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Ongoing Upcoming

Mama's Cookin plays the Summit
Abbey screens 'Merchant of Venice'
Brubeck Brothers play concert hall

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St. Patrick's Day

The Hozhoni Days Speaker Series continues with a lecture by Associate Professor of Southwest Studies Rick Wheelock entitled "The Impact of America's Myth on Indian Policy" at 5 p.m. in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum.

The Children's Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts Parent's Night Out from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for St. Pattie's. The event is open to potty-trained children and includes dinner. 259-9234 to register.

Local singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

An all ages, drug- and alcohol-free show takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Xtreme Room at Fort Lewis College. The concert includes thrash from Santa Cruz bandUzi Suicide and local punk from the bands Lost Right and Letdowns. 259-0637 for details.

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

The FLC Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues with a lecture by Patrick Riley entitled "Having Fun with Google: An Interactive Demonstration of How to Search the Internet" at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. 247-7400 for details.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College presents the award-winning country music group Blackhawk in concert at 7 p.m. As a powerhouse vocal trio, the band took the country music world by storm with the debut single "Goodbye Says it All." 247-7657 for details.

The Durango Photography Club's Marchmeeting takes place from 7-9 p.m. at the La Plata Fairgrounds and features speaker Howard Rachlin, theclub's founder and a photographer whose works are on exhibit at The Dreamweaver Gallery.Rachlin will discuss "How to ProduceGreat Images, Not Just Another Picture."

Carvers, 1022 Main Ave., throws a St. Pattie's bash featuring the music of local Celtic band Beltaine. The event gets under way at 7:30 p.m. 259-2545 for details.

The Frank Trio brings its blend of jazz, funk, rock and electronica to the Summit, 600 Main Ave. Jonezy opens the show with spins at 8 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Scoot 'n Blues, 900 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, hosts 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.

Local jam band Freewill Recovery plays St. Patrick's at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College. Special guest M-Theory will make an appearance and doors open at 9 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., celebrates St. Patrick's with two DJs spinning dance music. 375-2568 for details.

Local hip hop band Dialogue plays at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., for St. Pattie's at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Operation Healthy Communities hosts a workshop on writing successful grants from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Call 1-800-516-6284 to reserve a seat.

United Blood Service hosts a blood drive from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 S. Camino del Rio. 385-4601 for details.

Jeff Strahan & The Brothers Mayhem play rock and blues at Purgy's at Durango Mountain Resort from 3- 6 p.m. 247-9000 for details.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 1075 Main Ave., hosts the Chamber of Commerce's March Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. The event includes food, drink and door prizes. 247-0312 for details.

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

The Cadence Car Auction takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. A one-of-a-kind pedal car made by a local artist will be auctioned to benefit the Cadence Therapeutic Riding program.

Singer-songwriter Sally Shuffield plays a free acoustic show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band returns to Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave., with an 8 p.m. show. 259-1400 for details.

Movin' On plays country and rock at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

Cafe Sarie, 919 Main Ave., hosts Havana Hot House, a Latin dance party, from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. DJs Irah and Pat Fee will spin Latin house 4 music and festive attire is encouraged. 259-6599 for details.

Live hip hop continues at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., with music from the MCs and DJ of Sentence at 10:30 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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A Motorcycle Parts Swap Meet Extravaganza takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 283 Girard St. in Bodo Park. A poker run takes off at 10 a.m. and a "Super Sports" biker party follows at Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 259-0778 for details.

The Dance Center, 1309 E. Third Ave., presents a Contemporary Dance workshop with guest artist Anne Bartlett on March 19 & 20.The two-day intensive takes place from 1-4 p.m. each day. 259-4122 for details.

The Tambo Center holds a respite day for children with special needs from 3-8 p.m. at the Mason Center, 301 E. 12th St. 247-5702 ext. 240 to register.

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

Lakshmi Van Atta andThe Prema Group offer a free evening of Eastern Indian singing or chanting called Kirtan. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and takes place in the Wild Sage Yoga Studio in the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. 259-2110 for details.

Singer-songwriter Sally Shuffield plays a second, free, acoustic show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7 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.

Carlos Washington and the Friends of Gravity bring acclaimed funk back to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Local funk and rock band Airborne takes the show to the Explorer's Club on Silverton's Blair St. at 9:30 p.m.

Movin' On plays an encore show at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts "Jungle Warfare," live drum and bass from Tom Burt and Tim House at 10:30 p.m. for Ladies Night. 259-9200.

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A Motorcycle Parts Swap Meet Extravaganza continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 283 Girard St. in Bodo Park. 259-0778 for details.

The Durango Choral Society presents "Expressions of Beauty" at 3 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall. Pianist Evan Shinners returns from New York's Julliard School of Music to join the DCS, Durango Children's Chorale and the Durango Women's Choir. 247-7657 for details.

The Linda and Ben Nighthorse Campbell Child and Family Center at Fort Lewis College hosts an open house for one its namesakes, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, from 4-6 p.m. 247-7679 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays at Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave., 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 free bluegrass at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7 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 Hozhoni Days Speaker Series continues with a free lecture by Fort Lewis Librarian Elayne Walstedter entitled "Image IS Everything: Native American Depictions in Children's Literature" at 5 p.m. in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts WRC's Chick Flick Night and a screening of "The Missing." Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for socializing, free pizza and drink specials in the Abbey bar. 247-1242 for details.

Travis Book and Anders Beck of the Broke Mountain Mountain Bluegrass Band play a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

Candidates for Durango City Council debate environmental issues relevant to local voters from 7:30-9 p.m. at Fort Lewis College. Call 375-1696 for exact location.

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A free Wildlife Watch workshop takes place from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the DOW Visitor's Center, 151 E. 16th St. The workshop is designed for people who are just starting to learn the basics of wildlife viewing. 247-0855.

The League of Women Voters of Colorado and AARP co-sponsor a local meeting to discuss Colorado's current fiscal crisis and possible solutions. Entitled "Colorado Caught in a Fiscal Vice," the event takes place at 12:15 p.m. at the La Plata County Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave. 247-1965 for details.

The Hozhoni Days Speaker Series continues with "The Snowbowl Effect," a free presentation by Klee Benally, project director for Save the Peaks Coalition in Flagstaff, Ariz., at 5 p.m. in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum.

The Jeff Strahan Duo plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The Fort Lewis College brass and woodwinds ensembles perform at 7 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall in the Sage Hall building. Admission is free.

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.

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The Hozhoni Days Speaker Series continues with a 5 p.m. lecture by San Juan Pueblo consultant and ethnobotanist Donna House entitled "Thinking Seven Generations: Protecting and Conserving Indigenous Lands" in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum. 4

The Southwest Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SWCRES) Board meets from 5:30-7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 949 E. Second Ave.Anyone interested in advocating for greater local support of energy efficiency and renewable energy is welcome to attend. 259-8090 for details.

Local singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The Children's Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts its Parenting Program from 6:30-8 p.m. The focus is on Quiet Time, and free child care and refreshments are provided. 259-9234 for details.

Formula 151 brings its unique sound to Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave., with an 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Green Lemon plays its homegrown jam at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The work of Santa Fe photographer Tony Stromberg returns to the Open Shutter Gallery, 755 East Second Ave. The exhibit, "Spirit," will show from March 18 - June 15. For two decades, Stromberg made his mark as an advertising photographer. A move to fine art photography five years ago and a love forhorses has produced images that depict the strength and majesty of wild horses.Stromberg will be on hand for an artist's reception from 5-8 p.m. March 18. 382-8355 for details.

Internationally acclaimed fiber artist Susan Klebanoff brings her multi-layered tapestries to the Fort Lewis Art Gallery for an exhibit that runs through March 29. Her sculptural tapestries are created by hand-dyed yarn and painted threads that interplay with space, light and shadows. She creates her tapestries by weaving three or more layers simultaneously on a loom. "The Art & Design of Victor Pascual" is also on display in the Exit Gallery through March 25. Pascual is an art major at Fort Lewis College and a graduate of Farmington High School. 247-7167 for details.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave. "on the corner," presents an exhibit of Katherine Barr's black & white photography through March 30. 247-9018.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., in conjunction with the Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., presents the exhibit, "Children of the World" by Betty LaDuke. LaDuke's paintings and drawings will be on display in the Barbara Conrad Gallery at DAC and her photography will be at the Open Shutter Gallery. LaDuke is an acclaimed artist and scholar and resides in Ashland, Ore., where she teaches at Southern Oregon State College. Both exhibits run through March 19. DAC will feature artworks from the GOAL workshops from March 22-25 and is also hosting an exhibit of new work by Los Angeles photographer Mike Slack through April 30. 259-2606.

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, the water environment, a special toddler room and creating art and crafts. During the month of March, the museum will offer workshops on Origami creations from Japan, Indian candles, Chinese stuffed fish, and Nepalese weaving.259-9234 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 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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Maria's Bookshop will host a March 24 talk and book signing with best-selling author Pam Houston.

The Assertive Wellness Center offers a free March 24 seminar on making sense of food labels.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays shows at the FLC Community Concert Hall on March 24 & 25.

KDUR hosts "Symphony De La Ghetto Flow," a DJ battle, on March 25 at the Durango Arts Center.

Durango Scottish Dancers offer a six-week Scottish and Irish dance class beginning March 25. 382-9593.

The Wanbli Ota Student Organization and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe host the 41st annual Hozhoni Days Pow-Wow from March 25-27 at Fort Lewis College.

The Abbey Theatre's monthly club night, DOWN, returns on March 26.

The Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre will present Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" beginning March 31.

The Southwest Writers Institute will host an April 7 fund-raiser at the Abbey Theatre celebrating the publication of Leonard "Red" Bird's Folding Paper Cranes: An Atomic Memoir.

The 11th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown rolls into town on April 8-10.

Fort Lewis College will host the 17th annual Tri the Rim Triathlon on April 16.

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Mama's Cookin plays the Summit What: A concert by the Crested Butte world beat band Where: The Summit, 600 Main Ave. When: Fri., March 18, at 10 p.m. A familiar world funk experience blows back into Durango this week. Mama's Cookin, a band with a strong local following, brings its act and a new album to the Summit on March 18. The show gets under way at 10 p.m. Since the band's humble origins in Crested Butte, Mama's Cookin has always prided itself on giving a quality, high-energy show. The combination of different styles and attitudes has created an experience that has the band now playing venues all over the West. The Mama's Cookin fan base is also growing exponentially with each new show. Mama's Cookin has shared the stage with the likes of Ozomatli, Robert Walter, Brian Jordan of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Eric McFadden of P-Funk, Mofro, Cabaret Diosa, Jaka, The Motet, and members of the band moe and Garaj Mahal. Mama's Cookin is now out on tour celebrating the release of its critically acclaimed album, "Let the Record Ride." After a year of recording in California and Colorado, the quartet is hitting the road to promote this disc, which was mastered by Grammy award-winner, Matt Sandowski. The album contains everything from dirty Southern blues to hip hop beats, and West African medleys. Zebuel Early heads up Mama's Cookin with guitar and bluesy vocals. Shane Whitener, the group's percussionist, has studied African and traditional Latin rhythms. Todd Holloway has a solid background in jazz and classical piano. Steven LaBella, the group's bassist, draws on experience in the funk, jazz, blues and rock genres. And Mike Adamo rounds out the band with drumming that combines elements of jazz and hip hop. This combination goes on the Summit stage at 10 p.m. For more information, call 247-2324.

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Abbey screens 'Merchant of Venice' What: A cinematic adaptation of the Shakespeare play Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Beginning Fri., March 18 "The Merchant of Venice" pays a visit to the Abbey Theatre for the next two weeks. Durango's independent theatre screens the film adaptation of the Shakespeare classic beginning Fri., March 18. The film stars Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Joseph Fiennes. Director Michael Radford ("Il Postino") brings one of Shakespeare's most frequently performed works to the screen. In "The Merchant of Venice," a 16th-century Venetian sea merchant (Irons) devoted to a young lord (Fiennes) goes into debt for "a pound of flesh" to the anguished Jewish moneylender Shylock (Pacino). The exchange and tangle results in white-knuckle suspense and swooning romance all the way through. The film was shot in Venice, with settings and costumes all sporting a dusky, lived-in look that matches the dialogue. Vague homoerotic content and the grim realities of Jewish oppression are not shied away from here, which lends the film further richness and complexity. The combination pays off, and critics are calling "The Merchant of Venice" the first great Shakespeare film of the 21st century. Sid Smith, of the Chicago Tribune, commented, "An important, timeless and sometimes troublesome classic has been filmed successfully and at long last." "The Merchant of Venice" shows most nights at the Abbey at 2:45, 5:30 & 8:15 p.m. Call 385-1711 for details.

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Brubeck Brothers play concert hall What: A show by the acclaimed jazz quartet Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College When: Sat., March 19, at 7 p.m. Top-notch jazz again graces the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College this week. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet plays Durango's biggest stage this Sat., March 19. Doors to the Concert Hall and the Spotlight Lounge open at 6 p.m. The quartet is fronted by the sons of legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck - Dan and Chris. The pair brings their own sound to jazz traditions, complete with spirit, flexibility and an inherited flair. "If there is such a thing as 'born musicians,' then surely the sons of famed jazz pianist Dave Brubeck qualify," wrote the Louisville Courier-Journal. The Brubeck brothers grew up listening to, studying with, and eventually playing alongside some of the greatest legends of jazz. This background contributes to the quartet's ability to effortlessly combine genres of straight-ahead jazz, funk and the Brubeck tradition of playing in odd time signatures. First recording professionally at age 11, Dan is know for innovative solo excursions on the drum set, and Chris, a multi-talented instrumentalist, has earned rave reviews on electric bass and bass trombone. The brothers are joined on stage by longtime friend and revered jazz guitarist Mike DeMicco and Pete Levin, a veteran of the New York jazz scene who has played keyboards and composed music since the 1960s. "The Brubeck Brothers Quartet delighted a capacity crowd," wrote the Chattanooga Outlook. "When I say they delighted, truly this was a spectacle to see. The Brubeck Brothers played in an unpretentious, generous manner and even taught the crowd a thing or two. And did they jam!" Saturday's show is part of the concert hall's Jazz on the Hill series, and tickets can be purchased by calling 247-7657.

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