Mid-winter vortex
A veritable musical storm of upcoming shows

Greetings, dear readers! We’re entering a mid-winter musical vortex this month in Durango. All systems are a go, starting off with a power-packed Snowdown/Silverton Whiteout weekend and only intensifying in sonic excellence as the month carries on. So, let’s get right to it. Here are 10(!!!) shows happening this month you’d be wise to put on your radar. May the snow be ever in our favor. See you on the dance floor!

1. Steely Dead, Animas City Theatre, Thurs., Feb. 1, 7 p.m. - This Denver-based band, a sonic fusion of the Grateful Dead and Steely Dan, returns to the Animas City Theatre tonight for what will surely be a lively Snowdown crowd. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a Bad Sneakers/Eyes of the World.

2. Garrett Young Collective, 11th St. Station, Fri., Feb. 2, 7 p.m. - Garrett Young is pound for pound one of the best guitarsman in our fair land, and his group’s new live album and film are all the proof you might need. Hop on over to www.garrettyoungcollective.com to check out the new offerings and catch the band for a rare free local gig right after the parade.

3. Nu Bass Theory, EsoTerra, Fri., Feb. 2, 8 p.m. - Local music legends Guilliaume Metz and Jesse Ogle have been faithfully cranking out the funk for years in multiple projects around the iAM Music universe. Nu Bass Theory is the duo’s ode to downtempo electronic beats with splashes of Sade and Daft Punk mixed in for good measure. Here we have another exceptional free post-parade show for your pleasure.

4. Leftover Salmon, Community Concert Hall, Thurs., Feb. 8, 7 p.m. - Polyethnic Cajun slamgrass returns to the Community Concert Hall with the indefatigable Leftover Salmon this month. Festival season is coming to Durango early this year!

5. Seven Sharp 11, Lightbox at Stillwater Music, Sat., Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. - For those looking for a little more of a structured party, join Suzi Disanto for a night of live music and Latin dance lessons at Stillwater’s fresh new Lightbox. The dance lesson begins at 6:45 and the Stillwater band cranks up at 7:30.

6. Dirtwire, Animas City Theatre, Wed., Feb. 14, 7 p.m. - Durango loves its Dirtwire, so expect a sold-out Animas City Theatre for this performance even on a balmy Wednesday night. Hailing from the West Coast, Dirtwire fuses elements of just about every psychedelic music tradition you can think of with an even wider array of rock and folk instruments. Keep those Snowdown costumes handy! It’s groovy, it’s vibey, it’s Dirtwire.

7. Late Night Radio, Animas City Theatre, Fri., Feb. 16, 7 p.m. - If you’re in need of a serious dose of hypnotic head-nodding beats, look no further than the Late Night Radio show this month. Alex Medellin, the man behind the moniker, is known for weaving together soulful, reflective hip-hop beats that touch on ethereal and reflective themes. Expect good vibes, smiling faces and a whole lot of hands in the air.

8. The Surfrajettes and The Tailspins, Animas City Theatre, Sat., Feb. 17, 7 p.m. - Perhaps one of the more unique and special acts coming to Durango this month is the four-piece psych/surf rock band out of Toronto named The Surfrajettes. Expect reverb-saturated guitar solos, banging floor toms and go-go boots for days. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again – keep those Snowdown costumes handy. Joining The Surfrajettes are The Tailspins, an incredibly tight pre-war band in the spirit of Cab Calloway.

9. AJ Lee and Blue Summit with La La Bones, Animas City Theatre, Tues., Feb. 27, 7 p.m. - Calling all bluegrass lovers! AJ Lee brings her ripping mandolin-chops to the Animas City Theatre with her smoking hot Santa-Cruz based band Blue Summit. Joining in on the fun is local favorite La La Bones, rounding out what will be a beautiful night of tight three-part harmonies, ripping guitar solos and good old-fashioned string instrument fun.

10. Brett Dennen, Animas City Theatre, Wed., Feb. 28, 7 p.m. - Closing out this exceptional month of music in Durango is none other than Brett Dennen on the 7th installation of his Lift Series. The series takes Brett to some of the finest mountain towns in the country as the artist hunts for fresh inspiration and fresh tracks. Expect an incredibly intimate, solo performance from Brett as he digs into his impressive repertoire of heartwarming and endearing indie music. ?