Last week, I was under the stars at Canyons of the Ancients in McElmo Canyon, just outside Cortez, enjoying two magical music evenings by singer-songwriters Amy Helm and Martha Scanlon. A few months earlier, I had the chance to experience a rainy rooftop concert in Stockholm, where the vibrant rhythms of South African and Congolese musicians, The Congo Cowboys, echoed through the air.
These unique and diverse venues, from the ancient canyons to the rainy rooftops, have always added an element of surprise and excitement to the performances. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of attending performances in a range of unconventional venues – private homes, a music store, an open field atop a mesa and city parks – each transformed into a temporary concert space for anywhere from 25 to 3,000 guests.
At the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, we’ve applied that same spirit of adaptation to presenting artists. Our goal is always to create a deeper connection between performers and audiences. One of our most popular innovations is the "Backstage Pass Concert Series," which brings the audience directly onto the stage with the performers. This intimate setup allows just 100 attendees to experience the music up close and personal. On Oct. 9, Durango favorite Thom Chacon and his Nashville collaborator Bobby Martinez will headline the next Backstage Pass concert, promising an evening of soulful songwriting and connection.
Looking ahead to spring 2025, we’re excited to welcome Hawaiian slack key guitarist and singer Stephen Espaniola to the stage on March 26, followed by songwriter Matt Blake on April 30. These performances, starting at 7:30 p.m., will offer a genuine "listening room" experience, focusing entirely on the music, the lyrics and the personal connection between the artist and the audience. Your presence and engagement are what make these performances truly special.
During the pandemic, when our Concert Hall was closed, we had to get creative to keep our audience engaged with live music. That’s when we launched the "Concert Hall at the Park" series online, bringing performances to viewers at home. During this time, I discovered a new way of experiencing live music through online streams. One of the standout artists I encountered was Carsie Blanton, who quickly became an internet sensation with her “Rent Party” concerts, broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube. Blanton’s ability to transform her home into a captivating online performance space was inspiring. Her music – liberating, irreverent, sentimental and joyful – resonated with listeners everywhere. I’m thrilled she’ll join us for a live, in-person concert on Nov. 7.
Whether indoors, outdoors or online, live music continues to be a source of joy and connection for me, and I can’t wait to share these upcoming shows with you! From intimate performances to larger celebrations, the Community Concert Hall offers something for everyone who loves the magic of live music. I hope to see you there, sharing in the excitement and anticipation for these upcoming performances.
For tickets and more information about events at the Community Concert Hall, visit durangoconcerts.com or call 247-7657, Monday through Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Charles Leslie is director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
