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Ongoing Upcoming

Durango Summer Music Festival kicks off
Happy Rails to You'
The Motet blows back into town

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

The Adult Education Center hosts a fall open house from 4-7 p.m. at 301 E. 12th St. Tours of the remodeled center will be offered, refreshments will be provided and staff will be on hand to answer questions. 385-4354 for details.

Durango Motorless Transit sponsors a group trail run on the Telegraph trail. Interested runners should meet at the Horse Gulch trailhead at 6 p.m. 385-2664 for details.

Tim Guidotti plays acoustic rock at Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., from 5:30-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

Maria's Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., hosts a 6 p.m. poetry reading and book signing with two Southwest Colorado poets , Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer (Telluride) and Beth Paulson (Ouray). Both have recently released new volumes of poetry. 247-1438 for details.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College hosts a free talk by cancer survivor Jerri Nielsen at 7 p.m. The talk, "Early Detection Saves Lives," is the inspiring story Nielsen's incredible battle for survival at the South Pole. 247-2611 for details.

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

Mark Merryman and the Canyon Rats play at CD Release Party at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., at 8 p.m. The event will include performances from special guests Travis Book of the Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band, Jeff Hibshman, Jim Craighead, Rich Spring and John Merryman. 259-2606 for details.

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

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The Skyhawk volleyball team hosts a meet and greet session from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Whalen Gymnasium lobby. The public will have a chance to meet the players and coaches, pick up a schedule, and get excited about the upcoming season. 247-7062 for details.

A reception for artists Beth McClure and Margie Betts , the Featured Artists for August, will be held from 6 8 p.m. at Feat of Clay, an artists' co-op in Aztec, at 108 S. Main.McClure's work includes clay, fiber arts, jewelry and mixed media.Betts' work features beaded pots and jewelry. Call 334-3663 for details.

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

Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., hosts music from Steve and Amy Vanbuskirk (patio) and Lee Bartley (lounge) at 5:30 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

The 5th annual Will Fjerstad Memorial Wine and Art Festival kicks off with a 6 p.m. wine dinner at the Durango Mountain Resort Festival Tent. The evening includes live entertainment, wine and food from the Sow's Ear. 385-2167 for details.

Boulder's The Motet brings its improvisational groove to the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, at 9:30 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

The Frank Trio plays "supajazz electronic funk" at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Storyville,1150 Main Ave., presents Spoonfed Tribe , multidimensional percussion and jam out of Texas, 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 Kirk James Blues Band plays at the Buffalo Gap in Vallecito at 8:30 p.m. 884-2259 for details.

Danny Rhodes and the Messengers play rock and blues at Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., with shows at 5:30 and 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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The 1st annual Adult Triathlon takes place at the Durango Recreation Center and includes a 500-yard swim, a 13-mile bike ride and a 5K run. Check-in is from 7:30-8:45 a.m. with the race beginning at 9:30 a.m. 375-7324 for details.

A Splish Splash Dance and swim party for seventh 10th graders will he held from 8 11 p.m. at the Durango Rec Center swimming pool. Music will be by Aiko Sound. Call 375-7312 for details.

The Catch 22 Blues Band will be playing high energy electric blues this Sat, Aug 21 at Dolores River Brewery at 7p.m.

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.

San Francisco writer and Aspen Guard Station Artist-in-Residence Erica Olsen offers a free writing workshop from 9 a.m.-noon at the Mancos Public Library. 533-7569 for details.

The 5th annual Will Fjerstad Memorial Wine and Art Festival continues with the Grand Tasting & Art Show at the Durango Mountain Resort Festival Tent from noon-4 p.m. The event includes Colorado's premier wineries, a silent auction, gourmet foods, live entertainment by The Badly Bent, seminars and demonstrations, a kid's corner activity center and more. 385-2167 for details. 4

Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., hosts music from Pete Giuliani (patio) and Laura Wright (lounge) at 5:30 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

Durango BMX hosts its 2nd annual Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction at the Durango Recreation Center from 6-8 p.m. Mama's Boy will be cooking up the spaghetti again this year. 247-0165 for details.

The 5th annual Will Fjerstad Memorial Wine and Art Festival presents a 7 p.m. jazz concert at the Durango Mountain Resort Festival Tent. New York Louie and Friends will play Latin jazz and the evening includes wine and hors d'oeuvres along with a grape stomping contest. 385-2167 for details.

Jeff Strahan and the Strangers come to Storyville, 1150 Main Ave., 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 a second show at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

Sally Shuffield plays folk originals at the Explorer's Club Southwest, 1332 Blair St., in Silverton, at 9 p.m. 387-5006 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays at the Buffalo Gap in Vallecito at 8:30 p.m. 884-2259 for details.

Danny Rhodes and the Messengers play an encore show at Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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The Friends of the Animas Valley sponsor "Bikers Beautify Durango," a group bicycle ride to pick up trash on the Animas Valley loop. The event begins at Bread, 42 County Road 250, at 9 a.m. and runs north on County Road 250 and back south along County Road 203. 392-9957 for details.

Tara Mandala Retreat Center hosts an open house from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Pagosa Springs. The day includes a tour of Tara Mandala, free lunch and an introduction to the center's programs. Visit www.taramandala.org or call 264-6177 for details.

The 5th annual Will Fjerstad Memorial Wine and Art Festival concludes with an 11 a.m. champagne brunch at the Durango Mountain Resort Festival Tent. Along with gourmet foods and champagne, there will be live entertainment and an art show. 385-2167 for details.

Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., hosts music from Terry Rickard (patio) and Holly Hieronymous (lounge) at 10 a.m. 382-3844.

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

Durango singer-songwriter Sand Sheff 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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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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Laurie Blackwell, formerly with the Summit Prevention Alliance, speaks on successful efforts to create a smoke-free ordinance in Summit County at the 11:30 a.m. Lasso Tobacco Coalition meeting at San Juan Basin Health Department, 281 Sawyer Drive. 247-5702 x1605 to register.

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.

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.

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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The first day of school for all Durango School District 9-R students.

The Women's Resource Center, 723 E. Second Ave., sponsors a noon "Feed Your Brain" lecture on different divination techniques, featuring Tarot card reader Rachelle Whitley. 247-1242 to register.

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

"Iron Jawed Angels," a new film about the suffragette movement, will be shown at 6 p.m. at the Abbey Theatre, 28 E. College Drive, as part of a cooperative effort to get out the vote among women. The event coincides with the 84th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the irght to vote, Aug. 26, 1920. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

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.

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

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A free Electronic Recycling Drop-Off will be available through Sept. 6 at Office Depot, 331 S. Camino del Rio. Residents are encouraged to drop off computers, monitors, digital cameras, fax machines, cell phones, and other electronics and permitted to drop off one component per person per day. The drop-off will be available during regular business hours. 247-5702 ext. 220 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens "Control Room," a film by Egyptian-American filmmakers Jehane Noujaim. "Control Room" offers a fascinating glimpse inside the inner workings of Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera during the recent war in Iraq. Showtimes vary. For more information, call 385-1711.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the exhibit "Next Wave" through Aug. 28. The show features the work three Durango artiststhe acrylic paintings of Monica Goldsmith, oils and acrylics from painter Barbara Heinrich and photographs by Tony Schweikle. Meanwhile, "The Book Unbound Redux" 4

exhibit shows upstairs through Aug. 28. 259-2606 for details.

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 Ellis Crane Gallery, 131 E. Eighth St., presents "Alchemy of Change," a two-person show of new work by Karyn Gabaldon and Angus Macpherson. The exhibit runs through Aug. 25. 382-9855 for details.

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 Durango Public Library will offer Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Manhattan, 5th Edition as August's eBook of the Month. The book will be available to library patrons through Aug. 31. For more information, visit www.netlibrary.com.

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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The NORBA Championship Finals take place Aug. 26-29. Events in the mountain biking competition include cross country, short track, mountain cross, downhill, observed trails, a 60-mile marathon, a kids race, and a new event, the Super D. For more information log onto www.durangofinals.com.

The San Juan Mountains Association will sponsor a free "Weeds in Natural and Agricultural Areas" tour in west La Plata County on Aug. 26. 385-1210 to register.

Maria's Bookshop will host an Aug. 26 reading and book signing with Earth First! founder Dave Foreman for two new books: The Lobo Outback Funeral Home and Rewilding North America: A Vision for Conservation in the 21st Century .

Original Lovin' Spoonfuls member John Sebastian plays an Aug. 26 solo concert at the Abbey Theatre.

The Steep Canyon Rangers , a North Carolina bluegrass band, plays the Abbey Theatre on Aug. 27.

San Juan Citizens' Alliance Second annual Yard Sale takes place Aug. 28.If you would like to donate to the yard sale, call 259-3583.

Deep Ecologist Dolores LaChapelle , well-known powder skier and writer, will lead an all-day course on harmonizing our lives and relationships with the earth, at Silverton Mountain starting at 9 a.m. on Aug 28. The course also touches on the human need for rituals by participation in them.Call 387-5706 for details.

The Eleventh Street Wordshop sponsors a one-day writers' workshop with Taos author Christina Nealson on Aug. 28. 385-5452 for details.

The Children's Museum of Durango hosts a Mars Viewing Party on Aug. 30 at the Lion's Den to celebrate the closest approach to Earth in recorded history.

The La Plata County Board of County Commissioners will hold a "Cost of Growth/Development Impact" workshop Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon in the County Courthouse Anasazi Room, 1060 E. Second Ave., followed by a question-and-answer period from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Krishna Das will perform a benefit for Tara Mandala on Aug. 31 at the Smiley Building.

Seattle-based band Honey Tongue plays the Summit on Aug. 31.

Todd Rundgren kicks off the FLC Community Concert Hall season on Sept. 1.

The ninth annual Four Corners Folk Festival takes place Sept. 3-5 on Reservoir Hill in Pagosa Springs.

An open house and reception for the Aspen Guard Station Artist-in-Residence Art Show will be held Friday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market Street in Cortez. The artwork will be on display at the Cultural Center for the month of September. Artists and teachers who completed residencies last summer and fall will be on hand to discuss the work generated during their time at the historic Aspen Guard Station.

The third annual Bluegrass for the Animas , a full day of bluegrass benefiting the Animas Conservancy and Friends of the Animas River, takes place Sept. 18.

Durango Summer Music Festival kicks off What: A first-ever, two-day local music festival Where: The La Plata County Fairgrounds When: Aug. 21 & 22 with performances from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. A two-day summer festival is making its first-ever appearance in Durango this weekend. The Durango Summer Festival, a get together focusing on acoustic rock and folk music, takes place Aug. 21 & 22 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Headliners include the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, David Lindley and Suzy Bogguss. In addition to performances from noted artists, the event will offer arts and crafts displays, family activities and children's entertainment, open mic stage time, and food and drink vendors. As an added plus, the festival will offer music workshops with David Lindley and Doug Haywood, and vocal workshops from noted vocal coach Rosemary Butler. A complete concert schedule follows: Saturday, Aug. 21 10 a.m. Che Zuro 11:30 a.m. Jenni Alpert 1 p.m. Chuck Pyle 2:30 p.m. Bruce Hayes 4 p.m. Darcie Deaville 5:30 p.m. Doug Haywood 7 p.m. Dinner Break with local artists playing the side stage 7:30 p.m. David Lindley 9 p.m. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Sunday, Aug. 22 10 a.m. TBA 11:30 a.m. TBA 1 p.m. Che Zuro 2:30 p.m Darcie Deaville 4 p.m. The Bruce Hayes Band 5:30 p.m. Doug Haywood 7 p.m. Dinner break featuring a performance by Red Feather Woman 8 p.m. Bill Engvall 9 p.m. Suzy Bogguss For more information on the Durango Summer Music Festival or for tickets, log onto www.durangofestival.com or call 259-6382.

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Happy Rails to You' What: The 6th annual Railfest Where: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad When: Aug. 18-22 The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad kicks up its heels this weekend with its annual celebration, Railfest. From Aug. 18-22, the theme will be "Happy Rails to You" as Durango celebrates its railroad history and Western culture. Event participants are encouraged to dress in their best Western attire. This year, Railfest will feature the special dedication of the newly resorted Needleton water tank, one of only two wooden tanks left on the Silverton Branch. The tank had been retired in the 1960s and replaced. Locomotive celebrities, the wood-burning Eureka and Palisades locomotive #4 and the 1930s Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose Motor Number 5, are main stays of the annual event. Rail fans have the rare opportunity to take a ride on excursions on these vintage rail celebrities. Rail collectors can also swap wares at the annual Railroadiana Swap meet held Saturday, August 21. This year's event will be enhanced with a "back forty" D&S yard sale. The D&S rail yard is filled with historic rail artifacts, some of which will be up for sale. Additionally, there will be model garden rail tours, exhibits, entertainment, and numerous photo opportunities for enthusiasts during the four-day event. A complete Railfest schedule is available www.durangotrain.com or by calling 247-2733.

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The Motet blows back into town What: Performance by the improvisational band Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Friday, Aug. 20 at 9 p.m. After an eight-month absence, the Motet returns to Durango this Friday. The band will again bring its unique "electric Americubafrican groove" to the Abbey Theatre. The Motet continues to rise in the American improv-touring band scene. The Boulder-based band draws large audiences with its world beats and hard groove. Attempting to describe the Motet's sound, with its Latin jazz textures, dirty funk grooves, West African & Cuban drum rhythms and sax work, is difficult at best. The band includes: Dave Watts on drums, Scott Messersmith on percussion, Greg Raymond on keyboards, Garret Sayers on bass and Mark Donovan on guitar. The combination is working. Jambase.com raved, "The Motet is as groovy as ever, knocking down the walls with its hyper beats and pulsating sound." The Motet is also encouraging its fans to be responsible members of their communities. Voter registration forms and information are available at Motet shows throughout 2004, and the band is now fueling its tour bus with clean-burning biodiesel. The Motet goes on stage at the Abbey at 9 p.m. For more information, call 385-1711.

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