Wheeler Opera House

Beyond Strumming - Creative Guitar Workshop with Kaki King
2026-03-06 18:30 (America/Denver) | The Vault at the Wheeler, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Composer and musician Kaki King is known both for her technical mastery and for her constant quest to push the boundaries of the guitar. In this workshop, participants will learn about Kaki’s approach of deconstructing and reconstructing norms of guitar playing and composing. With group work involving Kaki’s music and an invitation to share excerpts of their personal compositions, participants will explore how to apply her techniques to their own musical style.
Best for beginners to advanced guitar players.
This workshop is free, but advance registration is required. Space is limited.

2026 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
2026-03-05 19:00 - 19:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Get ready for adrenaline-fueled action, breathtaking landscapes, and stories that stir the soul. From first ascents and whitewater thrills to personal triumphs and impossible journeys, this year’s lineup is a tribute to half a century of pushing boundaries and living boldly.

Aspen Historical Society Presents: History Tours
2026-03-04 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-25 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-18 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-11 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-04 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-28 13:30 - 14:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Enjoy a guided tour inside the center of Aspen’s arts and cultural scene since it was built in 1889. This free tour led by the Aspen Historical Society and in partnership with the City of Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House offers an insider’s look at the iconic building, including its recent renovations and storied past.
Meet in the lobby. Maximum 20 guests.

Aspen Historical Society Presents: Chris Anthony's Friedl
2026-03-03 18:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Aspen Historical Society welcomes professional skier and documentary filmmaker Chris Anthony back to the Wheeler Opera House for the Aspen premiere of Friedl, Anthony’s latest film exploring the legendary life of one of Aspen’s most influential ski pioneers, Friedl Pfeifer. While researching a sequel to his award-winning documentary, Mission Mt. Mangart, Chris uncovered the remarkable story of a daring ski race on Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner, which required athletes to climb to the summit starting in the middle of the night. Austrians held the race beginning in 1935, initially on wooden skis with leather boots and bindings, descending the glacier below to avoid crevasses, rocks, and cliffs rather than using gates. In 1935, the fastest skier from the summit was Friedl Pfefier, who also won a shorter version of the race in 1936. Chris quickly realized this was the same Friedl Pfeifer whose statue stands at the base of Ajax: Pfeifer escaped the Nazi regime, immigrated to the United States, led the Sun Valley Ski School, served in the 10th Mountain Division, and later helped create Aspen Skiing Corporation. The film explores this sweeping story, followed by a conversation with Colorado Snow Sports Hall of Fame inductee Chris Anthony. Photo: Friedl Pfeifer circa 1950. AHS, Ringquist Collection
The Aspen premiere of Friedl is generously underwritten by Lex Tarumianz Realty

Devon Allman's Blues Summit
2026-02-28 19:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Devon Allman has been immersed in the world of blues and rock his entire life. As the son of the legendary Gregg Allman, Devon grew up surrounded by the rich musical legacy of the Allman Brothers Band, a group that played a pivotal role in shaping the Southern rock and blues sound.
The Devon Allman Blues Summit unites an extraordinary lineup of blues greats led by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Devon Allman, son of the legendary Gregg Allman. This powerhouse event features iconic vocalist and harmonica master Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie, whose chart‑topping success and collaborations with artists like Jeff Beck have cemented his place in music history. Renowned blues guitarist Larry McCray adds his signature blend of soul, rock, and contemporary blues, while celebrated St. Louis vocalist Laka contributes her captivating, powerhouse presence. Together, these artists deliver an unforgettable night that honors blues tradition while boldly expanding its boundaries.

International Guitar Night XXVI
2026-02-27 19:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
International Guitar Night (IGN) returns with a dynamic lineup featuring Vietnamese classical guitarist Thu Le, rock/flamenco/classical powerhouse Lucas Imbiriba (Brazil), innovative fingerstyle guitarist Alexandr Misko (Russia), and, for the first time, ukulele master Taimane (Hawaii).
Thu Le is a celebrated Vietnamese guitarist whose performances combine exceptional technical command with lyrical expression. A graduate of prestigious European conservatories, she bridges Eastern and Western traditions through a distinctive voice on the classical guitar, earning acclaim on international stages.

Lucas Imbiriba blends flamenco fire, Latin rhythms, classical melodies, and rock energy into breathtaking performances. A multiple classical competition winner, he has embraced rock and acoustic instrumental arrangements, earning millions of views and a worldwide following.

Alexandr Misko is a modern fingerstyle innovator whose percussive techniques and viral videos have captivated audiences. With six albums and performances from Carnegie Hall to major festivals, he continues to push guitar boundaries with his custom-built instruments.

Taimane redefines the ukulele with her genre-spanning artistry, blending classical, rock, and Polynesian influences. From Waikiki street performances to global tours, she has amassed millions of fans and four Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, proving the instrument’s limitless

Michelle Buteau
2026-02-26 19:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Michelle Buteau is an actress, comedian, producer and writer. The multihyphenate stars in the Netflix comedy series “Survival Of The Thickest”, which she created and executive produced. Inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name, the series was released in July 2023, the second season came out in March 2025, and it will be returning for a third and final season. Buteau received the 55th NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)” for the series.
In June 2024, Buteau taped her second Netflix comedy special, A BUTEAU-FUL MIND live at Radio City Music Hall, becoming the first woman to tape a special at the iconic venue. The special was released on Netflix on December 31, 2024. Her first Netflix special, WELCOME TO BUTEAUPIA won the Critics Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Special.
Buteau also stars in the hit comedy BABES, alongside Ilana Glazer and directed by Pamela Adlon. The film premiered to rave reviews at SXSW and released in theaters on May 17, 2024, with Variety praising the “unapologetically raw take on pregnancy and female friendship” and Rolling Stone lauding it the “’Bridesmaids’ of babymaking.” She recently wrapped production on the comedy SPA WEEKEND, opposite Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Anna Faris.
Buteau is known as the host of the hit Netflix reality competition show, “The Circle”, which released its seventh season in September 2024, as well as the second season of Netflix’s “Barbecue Showdown”. She has also hosted the 2024 Billboard Music Awards and the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party livestream. Buteau’s other film and television highlights include MARRY ME, FIRST WIVES CLUB, ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE, and SOMEONE GREAT.

Changemaker Speaker Series Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner: Defying Limits: Climbing the 14 Highest Peaks
2026-02-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner’s interest in mountain climbing developed at a very young age. It was Reverend Dr. Erich Tischler, a youth group leader in her hometown of Spital am Pyhrn, Upper Austria, who introduced her to the fascinating world of mountains. After the dominical church service, he would take Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner along on numerous tours to the mountains surrounding her hometown.
For her first career, Gerlinde worked as a nurse, giving her unique insight into the human body and a better understanding of how to keep it at peak performance. She skied and climbed mountains in her spare time, occasionally leading tours.  She always dreamed of climbing one of the world’s tallest mountains, known as the 8,000-meter peaks.  She achieved that dream at the age of 23, when she reached the summit of Broad Peak in Pakistan (8,027m).  That lit a fire inside of her.
During the following years, she poured all of her extra money from her nursing career into trekking and climbing expeditions to the Himalaya. She would climb four more peaks on her vacations from work.  After summitting the 5th 8,000-meter peak, Nanga Parbat (8,126m), in Pakistan, she decided to go for her dream to become a professional mountain climber.
Today, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner has climbed all fourteen main peaks in the eight thousand series as well as two fore summits higher than eight thousand meters. By reaching the summit of K2 (8,611m), the second highest—and considered by many to be the most dangerous—peak in the world, she became the first woman to scale all 8,000m peaks without the use of supplementary oxygen or the help of high-altitude porters.
Presented in association with Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

DanceAspen re:imagine
2026-02-22 15:00, 2026-02-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
DanceAspen proudly presents re:imagine, an evening of world premieres by American choreographers whose careers abroad in Europe have shaped bold new visions for contemporary ballet.
2025 Princess Grace Award–winner Houston Thomas updates the iconic Swan Lake pas de deux into A Mating Dance, fusing its timeless music with visceral, modern intensity. Fresh from Belgium, Shane Urton unveils a dynamic new work, Overtime, set to DanceAspen’s first-ever commissioned score by composer Camiel Jansen, transforming the rhythms of corporate life into movement of surprising lyricism. Meanwhile, rising choreographic voice Emilie Leriche draws from a Mark Strand poem, crafting the movement Of Field as language made physical. DanceAspen’s own artist and choreographer Jonah Delgado brings a stylish new work, Arbitrary Relevance, exploring how people reinvent themselves.
Together, these premieres embody the spirit of re:imagine—challenging convention, reshaping tradition, and giving voice to a new era of contemporary dance.

An Acoustic Evening with The Band Perry
2026-02-14 20:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Experience the powerful new chapter of The Band Perry, the GRAMMY®, CMA, and ACM Award‑winning band whose genre‑bending sound and emotional storytelling have captivated fans for over a decade. Originally a sibling trio, the band now steps boldly into “Season Two” as a dynamic husband‑and‑wife duo—frontwoman Kimberly Perry and her husband, Jonny Costello—bringing fresh energy and a renewed creative spark to the stage.
The Band Perry first burst onto the scene with the Diamond‑certified smash “If I Die Young,” a rare accomplishment that made Kimberly the only female artist to solo‑write a Diamond‑certified country song. With over 2.5 million albums sold, 12 million singles, a billion streams, and multiple chart‑toppers including “Better Dig Two,” “Done,” “All Your Life,” and “Chainsaw,” their impact on modern country remains unmistakable.
After a two‑year hiatus and a heartfelt 2025 reunion performance, the revamped duo returned to touring with a wave of momentum—launching with a community benefit concert and quickly reigniting fan excitement. Newly signed to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Kimberly and Jonny are bringing their Appalachian‑gothic sound, electrifying performances, and deeply rooted storytelling to stages nationwide as they craft their next record.

The Fulton Brothers Presents: An Artistic Journey With The Fulton Brothers
2026-02-13 19:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
The event will be to show a short selection of short films by the late Aspen filmmaker Bob Fulton alongside his brothers Rawn and Travis Fulton – who will present the evening.
Reception and artwork by the Fulton brothers will be in the gallery following the event.

Modi
2026-02-12 19:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Voted one of the “Top 10 Comedians in New York City” by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi Rosenfeld—known simply as Modi—is one of the most sought-after performers on the comedy circuit today. With a sharp wit, impeccable timing, and a gift for engaging audiences, he has earned widespread acclaim for his high-energy performances and cultural insights.
Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, The Howard Stern Show, and E! Entertainment, Modi has also received rave reviews from The New York Times, Time Out NY, and The New York Post. He has become a staple in New York’s vibrant comedy scene, recently selling out 3 shows at NYC’s famed Beacon Theatre while regularly performing at top theatres nationally and internationally. A testament to Modi’s expanding universe, May will see him tour such non-traditional standup markets such as Warsaw, Geneva, Antwerp, Munich and Frankfurt and validates that “funny crosses borders.”
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he initially pursued a career in investment banking before discovering his true calling in stand-up comedy during an open-mic night. Known for his ability to read a room and tailor his material to any audience, Modi seamlessly weaves his Jewish heritage into his act, making him a favorite among Jewish audiences while still resonating with fans of all backgrounds.
At the core of Modi’s comedy is what he calls Moshiach Energy. “I’ve coined the term Moshiach Energy, which is an energy I feel every time I do a show and see people from all different backgrounds and walks of life: religious/not religious, Sephardic/Ashkenazi, Jewish/not Jewish, united in laughter,” Modi explains. “That is an hour of Moshiach Energy. The goal is to bring that energy 24/7 through acts of kindness, providing laughter, or even just bringing a smile everywhere you go.”
Beyond stand-up, Modi is the host of the popular podcast And Here’s Modi, which offers an inside look at the man behind the microphone. Featuring a raw and unfiltered side of the comedian rarely seen on stage, the show explores comedy, trending topics, spirituality, and personal anecdotes—all while finding the funny in everything. Co-hosted by Periel Aschenbrand and Modi’s husband and manager, Leo Veiga, And Here’s Modi is about to reach its 150-episode milestone, solidifying its place as a fan-favorite in the comedy podcast world.
Modi has also made notable on-screen appearances, playing himself in HBO’s Crashing and Netflix’s When Jews Were Funny. He has acted in multiple feature films, including leading roles in Waiting for Woody Allen—which won the LA Film Festival—and Stand Up. Modi also starred in his own one-hour special, Know Your Audience, which premiered last year on 800 Pound Gorilla Media.
Recognizing his contributions to the arts and comedy, New York City honored Modi with his own day—June 26th—when Mayor Bill de Blasio officially declared it Mordechi “Modi” Rosenfeld Day in 2018.

Meshell Ndegeocello: The Gospel Of James Baldwin
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
The prescience of James Baldwin is alive nearly forty years after his passing, a testament to his enduring impact. A prolific writer, his essays, novels, plays, and poetry have assessed and often reproached the human condition. As an activist, his oratory prowess in the 1960s was bar none, lending his outspoken views on Black oppression with profundity and eloquence. Born in New York City on August 2, 1924, this year marks the centennial of the eminent writer, a momentous occasion that is celebrated by the release of one of MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO’s most intrepid efforts to date: No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin.
Co-presented by Wheeler Associates & Wheeler Opera House

The Peking Acrobats
2026-02-05 18:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
35th Anniversary North American Tour – Year of the Snake
For over three decades, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have redefined the limits of human possibility with their breathtaking blend of athleticism, artistry, and cultural tradition. Now celebrating their 35th North American Tour, this world-renowned troupe returns with a brand-new production that honors over 2,000 years of Chinese acrobatic heritage—infused with modern spectacle and theatrical flair.
Audiences will witness daring maneuvers atop a towering pagoda of chairs, gravity-defying contortionists, astonishing foot juggling, and the iconic Bicycle Pagoda—all set to a backdrop of dazzling costumes and high-tech special effects. Each act is a testament to years of rigorous training and the pursuit of harmony between mind and body.
As the New York Times raved, “These acrobats provide feats of circus art that reach breathtaking heights of skill” Variety called them “astounding… and AMAZING!”, while the Seattle Times declared, “Nearly everything the Peking Acrobats did last night was amazing – and stunning, and breathtaking and WOW!”
Having toured across six continents and performed with symphony orchestras and in major films like Ocean’s 11, 12, and 13, THE PEKING ACROBATS® continue to captivate audiences of all ages with a show that is equal parts tradition, innovation, and pure wonder.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Indomitable Spirit
2026-02-04 18:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Mountainfilm on Tour is coming to Aspen bringing a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado.
The Indomitable Spirit program showcases powerful stories of resilience, hope, and transformation—spotlighting individuals and communities who rise above adversity with courage and creativity.

Resilience in the Face of Challenge: From a beloved driving instructor in New York Shanti Rides Shotgun to a community rallying around a local hero with autism Saving Superman, these films celebrate perseverance and the strength found in support networks.
Personal Transformation & Activism: The Changebaker follows an immigrant’s journey from war-torn Colombia to building a bakery that becomes a beacon of activism and hope for fellow immigrants.
Connection to Nature & Identity: Films like Whispers and Goochie explore the healing power of outdoor adventure—whether through the quiet magic of skiing under moonlight or the trailblazing spirit of adaptive mountain biking.
Artistic Legacy & Cultural Renewal: Tiger honors the enduring impact of family, culture, and creativity, as Dana Tiger revives her family’s iconic T-shirt business and reconnects with her heritage.
Overcoming Loss & Redefining Success: and again. and The Life We Have offer intimate portraits of athletes and survivors navigating injury, illness, and uncertainty—finding gratitude and meaning in each moment.

Area 23a/Gabe Polsky Productions Presents: The Man Who Saves the World?
2026-01-31 19:30 - 22:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Join spiritual journeyman Patrick McCollum, Director Gabe Polsky, and special guests for a mind-blowing cinematic experience. This isn’t just a film screening—it’s a live experience featuring magical storytelling, and conversation with the documentary’s subject: kung fu master, U.N. peacekeeper, Wiccan chaplain, and the man prophesied to save the Amazon. When director Gabe Polsky gets swept into Patrick McCollum’s orbit, it sparks a globe-spanning adventure where the absurd and the profound collide. Along the way, they cross paths with legends like Jane Goodall and Chief Phil Lane Jr., uncovering a mission that might just be crazy enough to save the planet. The Man Who Saves the World? is a bold documentary that blends spiritual prophecy, environmental urgency, and absurdist character study into something entirely unique. Equal parts Herzogian adventure and modern myth, it explores big questions with humor, humanity, and surreal twists. Behind the film is the Executive Producer team of Oscar-winning director/producer Peter Farrelly, Rough House Pictures (Danny McBride/David Gordon Green/Jody Hill), and Area 23a (Fantastic Fungi, Common Ground). “Patrick is probably the most extraordinary person I’ve met.” -Jane Goodall “One of my favorite documentaries in years — leave it to Gabe Polsky to track down one of the most colorful characters and craziest stories ever captured on film.”” – Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter “I love this movie and I wish everybody could see it because it’s life-affirming and timely.” -Peter Farrelly “4 out of 4 Stars” -RogerEbert.com 100% Approval -Rotten Tomatoes

Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
2026-01-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
The Grateful Dead’s Blues for Allah will be played in its entirety, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the album.

Music has always loomed large in the life of Don Was. Born in Detroit in 1952, he has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a musician, record producer, music director, film composer, documentary filmmaker, and radio host. Since 2011, he has also served as President of America’s venerated jazz label, Blue Note Records.
As a record producer, he has won six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 1989 for Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time and Producer of the Year in 1994. Albums he has produced have sold close to 100 million copies for a wide array of artists such as The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, John Mayer, Ringo Starr, Wayne Shorter, The B-52s, and Charles Lloyd. In 1995, he produced and directed the Brian Wilson documentary I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times, which won the San Francisco Film Festival’s Golden Gate Award. As a film composer, he received the 1994 British Academy Award (BAFTA) for Best Original Score for the film Backbeat. He also won the 2014 Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction for CBS’s The Beatles: The Night That Changed America.
In 2018, Don joined Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir to form the Wolf Brothers, a band that continues to tour in the U.S. and overseas. In April 2023, he served as Music Director for Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, and he is featured in the Willie Nelson & Family documentary on Paramount+. In September 2024, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Americana Music Foundation at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. He also hosts Dinner With Don Was, a weekly radio show on John Mayer’s SiriusXM Channel 14.
At Blue Note Records, Don fiercely protects the label’s 85-year-old legacy, meticulously preserving its revered catalog of Black American Music. His work includes overseeing acclaimed vinyl reissue series such as Tone Poet and Classic Vinyl, as well as signing and producing many of the label’s current artists, including Robert Glasper, Charles Lloyd, Wayne Shorter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Gregory Porter, and Jason Moran.
Don’s deep Detroit roots keep him closely tied to the city. For the past 15 years, he has music-directed and played bass in the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue, part of Detroit’s annual diversity festival, the Concert of Colors. From 2009 to 2012, he hosted The Motor City Hayride on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel, and since 2021 he has co-hosted The Don Was Motor City Playlist, a live weekly show on Detroit’s NPR station WDET-FM. Don is also the voice of Neville the Dog in the hit Amazon Prime Video children’s series Pete the Cat.
THE PAN-DETROIT ENSEMBLE
Don Was’ latest group, The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, features top-tier jazz musicians from his hometown. “There’s a unique sound and feel to Detroit that permeates the music in a way that resonates all over the globe,” says Was. “There’s a rawness, a lack of pretension, and an unmistakable underlying groove that reflects the people and culture of the entire city.”
The band includes longtime collaborators such as Blue Note artist Dave McMurray on saxophone and Eminem’s Oscar-winning collaborator, keyboardist Luis Resto. Additional members include trombonist Vincent Chandler, trumpeter John Douglas, drummer Jeff Canaday, percussionist Mahindi Masai, guitarist Wayne Gerard, and vocalist Steffanie Christi’an.
“When the opportunity came to put together a new band, the message was clear: go back to Detroit where I came from, be who I am, play like who I am, and team up with like-minded individuals,” says Was.
The Pan-Detroit Ensemble debuted in 2024 and 2025 and will continue touring the U.S. and select international markets in support of their forthcoming debut album, Groove in the Face of Adversity, to be released October 10 on Mack Avenue Music.

Welcome to Night Vale: Murder Night in Blood Forest + Musical Guest, Mal Blum
2026-01-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Beloved former teen militia member Tamika Flynn is joining a few hundred of her friends for the annual Murder Night in Blood Forest, a celebration of crows, ravens, and all corvids. But a masked killer is hunting these carefree partiers one by one. Who would ruin Murder Night with murder? Can Cecil and Tamika solve the mystery before the murderer has gotten them all?
Welcome to Night Vale’s Brand-new touring live show, Murder Night in Blood Forest, features Cecil Baldwin, Symphony Sanders, Jeffrey Cranor, surprise guests playing fan favorite characters, a special musical guest as “The Weather,” and live music by Disparition. Both fans of the show and newcomers will be able to enjoy this stand-alone show.
Night Vale’s unforgettable live shows bring the audience into the story in surprising and thrilling ways. Over the years, our live shows have become the heart of the Night Vale experience. They are unique theatrical evenings that take you to our weird little town in a way you can’t get from listening to the podcast at home. The live shows are entirely stand-alone and do not require any knowledge of the podcast, so bring a friend or a parent or a child or a neighbor.

Changemaker Speaker Series Bryan Smith: Capturing the Impossible
2026-01-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
A decade ago Bryan Smith bought his first camera at Walmart and started calling himself a filmmaker. Armed with a $500 handycam, he embarked on a kayaking expedition to the far reaches of Arunachal Pradesh, India. While his imagery barely cracked amateur status on that first expedition, his passion and persistence would carry him through the ranks of the industry in the span of just 10 years.
His first film, 49 Megawatts, documented a community’s struggle with a hydroelectric project on British Columbia’s Ashlu River and eventually led him to the hallways of National Geographic. He received an Expedition Council grant to lead a team of kayakers into the wilds of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia and went on to direct The Man Who Can Fly for the National Geographic Channel. After several years as a freelance director of photography for National Geographic, Bryan founded Reel Water Productions— boutique production company based in Squamish, British Columbia, specializing in documentary, expedition, and commercial content.
Bryan currently leads a team of like-minded creatives in the pursuit of authentic storytelling. Their award-winning films have graced festival circuits, television networks, and the online community. Bryan looks for projects that pass a 60/40 rule *just 60% chance of success). He believes that a high chance of failure produces the best work and creates unforgettable stories.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
2026-01-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. The production runs for approximately 60 minutes and is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Based on the book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, published by Hyperion Books for Children, the show features a script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton, lyrics by Mo Willems, music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, and dramaturgy by Megan Alrutz. This play was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was first produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2019-2020 season.
Additional credits include set design by Timothy R. Mackabee, costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson, props design by Lake Simons, and direction and choreography by Jen Wineman.

Sopris Theatre Company Presents: 26 Pebbles
2026-01-24 19:30 - 21:15 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
26 Pebbles by Eric Ulloa chronicles the experiences of the parents and community members of Newtown and Sandy Hook. In a series of monologues and short dialogues, they tell the story of their hometown: The experience of community events, the day of the shooting and their panic, the grief and trauma following the tragedy. Lauded for its compassion and message of healing, 26 Pebbles shows how pebbles dropped in the pond can create a ripple effect for the rest of the world.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Adventure Playlist
2026-01-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Mountainfilm on Tour is coming to Aspen bringing a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado.
The Adventure Playlist celebrates the spirit of exploration, resilience, and breaking boundaries—featuring stories from the world’s most daring athletes and trailblazers.

Pushing Limits & Breaking Barriers: From Robin Goomes making history at Red Bull Rampage to Annika Malacinski’s fight for gender equality in Nordic Combined skiing, these films spotlight individuals who challenge norms and redefine what’s possible in their sports.
Personal Journeys & Representation: Shift Tha Culture follows snowboarder Zeb Powell’s quest to bring diversity and inclusion to the mountains, while About Damn Time honors women who have carved out space in male-dominated outdoor industries.
Epic Adventure & Athleticism: Whether it’s mountain biking every inch of Salt Lake City (Summer in the City), heli-skiing untouched Alaskan powder (Magic Hour), or freeskier Bobby Brown’s feats in the San Juan Mountains (White Gold), the program showcases breathtaking landscapes and the thrill of outdoor adventure.
Community & Legacy: These films highlight the importance of community, mentorship, and passing the torch—celebrating those who inspire others to pursue their passions and leave a lasting impact.
Joy & Innovation: With fearless athletes like Nicholi Rogatkin redefining mountain biking and friends capturing the fun of skateboarding and skiing, the playlist is a tribute to creativity, energy, and the pure joy of play.

Hannah Berner: None of My Business Tour
2026-01-20 20:00 - 21:30 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Hannah Berner is a stand-up comedian and New York Times Best-Selling author known for her relatable humor and charismatic crowd work. She rose to prominence with her debut comedy special “We Ride at Dawn” which premiered at #2 on Netflix.
Berner hosts two hit podcasts: Giggly Squad alongside Paige DeSorbo, and Berner Phone with Des Bishop, which have garnered over 100 million combined downloads. After a sold-out national tour, Berner and DeSorbo recently released their book “How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously” via Simon and Schuster which debuted at #2 on the New York Times Best Seller list.
Her video series, Han on the Street, has earned over 350 million views. In addition to her regular appearances in the New York comedy scene, Berner was included in Variety’s 2024 “The New Power of New York” list, The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 “The Creator A-List” and Variety’s 2023 “Top 10 Comics to Watch”. She is a Brooklyn native and resides in New York City with her cat Butter.

Gwyneth Goes Skiing
2026-01-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
She’s a Hollywood icon. He’s a retired optometrist. In 2016, they collided—on the slopes of Deer Valley. In 2023, they collided again—in court. This is their story. Kind of.
After sold-out runs in London, Edinburgh, New York, LA, and Park City, Gwyneth Goes Skiing lands in Aspen for a limited engagement. Written and performed by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, with original songs by Leland (RuPaul, Troye Sivan, Cher), and featuring a special video appearance by Trixie Mattel, this high-camp courtroom musical transforms the Wheeler into a snow-speckled spectacle of queer joy.
As seen in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Variety, BBC, and more.
“Hilarious, camp and outrageous” – Attitude
“Pure theatrical magic” – All That Dazzles
You are the jury. Prepare to be gooped.
