As our weather cools off, the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College heats up. In October, three new shows grace the Concert Hall stage that bring compelling storytelling through film and music with The Road to Everywhere Roadshow, a celebration of the Grateful Dead as Falco and Book Play Garcia, and up-and-coming artists Grace Pettis and Natalie Price perform in the Community Concert Hall’s Backstage Pass series with incredible songs and voices.
On Oct. 9, The Road to Everywhere Roadshow features a showing of “The Road to Everywhere,” a film that debuted at the Durango Independent Film Festival last March. In his first starring film role, two-time Grammy-winning Taos Pueblo musical artist Robert Mirabel (Principal Littlefield, “Yellowstone”) plays Jake, a grandfather who dreams of traveling from Los Angeles to the Navajo Nation to see his grandson compete in a rodeo. Convinced to drive him is Jason, played by Whip Hubley (Hollywood, “Top Gun”). The film follows the story of two people and what happens to their dreams over the course of a lifetime. Along with the film screening, we are treated to a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers, and music by Robert Mirabel and his Rare Tribal Mob Trio. The producers of the Road to Everywhere Roadshow promise a complete “artistic experience” and “special event.”
Another recently developed show, Falco and Book Play Garcia, brings a new twist to legendary artist Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, leader of one of the most influential bands in recent history, and who inspired too many artists to count. Included in those inspired are the Infamous Stringdusters, of whom Stringdusters founders Andy Falco and Travis Book are to be counted. Thanks to their love for Garcia’s music, the Durango favorites bring a spotlight to the genius of his songwriting and timeless songs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18.
Grace Pettis and Natalie Price round out October in the Community Concert Hall’s Backstage Pass Series. Two artists, both with extensive songwriting libraries and experience collaborating with others, perform together for the first time in Durango. Described as a blend of folk, country, Americana and soul, and with her songs recorded by Ruthie Foster and Sarah Hickman, Pettis is on an upward trajectory. Price, another fast-rising talent, showcases what she calls “Ameri-kinda” music that blends Americana, indie folk and melodic pop into a wholly original sound. Touring together, each artist will perform their own tunes and then play together for a great night of music. Make sure to catch these two amazing artists in the intimate and personal setting at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29.
Be sure to visit Durangoconcerts.com and register to receive our news and information about upcoming shows. Purchase tickets at Durangoconcerts.com, 24 hours per day, or by calling 946-3025, Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
Charles Leslie is the director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
