Not cooling off
Though summer's gone, concert scene is heating up

Greetings, dear readers! Join me on a detour, won’t you? I recently attended a restorative yoga class led by the wonderful Deb Buck, and what an experience that was for this yoga-curious lad. I highly recommend taking one if you haven’t tried it. Deep in a sustained shape that I didn’t know was possible for my body to make, under the flickering light of tiny, faithful candles dancing in the dark, she whispered to us, “The time of transition is here. The transition from warmth to cold, from summer to winter, from day to night… .”

Something struck me as incredibly profound about this. In the middle of yet another deep transition in my own life, sacred little bass player/DJ tears distilled upward, an emotional osmosis, into my eye pillow. Thank you, Deb, for holding the space. What a special place we live in!

The time of letting go of the light and warmth outside and nurturing those sustaining forces at home is here in more ways than one for all of us, I imagine. Our innate capacity to meet these changes in life, season, work, relationship – heck, playlist selection for some of you – is much vaster than we can imagine. We are beautiful creatures, beyond our understanding on most days. May we be reminded of this in the most unsuspecting of ways this month with the music that fills our lives.

Within the live music industry, a time of great transition is upon us as well, as we move from the grassy, green fields of Buckley Park to our beautiful, warm, shared spaces nestled in the Animas City Theatre and the Community Concert Hall, to name a few. Here’s a look at some of the not-to-miss events coming up as the leaves fall. Namaste … and see you on the dance floor.

• iAM Music Fest – Oct. 5-8: Come celebrate 10 years of the kickass nonprofit iAM Music. It brings amazing opportunities for youth to learn music in our local schools and throw killer festivals. Heavy hitters Nosotros, Blue Honey, High Country Hustle, J Calvin and Tone Dog are in the mix for this installment. Get pumped. For the full line up, schedule and more information, visit at iammusicfest.us

• The Expendables featuring Claire Wright, Fri., Oct. 13, 7 p.m: The Expendables, with their 25-year career, are coming to town, and this one is definitely not to miss. This group is known for its completely unique mix of punk/surf/reggae/metal. The band has put the miles in on the road and know exactly how to throw one hell of a party. Their incredibly talented and sunshine-filled friend Claire Wright joins. Get your tickets now, as this one will definitely sell out. animascitytheatre.com

• DeVotchka – Sat., Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m: The Denver-based but globally sought-after indie heavyweights, DeVotchka, return to the beautiful Community Concert Hall with their effusive blend of gypsy punk and gothic country music. This is the show of the month to help you settle into the spooky season. durangoconcerts.com

• Punk Rock Breakfast – Sun., Oct. 15, 10 a.m: If you know, you know. If you don’t – well come on down to Anarchy Brewing. With Pussyfoot, Acid Wrench and Neighborhood Skeletons, this is sure to be a family reunion for the Durango punk scene and open invitation for folks to join the party. You don’t need any more information. Just come! 

• BabyDel’s in the Holy Church of House of Techno – Fri., Oct. 20, 7 p.m: If there’s one show this month for me to not miss, this is the one. But, I like to feel kick drums and heavy bass wash through my cells and safely dance with a few hundred friends and strangers to disco and house bangers. Joining Del will be the Denver-based Dirtee Disco, a rising star known for eclectic mixes ranging from disco, techno and afro-house. Is this my twin flame? animascitytheatre.com

• Stillhouse Junkies – Oct. 27-28, 7 p.m: Local legends the Junkies are directing the ship home for what has become a yearly ritual of back-to-back sold-out shows. Night one features Golden Shoals, and night two features Never Come Down. It’s a sure sellout, so don’t sleep on it if you wanna dance! animascitytheatre.com

• Long Beach Dub All-Stars – Sun., Oct. 29, 6 p.m: What was the ashes of Sublime turned into the Long Beach Dub All-Stars, and they are coming to Durango?! Being raised by “40 Oz. to Freedom” in middle school, I’m just speechless. And, you should be, too. A landmark booking. Let’s go! animascitytheatre.com

• Liver Down the River & River Spell – Tues., Oct. 31, 7 p.m: Liver family unite for this liminal evening of bluegrass, funk and beyond. Word on the street is a drummer and full horn section are coming along for the ride, so expect absolute total Halloween night mayhem. More information is available at animascitytheare.com