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Ongoing Upcoming

Sled dogs descend on region
Second City returns to
DAM presents Hit & Run

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

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 J.S. Trio, featuring Jeff Solon, Joyce Simpson and Jeff Sweet, plays the Westside Bar & Café, 117 W.

College, from 6-9 p.m. 247-9151 for details.

“Ready to Ride,” a free community presentation on cycling performance, takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Durango Sports Club, 1600 Florida Rd. Professional mountain biker Travis Brown will give training tips, Dr. Richard Lawton and physical therapist Rick Stockwell will discuss knee injuries. 259-2579 to reserve a space.

The FLC Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues with a lecture by Donald Bruning entitled “Birds of Paradise: Conservation in Papua New Guinea” at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. Bruning is the former curator of the Wildlife Conservation Society. 247-7401 for details.

Susan Urban, certified clinical hypnotherapist, offers a free talk on “What is Hypnosis and How You Can Use Your Mind to Change Your Life” at 7 p.m. 946-0543 to preregister.

The Patio Restaurant, 475 Wolverine Drive, presents Open Mic Night in Bayfield from 7-9 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 6: 30 p.m. 946-8765 for details.

Tom Maynard performs downstairs in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 7 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., hosts College Night, including a performance by DJ DRE and mechanical bull riding, at 8 p.m. 375-2568 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.

A DJ spins ’80s retro and ’70s funk at The Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

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The Durango High School Visual Arts Department hosts the Winter Fine Arts Splash from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the DHS commons area. The art show will feature the work of second-trimester students in photography, watercolor, drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture classes. 259-1630, ext. 2111 for details.

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 Alpiners play traditional German music at the Berliner in Oxford at 6 p.m. 884-2098 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts Blue Friday with mellow music from Santa Fe’s BLU 102.9 and a keg giveaway at 6 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

The 8^th Ave Trio plays old-school rock at the 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., at 7 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

The Frank Trio plays jazz and funk at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900

Main Ave., at 8 p.m. with a special appearance from jazz singer Joyce Simpson. Teresa Ross and Actual Proof play in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 7 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Bayfield singer songwriter and former Nashevillian Zachary Hunter releases his first CD, “In Your Dreams,” at a 6 p.m. party at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., Wild Country takes the stage at 9 p.m. 375-2568 for details.

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

Phix, a band celebrating the music of Phish, plays at the

Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.  

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The Valentine’s Day 5K begins at 10 a.m. at the Durango Recreation Center Amphitheater, 2700 Main Ave. The event features an array of raffle prizes and free sports massages after the race. 375-7313 for details.

The Durango High School Visual Arts Department hosts the Winter Fine Arts Splash from noon-4 p.m. in the DHS commons area. 259-1630, ext. 2111 for details.

Local rock band History Of plays a 1 p.m. show at Purgy’s at the Durango Mountain Resort base area. 247-9000 for details.

The Fort Lewis Music Department presents the 2006 Select Band concert at 2 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. 154 students from 17 high schools in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah will perform. 247-7151 for details.

The Durango Rotary Red Ball Express takes place at 4:06 p.m. at the Durango Mountain Resort Columbine Area with red balls racing for cash prizes.

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 offers a five-course Valentine’s Benefit Dinner, featuring Lawrence Nass on Piano, at 6 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Retreat, 848 E. Third Ave. Reservations required at 247-8395.

The Half Ass Bluegrass Band returns to the Berliner in Oxford at 6 p.m. 884-2098 for details.

The Frank Trio plays a second night at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., with shows at 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. Teresa Ross and Actual Proof in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

The Dances of Universal Peace return to the Mason Center, 301 E. 12^th St., at 7 p.m.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., hosts a karaoke party at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

Durango’s Lawn Chair Kings bring their suburban rock to the Explorer’s Club Southwest in Silverton at 8 p.m. 387-5006 for details.

4cGLAD (Four Corner’s Gay and Lesbian Alliance for Diversity) holds its annual Valentine’s Day Dance at 9 p.m. at Christina’s Bar & Grill, 21382 Hwy 160 West, 385-7202 for details.

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

Wild Country plays wild country at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., at 9 p.m. 375-2568 for details.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Quartet brings its jazz to the Pride of the West in Silverton at 9 p.m.

Psyche Origami brings its Atlanta-based hip hop back to Durango with a 9:30 p.m. show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave. 247-2324 for details.  4

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The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado screens “The End of Suburbia” at 1 p.m. at the Abbey Theater, 128 E. College, as part of “Incorporating Sustainability Into La Plata County’s Future: A Local Visioning Project Fund-raiser.” 385-1711 for details.

The Alexander Murray Faculty Recital Series continues with a performance by the Red Shoe Piano Trio at 3 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall. 247-7657 for details.

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

Singer-songwriters Nina Sasaki and Jason Thomason perform at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., from 6-10 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

Pete Pheteplace and Richard White play jazz guitar at the Mahogany Grill, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 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 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., hosts a Karaoke Party at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

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The Children’s Musuem, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts a 3:30 p.m. workshop on navigating the night sky. Kids will learn how to locate planets and constellations with a planisphere that they put together. 259-9234 for details.  

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

The High Desert Wanderers, belly dancers and musicians, perform the exotic music and dance of the Middle East at the Himalayan Cuisine restaurant, 992 Main Ave., at 6:30 & 7:45 p.m. 259-0956 for details.

Pongas, 121 E. Eighth St., hosts a 9-ball pool tournament at 7 p.m. 382-8554 for details.

The Durango High School choirs perform a free show at 7 p.m. in the DHS Auditorium. Concert Choir, Colours, DHS Jazz Band, and guest performers, the FLC Men’s Choir, will participate. 259-1630, ext. 2101 for details.

Lust and Tiger! Tiger!, female-fronted bands from Atlanta, play the newly remodeled Columbine Bar in Mancos starting at 7 p.m..

J.Bo’s, 1301 Florida Rd., hosts Gentlemen’s Night featuring music and dancing from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 259-0010 for details.

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Valentine’s Day

A free hot/power yoga class takes place from 6:15-7: 30 a.m. at the Durango Yoga Center, 1480 E. Second Ave. 946-5590 for details.

Oakhaven Permaculture Center in Hesperus hosts a “Swadeshi” seminar for women from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will take a close look at permaculture ethics and design and ways to improve local self-sufficiency. www.oakhavenpc.org for details.

El Centro de Muchos Colores and the Program for Academic Advancement host a box lunch and special services auction fund-raiser from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the College Union. 247-7687 for details.

Donny Johnson plays a free show of acoustic music at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

The Abbey Theater, 128 E. College, presents “A Night in Italy” for Valentine’s Day at 5:30 p.m. The event includes dinner, dessert and the Italian film “Bread & Tulips.” 385-1711 for details.

The J.S. Trio plays in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 6 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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

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

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., hosts a special Valentines Day concert featuring the band 56 Hope Road at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The Green Business Roundtable meets at noon at the Diamond Circle Theatre, 699 Main Ave. Heidi VanGenderen, of the University of Colorado, will discuss policies, programs, and endeavors affecting multiple resource use and systems. 375-3099 to RSVP.

The Durango Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch and Learn meets at noon at the Bank of Colorado, 1199 Main Ave., Stan Johnson of Comprehensive Financial Planning will discuss building your own investment portfolio. 247-0312 to register.

Lions Den Unlimited Soundz, featuring DJs  Zen Ken and I-Gene, spins roots reggae at  J. Bo’s on Tap, 1301 Florida Rd., at 4:20 p.m. 259-0010 for details.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, 46 Suttle in Bodo Park, hosts Business Women’s Network from 5:30-7 p.m. The event is a casual networking event just for women. 247-1242 for details.

Greg Ryder performs on acoustic guitar at 5:30 p.m. at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. 375-7150 for details.

Artist Lorraine Trenholm addresses the Artists’ Gathering at the Durango Arts Center, 801 E. Second Ave., at 5:30 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

Durango BMX holds its annual Membership Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 799 Tech Center Dr. All parents, members and future BMX racers are encouraged to attend. 259-6516 for details.

Outdoor Pursuits sponsors “Big Wall Mountaineering on the Rupal Face,” a free presentation by world-class climber Vince Anderson at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. The slide show will chronicle a climb of a new, direct route on the 8,125-meter Nanga Parbat, recently completed by Anderson and Steve House. 247-7293 for details.

Fort Lewis College hosts the AHSS Junior Faculty Colloquium Series from 7-9 p.m. in 140 Noble Hall. Assistant Professors of Art Kevin Bell, Chad Colby and Amy Wendland and Assistant Professors of Music Mikylah Myers McTeer and Lisa Campi will each make presentations. 247-7582 for details

A Radon Awareness workshop takes place at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Participants will receive a free self-testing radon kit. 247-5702, ext. 223 for details.

The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., presents Ladies Night, including dance lessons from 7-9 p.m. followed by karaoke with Crazy Charlie. 375-2568 for details.

Joel’s, 119 W. 8^th St., hosts “Underground Lounge” with 4 DJ Claytanik spinning music for Ladies Night. 385-0430 for details.

Absylom Rising, a band blending jam, bluegrass, funk, country, blues, and rock plays at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.  

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Feminist Voice presents Eve Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10, 11 and 14 at the Fort Lewis College Mainstage Theatre. Doors open each night at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 6, 8 and 10 in the College Union lobby, from Feb. 6-10 at the College Union Information Desk, and at the door on the nights of the performance. For more information, e-mail bimendezmen@fortlewis.edu.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens Terence Malick’s “The New World” beginning Feb. 10. The sweeping adventure is set amidst the first conflict between Native and European cultures in 16^th century Jamestown. The film shows most nights at 2:30, 5:40 and 8:45 p.m. 385-1711 for details

The Durango Arts Center, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts the exhibit “Dirt Works” through Feb. 28. The group exhibit features the ceramic sculptures of Michael Coffee; the black and white photography of Lanette Hartman; and the oil paintings of Don Weir. 259-2606 for details.

Recent works by ceramic artist Chyako Hashimoto and painter Mick Lorusso will be displayed in the Fort Lewis College Art Gallery through Feb. 23. The two artists create organic shapes and forms that expose underlying energies and forms that emerge at the crossing point where organic transformation occurs. 247-7167 for details.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Live With History,” a collection of the New York Times Photo Archives through Feb. 15. The black-and-white photographs in the exhibit span from the year 1862 through 2005 and include images of the Wright Brothers’ first flight to the Hindenberg exploding to rounding up wild horses in California in 1930. Works by major photographers Alferd Stieglitz, Edward S. Curtis, Berenice Abbott and Andreas Feininger are included in the exhibit. 382-8355 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies Exhibit Gallery hosts several new exhibits through Feb. 28. New exhibits include “Fiber Fiesta: A Color Fest of Hispanic Textiles from the Durango Collection,” “Navajo Baskets: Selection by Georgiana Kennedy Simpson,” “Felted Wool Textiles” by Polly Walker and “Seasons on the Plateau” by Stanton Englehart.” In addition, some of the center’s new acquisitions — including works by R.C. Gorman, the Wade Basketry Collection and Edward Ellison photography — will be on display. 247-7494 for details.

The San Juan Mountains Association, San Juan Public Lands and Durango Mountain Resort Guest Services are offering winter outdoor educational opportunities at Durango Mountain Resort. Guided snowshoe tours are available upon request for groups or individuals. Free ski naturalist treks will be held Sunday mornings. 385-2147 for details.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave., presents an exhibit displaying the work of the Snowdown La Plata Open Space Conservancy Artists. This year’s print is a pastel by Don Cook, and the show runs through the month of January. 247-9018 for details.  

The Children’s Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the dinosaur exhibit, “Now You’re in Their World.” There will be many hands-on activities, fine motor and gross motor fun, “Dinosaur Ridge” and extinction dioramas. Workshops are available anytime during museum hours and include dinosaur stuffed animals, dinosaur face masks and alphabet coloring dinosaurs. 259-9234 for details.

The REACH (Resource, Enrichment, & Academic Choices) Program for independent learners in Bayfield offers enrichment classes to any K-12 students in the area. For the month of February, REACH classes include: Drumming & Rhythm, Group Guitar, Juggling 101, Introduction to Drawing and Discovering Rainforests with Barney the Amazon Bird. 884-3259 for details.

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The National Organization for Women will host an Activism 101 workshop on Feb 16 at 465 East 6th Ave.

Fort Lewis College stages the play, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” on Feb. 16-18 and 23-26.

A ski for education day with discounted lift tickets takes place at Durango Mountain Resort on Feb. 17. Tickets must be pre-purchased at area grocery stores or public schools.

A Boot Camp for New Dads workshop, offering skills and insights to new dads, is scheduled for Feb. 18. 247-5960 x13 to register by Feb. 15.

Oakhaven Permaculture Center and the FLC Environmental Center will co-host a second workshop on Practical Home Design, “A Home Design Project,” on Feb. 18 at the college. www.oakhavenpc.org.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault plays a Feb. 19 house concert with Melissa Crabtree opening. 247-0514 for details.

Chick Flick Night returns to the Abbey Theatre on Feb. 20 with a screening of “Nine Lives.”

The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) and San Juan Public Lands will offer a Feb. 23 workshop entitled “How to COPE – Create Outdoor Positive Experiences.” 

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society holds its 17th annual conference on Feb. 23 & 24 at Fort Lewis College.

“Cirque du Chocolate,” the 20^th anniversary of Chocolate Fantasia, takes place Feb. 24 in the FLC College Union.

Jimmy Lee Smith and Handsome Dan play at Feb. 24 show at the Diamond Circle with partial proceeds going to the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence.

The 3rd annual Mardi Gras Mancos Gala takes place Feb. 25 and includes dinner, dancing and merriment.

Little Feat returns for two performances at the FLC Community Concert Hall on Feb. 25 & 26.

The Durango Independent Film Festival is scheduled for March 1-5 and will highlight independent features, documentaries, shorts, childrens/family and adventure sports films.

The Subdudes return to Durango with a March 12 show at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Durango Acoustic Music brings bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien back to Durango on March 16.

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Sled dogs descend on region What: The Mancos Mush/Silverton Slush sled dog races and festival Where: Mancos and Silverton When: Feb. 9-12 Sled dogs will be in the spotlight this weekend in Mancos and Silverton. The Mancos Mush/Silverton Slush is offering many activities for all ages of spectators this weekend, Feb. 9-12. Mushers from Canada, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Colorado, Idaho and Washington will be traveling to race in Southwest Colorado for a $12,000 purse provided by Directory Plus and other regional sponsors. Two races with three stages each: 85 and 125 miles will be raced over three days by 15 or more teams. The 85-mile race allows mushers to run up to 10 dogs and the 125-mile race allows a 16-dog pool for mushers to choose from. Spectators can see the mushers and their teams take off each morning in five-minute intervals at 8:30 a.m. and see them return to the start/finish line from noon to 3 p.m. Mancos races will be held on Friday and Saturday at West Mancos Road. Races on Sunday will start in downtown Silverton with an awards ceremony following the end of the race.   The Mancos Mush Festival will take place 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mush Headquarters in Mancos on Sat., Feb. 11. The day will offer a pancake breakfast, educational activities for all ages, the “Inspired by the San Juans Art Exhibit,” entertainment, vendors, lunch concessions and Mush souvenirs. The event is free and the public is invited to attend all events. An artist reception for the “Inspired by the San Juans” show will take place at 5:30 p.m. with a Meet the Mushers banquet to follow. This race benefits Adaptive Sports Association of Durango. For more information about the race and related activities, visit www.sanjuanstagestop.com.

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Second City returns to What: Two performances by the acclaimed comedy troupe Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College When: Feb. 14 & 15 at 7 p.m. concert hall Renowned for launching the careers of comedy greats from John Belushi to Tina Fey, the Second City Comedy Troupe brings its irreverent comedic revue back to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College for two nights, on Feb. 14 & 15. A long-running improvisational comedy troupe based originally in the Old Town area of Chicago, Second City is known as the premier training ground for the comedy world’s best and brightest. Durango’s performance will feature sketches, songs and improvisation, including a mix of semi-improvised and scripted scenes (known as blackouts) from Second City’s 45-year history. The event will also showcase the comedy stars of tomorrow. Celebrated actors and comedians who got their start with Second City include “SCTV” and “Saturday Night Live” legends Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Martin Short and John Candy, among many others. “This is absolutely hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation,” said Gary Penington, concert hall managing director. “No topic or subject matter is off-limits. Chances are if your parents asked you not to speak about it at the dinner table, it will be made fun of in the show.” Tickets for the show are available online at www.durangoconcerts.com, at the Concert Hall’s new Ticketing Services Office, downtown at 707½ Main Ave., or by calling 247-7657.

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DAM presents Hit & Run What: A performance by rising bluegrass band Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Sat., Feb. 11, at 9:15 p.m. Upstart bluegrass band Hit & Run drives through Durango again this week. The award-winning band plays a Durango Acoustic Music show this Saturday at the Abbey Theatre. Local bluegrass band The Magpies will open the show at 9:15 p.m. Hit & Run Bluegrass formed in early 2002 on the mutual desire to play authentic-yet-modern bluegrass. A few months later, the group of pickers won the 2002 Rockygrass Band Competition. Less than a year after that, Hit & Run took first place at the 2003 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest, making them the first and only band to win both contests. Hit & Run went on to take first place at the 2005 International Band Championships in Nashville, a rare feat for a first-time competitor. “Something’s got to be up when one bluegrass band suddenly surpasses all the others. Here in Colorado, that band is Hit & Run,” proclaimed Denver’s Westword magazine. The band’s appeal may be their youthful energy combined with polished vocals, hot picking and contemporary sound. Hit & Run tastefully interprets standard bluegrass and traditional tunes and skillfully crafts original tunes. “It is easy to see why Hit & Run is moving up so quickly — their music is powerful and their professionalism is amazing for such a young band,” commented George Gertz, producer of the North Fork Valley Bluegrass Festival. Tickets for this Saturday’s show are available at the Abbey, Southwest Sound, Canyon Music or by calling 385-1711.

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