Summer swan song
Beginning of cooler night heats up indoor shows

Greetings, dear readers! This month, summer reaches its musical crescendo as our regional festival season begins to wrap up, and we see a rise in yellow leaves and a somewhat precipitous drop in those nighttime temps. There are a few banger outdoor events coming up at Tico Time and smaller spots like Foxfire Farms, Union Social House and 11th St. Station, so be sure to check the venues’ calendars. And don’t start getting all mopey too soon – save those tears and existential dread for November. We still have plenty of time for biking, hiking, foraging, running 33-hour races and all that other fun stuff people in Durango do.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t alert you that the Animas City Theatre starts to hit high gear again this month. Alas, it is always bittersweet to say goodbye to those warmer days. Let’s hear it for the unsung summer hero of monsoons keeping us chock full of delicious chanterelles from the woods, eh?

Here are a few not-to-miss events with local and national acts alike. As always, I hope to see you on the dancefloor!

• Unison Fest, Tico Time, Sept. 5-8 - Get your palo santo ready! The Unison Fest at Tico Time promises to be even bigger and better this year, with more national artists, workshops and a heaping cuddle puddle of connection and healing through what we might lovingly call “transformational dance music.” Local heroes DJ Codestar (Cody Reinheimer) and Smile Coyote (Cody Edwards) work their asses off all year to make this event happen. Consider “leaning into your edge,” putting glitter on your cheeks and coming to have a dance! More info can be found at www.unisonfest.com.

• Lindsay Lou and special guest Emma Rose, Animas City Theatre, Tues., Sept. 10, 7 p.m. - Start your month with the soulful voice of Lindsay Lou at our beloved Animas City Theatre. Known for her rich blend of Americana, roots and folk, Lindsay Lou’s music is deeply emotional and resonates with stories of love, loss and hope. The Michigan-born artist has been gaining attention nationwide, and her performance in Durango promises to be an intimate affair filled with heartfelt lyrics and stunning melodies. An opening set from special guest Emma Rose, of Big Richard, is well worth the price of admission, personally. The doors open, at 7 and the tickets are coming in at just under $30.

• Thea the Band and the Bulldoggers, Indigo Room at iAM Music, Sat., Sept. 14, 8 p.m. - Durango’s live music scene is mildly buzzing with fresh energy, but every so often, a show comes along that promises to be something truly special and unique. This month, it’s Thea the Band and the Bulldoggers, set to light up the Indigo Room. Thea the Band, led by the enigmatic Thea Tochihara, brings a sound that is as expansive as it is intimate. Self-described as “cosmic American,” Thea’s music is a blend of soulful lyrics, emotive blues and toe-tapping rock. Her songs, rooted in her Denver upbringing and shaped by her journey to San Diego, delve into themes of love, spirituality and the struggles of life. Expect a performance that is both raw and refined, where every note and lyric feels like a personal conversation with the audience.

• La La Bones, Foxfire Farms, Sat., Sept. 20, 6 p.m. - Nestled in the scenic beauty of Foxfire Farms, our local beloved La La Bones will be gracing the grass stage with what will perhaps be your last chances for outdoor bluegrass music locally. Known for their rootsy bluegrass, La La Bones brings a fresh yet traditional approach to the genre, blending rich harmonies with foot-tapping rhythms and solid songwriting. Of special note is Jeff Hibshman joining the band full time on bass. Although no one could ever replace Jimmie Giles on bass and vocals, the band is in excellent hands with Hibshman, perhaps Durango’s finest and most experienced upright player. Foxfire is an absolute delight, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of music under the stars.

• Mike Love & the Full Circle with Cas Haley and Sound Destroyer, Animas City Theatre, Thurs., Sept. 25, 7 p.m. – Expect the ACT to be turned into a temple of high vibes and spiritual cleansing with this one. Love, a Hawaiian-born artist with long, well-toured dreadlocks is known for his heady lyrics and an island-saturated sound, bringing a message of positivity and unity. With support from the soulful Cas Haley and the genre-blending Sound Destroyer, this show is a must for Durangotangs seeking more conscious music that uplifts and inspires.

• Elder Grown, Animas City Theatre, Sat., Sept. 28, 7 p.m. - You know them, you love them. Elder Grown rounds off the month with a victory lap at the ACT after having thrown an incredible installation of their Summer Camp at Tico Time in July. The new lineup, including shredder Guillaume Metz on his trusty Fender Strat, is starting to coalesce into a white-hot funk machine. Recently having relocated to Denver in search of that elusive “next step,” Elder Grown is carving a name for themselves with an improvisational style that blurs rock, funk, reggae and hip-hop. Their high-energy shows have a familial party vibe and are a testament to their incredible musicianship and chemistry, making them a favorite on the local music scene. Don’t miss it.