Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

WRC presents Men Who Grill'
Abbey hosts the music of Zimbabwe
Next Wave' rolls into Durango Arts Center

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

A free "Weeds in the Burned Area" tour takes place at Lemon Reservoir and surrounding areas from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 385-1210 to register.

Citizens for Change sponsors a 6 p.m. rally at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, in conjunction with a screening of the Democratic National Convention.The public is invited. 385-1711 for details.

Durango Motorless Transit sponsors a group trail run on the south end of the Hermosa Creek Trail at 6 p.m. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead. 385-2664 for details.

Terry Rickard plays on the patio at Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., from 5:30-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

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

Music in the Mountains presents the Conservatory Young Artists in concert at the Roshong Recital Hall at Fort Lewis College at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.musicinthemountains.com.

Beer Bingo takes place at Lady Falconburgh's, 640 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 382-9664 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts its monthly club night, "Down," at 10 p.m. The evening features DJs Brian Ess and Abell playing progressive electronica. 385-1711 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., offers free line dancing lessons from 6-8 p.m. 375-2568 for details.

Airborne plays jazz standards at Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., from 6:30-9:30 p.m. DJ Erik James and a special guest spin music downstairs for Femme Fatale at 10 p.m. 259-1400.

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Mariachi Durango and Folklorico Durango perform from 5-7 p.m. for Music on Main, a weekly concert at 8th Street and Main. The performance is put on by the City of Durango and is free to the public. 385-2850 for details.

Grogan Fine Art & Gift , 1240 Blair St. in Silverton, hosts a grand opening celebration from 5-8 p.m. The event will feature wine, hors d'oeuvres and an opportunity to meet the artists. 799-2469 for details.

Pete Giuliani brings his acoustic stew to Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., from 5:30-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

The Mahogany Trio plays jazz from 6-9 p.m. at the Mahogany Grill, 699 Main Ave. 247-4433.

Durango Nature Studies hosts a naturalist-guided full moon hike on the Vallecito Creek trail from 7 to 9 p.m. 382-9244 for details.

Music in the Mountains presents the Conservatory Gala Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the FLC Community Concert Hall. Visit www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

The Aztec Main Street Association puts on its 2004 outdoor movie series with the showing of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," at 122 East Blanco in Aztec. A costume contest takes place before the movie at 8 p.m. 505-334-3014.

Roscoe "swings" the blues from 6-9 p.m. at Koko's Friendly Pub in Cortez. 533-7943 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays at the Buffalo Gap, 17460 CR 501 at Vallecito Lake, from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 884-2259 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts an evening of traditional bluegrass with Chatham County Line of Raleigh, N.C. Local pickers, the Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band , will open the concert at 8 p.m. Prior to the show at 6 p.m., there will also be a campaign fund-raiser for democratic county commissioner candidate Wally White . Admission price includes food, drink and cover for the concert. 385-1711 for details.

Airborne performsa mix of high-energy rock, Latin, funk and jazz at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Storyville, 1150 Main Ave., hosts supper club with free music from Mark Merryman of Fret Knot from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dialogue then plays its local hip-hop at 9:30 p.m. 259-1475 for details.

A DJ spins a hip-hop mix at Solid Muldoon's, 117 W. College, at 9 p.m.. 247-9151 for details.

Movin' On plays country and rock at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

The Dean Murphy & Kevin Blaum Duo plays blues, swing, jazz and rock at 9 p.m. at El Patio, 600 Main Ave.

The Alex Maryol Band brings its blues and rock to Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., with shows at 5 & 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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The Durango Farmers Market , a community-based organization of local agriculturalists and artisans, gathers in the First National Bank of Durango parking lot, 259 W. 9th St., from 8 a.m.-noon. 946-5269 for details.

"Hike, Lunch and Wine with a Llama," an interpretive hike where participants learn about wildflowers, trees, birds and geology, takes place from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Durango Mountain Resort. The llama will also carry lunches and wine for a midday picnic.385-1210 to register.

Music in the Mountains continues with a performance by the Conservatory Kids With Strings Attached and the Concert Orchestra at the DMR Festival Tent at 1 p.m. Visit www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

Music in the Mountains presents the Festival Orchestra performing Grieg's "Piano Concerto," Poulenc's "Concerto for Two Pianos," Gershwin's "American in Paris" and Ravel's "Bolero" at 5 p.m. at the FLC Community Concert Hall. Visit www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

The Blue Ray, 115 W. 11th St., hosts a psychic festival from 5-9 p.m. The event features mini-readings, tarot, astrology, intuitive, energy clearings, food and free raffles. 382-5955 for details. 4

Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., hosts music from Greg Ryder (patio) and Holly Hieronymous (lounge) from 5:30-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

Durango DOT Comedy performs a two-hour improvisational comedy show at 8 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. 375-4519 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays at the Buffalo Gap, 17460 CR 501 at Vallecito Lake, from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 884-2259 for details.

A DJ spins a hip-hop mix at Solid Muldoon's, 117 W. College, at 9 p.m. 247-9151 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts "Urban Jungle" at 10:30 p.m. with DJs Kent Clark and Rem-E spinning music for Ladies Night. 259-9200 for details.

Movin' On plays a second show at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

The Dean Murphy & Kevin Blaum Duo plays blues, swing, jazz and rock at 9 p.m. at El Patio, 600 Main Ave.

The Explorers Club Southwest, 1332 Blair St. in Silverton, presents rock and folk from the Porchlites at 9 p.m. 387-5006 for details.

The Catch 22 Blues Band plays high energy electric blues at the Trails End in Silverton at 9 p.m. 387-5117 for details.

Durango jam band Sol Vista plays at Desert Jam, an event at the Enterprise in Rico.

The Alex Maryol Band plays a second show at Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. 259-1400.

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The Fiesta Days parade takes place at 11 a.m. and will begin at the 500 block of Main Ave. and proceed downtown.

After joining the Fiesta Days Parade on a float themed "Food for Thought," local supporters of U.S. Senate candidate Mike Miles will serve free hot dogs at Rotary Park and discuss Miles and the importance of voting in the Aug. 10 primary. The event takes place at 12:15 p.m.

Cruisers for Kerry will also join the Fiesta Days Parade. Bicyclists are encouraged to meet at 9:30 a.m. at 2256 W. Second Ave. to decorate their bikes. A Democratic Party Open House will follow the parade at Durango Office Suites, 1053 Main Ave.

Music in the Mountains presents the Festival Orchestra performing Rossini's "Barber of Seville Overture," Mozart's "Oboe Concerto" and Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No. 2" at 5 p.m. at the DMR Festival Tent. Visit www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

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

The Mahogany Trio plays jazz from 6-9 p.m. at the Mahogany Grill, 699 Main Ave. 247-4433.

Tim Guidotti plays solo at Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave. 259-1400 for details.

The Blue Moon Ramblers play bluegrass at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., from 7-10 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

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Drawing on Your Dreams , a group exploring dreams through art and discussion, meets from 7-8 p.m. every Monday through Aug. 9 at 204 W. 22nd St. 259-9636 for details.

Swing Shift plays melodic and lyrical jazz standards at the Cyprus Caf`E9, 725 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

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Music in the Mountains presents Family Festivo , a free concert featuring the Festival Orchestra, Durango Children's Theatre and Ballet Folklorico de Durango, at Rotary Park at 11 a.m. Visit www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Group plays on the patio at the Cyprus Caf`E9, 725 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

Earthrise Community holds an introductory meeting and open house at 6 p.m. at Earthrise, beginning with a potluck dinner and socializing. 259-9488 for directions.

Music in the Mountains continues with Festival Chamber Music featuring Antonio Pompa-Baldi on piano and Ertan Torgul on violin performing Stravinsky's "Soldier's Tale" at 7 p.m. at the DMR Festival Tent. Visit www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

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

Solid Muldoon's, 117 W. College, hosts College Night with a DJ spinning hip-hop. 247-9151 for details.

Scoot n Blues, 900 Main Ave., presents King Karaoke with Steve Kahler beginning at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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Trails 2000 conducts trail maintenance on the Log Chutes Trail from 3-8 p.m. A wide variety of volunteers is needed and are encouraged to show up and leave as their schedules permit. Food, tools and work gloves provided. 259-4682 for details.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Group plays on the patio at the Cyprus Caf`E9, 725 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., hosts a live DJ with no cover. 375-2568 for details. 4

Scoot n Blues, 900 Main Ave., hosts Bike Night , a Durango Harley Davidson event. 259-1400.

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Durango's 69th annual Fiesta Days celebration, a Western heritage festival, takes place this weekend, July 29-Aug. 1. The event includes a parade, barbecue, pie auction and sanctioned rodeo with many events taking place at the La Plata County fairgrounds. Fiesta Days is a celebration of Southwest Colorado's rich heritage of Spanish, American Indian and Western cultures.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., presents "Seduced by Color," an exhibit featuring the work of New York photographer Pete Turner. Turner is noted for his instantly recognizable work that uses saturated color as a graphic element. He has won numerous awards including "Professional Photographer of the Year 2000" and was listed as one of the 20 Most Influential Photographers. The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 22. 382-8355 for details.

The San Juan Mountains Association, San Juan Public Lands and Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad present the Mountain Express , a special summer train that teaches about native flora, Colorado wildlife, nature studies and fire ecology. Smokey the Bear will be at the Cascade Station to meet guests, and goodie bags will be provided for all youth on board.Through Aug. 5, the Mountain Express train departs daily from Durango at 11 a.m. and returns at 4:20 p.m. 247-2733 for more information.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens the film "What The (Bleep) Do We Know," an acclaimed film that is part story, part documentary and part animated daydream. The protagonist finds herself in a fantastic Alice in Wonderland experience when her daily, uninspired life literally begins to unravel, revealing the uncertain world of the quantum field hidden behind what we consider to be our normal, waking reality. The film shows most nights at 6:15 & 8:30 p.m. through August 5. 385-1711.

Durango Nature Studies hosts the "Magical Nature Days" Day Camp for 6- & 7-year-olds on Aug. 2, 4 & 6. Kids will learn about nature through games, crafts and outdoor exploration and can sign up for one, two or three days. 382-9244 to register.

The Diamond Circle Melodrama , 699 Main Ave., celebrates its 43rd season withthe productions of "Under the Gaslight," a 19th century tale of an interrupted engagement, and "Hazel Kirke," a family drama set in Scotland. "Under the Gaslight" shows on odd-numbered dates and"Hazel Kirke" shows on even-numbered dates. Both shows are followed by a Vaudeville Revue with singing, dancing and slapstick. The melodrama shows at 7:45 p.m. and is closed Sundays. 247-3400 for details.

The Children's Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., presents "Nature and Me" an exhibit about the indigenous trees in the area. Included in the exhibit will be a puppet tree house, forest campsite, mini forest, bugs that help and hurt trees, video information about the effects of the Missionary Ridge Fire, a walk, and more. 259-9234 for details.

The Adaptive Sports Association offers new summer recreational activities for people with disabilities . They include trips to Mesa Verde, explorations of the Animas Forks ghost town, ropes courses and overnight camping. ASA will continue to provide flatwater canoeing and kayaking, fishing, biking and other activities. 259-0374 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies presents the exhibits "Today's Navajo Weavers," "A Stirring Story: Navajo and Pueblo Spoons" and "Presence with Abandonment." "Today's Navajo Weavers" features the work of nearly 40 Navajo weavers. "A Stirring Story" is a traveling exhibit from the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and features Navajo and Pueblo spoons and other flatware. "Presence within Abandonment: Photography, Archaeology and Western Historic Sites" is a photographic exhibit by Thomas Carr. 247-7494 for details.

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Maria's Bookshop will host a talk and signing with local author Bob Thompson for his 2004 book Fire Story Vallecito Burning: A Personal Account of the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire on Aug. 5.

Cloud Nine brings it blend of organic hip-hop, soul and house to the Abbey Theatre on Aug. 5.

The Abbey Theatre screens the film "Control Room" on Aug. 6. Egyptian-American filmmaker Jehane Noujaim looks at the inner workings of Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera during the war in Iraq.

The Tony Trishka Band will bring its innovative banjo work to the Abbey Theatre on Aug. 6.

The Tiny Tot and Ironkid Triathlon takes place Aug. 7 at the Durango Recreation Center. 375-7310 for details.

The monthly Contra Dance will be held Aug. 7 at the VFW Hall.

The Joyce Simpson Quartet performs a benefit for the Medicine Horse Center on Aug. 7 at the Dolores River Brewery.

Operation Healthy Communities celebrates 10 years on Aug. 8 with a croquet and garden party at the Smiley Building.

Lunar Gravy , improvisational rock band from Mt. Shasta, plays Aug. 13 atStoryville.

Silverton hosts the annual Hardrocker's Holidays Mining Competitions on Aug. 13-15.

The 11th annual Main Avenue Arts Festival takes place downtown on Aug. 14-15.

WRC presents Men Who Grill' What: The Women's Resource Center's summertime grilling competition Where: The Edgemont Ranch Picnic Grounds When: Saturday, July 31, from noon-3 p.m. The men of La Plata County will be out to "Meat, Greet & Eat" this Saturday in an event that benefits local women. Putting a new spin on its annual "Men Who Cook" fund-raiser, the Women's Resource Center hosts "Men Who Grill," a summertime grilling competition, at the Edgemont Ranch Picnic Grounds. Local grill masters will go head to head for awards including Best Theme/D`E9cor, Judges' Choice, People's Choice, Best Cuisine (Amateur), and Best Cuisine (Professional). Attendees will vote on their favorites among the 12 to 15 grill teams in attendance. "Grill teams are hard at work coming up with their menus and costumes," says WRC Executive Director Mandy Mikulencak. "With team names like Law and Order,' The Cavemen' and Satayday Night Fever,' you never know what you'll see!" Admission includes tastes from the grilling teams and free soda. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Attendees are also invited to bring a picnic blanket or umbrella but are asked to please leave their dogs at home. Tickets are available for pre-purchase at the Women's Resource Center and a limited number will be offered at the event. For more information, call 247-1242 or log onto www.wrcdurango.org.

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Abbey hosts the music of Zimbabwe What: A concert by renowed musician Stella Chiweshe Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Saturday, July 31, 9 p.m. The music of Zimbabwe will fill the Abbey Theatre this Saturday. World renowned "Queen of the Mbira" Stella Chiweshe peforms a special concert at the Abbey and will be backed by Mukwa, a world beat band from Santa Fe. Chiweshe blends haunting mbira, the classic Zimbabwean thumb piano, with evocative vocals. The combination yields powerful songs of liberation, spiritual experience and social commentary. The mbira consists of 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a hardwood soundboard. The instrument is played with the two thumbs plucking down and the right forefinger plucking up. Chiweshe started receiving recognition as a musician when Zimbabwe was still known by the colonial name Rhodesia. Performing in underground meetings and concerts, she worked as a maid in a colonial household by day. After independence she was invited to become a member of the newly founded "National Dance Company of Zimbabwe," where she soon played a leading role as solo mbira player, dancer and performer. The woman who once performed only during secret gatherings now plays on stages throughout the world. She also took a leading role in the formation of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union, and since 1993 has been director of the Mother Earth Trust network of female artists in Zimbabwe. Chiweshe's hard work has not gone unnoticed. Rouge Magazine commented, "Her expert mbira playing is matched only by her pained vocals, which are always given a full-throated delivery that achieves an exhilarating intensity. They soothe, comfort, provoke, then bite with the harshness of an acid drop." Blue Juice Music wrote, "Stella's repertoire stretches from straight classical pieces to bubbly up-tempo jigs. The mbira ripples and chimes like a xylophone and sounds remarkable galloping alongside shimmering guitars and pulsating drums." Chiweshe and Mukwa, a band formerly known as Jaka, will go on stage at 9 p.m. For more information, call the Abbey at 385-1711.

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Next Wave' rolls into Durango Arts Center What: A group exhibit of work by three Durango artists Where: Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. When: Aug. 3-28 with a reception Aug. 6 The summer season continues at the Durango Arts Center with the opening of an exhibit featuring the work of three Durango artists. "Next Wave," featuring the art of Monica Goldsmith, Barbara Heinrich and Tony Schweikle, opens on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Goldsmith uses acrylic paint to create her hard-edged abstract paintings and geometric planes of color to give the sensation of light and movement. She began studying art at Fort Lewis College and continued her studies at The Open Studio in Santa Fe and at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has exhibited in Durango; Pagosa Springs; Denver; Farmington; Delray Beach, Fla.; and Dubois, Wyo.; and lives and works in Durango. Heinrich creates acrylic and oil paintings in two genresrepresentational images based on the graphics of poster art and abstract work where tension is present between structure and free-form shapes. Her work has been shown in student and group shows in the San Francisco Bay area, where she studied at Stanford University. She also studied art history with Kirk Varnedoe, who is currently the chief curator of the Modern Museum of Art in New York City. Barbara began painting professionally after her recent retirement and move to Durango. Schweikle's large-scale color giclee' prints capture life on the streets of Florence and Venice and other parts of Italy. His career as a photographer began in 1968 as a photojournalist with a Chicago area newspaper. He then moved to freelance photography with his work appearing in publications including Britannica and Compton Encyclopedias , Powder , Skiing , Natural History and Paris Match magazines. He has received awards for his photography from International Photographers and the American Heritage Society. In 1977, he began a 25-year career with still photography, scouting locations for directors of feature films and commercials. In 2001, on a trip to Italy, he was inspired to turn his camera toward creative photography. Schweikle lives in Durango. "Next Wave" runs Aug. 3-28. An opening reception takes place Aug. 6 from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 259-2606.

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