Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

DOWN returns to the Abbey
100 years of San Juan National Forest
“Off Road to Athens” arrives in Durango

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

Thursday26

Ska Brewing, 545 Turner Drive, hosts a special Bike-B-Q at the Tasting Room at 4 p.m. The event features a live band, cheap pints and food from Serious Texas BBQ. 247-5792 for details.

“The Trail Unites Us,” a presentation by the Southwest Youth Corps on the Colorado Divide Trail, takes place at 5 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center’s Sunlight Room. Eight people will share their

experiences bettering the renowned trail. 259-8607 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.

Durango Motorless Transit hosts a group trail run on the Haflin Creek Trail at 6 p.m. Runners should meet at the trailhead on East Animas Road. 385-2664.

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

“Break the Glass,” a 35-minute video on the local impacts of methamphetamine use and abuse, premieres at 7 p.m. at the Miller Middle School Auditorium. The film is free, open to all ages and a question-and-answer session will follow. 247-5702, ext. 225 for details.

Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., presents King Karaoke with Steve Kahler beginning 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.

DJ Matthew spins music for ’80s Night at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

Wolf at the Door plays country and rock for Ladies Night at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568 for details.

Friday27

The second Durango Critical Mass ride takes place. Cyclists of all types and abilities are encouraged to meet in front of the Gaslight Theatre, 102 E. Fifth Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Lacey Black plays classical and

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

Kirtan (Eastern Indian devotional singing) takes place from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Smiley Building’s Wild Sage Yoga Studio, 1309 E. Third Ave. The event is free and the public is welcome. 259-2110 for details.

Dr. Andrew Gulliford, of Fort Lewis College, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Kenny Frost present a talk on the Southern Ute Trail at 7 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. The free event is hosted by the Durango Public Library. 375-3380 for details.

Local singer-songwriter Tim Sullivan plays a free acoustic show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7150.

The 8th Ave. Trio plays bluegrass and variety at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., at 7 p.m. 259-8801.

Ralph Dinosaur returns to Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., with shows at 5:30 & 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

DJ Shoe spins a contemporary club mix at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

Wolf at the Door plays country and rock at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. 375-2568.

Brethren Fast, the punkabilly band from Denver, returns to Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

Saturday28

Mancos State Park hosts a 3 p.m. talk from Steve Brown on the “Wild Canines of Colorado.” 882-2213 for details.

Brant Leeper, Paul Karmazyn and friends play live jazz at Pure Soul Coffee, 40 Town Plaza, at 5 p.m. 259-5499 for details.

The Formula 151 Trio (ID, Richard, Jason) performs at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., at 5 p.m.

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

Cyprian Consiglio, John Pennington, Robert Jonas and Rick Modlin will perform “Musical Meditations” 4

as the 12th annual Animas Music Festival continues at 7 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall at Fort Lewis College. Singer-guitarist Consiglio and percussionist Pennington’s unique music weaves together sacred chant and drum traditions. 247-7657 for details.

Local singer-songwriter Tim Sullivan plays a free acoustic show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The Dances of Universal Peace return to the Mason Center, 301 E. 12th St. The event begins at 7 p.m. with a sound meditation.

Durango High School holds graduation ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. in the DHS Stadium. 259-1630, ext. 2300.

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

Out of Line plays rock and blues at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

DJ Mowgli spins music for Mountaintop Hip Hop Night at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays the Tiki Bar. 259-0430 for details.

Freewill Recovery “rocks out” at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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

Sunday29

Mancos State Park hosts a free talk from Brooke Brown on “Archeology & Pre-history of American Southwest” at 1 p.m. 882-2213 for details.

The Odd Sunday Sessions, open mic hosted by Perfesser Bonehead, take place from 3-7 p.m. at the Lonewolf Bar & Grill in Arboles. 883-5362 for details.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti performs at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Following the Iron Horse criterium, DJs Irah and Fat P spin tropical tunes on the patio at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., from 6-9:30 p.m. 259-9200 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.

Monday30

The 12th annual Animas Music Festival continues with a free Memorial Day celebration at 1 p.m. at Rotary Park. The concert celebrates American classics and features the Jeff Solon Swing’n Big Band and the Animas Brass Quintet.

Terry Rickard performs classic rock in the lounge at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 5 p.m. 259-0430.

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.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays a free acoustic show at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7260 for details.

Tuesday31

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

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents open mic night from 7 p.m.-midnight. 247-2324 for details.

Singer-songwriter Tim Sullivan plays a free acoustic show at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7260 for details.

Lloyd McNeil discusses wilderness awareness at 7 p.m. at Mancos State Park. 882-2213 for details.

“Penumbra,” a merging of film, music, sound and light effects, and theatrical action, opens at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, at 7:30 p.m. The show continues on June 3 & 4. 385-1711 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.

“Return2Sender,” the latest release from adventure filmmaker Peter Mortimer, shows at the Bill Hatcher Studio, 100 N. 4th. St., in Dolores, at 8 p.m. The showing benefits the San Juan Citizens Alliance and the Dolores River Coalition. 564-5900 for details.

Wednesday1

The Durango Public Library offers an internet computer class for seniors at 1 p.m. The free class is limited to 10 people. 375-3383 for details. 4

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.

Turtle Lake Refuge, 848 E. Third Ave., offers a “Chi Foods Class,” focusing on living foods preparation. The class takes place Wednesday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. and runs through June 22. 247-8395 to register.

Formula 151 plays a free show of all-original, acoustic rock at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, at 8 p.m. 375-2121.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard performs a free acoustic show at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 375-7260 for details.

Steve Hunter plays Texas-style guitar at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave. at 7 p.m. 259-8801.

Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., presents King Karaoke with Steve Kahler beginning at 8 p.m. 259-1400.

The Ethereal Plane, a high-energy, trip-rock band from Boulder, plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Joel’s, 119 W. 8th St., hosts “Underground Lounge” with DJ Claytanik spinning music for Ladies Night. 385-0430.

Ongoing

“Gunner Palace,” a documentary about 400 soldiers whose barracks are the bombed-out pleasure palace of Sadaam’s son Uday Hussein, continues to shows at the Abbey through June 2. “Gunner Palace” was filmed in 2003, early on in the U.S.-led war on Iraq. The film follows a group of American soldiers in Baghdad who have taken over Uday Hussein’s palace and their unique view on their world. “Gunner Palace” shows most nights at 7 & 9 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

The Durango Motor Expo takes place throughout the weekend. The event kicks off May 27 at 5 p.m. with an automotive art exhibit at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. More than 200 custom cars, hot rods, classics and motorcycles will be on display when the Showdown takes place May 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. along Main Avenue. A Poker Run with a chance to win a Hawaiian vacation takes place May 29. Visit www.durangomotorexpo.com for more information.

The fifth annual Mesa Verde Country Indian Arts and Culture Festival takes place - May 27 - June 5. The festival offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to learn more about archeology, history, native culture and Native American art. Highlights include a world-class juried Indian art market, Indian dances, Navajo rug auction, special archaeological tours and exhibits, and a variety of Native American cultural programs, including the 116th annual Ute Mountain Bear Dance. 1-800-530-2998 or www.mesaverdecountry.com for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts ”Mirrors and Windows,” the first group exhibit of the year. The exhibit includes the work of four regional artists – Thomas Carr, Priscilla Fowler, Carey Reynolds and Diana Woods – and runs through May 28. Upstairs in the Art Library, DAC exhibits “The Seventh Baker’s Dozen Collage Exchange,” an international show traveling to the Museo de Mexico. The exchange features 175 artists, and the exhibit will be on display from June 1-30. 259-2606 for.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave. “on the corner,” presents an exhibit of pastel landscapes by Durango artist Jan Goldman through the month of May. 247-9018.

The Center of Southwest Studies presents “Circle of Spirit: Navajo and Tibetan Wisdom for Living” through Oct. 21. The new exhibit was produced by the Center of Southwest Studies’ Exhibition Committee in conjunction with Peter Gold, author of Circle of the Spirit: Navajo and Tibetan Sacred Wisdom, and other project partners. 247-7456 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 for horses has produced images that depict the strength and majesty of wild horses. 382-8355 for details.

Durango BMX, located off Camino del Rio just south of Handlebar Cycles, hosts gates practices every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to dusk and races every Sunday with sign-ups from 1-2 p.m. Both events are weather permitting. For more information on clinics, schedule changes and news, log onto www.durangobmx.com.

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 May, the museum will offer springtime workshops on fun crafts to blow in the wind, play with outdoors, and to celebrate the arrival of Spring. 259-9234 for details.

Upcoming

A L.I.F.E. Cultural Arts Celebration takes place at 8 p.m. on June 2 at Rotary Park, featuring music, including West African drum & dance from Fara Tolno, food, and a silent auction. Leading up to the event, Fara Tolno will offer drum and dance workshops throughout the week. 799-1669 for details.

Dr. Paul Dvirnak will give a free talk on paddling injuries on June 2 at Four Corners Riversports.

The Step Back in Time Historical Celebration takes place in Silverton from June 2-5.

The Durango Arts Center unveils the 29th annual Juried Exhibit on June 3. The exhibit presents more than 50 works by local and regional artists and craftspeople and runs through late July.

An underground art show surfaces June 3 at Steamworks and includes work from 20 of the region’s contemporary artists and spins from DJ Brian Ess and others.

James Pellerite and Rochelle Mann will perform “Flutes of the Americas” as the 12th annual Animas Music Festival concludes June 3 at Fort Lewis College.

The Diamond Circle Melodrama will open its 44th season on June 4 with “Death at Devil’s Cave.” The play shows nightly except Sundays throughout the summer.

“Men Who Grill,” the Women’s Resource Center’s annual fund-raiser, takes place June 4 at Buckley Park.

The Dolores River Festival takes place June 4 at Joe Rowell Park in Dolores and includes live music, free raft rides, a fishing derby, kayak races and an evening with Dave Insley and The Beautiful Losers.

Earthrise Community holds an introductory meeting and open house June 7.

Nationally renowned riders Richie Anderson, Donny Robinson and Jason Rogers will give a June 7-8 BMX clinic at the Durango BMX track.

Outdoor summer theatre returns to Fort Lewis College this summer with two works “The Servant of Two Masters” and “Miss Julie,” scheduled to play in repertory from June 9-26 at the amphitheater.

The 5th annual AdventureXstream Adventure Race Series returns June 11 with competitors traversing 60- or 100-mile courses with trail running, mountain biking, kayaking and Tyrolean traverse.

Oakhaven Permaculture Center sponsors a ZERI-based Teacher Training program from June 15-19. Register at oakhavenpc.org.

A “Who’s Your Daddy?” event benefiting the Durango Discovery Museum takes place June 18 on Main Avenue and includes live music, beer garden, petting zoo, food catapult and more.

The Children’s Museum of Durango offers two Spanish Summer Camps for children 3-6 and 7-9 for two sessions this summer. Camp Uno will be June 20-30 and Camp Dos will be July 11-21. 259-9234 for details.

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DOWN returns to the Abbey
What: The independent theatre’s monthly club night
Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College
When: Friday, May 27, at 11 p.m.

Once again, DJs Brian Ess and A-bell are filling in an entertainment gap in Durango this Friday. DOWN, the Abbey Theatre’s monthly club night, returns May 27. This edition could also be the last for a while, as Ess goes on hiatus for the summer. 

When the doors open for DOWN, DJ A-Bell will typically spin the night’s first song, while Ess welcomes the crowd. The theatre gradually fills as people come and go, mingle, sit and dance. The dance floor starts to pick up as repetitive short loops in the music morph against a series of themes.

Drums and bass keep a relentless beat. And soon the Abbey Theatre is packed.

Ess, who is also a body piercer at Your Flesh Tattoo, does the graphic design, pays for the printing, rents the hall, hauls the gear in and out, and arranges the ambience, based on a different flower every month. And of course, he spins his music. “I play progressive house music the way I think it should be played,” he said in a recent interview. “There are a lot of different styles I respect. But there is also an organic connection besides the music. If you study the philosophy of house music you’ll find terms like ‘Temporary Autonomous Zone.’ I want to show the people of Durango some real fun.”

The real fun gets under way this Friday at 11 p.m. For more information on DOWN, contact the Abbey at 385-1711.

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100 years of San Juan National Forest
What: The Centennial Celebration of the San Juan National Forest
Where: Throughout the Durango area
When: June 1-4

On June 3, 1905, Teddy Roosevelt signed a Presidential Proclamation that created almost 2 million acres of National Forest in Southwestern Colorado. Known by different names over the past century, this federal land is now the San Juan National Forest, more than 120 miles wide and 60 miles long.  

The San Juan National Forest has historically served Durango through the supply of timber, minerals, oil and gas, grazing pasture, recreation, clean water and air, and other resources. The agency’s current goals of reducing flammable fuels, providing open space, managing recreation and preventing the spread of invasive species, continue to benefit Durango’s quality of life and economic well-being.

As community involvement is integral to the San Juan National Forest, citizens are invited to join in the celebration during San Juan National Forest Centennial Week. 

Numerous local events are planned, including:

-”The Greatest Good,” a feature-length film covering the history of the Forest Service, will be screened June 1 at 7 p.m. at the Abbey Theatre.  

- Nationally known actor Steve Stark will portray Teddy Roosevelt at the Durango Arts Center on June 2 at 7 p.m.

- The Fiddlin’ Foresters perform an old-time music concert in the Fort Lewis College Outdoor Amphitheater on June 3 at 7 p.m.

- Exhibits and demonstrations highlighting the past and present of the San Juan National Forest will be on display at FLC’s Whalen Gymnasium on June 3 & 4. - A Centennial Parade celebrating 100 Years of the San Juan National Forest takes place at 10 a.m. on June 4 on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. - Nationally known actor Gary Hines will portray Gifford Pinchot, the first USFS chief, at 7 p.m. on June 4 at FLC’s 130 Noble Hall.

For more information on the San Juan National Forest Centennial, visit: www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/about/history/centennial

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“Off Road to Athens” arrives in Durango
What:  A documentary on the struggle to secure U.S. Mountain Biking Team berths
Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College
When: May 28 & 29 at 7 & 9:30 p.m.

The high-energy, high-stress world of professional mountain biking lands on screen at the Abbey Theatre this weekend. In conjunction with the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the independent cinema will screen the new documentary, “Off Road to Athens,” on May 28 & 29.

“Off Road to Athens” is a documentary covering the tumultuous path taken by eight athletes hoping to make the U.S. Mountain Biking Team prior to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The film is fueled by inside looks at the world of professional mountain biking. It also covers the personal struggles and sacrifices of four men and four women who are vying for only three available positions. The viewer is taken on a ride from the jungles of Ecuador to the Highlands of Scotland, from historic Belgium to scenic Canada and many places in between. The movie culminates with a dramatic finish that no one could have predicted.

Filmmaker Jason Barry wrote, shot and edited the film and worked with D.C. composer Haik Naltchayan to make the orchestral soundtrack reflect the diverse cultures of each country visited. The film also was a true independent, made for less than $50,000. The combination has paid off. In the two weeks since its premiere, “Off Road to Athens” has drawn rave reviews.

The Daily Peloton – Pro Cycling News wrote, “’Off Road to Athens’ is pure entertainment – visually, aurally, and emotionally satisfying. Well balanced between human drama, travelogue and heart-pounding race scenes, this is one documentary that cyclists and noncyclists alike will enjoy equally.”

Barry, along with local riders Todd Wells and Shonny Vanlandingham, who are featured in the film, will be on hand for the screenings. The film will show at 7 and 9:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Abbey at 385-1711.

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