As summer ends with a green flash, I long for the slowdown of autumn, especially after the Escalante Days and Nights Music Festival in Dolores. More stellar bands than you could shake a stick at and double stages at the Dolores River Brewery. I'm digging the work of Moe Corps and Inner Orbit Productions, who co-produced the event and seem to have their fingers on the pulse of what the music lovers of Montezuma County didn't know they'd been missing.
Teen Nights at the Mancos Public Library
When: Fridays throughout the summer, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Mancos Public Library
What: The Mancos Public Library will host Teen Nights for kids ages 13 to 19 on Fridays from 7-10 p.m. through the summer. Gaming and maker activities will be available on PS4, XBox, Wii and other platforms. Snacks will be provided; bring proof of age. Call (970) 533-7600 for more information.
The Western Heritage Show
When: July 25 - Aug. 30
Where: Town Gallery in the Mancos Visitor Center
What: After this show, submissions will be accepted for the "Art Takes Flight" exhibit that runs in conjunction with the balloon festival. For information, email Jan Wright at jan@butterflyvisions.com or Marilyn Kroeker at kroeker_3@q.com.
The Art of Elizabeth Kinahan
When: July 26 - Aug. 30
Where: Olio in Mancos,114 West Grand Avenue Mancos
What: Elizabeth Kinahan is a representational oil painter depicting the flora and fauna of the West. She exposes the soul of each subject, and within it, the soul of mankind. The work thereby creates an implied narrative, with animal as storyteller, where man is at once hero and villain.
Seeking Artists, Craftspeople
The Mancos Valley Arts Council is currently seeking artists/craftspeople to have a booth at the Arts Festival and Street Fair on the Saturday of the Balloon Festival, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booth fee is $45. Register with Marianne at the Mancos Chamber by calling (970) 533-7434.
The Mancos Valley Arts Council is seeking artists who would like their contact information included in a Mancos Valley Arts Directory. For more information or to be included in the directory, email Jan Wright at jan@butterflyvisions.com.
Mancos Farmers Market
When: Every Thursday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. from June 26 - Sept. 25
Where: Boyle Park
What: The market offers local produce, meats, cheese, arts and crafts. For more information or to sign up as a vendor, call Carrie Baike, (970) 759-2540 or email mancoshomes@gmail.com.
Annual Group Show Reception for Southwest Artists Group
When: Friday, Aug. 15, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Cortez Cultural Center
What: The Cortez Cultural Center will host an Artists' Reception for the Southwest Artists Group. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshment. A variety of styles and mediums will be on display Aug. 4-Aug. 23. More information at www.cortezculturalcenter.org.
AfroZep
When: Friday, Aug. 15, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Dolores River Brewery
What: AfroZep originated in 2009 with the mission to spread African music to wider audiences while paying tribute to the greatest heavy rock band of all time. Mashing up Fela Kuti, Led Zeppelin, Tinariwen, Thomas Mapfumo and Franco and infusing stripped down Zeppelin arrangements with the pulse of traditional African drumming. More information at www.doloresriverbrewery.com. $10 cover at the door.
End of Summer Beach Bash with Rob Webster
When: Friday, Aug. 15, 8 p.m. -midnight
Where: Blondie's Trophy Room
What: One-man band Rob Webster returns to Cortez for an end of summer beach bash at Blondies. This is a 21 and over show. No cover. For more information, call (970) 565-4015.
Not Quite Dry
When: Friday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.-midnight
Where: Blondie's Trophy Room
What: Local rock band Not Quite Dry will performs at Blondies in Cortez. This is a 21 and over show. No cover. For more information, call (970) 565-4015.
Joe King Carrasco
When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
Where: Dolores River Brewery
What: Known as the king of Tex-Mex rock and roll, Joe King Carrasco creates a stylistic borderland of pop rock and Latin rhythms. His cross-cultural stew blends cumbias, calypso, salsa, surf, reggae and Latin-tinged polkas. More information at www.doloresriverbrewery.com. $10 cover at the door.
Reach Out Music Fest
When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2-10 p.m.
Where: Cortez Park
What: The Reach Out Music Fest will feature positive music, great food, and family fun in the Cortez Park. More information is at reachoutmusicfest.com. $5 tickets.
Western Belle House Concert
When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Contact Kerry Grombacher at kgrombacher@yahoo.com for directions
What: The Western Belle will host a potluck supper at 6 p.m. and Kerry Grombacher will perform at 7 p.m. This is a family event and all are welcome. Call (970) 882-1413 for directions and more information. $15 for adults and kids under 16 free.
To submit an upcoming event to Art Beat, please email Jaime.Becktel@gmail.com.