—Music—

What: Meese: The local pop-rock band—including the Meese brothers themselves—celebrates its recent recording contract with Atlantic Records this Friday at the Bluebird.
Why: This is the last show before the boys head into the studio to work on their major label debut; just think of the “I told you so” possibilities a year from now when Meese has become the new Grey’s Anatomy “it boys.”
Bonus: Junior breakout acts Tickle Me Pink and Barcelona will open. You can’t beat three up-and-coming acts for the price of one.
Details: Fri 8 p.m. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. $10–$12. Call 303-377-1666 or visit www.bluebirdtheater.net.

—Food and Drink—

What: Belgian Beer seminar: Boulder hotspot the Kitchen [Upstairs] hosts a Belgian Beer gathering complete with a detailed history of the brew that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Why: Wine and food pairing is so last year. Get with the program and go for a specialized beer with your dish.
Bonus: The Kitchen has made its name on the heavenly local and organic cuisine that it serves up nightly, and chef/owner Hugo Matheson along with [Upstairs] chef Dakota Soifer have created four small courses to accompany the suds.
Details: Tue 6:30 p.m. The Kitchen [Upstairs], 1039 Pearl St., Boulder. $40. Call 303-544-5973 or visit www.thekitchencafe.com.

—Neighborhoods—

What: The Village Shops at the Landmark: At the pre-opening reception/open house for Greenwood Village’s brand new luxury residential and shopping complex, more than a dozen high-end restaurants and retail stores (think HW Home, Players, and Ella Bleu) will open their doors to customers for a one-day celebration. The Village Shops will continue to open through 2008, with residents to begin moving in during April 2008.
Why: Because shopping season is well underway and you drew the uncle who has everything.
Bonus: Free goodies: Retailers, restaurants, and specialty shops (some not even open yet) will have prizes up for grabs.
Details: Sat 2–6 p.m. The Village Shops at the Landmark, 7677 E. Berry Ave., Greenwood Village. Call 303-721-0500 or visit www.visitthelandmark.com.

—Theater—

What: Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol: This twist on the Dickens holiday classic presents the irreverent, yet moving story of Jacob Marley’s own redemption. Marley is Ebenezer Scrooge’s sour (and deceased) business partner who’s withering in a hellish afterlife filled with spiteful demons. But he has one chance at absolution: redeeming his old pal Scrooge.
Why: It’s a new take on an old favorite—malicious hell-sprite and all.
Bonus: The Victorian Playhouse has joined forces with 3 Sons Italian Restaurant to offer a package night out on the town. Your choice of three entrées, an appetizer, dessert, and drink, plus a ticket to the performance will only set you back $45—an evening even Scrooge would endorse.
Details: Through Dec. 23, Fri–Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Denver Victorian Playhouse, 4201 Hooker St. $20–$22. Call 303-433-4343 or visit www.denvervic.com.

Let it snow….Flakes are finally falling (a lot of ’em) and the high country is buzzing with the hum of ski lifts, making this weekend a no-brainer for gearing up and hitting the slopes. Head to Crested Butte (www.skicb.com) for the legendary Ski Free event and ride nearly 1,200 acres for absolutely no charge. If watching is more your style, check out Breckenridge (www.breckenridge.snow.com) for the Chevy U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix. Need to warm-up those stix before hitting the backcountry? Grab your gear and trek to Winter Park (www.skiwinterpark.com) for the Early Season Warm-Up Clinic. For the ultimate in ski fashion and pampering, try Beaver Creek’s Mountain Mama Weekend (www.beavercreek.snow.com) brought to you by Women’s Health Magazine. Or, toast all that’s good about winter in Snowmass (www.aspensnowmass.com) at the resort’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. Phew—so much powder, so little time.