtual 2020 season with this concert honoring Spano’s 10 years (and counting) at the artistic helm. So grab some wine and cheese, spread out a blanket in your yard or on your balcony, and pretend like you’re listening outside the Music Tent.

Aspen Music Festival and School Music Director Robert Spano

Performers include pianist Yefim Bronfman, soprano Renée Fleming with Patrick Summers on piano, violinist Robert McDuffie, mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, bassoonist Nancy Goeres, mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, clarinetist Michael Rusinek, and more. Check here for the viewing link. Also register for the silent auction, which opens from 3 p.m. on July 2 to 10 a.m. on July 5 and benefits student scholarships next year. Sunday, July 5, 3 p.m.   

2. Watch the thought-provoking new documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble. Partnering with Magnolia Pictures, Aspen Film streams this portrayal of the 80-year-old activist and Georgia congressman, who’s advocated for civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform, and immigration throughout his long, noteworthy career. Director Dawn Porter combines interviews with Lewis and others, along with archival footage, in what Time calls “a stirring, joyous documentary about a tireless freedom fighter.” Included with the screening is a recently recorded conversation between Lewis and Oprah Winfrey. In addition, all ticket buyers are invited to stream a live panel on July 9 (5:30 p.m.) presented by the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, with Porter and Freedom Riders Dr. Bernard Lafayette and Dr. Rip Patton. $12 to stream the film, which will be available to watch starting July 3.

A scene from John Lewis: Good Trouble with archival footage on the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the Selma to Montgomery march 

3. Bike the Aspen Invitational’s Strava Challenge. Each July for the past several years, road riders led by 19-time US champ Cari Higgins have cycled 100 kilometers around Aspen to support World Vision’s mission of providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in Zambia. While the live event still takes place this year, on July 11, you can also ride wherever you are, logging your time and route on Strava; the $50 entry donation provides clean water for one person in Zambia for a lifetime. Prizes will be awarded for achieving various goals (e.g., best photo, most hours ridden). And you’ll be joining a virtual peleton with cycling pros committed to the cause (listen in on the Zoom call from June 25 for more inspiration). Complete your virtual ride by July 11.

4. Learn something unexpected about Aspen history on a new walking tour. The Aspen Historical Society (AHS) has understandably modified its regular program of guided tours to include only the outdoor excursions this summer. Each tour accommodates six people max, and advance reservations are required. In addition to the Victorian West End, historic downtown, and Bauhaus architecture tours, three new offerings recently debuted: a stroll through the Red Butte cemetery that includes stories about locals who are buried there (1:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sept 30); an exploration of Independence ghost town (10:30 a.m., Fridays through Oct 2); and a walk along the former Midland railbed at the base of Aspen Mountain that highlights the area’s mining and transportation history (1:30 p.m., Fridays through Oct 2). All AHS tours are $15 adults and $12 seniors and those 18 and under.

5. Breathe and stretch with King Yoga at the Collective Snowmass. One of Aspen’s favorite yogis, Aaron King, and his instructors now offer thrice-weekly outdoor classes at the rink in Snowmass Base Village. Open to all levels, the hour-long classes take place on Wednesdays (6­ p.m., with live music) and Saturdays and Sundays (9:30 a.m.). Bring your own mat, props, and water. Reservations are suggested, but not required; pre-pay by Venmo or PayPal or bring cash to the class. $20 per person

 

 

 

 

 

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