Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

Cinco de Mayo celebration makes its return
Paddling film festival plays the Abbey
FLC hosts preview of Ken Burns film

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

Durango’s weekly Critical Mass ride leaves Buckley Park, located at the corner of 12^th St. and Main, at 5 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

Durango Motorless Transit hosts a group trail run on Sale Barn to South Rim. Interested runners should meet at the Dietz Market trailhead at 6 p.m. 946-5557 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.

Singer-songwriter Annie Brooks performs from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Common Sense Internet Cafe at 1480 E. Second Ave.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, plays at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

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

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., hosts Disco Djs beginning at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

The Big Spank, a band from Albuquerque, and local group Oatie Paste play a double bill for Pint Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., beginning at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s urban reforestation project kicks off at noon at the LPEA Southside Substation, on the corner of Second St. and Fourth Ave. More than 2,500 trees will be planted in Durango as a result of the collaborative effort. 422-4585 for details.

Durango Coffee Co. hosts its first public Tea Tasting from 4-5 p.m. Space is limited for the free event. 259-2059 to register.

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.

Recent Oprah guest Ellie Drake, who was featured for raising funds for Hurricane Katrina families, speaks at the La Plata Boys and Girls Club at 5 p.m. Drake is currently on a nationwide mission to raise funds for Boys and Girls Clubs.

Greg Ryder plays an encore show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers a Wilderness First Aid class from 6-10 p.m. The class continues all day on Saturday and Sunday. 259-5383 to pre-register.

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

The Animas Music Festival presents “Peace Pieces” at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave. Cyprian Consiglio, John Pennington, Rick Modlin, Dana Winograd, Scott Hagler and the St. Mark’s choir will perform songs related to peace. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

The Center of Light Dolores screens “The Kite Runner” at

7 p.m. for its Conscious Movie Night  882-4920 for details.

Tumblin’ Dice plays rock at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

GPS plays rock ‘n roll at the Billy Goat Saloon on Highway 160 in Gem Village, starting at 8 p.m. Call 884-9155 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents a DJ spinning starting at 9 p.m. for late night happy hour. 259-9018 for details.

Strange New Shoes, Soda Jerks and The Freeman Social play a triple-bill of rock at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Optimus Prime spins a dance club mix at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., beginning at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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The 2008 Durango Open Karate Tournament takes place at Escalante Middle School. Events will include white belt through black belt divisions and registration starts at 8:30 a.m. 385-4064 for details.

San Juan Mountains Association hosts a field ecology seminar in Sand Canyon from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Larry Eads will lead the group in an exploration of the landscape, plants, animals, and their interactions and adaptations. 759-1170 to register.

Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County hosts a landscaping party at 9 a.m. at the 1470 Florida Rd. Habitat homes. Volunteers will received lunch. 382-2215 to register.

Ellie Drake speaks at the DoubleTree Hotel at 9 a.m. Drake is currently on a nationwide mission to raise funds for Boys and Girls Clubs.

Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center, located near Pagosa Springs, hosts Saturday Morning Meditation from 10 a.m.-noon. Drop-ins welcome. 731-3711 for details.

The Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet takes place at the Fort Lewis College Ballroom. Doors open at 5 p.m., and there will be live and silent auctions and multiple raffles. Proceeds benefit the local chapter of TU, which is currently to restore the riparian area along Roosa Avenue. 385-8248 for details.

Greg Ryder closes out three nights at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

The monthly Contra Dance meets at the 4

American Legion Hall, 878 E. Second Ave., with a 6 p.m. community potluck, beginning instruction at 7 p.m. and the Contra Dance at 7:30 p.m. Durango’s Kitchen Jam Band will perform. 385-9292 for details.

Guiseppe’s Restaurant, 871 CR 501 in Bayfield, hosts open mic with Handsome Dan from 6-8 p.m. 884-7135 for details.

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

TheSea & The Rhythm play original acoustic, indie pop and covers at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, from 7-9 p.m.

Tierra Madre Herbs, Montezuma Climate Action Network and Southwest Colorado Organic Growers Club screen “King Corn” at 7 p.m. at Empire Electric’s Calvin Denton Room in Cortez. Donations are encouraged.

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 starting at 9 p.m. for late night happy hour. 259-9018 for details.

Juana La Capilla brings its Latin, salsa and calypso back to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Spark Maddden and DJ Mowgli spin a club mix in a benefit for Ryan Matney at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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The sixth annual South Rim Duathlon kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Sale Barn Trailhead. The race includes a trail run and mountain bike leg, and three course lengths are available. Racers can register at the Durango Recreation Center prior to May 3 at noon. 375-7306 for details.

Durango BMX hosts races from 1-2 p.m. at the track just south of Gateway Park. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com for details.

Local illustrator Cindy Coleman signs copies of Mommy, Do You Love Me? at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. from 3-4 p.m. The four-color children’s book was written by Teres Lambert. 247-1438 for details.

Carver Brewing Co.,1022 Main Ave., hosts alternative, rock, funk and punk from Strange New Shoes from 3-6 p.m. The show is free and open to all ages. 259-2545 for details.

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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The Sexual Assault Services Organization offers free training for volunteers to help survivors heal, prevent child abuse, and inspire youth to intervene in potentially unsafe situations.  259-3074 to register.

Robin Davis plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

The Sea & The Rhythm plays original acoustic, indie pop at the Common Sense Cafe, 1480 E. Second Ave., from 6:30-8 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays acoustic at 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.

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

Trails 2000 hosts trail work on the Big Canyon Trail from 4-7 p.m. Volunteers are needed for bench-cutting, installing drainages, armoring and brush cutting. www.trails2000.org for details.

Durango BMX hosts practices from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the track just south of Gateway Park. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com for details.

Ultimate Frisbee takes place at Miller Middle School at 5:30 p.m. and is open to all comers.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

The Hermosa Creek Workgroup, organized through the River Protection Group, meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. Hermosa Creek, the watershed map, “Water 101,” and concerns and opportunities will be discussed. 259-3583 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.

The Sea & The Rhythm, Annie Brooks and James Else play original songs of the folk persuasion at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., from 7-9 p.m.

Tim Sullivan plays acoustic at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

The Columbine Bar, located on Grand Ave. in Mancos, hosts its Tuesday Night Jam beginning at 8 p.m. The session is open to all musicians.

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.

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Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., offers free coffee tasting courses from noon-1 p.m. 259-2059 for details.

Greg Ryder plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

An openbluegrass jam meets from 6-8 p.m. at the Durango Brewing Co., 3000 Main Ave. The circle gathers every Wednesday. 247-1264 for details. 4

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers a Standard First Aid class from 6-10 p.m. The class continues all day on Saturday and Sunday. 259-5383 to pre-register.

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

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

A free class on Mysticism & Meditation meets from 7-8 p.m. at Chiropractic Durango, 555 Rivergate Lane, Suite B1-108. The ongoing class is hosted by the Center of Light. 882-4920 for details.

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

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at Joel’s,119 W. 8th St., at 8 p.m. 385-0430 for details.

Local rock band, The Good Neighbors, play the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College exhibits “100 Contemporary Works by Native Artists from the Hensler Collection.” The Bill and Sue Hensler collection of contemporary Native American art includes a diverse group of artists from a variety of tribes. The collection in its entirety includes more than 200 items, including pottery, paintings and sculpture, directly acquired from the artists themselves. The Old Spanish Trail and Selections of the Jewelry of Ben Nighthorse also continue to exhibit. 247-7456 for details.  

Pure Soul Coffee, 40 Town Plaza, hosts an exhibit of new oil paintings by Bob Zahner. The show is on display through the end of April and features landscapes and nature paintings. 382-8355 for details.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., host the exhibit “Eskimo Artifacts from Arctic Alaska.” This show features clothing, masks, hunting and fishing tools, dolls, toys, fetishes and other items. The museum is also hosting “Boots & Saddles: Historic Foot Gear and Horse Gear from Southwestern Colorado.” 259-2402 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 Referral Matrix meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Wells Group. The BNI Referral Market meets from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Prudential. BNI Business Connections meets every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Durango Rec. Center. 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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The Center of Southwest Studies invites artists to submit work for “Connections: Earth + Artist - A Tribute Art Show in Resistance to Desert Rock.” The deadline is May 9. 382-6982 for details.

The Gallery Walk returns to downtown Durango on May 9.

The Dance Center will present “All You Need is Love,” a dance tribute to the music of The Beatles, on May 9 &10 at the Smiley Theatre.

Dance in the Rockies presents “The 2^nd Annual Rockette Showcase” on May 9 and “Durango Dance” on May 10. Both shows are at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College hosts an Old Spanish Trail conference on May 10.

The inaugural Window of Opportunity event, a celebration of community featuring workshops, readers, body workers and more, will be held on May 11 at the Vista Clubhouse in Pagosa Springs.

The Southwest Christian Writers Association will hosts its 29th Annual Conference, “Write for His Glory: From Start to Print,” on May 16 & 17 at Hesperus Baptist Camp and Conference Center.

Trails 2000 will bring the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew to Durango on May 17-19. www.trails2000.org for details.

The 9th annual $20,500 nonprofit Money Booth returns to the Sky Ute Casino on May 20. Fifteen area nonprofits will benefit.

Durango Community Access Television will be offering a Television and Video Production workshop on May 20. www.dcat.tv for details.

Maria’s Bookshop will host a May 22 booksigning with author Rita Marie Robinson.

Poet Jeannie Zandi will address a public “satsang” in Durango on May 23.

The 31st Annual Animas Surgical Hospital Narrow Gauge Races, featuring 10-mile and 5K runs, return on May 25. www.active.com to register.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of La Plata County returns on June 20-21. The theme of this year’s event is “There’s No Place Like HOPE!”

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Cinco de Mayo celebration makes its return What: The 14th annual local celebration of Latino culture Where: Santa Rita Park and the Smiley Theatre When: Sat., May 3, beginning at 11 a.m. For the 14th year, Durango will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta at Santa Rita Park this Saturday. The celebration runs May 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be crammed with events and entertainers. “The celebration is for the recognition of the Latino culture and youth and historically to commemorate the prideful victory by the Mexican troops against a French army in the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla in Mexico,” said event coordinator DeeDee de Haro-Brown. The family affair will be complete with ongoing music and dancing by performers including Ballet Folklorico de Durango, Conjunto Kaskabel, Juana La Capilla and Nosotros. Other highlights include arts and crafts booths, food booths, piñatas, face painting, children’s activities and games, a silent auction, and jalapeño- and watermelon-eating contests. The event draws to a close with Nosotros playing a gran baile at 6:30 p.m. at the Smiley Theatre, 1309 E. Third Ave. As always, Del Alma (Durango Educational Alliance for Multi-Cultural Achievement) sponsors the event. For more information, call 382-9693.

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Paddling film festival plays the Abbey What: A benefit screening of the 2008 National Paddling Film Festival Best of Show Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College When: Wed., May 7, at 8:30 p.m. Some of the best in paddlesports goes on screen at the Abbey Theatre this week. The 2008 National Paddling Film Festival Best of Show comes to Durango on May 7 at 8:30 p.m. and benefits two worthy causes. For 25 years, the film festival, along with American Whitewater, has raised thousands of dollars for river conservation efforts. The festival continues to be the best and most recognized film competition supporting river conservation in the world. The films cover action, humor, documentary and environmental categories. Combining silliness, insight, humor, tragedy, drama and passion with fast-paced action, incredible scenery and culture this film festival takes audience members around the globe. This year’s festival features films from LVM, The Range Life, and, as always, top amateur films. Local Durango area filmmakers will also be screening paddling videos at the festival. The festival supports American Whitewater, and additional proceeds will go to the Paxton-Horn Family, who work for 4 Corners Riversports, to help pay for their son Liam’s medical expenses. For more information, contact Dana at 4 Corners at 259-4608.

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FLC hosts preview of Ken Burns film What: Free peak of the coming documentary “The National Parks” Where: The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College When: Sat., May 3 at 7 p.m. Durangoans can get a sneak peak of the soon-to-be released Ken Burns PBS documentary, “The National Parks” this week. The free preview is set for Sat., May 3, at 7 p.m. in the Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum. Following in the tradition of “The Civil War,” “Baseball” and “Jazz,” Ken Burns and Florentine Films have embarked on another major documentary series on the national parks. This new PBS series will tell the remarkable story of these places – from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Great Smoky Mountains and Mesa Verde to the Everglades. The series will not be a travelogue or “nature films” but a documentary history telling the dramatic story full of struggle and stirring adventure and enduring inspiration. It is a human story, filled with unforgettable characters, from prospectors to presidents, and outlaws to artists. The “sneak preview” in Durango will include clips about the creation of Mesa Verde National Park,  including the Wetherill family, Virginia McClurg, the passage of the Antiquities Act, and much more. Dayton Duncan will be on hand to talk about the making of this documentary. For more information, call 529-4465.

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