Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming


Act Too Players present Texas one acts

Arts & Crafts Market begins season
Durango galleries open their doors wide

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, corner of 12^th St. and Main, at 5 p.m.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College hosts the Historic Preservation Awards Celebration at 5 p.m. Retired Mesa Verde Research Archaeologist Larry Nordby gives the lecture “Cliff Dwellings: Archaeology From the Ground Up” during the awards. 247-7456 for details.

The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado holds its monthly board-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Durango City Council Chambers, 949 E. Second Ave. New County Manager Shawn Nau will be the guest, and the public is welcome. www.sustain

ableswcolorado.org for details.

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 the Log Chutes trails. Interested runners should meet at the 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.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at Blondie’s Pub and Grub in Cortez starting at 6 p.m.

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

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

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., offers open turntables beginning at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324.

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Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., starting at 4 p.m.

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.

The Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival kicks off from 4:30-5:30 p.m. with a session at the Cortez Cultural Center.

The festival continues at 8:30 a.m. on May 10. 565-1151 to sign-up.

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave., hosts a 5-9 p.m. trunk show of fine jewelry by Randolph Somers as well as an exhibit of the artist’s sculptures. The shows continue from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 10. 247-9018 for details.

The Dance Center presents “All You Need is Love,” a dance tribute to the music of The Beatles, at the Smiley Theatre, 1309 E. Third Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for live music and refreshments with the show at 6:30 p.m. 259-4122 for details.

Niel Nelson plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver bring their high-altitude blend of blues, rock and folk to La Tazza in Pagosa Springs at 5:30 p.m.

Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School hosts the Hesperus History Night Potluck Dinner from 6 - 7:30 p.m. The stories of families who homesteaded in the area are being archived in the library through the event. 588-3331, ext. 3805 for details.

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

The first-ever Window of Opportunity event kicks off with Nila Newby giving a 6 p.m. keynote on “altering our conversations” at the Vista Clubhouse in Pagosa Springs. The conference continues through Sunday, May 11 and includes speakers and trainings. 731-2313 for details.

Dance in the Rockies presents “The 2^nd annual Rockette Showcase” at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

Jeff Strahan plays red dirt rock at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801.

Cosmic Accident plays rock at the Billy Goat Saloon on Highway 160 in Gem Village, starting at 8 p.m. Call 884-9155.

Kirk James plays solo blues at Virginia’s 4

Steakhouse, located at Vallecito Lake, beginning at 8 p.m.

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.

Bongo Love, an “afro-coustic” band, plays afrobeat and reggae at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The Center of Southwest Studies hosts the “Old Spanish Trail” Conference from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in the Lyceum. The event includes public demonstrations at lunch. 247-7456 to RSVP.

The La Plata Family Centers Coalition hosts the 24th Reunion of Families Helping Families from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Chapman Hill. The free event includes a potluck, BBQ, roller skating, DJ music and a kid’s carnival. 385-4747 for details.

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

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., starting at 4 p.m.

The Dance Center presents “All You Need is Love,” a dance tribute to the music of The Beatles, at the Smiley Theatre, 1309 E. Third Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for live music and refreshments with the show at 6:30 p.m. 259-4122 for details.

Niel Nelson plays an encore show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.strater.com 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.

Dance in the Rockies presents “Durango Dance” at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

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

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 to foster a sense of unity and respect for all spiritual practices. The public is welcome. 533-9040.

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

Kirk James plays solo blues at Virginia’s Steakhouse, located at Vallecito Lake, beginning at 8 p.m.

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.

Local funk-rock band Aftergrass returns to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324.

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Mother’s Day

The 3^rd annual “Town Series” running races kicks off with the Mother’s Day Telegraph 5K/10K in the Horse Gulch trail system. The series also includes the Mountain Park Classic and the Animas Mug Run. Visit the Durango Recreation Center or www.active.com to register by May 11.

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.

DJ I*Gene spins roots reggae music from 3-6 p.m. on the patio at the Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave. 259-2545 for details.

The Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition hosts a Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. Individuals and families are asked to meet at Buckley Park at 3:45 p.m. with the walk leaving at 4 p.m. 385-0291 for details.

Singer-songwriter Joel Racheff performs at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., starting at 7 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. 4

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

Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave, hosts the 6:30 p.m. kick off for Nick Heil’s Dark Summit booksigning tour. The book tells the story of the deadly 2006 Mt. Everest climbing season. 247-1438.  

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

The Durango High School choirs present their final concert of the year at 7 p.m. in the DHS auditorium. The free concert will feature performances by Concert Choir, Colours, and The Musaics. 259-1630, ext. 2101 for details.

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

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

Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., hosts a 6:30 p.m. signing with former Durango resident Lisa Lenard-Cook, who has just published The Mind of Your Story. Lenard-Cook’s first novel, Dissonance, won the Jim Sagel Prize. 247-1438 for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents open mic night from 7 p.m.-midnight. Bands and DJs are welcome. 247-2324.

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.

Trails 2000 seeks volunteers for trail work on the Sale Barn Trail from 4-7 p.m. www.trails2000.org for details.

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

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers an Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED class from 6-10 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

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 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.

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.

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The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., presents an exhibit of elegant color photographs by Bob Winsett in a show titled “Buddha.” The photographs bring out the mystery and intrigue of Buddhas from many Asian countries including India, Myanmar, Bhutan and Thailand and will be on display through May 28. 382-8355 or www.openshuttergallery.com for details.

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 House, 40 Town Plaza, exhibits the mixed-media artworks of Brynn Ronning through the month of May. 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 La Plata County Children, Youth and Family Master Plan will be presented May 15 in the Smiley Building Auditorium. www.childrenyouthandfamily.org.

The Chimney Rock Archeological Area will open for public tours and programs on May 15.

The Durango Photography Club will meet at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on May 15, and the public is welcome.

The La Plata County Humane Society will host its 6^th Annual Adopt-A-Thon on May 16 at the Shelter.

The Jeff Solon Swing’n Big Band will perform for the Red Slipper Dance Party on May 16 at the Henry Strater Theatre.

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.

A first-ever Women’s Cancer & Survivorship Symposium will be held on May 17 at Fort Lewis College.

Climb to Conquer Cancer, a one-day, noncompetitive event to fight the disease, meets on May 17 at Chapman Hill. 247-0278 for details.

Calida Maischoss and the San Juan Mountains Association lead a medicinal and edible plant walk on May 17. 759-9287 to register.

The Animas Museum’s May Fair, an annual day-long event to celebrate local archaeology and historic preservation, is set for May 17.

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.

Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, both double lung transplant recipients, will present their story at a free public event at Mercy Medical Center on May 20.

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 hosts a May 20 booksigning with Dick Dorworth, author of Night Driving: Invention of the Wheel and Other Blues.

The Adaptive Sports Association will host trainings for summer volunteers on May 20 & 21 and June 2 & 4. 259-0374 for details.

The students of Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School will host a peace pole dedication in the Learning Garden on May 22.

Dance for Darfur, a benefit to aid displaced families in Sudan, lands at Carvers on May 22 and features performances by Carute Roma, Sound Advice, Back Porch Swing Band and Sea & the Rhythm.

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 Durango Chamber of Commerce and the City of Durango will host the 5th annual Clean Day downtown cleanup on May 23.

Louise Ireland-Frey will speak about and sign copies of The Blossom of Buddha at the Durango Dharma Center on May 24.

Political reporter Adam Schrager will give a May 27 booksigning at Maria’s Bookshop.

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 Mountain Studies Institute is sponsoring an Air Quality Forum about ozone, visibility, mercury and other air quality issues May 29 at FLC. 247-7071 or www.mountainstudies.org 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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Act Too Players present Texas one acts What: Local performances of “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star” Where: The VFW Hall, 1550 Main Ave. When: May 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.   The Act Too Players are at it again. The local acting troupe keeps coming up with oddball plays that require small casts and fit with the company’s talents. “Laundry and Bourbon” and its companion “Lone Star,” both written in 1981 by James McClure, is just such a pair. Set in Maynard, Texas, this bit of backyard banter between three women and the men they love starts out in ordinary conversation. All too soon, that conversation reveals regrets, mysteries and underlying faults that lead to seismic eruptions. First, Hattie (Lisa Zwisler) drops in on Elizabeth (Dawn Staten) for an afternoon chat with bourbon on the side. As they fold laundry, they reminisce about high school some 10 years back. They call up the girls they used to be and the boys they loved. That’s contrasted with the compromises they’ve made and the women they’ve become. Into this Texas cocktail comes Amy Lee (Ilana Stern), who married up and thrives on displaying her station in life. For the one-act male counterpart, “Lone Star,” Elizabeth’s back porch morphs into a bar. Brothers Roy (Don Doane) and Ray (Roc Simmons) trade old jokes and old wounds with easy familiarity until Cletis (Darrell Mir) enters and ratchets up the tension. He reveals to Ray that’s he’s messed with Roy’s most emblematic possession, a 1959 Thunderbird convertible. McClure’s play supports the notion that cars are more important to men than women. At their best, the players inhabit their characters and fall into the easy rhythms of conversation. A comic tone runs through the middle with a touch of affection for these Americans who are struggling with that old dramatic staple – the transition to adulthood. For more information, call Act Too at 759-5711.

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Arts & Crafts Market begins season What: The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango’s second year Where: Buckley Park in the 1200 block of Main.   When: Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.   The region’s only weekly arts & crafts market kicks off season this Saturday. The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango Inc. meets in its new location Saturday at Buckley Park and will run practically every Saturday through September. “Our first year was so well received by local artists and art lovers alike, that we decided to keep it going into a second year,” says Rene Caro, the event’s coordinator. “Our stay at Albertsons was great, but greener pastures await us at Buckley Park. Artists are excited about the prospect of being set up on nice green lawn surrounded by beautiful trees. There really is a sense of excitement about the new location.” As before, the market will accept only local art by local artists, but “local” has been extended to include the greater Four Corners. In addition, many artists who weren’t able to participate in the first year will now be selling at the market, which means more selection for art lovers. New for 2008 is a “Charity of the Month” feature, with 5 percent of all sales going to a different charity each month. Market goers will also be able to enjoy more than artistic creations with food, coffee, soft drinks and live dance and music on this and every Saturday. More information on the market can be found at www.acmdurango.org or by calling 247-9242.

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Durango galleries open their doors wide What: The annual Spring Gallery Walk Where: Downtown Durango   When: Fri., May 9, from 5-9 p.m.   Durango’s galleries are taking over downtown this Friday. The Spring Gallery Walk returns on May 9 with exhibitions, openings and receptions at many local venues. Each fall and spring, The Durango Gallery Association, an organization dedicated to the promotion of local fine arts and downtown galleries, provides a chance for art lovers to spend the night strolling in and out of the many receptions that coincide with the event. Gallery-goers will have ground to cover this spring with more than 12 galleries participating. This spring’s walk will, as always, include appetizers, beverages and entertainment at each of the galleries. Walkers can obtain a free “passport” at any of the participating venues. Throughout the next week, participants will have the opportunity to complete the walk, validating their passports with stamps from each gallery. Completed passports will be entered in a drawing for a $300 gift certificate valid at any of the galleries. Among the highpoints of this year’s walk will be an artist’s reception for outsider artist Shay Lopez at Maria’s Bookshop. Lopez is a self-taught painter native to the Southwest, and his colorful oils and acrylics depict the patterns of nature with vibrancy and motion. Ellis West Gallery will be celebrating its 10th anniversary at Gallery Walk with an all-local artist show. Sorrel Sky Gallery will feature work by artist Doug Magnus, and all participants will be pulling out the stops for the event. For more information, contact the Durango Arts Center at 259-2606.

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