As December returns, the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College becomes a center of holiday festivities. Cold weather and the chance of snow set the scene as our lobby fills with joy from long-standing holiday traditions. This year, the “Nutcracker,” featuring the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, returns for its 20th season, and the Bar-D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee celebrates its 27th year on our stage – two key parts of Durango’s holiday traditions.
The State Street Ballet first presented the “Nutcracker” in Durango in 2006, combining 30 professional dancers with more than 50 local children in four sold-out performances. Since then, the production has performed 80 times on our stage, uniting professionals, students and families in a shared celebration of art and tradition.
Over the past 20 years, the “Nutcracker” has brought together 600 professional dancers and more than 1,000 young local performers. The show has involved 300 theater technicians, 600 FLC students and 1,000 volunteers. Collectively, they have filled hotels with 2,000 room nights and served more than 14,000 meals. By this December, attendance will exceed 44,000 people. Nine years ago, the San Juan Symphony and the Durango Youth and Children’s Chorale joined the production, adding nearly 300 musicians and singers to the experience.
Additionally, the Bar-D Wranglers continue their impressive streak with the Christmas Jubilee. The legendary Durango Western band, celebrating 56 years together, has performed at the Concert Hall for 27 consecutive seasons. Their Western harmonies, humor and heart have entertained more than 12,000 guests of all ages and have become a treasured local tradition.
Together, the “Nutcracker” and the Christmas Jubilee have attracted more than 56,000 audience members. According to a recent study by Americans for the Arts, their combined economic influence surpasses $19 million. Remarkably, these two holiday events make up less than 10% of our annual programming – just think about the total impact of everything else we offer!
Numbers tell only part of the story. The true value of these performances lies in the sense of belonging they create. Families come back year after year to share the magic, watch their children perform and celebrate the season together. The artistry, laughter and community spirit that fill the Concert Hall each December remind us why the arts matter – not just for the economy, but for the heart of Durango itself.
The “Nutcracker” performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 14. The Bar-D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee takes place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets can be purchased at durangoconcerts.com or by calling 247-7657. Make sure to buy tickets only through these two methods to avoid resellers who sell tickets at significantly marked-up prices.
Charles Leslie is director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
