Arts News

We Can’t Wait For…

BLITZEN TRAPPER

Club Red

The Mountain Village nightclub’s first-ever act returns for a night of experimental folk and rock June 21

RAPUNZEL’S HAIRCUT

Sheridan Opera House Young People’s Theater camp sees kids rehearse, then perform a play July 18 – 22 performance July 22

TOP CHEF & TASTE OF TELLURIDE

Peaks Resort & Spa Duelling chefs, delicious bites for One to One Mentoring August 11

ORIGINAL THINKERS

Sheridan Opera House and other venues

At the intersection of story and idea is this unmissable autumn festival Sept. 29 – Oct. 2

VILLAGE RHYTHM

Mountain Village is spoiling us this summer with a lineup of top-shelf, free concerts with exciting names and big sounds. The Music on the Green series, produced by the ohso-savvy Denise Mongan of Beyond the Groove presents a vibrant and diverse selection of musical acts every Friday from 5-7 p.m., June 3-Sept. 9 on the Reflection Plaza stage across from the Hotel Madeline. With a roster of nationally touring and emerging acts, including Daniel Rodriguez of Elephant Revival and the powerful rootstomp vocalist Cousin Curtiss, as well as Telluride’s own Americana singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson and uplifting acoustic duo LVDY, audiences are in for a season of extraordinary entertainment. Hungry for more? Mountain Village also offers free performances by a slew of talented local musicians in Heritage Plaza on Friday through Sunday afternoons all summer long. History often repeats itself, sometimes in the most unexpected and satisfying of ways. The Transfer Warehouse is a great example — just as the stately stone edifice was a bustling center of this community in the early 1900s, so it is again today, thanks to the creative spirit and diligence of Telluride Arts and many community members dedicated to the TRANSFER revitalization and restoration of WAREHOUSE UPDATE this historical treasure. During Telluride’s mining heyday, the Transfer Warehouse was a place of exchange and trade, the hub of what was then known as the Warehouse District. As the mining boom ended, the Transfer Warehouse was left vacant and deteriorating, serving a stint as a storage facility and a gas station. In 1979, the roof collapsed due to heavy snowfall, and it has remained roofless to this day. In 2018 Telluride Arts, the local arts council, raised $4 million for the purchase and stabilization of the Warehouse, with the goal of an eventual restoration of the building as a community cultural center.

Now, the just-released design by Olson Kundig Architects preserves the open-air courtyard, but also includes indoor event and gallery spaces, a functional basement and roof deck. Colorado Creative Industries just gave the project an enormous nod of approval with a $3 million grant towards the restoration, with $12 million left to raise by October. In the meantime, the Transfer Warehouse continues to be a thriving center of community events, entertainment and the unique, funky spirit that defines Telluride. “It’s really important that we have a culmination of events: fundraisers, kids’ events, music, free events,” explains the Warehouse’s General Manager Jereb Carter. “We’re preserving the culture and spirit of our community. We have to keep the heart of Telluride beating.” For more on summer fundraising events in support of Telluride Arts and the Transfer Warehouse, see the events calendar on page 78 or visit telluridearts.org.

WALK THIS WAY

On the first Thursday of each month is Art Walk, a popular and lively Telluride Arts initiative that sees more than 20 galleries throw open their doors for an evening of art, conversation and refreshments. Look for the colorful pennants hanging outside participating venues or stop by Telluride Arts’ summer home at 220 W. Colorado Ave. for a map.

COLORFUL COMPETITORS

Sure, locals love their sports, but they have an arty side too. Want proof? On the Fourth of July, head to Oak Street Plaza to see runners — many clad in red, white and blue, or even in a colorful costume — participate in the Rundola, a foot race up Telluride Trail to the ridgeline at San Sophia Station. It’s a calfburning route with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet that roughly traces the Gondola’s path. The popular event celebrates the Telluride Foundation, whose programs and giving benefit the region. The event begins at 8 a.m. and the finish line closes at 10 a.m. No dogs please. To register visit runreg.com/rundola. Onsite registration and bib pickup take place July 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., also at Oak Street Plaza.

TELLURIDE THEATRE’S SUMMER OF SURPRISES

The most thrilling part of Telluride Theatre’s annual gala fundraiser just might be that the details are always held tightly under wraps. The gala is a secretly-themed theatrical soiree, held this year on July 2 at the Telluride Conference Center, an event that many claim is the very best party of the year. Telluride Theatre will also produce the 32nd season of Shakespeare in the Park, July 22-31 (no performance July 28) — this year with a professional guest director. Looking for something for the kiddos? Don’t miss the theater company’s entertaining children’s shows at the Mountain Village Market on the Plaza every Wednesday, Aug. 10-31.

Michael Mowery