You should have been there.
That was the refrain heard on Monday from people who attended the Durango Voice finals at the Henry Strater Theater on Saturday night.
And that’s problematic, since the show, like the first round in March, was sold out. Still, the admonishment is apropos.
The 13 finalists, many on stage for just the second time in their lives, put aside their nerves and poured hearts and souls out to a lucky audience.
A fundraiser for Manna, Durango’s soup kitchen, the event brought out the generosity from the crowd, both from ticket sales and from additional donations made on behalf of favorite performers. Although final dollar amounts have not been determined, Manna Executive Director Kathy Tonnesson declared it a success, not just from the fundraising angle – between $5,000 and $10,000 – but also for bringing Manna’s mission to a diverse cross section of the community.
The generosity extended to all performers, who ranged in age from 16 to a bit past the show-business white lie of “39.” Each received Durango-sized portions of applause from a crowd more interested in making them feel appreciated than expecting to be entertained.
Judges Nuriya Akers, Kevin Bell, Caprice Fox and Jill Holly declared Bayfield’s Daniel Russell the winner, but he was as impressed with the atmosphere as he was with results.
“I’ve just been really surprised with all the support,” he said. “Durango does a good job of supporting its local musicians.”
He should expect that to continue as he plans some local gigs in the near future.
If you insist on keeping score, Sophie Maja Hughes was first runner up, and CV Wells, back singing after a 30-year hiatus, was second runner up. But Manna, the audience, and the community all deserve places on the podium.
Another opportunity to support local talent is coming on May 6, again at the Strater, with Dancing with the Durango Stars.
This time the big winner will be the Durango Derailers bike team and their goal to support local families with children receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
People will be talking about this one, too. Don’t miss it.
