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Author: Susan Viebrock

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John-Grape-450wx325h “Panache” is his middle name. A Brit by birth, John Sutcliffe’s wines are as mellifluous as his vowels, which are decidedly upper “U.” (Britspeak for Upper Class.)

John came to the USA in 1968 after serving seven years in the British Army. He graduated Reed College in 1973 before moving to New York City. Once in town, John took a big bite out of the Big Apple by successfully navigating the perilous restaurant world: first he managed the uber hip Maxwell’s Plum, then helped Warner Leroy re-open Tavern on the Green. A series of other high profile eateries followed, including two in Carolina, John’s next address in the States.

29 December, 2008 /

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BST_bio_logo No sweat. The band just keeps on keepin’ on despite the fact its founding members, among them, Al Kooper, Bobby Colomby, David Clayton-Thomas and Steve Katz, are part of rock lore. 

Rather than being a personality cult, Blood, Sweat & Tears longevity comes down to its music, hit such as  “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel,” and “When I Die” with universal themes and a cross-generational sound.

Since B S & T formed in New York in 1967, the many faces of the band are, by now, a blur. However what the band came to be known as from the get-go remains the group’s signature style: a fusion known as “jazz-rock.” 

28 December, 2008 /

In China, acrobats are revered as much as opera singers in the West.

The ancient art form dates back well over 2,000 years. Historical records provide evidence for the development of Chinese acrobats as far back as the Xia Dynasty 4,000 years ago. Records also suggest acrobatics did not become wildly popular, however, until the emperor embraced the discipline as court entertainment, about 2,500 years ago.

During the Han Dynasty (207 B.C. – 220 A.D.), acrobatics flourished and the wide variety of juggling, tumbling and magic acts came to be known as the “Hundred Entertainments.” Legend has it that when the Emperor Wu Di invited a group of foreign dignitaries to witness a performance, his guests were so impressed they agreed to enter into military alliances with their august host.

26 December, 2008 /

A man performs a headstand atop a very tall tower of chairs, and a woman balances a lamp as she twists upside down on a pedestal, her body bending like hot pizza dough, limbs merging.This is not Ripley’s “Believe It or Not.” It is the...

26 December, 2008 /

[ click play button to hear] Telluride Mountainfilm is the annual gathering of the tribe over Memorial weekend. What began as an adrenaline rush has evolved into Ground Zero for the survival of the planet through...

26 December, 2008 /
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BHeinrich Head Shot_for print Her ice is nice and Barbara Heinrich’s award-winning baubles, bangles and beads are masterpieces of quiet elegance, not “statement pieces” that shout for attention. Bottom line: Barbara is all about enhancing the beauty of the wearer with jewelry that goes ‘round the clock and lasts for generations.

Barbara has owned and operated a workshop in upstate New York since the 1980s, where she and her assistant produce signature lines such as aspen series, inspired by Telluride and designed for the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art, her local patron for the past 15 years.

Barbara returns to town for a show of her latest collection at the TGFA on December 29, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. On December 30, locals and guests are invited by appointment only to consult with the artist about a makeover for tired and heirloom pieces.

22 December, 2008 /

Dr. Susannah Smith continues with her new TIO column, “Shrink Rap.” Her second post is a tip of the hat to Alfred E. Newman: “What, me worry?” It is all last-minute holiday stress.

Shrink Rap
by Dr. Susannah Smith


Even the most organized person usually forgets something on his or her list of tasks for the holiday season. Especially if you are an achiever or perfectionist, the stress of “doing everything right” can become severe during right about now. Throw into the pot: kids out of school, Secret Santa presents, missed planes, blizzard conditions, last minute gifts you forgot to get,  and stir into your regular busy life. It is a recipe for disaster guaranteed to make your blood pressure rise.

22 December, 2008 /

[Click the play button to hear] When Dickens wrote his “ghostly little tale,” he could not know that A Christmas Carol would become one of the most beloved holiday traditions of all time. The Nebraska Theatre Caravan is...

20 December, 2008 /