Love in the air, Pilobolus and Leftovers
By Ted Holteen

Just wait 'til next year. It's no consolation whatsoever that the Eagles covered the spread, as I didn't want to jinx them by actually betting the game. But what the hell, we've waited 45 years, what's one more? Plus, it's mid-winter, when a young man's thoughts turn to love, or at least that's the latest interpretation that the myriad florists, restaurateurs and purveyors of romantic trinkets would have you believe. I guess we'll just have to do it all over again come springtime.

Let's face it, the fact that Valentine's Day falls on a Monday in no way will excuse you from providing a Saturday night on the town for you and your squeeze. If you weren't smart enough to get in on the murder/mystery dinner thing I told you about last week (by the way, I really need a date for that), all is well because the aforementioned merchants have planned ahead yet again. Would a crack dealer ever tell a junkie "no?" Now, it really is a dinner and a show kind of night, and until people start giving me free food to plug their restaurants under the guise of a critic, I'll leave that part of the evening up to y'all. After the meal, shuffle your bloated sweetie upstairs to the Summit for a mushy set or two with Freewill Recovery. It won't be really intimate, but if your significant other skips out on you, there's no better place to quickly fill the void, and wouldn't that make for a great story somewhere down the line? Plus, if you really hate Valentine's Day, it's a rock show at a bar, and the best escape on the menu.

For one group of local musicians, Saturday night will be a celebration of a different sort. Following the recent examples of hometown bands like The Brown Brothers and Satyrica, our very own Badly Bent will hold their CD release party at the Abbey Theatre. We here at the Society Page offer our heartiest congratulations to the local bluegrass masters, who in the spirit of keeping things simple for DJs everywhere have opted to self-title their new album. The band's good friend Tedd Brumm opens the show at about 9 p.m., and The Badly Bent follow around 10 p.m. Well done, gentlemen.

And now for another edition of "Cultural events that Ted doesn't understand." The Concert Hall, in conjunction with the Durango Arts Center, welcomes the Pilobolus Dance Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 13, a group from Dartmouth who in all likelihood put on a tremendous show of athleticism and grace and rhythm and all that and who can probably kick most of the rednecks' asses who think they're sissies. Hanover, New Hampshire is an underrated source of creative genius, and I have met some fascinating people from the northernmost member of the Ivy League. I would expect something that melds the spectacle of Chinese acrobats with Cirque du Soleil, but perhaps more confusing. Case in point: The unusual name "Pilobolus" is a phototropic zygomycete - a sun-loving fungus that grows on a stalk in pastures and barnyards. Swear to God. The Lounge opens at 6 p.m., and showtime is 7 p.m.

And so we come to V-Day. If you've still got any money left from the weekend shakedown, there are two shows sure to drain your last dime while keeping a smile on your face. And whichever you choose, you'll at least go broke supporting a worthy cause, as both are benefit concerts. While you're still trying to make sense of Sunday's dance extravaganza at the Concert Hall, return to the scene on Monday for a Tsunami Victims' relief concert with 11-year-old guitar prodigy Danny Sveinson and a host of local artists. They'll take however much you want to give, and all proceeds go to the Red Cross to aid in victims' relief efforts. We Philadelphians have suffered as no people before or sinceoh, right - this is for the tsunami survivors. I guess they had a bad year, too. Anyway, from published reports young Danny would appear to be the second coming of Steve Vai, and he'll actually be recording portions of the show for an upcoming CD. When the kid hits it big, you'll be able to say you were there from the beginning, although he's already got a pretty impressive resume.

Also Monday, the man that David Grisman called "the test pilot of the bluegrass mandolin," Frank Wakefield, plays on the hauntingly romantic stage of the Diamond Circle Theatre at 8 p.m. This one is a benefit for KDUR, and I haven't heard David Smith, or "Smitty" as he's known in hip-hop circles, so excited about a show since the Durango Summer Music Festival. But seriously, folks, KDUR should be proud of this show, and ten bucks is a steal for an artist of Wakefield's stature. Should have charged $20, guys, but a sellout will still be a good take for my alma mater. Also, it's in the contract that Liggett won't see a dime of it, so bring a clear conscience and give liberally. Bunch of godless liberals up there, you know.

You'd think that would be enough, right? No, I have to keep typing, because on Wednesday night at the Abbey, the DSCPA just had to bring in another marquee show. Great. Whether or not we ever see Leftover Salmon again as a full band, its individual members aren't letting the grass grow under their feet or however that stupid cliché goes. The Drew Emmitt Band will be in town, and the argument could be made that with Matt Flinner, Ross Martin and Greg Garrison, who needs Leftovers? Drew's band tends to be more traditional bluegrass sounding than Salmon ever was, which for many will be a welcome change. Many more may disagree, but that's not my problem. Talk to Drew. The band should have a CD out sometime this year, and there's a good chance that a few of Durango's own Benny Galloway's songs will make the cut. And as a midweek concert warrants, the Abbey has thoughtfully scheduled the show for 8 p.m., which should keep everyone happy and well rested.

March Madness is right around the corner - don't miss out. ted@ksut.org. Hug an Eagles fan today - we really need it.