5 Things to Do This Weekend in Boise: Trump-bashing comedian, Cursive songs, bike fest

1. Ride to a bike fest

Not in the mood to battle Boise “Idiots” headed to Bogus Basin? Get your weekend recreational fix by sitting on your keister instead. Featuring more than 15 films from around the world, the traveling Filmed By Bike festival is presented by the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance. Nearly 700 people showed up in Boise last year when the Portland-based event came to town. The party starts at 5 p.m. Friday at the Egyptian Theatre. (Films start at 6:30.) Tickets are $15 at egyptiantheatre.net or $20 at the door. If you bring cold-weather gloves, hats or socks to donate to the needy, you’ll get free raffle tickets.

2. See a controversial comic

Uh-oh. George Lopez was in the news again after a wisecrack last week. Responding to an erroneous Instagram post claiming Iran had put an $80 million bounty on President Trump, Lopez quipped online, “We’ll do it for half.” Naturally, outraged conservatives called for Secret Service and CIA action. A spokesperson for the 58-year-old comedian confirmed that it was a joke. Lopez could address the kerfuffle when he performs at 8 p.m Saturday at the Morrison Center in Boise ($49.50 and $59.50, Ticketmaster). Or — considering he’s gigging in one of the reddest of red states — perhaps he won’t.

3. Do spectator sports

The Idaho Steelheads take on the Tulsa Oilers in hockey action at 7:10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at CenturyLink Arena ($12-$40, centurylinkarenaboise.com.) And the Boise State men’s basketball team welcomes Utah State at 8 p.m. Saturday at the BSU Pavilion — er, ExtraMile Arena ($20-$30 general, $19-$29 seniors, $18-$28 juniors. 208-426-4737, broncosports.com).

4. Rock at Neurolux

Touring bands are about as common as Boise River tubers this time of year, but Neurolux has a welcome exception. Omaha indie-rock band Cursive — known for 2003’s breakthough concept album “The Ugly Organ” — will roll into town Saturday for an 8:30 p.m. concert. Tickets are $16 at TicketWeb, $18 at the door. Opening: Cloud Nothings.

5. See the Phil (for free)

The Boise Philharmonic presents “Fantasies + Legends” twice this weekend — both concerts with a pre-event lecture with Jamey Lamar at 6:30 p.m. The first show is at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Brandt Center at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa ($20-$49, boisephil.org). The second is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Morrison Center ($20-$66) in Boise. This classics concert includes Benjamin Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” and other works.

The Phil also also two free offers Saturday for visually impaired children, adults and their families.

▪ An Instrument Petting Zoo happens at 5:30 p.m. in the BSU Choir Room at the Morrison Center. It’s a chance to touch orchestral instruments and talk to the musicians who play them. To register, email Operations Manager Dan Howard at dan@boisephil.org, call the office (208) 344-7849 or just show up.

▪ Plus, people who attend the Petting Zoo — including family members — will receive free tickets to the “Fantasies + Legends” concert afterward.

This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 3:23 PM.