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Ongoing Upcoming

Spotlight to Stardom debuts Saturday
Jazz Today comes to the Abbey
DSCPA presents folk pioneer
The Spirit of Guthrie' comes to 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

Terry Rickard plays the lounge 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. talk and book signing with New Mexico author Lisa Lenard-Cook for her new novel, Coyote Morning . The book is set in an upscale New Mexican village and explores the complex relationships and boundaries between town and country, new-comers and old-timers, parents and children, men and women. 247-1438 for details.

Durango Motorless Transit sponsors a group trail run on the Dry Fork trail at 6 p.m. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead up Lightner Creek. 385-2664 for details.

A free slideshow/presentation, "Mountain Lions in the West Natural History, Conservation and Co-existence" takes place at 7 p.m. in 125 Noble Hall at Fort Lewis College. Wendy Keefover, of Sinapu, will discuss the crucial role mountain lions play in the ecosystem and co-habitation. 247-7676 for details.

The Friends of theAnimas Valley conduct an informational meeting on the Responsible Growth Initiative at 7 p.m. in the Windom Room at the Durango Recreation Center. The initiaitive is on the city-wide ballot.247-1166 for details.

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

The Sound Liberation Peace Choir meets from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Heartlight Wholistic Health Center, 97 W. North St. in Bayfield. 884-9216 for details.

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

Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., launches its first annual Air Guitar Competition at 8 p.m. Solos, duos and bands are welcome. 259-1400 for details.

Durango Joe's, 732 E. College, hosts Open Mic Night from 9-11 p.m. Sign-ups for the talent contest begin at 8:30 p.m. 375-2121 for details.

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The Durango Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours party from 5-7 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. The event features food, beer and door prizes. 247-0312.

The Red Cross Autumn Brew Banquet and Lavish Live Auction takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. The benefit includes a three-course meal complimented by a variety of locally brewed beer along with a live auction. 259-5383 for details.

Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., hosts an Oktoberfest celebration from 5:30-9 p.m. with music from the band Alte Kameraden. 382-3844 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens the film "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Terrorism" at 7 p.m. for a KDUR benefit. Following the film there will be a panel discussion about corporations influence on media. A concert by local hip-hop band Dialogue follows at 9 p.m. 247-7262 for details.

Jeff Strahan and the Strangers play rock and blues at Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. 259-1400.

DJs El Beau & B-Well spin funky, jazzy house music at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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

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Durango Nature Studies offers a Sustainable Living Skills Workshop with Katrina Blair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Durango Nature Center. The day will include learning about medicinal and edible plants, making fire without matches, making rope (cordage) from natural fibers, making shampoo from yucca and more.382-9244 to register.

Tom Gastineau plays piano at Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., from 5:30-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

Scoot n Blues, 800 Main Ave., hosts "Saturday Nite 4

Live , the world's best karaoke," at 8 p.m. 259-1400.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents three punk bands, Smut Vendor, Gina Go Faster and Start Tomorrow . The music begins at 9 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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

The Jeff Solon Jazz Quartet plays at the Explorers Club, 1332 Blair St. in Silverton, beginning at 9 p.m. 387-5006.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts "Vanilla Pop," a Las Vegas-style lounge act, at 10:30 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts DJs Fat P and Irah spinning music for Ladies Night at 10:30 p.m. 259-9200.

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Auditions for "The Nutcracker," a David Taylor Dance Theater production, take place at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College beginning at 1 p.m. The play will be performed on Dec. 10-12 and is seeking local dancers. 259-1378.

The Heartlight Wholistic Health Center, 97 W. North St. in Bayfield, hosts an "Imagining Party," a visioning session open to everyone, from 7-8:30 p.m. 247-2683 for details.

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

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

Citizens for Change present a free night of politically charged films at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College Ave., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Films include, "There is Something about W," "Hijacking Catastrophe," "Amy Goodman: Independent Media in a Time of War" and more. 385-1711 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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The Women's Resource Center's Chick Flick Night takes place at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, with a screening of the French comedy "8 Femmes," starring Catherine Deneuve. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with drink specials and a door prize. The film begins at 6 p.m. 247-1242 for details.

The League of Women Voters hosts a candidates and issues forum at 7 p.m. at Durango City Hall, 949 E. Second Ave. The forum will feature county commissioner candidates Roger Phelps and Wally White. The pros and cons of state ballot issues and the Responsible Growth Initiative also will be discussed. 259-3593.

Fort Lewis College's observance of World Population Awareness Week kicks off with a discussion of Abstinence Only vs. Comprehensive Sex Education , featuring speakers from Friends First and Planned Parenthood, at 7 p.m. at Noble Hall 130. 247-7676 for details.

The local district of the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children meets at 7 p.m. at the Early Childhood Training Center, 1315 Main Ave. 382-0856 for details.

Fort Lewis College's Scarlet Letters creative writing club and Images magazine present an evening of politically inspired readings at 8:15 p.m. at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College. 385-1711 for details.

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The La Plata County Girls' Coalition , a group working to strengthen the lives of local middle school girls, meets from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Ignacio. 884-9216 to register.

Maria's Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., hosts a 6 p.m. book signing with best-selling Colorado author Sandra Dallas for her new women's history book, The Quilt That Walked to Golden . Dallas has been called "a quintessential American voice" by author Jane Smiley. 247-1438 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens the latest ski film from Teton Gravity Research, "Soul Purpose" at 6:45 & 9 p.m. The event is a benefit for the Adaptive Sports Center. 385-1711.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College presents the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats at 7 p.m. The group has toured for 25 years and is purported to be the world's leading Chinese acrobatic troupe. 247-7657 for details.

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

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

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

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Certified Financial Planner John Ogier presents "Retirement Plans for Small Businesses" for the Durango Chamber of Commerce's Lunch and Learn. The event takes place at noon at the Bank of Colorado, 1199 Main Ave. 247-0312 to RSVP.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens the latest ski and snowboard films from Strait Jacket Films, "Committed" and Poor Boyz Productions, "Ten," at 6:45 & 9 p.m. The event is a benefit for the Adaptive Sports Center. 385-1711 for details.

World Population Awareness Week continues at Fort Lewis with a Local Population Politics Panel at 7 p.m. at Noble Hall 125. The panel features representatives of Los Compa`F1eros, the San Juan Basin Health Dept., the La Plata County Planning Dept., Colorado Wild and the Leadership Center. 247-7676 for details.

"Iron Jawed Angels," an HBO film about women's suffrage, will be shown on at 7 p.m. in 135 Noble Hall at Fort Lewis College. There is no charge but seating is limited. 247-1242.

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

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The documentary "Bush's Brain" screens at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, through Oct. 16. The film introduces the country to Karl Rove, the man known as "Bush's Brain," the most powerful political figure America has never heard of. The film is based on the best-selling book by the same name and examines the roles of Karl Rove as George W. Bush's closest adviser. Showtimes vary. 385-1711 for details.

The Navajo Studies Conference returns to Durango, home of "Dib`E9 Ntsaa," the Navajo sacred mountain to the north, for its 15th year. The annual gathering convenes at Fort Lewis College from Oct. 20-23 and features symposia, presentations and workshops to bring together students, teachers, scholars and community members to explore Navajo culture and life. 382-6951.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the group exhibit "Trio Series" through Oct. 30. The show features Jocelyn Audette's oil landscapes, Katherine Barr's black and white photography of landscapes, and Lisa Pedolsky's functional, handbuilt earthenware vessels. Meanwhile, "From the Collection of Maureen May and Paul Pennington," a selection of paintings, prints, mixed media and three-dimensional art, takes place upstairs at the center through Oct. 30. 259-2606 for details.

A vast collection of ceramics created by Fort Lewis College 4

alumni and local artists working in a variety of styles highlights the annual ceramic exhibition and sale at the Fort Lewis College Art Gallery through Oct. 28. Artists exhibiting in the 4th annual Invitational Ceramic Exhibition are Leon Arledge, Milton Beens, Trevor Dunn, Adam Field, Chyako Hashimoto, Peter Karner, Louden Kiracofe, Lorna Meaden, Cindy McNeely, Jennifer Neff, Lisa Pedolsky, Scott Roberts and Kay H. Roberts. An artists' reception takes place on Oct. 8 from 5-7 p.m. 247-7167.

Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., presents "Lifestills," an exhibit of hand-crafted black-and-white images by Taos photographer Emilio Mercado through Oct. 27. The show presents three decades of Mercado's photographs, ranging from informal portraiture and street scenes to traditional still-lifes that are elegant and delicate. 382-8355.

Hoyle Osborne plays Transcendental Ragtime and Pan-American Caf`E9 Music at The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., from 5:30-7 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. Osborne performs nightly except Sundays through Oct. 30. 247-4431 for details.

The Ellis Crane Gallery, 131 E. 8th St., hosts an exhibit of new work by Sally Condon and Phyllis Stapler through Oct. 20. 382-9855 for details.

The Children's Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., presents "Nature and Me" an exhibit about indigenous trees. Included in the exhibit is a puppet tree house, campsite, mini forest, bugs, video about the effects of the Missionary Ridge Fire, a walk, and more. "Build Your Own Haunted House," will be offered for a small fee at any time during museum hours through Oct. 17. 259-9234.

The Center of Southwest Studies offers the exhibits "Today's Navajo Weavers," "A Stirring Story: Navajo and Pueblo Spoons" and "Presence with Abandonment." "Today's Navajo Weavers." 247-7494.

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World class alpine climber Jack Tackle will present a free slideshow entitled, " the alpine bond ... a compilation of 30 years of freezing my ass off in the mountains with my best partners" on Oct. 21 at FLC.

Maria's Bookshop will host book signing and "goodies-tasting" for the book Baking at High Altitude on Oct. 21.

The Durango Society of Cultural and Performing Arts (DSCPA) will present a free members' concert with singer-songwriter Cosy Sheridan on Oct. 22.

Bluesman Otis Taylor plays the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Oct. 22.

Berkeley singer-songwriter Rachel Garlin and guest Melissa Crabtree perform at the Absolute Bakery in Mancos on Oct. 22.

The Strater Hotel will host a three-day arts and crafts architectural conference on Oct. 22-24.

Musicians for Change, a free concert at Santa Rita Park , takes place Oct. 23 and features the best of Durango's jazz, rock and folk. Sponsored by Citizens For Change.

Durango BMX will host a "Track Work Day" on Oct. 23 and is in need of volunteers. 247-0165 for details.

Durango Natures Studies will present a "Go Lightly into the Wilderness" workshop Oct. 23.

Maria's Bookshop will host a children's Halloween costume party with Bernard Waber's picture book character Lyle Lyle Crocodile, activities, prizes and refreshments on Oct. 29.

The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo takes place Oct. 29-31 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and features shopping, a trade show, exhibits, seminars, and horse sales.

The North Mississippi Allstars play the Abbey Theatre on Nov. 9.

Spotlight to Stardom debuts Saturday What: The first Four Corners Talent Search Where: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College is saying it could be the "best and biggest show of the year." This Saturday, "Spotlight to Stardom," the first Four Corners Talent Search, debuts as a benefit for the not-for-profit Concert Hall. Eighteen of Southwest Colorado's greatest talents will compete for notoriety and the attention of the six judges, all entertainment industry professionals, as well as cash prizes and opportunity to further their performing arts careers. The judges are Gena Buhler and Andrea Johnson, booking agents from New York City; Brad Isaacs, comedy writer from Hollywood; Charlie Johnston, of Select Artist Associates; Rodney Smith, Denver Performing Arts Complex; and Grammy-award winning producer Thomas MacCluskey. This panel will be looking for the most talented performers, no matter the discipline, evaluating actsfor professionalism, stage presence and "audience appeal." "That's why we need a full house of folks ready to cheer on their favorite acts," said Gary Penington, Concert Hall managing director. The top three winners will receive cash prizes, $1,000, $500 and $250, presented live at the conclusion of the show by the First National Bank of Durango.Local vocalist Kriss Larson will open Spotlight to Stardom with a fun-filled production number and then hand control of the show over to emcee for the evening, "Simply Simone," of Four Corners Broadcasting radio fame. Spotlight to Stardom replaces the Community Concert Hall's former annual fund-raiser, Cinders, Song and Sauvignon.Though some Concert Hall operations are funded by the college, all shows and special programming must be supported by the Concert Hall itself, either through ticket sales, sponsorships or generous contributions from the community. Spotlight to Stardom gets under way at 7 p.m. For more information, call 247-7657 or log onto www.durangoconcerts.com.

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Jazz Today comes to the Abbey What: A new, monthly jazz concert for Durango Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2-4:30 p.m. A steady diet of jazz will be available for Durangoans beginning this Saturday. Locals Michael Lofton and Paul Karmazyn have started a production company, JazzFreqs, and on the afternnon of every third Saturday, they will bring the program, "Jazz Today,"to the Abbey Theatre. "Jazz is one of the very few un-represented' genres available on the local scene," Lofton said. "The opportunity of providing an intimate Manhattan-type' jazz club venue inside the Abbey will only increase the ambient experience of this presentation." Jazz Today has been created to be as accessible as possible, according to the two founders. It is also an all-ages show, and Lofton and Karmazyn will be working with local schools and music departments and encouraging their participation. "Jazz Today will be a Saturday matinee event in order to make it available for everyone who enjoys or would like to try jazz and is not necessarily interested in staying out late at night," Karmazyn said. Locals can expect to see touring jazz artists along with local musicians at Jazz Today. This Saturday, Oct. 16, the progressive jazz quartet sound of Furniture will be on stage. Showtimes are from 2-4:30 p.m. For more information on Jazz Today, call JazzFreqs at 799-0602.

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DSCPA presents folk pioneer What: A concert by Tom Paxton Where: Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Legendary folksinger Tom Paxton makes his return to Durango this Saturday for a Durango Society of Cultural & Performing Arts show at the Durango Arts Center. Paxton has been an integral part of the songwriting and folk music community since the early 1960s Greenwich Village scene and continues to be a primary influence on today's "New Folk" performers. Songs like "I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound," "Ramblin' Boy" and "Bottle of Wine" have become part of the American folk canon, alongside songs by Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Peter, Paul and Mary. Equally powerful are Paxton's overtly political songs. "Talkin' Vietnam Potluck Blues," "What Did You Learn in School Today?" and "Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation" questioned the government, the military and the media as the Vietnam War was escalating in the mid-1960s. Paxton's songs have been covered by a veritable who's who of folk and country music. The Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, John Denver, the Weavers, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, Nanci Griffith, Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins and Neil Diamond have recorded his songs. Paxton has received no greater praise than that of Pete Seeger, one of the fathers of the folk music revival of the 1950s and 60s. "Tom's songs have a way of sneaking up on you. You find yourself humming them, whistling them and singing a verse to a friend. Like the songs of Woody Guthrie, they're becoming part of America." Paxton goes on stage at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact DAC at 259-2606. Other upcoming DSCPA concerts include a free members' concert by singer-songwriter Cosy Sheridan on Oct. 22, an intimate engagement with folk-pop band Eddie From Ohio on Nov. 7, and rocking blues with Dave Alvin & the Guilty Men on Nov. 12.

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The Spirit of Guthrie' comes to town What: A concert by Vince Herman, Rob Wasserman & Jim Page Where: The Diamond Circle Theatre, 699 Main Ave. When: Tuesday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m. The words and spirit of folk icon Woody Guthrie will pay a trip to Durango this Tuesday. Vince Herman, of Leftover Salmon, Rob Wasserman, from Ratdog, and Seattle singer-songwriter Jim Page play a tribute to Guthrie with the upcoming election in mind on Oct. 19 at the Diamond Circle Theatre. The tour is co-sponsored by HeadCount, a national voter registration group, and a portion of proceeds will go to the La Plata County Democratic Party. The Spirit of Guthrie Tour involves Herman, Wasserman and Page singing and sharing the words of Woody Guthrie and inspiring people to be active and vote. The tour was inspired by the ideals and newly discovered poems and notebooks of Woody Guthrie. The concert is also a rare and first-time collaboration between the three musicians. Herman and Page will improvise lyrics together, Wasserman will perform solo bass songs from his new Rounder Records release "TRILOGY," and as a trio, they will debut their own newly written songs, inspired by and featuring the unpublished words of Woody Guthrie. Herman played in the Left Hand String Band and the Salmonheads, before starting Leftover Salmon with Drew Emmitt in 1990. Wasserman has collaborated with Neil Young, Jerry Garcia, Les Claypool, Rickie Lee Jones, Elvis Costello and Brian Wilson, among numerous others. He also founded Ratdog, together with Bob Weir. Page has shared the stage with such notables as Bonnie Raitt, John Trudell, Sonny Terry and Michelle Shocked. He is often featured on nationally syndicated radio shows including Amy Goodman's "Democracy Now," "Backtracks," and "Riverfolk." Herman, Wasserman, Page and the Spirit of Woody Guthrie will take the Diamond Circle stage next Tuesday at 8 p.m. For more information, call 247-3400.

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