Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

Abbey Theatre screens The Precious'
Storyville hosts Punk Rock Breakfast
Center of Southwest Studies unveils new exhibits

Submit items for On the Town to: 534 Main Ave., Durango, CO, 81301; fax: ( 970) 259-0448; e-mail: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com ; or fill out this form

Downtown merchants celebrate Durango's first annual Noel Night . Stores will be open until 9 p.m. and offer discounts, giveaways, refreshments and more. A portion of proceeds will be donated to merchants' favorite charities.

Wanbli Ota hosts a silent auction and Indian taco sale from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Native American Center in Miller Student Center at Fort Lewis College. All proceeds will go to the 40th annual Hozhoni Days. 247-7230 for details.

The Life-Long Learning Series continues with a lecture by Marilee Jantzer-White at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. Jantzer-White will explore "Art of Native America: Beyond Weaving and Clay." 247-7400 for details.

Pongas, 121 W. Eighth St., hosts a singles, 8-ball pool tournament at 7 p.m. 382-8554 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, presents Ladies Boogie Night with DJs spinning hip-hop. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

Widespread Panic affiliate and jam band Jerry Joseph and the Jack Mormons returns to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., presents DJs Erik James & Rem-E spinning music for Femme Fatale . 259-1400 for details.

Haggard's Black Dog Tavern, 10 miles east of Durango on Florida Road, hosts this month's Acoustic Durango Songwriter Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriters Jenny Windegardner and Greg Oldson will each perform an hour-long set. 259-5657 for details.

Holly Hieronymous and Laura Wright play piano at Christina's Grill & Bar, 21382 Hwy. 160 West, at 6 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

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The Children's Museum hosts a fund-raiser for the Durango Discovery Museum at Angels & Lights Studio and Gallery, 726`BD Main Ave., from 5:30-8 p.m. The event will include holiday entertainment, epicurean delights, wine and refreshments and a silent auction of unique holiday gifts. 259-9234 for details.

Beth Moore hosts a fund-raiser to help pay for expenses for the National College of Midwifery from 6-10 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Retreat Center, 848 E. 3rd Ave.The event includes food, a silent auction, and entertainment by Holly Hieronymus, Tracy Brenner, Melissa Crabtree, Durango's Belly Dancing Troupe, and Greg Oldson. 247-2186 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts New Orleans' The Dirty Dozen Brass Band , a DSCPA production. Doors open at 9 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School students will perform the Nutcracker at 7 p.m. in the school's gymnasium.The performance is open to the public. 588-3331 for details.

Trumpet player Michael Murphy will perform his junior recital at 7 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall in the Sage Hall building. Admission is free.

Fresh Ground , "Durango's freshest sound," plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Storyville, 1150 Main Ave., hosts supper club from 6-9 p.m. with a free show from Blue in the Face . 259-1475 for details.

The Badly Bent plays traditional bluegrass at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

Jeff Strahan and the Strangers plays at Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., with shows at 5:30 and 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Bluegrass Mayhem plays a free show at Haggard's Black Dog Tavern, 10 miles east of Durango on Florida Road. A local bluegrass supergroup, Bluegrass Mayhem features banjo player Mark Epstein and local bluegrass icon Pat Dressen and Colorado 2003 State Mandolin Champion Robin Davis, and the Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band's dobro player Anders Beck and bass player/singer Travis Book. 259-5657 for details.

Desert Thunder plays country and rock at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2nd Ave. 375-2568 for details.

Holly Hieronymus and Laura Wright play piano at Christina's Grill & Bar, 21382 Highway 160 West, at 6 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

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The Kuntz Family Christmas Show returns at 2 & 7 p.m. at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College. Musician and comic Darryl Kuntzis joined bydaughter and jazz vocalist Piper, sonNickon drums and guitar, second son and sidekick Quinn and Kevin Orrick on trumpet, Peter Pheteplace on jazz guitar, Boothe Iberg on sax, percussionist Corey Sheridan and Johnny Rovetto on bass. 385-1711 for details.

The Dances of Universal Peace take place at 7 p.m. at the Mason Center, 301 E. 12th Street.

The Furs , a band comprised of former members of Catalyst, takes the stage at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

DJ Michael Dominion spins hip-hop at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

Desert Thunder plays a second show at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568. 4

Scoot n Blues, 900 Main Ave., hosts a Saturday Nite Fever Party with flashbacks to the '70s & '80s plus a lingerie show. 259-1400 for details.

Holly Hieronymus and Laura Wright play piano at Christina's Grill & Bar, 21382 Highway 160 West, at 6 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

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Pongas hosts free pool after 6 p.m. at 121 W. 8th St. 382-8554 for details.

Terry Rickard plays a solo show at Scoot n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 6 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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San Juan 2000, the Fort Lewis College Office of Community Services and the San Juan National Forest will host a community meeting at the Durango Rec Center from 3-6 p.m. to discuss the Little Molas Lake Recreation Area . 247-7310 for details.

Scoot n Blues, 900 Main Ave., presents a Keg Party at 8 p.m. downstairs at Liquid with guest DJs Matthew and Sluke. 259-1400 for details.

Sand Sheff plays the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 6:30-10 p.m. 382-2648 for details.

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The Durango Barbershoppers annual Christmas Sing-Along takes place at 7 p.m. in the Main Mall Atrium, 835 Main Ave. 247-5073 for details.

Tuesday Trivia takes place at Lady Falconburgh's, 640 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. 382-9664 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts "Speaking in Tongues: A Musical Exploration" at 9 p.m. The all-star jam session features Dave Watts of the Motet, Fuzz from Deep Banana Blackout, Leftover Salmon's Greg Garrison, Jessica Lurie from the Living Daylights and Cherne Gastelum on sax. 385-1711 for details.

Tim Sullivan plays country at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 6:30-10 p.m.

Scoot n Blues, 900 Main Ave., presents the semi-finals of king karaoke with Steve Kahler beginning at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., hosts Karaoke Night featuring all-star entertainment. 375-2568 for details.

Scoot n Blues, 900 Main Ave., presents the final round in its 2nd annual Music Talent Search at 8 p.m. Downstairs at Liquid, FLC Wednesdays continue with student discounts and DJ Styles spinning house and break. 259-1400 for details.

The Sand Sheff Trio takes the stage at Haggard's Black Dog Tavern, 10 miles east of Durango on Florida Road, at 6:30 p.m. 259-5657 for details.

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Christmas at Vallecito , an annual Christmas celebration, returns Dec. 13 & 14 with sleigh rides, Santa workshops and visits, an arts and antique fair, food, music, dancing and more. The event also showcases the annual Parade of Lights. 884-2160 for details.

The Durango Lively Arts Co. presents its holiday show, "A Tuna Christmas," Dec. 12-13 at 7:15 p.m. The holiday spoof looks at holiday yard displays in Tuna, Texas, and takes the stage at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. 382-8584 for details.

The Fort Lewis College Theatre presents J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit at 8 p.m. Dec. 11-13 on the FLC Theatre Main Stage. Adapted and directed by Assistant Professor of English Kurt Lancaster, The Hobbit tells the story of hobbit Bilbo Baggins and the ultimate adventure. 247-7089 for details.

"Naked Observations," an exhibit of recent and somewhat tiny works by Paul Pennington and Maureen May will be on display at the Buzz House, 1019 Main Ave., through the end of December. 259-0176 for details.

Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., hosts acclaimed Utah photographer Michael Plyler and his entitled "From Ely to Iberia" through Dec. 13. "From Ely to Iberia" showcases Plyler's longtime interest in the beauty of manmade forms. He has traveled widely, and the work in this show comes from many parts of the world. Plyler's prints are handcrafted using traditional darkroom processes. 382-8355 for details.

The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery hosts an exhibition by graduating senior art majors through Dec. 18. 247-7167 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the exhibit , "In the Eye of the Beholder: Dearly Beloved Artworks from Southwestern Colorado Collections," through Dec. 13. The exhibit showcases more than 35 works of art on loan by local collectors. Upstairs, FLC Art Professor Amy Wendland's sculpture is on display through Dec. 24. 259-4363 for details.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., shows " Ranch Families: Culture of America ," an exhibit featuring photographs and artwork of southwest Colorado ranch families by Jenny & Greg Gummersall.259-2402 for details.

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Early Stages Productions (Durango's theatre for young people) will be presenting a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on Dec. 19- 21 at the Smiley Theater.

More than 200 students will receive their bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees when Fort Lewis College holds its Winter Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 20.

The Abbey Theatre presents a concert by Stella Chiweshe , the Mbira Queen of Zimbabwe, and her backing band Common Thread on Dec. 21.

Legendary Texas Singer Songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey will play shows on Dec. 27 & 28 at Tamarron.

Abbey Theatre screens The Precious' What: A backcountry ski and snowboard film of Jackson Hole's epic 2003 winter Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Jackson Hole, Wyo., was the place to ski in 2003, when big storms followed by bluebird days gave passage to lines that hadn't been skied in years, if ever. "The Precious," the latest release from Storm Show Studios, skips over big-name Hollywood riders in favor of a soulful group of Jackson locals who negotiate big-mountain lines and first descents with big consequences. Highlights include skier Joel Tate's near-fatal avalanche slide; backcountry excursions to the Cirque of the Towers in Wyoming's Wind River Range; and classic snowboard descents of formidable Teton peaks including Mt. Whister, the Middle Teton and the Grand Teton. "Storm Show Studios takes a fresh and youthful approach to ski and snowboard filmmaking," said Gareth Martins, marketing manager for film sponsor Osprey Packs. "'The Precious' gives a real taste of local life in the Jackson Hole area. The filmmaker and the riders in the film show a real appreciation for the mountains they live in." "The Precious" will show at the Abbey Theatre this Thursday at 7 p.m. The screening will include a raffle with prizes from Osprey, Cloudveil, Jackson Hole Resort, Storm Show Studios and local retail sponsor Pine Needle Mountaineering. For more information, call 385-1711.

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Storyville hosts Punk Rock Breakfast What: Ska's annual celebration of the holiday season Where: Storyville, 1150 Main Ave. When: . Sunday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. A holiday event that blends Christmas tradition and family values like no other is Ska Brewing's annual Punk Rock Breakfast, and this season will be no exception. This Sunday morning you can join the crew from Ska and punk rock breakfast house band The Thirteens for a morning of cocktails, breakfast, live music, madness and more. Now in its fourth year, the punk rock breakfast began when the crew from Ska realized that sleep was sometimes more important than partying on a work night. "We realized we were getting too old to go out all night for live music and a few beers when the following day falls on one of those work days," said Dave Thibodeau, one of Ska's owners. "We're not too old to abandon the punk rock, so why not have a few beers and see some live music while you eat breakfast." In addition to beers and live music, the event will also feature the infamous "$5 plate of food." As for the early start, look for an early finish. Thibodeau said, "Very simply, you can go to bed at 4 or 5 p.m. Sunday evening, and come Monday morning it doesn't suck any more than any other Monday morning!" For more information, call 259-1475 or 247-5792.

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Center of Southwest Studies unveils new exhibits What: Exhibits by Tierra Wools and Moab-artist Serena Supplee Where: The Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies When: Now through Dec. 19 and Jan. 5-15 The Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies will host two new exhibitions - "Textiles by the Handweavers of Los Ojos/Tierra Wools" and "Inspiration in Desolation: Canyon Paintings by Serena Supplee" - from now through Dec. 19 and Jan. 5-15 in the Exhibit Gallery. Tierra Wools is a spinning, hand-dyeing and hand-weaving workshop and retail store that buys local wool, washes it, spins it into yarn, and weaves the yarn into weavings that are sold at its workshop in Los Ojos, a small village in the Chama Valley of northern New Mexico. "Our exhibit features 21 distinctive blankets and rugs produced by the weaver/spinner/grower-owned company, as well as a number of other smaller items for sale," said Jeanne Brako, curator of collections and public programs at the Center of Southwest Studies. Many of the weavers of Tierra Wools descend from Spanish immigrants who settled in the Rio Grande Valley as early as the 16th century, with later waves of immigrants from Spain and Mexico. The other new exhibit, "Inspiration in Desolation," features the paintings of Moab-based artist Serena Supplee, who works in watercolors, oils and Japanese woodcut block prints. She is inspired by desert canyon country, where every change of light presents amazing views of color, space, time and emotion. Like the subjects she paints, her large canvases at times stimulate feelings of joy and liberation, while at other times stun viewers into silence. "Desolation Canyon is incredible, a young canyon with its own unique shapes, ever-present erosion-created rock sculptures that seem to me to have animal personalities," said Supplee, who worked summers as a rafting guide on the Colorado, Green and San Juan rivers. Regular gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. The gallery will be closed Dec. 20-Jan. 4. For more information, call 247-7456.

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