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Ongoing Upcoming

The Animas Valley Open revived
La Plata County Fair celebrates 59 years
Abbey screens ‘You Kill Me’
The arts take over Main Avenue

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

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

The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado holds its monthly board-meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Durango City Council Chambers, 949 E. Second Ave. The meeting is open to the public. www.sustainableSWcolorado.org  for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts a 6 p.m. dinner-theatre-auction, featuring a performance of “Pickle-Chiffon Pie,” a play based on the book by Jolly Roger Bradfield. 259-2606 for details.

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 Big Canyon Trail beginning at 6 p.m. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead behind New Country Auto. 946-5557 for directions.

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

The American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers an Adult CPR/AED class from 6-10 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

The High Rollers play the Free Summer Concert Series at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College at 6:30 p.m. www.durangoconcerts.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.

A fund-raiser for recent hit-and-run victims Kat and Ry will be held in conjunction with Pint Night at Steamworks Brewing Co., 801 E. Second Ave. DJs Spark Madden, Fat P and Nr. Anderson will spin.  $1 cover. Call 259-9200 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 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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Escalante Days kicks off in Dolores. The event goes through the weekend to Aug. 12 and includes parades, train rides, chain saw and arm wrestling contests, music, food and craft booths, kids’ contests, a softball tournament, mountain bike race and more. 882-4018 for details.

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.

The Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition holds a peace vigil from 4:30-5:30 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 Pete Giuliani plays the “Serious Stage” from 5-9 p.m. at Serious Texas BBQ South, 650 S. Camino del Rio. 259-9507 for details.  

Singer-songwriters Nina Sasaki and Lisa Blue play at Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

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

The Jeff Solon Swing’n Big Band performs for dancing and listening for the Red Slipper Dance Club from 6-10 p.m. at the Dalton Ranch Golf Club Pavilion. Tickets are available at Durango Traditions and at the door.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts Blu Friday including a keg giveaway beginning at 6 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College’s Free Summer Concert Series continues with The High Rollers at 6:30 p.m.

Marilyn Kroeker performs at 7 p.m. for Music in the Park in the Mancos State Park Amphitheater. 533-7065 for details.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., presents “You DJ,” free jukebox beginning 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.

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The TarpleyBech Dance Co., featuring Brad Tarpley’s band Actual Proof and internationally known and local dancers, presents a jazz/ballet collaboration performance at 3 & 7 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Call 769 4980 for details

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 League of Women Voters of La Plata County hosts a School Board Candidate Education Workshop from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Mercy Regional Medical Center, Conf Room A. Breakfast is included. 884-2206 to RSVP.

The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango, a brand new offering of local art by local artists, meets from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Albertsons parking lot. Call 247-9242 or visit www.ACMDurango.org 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 for details. 4

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 TarpleyBech Dance Company presents a Jazz Collaboration Concert at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College with shows at 3 & 7 p.m. The Durango-based jazz quartet Actual Proof will accompany local and international dancers. www.durangoconcerts.com  for details.

Kirk James plays solo blues from 5–10 p.m. at Steamworks Brewery, 442 Wolverine Drive, in Bayfield.

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.

Video Resource Network presents “EyeAm: Women Behind the Lens,” an evening of short films by women, at 7 p.m. at Himalayan Cuisine, 992 Main Ave. The event is free and food and drink will be provided. www.videoresource.net  for details.

David Feela presents Campfire Poetry and Prose at 7 p.m. in the Mancos State Park Amphitheater. 533-7065 for details.

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

Wild Country plays danceable country starting at 9 p.m. at the Billy Goat Saloon in Gem Village. Call 884-9155 for details.

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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.

Trimble Hot Springs presents Mark Simon on classical guitar at 4 p.m. Music at Trimble takes place every Sunday. 247-0111 for details.

Kirk James plays Solo Blues at Pangea, next to the Columbine Bar on West Grand Ave., in Mancos from 4-7 p.m.

Wines of the San Juan, located at Navajo Dam, hosts music from the David Allen Hammond and Suzanna Guitar Duo from 4-7 p.m. 505-632-0879 for details.

Acoustic duo The Shoes plays from 7:30 p.m. – close on the patio at Carver’s Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave. Call 259-2545 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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A meet & greet for supporters of Barack Obama for president starts at 6 p.m. in Room 100 of the Crossroads Building, 1053 Main Ave. Room 100 is located at the back of the building under the red stairs. For more info, call Jen at 259-0226.

A seminar on doing your own divorce and/or custody starts at 6 p.m. at Colorado Legal Services, 1474 Main Ave., Suite 200. Call Legal Aid at 247-0266 for details.

Durango DOT Comedy holds rehearsals from 7–9 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., for people 18 and older interested in comedy improv performance. Those who attend will have the opportunity to perform in Durango DOT Comedy’s annual “Comedy Improv Slamdown” on Sat., Aug. 25.

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, offers free kids’ storytime at 11 a.m. 385-4525 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.

Terry Rickard plays the River Rat Café, in the Doubletree Hotel, from 5 – 7 p.m.

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 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 for details.

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

Durango Parks and Recreation will host a two-day youth triathlon training clinic on Tues., Aug.14 and Thurs., Aug. 16 from 9– 10:30 a.m. at the Durango Community Recreation Center in preparation for the 2007 Iron Kids Triathlon, which takes place Sat., Aug. 18 at the Durango Community Recreation Center. Call 375-7306 for details.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at Joel’s, 119 W. 8^th St., starting at 8 p.m.

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The Lunch and Learn series presents “The Fundamentals on Business Insurance,” at noon at the Bank of Colorado, 1199 Main Ave. Call 247-0312 to reserve a spot.

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 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. 4

Drinking Liberally, a meeting open to anyone wanting to engage in open, freewheeling Democratic debate, will meet at Joel’s, 119 W. 8^th St., starting at 6 p.m.

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.

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

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.

The reggae band Dubconscious rolls into Durango in its biodiesel tour bus and plays at 9:30 p.m. show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave. 247-2324 for details.

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

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The Durango Arts Center presents “Reverie,” the works of four Colorado artists, in the Barbara Conrad Gallery through Aug. 31. An artists reception, will take place in the gallery Aug, 10.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Action and Reaction,” the wild color photography of Kerry Skarbakka and Blake J. Nolan, through 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 through Aug. 30. The free shows take place from 5:30-7 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. www.strater.com  

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.

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  

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

Formula 151 plays The Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. 2^nd Ave., on Aug. 16 starting at 8 p.m.

Asleep at the Wheel plays an 8 p.m. concert at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Fri., Aug. 17.

Dave Mensch and Lawrence Nass play at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., starting at 5 p.m. Fri., Aug. 17.

Long-running rock band from San Francisco Void Where Prohibited will reunite with guitarist Larry Carver for two shows at Scoot ‘n Blues, 900 Main Ave., Aug. 17-18 at 8 p.m. Jack Ellis will open the Friday show at 5:30 p.m.

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 Formula 151 Power Trio performs at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., on Sat., Aug. 18 starting at 5 p.m.

The 8th annual Will Fjerstad Memorial Wine and Art Festival takes place Sat., Aug. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Silverpick Lodge. The event features the Grande Wine Tasting as well as an art show, food, and live music. For tickets call Silverpick Lodge, 259-6600

Durango DOT Comedy is holding rehearsals from 7–9 p.m. Mon., Aug. 19, at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., for people 18 and older interested in comedy improv performance. Those who attend will have the opportunity to perform in Durango DOT Comedy’s annual “Comedy Improv Slamdown” on Sat., Aug. 25.

The Firewise Council of Southwest Colorado is holding an orientation for new Neighborhood Ambassadors on Tues., Aug. 21, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court. Firewise Neighborhood Ambassadors will mobilize their neighborhoods to improve wildfire safety and link residents to wildfire education. Call 247-8306 for details.

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

Grassroots Eclectic, a celebration in sound featuring music by History Of, Liquid Revolution, The Formless, Arvella and Half Hitch as well as a performance by Durango Dot Comedy takes place Fri., Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. Proceeds go to the Durango High School Interact Club. Call 769-5090 for details.

Durango Dot Comedy will hosts 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.

“Earth-Wind-Fire & Water,” an all-day event for landowners and other interested parties, will take place Sat., Sept. 15, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. in the Rolling Thunder Hall, Sky Ute Casino.

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The Animas Valley Open revived What: The return of the Animas Valley Open disc golf tournament Where: Colorado Timberline Academy When: Aug. 11 & 12 Following a one-year hiatus, competitive disc golf is returning to the Animas Valley. The 7th annual Animas Valley “Re”-Open tournament returns to Colorado Timberline Academy on Aug. 11 & 12. Disc golf is similar to conventional golf in that each throw of the disc is equal to a stroke. Instead of clubs, players use different discs to get the desired flight pattern, with disc golfers “putting” into a basket with a chain assembly to catch the discs. Most courses are in public parks and free for anyone to play. Unlike its country club predecessor, however, a disc golfer can get set up with a driver, mid-range and putter all for less than $40 and hit the chains. Held at Colorado Timberline Academy, this year’s event will feature three rounds of 20 holes each. Pre-registration is required and participants are encouraged to sign up soon as spots are going fast. To get in on the action for the 2007 Animas Valley “Re”-Open, go to www.coloradodisc.com.

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La Plata County Fair celebrates 59 years What: A wide range of family activities including, livestock shows, arts and craft displays, demolition derby, carnival and more. Where: The La Plata County Fairgrounds When: Aug. 8-12  “Let Your Fair Be Heaven” this weekend as the La Plata County Fair returns to the county fairgrounds on Aug. 8-12. Annual events like the demolition derby, livestock shows, antique tractor pull, food competitions and the ever-popular carnival rides highlight the fair. Every year, the La Plata County Fair also spotlights tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers through 4-H Club competitions. Animals like goats, cattle, poultry, sheep, swine and sheep dogs will have opportunities to shine in open-class events. The livestock auction, one of the fair’s most popular spectator events, takes place Sat., Aug. 11, at 6:30 p.m. Exhibits will also be open for public viewing Aug. 9-12 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. This year commemorates the 59th anniversary of the La Plata County Fair, and fair books are available throughout the Durango community and include a calendar of events as well as entry information. For more information on the fair, call 382-6471.

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Abbey screens ‘You Kill Me’ What: ‘You Kill Me,” independent film featuring Ben Kingsley, Téa Leoni and Luke Wilson Where: Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Fri., Aug. 10-16, nightly at 4:30, 6:45 and 9 p.m. Directed by John Dahl, this hit-man-in-rehab comedy was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, in the vein of 1997’s “Gross Point Blank.” The comedically dark story follows the life of Frank Falenczyk, played by Ben Kingsley, who works as a hit man for his extremely tight Polish mob family in Buffalo, N.Y. But Frank’s got a drinking problem, and when he messes up a critical assignment that puts the family business in peril, his uncle sends him to San Francisco to dry out. Frank is not a touchy-feely kind of guy, but he starts going to AA meetings, and gets a sponsor and a job at a mortuary where he falls for the tart-tongued Laurel, a woman who is dangerously devoid of boundaries. Meanwhile, things aren’t going well in Buffalo, where an upstart Irish gang is threatening the family business. When violence erupts, Frank is forced to return home and with an unlikely assist from Laurel, faces old rivals on new terms. “Consistently funny and nicely played by a well-complemented cast that finds its collective groove and never misses a beat,” wrote the New York Times. The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “… hilariously deadpan comic performances by Ben Kingsley and Téa Leoni make it a consistent pleasure.” Shows nightly at 4:30, 6:45 and 9 p.m. Call 385-1711.

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The arts take over Main Avenue What: The 14th annual Durango Arts Festival Where: Main Avenue, between 7th and 10th streets When: Aug. 11 & 12 beginning each day at 10 a.m. More than 100 artists from across the country will converge on Durango this Saturday and Sunday for the 14th annual Durango Arts Festival. Main Avenue will be closed to traffic, and the white tents will go up as artists showcase and sell their works over the weekend. The festival will feature everything from tiles and textiles to paintings and jewelry from artists throughout the nation. The event is the Durango Arts Center’s main fund-raiser, and festival staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to develop festival T-shirts and posters, select artists and put a new face on downtown Durango. The food court will once again offer delicious food and microbrew from local purveyors. The children’s activity area, the Creation Station, will provide art activities for kids and is presented by DAC Kids, the Art Center’s education program. Like past years, the main stage will present local and regional music and dance including jazz, folk, classical, rock, blues, steel drumming and Mexican folk dance, and all activities and entertainment are free for the community’s enjoyment. For more information on the festival log onto www.durangoarts.org or call 259-2606.

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