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Ongoing Upcoming


FLC opens free concert series

Celebrating 125 years of Durango
Bike to Work Day is back

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 Pete Giuliani plays the patio at Christina’s Grill & Bar, 21382 U.S. Hwy 550, from 5:30-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

Durango authors Judith and David Reynolds celebrate their recently released book, Nordenskiold of Mesa Verde, at 7 p.m. at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.  The book is the first complete biography of the man whose scholarship put Mesa Verde on the international map. 247-1438 for details.

Singer songwriter James Patterson plays bluegrass, folk and ramblin’ blues at Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave., from 7-10 p.m. 259-2545 for details.

Durango Motorless Transit sponsors a group trail run for all levels on the Goulding Trail. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead near Tamarron at 6 p.m. 382-8005 for details.

Ultimate Frisbee takes place at Miller Middle School football field at 6 p.m. 375-7313 for details.

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

Voices in American Drama, a free summer play reading series, returns to the Fort Lewis College Amphitheater at 8 p.m. This month’s reading features “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Helen Gahagan Douglas,” an original work by dramatists Wendy Kout and Michele Willens.

Singer songwriter Nina Sasaki performs at 7:30 p.m. in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave. 259-1400 for details.

The Porchlights, a duo  from Flagstaff, play folk and Americana at 8 p.m. at the Columbine Bar in Mancos. 533-7397 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.

The Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., hosts ’80s and Service Industry Night beginning at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

Aphrodesia, a 10-piece Afrobeat orchestra from San

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

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An open house for Joelle Riddle, candidate for La Plata County Commissioner, takes place from 5-7 p.m. at her campaign offices, 1027 Main Ave.

Sugarhouse plays rock and blues at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., with shows at 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. Teresa Ross and Actual Proof play the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

The Thom Rader & Larry Carver Duo plays at Rubio’s in Aztec at 6:30 p.m.

Movin’ On plays country and rock at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. The evening includes dance lessons from 7-9 p.m. 375-2568 for details.

The Dances of Universal Peace return to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave., at 7 p.m.

Nina Sasaki performs at the Quaking Aspen, located in Bayfield, from 7-8:30 p.m. 884-2002 for details.

Singer songwriter Joel Racheff plays old school variety at the 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., begin

ning at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

The Magpies play electric bluegrass at 8 p.m. at the Columbine Bar in Mancos. 533-7397 for details.

DJ Dre spins a club mix at The Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., beginning at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band performs at the Billy Goat Saloon, located on U.S. Highway 160 in Gem Village, at 9 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts an open Poetry Slam at 9:30 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Community Connections Inc. hosts Golfing for Kids With Developmental Disabilities at the Hillcrest Golf Club. Prizes will be awarded and all proceeds benefit Community Connections’ Family Support Program. 385-3450 for tee times and details.

The Durango Farmers Market meets in the First National Bank of Durango parking lot, 259 W. Ninth St., from 8 a.m.-noon. Das Samba will perform Brazilian jazz throughout. www.durangofarmersmarket.org for details.

The 2006 Animas River Clean Up and Festival 4

takes place all day in Silverton. The event begins with a Clean-Up Party meeting at 9 a.m. An Animas River Walk and Exhibits will be held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and a BBQ at noon. Free raft trips will be offered throughout the day, and the event concludes at 3:30 p.m. with a raffle and celebration. 387-5161 for details.

Silverton Mountain hosts a one-day writing workshop focusing on the discovery and connection to a sense of place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The event features authors Dolores LaChappelle, Art Goodtimes and Steven Meyers. 387-5706 for details.

Local singer songwriter Linda Malinsky performs a 7 p.m. Campfire sing-a-long at Mancos State Park.

Sugarhouse plays a second show at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., at 8:30 p.m. Teresa Ross and Actual Proof return to the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

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

Movin’ On plays a second show at the Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., at 9 p.m. 375-2568 for details.

The Hot Strings bring their newgrass to the Coyote in Pagosa Springs at 9:30 p.m. 799-4303 for details.

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Dirty Dogz Self Serve Dog Wash, 644 E. College, hosts “Pet Pictures” all day. Partial proceeds from each portrait benefit the La Plata County Humane Society. 247-3649 for details.

Singer songwriter Pete Giuliani plays the patio at Christina’s Grill & Bar, 21382 U.S. Hwy 550, at 10 a.m. 382-3844 for details.

Singer-songwriter Joel Racheff plays at 7 p.m. at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. 375-7150 for details.

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The Asa Fire Tribe gives a fire-dancing performance at Trimble Hot Springs beginning at dusk. 247-0111 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays El Patio, 600 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Rosie Carter, of Stonefree Farms, leads a discussion on the benefits of producing and consuming locally produced organic foods at 6 p.m. next door to Beads and More in Cortez. 565-1540 for details.

An open-level Latin/Salsa Dance Party takes place at 8 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

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P is for Peanut, 473 E. College, offers free storytime at 11 a.m. 385-4525 for details.

Singer-songwriter Joel Racheff plays at 5-9 p.m. show at El Patio, 600 Main Ave.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Group performs on the patio at the Cyprus Café, 725 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

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

Singer songwriter Nina Sasaki performs at 7:30 p.m. in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave. 259-1400 for details.

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

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The local chapter of the American Red Cross’ annual meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. at 1911 Main Ave. Volunteers and supporters will be recognized. 259-5383 to RSVP.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Group performs on the patio at the Cyprus Café, 725 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

Singer songwriter Pete Giuliani plays a 6 p.m. show at the Dolores River Brewery.

An open-level Swing Dance Party takes place at 8 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

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

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The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens “Sophie Scholl: The Final Days” for one-week only, June 23-29. The true story of Germany’s most famous anti-Nazi heroine is brought to life in Germany’s official Foreign Language Film selection for the 2005 Academy Awards. The film shows most nights at 3 & 7:30 p.m. The Abbey is also showing the new edition of the Spirit of the Southwest. The program is a story of the wilderness and culture in the Four Corners region, both past and future, and was originally shown at the Abbey for 5 years as a 20 projector multimedia show. The Spirit of the Southwest shows at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

Free, guided naturalist hikes take place at Durango Mountain Resort from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The hikes are sponsored by the San Juan Mountains Association, San Juan Public Lands and DMR and run through Sept. 2. 385-1210 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts “Myths & Prophecies,” the 2006 Four Corners Commission exhibit through July 1. This juried exhibit shows work from local and regional artists exemplifying the diversity of heritage and uniqueness of the Four Corners region. The juror for this year’s exhibit was William Biety, Director of the Sandy Carson Gallery in Denver. 259-2606 for details.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Forsaken Places,” the black-and-white photography of Lou Swenson from Dolores, through July 5. Swenson’s photography highlights the often overlooked features of the rural Western landscape. Swenson develops, prints and frames his own work. 382-8355 for details.

The Adaptive Sports Association offers summer activities, including whitewater rafting, flatwater canoeing and kayaking, fishing and other activities for people with disabilities throughout the summer. Programs are open to all ages and disabilities, and friends and family are encouraged to participate. For more information or a list of activities, visit www.asadurango.com or call 259-0374.

Durango BMX hosts races every Sunday (weather permitting) with sign ups from 1-2 p.m., and gate practices take place every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m.-dusk. Visit www.durangobmx.com for details.  

The Center of Southwest Studies hosts the Mesa Verde Centennial exhibit featuring 11 sections on a variety of themes, including archaeology, rock art (with Hopi interpretation), fire, park ranger life, Navajo stone masonry, pottery (both ancient and contemporary) and tourism bring the story to life. The exhibit will run through late October. 247-7456 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.

Terry Hartzel plays ragtime piano at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., nightly at 5:30 p.m. except on Sundays. The Blue Moon Ramblers play free bluegrass at the Diamond Belle on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. 375-7150 for details.

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Mesa Verde National Park’scentennial celebration takes place with a weekend of festivities on June 29-July 2.

Native American singer songwriter Bill Miller will perform at Mesa Verde’s Morefield Amphitheater on June 30.

Durango DOT Comedy is currently recruiting participants for its first improv comedy cage match on June 30. 259-6004 for details.

The Clock Tower Chamber Music Festival, a free program featuring an international roster of musicians, takes place on July 1 at Fort Lewis College.

The Kiwanis Club’s Smokin’ Fourth of July Family Picnic and Barbecue Cook-Off takes place midday on July 4 prior to the Salute to America parade. Groups interested in participating in the parade are asked to contact 247-8163.

Joelle Riddle, candidate for La Plata County commissioner, addresses the July 6 meeting of the National Organization for Women (NOW).

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder play a July 7 show at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

The 2^nd annual Mancos Renaissance Faire takes place July 8-9 and includes live music, costumes, refreshments and dozens of activities.  

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FLC opens free concert series What: The first of seven free concerts Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College When: Beginning Thurs., June 22 at 5 p.m.  “Free” is the flavor of the season at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. This Thurs., June 22, the venue’s Free Summer Concert Series kicks off with a complimentary show from country-rock band Midnight Backhand. Seven separate shows showcasing local talent will be held during the series. Midnight Backhand walks the line between rock and country, creating an upbeat sound reminiscent of Red Dirt and Texas Rock.  The local five-piece band has opened for Texas rockers like Full Throttle and Cooter Graw and played for more than a year in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Midnight Backhand has also gained a reputation as a party band, singing good-timing songs, and buffing up their catalogue with original tunes of love, loss and all the good and bad times in between.  Opening the show at 5 p.m. will be the band Company, an auditioned pop/rock band from San Juan College. Thursday’s is the first of seven total shows in the series. On June 29, the Hot Strings take the Concert Hall stage, and shows from Rock & Rye, the Badly Bent as well as encore performances by Midnight Backhand and the Badly Bent will follow later in the summer. For more information, log onto www.durangoconcerts.com, visit the downtown ticket office at 707½ Main or call 247-7657.

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Celebrating 125 years of Durango What: A Family Picnic in honor of the City of Durango’s anniversary celebration Where: The La Plata County Fairgounds, 2500 N. Main Ave. When: Sat., June 24, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Locals have a chance to celebrate 125 years of Durango this Saturday. The City of Durango’s 125th anniversary celebration culminates in a Family Picnic at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on June 24. Fun and games will be the order of the day during the free event, which runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. In keeping with the city’s recognition of 1881 as its founding year, the past and its pastimes will be the theme of the celebration. Kids will enjoy free hot dogs, chips and root beer floats, while adults can choose from a variety of food vendors selling hot dogs, brats, BBQ, hamburgers and veggie burgers, chicken, side dishes and drinks. Beer, including the 125th Anniversary Founder’s Lager, and commemorative mason jars will also be available for sale. There will also be plenty of free games and activities, including sack races, tugs-of-war, a pie-eating contest, wheelbarrow races, bean bag board toss, cake walk and more. Activities for kids include a clown with balloon twisting, a magic show, face painting and a jumpy castle. At 1:05 p.m. it’s time to play ball as the local “Durango Nine” team plays in an old-time baseball game. Live music and giveaways will occur throughout the day. To get to the fairgrounds, you can hop a free train ride from the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station or take any city bus or trolley for free. For more information on the event or departure times, visit www.durangogov.org.

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Bike to Work Day is back What: Durango’s annual celebration of bicycle commuting Where: Buckley Park and 13th St. When: Wed., June 28, from 7-10 a.m. Durango again celebrates two-wheeled, nonmotorized transit this week. Bike-to-Work Day returns to downtown Durango on the morning of Wed., June 28.  The event is Durango’s fourth annual celebration and is in conjunction with the State of Colorado’s popular Bike-to-Work Day, which first began in 1985. “This is an example of the Durango community coming together to promote awareness of a worthwhile activity that is so representative of our lifestyle,” said event organizer Bob Kunkel. “With our City Council’s enthusiastic support and funding, dozens of hard-working volunteers and many generous supporting local businesses, Bike-to-Work Day continues to grow as a low-key, favorite gathering.” The annual event takes place from 7-10 a.m. at Buckley Park and 13th Street in front of the Durango Cyclery. Cyclists will gather in the north end of the park for food, fun and prizes, including free bike bells from Parks and Recreation and free bike checks donated by Durango Cyclery. Cathy Metz, director of Parks and Recreation, commented that she hopes to see the phenomenon grow beyond this Wednesday’s event. “If people would bike or walk to work one day a week instead of driving, we’d see a noticeable decrease in air pollution and traffic, as well as promote better health and fitness for adults and children alike,” she said.

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