NEAL CASSADY’S LONG, HANDSOME SHADOW

» The annual Neal Cassady FRIDA Y-S A TURDA Y

which has been going strong for a decade, celebrates the Beat muse best known as Dean Moriarity from Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” As a Denver man, Cassady still looms large over the city’s romantic, literary past, and his mid-20th century adventures (he died in 1968) continue to resonate around town. First there’s an 8 p.m. performance at the Mercury

($25, 2199 California St.) on Feb. 8 with legendary composer David Amram,

whose quartet will headline a night of music, poetry and memories. Also in tow? Dead Kennedys lead singer and semi-local Jello Biafra .Feb.9 brings the free, Cassady-related panels and performances at BarFly and a screening of “Neal Cassady: The Denver Years,” featuring a discussion after the film with director Heather Dalton and Denver Beat historian Mark Bliesener.

That’s 4-9 p.m. Feb. 9 at the

En fuego, mi amor.

» For a more traditionally stimulating, sensuous night of entertainment, check out the collaboration between The Denver Brass and

“En Fuego!” The combustible combo at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 and 2 p.m. Feb. 10, featuring the Latin rhythms and bright horns of the Denver Brass and twirling, colorful costumes and dancing of Fiesta Colorado. Tunes and choreography are sourced from “West Side Story” and classics from Spain, plus mambo from Cuba and jarabe from Mexico, according to organizers. They recommend you bring a fan. The event takes place at 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Tickets: $9-$35. denverbrass.org