TOP PI C K S
DURANGO FILM FESTIVAL March 2-6, 2022 durangofilm.org
The 17th annual Durango Independent Film Festival will be back in Durango theaters March 2-6, 2022. This festival believes in the power of gathering for a shared artistic experience, providing an opportunity for film lovers to connect with visiting directors, actors, producers, and composers. Engaging and entertaining filmmaker Q&A sessions following film screenings offer an inside look at the filmmaking process. Festival organizers are excited to bring new and thought-provoking films of all genres to Durango venues. The festival will also be offering a virtual component, in addition to theatrical presentations. Coffee talk with filmmakers, panel discussions, workshops, and parties are just a few of the events planned for festival week. The festival is a collaborative effort involving a dedicated group of volunteers, local business partners, donors, grantors, and the community that appreciates the opportunity to see unusual films in a rare setting like Durango. Free opening-night films, early-bird pass prices, virtual film offerings, and plenty of opportunities to meet filmmakers are just a few of the ways the festival hopes to share the world of independent film with everyone in the community. For 2022 information and passes, please visit durangofilm.org.
DURANGO BLUEGRASS MELTDOWN If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then the 2022 Durango Bluegrass Meltdown will inspire some mighty strong passion. The world-class music festival returns April 22-24 for the first time since 2019, with old standbys and new twists converging. The Bluegrass Meltdown takes over many of Durango’s stages for the weekend, with live music at the Durango Arts Center, Animas City Theatre, Wild Horse Saloon, Durango Elks Lodge, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Grange Building. Plus, folks can hear (and join in with) numerous jams in public spaces and party at the barn dance. For 2022, the Meltdown is adding its first-ever band contest. Ten bands will compete for a main-stage slot at the 2023 festival during Saturday’s events, and the finalists will stand off on Sunday morning. The competition emphasizes traditional bluegrass—and there’s no telling how the stars of tomorrow will play with the demands of the genre. Kids 12 and under always attend the festival for free. For those of us older than that, the Meltdown offers day tickets and weekend passes that promise access to all the shows, all festival long. The schedule of artists, as well as ticket sales, will be posted on the new durangomeltdown.com website as details become available.
FORT LEWIS COLLEGE SKYFEST Skyfest is back for 2022! Skyfest is an annual music festival presented by Student Union Productions at Fort Lewis College. Student Union Productions (SUP) is the student programming board at the college. This group of students is committed to providing diverse and engaging events for the Fort Lewis community. Skyfest is entirely organized and executed by students in SUP. At Skyfest, you’ll be able to enjoy a mix of student musicians and up-and-coming artists. This festival brings the Fort and Durango communities together for a day filled with music, friends, and good times. Student organizers change from year to year, so attendees get a hometown music festival with a unique experience each year. As the snow begins to melt off the mountains, make your way up to the mesa and join SUP for Skyfest 2022! Mark your calendars for Saturday April 16. Keep an eye out on the Skyfest webpage for updates on artists, locations, and tickets. You can also keep current with SUP events on Instagram and Snapchat @flcsup. Student Union Productions is eager to invite the community back to Skyfest and can’t wait to see you there!
10 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring
