Last week I was paid a great compliment. My friend said, “It warms my heart to see pictures of you and your daughter.”
Like many dads (with the exception of the numerous deadbeats who I’ve got words for that aren’t fitting for this column), I would do anything for my child. I am proud of my time with her and her daily accomplishments, and want to share those good times with friends, neighbors and complete strangers, even if at other times my kid is moody, whiny and baffling. (If you’re a parent and you can’t relate to that last sentence, you aren’t spending enough time with your offspring.) She regularly says “please” and “thank you” and likes the Ramones. I must be doing something right.
Sunday is Father’s Day, and as a single dad, I’ve been thinking of the stereotypical roles of parents. It’s a changing world, and fading away quickly are the societal tasks that are assigned to each parent. I can sew a button onto a shirt, grill a steak and assist in the application of fingernail polish, just like many moms can properly use a screwdriver, swill beer and light the grill. I’m happy to be a dad, and even the challenging time spent with my 10-year-old is time better spent than doing anything else.
I’m also happy that Powerhouse Science Center (formerly Durango Discovery Museum) continues with its annual Father’s Day fundraiser. The “Who’s Your Daddy!” event has gone on as long as I’ve been a dad: 10 years of music, beer and kids activities in downtown Durango.
This year, the event will move off Main Avenue to Buckley Park, with activities kicking off at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Music offerings will feature local bands; the talent pool in Durango and surrounding areas continues to get deeper, with little need to look far to entertain.
Kicking off the music portion of the day’s events will be Natural Selection, a Durango-based band performing traditional country, rock and Latino music.
Six Dollar String Band, an old-time and bluegrass band, also will appear. The band plays originals and dips into the songs of the Appalachian public domain.
Papa Otis continues to add members and genres. Performing Saturday with Papa Otis’ Big Ol’ Band will be local bluegrass musician Robin Davis on fiddle. The group remains difficult to label, performing gritty hill country blues, old-time twang and garage rock while including a muted trumpet in many songs.
The Moe-Tones are a Montezuma county rock band, excelling in all things country, punk and rock. Their sophomore release, recorded locally with Doug Eagle, is due out later this year.
Diabolical Sound Platoon is a local hip-hop band, featuring three emcees backed not by a music bed provided by a computer, but by a real band including a horn section.
Who’s Your Daddy! runs through the afternoon. Happy Father’s Day, dads, and also to you moms who pull dad duty, as well.
Liggett_b@fortlewis.edu. Bryant Liggett is a freelance writer and KDUR station manager.
Bryant’s Best
Saturday: Who’s Your Daddy Festival with live music, kids activities and more, 11 a.m., Buckley Park, 259-9234.
Saturday: Country music star Clay Walker, 7 p.m., Sky Ute Casino Resort, 14324 Colorado Highway 172, Ignacio, $45 reserved VIP seating/$35 reserved bleacher seating/$25 general admission, (970) 563-7777.
