Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming


Lattes for literacy on Main Avenue

Holistic expo returns to Durango
Alejandro Escovedo plays Abbey

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


Thursday7

The Thought and Inquiry Forum hosts Film Night at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Parish Hall, 910 E. Third Ave., and screens “To End All Wars.” The event is open to all. 884-7277 for details.

Durango Motorless Transit sponsors a group trail run for all levels on the west loop of the Animas Mountain Trail. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead at 6 p.m. 382-8005 for details.

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

Joey & the Slackers play rock ‘n roll at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave. at 7:30 p.m. Steve Snelling and Brad Tarpley play in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 7:30 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Vic spins a club mix at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., for Service Industry Night at 8 p.m. 259-0430 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.

   DJs Niko and Brian Ess spin for Pint Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10:30 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

top


Friday8

The Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition holds a peace vigil from 5 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Main Ave. and 11th St. Signs available or bring your own. 259-4185 for details.

Singer-songwriter Pete Giuliani brings his acoustic stew to Christina’s Grill & Bar, 21382 U.S. Hwy 160 W., from 5-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

The Aspen Guard Station’s Artist-in-Residence Program hosts a 5:30-7:30 p.m. reception at the Cortez Cultural Center. The public will be able to view artwork inspired by last fall’s residencies, learn about the program, and mix with the artists. 385-1219 for details.

Stonefed, a rock band from Moab, plays at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., with shows at 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. Jo Jo and the Hoods play at 8 p.m. in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge. 259-1400 for details.

Chimney Rock hosts its Full Moon Program, featuring Native American flute melodies by Charles Martinez. The gate will be open from 6:30 to 7 p.m. 883-5359 to register.

Gary Walker plays favorite jazz standards at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Jeff Strahan Band  brings its Texas blues back to the 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., at 9

p.m. 259-8801 for details.

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

Wild Country performs country dance at the Billy Goat Saloon, located in off Hwy. 160 in Gem Village, at 9 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

Aftergrass brings its funky, psychedelic rock to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

top


Saturday9

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

The Durango Food Bank holds a food drive from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. outside the Durango Walmart Super Center. Last year 2,432 people received 77,382 pounds of food and the need is growing. Contribution receipts will be available for tax-deduction purposes. 259-1130 for details. 

The Durango Arts Center and the San Juan Mountains Association kick off a 2-day Plate & Palette event entitled, “Silverton: The Art of Nature, The Nature of Art.” The event includes food, tours, lectures, film, an overnight at the Grand Imperial Hotel and begins in Silverton at 11 a.m. 259-2606 for reservations.

The Mesa Verde Foundation holds a dinner and silent auction at the Center of Southwest Studies at 5 p.m. The event features an auction of art from regional artists to build a new visitor information at the national park. Email melissa@mesaverdefoundation.org for details.

The monthly Contra Dance begins at the VFW Hall, 1550 Main Ave., with beginner instruction at 7 p.m. and dancing from 7: 30 to 10:30 p.m. The Adobe Brothers of New Mexico will provide music and Wendy Graham and Paul Bendt will call the dance. 259-6820 for details.

The Jeff Strahan Band brings its Texas blues to Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave. at 8 p.m. Jazz singer Heather Sullivan plays the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Jeff Sweet plays favorite jazz 4


Thursday7

The Thought and Inquiry Forum hosts Film Night at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Parish Hall, 910 E. Third Ave., and screens “To End All Wars.” The event is open to all. 884-7277 for details.

Durango Motorless Transit sponsors a group trail run for all levels on the west loop of the Animas Mountain Trail. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead at 6 p.m. 382-8005 for details.

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

Joey & the Slackers play rock ‘n roll at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave. at 7:30 p.m. Steve Snelling and Brad Tarpley play in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 7:30 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Vic spins a club mix at the Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., for Service Industry Night at 8 p.m. 259-0430 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.

   DJs Niko and Brian Ess spin for Pint Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10:30 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

top


Friday8

The Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition holds a peace vigil from 5 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Main Ave. and 11th St. Signs available or bring your own. 259-4185 for details.

Singer-songwriter Pete Giuliani brings his acoustic stew to Christina’s Grill & Bar, 21382 U.S. Hwy 160 W., from 5-9 p.m. 382-3844 for details.

The Aspen Guard Station’s Artist-in-Residence Program hosts a 5:30-7:30 p.m. reception at the Cortez Cultural Center. The public will be able to view artwork inspired by last fall’s residencies, learn about the program, and mix with the artists. 385-1219 for details.

Stonefed, a rock band from Moab, plays at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., with shows at 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. Jo Jo and the Hoods play at 8 p.m. in the Sidecar Jazz Lounge. 259-1400 for details.

Chimney Rock hosts its Full Moon Program, featuring Native American flute melodies by Charles Martinez. The gate will be open from 6:30 to 7 p.m. 883-5359 to register.

Gary Walker plays favorite jazz standards at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Jeff Strahan Band  brings its Texas blues back to the 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

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

Wild Country performs country dance at the Billy Goat Saloon, located in off Hwy. 160 in Gem Village, at 9 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

Aftergrass brings its funky, psychedelic rock to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

top


Saturday9

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

The Durango Food Bank holds a food drive from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. outside the Durango Walmart Super Center. Last year 2,432 people received 77,382 pounds of food and the need is growing. Contribution receipts will be available for tax-deduction purposes. 259-1130 for details. 

The Durango Arts Center and the San Juan Mountains Association kick off a 2-day Plate & Palette event entitled, “Silverton: The Art of Nature, The Nature of Art.” The event includes food, tours, lectures, film, an overnight at the Grand Imperial Hotel and begins in Silverton at 11 a.m. 259-2606 for reservations.

The Mesa Verde Foundation holds a dinner and silent auction at the Center of Southwest Studies at 5 p.m. The event features an auction of art from regional artists to build a new visitor information at the national park. Email melissa@mesaverdefoundation.org for details.

The monthly Contra Dance begins at the VFW Hall, 1550 Main Ave., with beginner instruction at 7 p.m. and dancing from 7: 30 to 10:30 p.m. The Adobe Brothers of New Mexico will provide music and Wendy Graham and Paul Bendt will call the dance. 259-6820 for details.

The Jeff Strahan Band brings its Texas blues to Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave. at 8 p.m. Jazz singer Heather Sullivan plays the Sidecar Jazz Lounge at 8 p.m. 259-1400 for details.

Jeff Sweet plays favorite jazz 4

standards at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

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

The Hot Strings play their newgrass at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

DJ Format from Dallas spins for Ladies Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10:30 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

top


Sunday10

Singer-songwriter Joel Racheff plays from 7-11 p.m. at The Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. 

top


Monday11

The League of Women Voters hold a 9:30 a.m. public meeting on the Library Bond Ballot issue at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 495 Florida Road. Sherry Taber, Durango Library Director, will discuss plans for the new library.

The Durango DEVO Team’s junior program, mountain biking for riders from second to fifth grade, meets from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 247-8355 or stescher@yahoo.com for details.

The Youth Ultimate Frisbee Program meets from 4-6 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds’ north baseball field. 375-7313 for details.

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

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

A free Doing Your Own Divorce and/or Custody in Colorado seminar takes place at 6 p.m. at the offices of Colorado Legal Services, 1474 Main Ave., suite 200. 247-0266 for details.

The Sophia Retreat Center, located in Dolores, hosts a commemoration of Gandhi’s 100-year anniversary of Nonviolent Peace Action with a movie and discussion. The free event kicks off with appetizers at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.SophiaRetreatCenter.org for details.

Singer songwriter Tim Guidotti plays from 7-11 p.m. at The Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. 

An open-level Latin/Salsa Dance Party takes place at 8:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

The Pnuma Trio plays its electronica at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

top


Tuesday12

The Durango DEVO Team’s junior program, mountain biking for riders from second to fifth grade, meets from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 247-8355 or stescher@yahoo.com for details.

Pediatric Associates of Durango, 1199 Main Ave., hosts the monthly Business Women’s Network from 5:30-7 p.m. The evening includes informal networking, refreshments and a facilitated discussion. 247-1242 for details.

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

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.

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

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

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

top


Wednesday13

The Green Business Roundtable meets at the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave., at noon. Keith Walzak, of Three Springs, will discuss smart growth and sustainable development during this month’s roundtable. 259-3585 to RSVP.

The Durango Independent Film Festival’s Monthly Movie screens at 1 & 6:30 p.m. at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College. “Half Nelson” stars Ryan Gosling and tells the story of an inner-city junior high school teacher with a drug habit who forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students. www.durangofilm.org for details.

The Youth Ultimate Frisbee Program meets from 4-6 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds’ north baseball field. 375-7313 for details.

Trails 2000 seeks volunteers for trail work on Big Canyon from 4-7 p.m. Members of the FLC Cycling Team will be on hand, Bread will supply food and volunteers should meet at the trailhead near New Country Auto Center. Visit www.trails2000.org for details or to sign up for the trailwork e-list.

The Women’s Resource Center Reading Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Rochester Hotel, 723 E. Second Ave. Anyone interested in discussing Their Eyes Were Watching God is welcome to attend. 247-1242 for details. 4

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.

Contemporary country quartet Little Big Town brings its unique sound to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Local favorite Joel Racheff, will open the show at 7:30 p.m. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

An open-level Swing Dance Party takes place at 8:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

The Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., hosts Salsa Night at 9 p.m. 259-0430 for details.

top


Ongoing

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the work of artist Edward Lamber in the exhibit, “Man, Tattoos, Textiles,” through Sept. 25. Using tattoo designs coupled with a mixed media layering process, Lambert captures the mysterious symbolism of tattoo art in our popular culture. DAC’s Local Expressions Gallery presents “Pink,” an exhibit of porcelain and soft pastels by artists Rebecca Barfoot and Bethany Bachmann, during the same period. The Art Library hosts “Hands On,” an cxhibit of dream and travel journals and design folios through Sept. 2. DAC’s new “Paint Bar” is also open Monday through Thursday from 3-5 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens “A Scanner Darkly,” a film based on science-fiction author Philip K. Dick’s own experiences. “A Scanner Darkly” tells the darkly comedic, caustic and deeply tragic tale of drug use in the modern world and shows most days at 3:15, 6:30 and 9 p.m. “Spirit of the Southwest” continues through the end of September with shows at 5:30 p.m. daily. 385-1711 for details.

The Diamond Circle Melodrama, 699 Main Ave., presents “A Four-Legged Fortune,” a play by Dion Boucicault, and Vaudeville Revue for a special extended season. The play shows through Sept. 25, doors open at 7:30 p.m. and shows start at 8 p.m. nightly except Tuesdays. 247-3400 for details.

A new exhibit, “Railroad Boomtown – The San Juan Extension & the Founding of Durango,” is on display at the Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave. The exhibit uses historic photos, maps, newspapers, art and artifacts to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of Durango and the coming of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. 259-2402 for details.

The annual Art Faculty Group Exhibition kicks off the exhibition year at the Fort Lewis College Art Gallery through Sept. 13. The show includes recent explorations in various mediums and styles. This past year, the talented Fort Lewis College Art faculty exhibited nationally, received awards, and displayed recent works in private and museum collections. 247-7167 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 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 to 2 p.m., and gate practices take place every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 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

Johnny Maddox 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.

top


Upcoming

The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown hosts a fund-raiser Sept. 14 at Durango Brewing. The event includes BBQ, beer and music from four local bluegrass bands.

The Adult Education Center of Durango will host a volunteer orientation training on Sept. 14. 385-4354 for details.

The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery will host the David Hunt Annual Ceramics Invitational beginning on Sept. 15.

Formula 151 will play an all-ages show of original acoustic music on Sept. 15 at the Durango Arts Center.

New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat, a ballyhoo of bikes and beer, returns to Main Avenue on Sept. 16.

Durango Dot Comedy and South of Funny perform a Sept. 16 double-feature show at the Durango Arts Center.

The Abbey Theatre hosts a Sept. 17 benefit screening of “El Inmigrante” for the family of cancer victim Julio Lopez.

Mem Shannon & the Membership bring their New Orleans funk back to Durango with a Sept. 17 show at Scoot ‘n Blues.

Texas singer/songwriter Joe Ely will play a Sept. 22 show at the Abbey Theatre.

Steamworks Brewing Co. hosts the Inaugural Brewers Olympics and Beer Festival on Sept. 23.

The Animas Mountain Mug Run, the final race in the Alpine Bank Trail Series takes place on Sept. 24.

“Publicly Funded Elections: Are They in Our Future?,” a public forum on changes to how we fund elections, takes place on Sept. 30 at Fort Lewis College.

top


Lattes for literacy on Main Avenue
What: The 2nd annual Durango Coffee Festival 
Where: Durango’s 8th Street between Main Ave. and the train tracks 
When: Sat., Sept. 9, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Downtown Durango is going to the beans this Saturday. Coffee connoisseurs and casual consumers are invited to take part in the second annual Durango Coffee Festival on Sept. 9.

The Coffee Festival is the ultimate revelry in the coffee bean and an opportunity for the public to sample aromatic coffees and specialty drinks from numerous coffee shops. The one-day, fully caffeinated event will feature drinks, food and entertainment for the entire family.  

Local vendors will offer numerous specialty coffee drinks, regular drip coffee, coffee cocktail drinks like coffee beer and martinis, and coffee-inspired foods. In addition to drinks, each vendor will provide educational information about the socio-economic impact of the coffee industry in a specific coffee growing region in the world.  

Entertainment will be provided by local performers like the Excel Steel Pan Band, Swing Shift and Benet El Noor belly dance troupe. A coffee-inspired art gallery will be open to public jury during the event and there will be a live pottery mug-throwing demonstration and children’s activities. The event concludes with a live drawing for a bicycle cruiser filled with local coffee gift items.  

The festival takes place this Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on 8th Street between Main Avenue and the railroad tracks. The public is encouraged to turn out and drink lattes for literacy, as the festival is a fund-raiser for the Durango Adult Education Center’s adult literacy programs. For more information, call 385-4354.

top


Holistic expo returns to Durango
What: The Four Corners Wholistic/Metaphysical Conference and Exposition
Where: The La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
When: Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., & Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For the 11th year in a row, the Four Corners Wholistic/Metaphysical Conference and Exposition will turn the La Plata County Fairgrounds into a metaphysical mega-mall this weekend. The two-day event showcases products, services and information aimed at supporting and increasing health, harmony and spiritual awareness.

Expected to draw 2,500 people, the WholeExpo includes 12 seminars/workshops and more than 90

exposition booths. Among the show’s offerings are various methods of divination, including tarot, sand, intuition, clairvoyance and crystals. Participants also will find numerology, aura photos, handwriting analysis, reiki, meridian assessment and balance, bodywork, energywork, chakra activations, and more.

Workshop highlights include: Howard Piper, N.D.,discussing detoxification; Helena Messenger presenting “Multidimensional Healing;” and Kelly Gaisford giving a seminar entitled “How to Extend Your Metabolic Life.” WholeExpo also offers a wide array of products like custom jewelry, crystals, stones, books, CDs, soaps, lotions and more. There also will be metaphysical, sacred space and dharma supplies from India, Egypt, Tibet and local artisans.

WholeExpo runs Sat., Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sun., Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.wholeexpo.com or call 259-4027 for more information.

top


Alejandro Escovedo plays Abbey
What: A local show from the esteemed songwriter
Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College
When: Friday, Sept. 8. Doors open at 9:30 p.m.  

A legendary musician is stopping over in Durango this Friday. On Sept. 8, Durango Acoustic Music and the Abbey Theatre presents Alejandro Escovedo. Escovedo will perform live with his orchestra at the Abbey, and doors to the show open at 9:30 p.m.

Throughout his lauded 14-year solo career, Escovedo’s artistic aspirations have never wavered. His work has inspired unequalled critical praise and enjoys an ever-expanding audience. Escovedo’s latest release, “The Boxing Mirror,” comes after three trying yet rewarding

years. During that time, Escovedo had a close brush with death and worked to regain his health. From the chilling opener “Arizona” to the final classicist grace note of “The Boxing Mirror,” the album traces Escovedo’s journey from the brink of death back to wellness and an enhanced creativity.

In addition to his solo career, Escovedo has performed with the bands, The Nuns, Rank and File, and The True Believers. Since emerging on his own in the early 1990s, he has released eight albums, all of them praised by critics for their power, beauty and sophistication. Escovedo has also managed to maintain his integrity and survive.

“After all the touring I’ve done, I’ve found that there is an audience out there, however large or small, that wants to hear my songs,” he says. “And I am willing to go out there and play them.”

The 13-piece Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra, a grouping that includes horns, cello, violin, accordion, percussion and pedal steel guitar, will also be on hand at the Abbey this Friday. For more information or tickets, contact the Abbey at 385-1711.

top