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Ongoing Upcoming

Durango native brings ‘Sprung’ back to DAC
Fort Lewis College to graduate 46th class
State Street Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’

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

San Juan Basin Health offers free cholesterol screenings at King Center Laundry, 1127 Camino del Rio, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 259-2060 for details.

Dave Mensch plays a solo show at Purgy’s, slopeside at Durango Mountain Resort, starting at 2 p.m.

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

The American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., offers an Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED class from 6-10 p.m. 259-5383 to register.

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

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave., stages “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti, at 7 p.m. Additional

performances are set for Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. 247-1129 for details.

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 until 11 p.m.

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

Strive Roots plays heavy reggae at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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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.

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 Durango Recreation Center offers Parents Night Out from 6-9 p.m. The event is open to parents of kids ages 4-10 and includes a variety of games, crafts and a movie and snack. 375-7302 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays 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 Edgar Mack Blues Band plays the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

The Jelly Belly Boogie Band plays rock and blues at the Billy Goat Saloon on Highway 160 in Gem Village starting at 8 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

A mix of bands from the Stillwater Foundation plays Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

The Formless plays a free show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County hosts a 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Public Build Day for the homes in Bayfield. No construction experience is necessary. 382-2215 for directions.

Fort Lewis College’s Winter Commencement takes place at 10 a.m. in Whalen Gym.  More than 210 graduates will participate in the ceremony and Dr. Ricky R. Lightfoot, of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, will give the address.

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.

Allison Ragdale Photography takes Pet Photos With Santa at the Main Mall, 835 Main Ave., from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the La Plata County Humane Society. 259-2847 for details.

Knitting for Peace meets from 4-5 p.m. at the Durango Coffee Company, 730 Main Ave. The group is currently knitting afghans from Afghanistan. 560-2750 for details.

Dave Mensch performs solo at Steamworks in Bayfield, 442 Wolverine Dr., from 5-8 p.m. 884-7837 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.

Kirtan, participatory singing from India, returns to the Smiley Building’s Blue Heron Yoga Studio, 1309 E. Third Ave., from 5: 30-7:30 p.m. 259-2110 for details.

Terry Rickard plays an encore show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 6 p.m. 4

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

The Kirk James Blues Band will be playing at La Tazza Bar & Café in Pagosa Springs from 6-9 p.m.

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 DJ dance music from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.

Megaphon, Durango’s newest band, plays acid jazz and fusion at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Wasabi plays classic/psychedelic rock at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. The group was voted best jam/improv band in Denver. 259-9200 for details.

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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. durangofoodnotbombs@gmail.com.

The La Plata Unity Project, Compañeros, and Del Alma host a Kid’s Holiday Party at Sacred Heart Church from 1:30-5 p.m. The event includes piñata, potluck, games and a visit from Santa. 764-0986 for details.

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.

Cra Z Walz, hip hop from New York, plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave. The Likkercats open the show at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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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 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.

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.

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.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts live music from 8 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

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Christmas Eve

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

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

Christmas Day

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays a Christmas show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5 p.m.4

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 until 11 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

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

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.

Larry Carver and Kirk James bring blues to the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 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 Porchlights play bluegrass at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

Sons of the Addicted play a 9:30 p.m. show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 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.

Larry Carver and Nina Sasaki play rock, folk and blues at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Tom MacCluskey performs on piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 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 DJ dance music from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.

DJ Mowgli spins hip hop at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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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. durangofoodnotbombs@gmail.com.

Durango Exopolitics meets at 1 p.m. at Dragonfly’s Book Garden, 929 Hwy 3, Suite A.  gaiatribe.niara@gmail.com for details.

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

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.

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.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts live music from 8 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

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New Year’s Eve

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

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.

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 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.

A DJ spins for New Year’s at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

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

Blue Coyote plays the New Year’s party at the Columbine Bar in downtown Mancos. The event includes a dinner buffet and begins 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.

The Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave., rings in the New Year with live bluegrass beginning at 9 p.m. 259-2545 for details.

Jonezy spins for NYE shenanigans at the Irish Embassy, 900 Main Ave., at 9 p.m. The show is free and costumes are encouraged.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., hosts a New Year’s Eve Bash with The Elizabethan Report and The Good Neighbors beginning at 9 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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

DJ Wreck spins hip-hop/mash-up/dance for New Year’s at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 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.

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.

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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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.

Robert Earl Keen returns to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Jan. 8.

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 Family Center of Durango will offer Tumbling Tots for 14-month to 3-year-old children beginning Jan. 9. 385-4747 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.

Blues artists Colin Lake and Alex Weed play a Jan. 10 at Ska Brewing.

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

The Family Center will offer a Love and Logic parenting class entitled “Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun” from Jan. 22-Feb. 19. 385-4747 for details.

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Durango native brings ‘Sprung’ back to DAC What: An unscripted improv comedy performance Where: The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave.   When: Mon., Dec. 22 at 8:30 p.m.     Native son Ian Hoch returns to Durango from New Orleans this week with some laughs for his hometown. Hoch will present “Sprung: Redux,” an unscripted tour-de-force improv journey through culture and history, on Dec. 22 at the Durango Arts Center. “Sprung Redux” is a follow-up to Hoch’s 2007 Durango performance and features a cast of dozens of characters and settings all suggested by the audience. Hoch plays every character in the show and delights in pitting them against one another in ways a student of history might not expect. A dedicated student of Chicago-style improvisation, Hoch is currently a performer and instructor at La Nuit Comedy Theater, the Gulf South’s only comedy training institution. He got his beginnings in improv performing with the “Raging Six Machine” at Durango High School. “Sprung” has garnered the coveted PG-13 rating, and Hoch will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. A portion of proceeds from the show will benefit the La Plata County Humane Society. Call 259-2606 for tickets.

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Fort Lewis College to graduate 46th class What: Winter Commencement exercises Where: Whalen Gymnasium     When: Sat., Dec. 20 at 10 a.m.     Fort Lewis College sends its 46th baccalaureate class off to the big world this Saturday. Winter Commencement is set for 10 a.m. on Dec. 20 in Whalen Gym. More than 210 graduates will participate in the ceremony, and Dr. Ricky R. Lightfoot, of Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, will give the address. Located in Cortez, Crow Canyon is dedicated to advancing knowledge of the human experience through archaeological research, education programs and collaboration with American Indians. Crow Canyon’s research examines the history of the ancient Pueblo Indians, who inhabited the Mesa Verde region more than 700 years ago. The Center works with contemporary American Indians as students, advisors and scholars, and draws a wide variety of visitors. Fort Lewis College enjoys a very successful partnership as Crow Canyon gives FLC students the valuable opportunity to work at the Center as interns. Lightfoot began his tenure as president and CEO of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in 1998 and today is responsible for overseeing the long term mission and vision of the Center.

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State Street Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’ What: A traditional performance of the Tchaikovsky opera Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College   When: Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 2 & 7 p.m.; and Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.   The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College stages the quintessential holiday performance this week. The acclaimed State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara brings “The Nutcracker” back to Durango for two matinee and two evening performances. State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara was founded in 1994 and is known for its innovative choreography and unique style. The company has toured throughout the United States, as well as internationally in Taiwan and China. Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson holds true to the original classical ballet with a traditional “Nutcracker” set in Victorian times. This year’s performance includes new sets from Russia and completely new costumes. In addition to the traveling company, 49 Durango dancers, ages 5-13, will perform. Tickets are available on the web at www.durangoconcerts.com, by phone at 247-7657, or in person at the Downtown Ticket Office located behind Magpies.

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