Going out in style
Celebrating summer's end with Fretliners, Farmington Hill and a Gourd

Greetings, dear readers! Happy September to you all. School is back in session, the nights are getting crisp, and there’s still plenty of time to sneak some last-minute, 20-mile runs into your weekend before the leaves fall off the trees a little earlier than maybe we’d like to see. Nevertheless, this is such a beautiful time of year for music in Durango, because no matter what you’re into – festivals, small listening-room sessions, contra dances, or big-time names at the Animas City Theater – Durango’s got it all. As always, be sure to check the Telegraph or the KDUR concert calendar to get the rundown on all of the incredible opportunities to close out summer with style.

• The Fretliners, Animas City Theatre, Wed., Sept. 10, 7 p.m. - Does Durango still come out to see Bluegrass music? It would be a damn shame if that’s not the case, because The Fretliners are one of the hottest groups in the country right now. It’s never too late to join the party if you haven’t. The Lyons, Colo.-based quartet is rolling into town on its way to Flagstaff’s Pickin’ in the Pines. Recognized for their songwriting and undeniable chemistry, they are one of only two bands to win both Telluride Bluegrass and Rockygrass band competitions in one summer. Alex Graf’s Bluegrass SuperPAC is on hometown opening duties. Graf’s band is one of the collective favorites in Durango, and if you haven’t seen them, they are worth the price of admission alone. 

• Telluride Blues & Brews, Town Park, Fri.-Sun., Sept. 12-14 – EDM music isn’t your thing? Help rinse any residual smells of front-range wook from Town Park with this legendary lineup. How about The Black Crowes, Thundercat, Lukas Nelson, Andy Frasco, JD Simo, Luther Dickinson … need I say more? Of special note is Andy Frasco and the UN, whose Durango stock has surely been rising after bringing local saxophone legend Sam “Hot Lips” Kelly on as a permanent member of the band.

• Native REZ-olution Youth Concert, Sky Ute Fairgrounds, Sat., Sept. 13, 4 p.m. – A fierce, all-ages proper rock ’n’ roll bill stacked with Clay & Fire, Await the Dawn, TAJ, Obliteration, Oroku Saki, Weedrat and Ecotone. Expect some raw energy, heavy riffs and Indigenous youth voices making themselves heard loud and clear at a sober space festival – a unique offering in the region on all levels.

• Farmington Hill, Mancos Brewing, Sat., Sept. 13, 4 p.m. – It’s been a hot minute since we’ve written about our beloved Eric Nordstrom and his merry band of Farmington Hillers, and nothing makes me happier to see this incredible local band on our September concert calendar. Come to the finest brewery patio in Montezuma County and enjoy the last rays of summer afternoon sunshine with Eric and company.

• Mickey Avalon, Animas City Theatre, Sat., Sept. 20, 7 p.m. – I’m not exactly sure what to write about this Hollywood glam-rap wild card known for making “Jane Fonda” come to Durango other than, this man has lived lifetimes and has plenty to say. For those who don’t know, Mickey came on the hip-hop scene in 2007 with plenty of swagger and no shortage of shock value. Now, long on his journey into sobriety and having experienced the grief of losing loved ones, I imagine Avalon has a much different perspective on the sacredness of music and the chance to perform. 

• Fractal String Band, Durango Contra Dance, La Plata Senior Center, Sat., Sept. 20, 7 p.m. – You know I love a good, old square dance. And the next best thing, in my book, is a solid contra dance! Come join one of Durango’s newest old-time bands, Fractal String Band, as they lay down dance tunes from the turn of the 19th century at Durango’s monthly contra dance.

• KDUR presents Jimmy Smith, Jimmy’s Music, Thurs., Sept. 25, 7 p.m. – From his years with Austin’s The Gourds to his newer project, Smith-McKay All Day, Jimmy Smith is a Texas legend with a knack for swampy grooves and storytelling grit. KDUR brings him to Durango’s most intimate room for what promises to be a raucous, roots-soaked night.