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Ongoing Upcoming


The Hank presents ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’

Michael Franti and Spearhead to play Mancos
Gallery Walk returns to downtown Durango
The Tour de Fat pedals back into Durango

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.

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

The Durango Rotaract Club, a younger version of Rotary International for students and community members ages 18-30, hosts an interest meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. 336-207-3973 for details.

The 6th Annual Support our Shelter fund-raiser for the Cortez Animal Shelter takes place

at 5:30 p.m. at Picaya Home in Cortez. The event includes a wine tasting, silent auction and music from the Jeff Solon Jazz Trio.

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

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers an Pet CPR and First Aid class from 6-10 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave., offers a free commuter class from 6-6:45 p.m. The talk will cover bike preparation, route selection, safety and rules of the road, and more. 247-4066 to reserve a place.

The Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues at Fort Lewis College with a sold-out presentation by Greg Mortenson on “Three Cups of Tea” at 7 p.m. in Whalen Gymnasium. 247-7401 for details.

The Durango Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Professional photographer Bill Proud will discuss the recent photography exhibition at the La Plata County Fair. 385-8470 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.

Historian Alan Fraser Houston presents the illustrated program, “Silver San Juan- Jackson, Moran &

Ingersoll’s 1881 Promotional Tour of Southwest Colorado,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave. 259-2402 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 Interstate Stash Express, a folk-rock/psychedelic band, at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The “southwest edition” of the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo kicks of at the Sky Ute Event Center in Ignacio. The event continues through Sept. 21 and includes clinics, presentations, an “Extreme Cowboy Race,” and more. www.rockymountainhorseexpo.com 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.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play the first of their final two gigs of the season at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., at 4:30 p.m.

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.

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.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents live music at 5 p.m., and a DJ spinning for late night happy hour from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.

Donny Johnson plays Serious Texas BBQ South, 650 S. Camino del Rio, from 6-9 p.m. 259-9507 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 4

through May. 382-9593 for details.

Durango Dharma Center presents “Crazy Wisdom Saves the World Again,” a benefit performance by Wes Nisker, at 6:30 p.m. at the Smiley Theatre,1309 E. Third Ave. www.durangodharmacenter.org for details.

Strange New Shoes play rock at the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays the Billy Goat Saloon on Highway 160 in Gem Village starting at 8 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

The Whipsaws, from Alaska, join The Lawn Chair Kings for a night of alt-country and Americana at 9: 30 p.m. at 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 Arts & Crafts Market of Durango meets at Buckley Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Partial proceeds from the market benefit the Children’s Museum & Discovery Museum at the Powerhouse during the month of September. www.acmdurango.org.

The Durango Public Library hosts a book sale on the lawn from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. AV materials, travel, cooking and children’s books will be available.

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.

The Four Corners Lecture Series continues with a Santa Clara Pottery Demonstration, Firing and Sale at 3 p.m. at the Chapin Mesa Amphitheater at Mesa Verde National Park.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver close out the season at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., at 4:30 p.m.

Rockin’ Randy Crumbaugh plays 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.

Kirtan, participatory singing from India, returns to the Blue Heron Studio in the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event is followed by an optional 30 minute meditation. 259-2110.

Singer-songwriter Gigi Love plays Serious Texas BBQ South, 650 S. Camino del Rio, from 6-9 p.m. 259-9507 for details.

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

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 dancing on the patio from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., hosts DJ Rootz from Boulder spinning at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324.

The MarchFourth Marching Band, the Tour de Fat headliner, plays a 10 p.m. all ages show at the Abbey Theater, 128 E. College. 385-1711.

Champagne with Friends, an Austin funk band, plays a kung-fu/ninja theme party at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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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 for details.

Durango Natural Foods holds its Member Harvest Celebration and Annual Meeting from 1-4 p.m. at the Powerhouse, 1333 Camino del Rio. The event includes live music, kid’s activities and free beer and wine. Attendees should bring a favorite dish to share. 247-8129 for details.

Durango BMX hosts racing just south of Gateway Park with sign-ups from 1-2 p.m. and racing to follow. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com for details.

A community event celebrates National Neighborhood Day with food, music, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at 1 p.m. at 825 4

Goddard Avenue in Ignacio. www.neighborhoodday.org for details.

Joel Racheff takes the stage at 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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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.

El Centro de Muchos Colores and Del Alma host Adrian Molina, hip-hop artist, playwright, poet & emcee, from 7-9 p.m. at El Centro, located in the Fort Lewis College Library. Molina will both perform and lead a conversation about Hip-Hop’s relevance and its role in a growing global social justice movement.

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.

Smooth Money Gestures plays a 9:30 p.m. show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., 247-2324 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 Southwest Chapter of the Colorado Native Plant Society hosts a 5 p.m. tour of Native Roots Garden Center led by grower John Wickham. 769-3319 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.

The Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., presents “A Sense of Wonder-The Story of Rachel Carson,” the story of the pioneer environmentalist as written and performed by artist Kaiulani Lee. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. www.henrystratertheatre.com 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 indie rock from Cyle Talley, Jason Uhl and Tom Murray from 9:30-11 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

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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.

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

The Durango Chess Club gathers for its weekly meeting at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, at 6:30 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 Leftto Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. The club meets every Wednesday. 882-4920 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.

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

Euforchestra plays Afrobeat, reggae and funk at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery presents the David Hunt Annual Ceramics Invitational, featuring work by FLC and area artists, from Sept. 26-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 from Sept. 19-Oct. 29. 382-8355 or www.openshuttergallery.com for details.

The Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., exhibits the photographs of Thaddine Swift Eagle and Mary Kenez through Sept. 30. 259-2059 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 the paintings of Jeremy Moore through the end of September. 259-5499 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College hosts “Connections: Earth + Art = A Tribute Art Show in Resistance to Desert Rock” through Sept. 28. The Center is also exhibiting “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 “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.

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The Manhattan Short Film Festival returns to the Abbey Theatre on Sept. 25.

The annual “Save a Life September” blood drive is scheduled for Sept. 26 in the American Red Cross offices.

Trails 2000 will partner with Friends of the Durango Mountain Park and the City of Durango on Sept. 27 to celebrate National Public Lands Day in the Mountain Park.

The 3^rd annual Mountain Chile Cha Cha returns to Pagosa Springs on Sept. 27. The event includes free shows from Nosotros and Euforquestra, a chile tasting, trail race, beer garden and more.

Renowned rock band Flash Cadillac plays fund-raiser for the La Plata Family Centers Coalition on Sept. 27 at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers for a public build day on Sept. 27 in Bayfield. 382-2215 for details.

Durango Acoustic Music presents songwriters Fred Eaglesmith and Corb Lund on Sept. 27 at the Henry Strater Theatre.

Wines of the San Juan will host the Great Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival on Sept. 27 & 28.

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado will host an Oct. 3 bipartisan community education event on the ballot initiatives that will affect women and girls in La Plata County. rsvpevent@wfco.org to register.

The La Plata County Solar Tour returns with an Oct. 3 presentation and an Oct. 4 home tour. 247-7676 for details.

The 14th Annual Journey of Hope 5K Family Run/Walk, which honors women and families touched by breast cancer, returns to the FLC Rim on Oct. 4.

Durango’s Foundation for Protection of Animals and Four Corners Equine Rescue will host an Emergency Animal Sheltering workshop on Oct. 4-5 in Farmington. www.fourcornersequinerescue.org for details.

The Purgatory Ski Team, which will offer racing and freestyle skiing programs for kids ages 8-18, will host its orientation meeting on Oct. 8 at the Durango Recreation Center.

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.

Tour de Fat pedals back into Durango

What: New Belgium Brewing’s annual ballyhoo of bikes and beer   

Where: The La Plata County Fairgrounds

When: Sat., Sept. 20, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  

The Tour de Fat – the beer festival on the back of a truck – rolls back into Durango this Saturday. Schwinn cruisers and cold suds will reign supreme as the festival moves to a new location at the La Plata County Fairgrounds this year. Now in its seventh year, New Belgium Brewing Co.’s 15-city festival is bringing its “Ballyhoo of Bikes and Beer” back to town Sept. 20.

The day’s festivities begin with the “Wacky Cruiser Ride.” Costumes are encouraged for this low-impact, 10 a.m. ride with a 9 a.m. registration. As this leisurely Tour de Durango rolls back to the fairgrounds at 11 a.m., products from the New Belgium family of beer will begin flowing, grub from local restaurants will be served, and the games will get under way. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., live music played from a solar-powered stage will run the entire afternoon. The MarchFourth Marching Band, Paper Bird and the Squirm Burpee Circus will all take the stage.

Bike games, including the infamous Slow Ride, the Art Bike Extravaganza and more, will take place throughout the afternoon. Last call for beer hits at 3:45 p.m. And while the festival promises to be fat on fun, the Tour de Fat is a zero-waste event and also kicks money back into Durango. The Tour de Fat’s mission is to raise money for cycling organizations throughout the country, and last year it dumped more than $120,000 back into communities. The San Juan Mountains Association, the local public lands stewardship organization, will again be the beneficiary of beer sales at this year’s event. For more information on the Tour de Fat, log onto www.newbelgium.com.  

The Hank presents ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’

What: The hit play from Los Angeles

Where: The Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave.

When: Sept. 19 & 20. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  

Durango’s newest venue is taking a trip “Down the Rabbit Hole” this weekend. The Henry Strater Theatre presents the one-woman play for two nights only on Sept. 19 & 20.

Written and performed by L.A. musician and actress Erin Jividen, “Down the Rabbit Hole” is a mix of def-jam poetry, spoken word, verse and music. The play follows a young woman who comes home after many years to visit her parents. She finds herself alone, and decides to take a trip “Down the Rabbit Hole” into her old bedroom. There she discovers her childhood dress-up clothes, her old books, and her youthful obsession with fairy tales. Now a somewhat jaded successful writer living in NYC, she also discovers that her naive illusions of “prince charming” and “happily ever after” have changed. The reality of life is much more difficult than the stories of her youth once led her to believe. She dives into her old fairy tales and this time takes a modern look into what these characters really are all about.

In the adults-only show, audience members will meet: Cinderella – who comes clean on what life is really like living with ”The Prince;” Snow White’s evil stepmother telling her side of the story; Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” – school teacher by day/pole dancer by night; and many other realistic sides to figments of the imagination.

Doors to the performance open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 375-7160 or visit www.HenryStraterTheatre.com

Local galleries open their doors wide

What: The annual Colorfest Gallery Walk

Where: Downtown Durango

When: Fri., Sept. 19, from 5-9 p.m.  

Durango’s galleries take the spotlight this Friday. The annual Colorfest Gallery Walk returns on Sept. 19 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 nearly a dozen galleries participating. This spring’s walk will, as always, include appetizers, beverages and entertainment at each of the galleries.

Among the highpoints of this year’s walk will be the photography of Claude Steelman, Tony Stromberg and Loreatta Young-Gautier at the Open Shutter Gallery; the Durango Arts Center exhibiting “The Colour Company,” “The Insistence of Memory” and the work of Bunny Tobias and Charles Greeley; Karyn Gabaldon Fine Art showing the work of Gilberto Romero Stone; and more. Ellis West Gallery, Toh-Atin, Sorrel Sky Gallery, Rain Dance Gallery and Earthen Vessel will also be pulling out the stops for the event.

For more information, contact the Durango Arts Center at 259-2606.

Michael Franti and Spearhead to play Mancos

What: A benefit concert for The Mancos Valley Sustainability Initiative

Where: Cottonwood Park in Mancos

When: Wed., Sept. 24. Gate open at 4 p.m.  

Spearhead is touching down in the Four Corners region next week. Musician, poet and social icon Michael Franti and his band play a Sept. 24 show at Cottonwood Park in Mancos. Proceeds from the show will benefit The Mancos Valley Sustainability Initiative.

In more than two decades in music-making, Franti has grown into a strong voice for social justice. In 1986, Franti formed the Beatings, a band with an industrial sound that tackled militarism, racism and black compromise. Prior to getting with Spearhead in 1994, he toured with U2, recorded with William Burroughs, and became a protest music icon. The band’s 2000 release, “Stay Human,” was a statement on justice and survival. The band is currently touring behind its recent release, “All Rebel Rockers.”

In line with Franti’s long social record, the local show benefits The Mancos Valley Sustainability Initiative. The effort is a large-scale regional watershed management and protection plan. Among other features, the plan hopes to have the Mancos Valley 90 perccent fossil-fuel free by 2020.

Gates to the festival-style show open at 4 p.m. and entertainment is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. Spearhead will go on stage at 7 p.m. Tickets for the concert can be purchased at Animas Trading in Durango or Zuma Natural Foods in Mancos.

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The Hank presents ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ What: The hit play from Los Angeles Where: The Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. When: Sept. 19 & 20. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.   Durango’s newest venue is taking a trip “Down the Rabbit Hole” this weekend. The Henry Strater Theatre presents the one-woman play for two nights only on Sept. 19 & 20. Written and performed by L.A. musician and actress Erin Jividen, “Down the Rabbit Hole” is a mix of def-jam poetry, spoken word, verse and music. The play follows a young woman who comes home after many years to visit her parents. She finds herself alone, and decides to take a trip “Down the Rabbit Hole” into her old bedroom. There she discovers her childhood dress-up clothes, her old books, and her youthful obsession with fairy tales. Now a somewhat jaded successful writer living in NYC, she also discovers that her naive illusions of “prince charming” and “happily ever after” have changed. The reality of life is much more difficult than the stories of her youth once led her to believe. She dives into her old fairy tales and this time takes a modern look into what these characters really are all about. In the adults-only show, audience members will meet: Cinderella – who comes clean on what life is really like living with ”The Prince;” Snow White’s evil stepmother telling her side of the story; Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” – school teacher by day/pole dancer by night; and many other realistic sides to figments of the imagination. Doors to the performance open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 375-7160 or visit www.HenryStraterTheatre.com

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Michael Franti and Spearhead to play Mancos What: Benefit concert for The Mancos Valley Sustainability Initiative Where: Cottonwood Park in Mancos When: Wed., Sept. 24. Gate open at 4 p.m.   Spearhead is touching down in the Four Corners region next week. Musician, poet and social icon Michael Franti and his band play a Sept. 24 show at Cottonwood Park in Mancos. Proceeds from the show will benefit The Mancos Valley Sustainability Initiative. In more than two decades in music-making, Franti has grown into a strong voice for social justice. In 1986, Franti formed the Beatings, a band with an industrial sound that tackled militarism, racism and black compromise. Prior to getting with Spearhead in 1994, he toured with U2, recorded with William Burroughs, and became a protest music icon. The band’s 2000 release, “Stay Human,” was a statement on justice and survival. The band is currently touring behind its recent release, “All Rebel Rockers.” In line with Franti’s long social record, the local show benefits The Mancos Valley Sustainability Initiative. The effort is a large-scale regional watershed management and protection plan. Among other features, the plan hopes to have the Mancos Valley 90 percent fossil-fuel free by 2020. Gates to the festival-style show open at 4 p.m. and entertainment is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. Spearhead will go on stage at 7 p.m. Tickets for the concert can be purchased at Animas Trading in Durango or Zuma Natural Foods in Mancos.

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Gallery Walk returns to downtown Durango What: The annual Colorfest Gallery Walk Where: Downtown Durango When: Fri., Sept. 19, from 5-9 p.m.   Durango’s galleries take the spotlight this Friday. The annual Colorfest Gallery Walk returns on Sept. 19 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 nearly a dozen galleries participating. This spring’s walk will, as always, include appetizers, beverages and entertainment at each of the galleries. Among the highpoints of this year’s walk will be the photography of Claude Steelman, Tony Stromberg and Loreatta Young-Gautier at the Open Shutter Gallery; the Durango Arts Center exhibiting “The Colour Company,” “The Insistence of Memory” and the work of Bunny Tobias and Charles Greeley; Karyn Gabaldon Fine Art showing the work of Gilberto Romero Stone; and more. Ellis West Gallery, Toh-Atin, Sorrel Sky Gallery, Rain Dance Gallery and Earthen Vessel will also be pulling out the stops for the event. For more information, contact the Durango Arts Center at 259-2606.

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The Tour de Fat pedals back into Durango What: New Belgium Brewing’s annual ballyhoo of bikes and beer    Where: The La Plata County Fairgrounds When: Sat., Sept. 20, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.   The Tour de Fat – the beer festival on the back of a truck – rolls back into Durango this Saturday. Schwinn cruisers and cold suds will reign supreme as the festival moves to a new location at the La Plata County Fairgrounds this year. Now in its seventh year, New Belgium Brewing Co.’s 15-city festival is bringing its “Ballyhoo of Bikes and Beer” back to town Sept. 20. The day’s festivities begin with the “Wacky Cruiser Ride.” Costumes are encouraged for this low-impact, 10 a.m. ride with a 9 a.m. registration. As this leisurely Tour de Durango rolls back to the fairgrounds at 11 a.m., products from the New Belgium family of beer will begin flowing, grub from local restaurants will be served, and the games will get under way. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., live music played from a solar-powered stage will run the entire afternoon. The MarchFourth Marching Band, Paper Bird and the Squirm Burpee Circus will all take the stage. Bike games, including the infamous Slow Ride, the Art Bike Extravaganza and more, will take place throughout the afternoon. Last call for beer hits at 3:45 p.m. And while the festival promises to be fat on fun, the Tour de Fat is a zero-waste event and also kicks money back into Durango. The Tour de Fat’s mission is to raise money for cycling organizations throughout the country, and last year it dumped more than $120,000 back into communities. The San Juan Mountains Association, the local public lands stewardship organization, will again be the beneficiary of beer sales at this year’s event. For more information on the Tour de Fat, log onto www.newbelgium.com.

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