Region

Valley Symphony announces new music director

After a year-long search process, the Valley Symphony Association (VSA) Board of Directors announced Troy Raper of Grand Junction as their new music director and orchestra conductor. Raper, a musician, educator and Colorado native, holds a bachelor’s in music education from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree in education from Lesley University. Raper spent 10 years as chair/ board member for the Colorado All State Orchestra Governing Board. He has also served as a board member of the Colorado Chapter of the American String Teachers Association, and as a member of the Colorado Music Educators Association state board. An accomplished musician with broad performing experience, Raper has played with orchestras and for festivals all over the west. He sits as principal bassist for the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, and performs regularly in various jazz bands, recording studios and as a concert soloist. Raper’s first official performance with the VSA will be at the season 52 opener on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the annual “Pops in the Park” concert at the Montrose Amphitheater. Season and individual tickets are now available for the VSA’s 52nd season. For more information, call 970765-8323 or visit valleysymphony.net prompt for adults is: Write a 600word story or essay about people coming together and communicating in a positive way. Stories may be fiction or nonfiction. Writing entries must be submitted online at deltalibraries.org. For help, call 970-399-7876.

Free True Grit Walking Tours in Ridgway begin June 2

Every Friday from June 2 to September 1, relive the exciting days in 1968 when Ridgway was transformed into Fort Smith, Arkansas, and John Wayne, Henry Hathaway, Robert Duval and Glen Campbell came for the filming of “True Grit.”

Every Friday at 3 p.m. meet at the Hartwell Park gazebo in Ridgway, where a guide will escort you to downtown filming locations and share insights about the town’s film history and little known facts and anecdotes about the Duke. This tour was recognized by True West Magazine as Readers’ Choice for Best Historic Town Tour. For more information, call 469-682-9710.

Outdoor Summer Concert Series in CedaredgeAttend a free concert every Friday night this summer at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W. Main St. in Cedaredge! Concerts start at 5:30 p.m. There’s a full-service cash bar. Just bring a lawn chair. For details, visit gmaec. org or call 970-856-9195.

• June 2 - Dana Cooper

• June 9 - Cup a Jo

• June 16 - Ken Gaines

• June 23 - The Last Spike

Delta Farmers Market opens June 3

It’s opening day—come out and celebrate! Browse local produce, eggs, meats, honey, breads, scones, cookies, jams, botanicals and more from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday this summer. The