Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

La Plata County Solar Tour takes off Saturday
Fort Lewis Theatre presents the (M)other Tour
Vast Aire plays Abbey Theatre encore show
Durango Cowboy Gathering celebrates two decades

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

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts Kindred Spirit Art classes from 9:30-11:30 a.m. A Kindred Spirit Outreach Class also meets in the West Building from 1-3 p.m. Materials are supplied and the classes are open to everyone. 759-5246 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers after-school hours at the Paint Bar from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

Fashion Week Durango continues with The Metaphysical Make Over, a free lecture on properties of gem stones, at 5 p.m. at Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave. A Knit Wear Consignment Sale meets at 5:30 p.m. at Yarn, 755 E. Second Ave. A portion of proceeds go to Yes Ma’am. A “Creating Your Power Piece” lecture takes place at 6 p.m. at Beads & Beyond. www.fashionweekdurango.com for details.

Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave., hosts a free maintenance clinic from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Care and cleaning of your bike, lubing the chain, and how to fix a flat will be covered. 247-4066 to reserve a space.

The Grassroots Visioning Project sponsors a 5: 45-8 p.m. neutral forum on the Twin Buttes development in the Pine Room of the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Attendees will hear the range of issues and concerns, pros and cons and then sit down together and learn about some alternative proposals. Email bliss.bruen@gmail.com for details.

Durango Motorless Transit hosts a group trail run on the Log Chutes Trail. Interested runners should meet at the   trailhead at 6 p.m. 946-5557 for details.

Tim Telep and Dave Foster perform from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Common Sense Café, 1480 E. Second Ave. 259-9106 for details.

The Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues at

Fort Lewis College with “Musically Speaking: Where Giants Dare to Tread,” a talk by Arthur Post, artistic director and conductor of the San Juan Symphony, at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. 247-7401 for details.

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

Local historian Duane Smith presents a free program, “Durango & Baseball’s Greatest Season,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave. 259-2402 for details.

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.

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 roots reggae from General Smiley at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Spark Madden and Fat Pea spin their final show at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave. Benjamin K opens at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Fashion Week Durango continues with “Basic Bling,” a basic beeding demo, at 11 a.m. at Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave. The “Breast Show in Town” Fashion Show takes place at 4:30 p.m. at the Common Sense Café, 1480 E. Second Ave. Another “Basic Bling” workshop meets at 6 p.m. at Beads & Beyond. www.fashionweekdurango.com for details.

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado hosts an 11:30-1 p.m. bipartisan community education event at the Durango Recreation Center. The free event addresses the ballot initiatives that will affect women and girls in La Plata County. rsvpevent@wfco.org 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 for details.

Singer-songwriter David Earl Pfeiffer plays swing and blues from 5-9 p.m. at the Quaking Aspen Cafe and Gallery in Bayfield. 884-2002.

The One Wheel is Better Unicycle Club meets at 6 p.m. on the Animas River Trail near the BMX track. 769-1244 for details.

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

Durango Scottish Dancers

offers Scottish Country Dance Classes from 6:30-8 p.m. in the upstairs studio at the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. The classes continue on Fridays through May. 382-9593 for details.

The Mangold-Sokol Trio, featuring Kasia Sokol, violin, Bonnie Mangold, cello, and Marilyn Mangold Garst, plays the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 419 San Juan Dr., at 7 p.m. The concert is the first in the 2008-09 Recital Series. 385-8668 for details.

Legendary performer Booker T. Jones takes the stage at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, at 7:30 p.m. Jones is now touring with a new band. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

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

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

The Mojo Farmers bring their rock/jam back to the Summit, 600 Main Ave. 247-2324 for details.

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The Durango Farmers Market meets from 8 a.m.-noon at First National Bank of Durango, 259 W. 9^th St. The event includes produce from local farmers, prepared food items and locally made crafts. Food stamps accepted.

The 14th annual Journey of Hope 5K Family Run/Walk, which honors women and families touched by breast cancer, returns to the Fort Lewis College Rim. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; walkers start at 9 a.m.; and runners take off at 9:15 a.m. Proceeds from the event go into the Journey of Hope Fund, administered by the Mercy Health Foundation. 247-3108 for details.

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers an Adult, Child & Infant CPR/AED and Standard First Aid class from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

A 5K Trail Running Race takes off on the Montezuma County Fairgrounds Duck and Cover Trail at 8 a.m. The free event is open to all runners. 739-3579 for details.

Durango’s Foundation for Protection of Animals and Four Corners Equine Rescue will host an Emergency Animal Sheltering workshop from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at McGee Park in Farmington. The class continues all day on Oct. 5. www.fourcornersequinerescue.org for details.

Fashion Week Durango continues with Pilates Posture in Motion, at 9 a.m. at the Pilates Connection,  A Downtown Market Place, featuring wares from local boutiques, meets from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the 1st National Bank parking lot. Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave., offers workshops at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. The Main Fashion Event: The Designer Showcase meets from 7-8 p.m. at the Main Ave. Mall.  www.fashionweekdurango.com for details.

The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango meets at 4

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts Kindred Spirit Art classes from 9:30-11:30 a.m. A Kindred Spirit Outreach Class also meets in the West Building from 1-3 p.m. Materials are supplied and the classes are open to everyone. 759-5246 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers after-school hours at the Paint Bar from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

Fashion Week Durango continues with The Metaphysical Make Over, a free lecture on properties of gem stones, at 5 p.m. at Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave. A Knit Wear Consignment Sale meets at 5:30 p.m. at Yarn, 755 E. Second Ave. A portion of proceeds go to Yes Ma’am. A “Creating Your Power Piece” lecture takes place at 6 p.m. at Beads & Beyond. www.fashionweekdurango.com for details.

Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave., hosts a free maintenance clinic from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Care and cleaning of your bike, lubing the chain, and how to fix a flat will be covered. 247-4066 to reserve a space.

The Grassroots Visioning Project sponsors a 5: 45-8 p.m. neutral forum on the Twin Buttes development in the Pine Room of the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Attendees will hear the range of issues and concerns, pros and cons and then sit down together and learn about some alternative proposals. Email bliss.bruen@gmail.com for details.

Durango Motorless Transit hosts a group trail run on the Log Chutes Trail. Interested runners should meet at the   trailhead at 6 p.m. 946-5557 for details.

Tim Telep and Dave Foster perform from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Common Sense Café, 1480 E. Second Ave. 259-9106 for details.

The Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues at Fort Lewis College with “Musically Speaking: Where Giants Dare to Tread,” a talk by Arthur Post, artistic director and conductor of the San Juan Symphony, at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall. 247-7401 for details.

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

Local historian Duane Smith presents a free program, “Durango & Baseball’s Greatest Season,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave. 259-2402 for details.

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.

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 roots reggae from General Smiley at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Spark Madden and Fat Pea spin their final show at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave. Benjamin K opens at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Fashion Week Durango continues with “Basic Bling,” a basic beeding demo, at 11 a.m. at Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave. The “Breast Show in Town” Fashion Show takes place at 4:30 p.m. at the Common Sense Café, 1480 E. Second Ave. Another “Basic Bling” workshop meets at 6 p.m. at Beads & Beyond. www.fashionweekdurango.com for details.

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado hosts an 11:30-1 p.m. bipartisan community education event at the Durango Recreation Center. The free event addresses the ballot initiatives that will affect women and girls in La Plata County. rsvpevent@wfco.org 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 for details.

Singer-songwriter David Earl Pfeiffer plays swing and blues from 5-9 p.m. at the Quaking Aspen Cafe and Gallery in Bayfield. 884-2002.

The One Wheel is Better Unicycle Club meets at 6 p.m. on the Animas River Trail near the BMX track. 769-1244 for details.

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

Durango Scottish Dancers offers Scottish Country Dance Classes from 6:30-8 p.m. in the upstairs studio at the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. The classes continue on Fridays through May. 382-9593 for details.

The Mangold-Sokol Trio, featuring Kasia Sokol, violin, Bonnie Mangold, cello, and Marilyn Mangold Garst, plays the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 419 San Juan Dr., at 7 p.m. The concert is the first in the 2008-09 Recital Series. 385-8668 for details.

Legendary performer Booker T. Jones takes the stage at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, at 7:30 p.m. Jones is now touring with a new band. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

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

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

The Mojo Farmers bring their rock/jam back to the Summit, 600 Main Ave. 247-2324 for details.

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The Durango Farmers Market meets from 8 a.m.-noon at First National Bank of Durango, 259 W. 9^th St. The event includes produce from local farmers, prepared food items and locally made crafts. Food stamps accepted.

The 14th annual Journey of Hope 5K Family Run/Walk, which honors women and families touched by breast cancer, returns to the Fort Lewis College Rim. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; walkers start at 9 a.m.; and runners take off at 9:15 a.m. Proceeds from the event go into the Journey of Hope Fund, administered by the Mercy Health Foundation. 247-3108 for details.

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers an Adult, Child & Infant CPR/AED and Standard First Aid class from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

A 5K Trail Running Race takes off on the Montezuma County Fairgrounds Duck and Cover Trail at 8 a.m. The free event is open to all runners. 739-3579 for details.

Durango’s Foundation for Protection of Animals and Four Corners Equine Rescue will host an Emergency Animal Sheltering workshop from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at McGee Park in Farmington. The class continues all day on Oct. 5. www.fourcornersequinerescue.org for details.

Fashion Week Durango continues with Pilates Posture in Motion, at 9 a.m. at the Pilates Connection,  A Downtown Market Place, featuring wares from local boutiques, meets from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the 1st National Bank parking lot. Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave., offers workshops at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. The Main Fashion Event: The Designer Showcase meets from 7-8 p.m. at the Main Ave. Mall.  www.fashionweekdurango.com for details.

The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango meets at 4

Buckley Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.acmdurango.org for details.

Habitat for Humanity presents a “Can Smash” at 9 a.m. in the Pine River Valley Bank parking lot in Bayfield. Volunteers must register in advance. 382-2215 for details.

The Durango Arts Center Paint Bar, 802 E. Second Ave., is open from noon-4 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

The Durango Discovery Museum at the Powerhouse, 1333 Camino del Rio, offers Powerhouse Playdays from noon-3 p.m., featuring free electric shows, tours, music, food and pedal-powered Wi-Fi.

A Dolores Clean Up Project meets at the Sophia Lodge, located on County Road 31, from noon-2 p.m. 617-504-5368 for details.

The Victorian Aid Society presents “Dusty Ruts and Wagon Trails,” a historical reenactment, at 2 p.m. at the Greenmount Cemetery.  259-2402 for details.

The Florida Mesa Harvest Festival meets from 2-6 p.m. at Florida Mesa Elementary School. The carnival is open to the community and will feature games, prizes, snacks and more. 247-4250 for details.

Durango Contra Dance hosts a 3 p.m. English Country Dance workshop, 6 p.m. potluck dinner and 7 p.m. Contra Dance at the American Legion, 878 E. Second Ave. The Karina Wilson and Friends Band, from Santa Fe, will perform. 385-9292 for details.

Kirk James plays solo blues at Steamworks in Bayfield, 442 Wolverine Dr., from 5-8 p.m. 884-7837 for details.

Singer-songwriter David Earl Pfeiffer plays swing and blues from 5-9 p.m. at the Quaking Aspen Cafe

and Gallery in Bayfield. 884-2002 for details.

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

VFW Post 4031, located at 1550 Main Ave., hosts an Oktoberfest celebration at 6 p.m. The event includes food and dancing to Alte Kameraden and benefits the Post Accessibility Project.

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.

Formula 151 performs at Legends, formerly the Ball Park in Bodo Park, starting at 8 p.m. 

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents dancing on the patio from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.

DJ Fat P & Jonezy spin at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Fashion Week Durango continues with The Morning After, Retail Therapy, an event featuring the fashions from the runway show, from 10 a.m-2 p.m. at Kitty Kitty Boom Boom, 801½ Main Ave.  Fashion Week Durango draws to a close with The Runway Necklace, a 6-8 p.m. talk at Beads & Beyond, 840 Main Ave. www.fashionweekdurango.com for details.

The Durango chapter of Food Not Bombs serves free vegetarian/vegan food starting at 1 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.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play at JJ’s in Pagosa Springs at 6 p.m.

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.

The Brian Jordan Trio, of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe fame, plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The League of Women Voters of La Plata County holds a candidates’ forum for the local county commissioner and district attorney races from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Durango City Council Chambers, 949 E. Second Ave. A forum is also scheduled for Oct. 14 in Ignacio. www.lwvlaplata.org for details.

A nonviolent communication workshop, ”Basic Nonviolent Communication,” meets at Trimble Hot Springs at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Mercy Regional Medical Center. 764-2340 to register.

The Center of Light presents a free workshop, “Creating Your Life Using the Laws of the Universe,” at 7 p.m. downstairs at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave. The gathering meets every Monday. 882-4920 for details.

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.

The Durango Arts Center’s Paint Bar, 802 E. Second Ave., offers Supermud, clay for kids. Ages 4-7 meet from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 8-12 meet from 4:40-5:40 p.m. The Paint Bar also offers after-school hours from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 259-2606.

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.

A nonviolent communication workshop, ”NVC as Spiritual Practice,” meets at Trimble Hot Springs at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Mercy Medical Center. 764-2340 to register.

J. David Barron reads from and signs copies of Fairway to Heaven at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The book considers family triumphs and tragedies through the lens of golf. 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 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.

The Billy Goat Saloon, located on Highway 160 in Gem Village, hosts karaoke with Crazy Charlie starting at 7:30 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts live rock from 9:30-11 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

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The Fort Lewis College Small Business Development Center offers a Starting Your Business workshop from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Sunlight Room at the Durango Recreation Center. 247-7009 to register. 4

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers pre-school paint hours at the Paint Bar from 11 a.m.-noon. 259-2606 for details.

The Green Business Roundtable returns to the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., at noon. Jim Ketter from the Tierra Group will provide an over view of the US DOE’s Solar Decathlon competition. 259-3583 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.

The Purgatory Ski Team, which will offer racing and freestyle skiing programs for kids ages 8-18, hosts its orientation meeting at 6 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. The meeting will detail programs, tuition and scholarship information and training schedules. www.purgatoryskiteam.org for details.

The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, screens “Hand Cut,” a ski film where backcountry powder and ski mountaineering meet old-timer wisdom, at 6 p.m. The film features sequences from the San Juans, Alaska and British Columbia. 385-1711 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 Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers a Standard First Aid class from 6-10 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

A nonviolent communication workshop, “Mediation with NVC,” meets at Trimble Hot Springs at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Mercy Regional Medical Center. 764-2340 to register.

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

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

The Center of Light presents a Mystical Book Club meeting at 7 p.m. downstairs at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave. The first book is Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. The club meets every Wednesday. 882-4920 for details.

The Capital Steps bring their political satire back to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College at 7:30 p.m. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

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 DJs spinning dance music on the patio from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

Blvd & Souleye play hip-hop and funk at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, 680 Main Ave., hosts the exhibit “Heritage of the Land,” featuring paintings of the area by Eileen Fjerstad, Caroline Reeves Johnson, and Karyn Gabaldon. The show runs through Oct. 30 with an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 10. 247-9018 for details.

The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery presents the David Hunt Annual Ceramics Invitational, featuring work by FLC and area artists, through Oct. 21. Featured artist, FLC graduate Adam Field, is currently apprenticing with 6^th generation master Onggi potter Kim Il-Mahn of Yeojoo, South Korea. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave., exhibits “Spirit of the West” in celebration of the upcoming Cowboy Gathering. This show is a collection of Western images in both black and white and color by Jay Dusard, Tony Stromberg, Shane Knight and Claude Steelman. It runs through Oct. 29. 382-8355 or www.openshuttergallery.com for details.

The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum hosts a living, cultural treasures exhibit. Ten Ute women and the baskets they weave are the focus of the show, which features 40 pieces accompanied by video of the White Mesa, Utah artisans. www.southernutemuseum.org for details.

Pure Soul Coffee House, 40 Town Plaza, displays paintings by Elizabeth Kinahan through Nov. 15. 259-5499 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College exhibits “Transitions,” a Navajo textile show, “100 Contemporary Works” by native artists from the Hensler Collection, and selections of the jewelry of Ben Nighthorse. Visit http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7456 for more information.

Ragtime pianist Terry Hartzel plays at The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. and 8 to 10:30 p.m. every day except Sunday.

The nature photography of Durangoan Howard Rachlin is on display through August at the Ignacio Community Library. 375-7877 for details.

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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The San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging will host an Oct. 9 board of directors election at the Durango-La Plata Senior Center.

The Durango Independent Film Festival will screen the bike films, “Klunkerz” and “Mallethead,” on Oct. 11 at the Smiley Theater.

Four Corners Equine Rescue will host an Oct. 11 open house, featuring demonstrations, a tack sale, tours and more. 505-334-7220 for details.

The inaugural Tour of Durango, a noncompetitive tour of Durango’s world class singletrack trail systems, takes off on Oct. 12. www.tourofdurango.com for details.

The Voodoo Organist returns to the Summit on Oct. 12.

Noelle Oxenhandler will be reading from and signing copies of The Wishing Year on Oct. 14 at Maria’s Bookshop.

Healthy Lifestyle La Plata presents the 3^rd annual Worksite Wellness Conference, featuring keynote speaker Izzy Gissell, on Oct. 17.

A free, 12-class “Family to Family” course for family members and caregivers of people with mental illness begins on Oct. 11. 247-3072 for details.

Medicine Horse will host its 8^th Annual MusicFest on Oct. 25 in the Mancos Opera House. 533-7403 for details.

The 12th annual AIDS benefit is set for Nov. 8 at the Durango Arts Center.

The Colorado State University’s Master Gardener program in La Plata County is accepting applications through Nov. 14. Classes start Feb. 5 and meet all day on Thursdays. 382-6465 for details.

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La Plata County Solar Tour takes off Saturday What: A showcase of energy efficient homes and businesses Where: All over La Plata County When: Sat., Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Renewable energy and energy efficiency come into focus this Saturday. The 9th Annual La Plata County Solar Tour will showcase homes and businesses offering a variety of choices for energy-efficient living, including passive solar, active solar hot water, and PV applications. This year, participants can choose the guided bike tour of Durango properties or take a self-guided vehicle tour of properties in La Plata County. Bicyclists will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Durango Farmers Market. The self-guided vehicle tour can be started at any property after 9 a.m. A special educational presentation will precede the tour on Oct. 3.  La Plata Electric Association will discuss their Green Power Program and local solar Incentives programs at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall at Fort Lewis College. A Q&A will follow the program. Every October, the American Solar Energy Society sponsors the National Solar Tour so consumers can see for themselves how solar energy can be affordable, comfortable, and practical in all kinds of climates. Local volunteers have been sponsoring the La Plata County Solar Tour for the past eight years. Visitors to the sites can see for themselves how solar is already providing comfortable and efficient power all over La Plata County. Printed guides will be available for $5 at the presentation and the Farmers Market. For more information contact 588-3641.

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Fort Lewis Theatre presents the (M)other Tour What: A free performance centered on creating a global community of mothers Where: Roshong Recital Hall   When: Sat., Oct. 4 at 7:30 a.m.   Mothers go into the spotlight at Fort Lewis College this weekend. FLC Theatre, in partnership with Mothers Acting Up and Philanthropiece, hosts the (M)other Tour, a free performance on Oct. 4. The (M)other Tour is a joint program to create a global community of mothers moving from concern to action on behalf of the world’s children. The centerpiece of the (M)other Tour is a one-woman show that empowers mothers to use their voices, passions and creativity to ensure the health, education and safety of every child on earth. The performance explores what it might take for the mothers of one country to authentically care about the mothers and children of another country. The show’s opening describes a fictional program called “Baby Swapping,” created by the United Nations to generate concern for the world’s children. What follows is an intimate look at one of these mother’s experience and her eventual realization of her interconnectedness with these other mothers, their children and their nations. The show wraps up with the statement, “I think the hardest part about going back to my old life will be facing the part of me that believed you were ‘other.’ Everything has changed. Before I had asked, ‘Why me? Why now?’ Now I ask, ‘If not me, who? If not now, when?’” The performance goes on at 7:30 p.m. and while it is free, attendees are encouraged to call 247-7089 to reserve a seat.

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Vast Aire plays Abbey Theatre encore show What: An all ages show from the noted hip hop artist Where: The Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College   When: Fri., Oct. 3 at 10 p.m. An all-ages encore show goes on stage at the Abbey Theatre this Friday. Hip hop artist Vast Aire plays the 10 p.m. show. Vast Aire’s love-affair with the microphone began around 1988 after he relocated to Jamaica Queens in New York City. By the time he was 16, he was performing at every underground hip hop club in the city. He also came into contact with countless emcees, one of them being Vordul Mega. With a passion for cutting school and rhyming, Vast and Vordul ran the streets together and in the process sliced up allot of emcees, and the band Cannibal Ox was born. In 2004, Vast stepped out of his role as chief Ox man and unleashed one of the year’s strongest albums with his solo-debut, “Look Mom...No Hands.” The record featured a wide range of guest emcees including MF Doom, Aesop Rock, Brand Nubian’s Sadat X and even a reunion track with Vordul. Vast Aire followed up the effort with two martial arts inspired “Way Of the Fist“ mixtapes. In 2005, he dropped “The Best Damn Rap Show” EP and in early 2007, Vast joined forces with Karniege under the pseudonym Mighty Joseph. He soon released “Empire State,” which featured production from Madlib and J-Zone and a guest appearance from Murs. The artist released his second solo-LP, “Deuces Wild,” in June. The long-awaited recording includes appearances from Camp Lo’s Geechi Suede, Copywrite and an appearance from Vordul Mega for a new Cannibal Ox reunion track. For more information on his Durango show, contact the Abbey at 385-1711.

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Durango Cowboy Gathering celebrates two decades What: The 20th annual Durango Cowboy Gathering Where: All over the Durango area When: Oct. 2-5 Spurs and Stetsons are taking over downtown Durango this weekend. The 20th annual Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, along with music, poetry, storytelling and art, returns on Oct. 2-5. Started 20 years ago by Durango hat maker Kevin O’Farrell, the 2008 Gathering begins with a concert by the legendary Ian Tyson on Oct. 2. The four-day celebration goes on to feature such well-known cowboy poets as Don Edwards, Ken Overcast, Joel Nelson and Rod McQueary throughout the weekend. New this year, the Durango and Silverton Train has added a special train Oct. 3 that will feature cowboy poets on board every train car. The Gathering also imported the Texas Swing band, Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys, to play throughout the weekend. A wide array of Western art will also be in featured in local galleries.   Other popular events during the gathering include a Cowboy Parade, a motorless promenade that takes off down Main Avenue at 10 a.m. on Oct. 4. Other events include a Pioneer History Tour, special display at the Animas Museum, Cowboy Action Shoot and a free Sunday morning poetry service, “A Cowboy and his Creator”. For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit www.durangocowboypoetrygathering.org.

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