Better than karaoke, alt-pint night and high brow
by Bryant Liggett

It's time for the "Society Page." Or is this "The Goods?" I'm not sure since I'm pinch hitting for Ted and prior to Ted, I knew this column as The Goods. For this week, we'll call it "Societal Goods." Or simply, "Stuff you can do for fun." This is a position I've been dying to be in, to inform you, the crazy kids that crave "on the town" information like a dog craves a bone. Unfortunately, the timing sucks. It looks like perhaps I've picked the easiest or hardest week to write an events column because basically there ain't a whole lot going on anywhere. I mean, this place, for this weekend, is quieter than the moon. I guess New Year's just about did everybody in except me. You see, I have a young daughter and with most babysitters liking to party, I went to bed early last Friday.

Maybe I'm gearing up for Snowdown, which by the way has that super-hero thing happening. Please Snowdown revellers, dig deep and find something other than a Batman or Superman costume. How about Kamandi the Last Boy on Earth, or Sandman? Hell, even Wolverine would be cool. There are plenty of great, odd-ball superheroes out there. Find one. Me, I'm going as Cosmic Boy from DC Comics. Seriously.

Either way, back to the events. Despite the gushing and maddening sound of silence wooshing up main street this week, there is something. Get ready friends, here goes.

With the New Year, Scoot 'n Blues is beginning something new, a Thursday night open jam session hosted by Jeff Strahan. This is an open invitation for all musicians, from what I understand. Strahan plays rock 'n' roll with a hint of blues thrown in, so I'm guessing that is the style of music they are looking for. This is a great way for you aspiring musicians to get out there and show your rock 'n' roll chops in a way that is a bit more musically advanced than karaoke.

Tonight, Thurs., Jan. 6, Steamworks features roots rock from Austin, Texas, with Black Water Gospel. After listening to this band on its website (www.blackwatergospel.com), I can say the sound is good ol' alterna-country-rock-and-roll. This is good. The band has shared the stage with many, including Graham Nash and the Derailers. They say they are influenced by the likes of Wilco and Son Volt, which means if you know anything about those two bands, you can assume they are influenced by Uncle Tupelo as well. And since I think Uncle Tupelo is the greatest and perhaps one of the most important bands ever, I'll give these guys and one gal my thumbs up. Did I mention they are from Austin? Austin is regarded as the live music capitol of the world so that is worth something. If that's not good enough for you, I'll remind you that Thursday at Steamworks is Pint Night. Pints, brewery, hmmmm.

Friday, Jan. 7, brings theatre back to, as far as I'm concerned, one of the nicest theatres I've set foot in. Early Stages Productions is Durango's drama troupe for youngsters, and they'll be performing "Life, Love and Laughter: A Musical Revue for Ladies of All Ages" at 7:30pm. This is a true local event, starring locals. They serve beer and popcorn, too. Theatre is cool. Call the Diamond Circle for more info or to reserve yourself a seat.

If that lack of live music on Friday and Saturday night has left you completely starved, stop worrying. Local blues guitarist Kirk James plays Sunday at Scoot 'n Blues. Kirk normally plays with his band, but these Sunday shows usually feature just him. Kirk knows his blues, and he ain't too shabby with the guitar. The beauty is these shows start at 6 p.m. so that will get you home at a reasonable hour and should give you plenty of time to figure out a way to call in sick to work Monday morning.

I can also turn you onto some high-brow entertainment. Perhaps not as high-brow as theatre in town but this could be close. You've got a week to prepare yourself for the Durango Chamber of Commerce Awards, which will be Jan. 13 at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. This gala event will be a full-fledged award ceremony. Come see who will receive the prestigious "Business of the Year" award, or perhaps the "Citizen of the Year" or "Volunteer of the Year" awards. Of course there are many more to list, but I'm too busy to list them all right now. Entertainment will be provided by wacky comedian Tim Cavanaugh, who has been featured on just about every stand-up show found on cable, hell, even Dr. Demento. This event has all the fun of the Oscars, without the terrible red-carpet interviews by Joan and Melissa Rivers, and not nearly as many drunken film-stars. However, star-gazers will be lining the streets days in advance in order to get a good look and perhaps an autograph from one of the Ska boys. Get that film in your camera now.

The reason you're reading my words this week is that Ted's out of town. LastWednesday his mother passed away. Although I never met Marcie Holteen face to face, I had exchanged letters with her and spoken with her on the phone when Ted and I were roommates. Mrs. Holteen was a very nice woman. From what I've heard she wasn't one to back away from a good political debate, especially with her son. Yes, she and Ted did differ on their political views, and often she would try to sway him by sending him books about Ronald Reagan and the like. Despite what she believed, I can honestly say she was a kind woman through and through. One of the last things she did for me was knit a hat and mittens for my little girl. A little girl she had never met nor had ever seen. A little girl that received this gift simply because she is the daughter of her son's good friend. That, dear readers, is rock solid. When you see Ted give him a hug. Marcie Holteen, rest in peace. You will be missed.

Have you ever been postmaster for a day? ted@ksut.org. ☯