Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

The Gourds blow back into Durango
National Solar Tour makes a local stop
Durango Cowboy Gathering makes return

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


Thursday4

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers the Kid’s Paint Bar from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Art-loving kids can paint, draw, construct and explore a variety of creative activities in the space. 259-2606 for details.

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.

Fort Lewis College hosts a Banned Books Week Reception at 4:15 p.m. on the third floor of Reed Library. The event includes a screening of the documentary, “The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film.” 247-7250 for details.

Fort Lewis College’s Campus of Difference holds a campus dialogue from 5-7 p.m., in the CUB PUB, Rm. 20. The Campus of Difference program is part of the Anti-Defamation League’s worldwide anti-bias educational effort. 247-7290 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 Colorado Trail beginning at 6 p.m. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead. 946-5557 for directions.

A workshop on a Community Wildfire Protection Plan takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. at the offices of the Colorado State Forest Service. Residents interested in a comprehensive plan to improve wildfire safety are invited to attend. 247-5250 to RSVP.    

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.

The Fort Lewis College Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall with the talk, “Veteran Volunteers Win the (Civil) War: Four Ross Brothers and Their Comrades Fight for the Union and Emancipation.” 

Dr. Kathy Fine-Dare discusses “Indigenous Cultural Revitalization in Quito, Ecuador” at 7 p.m. at the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum. The multi-media presentation is part of the Cultural Heritage Speaker Series.

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.

Groundation, a band blending reggae, jazz and dub, plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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

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Friday5

The annual Fort Lewis College Book Sale begins at 9 a.m. at the Reed Library at Fort Lewis College.

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

Kristin Wilson discusses “Well Breast Care,” a way to reduce breast cancer risk factors, for the Soul Food Forum at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library. 570-9084 for details.

An “Introduction to Residential Photovoltaic” seminar meets from 7-8:30 p.m. at Fort Lewis College 130 Noble Hall. Current trends, combi-systems and financial incentives from LPEA and the IRS will be discussed.

Lech Usinowicz performs his senior recital on string bass at 7 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall. The public is welcome to the free event.

Jeff Strahan plays Red Dirt Rock at the 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., beginning at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play high-altitude blues at The Summit Lounge in Pagosa Springs at 8 p.m.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., from 8 p.m.-midnight. 259-9200 for details.

The Beautiful Losers bring their alt-country to the Billy Goat Saloon in Gem Village at 9 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

DJs Fat P & Elbeau spin at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Saturday6

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

The Manna Soup Kitchen Fall Classic begins at 8: 30 a.m. at Hillcrest Golf Club with a shotgun start. The scramble tournament benefits the soup kitchen. 385-5095 for details.  

Peak Physical Therapy, Essence of Health and Shambala Chiropractic host a free Health and Wellness Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Animas Square, 129 County Road 250. More than 20 businesses will be on-hand offering free consultations and information about everything from traditional to alternative health services. 247-9076 for details.

The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango, an offering of local art by local artists, meets from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Albertson’s parking lot. Call 247-9242 or visit4 www.ACMDurango.org for details.

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.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play high altitude blues for Oktoberfest at Rubio’s in Aztec from 1-4 p.m.

Gigi Love and Michael Coble, an acoustic alt-country rock duo, play from 5-9 p.m. at Steamworks 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.

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

The Contra Dance meets at the Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave., and features live music from Grand Junction’s 5th Reel Band. Beginner instruction takes place at 7 p.m. with dancing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. No partner is necessary. 259-6820 for details.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College presents Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, The Platters and The Marvelettes at 7:30 p.m. The special triple lineup featuring three of the most influential doo-wop groups of the 1950s. 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.

Women’s hockey comes to Durango as the Durango Betties take on the Telluride Box Canyon Beavers at 9:15 p.m. at the Chapman Ice Pavilion.

Alfred Howard and the K23 Orchestra bring their funk, soul and psychedelic to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Sunday7

The rescheduled Animas Mountain Mug Run begins at 10 a.m. with check-in and registration from 8:30-9:30 a.m. This fourth and final race in the Alpine Bank Trail includes post race festivities at Zia Taqueria. 375-7306 for details.

Women’s hockey comes to Durango as the Durango Fury takes on the Telluride Box Canyon Beavers at 10:15 a.m. at the Chapman Ice Pavilion.

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.

International juggling champion Mark Nizer takes the stage at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis

College at 4 p.m. for “Expect the Impossible.” The show includes comedy, juggling, movement, music and technology. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.  

Phil Peters performs his senior recital on percussion at Roshong Recital Hall at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to the free event.

The Blue Moon Ramblers play their weekly gig at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., 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.

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Monday8

The City of Durango’s Fall Cleanup begins for residential trash customers within the city limits. The fall cleanup offers residents an opportunity to dispose of household refuse and yard waste.

A seminar on doing you own divorce and/or custody in Colorado meets at 6 p.m. at the offices of Colorado Legal Services, 1474 Main Ave., Suite 200. Anyone wishing to apply for the free book of forms is encouraged to arrive ten minutes early. 247-0266 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays his weekly gig at Joel’s, 119 W. 8th St., starting at 8 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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Tuesday9

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

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

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

Jazz virtuosos Gary Burton and Makoto Ozone come to The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College at 7 p.m. Burton is a five-time Grammy winner. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents open mic night

from 7 p.m.-midnight. 247-2324 for details.

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

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Wednesday10

The Green Business Roundtable meets at noon at the Diamond Circle Theatre, 699 Main Ave., to discuss “Creating Environmental Performance.” 259-3583 to RSVP.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers the Kid’s Paint Bar for “Happy Hours” from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The bar is open to all ages. 259-2606 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 The Woman in White is encouraged to attend. mjw@pivotalchoices.com 

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

Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., hosts a booksigning with Hampton Sides at 6:30 p.m. Sides will 4

read from Blood and Thunder, which was recently released in paperback. 247-1438 for details.

Astrologers Shelley Garcia and Cassandra Leoncini discuss the “Secrets of Relationships” from 6:30-8: 30 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center. 565-7272 for details.

The Fort Lewis College Common Reading Experience screens “Aristide: The Endless Revolution” at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. A discussion about the rise and fall of Haiti’s first elected president will follow.

John Gitchell, an environmental professional, discusses “Actions Toward a Sustainable Community” at 7 p.m. in 135 Noble Hall at Fort Lewis College. 259-3696 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.

Souleye, a band fusing hip hop, electronica, bluegrass and funk, plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 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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Ongoing

The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery presents the David Hunt Ceramic Invitational Exhibition, an annual invitational ceramic exhibition and sale showcasing the work of 12 area artists. The exhibition runs through Oct. 31 and includes work by: Leon Arledge, Judith Brey, Boots Brown, Chyako Hashimoto, Peter Karner, Jennifer Neff, Lisa Pedolsky, Cole Taylor, Carolyn Kendrick, Scott Roberts and Kay H. Roberts. An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 5. 247-7167 for details.

The Lost Dog, 1150 Main Ave., hosts “Important Works,” through Oct. 31. The national art show was juried by Brandon Donahue of Colorado, Sara Sense of California and Soni Caballero of New York. An opening reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 5.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Spirit of the West” in celebration of the Cowboy Gathering and Horse Expo. The exhibit highlights the unique and varied work of both locally and nationally known photographers whom have been published in magazines such as Lens Work, Camera and Darkroom, Photo Insider and Western Styles. Eight photographers are displaying fine art Western images in black and white and color. The show continues through Oct. 31. 382-8355 or www.openshuttergallery.com for details.

The Durango Arts Center Art Library, 802 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Opposites Attract,” a show of artists’ books, calligraphy, paintings, and prints, by Serafino, N.M., artists Nancy Culmone and Paul Mauer. The exhibit continues through the end of October. 259-2606 for details.

Johnny Maddox plays ragtime piano at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Maddox performs every night except Sundays, and the free shows take place from 5:30-7 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. www.strater.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, “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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Upcoming

Historian Duane Smith will explore Durango history in the early 20th Century during an Oct. 11 talk at the Animas Museum.

The Durango Independent Film Festival’s 2nd annual Art of Film Fund-raiser is set for Oct. 12 at the Abbey Theatre.

The FLC Men’s Choir and Durango Women’s Choir will present “He and She,” the annual musical battle of the sexes, on Oct. 12 at St. Mark’s.

Mercy Regional Medical Center hosts “Radical Compassion: An Experiential Workshop in Nonviolent Communication” on Oct. 12.

The Durango Chamber of Commerce will host the 6th annual “Business to Business” Table Top Expo on Oct. 12.

Aesop Rock, touring in support of his latest album, brings hip hop back to the Abbey Theatre on Oct. 15.

The Outdoor Pursuits program at Fort Lewis College will conduct an Oct. 17 silent auction of surplus outdoor equipment.

The FLC Theatre Department will present “Speak Truth to Power: Voices from Beyond the Dark,” opening on Oct. 18. The play includes a photographic exhibit and talks by two human rights defenders, Harry Wu and Marina Pisklakova-Parker.

The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College has rescheduled the John Cowan Band for Oct. 18. The show was postponed because of health issues.

The Durango Friends of the Arts hosts its annual fall fund-raising luncheon and fashion show, “Animas Autumn,” on Oct. 18.

“Mallethead” and “Durango DEVO,” two local bicycle documentaries, screen on Oct. 19 at the Smiley Theatre. Partial proceeds will benefit a local bike co-op.

Mirabai Ceiba, a duet from Germany and Mexico, will perform spiritual chants and original songs on Oct. 20 at St. Mark’s Church.

Sam Keen, noted author and speaker, will speak at the Main Book Company in Cortez on Oct. 20.

The Motet returns to the Abbey Theatre on Oct. 24 for its 10th annual Halloween performance.

The fourth annual Arts and Crafts Era Conference and Marketplace returns from Oct. 25-28 to the Strater Hotel and Durango Arts Center.  

The Medicine Horse Center’s 7th annual MusicFest & Silent Auction Benefit is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Mancos Opera House.

The 11th annual AIDS Benefit and Silent Auction returns to the Durango Arts Center on Nov. 3.

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The Gourds blow back into Durango
What: A show by the alt-country band from Austin
Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College
When: Friday, Oct. 5, at 9: 30 p.m. 

The Gourds make their long-awaited return to Durango this Friday. The Austin-based alt-country band goes back on stage at the Abbey Theatre at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 5.

Rather than defying definition, the Gourds seem to slip into every musical category, paying homage to bluegrass, country, roots, folk, blues, rock and punk. Paying testament to their capability to turn out innovative, inspiring music is the fact that, after many years, they have made it to the fore of the Austin music scene. The Austin American-Statesman went as far as to name them the “best live act,” no small feat in a city that has spawned the likes of Robert Earl Keen, Joe Ely and Doug Sahm.

However, the band’s reputation and success extends far beyond Austin city limits. The Gourds have been featured in a story by the Wall Street Journal, and Q Magazine commented, “The Gourds are a strange but wonderful Texas-based quintet, blending plaintive folk and country with good-time rocking and striking imagery.”

Perhaps the Gourds themselves understand the experience best of all. Guitarist Kevin Russell, who founded the band along with bassist Jimmy Smith, called a Gourds show, “a good, uplifting, energetic experience for most people, at least that’s what I’ve been told.”

Durango has an opportunity to get uplifted and energized this Friday at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 385-1711.

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Durango Cowboy Gathering makes return
What: 19th annual celebration of working ranch people in the West
Where: All over Durango  
When: Oct. 4-7

The jingle of spurs will again sound up and down the streets of Durango this weekend as the 19th annual Durango Cowboy Gathering rides back into town. The festival spotlights the music, dance and poetry of cowboy culture and runs from Oct. 4-7.

Highlighting this year’s event will be a performance by award-winning Western entertainer R.W. Hampton. The Cimarron Sounds recording artist will appear in concert at the Diamond Circle Theatre at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4. Hampton is counted among America’s foremost Western entertainers, and his baritone voice has been captured on 11 CDs to date. Hampton has also performed in a dozen Western movies and co-wrote and starred in the one-man play, “The Last Cowboy.”

Following the headliner performance, the Durango Cowboy Gathering moves into daytime and evening performances from cowboy musicians and poets from throughout the nation. An annual favorite is the motorless parade at 10 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 6.

The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo again accompanies the gathering and kicks off on Oct. 5 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The expo includes clinics, private treaty horse sales, workshops and food. Featured clinicians this year include Dennis Pennington, Troy Rogers, Mike Ross and Karen Scholl. Entrance is free on Friday.

For details on the Durango Cowboy Gathering, visit www.durangocowboygathering.org. For a Rocky Mountain Horse Expo schedule, log onto www.rockymountainhorseexpo.com. 

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In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows