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Festival of Trees returns to Durango

Concert Hall hosts the ‘Hollywood Nutcracker’
Tom Danielson shares his ‘Dreams to Reality’

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

Mesa Verde National Park’s Holiday Open House happens from 4-9 p.m. in the Chapin Mesa headquarters area. The event features special tours, a student art exhibit, luminarias, musical entertainment and refreshments. 529-4465 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts auditions for the Kids Only Snowdown Follies from 4-5:30 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

Fort Lewis College ‘s El Centro de Muchos Colores’ Christmas celebration happens from 5-7 p.m. in Berndt Hall.

Ska Brewing Co., 545 Turner Dr., host a Silent Auction and Benefit for the Miller Family, who recently lost their 2-year-old son, from 5: 30-7:30 p.m. Donations can also be made to: First National Bank of Durango, Tommy Miller Memorial.

Colorado Wild celebrates a year of success on behalf of Colorado’s High Country from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave.  The celebration includes food and drink and is open to the public.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents live jazz from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and a DJ spinning starting at 10 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

The Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center hosts the final meeting of a study group on The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying from 5: 30-7 p.m. 731-3711 for details.

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of 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.

Kati B. and David Earl Pfieffer perform live jazz and blues standards from 6-8 p.m. at Guiseppe’s Restaurant in Bayfield. 884-7135 for details.

Archeologists Mona Charles and James Gustine present the talk “Foundations of Our Community: What remains (and what doesn’t) of the Old Fort Lewis Campus” at 6:30 p.m. in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum.

Lacey Black plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., at 6:30 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

Lynx, aka Caitlin Demuth, performs at 7 p.m. in the College Union Building’s Cub Pub. 903-9883 for details.

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

DJ Kerazy spins for Pint Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10:30 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Fort Lewis College hosts its last day of classes prior to winter break.

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.

The Mancos Community Center hosts the Art of Giving, featuring works from five regional artists – Rebecca Barfoot, Bonnie Bryant, Barbara Grist, Dian Law and Heather Leavitt, from 5-7 p.m. The show lands on Durango’s Main Avenue for Noel Night on Dec. 13. 739-3200 for details.

Wines of the San Juan hosts a “Christmas Shoppe Opening” from 5-8 p.m. with music from harpist Sylvia Zurko, food and original arts and crafts. 505-632-0879 for details.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5: 30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

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

International Folk Dancing takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Wild Sage Yoga Studio in the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. Line, circle and couple dances from many will be taught and performed. 247-5720 for details.

The Dancin’ with Pep fund-raiser returns to the College Union Building Ballroom at Fort Lewis College at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the semi-formal dancing event go to the Peppy Seale Volleyball Endowment 4 

Scholarship. 247-7516 for details.

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

Fort Lewis College’s newspaper The Independent hosts its second annual winter formal masquerade, Palooza with the Paper, from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. at the VFW Hall, 1550 Main Ave. The evening includes dancing, a raffle of donated items, and a cash bar. 247-7405 for details.

The Chills play rock ‘n roll at the Billy Goat Saloon in Gem Village at 9 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

Prism plays a free show of “funktronica” at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents a DJ spinning starting at 10 p.m. for late night happy hour. 259-9018 for details.

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The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers a CPR for the Professional Rescuer class from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

The Dolores River Brewery Holiday Arts & Crafts Show runs from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with live music from the Galloping Gooses and artisans offering pottery, jewelry, metal art, photography, fiber arts and more.

The La Plata County Humane Society hosts Pets Photos With Santa from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the shelter. The annual event moves to Healthy Hounds and Fat Cats on Dec. 15.

Yoga Durango, 1480 E. Second Ave., Suite 3, offers a free Yoga Basics Workshop designed for beginners at 11 a.m. 946-8961 for details.

A free screening of the Michael Moore film, “Sicko,” screens at the Abbey Theatre 128 E. College, at noon. A discussion on community health-care issues will follow. 385-1711 for details.

Waldenbooks in the Durango Mall hosts a booksigning with local author Will Hobbs from 1-2:30 p.m. Call 259-3728 or visit www.willhobbsauthor.com .

Tim Telep plays acoustic music at Mill Street Brews, 25 W. Mill St. in Bayfield, at 3:30 p.m. The performance coincides with Bayfield’s Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration. 884-7070 for details.

Tim Guidotti returns to the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Guiseppe’s Restaurant, 871 CR 501 in Bayfield, hosts open mic with Handsome Dan from 6-8 p.m. 884-7135 .

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

The Snowdown Beard Growing Contest kicks off at the Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave., at 8 p.m. Show up clean shaven or razor in hand. 259-2545.

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

Ska Brewing and Venture Snowboards host their third annual Season Kickoff Party at 9 p.m. at Silverton’s Pride of the West Saloon. The bash features live music from The Freeman Social and In A Day as well as giveaways, a raffle for a custom snowboards and discounted Silverton Mountain tickets. 387-5078 or www.venturesnowboards.com for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., hosts underground hip-hop from Whiskey Blanket at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324.

Posh Josh spins funky house beats for Ladies Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10:30 p.m. 259-9200.

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Durango BMX hosts its weekly races with sign ups from 1-1:30 p.m. and racing to follow. Racing will continue every Sunday, weather permitting. www.durangobmx.com for details.

Pat Waak, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, presents caucus training from 1-3 p.m. in the Durango Recreation Center’s Peaks Room. Sky Gallegos, of the Democratic National Convention Committee, will also discuss the National Convetion to be held in Denver next August.

Rochelle Mann, flute, and C. Scott Hagler, piano and organ present their free annual Christmas recital at 2 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave. The pair is joined this year by Kasia Sokol, visiting professor of violin at Fort Lewis College. 247-1129 for details. 4

The Blue Moon Ramblers play their weekly gig at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning 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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P is for Peanut, 473 E. College, hosts free kids’ storytime at 1 p.m. 385-4525 for details.

Singer-songwriter Robin Davis plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5: 30 p.m.

A free seminar on doing you own divorce and/or custody in Colorado meets at 6 p.m. in the Durango offices of Colorado Legal Services, 1474 Main Ave. Anyone wishing to apply for the free book of forms and instructions is encouraged to arrive ten minutes early. 247-1242.

Singer-songwriter Robin Davis plays acoustic at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 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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P is for Peanut, 473 E. College, offers free kids’ storytime at 11 a.m. 385-4525 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

The Durango Barbershoppers offer their free Christmas Show at 7 p.m. in the Durango Mall, near Linens ‘N Things. The program features a lively audience singalong and songs by the men’s a cappella Narrow Gaugers chorus, A Woman’s Prerogative, a women’s barbershop chorus, and several barbershop quartets. Visit www.durangobarbershoppers.org for details.

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

Tim Sullivan plays acoustic at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

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

DJ I-Gene and Reason spin for Trenchtown Tuesdays at Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., starting at 9 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

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Vicki Pozzebon, executive director of the Santa Fe Alliance, discusses “Buying Local, the Santa Fe Way,” at the Green Business Roundtable at noon at the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. 259-3583 to RSVP by Dec. 7.

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 Eve Moves the Furniture, by Margot Livesey, is encouraged to attend. mjw@pivotalchoices.com

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents Art Spot, a live art demo, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 259-9018.

Greg Ryder plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Lacey Black plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., at 6:30 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Durango Public Library offers a free class on downloading eAudiobooks from 7-8:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to search for, download, renew and listen to eAudiobooks on their computer. 375-3382.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays acoustic rock at 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.

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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Pure Soul Coffee, 40 Town Plaza, hosts “Mornings at Seven, Afternoons at Five,” an evolving show of new coffee house sketches by Maureen May. The exhibit runs throughout the month of December.

The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery hosts the Senior Art Majors Exhibition, an exhibit of selected works from graduating FLC seniors. Fifteen students selected their best and favorite works for their final exhibition. Included in the show are paintings, drawings, sculpture, and ceramics. The show runs through Dec. 13, and the gallery is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 247-7167 for details.

Kinetic Kaleidoscope: An Original Dance Concert plays the Mainstage Theatre on Dec. 6-8. Directed by Anne Berg, Kinetic Kaleidoscope offers a fusion of styles and artists. The show also spotlights the varied artistic influences in Durango’s diverse community. Tickets can be bought online at http: //theatre.fortlewis.edu, by phone at 247-7089 or in person at the theatre, Room 119 of the Theatre Building.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave., hosts “Beauty Before Me,” a one-woman show of new acrylics and watercolors by Karyn Gabaldon, through Dec. 25.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the Holiday Art Olé exhibit, where the gallery is set up as a local arts retail store, through Dec. 28. The works of 25 local artists is available for purchase during the once a year event. Upstairs, the DAC Library presents an exhibit of miniature works by local artists, entitled, “Smaller Than a Breadbox.” The show includes two- and three-dimensional works. 259-2606 for details.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., host the exhibit “Boots & Saddles: Historic Foot Gear and Horse Gear from Southwestern Colorado.” This show contains artifacts including Gus Ambold’s “Olathe Cow-Boy Boots” and Olga Little’s saddle and pack saddle. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. 259-2402 for details.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Solitary Voyagers” and “Primordial Seas,” two bodies of work by Seattle photographer Douglas Ethridge, through Dec. 5. The images are in black-and-white and color and have been exhibited around the world. 382-8355 or www.openshuttergallery.com for details.

Professional Business Builders, a chapter of Business Networking International, meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Church in Durango. BNI Business Connections meets every Wednesday from 11:30-1 p.m. in room 100 of the Durango Office Suites, 1053 Main Ave. A new Business Networking Chapter meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Wells Group. 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, “Living Off the Land.” The museum offers a hands-on exploration of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem and is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wed.-Fri. and 1-5 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. 259-9234 for details.

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Noel Night returns to Durango’s Main Avenue on Dec. 13 with merchants offering extended hours and in-store specials.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College hosts the Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee on Dec. 14.

Folk legend Richie Havens plays a Dec. 15 show at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Colorado’s Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien will address Fort Lewis College Winter Commencement on Dec. 15.

Warsaw returns to the region on Dec. 15 for a show at the Pride of the West Pub & Grill in Silverton.

Freeplay will play at The Little Big Party at the Hamilton Chop House on Dec. 15.

The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango brings “A Winter Wonderland of Art” back to the Durango Mall from Dec. 15-24.

The Women’s Resource Center hosts a Holiday Open House on Dec. 19.

Forest Lakes will host a “Caroling in the Meadows” celebration on Dec. 20.

Aftergrass, the Good Neighbors, the Antibodies and Artikle will play New Year’s Eve at Silverton’s Miner’s Tavern.

The fifth annual Juried Photo Show, “Images of the Southwest,” will accept entries from Jan. 7-15.  http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu for details. 

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Festival of Trees returns to Durango What: The fourth annual festival including Breakfast with the Bar D Wranglers and an original murder mystery dinner Where: The La Plata County Fairgrounds When: Dec. 7 from 5-9 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Breakfast with the Bar D Wranglers at 8:30 a.m. and “Death on the Dance Floor” at 6:30 p.m. Durango is going to the trees this week. The fourth annual Festival of Trees, a fund-raiser for Community Connections Inc., returns to the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday. This year, the holiday celebration includes two new events – Breakfast with Santa and the Bar D Wranglers and “Death on the Dance Floor,” an original murder mystery set in 1920s Durango. Community Connections is a local nonprofit benefiting people in the area with developmental disabilities. For this weekend’s fund-raiser, the fairgrounds will be filled with a forest of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. This Friday night and all day Saturday guests can bid on a tree or wreath decorated by sponsors, and throughout the event there will be local entertainment, food, and craft booths. This year, there are also two special events within the Festival of Trees which require tickets. The first is Breakfast with Santa and the Bar D Wranglers from 8:30-11 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 8. The second event is on the evening of Dec. 8 from 6:30-9 p.m. “Death on the Dance Floor,” is an original murder mystery dinner set in 1920s Durango. Tickets are a minimum donation of $65 and include a dinner and drinks. The festival’s final bidding on trees and wreaths takes place after the dinner from 9-9:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase limited tickets to the Bar D Breakfast with Santa or the Murder Mystery Dinner call 385-3445 or go to www.cci-colorado.org.

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Concert Hall hosts the ‘Hollywood Nutcracker’ What: A local performance by the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College   When: Dec. 7-9 with performances at 2 & 7 p.m.   The quintessential holiday event is back in Durango this weekend. The “Hollywood Nutcracker,” performed by the acclaimed State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, comes to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Dec. 7-9 for two matinee (and two evening performances. Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson holds true to tradition and classical ballet in this Tchaikovsky masterpiece while drawing inspiration from the glamour and sophistication of 1930s Hollywood to create a sophisticated “Nutcracker” suited for all ages. In addition to the traveling company, 10 local dancers, ages 8-12, will perform as Shirley Temple Dolls in the Second Act: Francesca Bianchi, Ellie Ellis, Sierra Heller, Jackie Herring, Sophie Hickcox, Sally Pope, Aja Robbins, Kat Sullivan, Mikaela Thiess and Emma Zink. Plus, Lexy Silva and Daphne Hamilton, advanced high school-aged ballet students from Durango, are the rehearsal assistants. State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara was founded in 1994 by Gustafson and his wife Allison and is known for its innovative choreography and unique style. Tickets for the performance are available on the web at www.durangoconcerts.com, by phone at 247-7657, or in person at Ticketing Offices in Downtown Durango at 7th and Main Ave.

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Tom Danielson shares his ‘Dreams to Reality’ What: The talk, “From Dreams to Reality – Positive Decision Making for Student Athletes” Where: The Miller Middle School Auditorium When: Thurs., Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m.   Student athletes can get on the inside track this week. Professional road cyclist and Fort Lewis alumni, Tom Danielson, takes the stage on Dec. 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Miller Middle School. The event, “From Dreams to Reality – Positive Decision Making for Student Athletes,” is a fund-raiser for Durango BMX. During the event, Danielson will give a presentation on his childhood dreams of being a successful athlete and his goals to attain them. A former Fort Lewis road and mountain bike racer, Danielson shifted to road racing with immediate success. He has posted wins at the Tour of the Gila and Tour of Langkawi and set new records for the Mt. Washington Hill Climb, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and the Mt. Evans Hill Climb. In 2005, Danielson beat out a strong field to win the Tour of Georgia and took seventh in the Vuelta a España. He has ridden for Team Discovery and the Italian squad Fassa Bortolo and was recently signed as one of the top forces on Team Slipstream/Chipotle, a squad being hailed at “The New Face of American Cycling” and the successor to U.S. Postal and Team Discovery. At the event, Dr. Field Blevins M.D., of Animas Orthopedic Associates, will add insights and comments from a sports medicine physician’s viewpoint, and the inimitable Bob Roll will be the master of ceremonies. The presentations will be geared toward student athletes of all sports, and a question & answer session will follow. For more information, contact 769-1015.

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