‘Nutcracker’ returns with San Juan Symphony

What: State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and San Juan Symphony present the “Nutcracker”
Where: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College
When: 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 11; 2 and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 12; and 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 13

The holiday tradition continues as the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara returns for its ninth annual rendition of the classic “Nutcracker” ballet this weekend at the Community Concert Hall. Local audiences are in for an extra treat this year – for the first time, the ballet will feature live accompaniment by the San Juan Symphony.

In addition, this year’s ballet will feature nearly 50 young local dancers, who will join the professionals of the State Street to tell the story of Clara as she is taken on a magical Christmas journey by the Mouse King. Based on the Victorian era book of E.T.A. Hoffman, the story was set to music by infamous Russian composer Tchaikovsky in the early 1890s. Today, the “Nutcracker” as well as its score, are considered a masterpiece enjoyed every December the world over.

State Street Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson holds true to the original ballet, creating a traditional “Nutcracker” set in Victorian times and suited for all ages. “Everyone should have the opportunity to see this timeless and beautiful ballet during the holidays,” Gustafson said in a press release. “It’s a story everyone can follow as it’s brought to life through familiar music and timeless dance.”

The local dancers scheduled to perform have been coordinated by Durango Dance instructor Judy Austin, with rehearsal assistants Emily Simpson, Sarah Leavitt, Francesca Bianchi, Cameron DeLacey and Kaelin Roach.

Tickets are $29 (discount for FLC staff and seniors) and available at www.durangoconcerts.com.

 

Thursday10

Office Hours with La Plata County commissioner Julie Westendorff, 10-11:30 a.m., Pine River Library in Bayfield. 382-6219.
 
Here to Hear: Office Hour with Councilor Dick White, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., City Hall North Conference Room, 949 E. 2nd Ave.
 
Free Legal Clinic, 2-4 p.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600 or www.mancoslibrary.org.
 
“Doc Swords,” PTSD Social Club for Combat Veterans, 4-6 p.m., VFW, 1550 Main Ave.
 
Mesa Verde Holiday Open House, featuring live music and refreshments, 4-9 p.m., Mesa Verde National Park. 970-529-4465.
 
Free Movement Class, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Smiley Building Dance Room, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.
 
Business After Hours, a Durango Chamber of Commerce event, 5-7 p.m., ImageNet Consulting, 194 Bodo Drive.
 
Family Reading Circles, 5:30 p.m., Ignacio Community Library. 764-8013.
 
Tim Sullivan performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Joseph Rael Book Signing, 5:30 p.m., Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
“The Morality and Politics of Justice,” exhibition by Animas High School students, part of Coffee House Community Dialogues, 5:30-7 p.m., Durango Joe’s Town Plaza.
 
Geek Out with Trivia, 6 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.
 
“Along the Silk Road: A Journey Across Kyrgyzstan,” slideshow and presentation by Duncan and Linda Rose, part of the Life is an Adventure series, 6 p.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600.
 
“Jumbo Wild” screening and Wolf Creek Q&A, 7 p.m., Student Union Vallecito Room at Fort Lewis College.
 
Ace Revel performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
 
Grant Farm & The Great Contention perform, 8:30 p.m., The Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Ave. www.durangomassive.com.
 

Friday11

Durango Earlybird Toastmasters, 7-8:30 a.m., Holiday Inn, 21636 HWY 160 West. 749-1741 or earlybirdtoastmasters.org.
 
BID Coffee & Conversation, 8:30-9:30 a.m., First National Bank of Durango, 259 W. 9th St. 375-5067.
 
Science Friday, featuring secret codes, scytales, Morse code and computer coding, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600.
 
Free Legal Clinic, 2-5 p.m., Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
Book Release Celebration featuring Close to Heaven: 50 Years of Purgatory, 5-7 p.m., Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. www.mariasbookshop.com or 247-1438.
 
Durango Acupuncture Alliance Holiday Open House, 5-8 p.m., Self Heal Center, 635 E. 5th Ave.
 
The Bizarre Bazaar, 5-9 p.m., event also runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 12, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 12, Studio &, 1027 Main Ave. anddurango.com.
 
Ace Revel performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Caitlin Cannon performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
 
“The Music Man,” opening night, 7 p.m., musical performance also runs Dec. 12, 18-19, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org.
 
“Nutcracker” ballet featuring State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and the San Juan Symphony, 7 p.m., show also runs Dec. 12-13, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com.
 
State 38 perform, 8 p.m., Blondies in Cortez.
 
The Chills perform, 8:30 p.m., Billy Goat Saloon, Gem Village.
 
Oatie Paste plays an EP release party, 9 p.m., Balcony Backstage, 600 Main Ave.
 
DJ Kaztro, 9 p.m., Moe’s, 937 Main Ave.
 
Live music, 10 p.m., Lady Falconburgh’s, 640 Main Ave. 382-9664.
 
DJ in the Underground, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., The Irish Embassy, 900 Main Ave. 403-1200.
 

Saturday12

Durango Farmer’s Christmas Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds.
 
Frosty’s Holiday Craft & Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Bayfield High School’s Main Gym. 903-4294.
 
Book and Bake Sale, hosted by Friends of the Library, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pine River Library in Bayfield. 884-2222.
 
Tweak & Critique Writer’s Group, 10-11:30 a.m., Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
VFW Indoor Flea Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 1550 Main Ave. 247-0384.
 
“The Music Man,” 1 and 7 p.m., also runs Dec. 18-19, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org.
 
The Best Brass of Christmas, concert presented by 3rd Avenue Arts, 2 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. 3rdavearts.org.
 
“Nutcracker” ballet featuring State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and the San Juan Symphony, 2 and 7 p.m., show also runs Dec. 13, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com.
 
Justin Brown performs, 5 p.m., Mancos Valley Distillery.
 
Robbie Overfield performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Justin Brown performs, 6 p.m., Mancos Valley Distillery.
 
Greg Ryder performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
 
Carnival Hip Hop Show with DJ Beeso and Alex Blocker, 7-9 p.m., Juan Blanco spins, 9 p.m.-close, Moe’s, 937 Main Ave.
 
Anthony Leon & The Chain perform for Crash Music’s Christmas Show, 7:30 p.m., Crash Music in Aztec. crashmusicaztec.com or 505-427-6748.
 
Trivia Night, 8 p.m., Bottom Shelf Brewery, Bayfield.
 
DJ Butterfly spins and hosts karaoke, 9 p.m., Blondies in Cortez.
 
DJ in the Underground, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., The Irish Embassy, 900 Main Ave. 403-1200.
 

Sunday13

Locals Benefit Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Purgatory Resort. www.skipurg.com.
 
Traditional Irish Music Jam, 12:30-4 p.m., Irish Embassy, 900 Main Ave.
 
Stillwater Music’s Winter Wonder Bands, gala performance and fundraiser, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Riverbend Ranch, 27846 Highway 550. 247-5095.
 
“Nutcracker” ballet featuring State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and the San Juan Symphony, 2 p.m., Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com.
 
Informal Tango Practice, 5-7 p.m., Groove U Durango, 26369 Highway 160. 533-7231.
 
Peace, Love and Mistletoe, a holiday benefit to celebrate Myra Miller. Bob’s Yr Uncle and Running Out of Road perform, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.
 
Blue Moon Ramblers, 7 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Joel Racheff performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
 
Sunday Live, 7-10 p.m., Moe’s, 937 Main Ave.
 

Monday14

Mystery Book Club, discussing Blue Heaven by C.J. Box, noon, Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
Office Hours with La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt, noon-2 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds. 382-6219.
 
Movie Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600.
 
Joel Racheff performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Chess Club, all ages and skill levels welcome, 5:30 p.m., Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
La Plata County Thrive! Living Wage Coalition meets, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Commons Building, 701 Camino del Rio.
 
Caitlin Cannon performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
 
Books & Brews, hosted by the Durango Public Library, 7-8 p.m., Animas Brewing Company.
 
Contiki, 7 p.m.-close, Moe’s, 937 Main Ave.
 

Tuesday15

Kids Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600.
 
Health by Vegan Chocolate, 1-2 p.m., Natural Grocers, 1123 Camino del Rio. 247-4100 or www.naturalgrocers.com.
 
Inklings: Book Club for Kids, 4-5 p.m., Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
Terry Rickard performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Computer Basics Class, 5:30 p.m., Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
13th annual Blue Christmas Service, 5:30 p.m., Mercy Chapel at Mercy Regional Medical Center. 764-2340.
 
Rotary Club of Durango’s annual Christmas Dinner, 6 p.m., Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave. 385-7899.
 
Knit or Crochet with Kathy Graf, 6-7 p.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600.
 
Super Ted’s Super Trivia, 6:12 p.m., Ska Brewing Co., 225 Girard St. 247-5792.
 
Open Mic Night, hosted by Inner Orbit Sound System, 7 p.m., Blondies in Cortez. 920-539-9998.
 
Durango Barbershoppers Free Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Durango Mall, 835 Main Ave. www.durangobarbershoppers.org.
 
Tim Sullivan performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
 
Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.-close, Moe’s, 937 Main Ave.
 
Bingo Night, 9 p.m., Lady Falconburgh’s, 640 Main Ave.
 

Wednesday16

Class for Spanish speakers trying to improve English, 10-11:30 a.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600.
 
“Stuff the Kettle” green chili lunch, Salvation Army fundraiser hosted by La Plata Electric Association, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., LPEA headquarters, 45 Stewart St. www.lpea.coop.
 
Adult Basic Computer Classes, 1-2:30 p.m., Mancos Public Library. 533-7600.
 
Teen Book Club, 2:15-4 p.m., Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
Storytime for Kids, 3 p.m., Fort Lewis Mesa Branch Library. 588-3331.
 
Game Daze, ages 8-12, 3:45-5 p.m., Mancos Public Library, 533-7600.
 
Greg Ryder performs, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Evening Book Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m., White Rabbit Books & Curiosities, 128 W 14th St. 259-2213.
 
Free Wax Clinic with ski tuning and waxing expert Eric Hvoslef, 6 p.m., 2nd Ave Sports, 640 E. 2nd Ave. 247-4511.
 
Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 6:30 p.m., BREW Pub & Kitchen, 117 W College Dr. 259-5959.
 
Pub Quiz Trivia, 6:30 p.m., Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave. 403-1200.
 
Karaoke, 7 p.m., Blondies in Cortez. 565-4015.
 
Terry Rickard performs, 7 p.m., The Office, 699 Main Ave.
 
The Jade Robbins Project performs, 7-8 p.m., Derailed Pour House.
 
Poker and Ping Pong Tournament, 8 p.m., Moe’s, 937 Main Ave.
 

Ongoing

Southern Ute Museum’s First Annual Juried Art Show, on display thru Jan. 16, museum gallery in Ignacio.
 
Graduating Senior Art & Design Majors Exhibition, runs thru Dec. 18, Fort Lewis College Art Gallery.
 
Winter Solstice Artisans’ Market, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., runs thru Dec. 24, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org.
 
“Warm Wishes,” featuring Ann Salviazul’s watercolors, runs thru Dec. 31, Patrice DeLorenzo Fine Art Gallery, Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave., Suite 101. 799-8838.
                                                                                                                            
Blanket and Coat Drive, also collecting hats, gloves, scarves and donations for the Durango Community Shelter & Southwest Safehouse, thru December, Advantage Physical Therapy, 3600 Main Ave., Suite A. 259-7829.
 
International Juried Photography Competition, runs thru Jan. 14, Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave. 382-8355.
 
Christmas Trees for Conservation, benefitting San Juan Mountain Association’s educational programs, 1-7 p.m., Sunday thru Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Christmas tree lot located in the D&SNGRR Parking Lot on College Drive.
 
Karaoke, 8 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E 8th Ave.
 

Upcoming

Widow and widower support group meets, for individuals who have experienced the loss of a spouse or partner, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Dec. 17, Durango-La Plata Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave. 382-2032.
 
“Chasing Shadows” screening, 5 p.m., Dec. 17, Miller Middle School Auditorium. www.durangowintersports.org.
 
The Force Awakens Party, 6 p.m., Dec. 17, El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave.
 
Evening Book Club, discussing The Ginseng Hunter by Jeff Talarigo, 6 p.m., Dec. 17, Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee 2015, 7 p.m., Dec. 17, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com.
 
“An Evening with @thatkevinsmith: Can’t Shut the $@$% Up!” 7 p.m., Dec. 18, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. www.durangoconcerts.com.
 
Teen Game Night, 7-10 p.m., Dec. 18, Mancos Public Library.
 
Ugly Sweater Party, Rob Webster performs, 8 p.m., Dec. 18, Blondies in Cortez. 565-4015.
 
Black Velvet performs with Hal Lott on bass, 8 p.m., Dec. 18, Derailed Pour House.
 
DJ Soul Atomic spins, 10 p.m., Dec. 18, El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave.
 
Fort Lewis College Commencement, 10 a.m., Dec. 19, Whalen Gym. www.fortlewis.edu/graduation.
 
The Kirk James Band performs, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Dec. 19, Purgy’s Pub at Purgatory Resort.
 
DJ P.A.’s 6th annual Naughty or Nice Party, 9 p.m., Dec. 19, Blondies in Cortez. 739-4944.
 
Ponder the Albatross performs, 10 p.m., Dec. 19, El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave.
 
Veterans Committee Breakfast, 9-11 a.m., Dec. 20, Elks Lodge, 901 E 2nd Ave. 247-2298.
 
Heartbeat Durango, support group for individuals affected by suicide, 6-8 p.m., Dec. 23, Fire Station 1, 142 Sheppard Drive. 403-4103.
 
Yoga 12-Step Recovery, 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 26, YogaDurango, 1140-A Main Ave.
 
The Black Velvet Duo performs, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 26, Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
DJ Butterfly spins and hosts karaoke, 9 p.m., Dec. 26, Blondies in Cortez.
 
Daytime Book Club, discussing Pearl Buck in China by Hilary Spurling, 10 a.m., Dec. 28, Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
Computer Basics: The Internet class, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 29, Ignacio Community Library. 563-9287.
 
The Kirk James Blues Band performs New Year’s Party, Dec. 31, Durango Mountain Club at Purgatory Resort.
 
The Black Velvet Trio performs with Dave Oz on bass, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 31, Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.
 
Blondies annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, DJ P.A. spins, 9 p.m., Dec. 31, Blondies in Cortez.
 
Movie Night, 7-11 p.m., Jan. 2, Mancos Public Library.
 
FamilyTime Yoga for families/caregivers with children ages 5-10 with Joy Kilpatrick, 3-4 p.m., Jan. 3, YogaDurango on Main.
 
Rotary Club of Durango meets, 6 p.m., Jan. 5, Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave. 385-7899.
 
Free Kids Yoga for ages 3-7 with Joy Kilpatrick, 9-9:45 a.m., Jan. 6, Pediatric Associates of Durango, 1199 Main Ave., Suite 205. www.breathworkswithjoy.com.
 
First Thursdays Art Walk, 5-7 p.m., Jan. 7, downtown Durango. www.DurangoArts.org/first-thursdays.
 
Snowdown 2016: Back to the Eighties, Jan. 27-31.  HYPERLINK "http://www.snowdown.org" 

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