April at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College is one of those months when the full sweep of what live performance can be comes into focus. Some months cluster naturally around a single genre, but April refuses to be contained. Instead, it offers an invigorating mix of music, dance, culture and storytelling – a reminder of why the performing arts matter and why we return to them again and again.
We open on April 4 with Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll, a show that pairs nostalgia with high-voltage energy. For many, the songs featured here are part of the soundtrack of our lives. Berg and his exceptional cast of vocalists revive those classics while sharing the stories, influences and personalities behind them. The production has become a favorite across the country because it captures not only the sound of American rock, but the spirit of the era that shaped it – an era whose music continues to resonate across generations.
Just a few days later, on April 8, the stage transforms again as Pilobolus Dance Theatre brings its Other Worlds Collection. For more than 50 years, Pilobolus has been reimagining modern dance, surprising audiences with work rooted in athleticism, collaboration and visual invention. Their dancers twist, balance and support one another in ways that make the seemingly impossible look effortless. At times playful, at times breathtaking, their performances reveal the extraordinary creativity that emerges when movement becomes its own kind of storytelling.
On April 17, we travel to a different part of the world with Brazil Beyond Samba, featuring vocalist Caro Pierotto and the ensemble Farofa. Brazil’s musical heritage is rich and varied, and this program offers a vibrant slice of that tradition. Through rhythm, melody and expressive vocals, the artists create a tapestry of sound filled with warmth, color and irresistible energy. It’s the kind of evening that leaves audiences feeling as though they’ve journeyed far beyond Durango without ever leaving their seats.
We close the month April 28 with an intimate night of Americana featuring Kelly Willis and Emily Scott Robinson. Willis, celebrated for her distinctive voice and songwriting, marks the 25th anniversary of her landmark album “What I Deserve.” Robinson – now proudly based in nearby Ouray – joins her with songs grounded in vivid storytelling and emotional honesty. Together, they offer a beautifully crafted evening of harmonies, reflection and authenticity.
For those of us who work at the Community Concert Hall, a month like April is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Each performance creates space for connection – sometimes through the familiar, sometimes through something entirely new, but always through the shared experience of live art. If you haven’t visited in a while, this is a wonderful time to return. Bring a friend, discover something unexpected and enjoy an evening of live performance.
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and information are available at DurangoConcerts.com, through the Community Concert Hall Box Office, noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday or by phone at 247-7657.
Ticketing reminder: Always buy tickets through DurangoConcerts.com to ensure authenticity and fair pricing. Beware of third-party resellers. For assistance, contact the Box Office at the number above.
Charles Leslie is director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
