Pickin, singin, yodelin and twitchin. Ahhh, bluegrass. Fifteen years on and still running, the annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown hit town again last weekend. String fanatics around Durango wielded a variety of instruments, from mandolins and banjos to dobros and stand up basses. Everything from impromptu street corner jams to nationally acclaimed acts kept the crowds moving in every venue and nonvenue alike.

Amanda Smith of The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band chuckles during
an introduction at The Hank on Saturday afternoon. Wild Mountain honors The Band with a cover of The Weight at the
Derailed Saloon on Friday evening. The lobby at the Strater Hotel was ground zero for jamming.
Anonymous sources confirmed that sessions lasted until 5 a.m. Ticklin the strings.

 

In this week's issue...

September 11, 2025
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After harrowing flying accident, local highliner steps back out with renewed mission
 

September 11, 2025
New order

Rule change for Land and Water Conservation Fund raises alarms

September 4, 2025
Armed with knowledge

Local community organizers work to ensure immigrant neighbors know their rights