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The Abbey Theatre hosts an ‘Eco-Eve’

Concert Hall presents Leon Russell
MTB racing dominates the weekend

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The Mancos Farmer’s Market meets from 4-7 p.m. in Boyle Park. The market will run every Thursday through Oct. 18. 533-7725 for details.

Maria’s Bookshop sponsors a release party for Durango author Paco Ahlgren’s first novel, Discipline, from 6-8 p.m. at Crossroads Durango, 1099 Main Ave. Food and refreshments will be provided. 247-1438.

Ultimate Frisbee takes place at Miller Middle School football field at 6 p.m. 903-8416 for details.

Durango Motorless Transit hosts a group trail run on the Meadow Trail and Mike’s Loop beginning at 6 p.m. Interested runners should meet at the Horse Gulch trailhead. 946-5557 for directions.

Lacey Black plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433.

The Badly Bent plays the Free Summer Concert Series at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College at 6:30 p.m. www.durangoconcerts.com.

The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District hosts an

orientation for volunteers interested in serving as emergency workers at 6:30 p.m. at the Bayfield Public Library. 884-7096 for details.

Music in the Mountains presents “Latin Jazz,” a special event featuring the Mambo Kings and an elegant beer tasting, at 7 p.m. under the Purgatory Village Tent. www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, plays a free solo show at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 7 p.m.

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 Summit, 600 Main Ave., hosts the Immigrant Music Project, a world music fusion featuring DJs X and Maize, at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit the San Juan Citizens Alliance. 247-2324 for details.

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The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers the Kid’s Paint Bar from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Art-loving kids can paint, draw, construct and explore a variety of creative activities in the space. 259-2606 for details.

Music in the Mountains presents a free concert from violinist Alexsandr Snytkin at noon at the First National Bank of Durango, 259 W. 9^th St. www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

The Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition holds a peace vigil from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Main Ave. and 11th St. Signs will be available or bring your own. 259-4185 for details.

Singer-songwriter Donny Johnson plays the “Serious Stage” from 5-9 p.m. at Serious Texas BBQ South, 650 S. Camino del Rio. 259-9507.  

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play high-altitude blues at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts Blu Friday including a keg giveaway beginning at 6 p.m. The Kirk James Blues Band performs from 7-11p.m. 259-9200.

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

Singer-songwriter Nina Sasaki plays Christina’s Grill and Bar, 21382 U.S. Hwy. 160, from 6-10 p.m. 382-3844.

The Soul Food Forum presents the outdoor event, “Loving the Land You Live On” with Alexander Alich, from 7-9 p.m. at the No Hope Goat Ranch. The event is free. 739-4892 for directions.

One Good Turn, an Albuquerque band, plays a 7:30 p.m. concert and open jam at the Rocky Mountain Retreat, 848 E. Third Ave. 903-9402 for details.

Music in the Mountains presents a free show from the Conservatory Young Artists at 7:30 p.m. at the Roshong Recital Hall. www.musicinthemountains.com.

The 8th Ave. Trio plays the music of the ’70s & ’80s at the 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band performs at the Summit Lounge, located in Pagosa Springs, at 8 p.m.

The Formula 151 Power Trio performs at the Summit Lounge in Pagosa Springs starting at 8:30 p.m.

Freeplay brings its danceable rock to the Billy Goat Saloon in Gem Village at 9 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

The Break Free Project, a Brooklyn-based band, pulls into the Summit, 600 Main Ave., in a veggie-oil fueled RV at 9:30 p.m. In addition to performing, the band is currently producing a documentary about their tour of the country. 247-2324 for details.

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The Durango Farmer’s Market meets from 8 a.m.-noon in the First National Bank of Durango parking lot, 259 W. 9^th St. The event includes produce from local farmers, prepared food items and locally made crafts.  

The American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers an Adult CPR/AED class from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

The 4^th annual Durango Parks and Recreation Triathlon takes off from the Durango Community Recreation Center at 8:30 a.m. The sprint event includes a 500-yard swim in the lap pool, a 13-mile bike ride, and a 5K (3.1 mile) run. Visit www.active.com by Aug. 3 at noon to register.

The San Juan Mountains Association hosts an alpine medicinal and edible plant hike led by Calida Maichoss from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The hike coincides with peak growth in the alpine region. 759-9287 for details.  

The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango, a brand new offering of local art by local artists, meets from4

 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Albertsons parking lot. Call 247-9242 or visit www.ACMDurango.org for details.

Fort Lewis College hosts an archeological open house from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Pigg site near Lowry Pueblo. 247-7401 for details.

The San Juan Mountains Association in conjunction and Durango Mountain Resort offer free guided naturalist hikes from 10 a.m.-noon. The hikes continue through Sept. 1 and registration is not required. 385-1210.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers the Kid’s Paint Bar from noon-4 p.m. Art-loving kids can paint, draw, construct and explore a variety of creative activities in the space. 259-2606 for details.

The Diamond Circle Melodrama, 699 Main Ave., hosts a special benefit performance of “The Pursuit of Happiness” at 2 p.m. All proceeds from this show will be donated to SASO to support sexual assault survivors and prevention education in the community. 259-3074 to reserve tickets. 

The Family Center of Durango hosts its 9^th annual Back to School Fair from 2-4 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 495 Florida Road. The event allows kids on the free- or reduced-lunch program to receive free school supplies.

Music in the Mountains presents the Festival Orchestra performing “Piano Perfection,” featuring selections from Brahms, Rachimaninov and others, at 5 p.m. under the Purgatory Village Tent. www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

Guiseppe’s Restaurant, 871 CR 501 in Bayfield, hosts Open Mic with Handsome Dan from 6-8 p.m. 884-7135 for details.

Jeff Sweet plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Durango Contra Dance lands at the Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave., with the music from the band, One Good Turn, beginner instruction at 7 p.m., and dancing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. All dances are taught and called, and no partner is necessary. 903-9402 for details.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

Freeplay, featuring Pete Giuliani, plays a rock dance party, at the Columbine Bar in Mancos. 533-7397.

J-San & the Analogue Sons bring reggae back to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Venture Snowboards celebrates the opening of its new Silverton factory and showroom with a 9:30 p.m. bash at the Pride of the West Saloon. The party includes live music from The Freeman Social and In a Day. 387-5150 for details.

DJs Brian Ess, Niko and Mr. Anderson blur house music genres for “Animals” at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College. Animal costumes are strongly encouraged, all proceeds benefit heroic survivors Ry Bolton and Kat Shaw and doors open at 10 p.m. 385-1711.

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Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center, located outside Pagosa Springs, hosts an open house from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The free event includes a tour of Tara Mandala, a discussion with founder Tsultrim Allione and a buffet lunch. 731-3711 to RSVP.

Durango BMX hosts its weekly races with sign ups from 1-2 p.m. and racing to follow. Racing will continue every Sunday and Wednesday through October. www.durangobmx.com for details.

Singer-songwriter Gigi Love and guitar virtuoso Mike Coble play from 6-9 p.m. on the patio at the Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave. 259-2545 for details.

Trimble Hot Springs presents Daniel Rottenberg on ragtime piano at 4 p.m. Music at Trimble takes place every Sunday. 247-0111 for details.

Wines of the San Juan, located at Navajo Dam, hosts fiddle music from Desert Skies from 4-7 p.m. 505-632-0879 for details.

Music in the Mountains concludes with the Festival Orchestra performing “To Tchaikovsky with Love,” featuring Mischa Semanitzky finals show as conductor, at 5 p.m. under the Purgatory Village Tent. www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

The Blue Moon Ramblers play their weekly gig at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7:30 p.m.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

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

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.

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The San Juan Mountains Association in conjunction and Durango Mountain Resort offer free guided naturalist hikes from 10 a.m.-noon. 385-1210 for details.

P is for Peanut, 473 E. College, hosts a special story time, art project and booksigning with local children’s author Uma Krishnaswami from 11 a.m.-noon. Krishnaswami is the author of several books for children, including Monsoon, The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story and Bringing Asha Home. Contact sponsor Maria’s Bookshop at 247-1438 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers the Kid’s Paint Bar for “Happy Hours” from 5-7 p.m. The bar is open to all ages. 259-2606 for details.

Durango FiberWorks, located in room 23 of the Smiley Building, hosts Community Night, an event for all aspiring fiber artists, from 5-8 p.m. 749-7006 for details.

Ultimate Frisbee takes place at Miller Middle School football field at 6 p.m. 903-8416 for details.

The American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers a First Aid class from 6-10 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register. 4

The Jeff Solon Jazz Group, with vocalist Alison Dance, plays the Cyprus Café patio, 735 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

Lacy Black plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

Tuesday Cruiseday meets at 6:30 p.m. at Rotary Park. The cruiser ride takes place every Tuesday. 946-5847.

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

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs a free solo show at The River Rat Café at 4 p.m. He plays Joel’s, 119 W. 8^th St., starting at 7 p.m. 385-0430 for details.

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The Smiley Garden Veggie Sale runs from 3:30 p.m. until sellout at the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave., and includes locally grown garden vegetables. The event takes place next to the Smiley garden every Wednesday.

Trails 2000 hosts a trail work day from 4-7 p.m. Visit www.trails2000.org for details.

The Women’s Resource Center Reading Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Rochester Hotel, 726 E. Second Ave. Anyone interested in discussing Zorro by Isabel Allende is encouraged to attend. 247-1242 for details.

Durango BMX hosts its weekly races with sign ups from 6-6:30 p.m. and racing to follow. Racing will continue every Sunday and Wednesday through October. www.durangobmx.com for details.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Duo plays the Cyprus Café patio, 735 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

Lacy Black plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the 7 p.m. premiere of “Pickle-Chiffon Pie,” a play based on the book by Jolly Roger Bradfield. 259-2606 for details.

Former Durango resident Allen Mathews presents a classical guitar recital at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave. Matthews is an FLC graduate and specializes in South American guitar. www.allenmathews.com 

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College screens “City Slickers” at 8:30 p.m. for the FLC Free Summer Movie Series. The series features free showings of movies made in and around Durango. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

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

Joel’s, 119 W. 8th St., hosts DJ Eschaton spinning “Retro 2 Electro” for Ladies Night at 10 p.m. 385-0430.

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The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Action and Reaction,” the wild color photography of Kerry Skarbakka and Blake J. Nolan, from July 27-Sept. 19. 382-8355 or www.openshuttergallery.com for details.

Hoyle Osborne plays ragtime piano and much more at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Osborne performs every night except Sundays from Aug. 6-30. The free shows take place from 5:30-7 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

Mesa Verde National Park hosts an exhibition of paintings by the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners in the park’s Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum through Aug. 20. Painting “en plein air” (in the open air) is a genre that asks the viewer to see the world in a different light. Visit www.mesaverdeinsitute.org for details.

The Diamond Circle Melodrama continues its 46th and final season with “Pursuit of Happiness.” The show will run on alternate nights with “The Wicklow Wedding,” and both performances are followed by the world-famous Diamond Circle Vaudeville. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (no shows on Tuesdays) and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.diamondcirclemelodrama.com or call 247-3400 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College displays Monumental Textiles from the Durango Collection, prints from the Bill and Sue Hensler Collection, and drawings and paintings by Native American artists. Also on display is an exhibit of the jewelry of Ben Nighthorse, a show that appeared at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Visit www.swcenter.fortlewis.edu for details.

A new local chapter of Business Networking International meets every Thursday from 7-9 a.m. in room 100 of the Durango Office Suites, 1053 Main Ave. BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. Call 422-2032 or e-mail servinglife@hotmail.com for details.

The Children’s Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the exhibit, “Pushing Your Limits.” The museum explores how people “push their limits” to survive, or just have more fun. Children can crawl into a Puebloan dwelling and imagine how it was to live on the edge, wiggle in a full-sized raft, or grind it out on a mountain bike trail. 259-9234 for details.

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A dinner theatre performance of “Pickle-Chiffon Pie,” a children’s play based on the book by Jolly Roger Bradfield, takes place at the Durango Arts Center on Aug. 9. 259-2606 for details.

The Jeff Solon Swing’n Big Band will perform for the Red Slipper Dance Club on Aug. 10 at the Dalton Ranch Golf Club Pavilion.

Escalante Days, including a parade, bicycle rodeo, Galloping Goose rides, live music and more, lands in Dolores on Aug. 10-12.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College presents an Aug. 11 Jazz Collaboration Concert by the TarpleyBech Dance Co.

The Video Resource Network will present an evening of short films by women on Aug. 11 at Himalayan Cuisine.

The 7^th annual Animas Valley “Re”-Open Disc Golf Tournament returns to Colorado Timberline Academy on Aug. 11-12.

The 14^th annual Durango Arts Festival returns to Main Avenue on Aug. 11-12.

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County will host a workshop for school board candidates on Aug. 11 at Mercy Medical Center.

The reggae band Dubconscious will play an Aug. 15 show at the Summit.

Internationally-known energy healer Julie Motz will hold an Aug. 16 signing at Maria’s Bookshop.

The FEM 10, a women’s only 10K run/walk, leaves the Durango Sports Club on Aug. 18 and supports Alternative Horizons.

The San Juan Mountains Association’s “Hike, Lunch and Wine with a Llama” returns to Durango Mountain Resort on Aug. 18. 385-1256 to register.

The Durango Workforce Center will host an open house for job seekers on Aug. 24.

Durango Dot Comedy will host its 2nd annual Improv Slamdown on Aug. 25. Open rehearsals for the show take place every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center.

The Lost Dog will host a Nationally Juried Art Show from Sept. 1-30.

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The Abbey Theatre hosts an ‘Eco-Eve’ What: The one-night-only screening of two environmental documentaries Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Tues., Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The screen is going green at the Abbey Theatre this week. Two documentaries aimed at lightening the environmental load will show at 6:30 p.m. on Tues., Aug. 7 and benefit the Southwest Colorado Renewable Energy Society. “Kilowatt Ours” is the story of filmmaker and conservationist Jeff Barrie’s 18-month journey across the southeastern U.S. to document our energy-related problems and present practical, cost-saving solutions for consumers. Widespread problems revealed in “Kilowatt Ours” include mountaintop removal, air pollution, global warming, childhood asthma and mercury contamination. The film also illustrates practical solutions that help homeowners save more than $600 per year on energy bills while helping the environment and protecting human health. “I hope this film sparks an energy conservation movement across America, while boosting demand for clean, renewable power sources,” said Barrie, who will lead a discussion following the screening.   The Abbey will also show “Gimme Green,” a humorous look at the American obsession with the residential lawn and the effects it has on our environment, our wallets and our outlook on life. From the limitless subdivisions of Florida to sod farms in the arid Southwest, “Gimme Green” looks into the $40-billion industry that fuels our nation’s largest irrigated crop – the lawn. For more information on the event or the films, call the Eco Home Center at 259-8326.

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Concert Hall presents Leon Russell What: A local show from the legendary singer-songwriter Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College When: Sun., Aug. 5. Doors open at 7 p.m.   “The Master of Space and Time” is landing on stage at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College this week. Music legend Leon Russell plays Durango’s biggest stage on Sunday, Aug. 5. Keyboardist/singer/songwriter Leon Russell is considered by many to be one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians in the history of rock. Russell acquired the title, “The Master of Space and Time,” during his collaborations with Joe Cocker – one of the hundreds of artists with whom he has collaborated in his successful 50-year career, including Willie Nelson, Edgar Winter, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, B.B. King, Freddie King, Bruce Hornsby and even Dean Martin. Russell spent much of the 1960s playing back-up to others and didn’t release his debut album until spring 1970. The album included contributions from George Harrison and Ringo Starr, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and Klaus Voorman, and spawned the classic hits, “Hummingbird,” “Delta Lady” and “A Song for You.” Russell’s 1972 album “Carney,” fueled by the popular single “Tightrope,” rose to No. 2 on the charts. Tickets for the show are available on the web at www.durangoconcerts.com, by calling 247-7657 or by visiting the Ticketing Services Offices behind Magpies. Doors to the Concert Hall and concessions will open at 7 p.m.

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MTB racing dominates the weekend What: The 5th annual Durango MTB 100 and the Hermosa Off Road Classic Where: The San Juan Mountains near Durango Mountain Resort When: Aug. 4 & 5 Mountain bike racing is returning to Durango in a big way this weekend. The 5th annual Durango MTB 100 land at Durango Mountain Resort on Aug. 4, and racing returns to the Hermosa Creek trail on Aug. 5, following a 19-year hiatus. The Durango MTB 100 classifies itself as “the most arduous mountain bike race in the nation.” Competitors test their skills on challenging 100-mile, 100K or 50K courses with elevation gains of up to 18,500 feet total throughout the entire course. The course starts and finishes at Durango Mountain Resort, and a $500 cash bonus prize will be given to anyone who breaks the 9-hour mark for the 100-mile course.   Will Newcomer, race director, commented, “It is a beautiful venue in the mountains that will take the athletes’ breath away in more ways than one. This is the hardest 100-mile mountain bike race in the country and the name Purgatory suits it well.” For further information or to register, visit www.mtb100.com. The next day, mountain bike racing returns to the Hermosa Creek Trail, one of Durango’s finest stretches of singletrack. The 22-mile race will run from the bottom of Hermosa Creek to the top. There will also be an extended 36-mile course for professionals and young expert men, which will add a Hotel Draw-Colorado Trail-Corral Draw loop at the top of the course. Two singlespeed classes, prizes and a post-race barbeque/campout for racers and friends and family are also on tap for the Sunday event. All proceeds go to the Fort Lewis College Cycling Team and the Mr. Smylie Bike Project. For more information, visit www.cycling.fortlewis.edu.

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