Ear to the ground:
“You always look worked over on Thursdays.”
– Candid observation proving that putting out a weekly newspaper is not as glamorous as one might think
Smoked out
Was it the Easter Bunny’s fault? Or maybe Homeland Security was to blame? The rumor mill was swirling this week over the sudden cancellation of the Pato Banton concert at the Animas City Theatre on 4/20 (but of course.)
However, David Niccum, general manager of ACME Healing Center, which was putting on the show, laid any government conspiracy or pressure from the religious right (4/20 happens to coincide with Easter this year) gossip to rest.
“We withdrew the concert; this was our decision,” said Niccum, on Monday.
Given the tenuous state of marijuana retail sales in Durango, and the current debate over whether to allow them in the central business district, Niccum decided now was not the time to rock the boat – or public perceptions – with a 4/20-themed event. He did admit the decision was helped along by a meeting with City of Durango code enforcement, which expressed concerns of any “spill-over” 4/20 recreating.
“They were concerned with people smoking pot on 4/20 in Durango, which is a valid concern,” said Niccum. “We want to see a very sound retail marijuana business in Durango, so why risk it? We are a responsible company.”
Tickets for the Durango show had not gone on sale when promoters decided to cancel it on April 1. Those who still want to see the U.K. reggae great can catch him in ACME’s “Freedom Fest” on April 18 in Crested Butte or April 19-20 in Ridgway.
While the concerts are billed as “a 3-day celebration of music and freedom,” Niccum points out there will be no “smoking tent” and ACME does not condone partaking in such freedoms in public. “We are not promoting public use of marijuana,” he said.
Although, he added, some residual recreating inevitably comes with the territory. “I don’t think anything’s going to change from any other concert that’s been held in Colorado in the last 15 years,” he said.
If all goes well, Niccum hopes to bring the show to Durango next year, once the proverbial smoke has died down.
Tickets for the Banton shows are $15 and available at www.wsfreedomfest.com
Something to squawk about
FLC Cycling will once again be taking over the streets for its annual Squawker Classic on April 12-13, with cyclists from the region descending on Durango. FLC Cycling coach Dave Hagen encourages locals to come out and watch the action, but expect the following road closures:
- Sat. till 10 a.m., CR 213.
- Sat., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., 4th-6th avenues and 8th-10th streets downtown
- Sun., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rim Drive, N. Rim Drive, N. College/Goeglein, E. 8th Ave.
These roads will also be closed until racing concludes at 4 p.m.
FLC Cycling coach Dave Hagen thanks for Durango public for its ongoing support and cooperation. He can be contacted at HAGEN_D@fortlewis.edu