The whirlwind of Music in the Mountains and the Conservatory is over; I hope you were able to be part of it, and we’re gearing our sights toward the school year ahead.
I want to let you know about a group that has helped bring musical artists to the area for the past 20 years – the Artists in Residence Program. It is administered by a committee made up of Durango volunteers. The music department faculty nominate artists and the committee selects from those nominated. This program provides students and residents the opportunity to enjoy master classes and performances given by outstanding artists.
Last year’s artists included Joyce Lyons, Trio Solis, enhake, Toby Yatso, Ryan Anthony, Sean Jones, Joceyln Swigger and Occident Meets Orient. Although the program is endowed, continued financial support from the Four Corners community is necessary to sustain the program’s viability. Please visit https://www.fortlewis.edu/music/AIR.aspx to learn more about the programming and how you might be able to support it. Of course, my favorite method of support is to purchase a ticket and listen to some wonderful performances in my favorite intimate setting; Roshong Recital Hall!
If you’re a bit sad at the prospect of summer ending, perhaps you should head over to the concert hall to see Paula Poundstone at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19. She’s sure to get you laughing. Poundstone’s quick-thinking, unscripted approach to comedy makes for a perfect fit as a regular panelist on NPR’s No. 1 show, the screwball weekly news quiz show “Wait Wait ... Don’t Tell Me!” where she holds the record for game losses. “The others cheat,” she says magnanimously, “you wouldn’t think NPR would put up with that.”
Have a great August, and I’ll see you at our concerts, beginning with the popular Faculty Collage at 3 p.m. Sept. 18. Be sure to say hello at the reception afterwards!
Purchase tickets for Concert Hall events at www.durangoconcerts.com, 247-7657 or at the downtown Durango Welcome Center, on the corner of Eighth and Main.
blaylock_sl@fortlewis.edu Shauna Blaylock is the publicist/event coordinator for the FLC Music Department.
If you go
The R. Carlos Nakai Quartet will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave.
Tickets are $42 general admission and are available at www.durangoarts.tix.com or by calling 259-2606.
