BEACON BITS

Boo and hiss when saloon owner The Girl falls for an outlaw in this ode to classic melodrama and Westerns by Funky @ the Butte in Cripple Creek, 139 E. Bennett Ave. Cost is $20. See dates and times at ButteTheater.com or call 719-689-6402.

Consider donating blood or platelets if you have type O negative blood. Type O negative is the universal blood type. Emergency room personnel use it in dire situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are often given to trauma and surgery patients. Type O blood donors are ideal Power Red donors, which means they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800733-2767). A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors should weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate blood.

The fair is a slice of Americana that pays tribute to its agricultural roots. Experience livestock and other animals, auto races, a laser light show, bubble show, butterfly encounter and carnival rides and games. Compete in the Barn Olympics, a poker tournament, cornhole, even a potato decorating contest! As always, enjoy music and splurge-worthy fair food. Senior Day (for adults age 55 and over) is July 18, with a reduced $3 entrance fee and two special free events: brunch at 11 a.m. and pie at 3 p.m. in Swink Hall. All other days, it’s $6 for a senior day pass

Enjoy the warmer weather and take in the music of a variety of artists at this summer’s lineup of outdoor concerts, with free admission unless specified.

Monday:

T Summer Concert Series at Bud Ford Pavilion at Soda Springs Park, 1016 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 7 p.m. (manitousprings.org).

Wednesday:

T Hillside Gardens at 1006 Institute St., 6-8:30 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes a house drink (hillsidecolorado.com).

T Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series at 701 Manitou Ave., 6-7:30 p.m. (ppld.org). Concerts in the Park in Monument’s Limbach Park, 151 Front St., 6:30-8:30 p.m. (townofmonument.org).

Thursday:

T Summer Concert Series at Bud Ford Pavilion at Soda Springs Park, 1016 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 6:30 p.m. (manitousprings.org).

Friday:

T First and Main Town Center Summer Concert Series, 3305 Cinema Point, at 5-7 p.m. (firstandmaintowncenter.com).

T UVC Free Summer Concert Series at 7-9 p.m., in University Village Colorado shopping center’s North Plaza, by Hacienda Colorado and Smashburger (uvcshopping.com).

Sergeant Major Roger Ehrke was presented with the 2022 El Paso County Veteran of the Year award at the recent Military Affairs Council Armed Forces Luncheon. Ehrke’s decorated military career began with the US Army, serving tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm. He served as president of the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade for 16 years. In 2022, Ehrke stepped up to help families of deceased veterans navigate challenges they face after their loved one’s passing, including accompaning the or $17 for a season pass. The fair is July 15-22 at the El Paso County Fair and Events Complex, 366 10th St., Calhan. Visit elpasocountyfair. com for a complete schedule of events or call 719-520-7880.

Taming of the Shrew with a twist by Theatreworks surviving spouse to medical appointments, informing them of military benefits and assisting with household tasks. To learn more about veteran services, visit JusticeServices.ElPasoCo. com.

The Shrew you thought you knew gets a matriarchy makeover by Theatreworks! Kate and Petruchio— equals in intellect, impudence and even infatuation—learn to balance identity and belonging, with plenty of sniping, head-butting and comic brilliance along the way. The performance features all the madcap physical comedy and quick-witted word play inherent in Shakespeare’s comedies and begs the question: Who’s really taming whom? The show runs from July 6-30, Wednesday-Sunday at 7 p.m. Friday shows will be performed inside, with the others taking place outside the Ent Center (weather permitting), 5225 N. Nevada Ave. Tickets range in price from $20-$44. Visit entcenter forthearts.org or call 719-255-3232 for more information.

Green Box Arts Festival celebrates 15 years with largest-ever event

Catch this multi-disciplinary arts fest June 30-July 15, with more than 80 performances, events and classes at the growing and vibrant arts community of Green Mountain Falls. Experience the Paul Taylor Dance Company; the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony; Shakespeare’s “Pericles,” outdoor sculptures; a healing sound journey; the ArtDesk Conversations; swing dancing; Astronomy & S’mores; visible mending workshops; Sommelier 101; silversmithing classes; fiber fusion; Becoming // Poetry for a personalized, spontaneous poetry experience on vintage typewriters; the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra playing a live original score to a silent Buster Keaton film; ArtDesk Pooch Parade; lanternmaking for a spectacular launch and more. The final Block Party on July 15 features food trucks and a concert featuring the homey Ozark sounds of Handmade Moments. See greenboxarts.org for times, tickets and locations. ■