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Community Concert Hall stages ‘Greater Tuna’

Fort Lewis College to graduate its 46th class
Cinco de Mayo festivities return to 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 Girl Scouts of Colorado hold a summer volunteer recruitment at 5 p.m. in the Common’s Building Conference Room, 701 Camino del Rio. 375-7913 for details.

Ska Brewing, 545 Turner Dr., unveils its True Blonde in a can with a 5 p.m. party featuring music from the Lawn Chair Kings.

The Formless plays ambient progressive metal at the Steamworks Bayfield Beer Factory from 5-8 p.m. 884-7837.

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

The Jeff Solon Jazz Duo performs its weekly gig in the bar at Mutu’s, 701 E. Second Ave., from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The Miller Poetry Slam takes place at 6 p.m. in the Miller Middle School Commons. The theme this year is “Fire, Air, Water, Earth.” 247-1418, ext. 2524 for details. .

Durango Motorless Transit hosts a group trail run on the Sale Barn Trail. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead near Dietz Market at 6 p.m. 946-5557 for details.

Singer-songwriter Annie Brooks plays the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Durango Recreation Center hosts Kayak Night from 7-8:45 p.m. in the pool. 375-7312 for details.

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

Durango Acoustic Music presents Steve Forbert at 7: 30 p.m. at the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave.

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Al Schneider and John Bregar, of the Colorado Native Plant Society, hold a Wildflower Identification Class from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Dolores Public Lands Center. 882-4647 to preregister.

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.

Park Elementary School’s annual Cinco de Mayo Carnival takes place from 5-7:30 p.m. The event includes food, games, activity booths and a silent auction. 247-3718, ext 3505.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents the Friday Afternoon Club with live music from Dour Phillips from 5-8 p.m. DJ Batch spins from 9 p.m. until close. 259-9018 for details.

The Durango Figure Skating Club presents “Rocking Through the Decades,” an annual show featuring 41 skaters of all ages from throughout the Four Corners, at 5:30 p.m. at Chapman Hill.

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

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

Mark Simons plays jazz and classical at the Jean Pierre Wine Bar, 605 Main Ave., from 6:30 p.m. to close. 247-7700 for details.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango presents Louis Steele, guitarist, and Gemma Kavanagh, soprano, performing the final presenta

The Spinning Wheels play sonically charged Americana at the Mancos Valley Distillery at 7 p.m. The show will feature several special local guests.

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

The Jelly Belly Boogie Band returns to the Billy Goat Saloon, located off U.S. Hwy. 160 in Gem Village, at 8 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

The Formless play progressive metal at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Community Connections’ 6^th annual “Golfing for Kids with Disabilities” Family Support Golf Tournament returns to the Hillcrest Golf Club. Proceeds will benefit local families. 385-3450 for details.

The 2009 Durango Open Karate Tournament meets at Escalante Middle School beginning at 8:30 a.m. Events will include white belt through black belt divisions in kata, weapon kata, kumite (fighting) and team kumite. 385-4064 for details.

The SW Chapter of the Colorado Native Plant Society presents a spring wildflower hike at the Price Family Farm, near Dove Creek. The trip is free and open to the public. 505-872-2646 for details.  

The Durango Wheel Club holds its weekly group ride for all levels from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For safety and legal reasons, all riders must be DWC members. www.durangowheelclub.com 

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, plays solo at the Steamworks Bayfield Beer Factory from 5-8 p.m. 884-7837.

Sunnyside Elementary holds its 4^th annual Garden Party from 5: 30-9 p.m. The event includes dinner and a dance with proceeds benefiting the ongoing landscape project at the school. 259-5249 ext. 3703 for details.

The San Juan Mountains Association hosts its second Members’ Series presentation from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the San Juan Public Lands Center. Writers, filmmakers, and photographers, Beth & Bill Sagstetter, discuss their work researching remote mining camps in the San Juans. Visit www.sjma.org 

Greg Ryder closes out three nights at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5: 30 p.m.

The Contra Dance returns to the Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave., with a community potluck at 6 p.m., beginner dance instruction at 7 p.m. and the Contra Dance at 7:30 4

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

Dennis Wakeman hosts open mic at Guiseppe’s Restaurant, located on Goddard Ave. in Ignacio, from 6-8 p.m.

Mark Simons plays jazz and classical at the Jean Pierre Wine Bar, 605 Main Ave., from 6:30 p.m. to close. 247-7700 for details.

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., starting at 7 p.m.

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

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts a Halfway to Halloween Costume Party with live music from Johnny Deadly and the Outsiders beginning at 9 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

Local band, the Good Neighbors, play a free graduation bash at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324.

Soul Kitchen, a blues band from New Mexico, plays the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, at 10 p.m. 385-1711 for details.

DJ Vajra, of Denver, spins for a graduation party at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Durango Parks and Recreation kicks-off the seventh annual South Rim Duathlon at 10 a.m. at the Sale Barn Trailhead. The popular trail run and mountain bike race features three different course lengths. Pre-registration closes on noon on May 2. Race day registration and packet pickup takes place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. 375-7306 for details.

The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., kicks off its Gospel Brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with live music.

The Durango chapter of Food Not Bombs serves free vegetarian/vegan food starting at 1-4 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.

Durango BMX holds Sunday trophy races, with sign ups from 1-2 p.m. with racing to follow, weather permitting. www.durangobmx.com or 799-1780 for details.

Pueblo Community College’s Southwest Campus hosts its 2009 commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Dr. Stacy Houser, Superintendent of the Montezuma-Cortez School District, will give the address. 247-2929 for details.

The Meditations – Bob Marley’s backing band –  DJ I-Gene and A Dub Rock Band play an all ages show at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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

Rashaan Ahmad of the Crown City Rockers plays an all-ages show at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, at 10 p.m. DJ Vajra opens. 385-1711.

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Joel Racheff performs at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The Durango Youth Coalition holds its monthly meeting from 6-8 p.m. at the Durango Public Library.  

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts a Texas Hold-em poker tournament at 7 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

The Center of Light presents a class on Mysticism and Meditation at 7 p.m. at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave. 882-2123 for details.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th 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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The Referral Market Chapter of Business Network International meets from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Prudential Triple S Realty, 700 Main Ave. 375-7794 for details.

The Family Center hosts a newborn playgroup for parents with babies under 6-months-old from 1:30-3 p.m. Each week features a new guest speaker. 385-4747 for details.    

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays at The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5 p.m.

Durango BMX holds Tuesday Gate Practice from 5:30-7 p.m., weather permitting. www.durangobmx.com or 799-1780.

Mill Street Brews, 25 Mill St. in Bayfield, hosts an open jam session beginning at 6 p.m. The event meets every Tuesday evening. 884-7070 for details.

Lacey Black plays solo piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 6 p.m.

Local mental-health counselor Janet Curry, M.A. gives a 6:30 p.m. presentation about mindfulness, resilience and stress-hardiness at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. 247-1438 for details.

The Hermosa Creek Workgroup meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center.  The meeting will focus on tools for protection including wilderness, National Conservation Areas,

and local councils. 259-3583 for details.

The Lavenia McCoy Public Library in Bayfield presents “Adventures in Afghanistan” from 7-8 p.m. The free talk will discuss Afghan culture and the joys and challenges of the Peace Corps. 884-2222 for details.

Singer-songwriter Joel Racheff plays the Derailed Saloon, 725 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m. The show includes a keg giveaway at 11 p.m. 4

The Durango Recreation Center hosts Kayak Night from 7-8:45 p.m. in the pool. 375-7312 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.

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

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.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts live music from The Day Dreamers at 8 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

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Business Networking International hosts Business Connections from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. 422-2032 for details.

The Sustainable Building Education Program’s Brown Bag Lunch Series continues at noon at First National Bank of Durango, 259 W. 9^th St. Aileen Tracy, of 4CORE, will discuss “Energizing Colorado’s New Energy Economy.” 382-5792 to RSVP for the free event.

The Lavenia McCoy Public Library in Bayfield holds the free class, “Talking With Your Hands,” from 4-5 p.m. The class is for grade schoolers and teenagers interested in learning basic signs and something about deaf culture.

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.

Operation Frontline’s Eating Right classes kick off at the Family Center at 5:30 p.m. The free class series focuses on creating healthy and budget friendly meals. 385-4747 for details.

Greg Ryder returns to The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

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.

Serving Life Chiropractic Studio, 1040 Main Ave., offers a free Wellness Wednesday Talk on health, life and well-being from 6-7 p.m. 422-2032 to reserve a spot.

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

The Sustainability Alliance and the Discovery Museum present a free screening of “Beyond the Barcode,” by Michael Pollan from 7-9 p.m. at the Durango Public Library. The event includes a sustainability discussion with local food advocates.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, returns to the Derailed Saloon, 725 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.  

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 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.

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The Durango Public Library hosts a solo exhibit entitled, “Ann Smith’s ‘Novel Approach’ to Watercolors,” through the end of June. An opening reception is set for 3-5 p.m. on May 3. The library will also celebrate the 200^th birthdays of Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Darwin, and Abraham Lincoln with a book display through the month of May. 375-3387 for details.

Imaginary Friends Production and Durango Performing Arts Co. present “Twelve Dancing Princesses” and “Into the Woods, Jr.” at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. The plays show at 7 p.m. on May 1, 2, 8, 9 and 1 p.m. on May 2 & 9. 259-2606 for details.

Durango Lively Arts presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” a comic opera in two acts, at the Smiley Theatre, 1309 E. Third Ave., on May 1, 2, 8, 9 at 7 p.m. and at 1 p.m. on May 2 & 9. www.durangotheatre.org for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College hosts the exhibition, 100% Birgitta: The Fine Art of Revolutionary Crochet. The Sixth Annual Juried Photography Show, Transitions: Navajo Weaving 1880-1920, and Postcards from the Nina Heald Webber Collection are also on display. Visit http: //swcenter.fortlewis.edu or call 247-7456 for more information

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Mountain Studies Institute is hosting a free Air Quality Camp for students ages 14 & 15. Visit www.mountainstudies.org or call 247-7071 to register by May 7.

Bluesman Chris Cain plays a May 7 show at the Henry Strater Theatre.

Maria’s Bookshop hosts a May 7 booksigning with Doug Fine, author of Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living.

The Spring Gallery Walk returns to downtown Durango on May 8. Ten local galleries will participate.

The Center of Light will present the seminar Soul Searching on May 8 at the Durango Dharma Center.

Canines for the Cure Dog Walk, benefiting the American Cancer Society, takes off on May 9 at Santa Rita Park. 903-2427 for details.

Dance in the Rockies will present its 20^th annual Spring Recital on May 9 at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Diana’s 2nd Ave Cafe will host a free coffee cupping with Desert Sun Coffee Roasters on May 9.

Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County will host a Mother’s Day fund-raiser through May 10. The nonprofit will send a commemorative card if you choose to donate on behalf of Mom. 382-2215 for details.

Maria’s Bookshop will host a May 12 signing with Rick Collignon, author of Madewell Brown.

Louis Logic and The Let Go return to Durango for a May 13 show at the Summit.

Computer Troubleshooters will offer a free talk on “Basic Computer Maintenance Education” on May 14 at the Durango Public Library.

The National Canoe/Kayak Races, featuring the nation’s top paddlers, take place on the Animas River on May 15-17. Volunteers are needed. 749-2256 for details.

Acoustic old-timey bluegrass band Sweet Sunny South returns to Durango for a May 16 show at the Henry Strater Theatre.

The Sophia Peace Center in Dolores will hold a barbeque benefit for the Colorado Peace Ride on May 16. The Peace Ride is a 4-day tour of the San Juan Scenic Byway starting on Aug. 9.

The Adaptive Sports Association will host orientations for summer volunteers during the weeks of May 18 & 25. 259-0374 for details.

“Hillbilly Renaissance Man” Chuck Mead will play the Community Concert Hall on May 20.

Award-winning songwriter Rain Perry will perform her one-woman musical play, “Cinderblock Bookshelves,” on May 23 at Fort Lewis College Theatre. 247-7089 for details.

The Bare Bones Burlesque & The Salt Fire Circus will play four local shows on May 27-30 at the Durango Arts Center.

The 3rd annual Endless Linguini Dinner, benefiting Annie’s Orphans, is set for June 9 at the Lost Dog. 903-3175 for details.

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Community Concert Hall stages ‘Greater Tuna’ What: A local performance of the long-standing theatrical comedy Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College   When: Sat., May 2, at 7 p.m. An evening of tour de farce theater comes to Durango this Saturday. The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College stages the long-running theatrical comedy “Greater Tuna,” at 7 p.m.   “Greater Tuna,” which paints a satirical view of life in rural Texas, had its genesis in 1981 when its three creators – Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and director Ed Howard – began ad-libbing about a political cartoon at an Austin party. Within a few years, the show became a long-running Off-Broadway hit and would spin off two sequels, merit an HBO taping with Norman Lear directing, and earn a command performance at the White House and an overseas run. By 1985, “Greater Tuna” was the most produced play in the United States. The show chronicles a day in Tuna, beginning with the morning broadcast from radio station OKKK, and wandering in and out of the homes and businesses of the citizens of this lively community. UFO sightings, celebrity murder and a used weapon sale all find their way on stage. Tickets for “Greater Tuna” are available at www.durangoconcerts.com, by calling 247-7657 or at the Downtown Ticket Office, located behind Magpies.

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Fort Lewis College to graduate its 46th class What: Spring Commencement Exercises Where: Whalen Gymnasium When: Sat., May 2 at 8:30 & 11:30 a.m.   Fort Lewis College seniors are walking out into the big world this Saturday. Spring Commencement exercises will be held in two separate ceremonies at 8:30 & 11:30 a.m. on May 2 at Whalen Gym. Sarah Roberts-Cady, Fort Lewis College associate professor of philosophy and gender & women’s studies, will address the graduates at both ceremonies. While some might dismiss philosophy as a less useful discipline when more “practical” areas like the sciences or business are available, Roberts-Cady recognizes the misconception and is quick to correct it. “We tend to think of philosophers as people who have their heads in the clouds,” she says. “We think that philosophers are only thinking about abstract questions and not paying attention to the concrete issues we face in our daily lives. “But I actually think philosophy is a really practical discipline,” she adds. “The critical thinking skills we acquire in philosophy are exactly the kind of skills we need to solve the very significant and very serious world problems that we face today.” Receptions will follow each ceremony. For more information, visit http: //www.fortlewis.edu/academics/records_office/commencement.aspx.

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Cinco de Mayo festivities return to Durango What: The 15th annual local celebration of Latino culture Where: Buckley Park When: Sat., May 2, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For the 15th year, Durango will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta this Saturday. This year, the event meets at a new location – Buckley Park – and lines up events and entertainers from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sky Ute Casino and Resort will kick off the Cinco de Mayo weekend with a 7 p.m. concert on Fri. night, May 1, in Ignacio. The show will feature Ballet Folklorico de Durango, Roberto Griego and Mariachi Fiesta International. The following day, Cinco de Mayo lands in downtown Durango at Buckley Park. The family affair will be complete with ongoing music and by performances including Ballet Folklorico de Durango, Mariachi Durango, Estrella del Norte, Conjunto Forastero and Mariachi Fiesta International. 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. As always, the celebration benefits Del Alma (Durango Educational Alliance for Multi-Cultural Achievement). For more information, call 382-9693.

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