Ear to the ground

“Even sledding hills in Durango were at risk of avalanches after a powerful storm hit Siuthwestern Colorado on Monday.”

-The bizarre and confused sound bite that went out over the national airwaves following last week’s storm

Silver screen suds

Just as Durango polishes off the final few drops of Dragon Ass, another special offering is coming on tap. Next week, Ska Brewing releases its 3rd annual DIFF Belgian Wit Beer in support of the 2008 Durango Independent Film Festival, which opens Feb. 27. Ska, will host a release party in the tasting room on Wed., Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m.

“The Durango Independent Film Festival is an intimate and unique film festival that celebrates innovative and diverse films. Ska shares that same mission with its beers,” said Dave Thibodeau of Ska. “We couldn’t hope for a better partnership, and no better way to solidify it than with such a unique beer.”

DIFF Beer is inspired by Ska Head Brewer Jeff Ogden’s 1999 Great American Beer Festival Medal winning “Cloud Nine” brew. The DIFF is an unfiltered Belgian Wit Beer with a touch of the Orient for good measure. Most of the flavor comes from an authentic Belgian yeast strain, but there is also added Pilsen malts and raw wheat and oats that help to give it a cloudy, hazy effect. It is also spiced with orange peel, coriander seed and oriental lemongrass. DIFF is a limited, single-batch release and will be available only in Durango area liquor stores and the Ska Brewing tasting room.

The release party will feature music from Durango’s own Gigi Love, and there will also be specials on limited DIFF pint glasses with proceeds going to the festival. Ska Brewing’s tasting room is located at 545 Turner Dr, in Bodo Park.

The art of denim

Local artists can put their “fat” or “skinny jeans” toward a good cause in coming weeks. Amateur and professional artists are being asked to create artwork using jeans as their canvas for an exhibition taking place during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which runs from Feb. 24-March 1 in Durango.

The theme of the exhibition is “Be Comfortable in Your Genes,” and it calls on women of all sizes and shapes to be comfortable in their genes and jeans. Artists can use paint, markers, sequins or any other materials to make a statement about positive body image. These works of art will be displayed at various merchants throughout Durango during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Artists are asked to drop off completed jean art by Feb. 15 at the Women’s Resource Center, 679 E. Second Ave., Unit 6. For more information, call 799-0116.