Ear to the ground:

“I was at Fort Lewis College last week with my church group.”

– Denver exotic dancer’s response upon finding out a bachelor party was from Durango

A classic(al) beer

Does Mozart make you hanker for a cold one? Well, now classical music afficionados no longer need worry about crimping their style by swilling beer in between sets at the Purgatory tent. In honor of the 20th anniversary of Music in the Mountains, Steamworks has introduced “The Conductor,” an ale in the tradition of an IPA that is guaranteed to harmonize with even the most discerning palates.

The “aromatic and bold” brew is available in 22-ounce bombers only at Steamworks Brewing Co. (Durango and Bayfield) or Durango Mountain Resort through the festival’s run. It also will be featured at “The Elegant Art of Beer and Food Pairing,” a new event to be held July 28 at DMR prior to Music in the Mountains’ “Piano Passion” concert.

“We’re excited to be able to partner with Music in the Mountains with a special beer and with the inaugural beer dinner,” said Kris Oyler, Steamworks CEO. “An increasing number of people now understand and are garnering an appreciation for the sophistication of hand-crafted beers.”

The Conductor, developed by Steamworks’ Head Brewer Ken Martin, features three “All American” varieties of hops. “The brewers focused in on the key notes of each hop variety,” said Brian McEachron, Steamworks director of sales and marketing, who also contributed his expertise and experience in the beer’s development. “Our brewers’ work results in a floral performance of bittersweet harmony. Bravo, team. Bravo.”

Talk about a bad trip

Seems the town of Boulder now has more to worry about than saving the world.

According to a report on theDenver Post’s web site, two 19-year-old men were arrested after they allegedly demanded $1 from joggers and cyclists crossing a bridge along a local bike path. The plan went awry when they attempted to extort money from an off-duty cop, who did not take kindly to the request. An altercation involving cut-off golf clubs ensued.

Needless to say, the trolls never did get their $1, which they later claimed they needed in order to puchase a lighter in order to smoke a large marijuana cigarette. Curiously enough, the joint, which was confiscated, was wrapped in dollar bills.

And yes, they were tripping.

Both men served out the reminder of their LSD experience in the Boulder County Jail.