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DSCPA presents The Waybacks
Shakespeare hits Mainstage Theatre
The Samples return to the Abbey
Fort Lewis celebrates Earth Week

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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 Durango Society of Cultural & Performing Arts (DSCPA) presents acoustic virtuosos The Waybacks at 7:30 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center.

The Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre presents Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at 7:30 p.m. The play, which has been called the most satisfying and certainly the liveliest and most charming of Shakespeare's works, is directed by guest artist Theresa Carson.

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

Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave., hosts its Third Annual Music Talent Search, at 8 p.m. The event takes place every Thursday for two months with the winners taking home a recording session and cash prizes. 259-1400.

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.

DJs Irah and Fat P spin tunes at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., hosts "Disco Down Ladies Nite" with two DJs spinning music. 375-2568 for details.

New Orleans' Country Fried plays Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., for Pint Night, starting at 10 p.m. Call 259-9200 for details.

Fort Lewis College music students will give a free recital at 12:20 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall in the Sage Hall building.

The 2005 Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues with a presentation by Andrew Gulliford entitled "San Juan Sampler: Postcards from the Nina Heald Webber Southwest Colorado Collection" at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. Call 247-7328 for details.

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The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the second annual Edible Book Show and Tea at 5 p.m. The show consists of sculptural books made of edible materials, which are viewed and eventually consumed. 259-2606.

Aaron Gordon will give his senior trombone recital at 7 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave.

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

Feat of Clay Artists' Co-op hosts a juried Area High School Art Show opening from 6-8 p.m. at the gallery at 108 S. Main in Aztec. For details, call (505) 334-3663 or (505) 334-3014.

The Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre presents Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at 7:30 p.m. The play, which has been called the most satisfying and certainly the liveliest and most charming of Shakespeare's works, is directed by guest artist Theresa Carson.

Sugarhouse comes to Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave., for 5:30 and 8 p.m. shows. 259-1400 for details.

Former locals Sol Vista, now of Denver, play Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. Call 259-9200 for details.

Topaz, New York City soul and funk, comes to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Trails 2000 kicks off trail work season from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Nature Center near Bondad. Volunteers are needed for trail maintenance and building a new footpath. Free lunch is provided. 259-4682 for details.

Cadence Therapeutic Riding holds itsyearlyVolunteer Orientationfrom 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for all facets of the organizationfrom horse leaders to clean-up and administrative assistance. Call Timmie at 749-7433.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Maria's Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., hosts readings with favorite local poets including Steve Meyers, Red Bird, Messel McHugh, Howard Faerstein, Kate Bell and others starting at 2 p.m. 247-1438 for details.

The fourth annual Ultimate Chair Racing Championships take place at 4 p.m. at The Ultimate Racing Hill, the sidewalk between the College Union Building and Noble Hall at FLC. Bring a wheeled chair and a costume. Helmets, elbow pads and kneepads are required and provided. Must be 18 or older to participate. Sponsored by Lunch Pals Sled Club. 259-4827 for details.

Artists, designers, performers, actors, dancers, technicians, puppeteers, shadow players and creators are invited to audition for"Penumbra," a multi-media theatre show, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Abbey Theatre. Call 259-9573 for details.

Turtle Lake Refuge holds the Turtle Talent Show, a fund-raiser featuring local foods and local talent, at 6 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Retreat, 848 E. Third Ave. Donations go to Sustainable Living Education and Open Space Fund. 247-8395 for details.

The La Plata Democrats hold their "Annual Fund-raising JJ Dinner" at 6 p.m. at the Sky Ute Lodge. The event features music from the Jeff Solon Jazz Trio, raffles, giveaways and a keynote speech by Pat Waak, new chair of the Colorado Dems. 259-9503 for details.

Singer-songwriter Donnie Johnson plays a free acoustic show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7150.

The Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre presents Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at 7:30 p.m. The play, which has been called the most satisfying and certainly the liveliest and most charming of Shakespeare's works, is directed by guest artist Theresa Carson.

Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave., hosts a reggae party with Bongo Love at 9 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

The 8th Avenue Tavern hosts karaoke from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at 509 E. 8th Ave. 259-8801 for details. 4

Freewill Recovery plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Ladies Night featuring live DJs, takes place at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., starting at 10 p.m. Call 259-9200 for details.

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The Community Concert Hall presents the Spencers' magical "Theatre of Illusion" at 4 p.m. Call 247-7657 for details or tickets.

Terry Rickard plays 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.

Kevin Martin (percussion) will give his senior recital at 7 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall at Fort Lewis College.

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 Adult Education Center, 301 E. 12th St., hosts registration for new students interested in attaining their GED at 9 a.m. Registration includes an educational interview with our student services coordinator. 385-4354 X 11 for details.

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

A reception for the Fort Lewis College 2005 Senior Art Majors Exhibition takes place from 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the Main Art Gallery and includes works from 33 students. The show runs through April 14. 247-7167 for details.

A reception for Nancy Krogh, candidate for associate vice president for academic affairs at Fort Lewis College, will be held from 4:15-5 p.m. in the Blue & Gold Room of the College Union Building. Krogh is the university registrar at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

The City of Durango sponsors an April 4 Green Building Workshop and Community Forum on Sustainability with educator and author Dan Chiras.

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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.

Boulder's The Samples take the stage at the Abbey Theatre, 128 College Drive, at 8:30 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

A discussion group for singles (37-65) based on John Gray's book Mars & Venus on a Date begins at 8:30 p.m. at Tatanka Lodge in Durango West II with the topic: communication styles & the five love languages. 259-6510 to RSVP.

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.

Activists and authorsKen "Seldom Seen" Sleight and long-time river ranger Mark Meloy will spin yarns of adventures and misadventures at Fort Lewis College.

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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.

Freewill Recovery plays Scoot 'n Blues, 900 Main Ave. 259-1400 for details.

Local author Kate Niles presents a free interactive writing workshop entitled, "Order Out of Chaos: Writing and Healing" at 6 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. The event is sponsored by the Sexual Assault Services Organization. 259-3074 to register.

The Hozhoni Days Speaker Series continues with a lecture by Wilson Hunter entitled "Cultural Interpretation at Canyon de Chelly" at 5 p.m. in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum. Wilson is the chief of interpretation at Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

The Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence will host the Spring Alumni Breakfast at 8 a.m. at 4 Christina's Restaurant. Bruce Anderson, with Four Corner Broadcasting, and Audra Snow, with Big Brothers Big Sisters, will discuss Study Connection, a tutoring and mentoring program for 9-R students.

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Fort Lewis College will host Human Rights Day events Thursday and Friday. Nia Hightower, of the Southern Poverty Law Center, will talk on "The Extremes of Hate: The KKK and the Black Separatist Movement," at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the College Union Building. The discussion will be followed by the Academy Award-winning documentary "The Children's March," the story of how young people of Birmingham, Ala., brought segregation to its knees. On Friday there will be presentations on: "Rights, Justice and the Pursuit of Peace in Eritrea" and "Roots of Crisis in Darfur, Sudan" from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; "Women's Rights in the Arab World's First Democracy: The Struggle for Gender Equity in Yemen" and "U.S. Foreign Policy in Africa: Missed Opportunities and Low Priorities" from 1-2:15 p.m.; and "The Nature of Hate" from 2:30 to 4 p.m. All Friday presentations are in the Student Memorial Lounge.

"The Sea Inside," winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, opens at the Abbey Theater, 128 E. College Drive, on Friday and shows daily at 3:15, 6 and 8:45 p.m. 385-1711 for details.The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., presents

"Creativity Festivity 2005 - Imagine If " runs from April 4-29. The districtwide, inter-disciplinary event features visual arts, music, dance, theater, poetry and writing compiled from area school art classes. An opening reception takes place April 11 and includes a performance by Encore, Stomp!, Applause! and the winners of the 2005 writing contest. DAC is also hosting an exhibit of new work by Los Angeles photographer Mike Slack through April 30. 259-2606 for details.

The third annual Quilt Durango Festival takes place throughout town through Saturday. The four-day event includes a judged quilt show, vendor displays, a community quilts show at the fairgrounds, workshops, a Victorian tea party, fashion show, book signing and more. More than 600 quilters from throughout the country are expected to take part. www.quiltdurango.com for details.

The Fort Lewis College 2005 Senior Art Majors Exhibition shows April 4 - 14 in the Main Art Gallery at Fort Lewis College and includes works from 33 students. 247-716 for details.

The work of Santa Fe photographer Tony Stromberg returns to the Open Shutter Gallery, 755 East Second Ave. The exhibit, "Spirit," will show through 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. 382-8355 for details.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave. "on the corner," presents an exhibit entitled, "Art of Wine." The exhibit features works by Maureen May, Karen Pittman, Bryan Saren, Laurel Vogl, Nancy Richmond, Judy Morgan, Karyn Gabaldon and John White and shows through April 25. 247-9018.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross is accepting orders for its fifth annual Rose Sale Fund-raising Event. The deadline for ordering is April 15, and rosesare availableApril 29. 259-5383 for details.

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 April, the museum will offer workshops on Bongo drums, Kenyan Kigogo game, Guro animal masks, Zimbabwe bead bracelets and African coiled baskets. Workshops do not require pre-registration.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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The League of Women Voters of La Plata County present Wano Urbonas, of San Juan Basin Health Department, on the environmental quality of life in La Plata County at 9 a.m. April 7 at San Juan Basin Health Department, 281 Sawyer Drive. Air quality, water, consumer protection, waste management and animal-borne diseases will be discussed.

The Durango High School Imaginarium class will present the annual one-act play festival at 5 p.m. on April 7. Call 259-1630, Ext. 2105 for details.

The Southwest Writers Institute presents a literary evening of spoken word and documentary filmmaking in celebration of the publication of Leonard "Red" Bird's Folding Paper Cranes: An Atomic Memoir from 5:30-8 p.m. April 7 at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College Dr. Call 247-7049 for details.

The Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre presents Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at 7:30 p.m. April 7-9 with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. on April 10. "Much Ado about Nothing" is directed by guest artist Theresa Carson. The play has been called the most satisfying, and certainly the liveliest and most charming, of Shakespeare's works.

An auction/dinner/fund-raiser for Bob Carra, longtime resident, takes place April 8 at the Elks Lodge.

Break Mechanics brings jazz/fusion/hip hop to the Abbey Theatre on April 8.

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

A special Contra Dance with The Tucson Band and caller Round the House , which also is playing for the Meltdown, takes place at the American Legion, 878 E. Second Ave., on April 8. Beginner instruction at 7:30 p.m., dancing at 8 p.m. Call 259-6820 for details.

SKA Brewing Co. presents a free wine-making class on April 9. The free beer-making class follows on April 23.

Maria's Bookshop hosts an April 11 in-store reading group discussion for A Language Older Than Words.

The local chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) will host an "Activism 101" workshop on April 12.

Fort Lewis College will host the 17th annual Tri the Rim Triathlon on April 16. 247-7508 for details.

The Durango Lions Club is sponsoring the 9 Health Fair on April 16 from 7 a.m. to noon at Escalante Middle School. Free health education and basic health screenings will be offered to the adult public. Optional blood chemistry analysis will be available. Call 800-332-3078 for details.

Maria's Bookshop hosts an April 19 talk and book signing with local historians and authors, Duane Smith and Richard Ellis.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College features Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular, on April 24.

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DSCPA presents The Waybacks What: A concert by the irreverent acoustic band Where: The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. When: Thurs., March 31, at 7:30 p.m. Acoustic virtuosos The Waybacks are rolling into Durango courtesy of Durango Society of Cultural & Performing Arts (DSCPA). The San Francisco band plays the Durango Arts Center stage on Thurs., March 31, at 7:30 p.m. "The Waybacks are renaissance men," said DSCPA vice president Chris Aaland. "Part bard and part jester, the collective brain of this San Francisco band blends bluegrass, Western swing, jug band, jazz, folk and a twisted sense of humor into its own improvisational style. Put simply, imagine if Robin Williams or Billy Crystal could play mandolin like David Grisman or guitar like Tony Rice, and you've imagined a Waybacks show." Acoustic Guitar magazine made a similar comparison. "Few bands have produced instrumental virtuosos who can follow the lead of newgrass icons like Sam Bush, Tony Rice and David Grisman The Waybacks, on the other hand, feature hot pickers who are destined to become revered new-acousticians, thanks to their individual solo styles and the band's novel and irreverent tenor." The band has three critically-acclaimed albums to its credit but is better known for its live show. Fans at such national festivals as Merlefest, Old Settler's and Kerrville have caught on to what Four Corners audiences have known for years: The Waybacks bring down the house. Local music buffs have seen the band's jaw-dropping live set at the Four Corners Folk Festival, Silverton Jubilee and Planet Bluegrass' Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. "The musical maelstrom known as The Waybacks blew in from San Francisco, sending up such a startling tornado of aggressively performed, high-spirited melodies as to remove all the air from the room," raved the Washington Post. The Waybacks include guitarist and mandolin player James Nash, guitarist Stevie Coyle, bassist Joe Kyle, Jr. and drummer Chuck Hamilton. The Waybacks' local concert is an all-ages show, and tickets are available by calling 259-2606.

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Shakespeare hits Mainstage Theatre What: A local performance of "Much Ado about Nothing" Where: The Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre When: Beginning March 31 at 7:30 p.m. William Shakespeare is taking center stage at Fort Lewis College beginning this week. The FLC Mainstage Theatre presents Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing" from March 31-April 10. The curtain for opening night goes up at 7:30 p.m. and all tickets are discounted. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. on April 1-2 and April 7-9, with a special matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on April 10. "Much Ado about Nothing" is directed by guest artist Theresa Carson. The play has been called the most satisfying, and certainly the liveliest and most charming, of Shakespeare's works. Although there has been some speculation, this may be a revised version of a play that Shakespeare wrote earlier in his career, probably around 1598. Love, laughter and trickery ensue in "Much Ado about Nothing" when Leanato, a kindly nobleman who shares his home with daughter Hero and niece Beatrice, welcomes friends home from war. As Hero and Count Claudio fall in love at first sight, Beatrice and Signior Benedick delight in their scorn for each other by engaging in verbal jousts and parries. While the villain Don John schemes to keep Hero and Claudio apart, Leonato and his noblemen play Cupid in order to bring Beatrice and Benedick together. Truth and happiness prevail through the action of the play's "shallow fools," Constable Dogberry and his bumbling cronies. In true Shakespeare fashion, all's well that ends well. Couples are reunited and wedding bells ring. Carson was previously an assistant professor in the Communication Studies, Film Studies and Theatre Arts Department at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She specializes in acting and movement with special interests in stage combat and children's theatre. She was a professional actress in Chicago from 1983-93 and is cofounder of Children's Theatre Kaleidoscope. She is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Theatre Department at Fort Lewis College. Space for the performances is limited as the Main Stage Theatre seats 200 per show. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling 247-7089.

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The Samples return to the Abbey What: A show by the 1990s rock phenomenon Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Tues., April 5 at 8:30 p.m. This week, the Samples return to the Abbey Theatre, a venue they sold out last June. The reinvigorated 1990s super band out of Boulder goes on stage this Tues., April 5, with doors opening at 8 p.m. The relaxed, post-folk reggae rock of The Samples propelled them into the slot of one of the most popular touring bands of the early '90s. However, the band got off to an auspicious start. After a two-month affiliation with a major label, The Samples had its contract revoked and the band ventured out on its own. The band toured constantly and was able to build on its fan base. It also got busy in the studio and recorded three separate albums between 1992 and 1993. Through it all, The Samples eventually stumbled onto a sound of their own, and "The Last Drag" marked the band's reanimation. Talented musicianship and gifted songwriting are at the heart of The Samples. Drummer Sam Young mixes a solid rock 'n' roll beat with jazz and reggae undertones. Andy Sheldon bridges the percussion and rhythm sections with his steady bass. Sean Kelley offers unique interpretations on both lead vocals and guitar. Rhythm guitarist Rob Somers frequently plays acoustic and lends an organic flavor to the mix. And on keyboard, Alex Matson lends the familiar airiness to the Samples' sound. Tuesday's stop at the Abbey is part of the band's "The Revolution is NOW" tour, which consists of "stripped-down, pure-music" shows. "The fans have made us what we are today, and we love to give it all back to them," said Kelley of the tour.

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Fort Lewis celebrates Earth Week What: Seven days of lectures, live music, clean-ups and more Where: Fort Lewis College, the Durango Arts Center & the Smiley Building When: April 2-8 Fort Lewis College is pulling out all the stops for Earth Week 2005. Seven days of events are planned, including lectures, live music, a 5k run/walk, campus clean-up activities and even a petting zoo for children. "This could quite possibly be the highest quality of speakers Earth Week has ever seen," said Environmental Center Coordinator Michael Rendon. "We are fortunate to be bringing in some of the champions of the environmental movement." The complete schedule of events follows: Sat., April 2: Hozhoni Days/Earth Week 5k (3.1 miles) run/walk takes place at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Linda and Ben Nighthorse Campbell Child and Family Center. Race day registration is scheduled for 7 to 8:15 a.m. Sun., April 3: The fourth annual "Cheers for the Environment" fund-raiser, featuring Grammy-nominated bluegrass/Americana band Adrienne Young & Little Sadie, begins at 6 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. The event also features a silent auction of goods and art from local merchants and artists, and performances by singer-songwriter Melissa Crabtree and local gypsy band Carute Roma. Mon., April 4: - The eighth annual campus clean-up takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to participate. Meet in front of the John F. Reed Library. -Dan Chiras, author of Superbia, The New Ecological Home and EcoKids, will discuss "Sustainable Communities: Places That are Good for People, the Planet and the Local Economy" at 7 p.m. at the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. Tues., April 5: Ken Sleight, the inspiration for "Seldom Scene Smith" from The Monkey Wrench Gang, and Mark Meloy, lead ranger on the San Juan River, will discuss "A Utah Wilderness Celebration" at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. Wed., April 6: Ed Jackson, Clark Inkanish and Ann Dapice will discuss "Earth-Centered Wellness and the Medicine Wheel: A Native Perspective" at 7 p.m. in 140 Sage Hall Thurs., April 7 -John Todd will discuss "A Safe and Sustainable World: The Promise of Ecological Design" at 7 p.m. in the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. Todd is an internationally recognized biologist and the author of more than 200 technical and popular articles on biology and planetary stewardship -The Environmental Center hosts a fund-raiser at 9 p.m. at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., featuring local band, the Frank Trio Fri., April 8: Earth Week wraps up with "Barnyard Days," an outside petting zoo for children from 9 a.m. to noon on campus. Children of all ages are welcome.

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