Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

MFA blows back into the Summit
Disc Golf Ice Bowl returns to Durango
Abbey hosts "What the (Bleep)" encore

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 Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts "Hearts Apart," an after-school art class for children with family members serving in the military or children who are otherwise being affected by the war. 759-9537 for details.

The FLC Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues with a panel discussion of "The Impact of China's Development on the Global Economy" at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. Joseph R. Donovan, director for the Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. State Department, will be the featured panelist. 247-7400 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.

Ralph Dinosaur and the Fabulous Volcanoes play Snowdown at Scoot 'n Blues, 800 Main Ave., beginning at 7:30 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Scoot 'n Blues, 800 Main Ave., presents the Four Corners Crosscut Sessions, a local jam hosted by blues rock musician Jeff Strahan, at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Durango Joe's, 732 E. College, presents Open Mic Night from 8:30-11 p.m. Sign-ups for music and poetry begin at 8:30 p.m. 375-2121 for details.

DJs El Beau and Irah spin music at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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

Ralph Dinosaur and the Fabulous Volcanoes play another night of Snowdown at Scoot 'n Blues, 800 Main Ave., beginning at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Awol One, of the Shapeshifters; Z Man of Hieroglyphics; North Carolina's Brycon; and DJ Thanksgiving Brown with Durango's Noncents Crew perform live hip hop all night at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., beginning at 9 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., hosts a Super Heroes Ball, including country and rock from the High Rollers and a costume contest with prizes. 375-2568 for details.

Carvers, 1022 Main Ave., hosts the Totally Unofficial Superhero Snowdown Throwdown with the talents of local jam band Freewill Recovery. The evening gets under way at 10 p.m. 259-2545 for details.

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State Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus, and State Rep. Mark Larson, R-Cortez, discuss 2005 Colorado Legislative Priorities and answer questions at 9:30 a.m. at the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave. The meeting is sponsored by the League of Women Voters and is open to the public.

A free informational session on hypnobirthing takes place at the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave. 385-5256 for details.

A panel discussion entitled "K-12 Education in Colorado: Accountability, Alignment and Achievement," featuring state legislators Jim Isgar and Mark Larson and State Board of Education representatives Pamela Jo Suckla and Jared Polis, takes place at 1:30 p.m. in the District 9-R Board Room. The discussion is free and open to the public. 247-5411 ext. 1440 for details.

Terry Rickard performs on piano and guitar at Christina's Grill and Bar, 21382 US Hwy. 160 W., at 5:30 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

The 8th Avenue Tavern hosts karaoke from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at 509 E. 8th Ave. 259-8801 for details.

Scoot 'n Blues, 800 Main Ave., hosts a fourth consecutive night of rock from Ralph Dinosaur at 8:30 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Josh Martinez, AntiMC and the Monotonous Records Crew are throwing a hip hop party at Ska Brewing, 545 Turner Drive.Only 30 tickets will be available to the public for the 4 9 p.m. event. See http://sahm.us/ for details.

The High Rollers play a second night of country and rock at Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., present DJs Shawn Patrick & Fat P spinning music for "Mystery Men & Villains" at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Scoot 'n Blues, 800 Main Ave., hosts music from local singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti from 6-9 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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

The 8th Avenue Tavern hosts karaoke from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at 509 E. 8th Ave. 259-8801 for details.

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The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts "Kindred Spirits Music and Movement" a performance group class for adults with disabilities, from 10 a.m.-noon. 759-9537 for details.

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The Durango School District Accountability Advisory Committee hosts its annual Student Panel Discussion from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at 201 E. 12th St. The public is invited to listen to what students have to say about their experiences in district schools and to ask them questions. 259-5158 for details.

Earthrise Community holds an introductory meeting and open house at 6 p.m. beginning with a potluck dinner and socializing. New members will have design input on the site plan and the first building. 259-9488 for details.

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

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 Women's Resource Center's Reading Circle invites anyone interested in discussing Moloka'i by Alan Brennert, to attend their monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Rochester Hotel, 726 E. Second Ave. 247-1242 for details.

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The Children's Museum of Durango, 802 E. Second Ave., presents its new exhibit, "Playing to Learn: Learning to Play." The show explores the importance of play for children with the illusions area, swinging and tumbling, shopping in the grocery store, pumping water in the water environment, a special toddler room and creating art and crafts. During the month of January, the museum will offer European-themed workshops on stained glass cathedral windows from France, soccer jerseys from Spain, Italian pasta necklaces, and English crowns. 259-9234 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the Four Corners Commission through Feb. 5. Now in its 10th year, this regional juried exhibit celebrates the uniqueness of the life, land and history of the Four Corners region, and all artwork selected for the exhibit by the juror reflects the Four Corners theme. In addition to the Four Corners Commission, the Durango Arts Center is hosting "Books and Beyond" in the DAC Art Library. The exhibit features books by local artists Tara Churchill, Maria Kompare, Bev Taylor and Janey Vann. 259-2606 for details.

Recent works by the Fort Lewis College art faculty will be exhibited in the FLC Art Gallery, located southwest of the Community Concert Hall, through Thursday, Jan. 27. The gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 247-7167 for details.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave. "on the corner," hosts its January show, the 2005 Snowdown Art Exhibition for the La Plata Open Space Conservancy. Featured artists includeSharon Abshagan,Maryellen Morrow,Paul Folwell, John Cogan,Mike Desatnick, Karl Brenner,Don Cooke,Eileen Fjerstad,Karyn Gabaldon,Connie Morse,Bill Randall and Dave Sime. 247-9018 for details.

The San Juan Mountains Association, San Juan Public Lands and Durango Mountain Resort are offering guided snowshoe treks at Durango Mountain Resort. The treks are held upon request and can accommodate groups 4 or individuals. Free guided nature tours also are offered every Sunday during the ski season. Tours are 1½ hours long and meet at 9:45 a.m. at the base of the Twilight Lift (#4). Skiers and boarders should have beginner to intermediate ability. Call 247-900, Ext. 147 for details.

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Mug Club Movie Night returnsto the Abbey Theatre on Feb. 3 with Mug Club beers and a screening of the classichockey film, "Slapshot."

Rob Edward, former Sinapu executive director, will discuss San Juan Mountain wolf reintroduction on Feb. 3 at Fort Lewis College.

Local business and life coaches will gather Feb. 3 at Durango Joe's to demonstrate real life coaching.

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) will hold its 16th annual conference on Feb. 3 & 4 at Fort Lewis College.

Formula 151, a local acoustic band, will play a CD release party Feb. 4 at the FLC Community Concert Hall.

John Lee Hooker Jr. plays Scoot 'n Blues on Feb. 4.

The traditional Latin groovesof Nosotros returns to the Abbey Theatre on Feb. 4.

The undisputed heavyweight champions of a cappella, The Persuasions, will play the FLC Community Concert Hall as part of a Feb. 5 community "thank you" hosted by the hall.

Mardi Gras Mancos, a benefit for the Mancos Opera House Association andMancos Community Center, takes place Feb. 5.

Oakhaven Permaculture Center and the FLC Environmental Center are co-hosting an "Introduction to Cheese Making" on Feb. 6.

Maria's Bookshop will host a Feb. 8 book signing with local author Shane Ellison for his first book Health Myths Exposed.

The Durango High School Mock Trial fund-raiser has been pushed back one week to Feb. 9.

The Oakhaven Permaculture Center and the FLC Environmental Center will co-host a Feb. 9 workshop on practical home design.

The Hesperus Ski Patrol will present its 9th annual Avalanche Awareness and Avoidance Class on Feb. 9, 10 & 12. 247-4617 for details.

Durango High School students will host a Youth Summit on Feb. 10, covering topics like reducing drug use, sex education, college preparedness and prejudice.

The Durango Arts Center hosts its annual Valentine Dance and Silent Auction on Feb. 11.

Durango High School metal-fabrication students will host a silent auction of the work they've produced in welding class on Feb. 11.

The Badly Bent will release its long-awaited CD at a Feb. 12 party at the Abbey Theatre.

"A Crime of Passion - A Valentine's Murder Mystery Dinner" takes place Feb. 12 and benefits the Women's Resource Center.

The internationally-renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre performs at the FLC Community Concert Hall on Feb.13.

Maria's Bookshop will host a Feb. 15 book signing with award-winning Colorado author Craig Childs.

The Drew Emmitt Bandplays a DSCPA concert at the Abbey Theatre on Feb. 16.

Celtic fiddling phenomenon Natalie Macmaster plays the FLC Community Concert Hall on Feb. 19.

Bluegrass legend Sam Bush returns to the FLC Community Concert Hall on Feb. 26.

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MFA blows back into the Summit What: An evening of electronic improv from the Denver band Where: The Summit, 600 Main Ave. When: Sat., Jan. 29, at 9:30 p.m. Denver's Motion for Alliance will be infusing Snowdown with electronic improvisation. The band that continues to amass a strong local following returns to the Summit this Saturday. Showtime is set for 9:30 p.m. Motion for Alliance's roots are firmly set in improvisation. The band has spent the last four years working to bring technology, art and democratic musicianship to the stage with a sound that is original and honest. MFA places a special emphasis on using machines for spontaneous creativity - creating live loops, samples and altering their own songs. The band was formed in early 2000 and quickly cut its first album, "Arrival," which was recorded entirely with improvisational loops. In the two years that followed, Motion for Alliance performed more than 150 shows from Chicago to San Diego. In 2003, MFA felt like its sound had matured to a level that was truly unique and alive. The group decided to capture the sound for a new demo and wound up recording two hours of music, all of it unrehearsed. Since then, Motion for Alliance has grown exponentially. The band has purchased a Class A light show, and Sideways 8 Records picked up the new album. The music industry also has recognized MFA for its inventive sound. MFA will again push musical boundaries this Saturday at the Summit. For more information, call 247-2324.

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Disc Golf Ice Bowl returns to Durango What: A disc golf tournament benefiting the Manna Soup Kitchen Where: Colorado Timberline Academy When: Sun., Jan. 30, with registration at 10 a.m. "No wimps or whiners are allowed!" is the motto of the annual Disc Golf Ice Bowl, which takes place this Sunday at Colorado Timberline Academy. And as the motto suggests, the event benefiting Manna Soup Kitchen will go off regardless of bad weather. Last year, five local participants played on 20 inches of crust covered with 6 to 8 inches of fresh powder. The weather started out brisk, but warmed up to a beautiful, sunny 35 degrees by Hole 4. With only 5 players, contributions to the Manna Soup Kitchen were minimal that year. However, a number of competitions friendly to disc golf novices have been added this year to encourage participation. The weather forecast is also looking more favorable. The rules of the Ice Bowl are simple: 1) Under no circumstances can an Ice Bowl be postponed or cancelled; 2) No wimps or whiners are allowed; and 3) There are no excuses for not attending. Disc golf is similar to golf in procedure, pace and psychology. Instead of clubs and balls, disc golfers use specialized discs (smaller, heavier and aerodynamically superior to the Frisbees used for playing catch). Instead of a cup, disc golf players "hole out" in a disc golf basket or target.

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Abbey hosts "What the (Bleep)" encore What: A return showing of the acclaimed film, "What the (Bleep) Do We Know" Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Sun., Jan. 30 - Wed., Feb 2 at 3:45, 6 & 8:15 p.m. Locals have the opportunity to again ask the question, "What the (Bleep) Do We Know?!" this week. The acclaimed film that enjoyed a strong local showing last summer returns to the Abbey Theatre for a limited engagement. The "quantum fable" runs from Sun., Jan. 3,0 - Wed., Feb. 2, showing nightly at 3:45, 6 and 8:15 p.m. "What the (Bleep) Do We Know?!" is a film that is part story, part documentary and part animated daydream. The protagonist, Amanda, played by Marlee Matlin, 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. Meanwhile, 14 top scientists and mystics are interviewed in documentary style. They serve as a sort of modern day Greek Chorus, and their ideas are woven together as a tapestry of truth. The thoughts and words of one member of the chorus blend into those of the next, adding further emphasis to the film's underlying concept of the interconnectedness of all things.

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