Have you ever seen a magic show… on weed?
Friday. Ben Zabin began his career as a magician performing on cruise ships where he wowed audiences with traditional tricks. These days, he’s infused another one of his passions into a show: cannabis. Zabin’s touring “Smokus Pocus” show promises “jars of cannabis will appear, lighters will come to life, and bongs will bend reality in a unique experience that brings stoned sorcery to life.”
Are his tricks more impressive while under the influence? See for yourself at The Oriental Theater at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, at 4335 W. 44th Ave. in Denver. Tickets cost $30-$45 at theorientaltheater.com. — Tiney Ricciardi
Caroline Rhea at Comedy Works South
Through Saturday. Stand-up Caroline Rhea may not be on the tip of everyone’s culture-war tongues at the moment, but that’s because her decades-long work across TV projects (“Phineas and Ferb, “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”), talk shows and one-hour specials is so consistent that it’s easy to take for granted — especially in an industry increasingly slathered with bro-dude podcasts whose goal is to raise hackles.
The versatile Rhea plays multiple shows at Comedy Works South in Greenwood Village through Saturday, Jan. 27. Tickets for the 21-and-up events at 5345 Landmark Place are $26 at comedyworks.com. — John Wenzel
AI is on trial, and you’re the jury
Saturday. Denver’s quirky and civic-minded Warm Cookies of the Revolution is putting AI on trial Saturday, Jan. 27, with its free “The People vs Artificial Intelligence” event at Buntport Theater. The 3-5 p.m. gathering is an interactive mock trial featuring a judge, “lawyers,” witnesses and the jury (that’s you) and lively discussion about AI promises and pitfalls.
The 3-5 p.m. event at 717 Lipan St. is free, but RSVP at warmcookiesoftherevolution.org. — John Wenzel
DJ Shadow’s latest masterpiece, in concert
Saturday. DJ Shadow’s 1996 album “Endtroducing” was a landmark that crossed genres, from its hip-hop beats to indie-minded samples, expert scratching, and soul underpinnings. The master returns to Denver for a concert on Saturday, Jan 27, at the Gothic Theatre (also one of Denver’s best music venues) to promote his new LP, “Action Adventure.”
Tickets for the 16-and-over show at 8 p.m., with opener Holly, are $39.50 via axs.com. The show takes place at 3263 S. Broadway in Englewood. — John Wenzel
