Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming


Wu Tang leader to play Abbey Theater

DAM presents the Colorado Playboys
Kinetic Kaleidoscope takes the Mainstage

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


Thursday29

Dr. Joy Kanevski, naturopathic doctor and midwife, presents a free talk on Home Remedies for Colds & Flu at 12: 30 p.m. at Pediatric Partners of the Southwest, 575 Rivergate Lane, Suite 109. 375-0100.

The Durango Public Library offers a free Origami Ornaments Workshop from 3-5 p.m. at its Fort Lewis Mesa branch, 11274 State Hwy. 140 in Hesperus. 588-3331, ext. 3802 for details.

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 a study group on The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying from 5:30-7 p.m. The group meets every Thursday through Dec. 6. 731-3711 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.

Dr. John Condie presents “Evolution and Creation: A Biologist’s Eye View” for the final Life-Long Learning Lecture of the year at 7 p.m. in 130 Nobel Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Roshong Recital Hall at Fort Lewis College hosts a 7 p.m. concert from the FLC Music Department’s Percussion Ensemble. www.durangoconcerts.com.

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

The Center of Light in Dolores presents the film “The Mission” for its Conscious Movie Night at 7 p.m. 882-4920 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.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, hosts a stand-up comedy show with Andrew Martinez at 9 p.m. Martinez is a regular comedian at Caroline’s on Broadway and the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City and was recently selected to be a contestant on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. 385-1711.

Knucka, a high-energy band mixing rock, country, blues and punk, plays Pint Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 259-9200.

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Friday30

The 33rd annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair returns to the La Plata County Fairgrounds from noon-5 p.m. for the first of three days. The event includes homemade and handmade gifts as well as food and refreshments. 247-2117.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts a keg giveaway 

from 3-6 p.m. Brian Ess spins beginning at 10: 30 p.m. 259-9200 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.

Gigi Love brings her acoustic blues, folk and original rock back to the Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave., from 5-7 p.m. 259-2545 for details.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., hosts the first day of its annual Christmas Bazaar from 5-7 p.m. 259-2402 for details.

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

The Fort Lewis College Music Department presents its annual Holiday Bash concert at 7 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

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

Greg Ryder returns to the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 7:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

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

Freeplay plays rock, county and blues at the Billy Goat Saloon in Gem Village at 9 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

The Good Neighbors, Durango’s newest live act, plays a free show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. The band blends rock, funk, blues and groove. 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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Saturday1

The Christmas Bazaar continues at the Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 259-2402 for details.

The 33rd annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair continues at the La Plata County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The event includes homemade and handmade gifts as well as food and refreshments. 247-2117 for details.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave., hosts its Community Christmas Bazaar all day. The event includes: breakfast and lunch, live green wreaths, locally made arts and crafts, gift wrapping and more.

The Forest Lakes Community Center offers Pancakes with Santa from 9-11 a.m. for Forest Lakes residents. The event includes breakfast and crafts for kids.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave., holds a special service in support of World AIDS Day at 12:15 p.m. The gathering, open to the public, will be a non-denominational service of remembrance, hope and healing.

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 Contra Dance returns to 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 band will provide live music, and all dances are taught and called. 385-9292 for details.

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

Greg Ryder closes out three nights at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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

RZA, hip hop producer, rapper, actor and de facto leader of the Wu Tang Clan, plays a 10 p.m., all-ages show at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College. 385-1711 for details.

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

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Sunday2

The 33rd annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair returns to the La Plata County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 247-2117 for details.

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.

The Durango Choral Society and Children’s Chorale present “A Traditional Family Christmas,” a program of seasonal music, at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. There will be shows at 3 & 7 p.m., and a Holiday Gala will be held at the Center of Southwest Studies between shows. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

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

RZA plays a 10 p.m. encore show at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College. RZA was a member of Gravediggaz and is now the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. 385-1711 for details.

Monday

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

Auditions for the Kids Only Snowdown Follies take place from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Durango Arts Cetner Theatre, 128 E. Second Ave. 259-2606 for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens Warren Miller’s newest film, “Playground,” at 6:30 & 9 p.m. Beach attire is encouraged and proceeds benefit the Durango Winter Sports Foundation. Tickets are available through ski team members and at Magpie’s Newsstand Café and the Ski Barn

The Durango Youth Symphony performs at 7 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com 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.

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Tuesday4

P is for Peanut, 473 E. College, offers free kids’ storytime at 11 a.m. 385-4525 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 4 

Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard 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. 8th 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 Warren Miller’s newest film, “Playground,” at 9 p.m. Beach attire is encouraged and proceeds benefit the Durango Winter Sports Foundation. Tickets are available through ski team members and at Magpie’s Newsstand Café and the Ski Barn

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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Wednesday5

The Durango High School counseling office holds its monthly “Coffee and Conversation” for parents at 8:30 a.m. in the DHS cafeteria. This event is a venue for parents to discuss issues that students are facing in high school. 259-1630, ext. 2308 for details.

Dr. Elliot West presents the lecture, “The Southwest Before Lewis & Clark: Three Lives,” 4 p.m. in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum. The talk is the fourth annual Duane Smith lecture. 247-7582 to RSVP.

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.

A fund-raiser for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s Silverton office begins at 6 p.m. at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave. The event includes food, libations and a silent auction of outdoor gear, lift tickets, gift certificates and more. Donations will be accepted and a portion of pint sales benefit CAIC. 259-9200 for details.

The Snowdown Follies hosts auditions for acts and MCs at 6 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. 247-8163 for details.

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

Piper Kuntz, soprano, performs her senior recital at 7 p.m. at Roshong Recital Hall at Fort Lewis College. The event is free and open to the public.

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.

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Ongoing

The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery hosts the Senior Art Majors Exhibition, an exhibit of selected works from graduating FLC seniors. The show runs from Dec. 3-13, and the gallery is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. An opening reception is scheduled for Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m., 247-7167 for details.

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. A preview night and short talk by the artist meets from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 5.

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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Upcoming

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.

The Center of Southwest Studies hosts the Cultural Heritage Speaker Series: “Foundations of Our Community: What Remains (and what doesn’t) of the Old Fort Lewis Campus” on Dec. 6.

Mesa Verde’s annual Holiday Open House takes place Dec. 6.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College will host the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara performing the “Hollywood Nutcracker” on Dec. 7, 8 & 9.     

Wines of the San Juan will host a Christmas Shoppe opening 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 Connections presents “Death on the Dance Floor,” an original murder mystery dinner set in 1920s Durango, on Dec. 8 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Venture Snowboards and Ska Brewing will host their third annual Season Kickoff Party on Dec. 8 at Silverton’s Pride of the West Saloon. The Freeman Social and In a Day will perform.

The Dolores River Brewery will hold a Holiday Arts & Crafts Show on Dec. 8. The show includes music from the Galloping Gooses.

Pat Waak, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, will host a caucus training on Dec. 9 at the Durango Recreation Center.

The Green Business Roundtable returns to the Henry Strater Theatre on Dec. 12 with a talk from the executive director of the Santa Fe Alliance. 259-3583 to RSVP before Dec. 7.

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.

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Wu Tang leader to play Abbey Theater
What: Two concerts from the hip hop artist and producer RZA
Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College
When: Dec. 1 & 2 at 10 p.m.

One of hip hop’s biggest names and top innovators pays Durango a visit this weekend. RZA, aka Bobby Digital, plays back-to-back shows at the Abbey Theatre on Dec. 1 & 2.

RZA has credentials as a hip hop producer, rapper, composer and actor. He is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, widely considered one of the most revolutionary hip hop groups of the 1990s. He was also a member of Gravediggaz and All Together Now.

RZA not only performed on but produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan’s albums as well as many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. Lately, RZA has gained the most attention for his work in films, whether it be on screen or as a composer of original film scores including “Kill Bill,” “Ghost Dog” and “Afro Samurai.”

Recently, RZA released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, who concerns himself only with the lawlessness of the male power fantasy, women, drugs, alcohol and shooting guns.

Currently RZA is working on his new Bobby Digital release and the new Wu-Tang album, “8 Diagrams.” He also partnered on the highly anticipated sequel to Raekwon’s mafioso rap classic, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.”

RZA will be joined on stage by Black Pegasus, a solo hip-hop artist from Denver, for an all-ages show on Dec. 1 and a 21-and-up performance on Dec. 2. Both shows get under way at 10 p.m. For more information, contact the Abbey at 385-1711.

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DAM presents the Colorado Playboys
What: A local show from the bluegrass all-star group
Where: The Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave.  
When: Wed., Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.  

The Colorado Playboys are making a return to Durango this week. The all-star bluegrass ensemble plays a Durango Acoustic Music show on Dec. 5 at the Henry Strater Theatre.

The Colorado Playboys are made up of Travis Book, John Stickley and Andy Thorn – three former members of Broke Mountain, the renowned Durango band that won the RockyGrass band competition in 2004. The Playboys also feature current members of Hit & Run Bluegrass (John Frazier and Andy Thorn) and the Infamous Stringdusters (Travis Book).

The band’s members have also shared the stage with some of string music’s biggest names – the John Cowan Band, Jim Lauderdale Band, The Biscuit Burners, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, and The Big Fat Gap. The Playboys play both original and traditional music and blend honest vocals with solid instrumentation. The band first formed for a tour through Colorado last fall and will release its debut album this December.

Local bluegrass group Rock & Rye will open the Dec. 5 show at 7 p.m. Tickets and DAM memberships can be purchased at Animas Trading Company, Canyon Music and Southwest Sound.

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Kinetic Kaleidoscope takes the Mainstage
What: An original dance concert featuring local choreographers and performances
Where: Fort Lewis College’s Mainstage Theatre
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 1 & Dec. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m.; and on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.  

Original dance goes into the spotlight at Fort Lewis College for the next two weekends. Kinetic Kaleidoscope: An Original Dance Concert plays the Mainstage Theatre on Nov. 29-Dec. 2 and 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. Professional choreographers from the area and Fort Lewis College students showcase a mixture of movements and music in this one-of-a-kind dance concert. The choreographers taking part in the performance include: Talia Bamerick, Anne Bartlett, Nannette Cresto, Erika Wilson Golightly, Marwa Mohammed, Jessica Perino, Frances Rosser Tayor, and Danille Danielle Scarafiotti.

Kinetic Kaleidoscope will play the Mainstage Theatre each night at 7:30 p.m. A 2 p.m. matinee has also been scheduled for Dec. 2.

Tickets have been discounted to $7 for Opening Night, on Nov. 29. The first performance includes a post-show reception. 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.

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In this week's issue...

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January 26, 2024
Paper chase

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High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows