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Ongoing Upcoming

Luminarias return to Mesa Verde National Park
Concert Hall hosts Bar-D Christmas Jubilee
Noted rapper Evidence plays Abbey Theatre
Ski Barn hosts the 1st annual Ullr Fest

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

Noel Night, a one-day/evening event, returns to downtown Durango with most retailers offering sales, specials, drawings, events and extended hours.

Ska Brewing and Zia Taqueria celebrate the grand opening of a new Zia location at the Ska Brewing World Headquarters, 225 Girard. The day-long party includes a 5 p.m. performance by Sean Madden.

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5 p.m.

Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., hosts a 6-9 p.m. fund-raiser for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The event includes a silent auction for gear, lift tickets, heli-ski passes, gift certificates and more. A percentage of beer sales goes to the center. 259-9200 for details.

“Raising Critical Thinkers: Media Literacy

in our Home and Schools,” a public presentation by Peter DeBenedittis, meets at 6 p.m. at Escalante Middle School. 247-5702, ext. 1605 for details.

The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado holds its annual membership meeting and election at 6:30 p.m. in the Durango City Council Chambers, 949 E. Second Ave. All are welcome.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., starting at 7 p.m.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., offers Salsa Night. The evening includes salsa lessons from 7-7:30 p.m. and DJ Twelfth Night spinning on the patio until 11 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

Durango Acoustic Music brings the Boulder Acoustic Society to the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., at 7:30 p.m. The show is open to all ages. www.durangoacousticmusic.com.

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

Elizabethan Report and local band The Good Neighbors play a double-bill at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The La Plata County Humane Society (LPCHS) kicks off its 4th annual “Twelve Dog Days of Christmas” event from noon-2 p.m. The promotion runs each afternoon through Dec. 23, and local businesses will sponsor a different dog available for adoption each day. 259-2847 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.

St. Mark’s Church, 910 E. Third Ave., hosts a nondenominational “Blue Christmas” service at 5:30 p.m. The service will confront feelings of grief and loss head-on. 247-1129 or visit www.StMarksDurango.com for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents live music from The Good Neighbors from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Duo performs its weekly gig in the bar at Mutu’s, 701 E. Second Ave., from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Greg Ryder plays an encore show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 6 p.m.

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

The San Juan Sledders offer a free snowmobile safety training class from 6-9:30 p.m. The class continues all day Dec. 13. 884-2101 to register.

The Sweats return to the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

Formula 151 plays the Billy Goat Saloon on Highway 160 in Gem Village starting at 8 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver and the Kirk James Blues Band play a free double bill “Blues at the Summit” at the bar at 600 Main Ave. Ellis & Carver play at 5 p.m. and Kirk James goes on at 9 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Hillbilly Hotel, blues/rock/soul from Telluride, plays at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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The American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., offers an Adult CPR/AED & Standard First Aid class from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 259-5383 to register.

Backcountry Experience offers a Ski Demo Day at Durango Mountain Resort beginning at 9 a.m. Ticket and pass holders will have access to free demos of telemark and alpine touring gear all day. 247-5830 for details.

Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County hosts a 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Public Build Day for the4

homes in Bayfield. No construction experience is necessary. 382-2215 for directions.

The Durango Farmers Market offers a holiday market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. www.durangofarmersmarket.com for details.

The Common Sense Cafe, 1599 E. Second Ave., hosts a local craft fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 259-9106 for details.

Healthy Hounds and Fat Cats, 21738 U.S. Hwy 160 W., hosts Pet Photos with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the homeless animals of La Plata County Humane Society. 259-2847 for details.

The Durango Arts Center Paint Bar, 802 E. Second Ave., offers a paint and story program from 11 a.m.-noon for ages 5 and up. Open Studio for kids and adults runs from noon-4 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

Jenny Winegardner, solo acoustic songstress, at Steamworks in Bayfield, 442 Wolverine Dr., from 5-8 p.m. 884-7837 for details.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver join Jeff Dysinger for an evening of high altitude blues, rock and folk at La Tazza in Pagosa Springs at 5:30 p.m.

Greg Ryder closes out three nights at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 6 p.m.

Tom MacCluskey performs on piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Durango Betties play a home game against rival Telluride Box Canyon Beavers at 6:45 p.m. at the Chapman Hill Ice Rink.

The Dances of Universal Peace meet at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 910 E. Third Ave. The event uses chants and songs from many spiritual traditions. 533-9040 for details.

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

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents a DJ spinning dance music from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.

Genuine Cowhide, a rock/honky tonk band from Austin, returns to the Hollywood Bar in Dolores at 9 p.m. 882-9998 for details.

The Felonious Groove Foundation returns to Durango for a show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. Fantastic Planet opens the show. 247-2324 for details.

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The Durango Betties play a home game against rival Telluride Box Canyon Beavers at 9 a.m. at the Chapman Hill Ice Rink.

The Durango chapter of Food Not Bombs serves free vegetarian/vegan food starting at 1-4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in conjunction with a drum circle. Volunteers, donations and potluck dishes are welcome at the weekly event.

The Arioso Duo, featuring Scott Hagler and Rochelle Mann, play a 2 p.m. show at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave. Guest artist Danielle Menapace will play oboe.247-1129 or visit www.StMarksDurango.com for details.

Local bluegrass band, Down the Road, plays a benefit concert at the Durango Recreation Center from 2:30-4 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and proceeds go to Peter Koedt’s medical expenses as he recovers from cancer. 799-3565 for details.

The Fort Lewis Music Department presents two free student recitals at Roshong Recital Hall. Virginia Springmeyer, horn, plays at 3 p.m. Brian Marks, jazz guitar, plays at 7 p.m.

The Café of Life, 925 Hwy 3, hosts a free Yin Yoga Workshop, taught by Elise Fabricant, from 4-6 p.m. The class is open to all levels. 426-9123 for details.

Three Redneck Tenors play their Christmas Spec-Tac-Yule-Ar at 7 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Joel Racheff plays the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

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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Jazz Live!, a group composed of Fort Lewis jazz students, plays a free afternoon show in the College Union Building Extreme Room.

The Pagosa USFS Ranger District offers a free public workshop on split-estate rights, the federal leasing process, and oil and gas development from 3:30-7:30 p.m. in the Pagosa Community Center. 385-1378 for details.

The annual Snowdown KIDS Follies Auditions meet from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Durango Arts Center Theatre, 802 E. Second Ave. Kids ages 8 to 18 are invited to participate. 749-4445 for details.

Joel Racheff performs at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5 p.m.

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

The Center of Light Dolores presents a free class on Creating Your Life Using the Laws of the Universe at 7 p.m. at the Durango Coffee Company, 730 Main Ave. 882-4920 to RSVP.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., hosts 4

open mic night from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays an 8 p.m.-midnight show at Joel’s, 119 W. 8^th St.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens student short films from the FLC Digital Video Production Class. Doors for the one night only event open at 8:30 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

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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A Kindred Spirit Art Class meets at the Four Corners Health Care Center from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Materials are supplied and the class is open to everyone. 759-5246 for details.

The annual Snowdown KIDS Follies Auditions meet form 4-5:30 p.m. in the Durango Arts Center Theatre, 802 E. Second Ave. Kids ages 8 to 18 are invited to participate. 749-4445 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays at The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5 p.m.

Mill Street Brews, 25 Mill St. in Bayfield, hosts an open jam session beginning at 6 p.m. The event meets every Tuesday evening. 884-7070 for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents open mic night with Matt Dyer of Mr. Nobody Productions from 7 p.m.-midnight. Bands and DJs are welcome. 247-2324 for details.

Acoustic folk/pop/indie troubadours Annie Brooks and Cyle Talley split a set of originals at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., from 7-9 p.m.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., from 8 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

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The Durango Arts Center Paint Bar, 802 E. Second Ave., offers Preschool Paint from 11 a.m.-noon. 259-2606 for details.

Pediatric Associates of Durango, 1199 Main Ave., offers a free children’s yoga class from 3:15-4 p.m. The class is open to 3-7 year olds. 259-7337 to register.

Animas SDS (Students for a Democratic Society), Durango’s only independent, radical, anti-authoritarian student & youth collective, meets every Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. in a top-secret location. Email animas-sds@riseup.net for details.

Greg Ryder returns to The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5 p.m.

“Women’s Art – A Bridge to Uganda,” an event to benefit Ugandan widows, meets from 6-9 p.m. at the Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave. The show is sponsored by Ssejinja Children’s Foundation and includes a silent auction of art made by local women plus a sale of Ugandan arts and crafts. 759-2509 for details.

An open bluegrass jam meets from 6-8 p.m. at the Durango Brewing Co., 3000 Main Ave. The circle gathers every Wednesday. 247-1264 for details.

The WRC Writer’s Group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Durango Coffee Company, 730 Main Ave. The group meets monthly and is open to both published and unpublished writers. E-mail stealingplums@yahoo.com for details.

The Durango Chess Club gathers for its weekly meeting at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, at 6:30 p.m.

Lacey Black plays solo piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at Joel’s starting at 8 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.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts DJ Bank spinning dance music from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

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The Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave., exhibits the fine art photography of Gunnar Conrad and David H. Collier through Jan. 7. Conrad is a Durango native and Collier is a California photographer. Visit www.openshuttergallery.com for details.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., hosts “Kiua – The Pottery of Santo Domingo Pueblo,” an exhibit featuring pottery dating from the early 20^th century to contemporary pieces. Most of the historic pieces were originally collected by the Durango Public Library. 259-2402 for details.

The Yule of the Arts arts and crafts fair meets in the Durango Mall Commons Area through Dec. 24. 247-2117 for details.

The Main Book Co. & The Gallery, located in Cortez, offers an art exhibit featuring the nature photography of Steve Sykes and the sculptures of bronze artists’ Veryl Goodnight and Patsy Davis, both of Mancos. 565-8158 for details.

A Local Artists Holiday Sale meets through Dec. 24 at 473 College. The sale is open daily from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. and includes tie-dye, hand blown glass, photography, jewelry and more. Free live music will be staged from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 11 for Noel Night.

The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery presents the Senior Art Major’s Exhibition through Dec. 18. The show is a culmination of the students’ FLC coursework, with senior-level Art majors participating. The work includes a mixture of traditional and non-traditional media, with sculpture, ceramic, blown glass, drawing, painting, graphic design, printmaking and photography among the selections.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the Holiday Art Olé exhibit. The boutique of juried art offers unique handmade holiday gift items by local and regional artists. A mixed media show by artist Mike Brieger will be on display at the Arts Library gallery through the end December. 259-2606 for details.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave., exhibits the black and white fine art photography of Paul Caponigro through Dec. 10. Caponigro’s prints are some of the finest ever created in photography. 382-8355 for details.

Pure Soul Coffee House, 40 Town Plaza, hosts a photography/poetry show from Paul Pennington and Greg Moore through the end of December. 259-5499 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College exhibits Ruben Archuleta sculptures for a Dia de los Muertos exhibit. Transitions: Navajo Weaving 1880-1920, and Wish You Were Here: Postcards from the Southwest are also on display along with 100 Contemporary Works from Native Artists and selections from Ben Nighthorse Jewelry. Visit http: //swcenter.fortlewis.edu or call 247-7456 for more information

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., host the exhibit “Durango’s Strangest Shootout- The Day the Marshal Killed the Sheriff.” This show reveals one of Durango’s most tragic events, when two lawmen shot it out on Main Avenue. 259-2402 for details.

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San Juan Basin Health will offer free cholesterol screenings at King Center Laundry from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec. 18. 259-2060 for details.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will stage performances of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” an opera in one act, on Dec. 18, 19 & 20.

The Open Shutter Gallery will accept entries for its annual community show from Dec. 19-31. This year’s theme is “FOCUS.” Visit www.openshuttergallery.com for details

The Community Concert Hall will host the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara’s “Nutcracker” on Dec. 19-21.

Fort Lewis College’s Winter Commencement will take place on Dec. 20 in Whalen Gymnasium.

The La Plata Unity Project, Compañeros, Sacred Heart Church and Del Alma will host a Kid’s Holiday Party on Dec. 21.

Sideshow Emporium & Gallery in Dolores is seeking new work for its annual Chinese New Year Poster Art Show, “The Year of The Ox,” through Jan. 3. 565-4170 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College will accept entries for the sixth annual Images of the Southwest from Jan. 8-15. 247-7456 for details.

The Four Corners Commission returns to the Durango Arts Center on Jan. 9-31. DAC is currently seeking work from artists working in all mediums. E-mail heather@durangoarts.org for a prospectus.

The 16th annual Trails 2000 auction fund-raiser is set for Jan. 13 at Olde Tymer’s. 259-4682 for tickets.

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Luminarias return to Mesa Verde National Park What: The national park’s annual holiday celebration Where: Mesa Verde National Park   When: Thurs., Dec. 11, from 4-9 p.m.   Mesa Verde National Park is lighting up for the holiday season this week. The park’s annual Luminaria Holiday Open House is set for the evening of Dec. 11. People of all cultures and traditions are invited to enjoy a holiday celebration at the park including special tours, luminarias, musical entertainment and refreshments. Luminarias will glow along the pathways throughout the headquarters area and along the trail to Spruce Tree House.  Special evening tours will be offered at 4:30, 5: 30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. Visitors are reminded to dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Attendance to the open house is free, and donated refreshments will be provided at Spruce Tree Terrace. In addition, no park entrance fee will be charged after 4 p.m. For more information, contact the park at 9529-4465 and visit www.nps.gov/meve.

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Concert Hall hosts Bar-D Christmas Jubilee What: The annual Christmas celebration with the Durango’s Bar-D Wranglers Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College When: Sat., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.   Christmas is coming early this year to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Local favorites, the Bar-D Wranglers, play their annual Christmas Jubilee this Saturday, Dec. 13. Founded by Cy Scarborough in 1969, Durango’s Bar-D Wranglers offer their own unique style of Western music, cowboy poetry and humor. The Christmas Jubilee is a warm-hearted and fun-filled show that will inspire the entire family to remember the true meaning of the holidays. Known for summer entertainment at the Bar-D Chuckwagon, the Wranglers are now touring the country in the off-season, including live performances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. In addition to Scarborough, the Wranglers are Gary Cook (guitar), Levi Mullen (guitar) Matt Palmer (fiddle) and Joel Racheff (upright bass, mandolin, guitar, banjo). Doors to the show open at 6 p.m. with the Wranglers going on at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 247-7657 online at www.durangoconcerts.com, or at the downtown ticketing office located behind Magpies.

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Noted rapper Evidence plays Abbey Theatre What: A local show from the Dilated Peoples artist Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Fri., Dec. 12 at 10 p.m.   A top national hip hop act lands on stage at the Abbey Theatre this week. Evidence, of Dilated Peoples fame, plays the local venue Dec. 12.   Evidence, aka Michael Perretta, is a California native who was a graffit artist before becoming a musician, producer and member of the rap group Dilated Peoples. The group has achieved great fame in the underground hip hop community and saw mainstream success when it partnered with Kanye West in 2004 on the song, “The Way.” Dilated Peoples also reached Top 40 on the UK Singles Chart with “This Way” and “Worst Comes to Worst.” Evidence also released “The Weatherman LP,” a solo project, in 2007. “I am not relying on the success of Dilated Peoples to push this album, while they are featured on it and heavily co-signing my solo venture, I understand that I am going to have to work twice as hard and get back in front of the people,” he said of the effort. Evidence will do just that this Friday in Durango. The show gets under way at 10 p.m. For more information, call the Abbey at 385-1711.

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Ski Barn hosts the 1st annual Ullr Fest What: A community party and jib competition Where: The Ski Barn, 3533 N. Main Ave. When: Fri., Dec. 12, beginning at 6 p.m.   Durango is doing its best to jump-start winter this Friday. The Ski Barn will be trucking in snow for the inaugural Ullr Fest and Junkyard Jib Jam at its N. Main Ave. parking lot. The event will combine a ski town classic, the Ullr bonfire (an appeasement to the Norse snow god, Ullr, may he grant us more snow), with a chance for Durango’s best jibbers to showcase their talent and get warmed up for the season. The parking lot will open at 6 p.m. for an open jib session, with free food, beer, Red Bull, giveaways, and an outdoor screening of Poor Boy’s Production’s new movie, “Reasons,” for spectators. Judging will begin at 7 p.m. Participants should show up with a helmet and a signed waiver (available at skibarndurango.com) if under 18. The winner of the jam-format competition will walk away with a Ski Barn sponsorship and some free gear. For those who’d rather not strap on skis, the Ski Barn will also be offering a prize for the best combustible sacrifice to Ullr. Entries must burn cleanly (no metal, plastics), and fit in a 3-foot wide fire pit. More information is available by calling the Ski Barn at 247-1923 or at www.skibarndurango.com/events.

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