Giddyup Horse Show: The next show at the Town Gallery will open on July 12 (Friday) with a reception/community party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Here's the roster of "horsey" art: Patricia Burk, Patsy Davis, Ginny Getts, Amy Grogan, Marjorie Kay, Kelly Chilcott, Marilyn Kroeker, Susan Matteson, Janice Reich, Bill Srigley, Stacy Dee Sronce, David Lee Sronce, Mary Wilson, Jan Wright and me! The range of mediums is everything from bronze sculpture to beaded saddle blanket to photography and beyond. The show will run all summer till after Labor Day weekend.
The Mancos Heritage Project: A volunteer effort spearheaded by the Town of Mancos, the Chamber and the Arts Council is hitting high gear. The mural on the west (and south) walls of Mancos Liquors is complete and conveys just the right feeling about our "cowboy" spirit. Rock gardens are sprouting up at various downtown locations. There's still more to do, and we urge everyone to pitch in. Check in with Rena Wilson (Olio) or Jamie Bade (Goodnight Trail) to see what projects are up next.
Olio Oh! Stop into Olio on Grand for the opening reception for artist Elizabeth Kinahan. Her work seems to center around beautiful domestic animals in a semi-abstract style - lots of color and spirit. The opening is on Saturday, July 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. Ah Mancos, so much art, so little time!
Music, music, music: Did you know that your veggies and other delicious fare now come with a side helping of live music? On Saturday mornings at the Cortez Farmers' Market, you can hear the Mudflaps (July 13), Marilyn Kroeker (July 20), and on July 27, Ranger Rick and the Swamp Things. Over here in Mancos at our Thursday afternoon Farmers' Market, the lineup is Jenny Winegardner on July 14, the Porchlights on July 21 and Jon Bower on July 28.
The county fair: The Montezuma County Fair will happen right after Mancos Days, starting on July 31 and going through Aug. 3. There is something for everyone - the dog show, new farm equipment, goats, sheep, horses, demolition derby, livestock sales, ranch rodeo, junior rodeo, jam, jellies, needlework, bunnies, woodworking, alpaca obstacle course, and so many other events that I can't list them all. Just go to montezumacountyfair.com for the full schedule of activities. This is fun!
Laissez les bon temps rouler: Last concert of the season at Trimble Hot Springs (north of Durango). Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp will play zydeco and Cajun Creole music from the Mississippi River valley. Creole accordionist and fiddler Stroughmatt and his band leave audiences breathless and cheering. Free 45-minute zydeco dance lesson at noon with Malia Durbano. Doors open at 9 a.m. Burgers and dogs on the grill. Entry fee: Your regular admission includes the dance lesson and music. A 2,200-cubic-inch cooler per group is free, but there is a $10 fee for larger coolers. Info at www.creolestomp.com.
Music in the Mountains: For the past 27 years, this event has brought world-class music performances to our corner of the world. It's how I got to live here. My friend Betsy Harrison and her husband Bob Goldfeder came out to Durango to hear her daughter-in-law play (violin) at this summer festival. All four of us were considering moving to a small town as soon as we found one we all liked. Bob and Betsy had breakfast on their way home to San Diego at The Absolute Bakery on a warm July morning. They called us the minute they got home, and said, "We've found our town!" The rest is history. So, thank you, Music in the Mountains, for that, and for bringing a beautiful and wide-range of top-notch music to us here in the boonies!
Contact Dian and let me know what's happening in the arts community. I'd love to publish info about your event, show, concert, play, whatever! Call me: 970-533-7536. [email protected].
