Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

Maria’s launches book drive
The Polar Express back on the local rails
Singing With Santa returns to Main

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

Thanksgiving Day

The annual Turkey Trot 5-mile race returns to the Fort Lewis College Rim with start time for the 5-mile race at 10 a.m., and the 1-mile race at 11 a.m. Registration begins at the Business Education Building at 8:30 a.m. 259-2366 for details.

The Community Thanksgiving Dinner returns to the La Plata County Fairgrounds for the 21^st year. Traditional turkey, all the trimmings, and homemade pies are served from noon to 2 p.m. Meals are delivered to those who are homebound. 247-5990 for details.

Sylvia Zurko plays Celtic and classical harp music from noon-6 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel.

Durango Community Access Television, Channel 22, airs the local family documentary, “Heart & Soil,” at 2 & 8 p.m.  The film follows the Durango Farmer’s Market, Farm to School programs and farmers in the field in its claim for supporting local agriculture.

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.

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.

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

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 7:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

top

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.

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

The Kirk James Blues Band plays the first of two shows at Virginia’s Steakhouse, located in Vallecito, at 7 p.m.

The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., hosts the CD Release Party for “Rhythms of Durango II” from 4-5 p.m. Greg Ryder plays at 7:30 p.m.

www.strater.com for details.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Trio performs at the 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., beginning at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

DJ I-gene and the Babylon Collapse Sound System spin Jamaican beats 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.

top

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

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

The Kirk James Blues Band plays an encore show at Virginia’s Steakhouse, located in Vallecito, at 7 p.m.

Greg Ryder rounds out three nights 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.

The Smokin’ Section plays country-rock at the Columbine Bar in Mancos at 8:30 p.m. 533-7397 for details.

top

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

top

Fort Lewis College hosts the talk, “Lazy Man’s Guide to a Lifetime of Health – get the best out of exercise and diet without huge sacrifice,” at noon in the4 

Blue & Gold Room of the College Union Building.

P is for Peanut, 473 E. College, hosts free kids’ storytime at 1 p.m. 385-4525 for details.

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

Singer-songwriter Robin Davis plays his weekly gig at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7:30 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.

top

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

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

Singer-songwriter Donny Johnson plays at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7:30 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 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens “The Sublimation Experiment,” a KGB Productions ski film at 9 p.m. The film follows everyday skiers and snowboarders through two seasons of trying to make the ski town life work. 385-1711 for details.

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.

top

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

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

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

Greg Ryder plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7:30 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 for details.

top

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 Fort Lewis College Art Gallery hosts the exhibition, “A Question of Power,” a photographic documentary project focusing on environmental issues facing the Diné (Navajo) living in the area of the proposed Desert Rock 4

Power  Plant. The show runs through Nov. 29. 247-7167 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.

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.

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.

top

The Abbey Theater presents stand up comedy from Andrew Martinez on Nov. 29.

Dr. Joy Kanevski, naturopathic doctor and midwife, will present a free talk on Home Remedies for Colds & Flu on Nov. 29.

Fort Lewis College Theatre presents “Kinetic Kaleidoscope: An Original Dance Concert” on Nov. 29-Dec. 2 and Dec. 6-8.

The Fort Lewis College Music Department will present its Holiday Bash Concert on Nov. 30 at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

The Center of Light Dolores presents the film “The Mission” for its Conscious Movie Night on Nov. 30.

The 33^rd annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair returns to the La Plata County Fairgrounds from Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

The Animas Museum will host its 2007 Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

The monthly Contra Dance returns to the VFW Hall on Dec. 1 with music from the Adobe Brothers.

The Durango Children’s Chorale and Chorale Society’s adult choirs will present “A Traditional Family Christmas” concert on Dec. 2 at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The show includes a Holiday Gala between performances.

A CODE RED dialogue to stop discrimination meets at Fort Lewis College on Dec. 3.

The Silverton Avalanche Center’s Durango fund-raiser returns to Steamworks on Dec. 5.

Pro cyclist Tom Danielson will present “Dreams to Reality – Positive Decisions for Student Athletes,” a fund-raiser for Durango BMX, on Dec. 6 at Miller Middle School.

El Centro de Muchos Colores at Fort Lewis will host its annual Christmas celebration on Dec. 6.

Wines of the San Juan will host a Christmas Shoppe opening on Dec. 7.

The Festival of Trees, a benefit for Community Connections, returns to the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Dec. 7 & 8. The event includes tree and wreath bidding, crafts booths and entertainment.

In conjunction with the Festival of Trees, Community Connection presents “Death on the Dance Floor,” an original murder mystery dinner set in 1920s Durango, on Dec. 8 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

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

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

top

Maria’s launches book drive What: A book drive in conjunction with the La Plata Family Centers Coalition Where: Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. When: Nov. 23-Dec. 18 Durangoans have a chance to give the gift of literacy during this holiday season. Maria’s Bookshop, in conjunction with the La Plata Family Centers Coalition, is sponsoring a “families helping families holiday book drive.” The program is being run like an “Angel Tree,” and those stopping by Maria’s will have the chance to select a child by picking a card off the book drive “tree.” The card will hold information about a local child served by the Family Support Program. With this info and the guidance of Maria’s elves, the perfect book can be selected and wrapped. In addition, Maria’s is offering a 15 percent discount on books bought for the children’s book drive. The kids will eventually receive their books at a holiday party held at the Family Center on Dec. 20. The Family Support Program provides families opportunities to work with trained advocates in setting goals and securing resources. The Center works to help provide a happy and healthy haven for local families, with the book drive and party is essential part of the holiday program. For more information about the book drive call 247-1438 or visit www.mariasbookshop.com.

top

The Polar Express back on the local rails What: The D&SNGRR’s annual holiday-themed train trip Where: Leaving the Durango depot When: Daily through Dec. 23   The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad kicked off service to the “North Pole” early this week. Rides aboard The Polar Express began on Nov. 21, as the train departed the Durango depot for a one-hour, 15-minute round-trip journey to the “North Pole.” The holiday-themed trip continues through Dec. 23. Once onboard the Polar Express, hot cocoa and treats are served as passengers read along with the holiday children’s classic, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. In line with the book, children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride. Upon arriving at the “North Pole,” Santa and his helper will greet and board the train, giving each child his or her very own sleigh bell. “Chefs” aboard each car lead the passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Durango. The D&SNGRR got into the holiday spirit with an early Polar Express trip on Nov. 20. All proceeds from that first trip supported the Durango Discovery Museum. Exact dates and excursion times are available by calling 247-2733 or 888-TRAIN-07, or by visiting our www.durangotrain.com.

top

Singing With Santa returns to Main What: The annual holiday kick-off event Where: Beginning at the corner of College and Main When: Fri., Nov. 23 at 5:30 p.m. Santa Claus is paying downtown Durango a visit this week. The Durango Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Singing With Santa” holiday kick-off event returns this Fri., Nov. 23. This year, a new tradition begins by “putting it in reverse” and starting the procession at College and Main at 5:30 p.m. and ending with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Buckley Park. Aside from the reversal, the celebration remains unchanged, including Santa and Mrs. Claus leading the procession, Christmas carols, free glow sticks, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, photos with Santa, and more. “For the past umpteen years, our ‘Singing With Santa’ event has always started at Buckley Park and ended at Rio Grande Land. But this year, with the makeover of Buckley Park complete, it seemed like the perfect time to showcase the big, beautiful spruce tree on the corner just waiting to be adorned in holiday lights,” said Rita Simon, Chamber manager.  La Plata Electric generously provided environmentally friendly, energy efficient LED lights for the tree and Dillon Crane and Durango Fire and Rescue took on the precarious job of hanging the lights on the 100-foot tree. For more information on Singing with Santa, call the Chamber at 247-0312.

top