Summertime rolls
Whether you're trying to beat the crowds or join them, musical options abound

Consider me firmly, resolutely corrected.  I suppose I should’ve known better. Ha – that’s rich. That second sentence more than accurately sums up my last few months (years?) A personal mantra, if you will. If I had an arching, poorly executed, over-the-belly button, stomach tattoo in terribly typical Old English lettering, it might read: SHOULD’VE KNOWN BETTER. I have been a comically stubborn, obstinate human. Maybe that’s a topic for another time. Because I am working on that. And more. Forgive the tangent.

Of course, the Telegraph has a fervent, devout readership. Those of you, like me, that do read “The original weekly line on Durango & beyond” do so front to back, possibly even the day it hits the newsstand or your inbox. Last month, I made a self-effacing offhand comment about how many of you read my column. I have since been corrected a dozen or more times – so thank you. Deeply, truly. An extra bit of thanks to those of you who made the trek up to campus for the Black Belt Eagle Scout set at Skyfest. The hundred or so who did come were treated to a set of impassioned originals and better-than-decent weather.

This past weekend, I traveled north to Ouray/Ridgway half-expecting and mostly hoping to miss the masses that usually descend for and after Memorial Day. Apparently, we all had the same idea. For those who’ve just traveled in, reading the Telegraph for the first time, welcome. For the few thousand returning to participate in the 51st annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, welcome back. And finally, for those that unwittingly thought, “Well, let’s maybe head to Durango for the holiday. Could be fun.” – welcome to the mayhem. 

I’m sure town will be vibrating with goings on and happenings, so just start on one end or the other and work your way north – or south. You can catch live music pretty much all weekend long on both Main and Second avenues. Stop into Lola’s Place (725 E. 2nd Ave.), 11th St. Station (1101 Main Ave.) or Durango Craft Spirits (1120 Main Ave.) Thursday through Saturday for a smattering of local acts. Tickets to the rescheduled Slim & Maria Cessna in store at Jimmy’s Music & Supply (1239 Main Ave., Suite 101) on Friday are long gone, but there’s no shortage of choices in and around the area.

If you’re feeling the need to (understandably) flee Durango, there’s music in Dolores on Saturday at both EsoTerra Ciderworks and the Dolores River Brewery. 

If you’re living in town proper and would rather hole up and utterly ignore the influx of people, I’d recommend first zipping by our local, independent record store – Toast Records & Bakes (643 A Main Ave.) – for an album or two. Friday is now “New Release Day,” and I imagine Josh and Kyra will have more than a handful of ample choices of both LPs and baked goods for you to choose from. I have it on good authority that they have copies of the latest live Oh Sees (Thee Oh Sees, OCS, The Oh Sees, etc.) record; Tinariwen’s most recent release “Amatssou;” and a few Dinosaur Jr. and De La Soul reissues to boot. I’m guessing you could score the Matador debut from Water From Your Eyes, too.

If none of those do it for you, suggestions from the staff are all but guaranteed. As a matter of fact, if you end up swooping up something, pass on your selection(s) to me. I’ll certainly be dodging the crowds and hiding out listening to things at home – if I’m here at all. So, send your favorite summer albums to spin my way. Along with questions, comments and gripes. Especially the gripes.

Jon E. Lynch is the program director at KDUR. Reach him at kdur_pd@fortlewis.edu