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art entertainment food drink music nightlife January 31-February 13, 2019

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STAFF

What’s inside Volume 4 Number 12 Thursday, January 31, 2018

Editor

Clarke Cosplays

Angelica Leicht aleicht@bcimedia.com 375-4551

Badass cosplayer Clarke Cosplay cosplays as Monster Hunter Altera. Please don’t try to replicate this costume for Snowdown. We promise you can’t pull it off.

Staff writer Amanda Push apush@bcimedia.com Sales Liz Demko 375-4553 Contributors Katie Burford Katie Cahill

Eat/Drink

Magical mezcal 4 Breakfast burrito showdown, p2 5

6-7 Snowdown 8

Sound

Neko Case

New albums

10 Snowdown 16 Weed

Jon E. Lynch

Lindsay Mattison

19 Film

Design/layout

20 Horoscope/ puzzles

Colossal Sanders Katia Schiele/Special to DGO

Reader Services

21 DGO Deals

375-4570

22 Rocky Road

Chief Executive Officer

Douglas Bennett V.P. of Advertising David Habrat

The never-ending burrito battle, part two

16 Getting dad stoned on Nightstar

Y’all. There are a lot of breakfast burrito places around here that you want us to try. Good thing you guys have excellent taste in food, but we definitely might need a (long) break from burritos after this. 10 Snowdown: Why should I bother to go?

DGO is a free biweekly publication distributed by Ballantine Communications Inc., and is available for one copy per person. Taking more than five copies of an edition from a distribution location is illegal and is punishable by law according to Colorado Revised Statute 18-9-314. DGO Magazine is published by Ballantine Communications Inc., P.O. Drawer A, Durango, CO 81302

I’ve lived here for a few years and I’ve never made it out for Snowdown. Part of me just doesn’t get it and another part of me simply doesn’t like dressing up.

So, I smoked my dad out a few days ago. He was in town for a few days and is a product of the weed heyday, when flower contained about 4 percent THC. That ain’t the case these days.

/dgomag /dgomag

Suvi Couture as Ms. Marvel.

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[Dispensary listings]

[eat]

READER BURRITO REQUESTS:

We’re still trying all those breakfast burrito places you told us to visit, pt 2 Y’all. There are a lot of breakfast burrito places around here that you want us to try. Good thing breakfast burritos are God’s gift to breakfast and you guys have excellent taste in food. Still, we will definitely need a (long) break from burritos after this. Here are some more of your Durango favorites that we had the delicious pleasure of taste testing.

Durango Acme Healing Center, 1644 Co Rd

203, 970-247-2190, acmehealingcenter. com Colorado Grow Co., 965 1/2 Main Ave., 970-259-1647, coloradogrowcompany.com Durango Organics - Bodo Park,

72 Suttle Street, Suite F, 970-259-3674, durangoorganics.com Durango Organics - Grandview,

37 Co Rd 232, 970-426-4381, durangoorganics.com Durango Rec Room, 145 E. College

Drive, 970-764-4087, durangorecroom. com

Bart’s Deli

The Greenery, 208 Parker Ave., Suite E, 970-403-3710, durangogreenery.com

1220 Carbon Junction, Durango

The Homestead, 927 CO-3, 970-

422-3282, info@mammothfarms.com Prohibition Herb, 1185 Camino del

Type: Veggie

Rio, 970-385-8622, prohibitionherb.com

Bart’s Deli is tucked into a gas station in southern Durango, and as I am of the belief that gas station food can be some of the best food you can get, I was quite excited. These burritos are smaller than the typical burritos we’ve found around here, but we are perfectly fine with that. Sometimes, you don’t need a grab-and-go burrito as thick as your thighs. What we’re trying to say is don’t underestimate this burrito. It’s been one of our favorites to try because they know how to layer on the cheese, which in our opinion is the most important ingredient. Even my office mate, who is not a fan of breakfast burritos, thought this one looked and smelled like a breakfast winner.

Rocky Mountain High, 120 E. 36th

Street, 970-259-4093, rockymountainhigh.co Santé , 742 ½ Main Ave., 970-375-2837,

santecolorado.com Telluride Bud Company, 3473

Main Ave., 970-422-8311, telluridebc.com

Cortez Chronic Therapy, 1020 S. Broadway, Amanda Push/DGO Mag

»» Bart’s Deli breakfast burrito (above) and Raider’s Ridge Cafe breakfast burrito.

CJ’s Diner 810 E College Ave, Durango Type: Max’s Big Breakfast Burrito I have never seen a breakfast burrito this big in my life. Max’s Big Breakfast Burrito at CJ’s Diner is truly a force to be reckoned with. It’s a ginormous flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar cheese, and your pick of either chicken, ground beef, ham, bacon, or sausage, then smothered in red or green chile. This burrito was as big as my head and soooo good. It should have been named Max’s Impossible To Finish Eating Big Breakfast Burrito. I dare you to go to CJ’s, order a breakfast burrito, and try to eat the whole thing. I dare you.

Raider Ridge Cafe 509 E Eighth Ave, Durango

Type: Build your own Raider Ridge will not tell you how to order your breakfast burritos, and I appreciate that. There is, in fact, a long list of ingredients you can choose from as soon as you step up to the register. You can choose six options to throw

970-529-2045, chronictherapy.co Doobie Sisters, 695 N. Broadway,

970-565-2345, doobiesistersco.com Durango Organics Cortez, 1104 E. Main Street, 970-565-6500, durangoorganics.com

into your breakfast burrito, from scrambled eggs to tofu and homemade pesto. With so many choices, you’re most likely going to be standing in front of the cashier for a hot minute wondering how you could possibly choose just SIX ingredients from this laundry list. But, we believe in you. You’ll make the right decision.

LivWell Cortez, 1819 E. Main Street, 970-565-9577, livwell.com/cortez

Hermosa Creek Grill

The Beacon, 230 N. Oak, 970-533-

32223 US-550, Durango

The Bud Farm, 385 N. Willow Street,

Type: Sausage Breakfast Burrito

970-533-9931, thebudfarm.net

As far as size goes, Hermosa Creek Grill’s breakfast burritos come in at a close second to CJ’s burritos. My eyes nearly popped out of my sockets when the cashier handed over my sausage, egg, potato, and cheese burrito. I took on the hefty task of trying to shovel this meteor in my mouth on my drive back to Durango, and it went about as well as you would imagine. You won’t be disappointed by this hearty burrito, and you also have the option of getting a veggie or bacon burrito.

LivWell Mancos, 449 Railroad Ave. #1, 970-533-9848, livwell.com/mancos

—— Amanda Push

The Herbal Alternative, 1531

Lebanon Road, 970-529-7007, theherbalalternative.net

The Medicine Man, 310 E. Main Street, 970-564-5181, cortezmedicineman.com

Mancos 9848

Pagosa Springs Good Earth Meds. 600 Cloman Blvd. #1, 970-731-3202, goodearth-

meds.com The Green House, 270 E. Pagosa Street, 970-264-4420, greenhousepagosa.com Pagosa Therapeutics, 235 Bastille

Drive, 970-731-4420, pagosatherapeutics.com San Juan Strains, 365 E. Pagosa

Street, Unit B, 970-264-5323, sanjuanstrains.com

�� Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 5

[drink]

I swear, I drank all that mezcal for research... When you walk into a mezcal bar in Mexico speaking sub-par Spanish, you probably shouldn’t lead off with, “I know nothing about mezcal, what should I order?” I mean, you can (and I did), but you should almost definitely expect to get swindled doing so. Maybe it’s my charming good looks, or perhaps I just got lucky with good-natured bartenders, because I actually learned everything I know by doing that. It all started at the grocery store. Our whiskey-and-craft-beer-drinking crew was embracing the “when in Rome” philosophy, committing to drinking Mexican lagers and tequila during our stay. Not that you had to twist our arms too much; Tulum isn’t exactly known for its artisanal beer, and something about white sand beaches and saltwater breezes makes your taste buds scream for the tangy flavor of agave. If you’ve ever gone tequila shopping in Mexico, you’ll know that most of the brands are unrecognizable. Sure, they have Don Julio and Jose and the likes, but they also have a whole bunch of random bottles you’ve never heard of. We were trying to find a suitable tequila, looking for something that said “100% agave” on it (if it doesn’t, it’s mixto, which means it’s legally tequila but only has to contain 51% agave and the rest is likely sugarcane). We picked up a few bottles, but none of them were very good. One tasted so deeply of vanilla that I had doubts that the 100% agave claim was even true. And thus, the decision to switch to mezcal was made. Instead of trying our luck at the grocery store, we headed out to the mezcalerias, where we quickly became regulars. Our servers remembered us, welcoming back the crazy gringos whose thirst for Victoria beer and mezcal was impossible to satiate. To be fair, we all high-altitude train, and drinking at sea level is rarely worth the bar tab. Looking at the bottles, we had nothing but questions: what does it mean for something to be a tobala or sotol? They would explain about the different fruits and regions, and we’d settle on trying whatever sounded the most interesting. In the trendy spots, the tiny glasses arrived seated in etched place-markers on neat wooden boards. The local spots skipped this nicety, simply handing us the glasses as they were prepared, but they all served the drinks with a side of orange slices dusted with chilies or sal de gusano (which

literally translates to worm salt, but before you cringe at the thought of consuming insects, know that it’s delicious. I doubt you’d have any idea it was crushed up worms if I didn’t translate it for you). Our favorite bar – Palma Central, the cool, new food truck court down the street from our house – also happened to have the best bartenders. I’d ask questions in Spanish, and they’d answer in English for the benefit of the group. We learned that many of the agave varieties we tried may become extinct over the next decade. Most mezcal is made from espadín, the industry standard agave fruit. It’s easy to farm and can be cultivated in eight to ten years (or less if you’re making shitty mezcal). Wildgrown agaves like tobala and cupreata, on the other hand, take upwards of 15 years to mature. Not only that, but they also produce smaller fruits. And, since these plants are a one-time use kind of deal, you have to plant a new agave after the fruit is harvested and start all over. We felt a twinge of guilt as the bartender informed us that the white man’s interest in mezcal could likely drive many of his favorite varieties out of existence. We drowned our guilt by trying almost every mezcal on the shelf (typical), and we were rewarded with an education by hands-on research in return. By the end of the week, we knew what multiple varieties of agave tasted like. Some were sweet, floral, and smooth, while others were a kick in the pants. Each of us had our favorites, and we painstakingly searched for a local liquor store that carried the bottles we liked. Clutching our week-long research, we packed our bags, hoping against hope that everything would make it in our checked bags without breaking. As soon as we came home, we headed to Star Liquors to see if they carry any of the varieties that couldn’t fit in our bags (they do, thank goodness). I may have arrived in Mexico with only the knowledge that mezcal is smokier than tequila, but I left knowing so much more. I’m completely hooked now, and at least I have a tiny collection to keep me company until I can go back. I also take comfort in knowing that I’m in good company: El Moro, 11th Street Station, Cantera, and The Bookcase & Barber can help me continue my “research” while I wait. —— Lindsay Mattison

Bar listings Durango Balcony Bar & Grill, 600 Main Ave., Suite 210, 970-422-8008, balconybarandgrill.com The Billy Goat Saloon, 39848 US-160, Gem Village, 970-884-9155, thebillygoatsaloon.com The Bookcase and Barber, 601 E. Second Ave., Suite B, 970-764-4123,,

Chuska Street, 550brewing. com

Distil, 5920 E. Main Street, 505-327-2382

The Lost Parrot, 104 N. Main Street, 505-3208516

KB Dillon’s, 101 W. Broadway, 505-325-0222

Bloomfield, NM Wooden Nickel, 900 W. Broadway Ave., 505-6322457

bookcaseandbarber.com

Bayfield

Brew Pub & Kitchen, 117 W. College Drive, 970-259-5959,brewpubkitchen.com

Bottom Shelf Brewery, 118 E. Mill Street, 970-884-2442, bottomshelfbrewery.com

Colorado Pongas, 121 W. Eighth Street, 970382-8554

The Rusty Shovel Saloon, 18044 Co Rd 501, 970-884-2964, therustyshovelsaloon.com

Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave., 970-247-5440, derailedpourhouse.com Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., 970-247-4331, strater.com/ diamond-belle-saloon Durango Craft Spirits, 1120 Main Ave. #2, 970-247-1919, durangospirits.com El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave., 970-2598111, elranchotavern.com Eno Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar, 723 E. Second Ave., 970-385-0105, enodurango.com The Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., 970403-1200, theirishembassypub.com

Blondie’s Trophy Room, 45 E. Main Street, 970-565-4015 J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery, 109 E. Main Street, 970-564-0242, jfargos.com Loungin’ Lizard, 2 W. Main Street, 970-516-1998, lounginlizardcortez.com Main Street Brewery & Restaurant, 21 E. Main Street, 970-564-9112, mainstreetbrewerycortez. com

The Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., 970375-7260, strater.com/dining/the-office-spiritorium

Dolores River Brewery, 100 S. Fourth Street, 970-882-4677, doloresriverbrewery.com

Orio’s Roadhouse, 652 Main Ave., 970-2596120

Riverfront Bar & Grill, 1319 Railroad Ave., 970-882-9998

Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., 970-259-9018

T Lazy T Orchard / Teal Cider, 17999 Road 23, 970-247-3430

Aztec, NM 550 Brewing, 119 E.

Three Rivers Tap & Game Room, 111 E. Main Street, 505-325-6605

traegersbar.com

Dolores

11th Street Station, 1101 Main Ave., 970-4228482, 11thstreetstation.com

Three Rivers Eatery & Brewhouse, 101 E. Main Street, 505-324-2187

Angel’s End Zone Sports Bar, 309 N. Broadway, 970-565-4022

Joel’s Bar, 119 W. Eighth Street

8th Ave.Tavern, 509 E. Eighth Street, 970-259-8801

Sun Ray Bar & Grill, 39 Road 5568, 505-5661231

Traegers, 5170 College Blvd., 505-278-8568

J. Bo Pizza & Rib Co, 1301 Florida Road, 970259-0010, jbosdurango.com

Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave. #C, 970375-2568, durangowildhorsesaloon.com

St. Clair Winery & Bistro, 5150 E. Main Street #101, 505-325-0711, stclairwinery.com

Cortez

WildEdge Brewing Collective, 111 N. Market Street, 970-565-9445, wildedgebrewing.com

Quiet Lady Tavern at Palace, 505 Main Ave., 970-247-2018, palacedurango.com/the-quiet-lady-tavern

No Worries Sports Bar & Grill, 1298 W. Navajo Street, 505-436-2657, noworriessportsbaarandgrill.com

Farmington, NM Clancy’s Pub an Irish Cantina, 2701 E. 20th Street, 505-325-8176, clancys.net Club B Lounge, 600 E. Broadway Ave., 505-3252288 Crackers’ Sports Bar, 3704 E. Main Street, 505-325-1857 Dino’s Hideaway & Lounge, 405 Co Rd 390, 505-632-5132

Mancos Columbine Bar, 123 Grand Ave., 970-533-7397 Fenceline Cider, 141 S. Main Street, 970-5334005, outliercellars.com Mancos Brewing Co., 484 Hwy 160 E. Frontage Road, 970-533-9761, mancosbrewingcompany. com Pagosa Springs Boss Hogg’s Restaurant & Saloon, 157 Navajo Trail Drive, 970-7312626 Coyote Moon Bar and Grill, 120 Piedra Road, 970-507-8696, coyotemoonco.co Kip’s Grill, 121 E. Pagosa Street, 970-264-3663, kipsgrill.com Pagosa Bar, 460 Pagosa Street, 970-264-5798 Pagosa Brewing & Grill, 118 N. Pagosa Blvd., 970-731-2739, pagosabrewing.com Riff Raff Brewing Company, 274 Pagosa Street, 970-264-4677, riffraffbrewing.com Riff Raff on the Rio, 356 E. Pagosa Street, 970264-6274, riffraffbrewing. com River Sports Bar & Grill, 358 Pagosa Street, 970-264-5505 Shooters & Shenanigans, 23 Pike Drive, 970507-8700 The Western Slope Break Room Bar and Grill, 2151 Eagle Drive, 970-731-0566

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[snowdown]

Here’s your Snowdown 2019 schedule of events »» What’s happening Thursday to Saturday for

Snowdown, the most wonderful time of the year

Um, hey. Hai. We just wanted to let you know it’s Snowdown time in Durango. Everybody, if you would, please give thanks for this chaotic, boozefilled bounty from the gods. It is right to give thanks and praise.

Craft Cannabis, Edibles, Concentrates, CBD Products And Much More!

HAPPY HOUR 4:20 pm to 8:00 pm DiscOunted

LOOSE FLOWER

If you’re not aware yet (shame on you if that’s the case), this year’s theme is Comic-Con, which means you get to dress up like, well, whatever the hell you want, provided you planned ahead or can dig up a costume with the quickness. Want to be Katana from Mortal

Thursday CHAMPAGNE PONG: 11:40 a.m., Durango Elks Lodge, 901 E. Second Ave. (Ninth Street entrance), 21+, $20 IRON MIXOLOGIST: 1 p.m., El Moro Spirits and Tavern, 945 Main Ave., 21+, free Enter to compete for the crown of Iron Mixologist. BIG WHEEL DERBY: 2 p.m., Balcony Bar & Grill, 600 Main Ave., Ste 205, 21+, free WARMING HUT AND THE MARIO & LUIGI MUSTACHE CHALLENGE: 2 p.m., BREW Pub & Kitchen, 117 W. College Drive, 21+, free FAMILY FEUD: 2 p.m., The Palace Restaurant, 505 Main Ave., 18+, free, This game is similar to the TV classic, but with our own SNOWDOWN style! SPEED RACER ADULT TRICYCLE RACE: 3 p.m., 11th Street Station, 1101 Main Ave., 18+, free NAME THAT TUNE: 4 p.m., 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. Eighth Ave. (College Plaza), 21+, free HOT WING EATING CONTEST: 4 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive, hosted by Cuckoo’s Chicken House, 18+, $8 per contestant

(970) 565-2345 doobiesistersco.com MONDAY-SUNDAY 9am to 8pm 695 North Broadway, Cortez, CO 81321

Hot Hot Hot wings! Did I say HOT? 14TH ANNUAL SNOWDOWN KIDS FOLLIES: 4 p.m., Durango Arts Center Theatre, 802 E. Second Ave., $16/$12 CAPT’N MARVEL OYS-

Kombat? So do we, but in 18 degree weather, we require more clothing than her costume allows. How about some obscure anime character, like Gourmet Hunter from “Toriko” or something? We say do your thang! You can be whatever you want to be during Snowdown. The world is your drunken oyster. You can also do whatever you want to do from this list, because these are the official Thursday through Sunday Snowdown events for 2019. Race you to the lip sync contest!

TER SLURPING: 4 p.m., Hwy 3 Roadhouse, 955 HWY 3, 18+, $20 per contestant

6 p.m., The Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., $40 per team of 4

Eat as many oysters as you can in 60 seconds!

SNOWDOWN COMIC CON PINBALL SHOWDOWN: 6 p.m., J Bo’s Pizza & Ribs, 1301 Florida Road, hosted by Silverballs Amusements, LLC

THE SCIENCE OF COMIC CON: 4 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio, all ages, free BOOZIN’ BEACONS: 4 p.m., Eolus, 919 Main Ave., hosted by Friends of the San Juans, 21+, $10 per player SNOWDOWN JR KING AND QUEEN CONTEST: 4:30 p.m., Best Western Rio Grande Inn, 400 E. Second Ave., hosted by McDonald’s and Best Western Rio Grande Inn, all ages, free 27TH ANNUAL WINE & CRAFT SPIRITS TASTING AND SILENT AUCTION: 4:30 p.m., Mutu’s Italian Kitchen, 701 E. Second Ave., hosted by La Plata Open Space Conservancy, $75 per person TYE DOWN FLY TYING CONTEST: 5 p.m., The San Juan Angler, 600 Main Ave., Ste 202, all ages, free Fly Tying! We provide the materials. You make your most creative fly design! HANKY PANKY: 5 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 932 Main Ave., 21+, free Be the first one to pull ALL the kleenex out of a box, ONE at a time! KAYAK POOL SLALOM: 6 p.m., Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave., hosted by Durango Whitewater, all ages, $1 per contestant MAGICAL MYSTERY MUSICAL TOUR FINALS:

SNOWDOWN TREADMILL CHALLENGE: 6 p.m., BREW Pub & Kitchen, 117 W. College Drive, hosted by Durango Running Company, free SNOWDOWN SUPERHERO OBSTACLE COURSE: 6 p.m., Durango Jungle Gym, 151 E. 15th Street, 21+, $5 Wear your best superhero costume to earn extra points in a ninja style obstacle course race. Race for the ultimate prizes of pride, pizza and beer! BEER PONG: 6 p.m., Pongas, 121 W. Eighth Street, 21+, $20 per team SNOWDOWN PUBHOUSE TRIVIA: 6 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio, all ages, free DODGEBALL: 6:30 p.m., Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave., hosted by SoCoCAA Youth Services, all ages, $85 per team MAGIC CARPET RIDE: 7 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 932 Main Ave., 21+, free Sit on small rug and scoot your booty across the floor. First one to finish wins! SALOONATIC OLYMPICS: 7 p.m., Billy Goat Saloon, 39848 US HWY 160 (Gem Village), $10 per team

6 | Thursday, January 31, 2019 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

SNOWDOWN TEEN FOLLIES: 7:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center Theatre, 802 E. Second Ave., $16/$12 GUINNESS GAMES - OPERATION: 8 p.m., The Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., 18+, free BEARD GROWING COMPETITION: 8 p.m., Carver Brewing Co, 1022 Main Ave., 21+, free SNOWDOWN FOLLIES GALA PREMIERE PERFORMANCE: 8 p.m., Henry Strater Theater, 699 Main Ave., $65/sold out/waitlist only ’80s REQUEST VIDEO DANCE PARTY: 8 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave., 21+, free. Request your favorite ’80s Dance Videos. Dance contest with awards for the best moves! DRAG RACE & FASHION SHOW: 8 p.m., El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave., 21+, free DJ AND MC BATTLE: 9 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 932 Main Ave., 21+, free, Epic battles of Super DJs and Super emcees. ARM WRESTLING TOURNAMENT: 9 p.m., Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., $5 PICK UP LINE CONTEST: 9 p.m., Animas City Theater, 128 E. College Drive (next to Cuckoo’s), 21+, free GUINNESS GAMES CONNECT FOUR: 10 p.m., The Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., free. Adult players compete individually for prizes. Arrive early to sign up and play. KARAOKE CONTEST: 10 p.m., 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. Eighth Ave. (College Plaza), 21+, free. Come flex those pipes at the Tavern for a karaoke contest!

Friday ALL DAY SNOWDOWN

T-SHIRT DAY SNOWDOWN SCAVENTER HUNT - JUDGING: 10 a.m., Billy Goat Saloon, 39848 HWY 160 (Gem Village) KAN JAM: noon, Balcony Bar & Grill, 600 Main Ave., Ste 205, 21+, free Play horseshoes with a Frisbee! Nothing without superpowers here! WAITER/WAITRESS RACE: 2 p.m., Steamworks Brewing Co, 801 E. Second Ave., 21+, free SEXY CLASSIC CARWASH COMPETITION: 3 p.m., 11th Street Station, 1101 Main Ave., 21+, free CHILI COOK-OFF PRESALE: 3 p.m., BREW Pub & Kitchen, 117 W. College Drive KIDS STEAM LAB SUPERHERO CHALLENGE: 3 p.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E. Third Ave., free SNOWDOWN BUTTON MAKING: 3:30 p.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E. Third Ave., all ages, free FORT “LEX LUTHOR” COLLEGE TRIVIA: 3:30 p.m., Colorado Room (in the FLC Student Union), Fort Lewis College, 18+, free SNOWDOWN BED RACES: 4:30 p.m., Between 7th, 8th & Main, $100 per team FLIPPY CUP: 4:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 932 Main Ave., 21+, free SNOWDOWN PARADE DINNER: 4:30 p.m., Durango Elks Lodge # 507, 901 E. Second Ave., $10 adults/$5 kids THE SNOWDOWN FIREWORK!: 6 p.m. This amazing display of a single firework is brought to you by the SNOWDOWN Board and the super AWESOME Teams of SNOWDOWN!

THE SNOWDOWN LIGHT PARADE: 6 p.m., Main from College Drive to 12th Street, $65 per entry Durango’s only nighttime parade, where comic themed lighted floats create a dazzling delight. 2ND ANNUAL SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE: 7 p.m., The Patio Restaurant, 85 Goddard Ave. (HWY 172 Ignacio), all ages, free A pie eating contest with no hands! No kidding! SKI SCHOOL VS. SKI PATROL SNOWDOWN SOFTBALL GAME: 7:30 p.m., FLC Softball Complex Fort Lewis College CHAPMAN CHALLENGE UPHILL/DOWNHILL RACE: 7:30 p.m., Chapman Hill Ski Area, 500 Florida Road, hosted by Know the Snow, $10 TEEN DANCE CON: SOLO OR SQUAD: 7:30 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 2500 Main Ave., hosted by EXIT Realty Home and Ranch and Aiko Aiko Sound, all ages, $5 SNOWDOWN FOLLIES: 7:30 p.m., Live at both Henry Strater Theater, 699 Main and Durango Arts Center Theater, 802 E. Second Ave., $20 SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST: 7:30 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive (next to Cuckoo’s), $10 COSTUME BALL AND BALLOON DROP!: 8 p.m., Main Mall, 835 Main Ave., all ages, free VETERAN’S ANNUAL DANCE: 8 p.m., American Legion, 878 E. Second Ave., 21+, $10 advance/$15 at the door Enjoy dancing to music by the popular band Liver Down The River! MUSIC TRIVIA WITH

Continued on Page 9

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[sound]

Welcome, winter: From Beirut to Orville Peck, here’s what’s ahead Well, winter is very much here. I mean HERE, here and not going anywhere anytime soon. With early morning getting-towork temperatures hovering somewhere in the single digits to early teens, the cold arrived along with the snow and is most definitely sticking around. It’s cold, no matter which Southwestern town you call home.

If all goes as planned, Santa Fe native and Beirut frontman Zach Condon will release the first album in three years and some change on Friday, February 1. The follow up to “No, No, No” will hopefully stay the relative course of beautifully ornate and intricately crafted indie folk with elements of Eastern European and other world music.

It’s welcome, as far as I’m concerned. The better than decent early precipitation has been great – fantastic even. I don’t think many, if any, year-round residents mind in the slightest. Truth be told, most will take this over the smoke-filled, fiery inferno that can occur during fire season. Many of our collective shoulders, backs, knees, (and in my particular case, elbow – odd, I know) would rather have the snow momentarily abate while we recover from the last storm pile-up. I’m fairly certain we’d all happily welcome more of the white stuff, whether it’s light, airy, fluffy, or the heavy wet cement that is perhaps better known in the Pacific Northwest. Point is we’ll take it.

“Pony,” Orville Peck, Sub Pop

As the weather and cold pile up, so does the onslaught of record releases in advance of a spring thaw and eventual warm-weather touring cycle. My thoughts have always been something akin to this: the earlier a band releases an album in the winter, the more time I have to spin, obsess, and dissect it over the months that follow in advance of spring and summer tours. I mentioned a select handful of those records I anticipated in our last issue, and of all those records I gave mention to, the two highlighted (Malibu Kens self-titled album, available now via Rhymesayers, and Deerhunter’s “Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared?” out on 4AD) have lived up to, and in some ways surpassed, expectation. Both records are wonderful in their own ways, and I still encourage the reader to spend extended listens with each. If at all possible, enjoy each from start to finish with as little distraction as possible. Winter evenings are perfectly meant for cuddling up, hunkering down, and delving headlong into new albums. That said, since my initial list of anticipated music, a smattering of releases have been announced and/or given official release dates. Some of these are discussed below. “Gallipoli,” Beirut, 4AD

I know very little about Australian Orville Peck, but the first single off his forthcoming Sub Pop debut was haunting, intoxicating, and required repeated listens. The press release was equally intriguing, describing the sonics as “...lulling ambiance of shoegaze with iconic melodies and vocal prowess of classic American country music...”. Find out for yourself when the album drops March 22. “On The Line,” Jenny Lewis, Warner Brothers Also available March 22, the former Rilo Kiley frontwoman returns with her fourth solo record, her first in nearly five years. The only thing more impressive than her catchy, sing-along songwriting and muscle flexed-wit, might be the guest appearances on the record. Beck, Ryan Adams, and Ringo Starr are just a few of the all-stars lending their respective talents. “Oh Boy,” Harlem, Female Fantasy Records This one might just top this mini-list of albums I’m excited for. The Austin, Texas-based rockers announced their first album in nearly nine years, set for release on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Their last record, “Hippies,” was released on Matador almost a decade ago, and was some of the catchiest, danceable indie post-punk of the era. A couple of singles have been released, though I’ve made it a point to steer clear. This is certainly an album I want to experience as a whole. Here are a few other artists whose records I plan to keep my eyes and ears out for and I’ll hopefully have the opportunity to cover more in depth: Karen O & Danger Mouse, FACS, Shana Cleveland (of La Luz), Royal Trux, Townes Van Zandt, Ex Hex, The Faint, Meat Puppets, Fat White Family, and Strand of Oaks, just to name a few. —— Jon E. Lynch

[Snowdown event listings, cont.] From Page 7 AOR FROM ALBQ!: 8:30 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave., 21+, free PANTS OFF DANCE OFF: 9 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 932 Main Ave., 21+, free. Dance contest…Come in your comic costumes..just no pants! SNOWDOWN FOLLIES – SECOND FRIDAY PERFORMANCE: 10 p.m., Live at bot: Henry Strater Theater, 699 Main and Durango Arts Center Theater, 802 E. Second Ave., $20 SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST: 10 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive (next to Cuckoo’s), $10 POLE DANCING CONTEST: 10 p.m., Pongas, 121 W. Eighth Street, 21+, free for contestants/$5 for spectators. Always a crowd pleaser, men and women get the chance to grab a pole and show off their best moves. POLE KARAOKE CONTEST: 10 p.m., 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. Eighth Ave., free

Saturday SNOWDOWN BALLOON RALLY & MASS ASCENSION: 8 a.m., HWY 550 N, N side of Hermosa Meadows Road, pilot $75/sponsor $225 SNOWDOWN 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: 8:30 a.m., Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave., hosted by Durango Park, $50 per team early reg/$75 per team late reg COMIC KIDS SNOW GAMES: 10 a.m., Folsom Park, 11 Folsom Place (off Florida Road), hosted by McDonald’s, free STRONGMAN & STRONGWOMAN COMPETITION: 10 a.m., CrossFit Durango, 360 S. Camino del Rio, $50 This is a local strongman and strongwoman competition. All levels of ability are welcome and encouraged to compete. FASTER THAN FRENCH TOAST: 10 a.m., Animas River Lounge at the DoubleTree, 501 Camino del Rio, free

dynamic duos…the ‘smashing, crashing foosball competition returns again this year! FLY FISHING CASTING CONTEST: 11 a.m., Schneider Park, Ninth Street and Roosa Ave., hosted by The San Juan Angler, free. BOOK GEEK GAMES: noon, Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., free SNOWDOWN RC ROCK CRAWL: noon, Kroegers Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza, free. Get your CRAWL on! See if you have what it takes to get through our Crazy Crawler course. You will be timed and given points for mistakes. OUTLAW JOSIE PETE’S GOLF TOURNAMENT: noon, various locations Downtown Durango, hosted by PJ’s Market and Animas Wine & Spirits, free LATTE ART SNOWDOWN THROWDOWN: noon, 11th Street Station, 1101 Main Ave., hosted by Compact Coffee, $10 Baristas will compete head to head, pouring their best latte art in front of judges & specialty coffee enthusiasts. SNOWDOWN CHILI COOK-OFF: noon, La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 2500 Main Ave., hosted by Sunnyside Farms Market & Durango Breweries, free for contestants/$.50 per sample ticket SNOWDOWN BLOODY MARY CONTEST: noon, La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 2500 Main Ave., free for contestants/$1 for sample tickets SUPERYOUTH POWER DASH: 12:30 p.m., Buckley Park, Main Ave. & E. 12th Street, hosted by Celebrating Healthy Communities Coalition, free CANINE FASHION SHOW: 1 p.m., McDonalds parking lot, 201 W. College Drive, free. This hilarious event features Durango’s best dressed pooches from all points across town! HUMAN FOOSBALL: 1 p.m., Animas Brewing Co, 1560 E. Second Ave., hosted by Southwest Center for Independence, 18+ to participate, $30 per team

Test your speed. Teams of 2 will make, then eat French toast, without hands.

SPECIAL SHOWING OF KIDS AND TEENS SNOWDOWN FOLLIES: 1 p.m., Durango Arts Center Theatre, 802 E. Second Ave., $16/$12

GET YOUR COMIC ON! PRESCHOOL DANCE PARTY: 10:30 a.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E. Third Ave., free. Little ones and their families are invited to come boogie to their favorite tunes all morning long at the library!

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT: 1 p.m., American Legion Auxiliary, 878 E. Second Ave., 21+, free. Attention all Cornholers! The ever popular cornhole tournament returns! Try to sink four bean bags through the holes in the wooden platform.

PAINTBALL BIATHLON: 11 a.m., Chapman Ski Hill, 500 Florida Road, hosted by Durango Nordic Ski Club, all ages, $5

SNOWDOWN FASHION DO’S & DON’TS VIDEOCAST: 1 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive (next to Cuckoo’s), $10

SNOWDOWN 9 BALL TOURNAMENT: 11 a.m., Pongas, 121 W. Eighth Street, $15 SPAM CARVING CONTEST: 11 a.m., Main Mall, 835 Main Ave., hosted by Fort Lewis College, free. Fort Lewis College cordially invites you to join your fellow community members and Snowdown revelers to an exceptional processed meat shaping experience. BRING YOUR OWN PARTNER FOOSBALL: 11 a.m., El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave., $20 per team. Capes, masks,

OUTHOUSE STUFFING: 1 p.m., Gazpacho Restaurant, 431 E. Second Ave., hosted by Busy Bee Realty, 21+, free What would Snowdown be without its twisted challenges? See how many of your fellow flexible friends can you stuff in an outhouse in 2 minutes! BROOMBALL TOURNAMENT: 1:15 p.m., Chapman Hill Ice Rink, 500 Florida Road, hosted by the City of Durango, 18+, $60 per team

Continued on Page 10

�� Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 9

[sound]

Neko Case storming the gates of Meow Wolf in sold-out concert FEB 03

Chris Roninson Brotherhood

FEB Bears of Durango 08 Special Screening FEB Stillhouse Junkies 09 EP Release party FEB 13

Aqueous Big Something

FEB 15

Connect Posh Josh

FEB 16

Keller Wiliams

FEB 22

El Ten Eleven

FEB 23

Euforquestra Pherkad

GO!

It probably shouldn’t surprise you that tickets to see Neko Case – who released her new album, “Hell-On,” in March 2018 – have already sold out. After all, the indie rock singer-songwriter’s music has been described as “a mystic slow-burner worthy of Stevie Nicks” by Pitchfork, and her voice as sounding “like it originates from the belly of Mother Earth herself” by NPR. Case, along with guest act Jennifer Castle, will be taking Santa Fe’s Meow Wolf by storm and from the sounds of it, audience members are in for a treat. Based on prior show reviews, Case is drawing from the old and the new on her 2018-2019 tour, but with the same unapologetic grunge. During her show at the Royale in Boston, she joked to fans about her stench affecting the sound system. Case’s latest album came five years after her last solo album, “The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You.”

What: 2018/2019 Neko Case Tour Where: Meow Wolf, Santa Fe, N.M. Date: Feb. 12 Time: 7 p.m. Ticket prices: $39$43

known and admired for, she carried on.

Case, who is no stranger to hardship, was recording “Hell-On” in Sweden when she learned her Vermont home had burned to the ground. However, with the same trademark grit she’s

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“I don’t want to waste my time or energy worried about a couch. There are other couches in the world. All my family photos burned up, so I don’t really have any of that stuff left, but it’s OK. My dogs and cats and everybody made it. And [my partner] Jeff, most importantly. ... I had to laugh about it. I felt like there was nothing else to do,” Case told NPR in July 2018. Like Case, “Hell-On” has overcome and received an abundance of praise from music critics. “Case has made a record that beautifully captures her many styles, from unsettling folktales about nature’s wrath, to pop-rock choruses that come around the bend with just a hint of country swagger, to some of the most gorgeously braided vocal harmonies in indie rock right now,” Pitchfork Senior Editor Jillian Mapes wrote in her review. It is her resilience, however, that makes Case such a beacon for her fans – she’s overcome a rough upbringing, stalkers, and bad experiences with the law. “I think maybe I exist in a kind-of self-care realm where people come and see music when they need,” Case said in her 2018 interview with NPR. “There’s a thing human beings can do, like a collective consciousness in a room, and music is a really great tangible example. ... The band and I work really hard so we’re all in the place to facilitate that feeling of being together as a group, in a way that people are together when they’re falling in love with each other.” —— Amanda Push

8 | Thursday, January 31, 2019 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

[Snowdown]

[Snowdown event listings, cont.]

Umm, I’ve never been to Snowdown, so why should I go?

From Page 9

I’ve lived here for a few years, and I’ve never made it out for Snowdown. I’m not trying to be a buzz kill, but part of me just doesn’t get it and another part of me simply doesn’t like dressing up. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all about the drinking holidays, but I always skip Halloween because of that whole mandatory costume rule. Which isn’t to say I’ll never change my mind; when iPods first came out, I was vocally 100 percent anti-Apple. Today, almost everything I own is branded with that fruit. But as of this moment, costumes just aren’t my jam. Here’s the thing, though. There are countless events that sound fun, and a tiny part of my heart really wants to go. So this year, instead of focusing on the one objection that fuels my antisocial, introverted desire to stay at home with the blinds shut and the lights off, I decided to change my perspective. I met up with my good friend and Durango native, Ashley Little, to try to understand this wacky party week in the hopes that she could convince me to show up. She summed it up in one concise sentence: We Durangoans love to Durango. And, it’s true. Porta potty stuffing, waiter and waitress races, canine fashion shows, butt darts...an entire town gets together and does this stuff? Yes, and they do it in style, dressed up in ridiculous costumes while simultaneously bundling up for the frigid cold. It’s this weird, middle of winter thing that only this town does, and people drop everything to turn Durango into a giant party. There might be a snowstorm, and you might have to work tomorrow, but you better believe that a bunch of drunk adults are gonna put on skits for other drunk adults anyway. From the outside, it might seem weird, but everyone is loving life. And that’s the best part: the fun. Without Snowdown, you might die sad and alone in the snow, but instead you have an excuse to go out and do stuff for no reason. Snowdown is the best kind of motivation to leave your house in the cold dead of winter, and no one is going

to skip it, even if there’s a blizzard. Sure, they may ditch their planned costume in lieu of a pair of ’80s snow pants, tacking a pair of googly eyes onto their forehead, sticking pipe cleaners in their hair, and calling it good. The costume is irrelevant; it’s about being there no matter what. I started to understand why reasonably sane people act like firstyear college students in the middle of the week. Why a place with small town vibes turns into full-on Las Vegas for an entire week. It was all about community and supporting each other. Go out, spend money, see your friends, soak in the best people-watching experience of your life, and give everyone something to talk about for the next year. I was pretty well convinced, but I wanted to test the whole community thing, so I took to the Internet. On my favorite Durango Facebook group, I posted, “Hi Durango! I’ve lived here for a few years now, but have never made it to Snowdown. Convince me to go!” I was honestly expecting a decent amount of hate. And I did get some of those responses, telling me if I have to be convinced I shouldn’t even go. I was surprised by the overwhelming amount of positive feedback. People enthusiastically shared their favorite events and memories with a perfect stranger who admitted she’s not even from here. It felt good and inclusive, restoring my faith in humanity and this beautiful community we live in. I was convinced...but it all comes back to that damn costume. Is it a deal breaker? I mean, I know the drunkest people at the bar are going to be the ones playing golf and no one cares what I wear, but I still want to know if I can show up without a costume and not get ridiculed. Only time will tell, because while I’m okay with eating crow on the whole “I hate dressing up” thing, it ain’t gonna happen that quickly. So, if you see me out this week, say hey and give me shit. I’m stoked to be a part of this crazy, weird town. —— Lindsay Mattison

LIMBO...HOW LOW CAN YOU GO: 1:30 p.m., Gazpacho Restaurant, 431 E. Second Ave., hosted by Lou’s Bed and Breakfast, all ages, free COMIC BOOK CRAFTING: 2 p.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E. Third Ave., free. Give your wardrobe or home a bit of “POW!” by making upcycled crafts out of old graphic novels. HULA HOOP CONTEST: 2 p.m., Gazpacho Restaurant, 431 E. Second Ave., free. Go forward, go backward, turn around, and if you’re worried about throwing a hip out, this is a great spectator event! QUAFFING TOURNAMENT: 3 p.m., 11th Street Station, 1101 Main Ave., 21+, $40. Using Ernie’s custom bowling lane tables, enter your 4-person team in 2019’s après ski-style table sliding beer extravaganza! CARDS AGAINST SNOWDOWN: 3 p.m., VFW, 1550 Main Ave., 18+, $5. This is the first ever Snowdown Cards Against Humanity Tournament! You may be dirty, but are you funny? COMIC CON FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1159 E. Third Ave., all ages, free OUTLAW JOSIE PETE’S GOLF TOURNAMENT AWARDS: 4 p.m., Durango Elks Lodge #507, 901 E. Second Ave (9th St entrance) LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER: 4 p.m., Durango Craft Spirits Distillery, 1120 Main Ave., hosted by Durango Holiday Pub Crawl, 21+, $5 NINTENDO 64 MARIO KART,:5 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 932 Main Ave., 21+, free. Use those mad gaming skills that you have wasted hours over the years acquiring to drive a pretend go-cart with Flash Gordon speed and Black Panther agility. BROOMBALL AWARDS: 5 p.m., Chapman Hill Ice Rink, 500 Florida Road HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW Y(OUR) WINE?: 5 p.m., Four Leaves Winery, 528 Main Ave., 21+, $6. Come in between 5-8 PM and receive 4 samples of wine. If you can correctly identify 3 of the 4 samples using our description menu, you win a coupon for a FREE glass of wine! SEARCH FOR THE SILVER BULLET AWARDS CEREMONY: 5 p.m., Joel’s Bar, 119 W. Eighth Street BAR GAMES - TWISTER: 6 p.m., Animas River Lounge at The DoubleTree, 501 Camino del Rio, 21+, free. Compete against your fellow super heroes for a chance to will fun prizes. FREESTYLE RAP OFF: 6 p.m., Pongas, 121 W. Eighth Street, 21+, free. Contestants will have less than three minutes to show what they can do in this freestyle rap contest. SNOWDOWN FIREWORKS: 6 p.m. SNOWDOWN COSTUME CONTEST & ELECTRONIC DANCE PARTY: 7 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio, 21+, $10. It’s a Snowdown Costume Contest and Electronic Dance Party!

Center Theater, $20 SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST: 7:30 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive (next to Cuckoo’s), $10 GUINNESS GAMES - YAHTZEE!: 8 p.m., The Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., 18+, free BEST CHEST IN THE WEST: 9 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 932 Main Ave., 21+, free. Guys and gals, show off your pectorals in what’s sure to be a visually entertaining event. BAR GAMES - ZOMBIE SHOOTOUT: 9 p.m., Animas River Lounge at The DoubleTree, 501 Camino del Rio, 21+, free PULL UP CONTEST: 9:30 p.m., Pongas, 121 W. Eighth Street, 21+, free Men and women and SENIORS will have the chance to compete in different categories this year! SNOWDOWN FOLLIES – SECOND FRIDAY PERFORMANCE: 10 p.m., live at both Henry Strater Theater and Durango Arts Center Theater, $20 SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST: 10 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive (next to Cuckoo’s), $10 10th ANNUAL COSTUME GALA: 10 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave., free KARAOKE CONTEST: 10 p.m., 8th Avenue Tavern - 509 E. Eighth Ave. (College Plaza), free

Sunday SNOWDOWN CLOSING PARTY AT PURGATORY RESORT “And on the final day, they shall ski!” LA PLATA COUNTY SEARCH & RESCUE PANCAKE BREAKFAST & SILENT AUCTION: 7 a.m. to noon, La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 2500 Main Ave., $10/$6. All you can eat pancakes, ham, eggs, coffee and juice! Come to our breakfast and we’ll come to your rescue! SNOWDOWN BALLOON RALLY & MASS ASCENSION: 8 a.m., HWY 550 N, N side of Hermosa Meadows Road (park at Animas Valley Elem. School) SNOWDOWN 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: 8:30 a.m., Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave., $50/$75 COMIC CON CHURCH: 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1159 E. Third Ave., all ages, free SPEED PANCAKE STACKING: 10 a.m., Animas River Lounge at the DoubleTree, 501 Camino del Rio, 21+, free. Test your speed to see who will stack the most pancakes from 5’ away. Snowdown costumes and PJ’s encouraged. KUNG FU PANDA OBSTACLE COURSE: noon, Durango Jungle Gym, 151 E. 15th Street, $5 Kids can challenge themselves in this obstacle course race using UNAA Obstacle Course rules and regulations. TEAM TRUCK PULL: noon, Illete Fitness, 659 Tech Center Drive, $10 per person/$40 per team. Test your Superhero strength!

BOOTY SHAKING CONTEST: 7 p.m., Wild Horse Saloon, 601 E. Second Ave., 18+, $5. We’ll take some fries with that comically great shake!

SNOWDOWN 8-BALL TOURNAMENT: 1 p.m., Pongas, 121 W. Eighth Street, all ages, $15 per player

BAR GAMES - HOOK AND RING TOSS: 7:30 p.m., Animas River Lounge at The DoubleTree, 501 Camino del Rio, 21+, free. Compete against your fellow super heroes for a chance to will fun prizes!

SUPER BOWL SNOWDOWN SLOWDOWN PARTY: 2 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave., 18+, free. Come on over, cozy up and place your bets on the big winner for Super Bowl SUNDAY!

SNOWDOWN FOLLIES: 7:30 p.m., live at both Henry Strater Theater and Durango Arts

BUILD A BONG - AWARDS: 4:20 p.m., Prohibition Herb, 1185 Camino del Rio

10 | Thursday, January 31, 2019 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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GAME OF THRONES, POKÉMON, AND SUPERHEROES TO HIT THE STREETS OF DURANGO »» This

year’s cosplay theme inspires extreme creativity among Durangatangs By Amanda Push | DGO STAFF WRITER

his week, you’ll probably see Wonder Woman sippin’ a beer at one of downtown Durango’s bars. Or, you may spy Pikachu as they belt out a drunken version of Radiohead’s “Creep” at karaoke night. Or maybe a dinosaur will beat you in beer trivia. No, it’s not Halloween – it’s Durango’s biggest party of the year: Snowdown. And the theme this year, cosplay, has got Durangatangs going all out. “I ordered my costume but I’m adding a bunch of custom stuff to it so it’s a little more authentic,” said Annessa Comfort of Durango. “I got my base costume on Amazon. I was looking at bunch of cosplay websites and I didn’t realize you have to give them two months for all your measurements and everything. ... Then I’ve just been finding little things (around town) – I found a chain at Walmart.” Comfort, her mother, and her friend, Brin DeVore, are dropping the mic on Snowdown by going as characters from “Game of Thrones.” Comfort is attending as the noble and ambitious Daenerys Targaryen, DeVore as the feisty and sharp-tongued Ygritte, and Comfort’s mother is going as the mysterious Red Priestess, Melisandre. Comfort – who’s cosplayed as Han Solo and an Ewok in the past – has been scouring the Internet for items to mix and match for her queenly costume. She’s even gone as far as to get purple contacts and was eyeballing a curtain from Bed Bath & Beyond to use as a cape. Because her character is more obscure, DeVore hasn’t been able to utilize online shopping and had to tear through thrift stores to find the pieces for her costume. Both have had to get creative and work around the fact that many of the costumes available for their characters online come in lingerie form – options not feasible for February in Colorado, and not how the cosplayers want to portray these powerful women, either. “I’m really excited that we chose ‘Game of Thrones’ because they are strong female characters,” said DeVore. “Not every action movie needs to have a damsel in distress. I really hate that, and so I’m pumped about being Daenerys and Ygritte.” Cindy Charley of Durango is going to Snowdown as Poison Ivy to her daughter’s Harley Quinn, and then going out with her best friend the Joker and Cat Woman. »» Silver Lined Cosplay as Badit Silvir. Iona Bruce

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Annessa Comfort

»» Annessa Comfort dressed as Han Solo from Star Wars.

“(I like) just the creativity of it,” said Charley. “You can go as one of Continued on Page 13

�� Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 13

GAME OF THRONES, POKÉMON, AND SUPERHEROES TO HIT THE STREETS OF DURANGO »» This

year’s cosplay theme inspires extreme creativity among Durangatangs By Amanda Push | DGO STAFF WRITER

Annessa Comfort

»» Annessa Comfort dressed as Han Solo from Star Wars.

“(I like) just the creativity of it,” said Charley. “You can go as one of Continued on Page 13

�� Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 13

[Snowdown] From Page 13

your favorite characters or something that looks cool. ... When it comes to me and my daughter, it’s simple (choosing costumes). I did the Harley Quinn one year and she did Poison Ivy. So I just figured we could switch.” For those of you who still don’t know what cosplay is, let us help you out from underneath that rock you’ve been living under. Cosplay is more than just throwing on a costume – it’s dressing up and inhabiting the spirit of the character you portray. “For me, the difference is the ‘play’ part. Anyone can dress up in a costume, and most people do for Halloween,” said Jennifer Losty – aka Suvi – of Lone Tree, one of the founders of the Colorado Academy of Cosplay. “But it’s hard to get into a costume and actually play the character you are dressed as. That is the difference between donning a costume and becoming a cosplayer.” “Cosplay is a term that combines the words ‘costume’ and ‘play,’” said Chris Clarke – aka Clarke Cosplay – of Denver, another founder of the Colorado Academy of Cosplay. “If you’ve ever dressed up in a costume and then acted as though you are that character, that is exactly cosplay. Costumes can be store-bought, commissioned from other cosplayers – in other words, have a custom costume made just for you – and a majority of people make their own costumes. And you don’t have to be a kid to cosplay. People of all ages cosplay, even 80 (and older) – and I have seen it.” We interviewed Suvi and Clarke Cosplay on the art and culture of cosplay in Colorado, what cosplay means to them, and how those without much disposable cash can still participate. What inspired your interest in cosplay? Suvi: I started in historical costuming so that I could fit in better at the Renaissance Faire. My first full costume was a period-accurate Tudor-inspired dress. The title of the dress is “Elizabeth Báthory” and some of the pieces of the costume aren’t entirely historically accurate – the neck ruff was black instead of white and has red crystal (fake) blood drops all over it. From there I felt like I needed bigger and better costumes that were more challenging or used unconventional materials. Clarke Cosplay: I went to Denver Comic Con in 2016 as an afterthought. I decided to go the morning of because some friends had a spare badge and I had nothing else to do. Having never been to a con, I had a blast. I was also amazed by all the costumes, but it wasn’t until I saw someone in full armor that I decided I wanted to do it too. What does cosplay mean to you? Why this medium of expressing yourself? Suvi: Cosplay to me is a way for me to create wearable art. When I was a kid in high school (over fifteen years ago for reference) they just didn’t sell the styles I wanted to wear, so I ended up making my own clothing. If they did sell it, it was severely overpriced for low quality stuff. It was often times cheaper for me to go to the fabric store and pick up a bit of fabric and make what I needed rather than buy it. This bled into cosplay because as I got older, I wanted more and more of a challenge, and my

own clothing and historical pieces wasn’t going to bring that challenge. Using different materials, materials that weren’t meant to be worn, or materials re-purposed for a different use is what brought the challenge for me, and now I bring that to cosplay. Clarke Cosplay: I appreciate how close of a community we are. There are many conventions across the state throughout the year, most being along the front range, so there’s plenty of opportunity to see each other. Cons in Colorado are like family reunions. Sure, we may not know a part of the family very well, but we’re still family, and in general are treated as such. Outside of cons, there is a strong online presence in several groups, primarily through Facebook. The Colorado Cosplay Facebook community is 3,200 members strong, for example, and has been running as a vital part of our community for the last eight and a half years. How and why was Colorado Academy of Cosplay formed? Both: The Colorado Academy of Cosplay was founded by three cosplayers: Jennifer Losty (AKA Suvi Couture), Elena Mathys (AKA Silver-Lined Cosplay) and Chris Clarke (AKA Clarke Cosplay). We founded it in June of 2018 and already have almost 500 members. Various factors were present that we felt made the founding of the Academy necessary. Although cosplay is a tight and supportive community in general, we noticed a growing prevalence of elitism, body shaming, inequality, and even modeling that became something you’d find covered in foil at the bookstore. Cosplay is for everyone, no matter the age, sex, size, appearance, skill level or experience, ability or disability, etc., and we saw an increasing discrimination against such attributes. We seek to keep the cosplay community inclusive for all people to share and enjoy. The Academy was also created in part because of recent changes and growing trends in some local cosplay competitions at conventions. Contests at cons typically have a panel of select judges, usually three or four, who grade your cosplay on a number of factors, and then you go on stage and show it off to an audience. However, some cons have made it difficult for some cosplayers to enter a contest or their entry is more based on luck rather than first-come-firstserve. Some contests’ selection of winners may be biased toward or against a certain skill/material or even physical attribute. We address that by holding an annual cosplay contest online that any member of the Academy can enter and instead of a panel of judges choosing the winners, every member of the Academy can vote on the winners. We call it the “Best of Colorado” cosplay contest because the winners are chosen by cosplayers across the state. Last year’s contest was very successful and we expect even more this year. Lastly, we noticed there wasn’t a good place for cosplayers to share and seek educational resources for cosplay, so the Academy focuses in part on just that. Anybody can ask anything relating to cosplay, like where to get materials, how to do a certain technique, input on work, you name it, and any member can answer. We also have a growing online cache of tutorials and resources. We even hold educational panels at local conventions. Everything the Academy does is guided by our mission statement: ‘To enrich Colorado’s cosplay community by showcasing and recognizing its members’ hard work, providing and sharing educational content,

and fostering an inclusive environment to share our passion for cosplay.’ I remember when I was in high school (about ten years ago for reference) it was considered super nerdy to like things like anime and cosplay; since then, however, it seems like those interests have become so much more socially acceptable. Would you say that’s accurate? If so, why do you think there’s been such an explosion of interest and social acceptance with cosplay? Suvi: A decade ago, it was way “not cool” to do nerdy things. I still did them, mind you, because I like nerdy things and people who don’t can go pound salt for all I care. There has been a lot of things over the past decade that has become more socially acceptable, and it’s not just cosplay. Being who you are without conforming to some societal standard has become increasingly more socially acceptable. Pop culture in general has become less nerdy and more trendy, in my opinion. It’s almost as if the pendulum has swung the other way. If you AREN’T a nerd, you’re almost looked down on, and that’s a real shame. Clarke Cosplay: A decade ago, cosplay wasn’t well known in the U.S. If anything, cosplay was still in its infancy as a concept. Most people just dressed up for Halloween and that was it. However, with a growing change of social views and acceptance of self-expression, along with pop culture influences like comic book-based movies (namely the Marvel Cinematic Universe), Harry Potter series, and even Star Wars, cosplay has become a more recognized and accepted concept and practice. By this time, cosplay was already widespread and popular in Japan and Eastern Asia, particularly with its manifestations from anime. It was only a matter of time before it caught on in the Western world. Cosplay produces some beautiful and realistic costumes but it can be incredibly expensive. How might those who are interested in cosplay but can’t afford some of the pieces get creative and still create awesome cosplay? Suvi: Oh my goodness... I REALLY fall into the category of super incredibly expensive. This year’s costume I have spent $600 on just the rings for the chain mail alone. This is not including the other parts of the costume. Last year’s costume cost around $500 to make total. However, you can get REALLY creative with the finding of your materials. Go to thrift stores, re-purpose old clothes, sometimes thrift stores have by the yard fabric for incredibly low cost, raid your mom’s closet for things she doesn’t want, raid your grandma’s closet. Shoot – raid your dad or your grandpa’s too. Channel your inner MacGyver and you can make anything with anything. Clarke Cosplay: Cosplay is only as expensive as you want it to be. Cosplayers are very resourceful because we use many things that are designed for something totally different. A lot of people will even re-purpose or modify things. Thrift stores have a lot of great items that can be put together or modified to a great cosplay. We know of some great cosplayers who will re-purpose

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items from home so they end up spending nothing on a cosplay. There are many different materials you can use to make a cosplay: EVA foam (craft foam and floor mats), thermoplastics, specialized plastics, 3D printing, fabric and needlework, molding and casting, makeup/special effects, metal, etc. Each has its own set of skills that can be learned but each also has its so-called price tag. Most require some initial investment like basic tools, a sewing machine, or software, and some materials are more expensive than others. EVA Foam and fabric tend to be the cheapest and easiest to start with. What are some of the best cosplay you’ve ever seen? What makes truly great cosplay? Suvi: Snowsong Cosplay makes some of the best costumes I’ve seen, and she’s local (Denver). If you are ever having a question, ask her and she’ll probably know how to do it and explain it in a way you can understand. What makes a great cosplay I think is a two-fold answer. Its attention to detail, no matter how small, and taking the time and effort to make sure it’s right before moving on to the next detail. The second part is a bit harder. It’s knowing the mannerisms of your character and knowing how to move and engage with an audience. Clarke Cosplay: A truly great cosplay isn’t something that wins awards or international notoriety, nor is it something that requires you to spend a lot of money making. A truly great cosplay is one that makes people smile, even if just one person. Just the other day I saw a couple of window cleaners hanging outside a hospital dressed as Superman and Spider-Man. They were very simple costumes. But they made me smile at a time when I needed it, and those were truly great cosplays because of it. Now if we’re talking about technically incredible cosplays, the kind that you’d expect to see directly out of a movie or Broadway, the most skilled I’ve seen come from all over the world. The attention to detail, materials used, and extreme amount of skill or even engineering that some cosplayers put into their work is something beyond my ability to describe. Many would make a best in show winner at Denver Comic Con look like an amateur. What’s the hardest you’ve worked/the farthest you’ve gone to create detailed and accurate cosplay? Is there an average amount of time it takes you to create some-

thing or does it vary piece to piece? Suvi: I typically start the few days after the previous con. On average, it takes me almost a full year to make my competition piece, but also during this time I make several other costumes for other events. This year I’ve sourced some aluminum rings from Canada just to get started on the chain mail for Eowyn. I have watched many hours of the behind the scenes ‘Lord of the Rings’ cuts and watched the battle scene over and over to get all my reference shots. I’ve even taken my costumes with me to work to work on while I’m at lunch. It’s not uncommon for my coworkers to see me sitting in the cafeteria with chain mail or bits of leather sewing them together by hand. Clarke Cosplay: I’m a bit of an outlier on this one. My Monster Hunter Altera armor took five and a half months to make, but the one I’m currently building, ZGMF-X10A Gundam Freedom, I’ve been working on for two years and over 700 hours. I plan to complete it this summer. The reason it takes me so long, apart from work schedule and home life (which play a major role in limiting my building time), is I build everything from scratch and by hand and to the highest detail I can possibly achieve. Some cosplayers will use computer software or existing sources to get their templates. I make my own. And where some will use power tools or even go so far as use a laser cutter to cut pieces, I don’t.

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What do you appreciate about the cosplay community in Colorado? Suvi: I appreciate the camaraderie in the community. For the most part, people help each other out, stand up for one another, and give tips and advice to people who are just starting out. Clarke Cosplay: I appreciate how close of a community we are. There are many conventions across the state throughout the year, most being along the front range, so there’s plenty of opportunity to see each other. Cons in Colorado are like family reunions. Sure, we may not know a part of the family very well, but we’re still family. Outside of cons, there is a strong online presence, primarily through Facebook. The “Colorado Cosplay” Facebook community is 3,200 members strong, and has been running as a vital part of our community for the last eight and a half years.

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�� Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 15

[weed]

That time I got my dad super stoned with the help of Northstar So, I smoked my dad out a few days ago. He was in town for a visit and is a product of the weed heyday back in the ’60s and ’70s, when weed was about 4 percent THC and a nickel bag was the size of a freaking ounce. Yes, I’m sure they also walked to school barefoot in the snow with those fat sacks of weed in their pockets. Anyway, he smoked what my mom says is enough weed that they almost divorced over it at one point, but he’s spent the last several decades as a cannabis teetotaler (but loves his scotch and water), and he hadn’t recently ingested anything with THC except for a handful of edibles. He’d never even seen a dry herb vape and has no idea what to do with concentrates either, so, of course, I had to change that.

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I decided to shatter his weed wall with the help of some Northstar, a hybrid strain created by crossing Fort Collins Cough #1 and Jedi Kush. It’s a sweet, spicy strain that contains 26.79 percent THC – so, a lot of THC – and it’s sitting on the shelf at Prohibition Herb as one of their new high-end premium strains. You guys...he never knew what hit him. I loaded a bowl and told him to start slowly – “This isn’t the dirt weed you’re remembering, dad.” – but he decided to tempt fate and smoke a LOT of it instead. (Clearly I take after at least one of my parents.) About five minutes later, I look over, and the poor guy is leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, mumbling nonsense to himself and laughing. Every once in a while you’d hear a discernable, “Whoa!” followed by laughing. The friend I had over, who was also smoking with us, was in equally wreckt with a t shape. My dad was in a happy puddle and the friend was trying to read their phone with their eyes closed. I thought for a moment that they were asleep, but when I threw out an amused comment – something like “Uh, you have to use your eyes to read, dumbass.” – their eyes shot right open. Well, their eyes went to about halfmast, anyway. Northstar is no effing joke. I, on the other hand, was definitely feeling myself after Northstar. This

Details Where to find Northstar: Prohibition Herb, 1185 Camino del Rio, 970-385-8622, prohibitionherb.com Price: $50 an eighth; $250 an ounce; available only on rec Caveats: Prohibition didn’t bribe my dad (or me) for a good review. Our opinions are all our own. hybrid supposedly leans more on the sativa side, and while I definitely didn’t feel sleepy or heavy, my mouth didn’t really want to cooperate to make conversation, either. I was happy to sit in my own head and watch the show courtesy of the two noobs across from me. Life at its finest. I’m not sure my dad emerged from his happy cocoon that night, either. We all just sat there around the fire, warm and stoned, until we quietly parted ways, still high and still content. When he emerged pretty late for an old person the next morning, I got to hear all about how well he slept, so apparently Northstar is the gift that keeps on giving. It’ll get you stoned, keep you up, and then knock you out for 12 hours straight. Sounds like a win to me. I’m not sure whether Northstar convinced el padre to step all the way into this brave new weed world or not, but either way, it sure did give him a wild 2019 weed ride. I, on the other hand, will be keeping this one around, just as soon as I replenish my stash, which magically disappeared off my counter overnight. I’m not pointing fingers (dad), but it looks like someone may not be nostalgic for that old 4 percent ditch weed much longer. —— DGO Pufnstuf

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[weed]

Smoking Lavender Jones in the bathtub like a G Have you ever been so stoned that food – normal, mundane food – tastes like nectar from the gods? I know you have, and I know you know how awesome that feeling is. That is precisely what happened to me after smoking some Lavender Jones, a hybrid strain I picked up from Chronic Therapy in Cortez. The buds were thick and plush, and I expected them to smell like lavender. They did not. They smell like grass. But it doesn’t really matter, because they TASTE like lavender, but only so much that it tweaks the taste buds. It’s not overwhelming or how one would imagine smoking lavender would taste. (Does anyone regularly imagine what that would taste like? And if so, why?) Anyway, I smoked this bud in the bathtub like a G, and by the time I emerged, I was stoned to the gills. Like, stoooooooned. The first thing I thought of as I was toweling off was how much I really wished I had chocolate ice cream in the freezer. I’m not a huge ice cream fan normally, but when stoned with the munchies, it becomes my jam. Even when it’s four degrees outside. But, of course, I didn’t have chocolate ice cream because the gods are always frowning down on this pothead, so I had to go with something different – an orange, a fruit I normally want to hurl into the garbage because I hate peeling them. This time, though, it looked delicious. Freaking weed, man. And, you know what? It tasted delicious, too, thanks to Lavender Jones, a strain that clearly makes life a little better. I made sure to take notes for this story that specifically stated that the orange was basically a forbidden apple, but with a weird ass texture. It wasn’t only the orange that became great, though. My entire life in that moment was great. I was laughing at the stuff running through my brain, which was mostly random thoughts like “it’s crazy how your head can get fat” and “are there mosquitoes in Colorado.” My brain was running a mile a minute, and it felt like Lavender Jones had unleashed a hidden treasure chest of questions about the world that I never even knew I had. This strain is clearly the key to hidden creativity. And, interestingly, my body was also feelin’ Lavender Jones unleash the beast, because as I sat there laughing to myself

Details Where to find Lavender Jones: Chronic Therapy, 1020 S. Broadway, Cortez, chronictherapy.co. Price: $13 a gram or $40 an eighth about dumb stuff, I also had a major body high going on. My mouth was so dry – I made sure to write that in my notes three times to be sure my future self understood – my lips felt kinda chapped (they weren’t), and (this is going to sound insane), at one point, I felt like I had pine needles crunching under my feet and between my toes. To say I was trippin’ would be an understatement. Don’t believe me? Here are some of the more interesting notes from that night: »»“I never realized we had a clock in here but I can hear it tick perfectly.” »»“So stoned my throat feels weird and I swear I just saw that Charlie the Unicorn creature that sings, ‘Charlie, you look quite down.’” »» “I don’t think there was ever a time I saw Houston.” (This had to be an incomplete thought.) »»“That tick that makes you allergic to meat.” (Also an incomplete thought.) So, yeah. This strain will definitely help you hone in on your weirdo side, should you let it, but tread lightly. Otherwise you’ll be crunching on fake pine needles in your brain and hearing cheering fans in the middle of the woods. Lavender Jones is a trickster, but a fun one. —— DGO Pufnstuf

�� Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 17

Durango Diaries Season 3

STORYTELLERS Wednesday, Feb. 6 • 6 p.m. Durango Public Library 1900 East Third Ave.

[weed]

Spec Ops Pho Wax is a cure for crushing, work-induced headaches I’ve had a few crappy days at work recently, and they’ve led to headaches that feel like a herd of elephants with all the pack members stomping around in my brain. In other words, it’s been heinous. Nothing helps. Not more water, not sugar, not caffeine, and not even leaving the office. Nothing but Special Ops Pho Wax, anyway. It’s a solution I discovered by accident a few days ago while testing out the product for this review. The relief came in a jar of Spec Ops wax from Pagosa Therapeutics.

Local voices. Local stories. Welcome to Durango Diaries.

Local storytellers will share how they learned to craft a perfect story.

As it turns out, this strain, which was developed to help people with PTSD, is equally adept at resolving crushing, throbbing, never ending work headaches. I’m sure you all know that is invaluable. I suppose it should be no surprise that a strain created to help treat PTSD would also be effective at knocking out slight work-PTSD, but for some reason I hadn’t thought of it.

Storytellers include:

Ann Butler, former Herald reporter

Anyway, as I said, I walked into my house with a headache that wouldn’t let up and was dreading doing anything but laying on the couch and wallowing in misery. I couldn’t do that, though, because I had waited to try this wax until the last minute. I was forced to scoop off a chunk of Spec Ops wax and toss it into the vape pen instead. (Poor me.)

Esther Belin, writer and multimedia artist

I inhaled some of the vapor, which comes towing about 70 percent THC, and immediately choked. This stuff was strong, thick, and very, very effective. First hit, headache gone. Second hit, I am stoned out of my gourd. In fact, here are what my notes say, in order from the first note to the second:

Sarah Syverson, co-founder The Raven Narratives

1.) “Raging headache is gone. 2.) I don’t think I have ever just eaten chocolate chips out of the bag.

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As you can see, I went from headache relief right into shoveling chocolate chips into my mouth straight from the bag. At least they were milk chocolate, I guess. I’ve never done that before because it’s freaking gross, but with Spec Ops wax, I had different ideas, I guess. I also had different ideas about “Hotel Transylvania 3,” which was blaring in the background courtesy of Netflix. I know those movies are for people under like, 12 years old, but they’re hilarious, so I guess I flipped the third

Details Where to find Spec Ops Pho Wax: Pagosa Therapeutics, 235 Bastille Drive, Pagosa Springs. Find them at 970-731-4420 or pagosatherapeutics.com Price: $35 a gram or $25 on Waxy Wednesdays, when Pagosa Therapeutics hooks you tf up on wax prices. one on at some point. It was a good call, even if it was done in a stoned stupor, because that movie while high is trippy as hell. I don’t know why a cartoon vampire is so amusing when he’s dancing to Bruno Mars on a cruise ship in the Bermuda Triangle, but it is. I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend not having anything to do if you’re going to smoke some Spec Ops wax, because at one point, I forgot how to blink. I shit you not. My eyes got so dry and blurry, and when I finally remembered to blink, it took a few solid ones to undo the dry damage I’d done while staring, mesmerized, at the TV. I swear I’m an adult. This is one of those strains that makes time go by super slowly, so I’m not really sure how long I was high for – in fact, one of my notes says, “Oh my god. I thought it had been two hours but it’s been 16 minutes.” – but I know I passed out at some point and slept like a baby without that headache. Spec Ops wax is a good one, you guys. Anything that can help treat PTSD in this post-apocalyptic world is worth all its weight in gold, and anything that can cure one raging work headache is even more valuable to me. Next time I’ll hide the chocolate chips, though. I don’t need that shame in my life. —— DGO Pufnstuf

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[movies]

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While watching the new Laurel & Hardy biopic “Stan & Ollie,” I kept thinking about the cliché of “Hollywood biopic formula,” which was famously lampooned in “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” (2007). Coincidentally, both films star John C. Reilly, and the latter has been brought up a few times recently thanks to the string of biographical pictures released this season.

Another baffling hit this Oscar season is, “Green Book,” Peter Farrelly’s foray into dramas. The movie is based loosely on the real events that took place between pianist Don Shirley and driver Tony Lip in 1962, and it got mixed reviews for simplifying a harsh period in Civil Rights history for the sake of a lighthearted feel. Meanwhile, Jon S. Baird’s “Stan & Ollie” does none of this, as it specifically focuses on Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy’s close partnership and friendship over two years of their careers. It’s one of the most charming films released this season. I realize that a lot of the best biopics aren’t portraying life stories, but are studies on specific periods of the subject’s career or life instead. Not every real life story can be as good as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” (1980) or “GoodFellas,” (1990) or even “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993) on the big screen. Some are like

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Bryan Singer’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” – which told the supposed story of rock band Queen’s history, was a film that did very well at the box office last fall, but landed in a mediocre position with critics. The most common complaint was that the team behind the movie kept the script too safe, with many biopic clichés of the rise and fall of an icon. Drug problems and estranged relationships all came with some cheesy dialogue and poor execution, yet it made a ton of money, essentially because, “Hey, the music sounds great with the theater’s sound system.” There were Online comments and posts comparing “Walk Hard” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” for having the same story structure, except while “Walk Hard” was a farce, “BoRhrap” was dead serious.

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“Bonnie & Clyde,” (1967) “Catch Me If You Can,” (2002) and “24 Hour Party People,” (2002) and are content to do their own thing, focusing on specific episodes of the subjects’ lives. “Love & Mercy,” (2014) a film on Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, wasn’t perfect (John Cusack was particularly miscast), but the parts that were good almost made up for it (i.e. all of the flashbacks featuring Paul Dano).

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And, it’s important to remember that no biopic, no matter how expertly crafted or acted, will ever be 100 percent accurate regarding the subject’s history. James Mangold’s “Walk the Line,” (2005) was also one of the big influences for “Walk Hard,” and took liberties portraying Johnny Cash’s first marriage for the sake of narrative progression. Still, the performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, coupled with Mangold’s cinematic style and Cash’s classic songs, make it work. It’s possible that as more and more life stories have landed on screen, viewers have become burned out on biopics. Or maybe Green Book’s Farrelly or BoRhap’s Bryan Singer are just seen as hacks now. Whatever the case, Jon S. Baird was unfairly shafted by “Stan & Ollie” getting overlooked.

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�� Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 19

Horoscope ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Something will happen this week that makes others see you as sympathetic and kind. Alternatively, you might see a parent or a boss in the same light. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your idealism is aroused this week because of learning something that makes you feel compassion for others. (Kindness is wanting the happiness of others. Compassion is wanting their relief from suffering.) GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) If you have the power to influence how something is shared this week, you will be fair. In fact, you will want to help the underdog. CANCER (June 21 to July 22)

Bizarro

A discussion about a close relationship, especially a marriage, will go well this week because you want to establish

rules that are caring and loving for both parties. Good luck. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) You continue to work hard this week, but you also are aware of the welfare of co-workers. If you can help someone in need this week, you will feel emotionally gratified. VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Children can be a source of joy. This week, you feel tenderhearted toward a child or children in general. If you can do something to help young people, you will. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Your idealism is aroused this week regarding family matters, especially how to deal with an older family member, perhaps an aging parent. You want to do the right and caring thing. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)

This week, you are in touch with your imagination, which is why artists and creative people can use their imagination in a practical way. It’s a good day for filmmaking. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Money is energy. This week, you see how money can be used to relieve the suffering of others. If you can help to make this happen, this is a noble cause.

This is generous because true generosity is giving what is needed. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) You will find it rewarding and gratifying to work for a charitable group or organization this week. Why not help those who are less fortunate than you? BORN THIS WEEK

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)

You are creative, logical and sometimes eccentric. You are multitalented and can juggle several occupations. You are always motivated. This is your year of harvest and major achievements because you are reaping the benefits of the past decade. You will taste power and leadership in all your relationships. Get going. Make it happen! It’s time to think “success, power and money.”

This week, you’re willing to put the welfare of others before your own.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) This week, you can achieve a lovely balance between your material world and your spiritual needs. Whatever you do, you will work to further your ideals in a charitable cause or a religious setting.

Play on, cosplayer. Play on. Costume play = cosplay Cosplay is a shorter version of the term “costume play,” which describes cosplay for obvious reasons – you get to play your favorite character while decked out in a costume. Hopefully you’re familiar by now, considering that Snowdown’s theme is cosplay, but in case you aren’t, cosplay involves dressing up in anime, manga, superhero (whoop, whoop!), K-pop, or J-pop gear and living life to its fullest. Polite politics in costume Cosplay is so common – and so very serious – in Japan that cosplayers follow a strict code of rules and etiquette specific to this crazy costume biz. The first is that you shouldn’t wear your costume to an event. You should BRING it. (Ain’t happening in Durango, we can assure you of that.) The second rule is that cosplayers should act appropriately while in costume so as not to desecrate their character’s good name. We’re looking at you, Pikachu.

20 | Thursday, January 31, 2019 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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[advice]

Rocky Road | Katie Burford

A problem with work-life balance and fear of changing careers I’m in a position where I work a lot, and I’m having a hard time finding a work-life balance. I find myself working all weekend to make sure I’m ahead, and I feel guilty when I take any time for myself. This past weekend I had family in town (I hadn’t seen them in months) and I made myself check out and focus on them instead of working, but when Monday rolled around, I found myself so stressed out and panicked that I could barely focus. I don’t know what to do. I’m already on an antidepressant, which should be helping with my anxiety, but when it comes to work, nothing makes a dent. How do I take my life back? Stressed trying to be the best Dear Stressed, I’m going to take a leap and guess that this quote from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, “Big Magic,” is something you might identify with: “I cannot imagine where women ever got the idea that they must be perfect in order to be loved or successful. Ha ha ha! Just kidding! I can totally imagine: We got it from every single message society has ever sent us! Thanks, all of human history!” (If you are not a female, you can take comfort in the fact that you live in a society so egalitarian that the pressure to be perfect is now evenly distributed.) First thing is to cut yourself some slack. Perfectionism is a hard habit to quit. Like a bad relationship, it always wants to creep back into your life. Part of the problem, I’m guessing, is that a manner of working that suited you at one point in your life may have begun to feel out of whack as your expectations have changed. When I was a recent college grad, I was happy to sacrifice weekends if it would help my work stand out. As the years passed, I grew less inclined to do that and more inclined to feel resentful if I had to. My point is that achieving work-life balance

is kind of like gardening. You work from the ground up. Neither nutrient-poor soil nor a soul-sucking workplace are things that can be repaired overnight. A good place to start is with getting clear on your priorities. Counterintuitively, I recommend starting with the “life” part of the equation rather than the “work.” My experience is that work is like clutter in a closet — it expands to fit the space it has. What pursuits outside of work most excite you? Whether it be soap-making, poetry writing, or roller derby, find a way to commit yourself to it by taking a class, joining a team, or booking a trip. Don’t wait until things are less busy at work because they never will be. Once you’ve committed to a passion project, two things happen: 1) you become more focused at work because you know you need to get out of there, and 2) your bosses learn you have time that is off-limits for their projects. They may grumble about it, but 99 to 1 they won’t be unhappy enough to do anything about it. The hardest part, you are likely to find, will be quieting your inner critic. Being over-worked and over-scheduled can be perversely gratifying in that it makes us feel our time is valuable. As you take decisive steps to scale back, the critic is likely to berate you for slacking. If something goes wrong as a result of your stepping back, the critic will say this is evidence you can’t be away. This isn’t true. Instead of capitulating, look at what systemic measures can be put in place to allow for your absence. As a business owner, this took me a long time to learn. In the beginning, if an employee made a mistake while I was away, I would castigate myself for trusting some else to do my work. Eventually, I got better at training and empowering my employees. Now I can be away and know that the operation is in good hands. Of course you can always change jobs, but I would try making changes at the one you’ve got first. The more you exercise your agency, the more natural it will come. And that is a skill that will serve you no matter where you land.

Need advice? Reach Katie Burford at rockyroad@dgomag. com, @rockyroadadvice (Twitter) or Rocky Road, 1021 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301.

I’ve worked in my industry for a long time and am seriously considering changing fields for more stability, but I’m nervous to change. Any advice on how to make that leap? Fork in the Road Notwithstanding what I told the previous letter writer, I think it’s essential to stay nimble in today’s rapidly changing world. I’m only mid-way though my working life and I’ve already had three careers. There’s upsides and downsides to that. Each career change, I told myself my previous experience would count for something. It didn’t. Or, at least not in giving me advanced placement in my next career. But it was helpful in giving me confidence, which is everything. Whatever choice you make, fear can’t be your motivator. I’ve seen it a hundred times and it never turns out well. On one end, people cling desperately to jobs with diminishing remuneration because they are afraid of change. On the other end, people decide to change to a certain career because they think it will pay well only to find they either don’t like it or the market no longer values it. In my experience, a rewarding career lies at the convergence of a person’s skills, passions, disposition, and life circumstances. When you look around that intersection, you may find yourself at an unexpected place. That is the joy of life. Katie Burford has worked as a social worker, journalist, university instructor, nanny and barista. These days, she’s a mom, professional ice cream maker and writer. Reach her at rocky-road@ dgomag.com, @rockyroadadvice (Twitter) or Rocky Road, 1021 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301.

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