Blues & Brews
You can’t go wrong with live music and beer. That’s why Aztec is combining them for the 10th annual Animas River Blues & Brews. Several artists from around the country will be performing, such as the headliner Harlis Sweetwater, of Huntington Beach, California. He has been regarded as “the best singer in any genre” by The Orange County Register.
Gifted guitarist Kelly Richey, of Cincinnati, has been touring for decades and has shared stages with legends like Johnny Winter, Warren Zevon and James Brown.
The Michael Lee Blues Band, Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry and the Austin Young Band also will be performing. Patrons can enjoy New Mexican beers by La Cumbre Brewing Co. and Marble Brewery and other microbreweries. Doors open at Riverside Park at noon, and the music will last from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $22, and kids 12 and younger are free. Get tickets at www.animasriverblues.com.
Paintings and beads
One great thing about living in a mountain town like Durango is that there’s never a shortage of great artists, and a couple of them will be showing their work at Diane West Jewelry & Art this weekend. Joan Russell will present a series that shows her love of wildflowers and her love of painting. “The image of the long tall flowers with a simple horizon line has stayed with me a for a very long time, and it continually morphs. It’s meaning is of value to me – the flower as a symbol of beauty and strength,” Russell said.
Jeweler Tracey Belt’s new line of handmade glass beads and forged sterling silver jewelry will also be on hand. The opening is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, and the gallery is at 934 Main Ave.
Challenging India
For many of us, India is a faraway place, physically and mentally. It’s there, and we hear about it, but we haven’t smelled its smells, seen its colorful crowds, its majestic mountains. But Dr. Ron Ritz has seen it – much of it through a lens.
Ritz’s mind-capturing, black-and-white photos have appeared in many publications, including LIFE magazine. From the ghettos of Mumbai to the iconic Taj Mahal and the Himalayan foothills, he has effectively captured some of the most challenging living conditions in the world.
Hear his lecture, “India: The Heritage Collection,” see his work, and meet him from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Durango Arts Center as part of the photography group show “Exhibit 970 Reprise.” There is a suggested $5 donation.
mhayden@durangoherald.com
