Old

[click "Play", Josephine Fallenius talks with Susan about Ah Haa]

 

Gala_image Ring out the old, support the new.

On Friday, December 31,Telluride's Ah Haa School for the Arts hosts its second annual New Year's Eve dinner, 6:30 – 10 p.m., an evening of fine food and wine, fine art, entertainment and friends. Proceeds from the event mean the nonprofit is one step closer towards covering operating expenses (which are not covered by tuition) and eliminating the remaining debt on the roof over its head, the historic train depot, and thereby deepening its undisputed position as the community's cultural center.

After 17 years in an old brothel in Popcorn Alley, Ah Haa took a bold step in 2007 when it acquired the century-old depot, which once housed Harmon's restaurant and the San Juan Brewing Company. The move allowed the school to expand its programming with stunning results.

The world claimed him, but Telluride loved him.

Tonight we learned of the death of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke. Telluride, his nation, and the world have lost a friend and champion. The loss of Richard Holbrooke will be felt on the world stage, but in this small town, it is very personal. The Holbrooke family has had a Telluride connection for over 20 years. Richard's sons David and Anthony are members of the community in their own right: David as a filmmaker and current Festival Director of Mountainfilm in Telluride, and Anthony as an artist who shows his work in the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art and the Ah Haa School for the Arts.

Richard Holbrooke gave generously of himself, not only as a public servant with decades of service, but in Telluride as a friend and counselor.  David Holbrooke's position with Mountainfilm in Telluride has meant that Ambassador Holbrooke from time to time led Mountainfilm roundtable discussions on issues of global importance.

Staff-AnnMellick
Ann Mellick

Tuesday, December 14, 6:30 p.m., Sheridan Opera House, Colorado Avalanche Information hosts a fundraiser. The event features ski and snow films courtesy of Mountainfilm in Telluride, including the feature, "The Edge of Never," as well as some shorts by local filmmaker Mark Plantz.  Beer (included in the ticket price of $15 to benefit CAIC's Northern San Juan field office) thanks to Stone Brewery. In addition there will be auction items, including a Telluride ski pass.

Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard.The purpose of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center is to minimize the economic and human impact of snow avalanches on recreation, tourism, commerce, industry and the citizens of the state. With a staff of just 15 avalanche professionals, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center achieves its purpose two ways: forecasting and public education.

[click "Play" to hear Susan's conversation with Mike Hess]

 

Mike Hess One can only wonder about Telluride local Mike Hess. Is the guy channeling Cecil De DemiIle?

When Mike throws a party, it's an extravaganza, and he's at it again. This time it's an intimate affair for about 900+ of his nearest and dearest, including 300 athletes from around the word and their fans. The Visa Snowboardcross World Cup Telluride kickoff party takes place Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at The Peaks Resort & Spa, in all its new glory, 6 - 9 p.m.

by Walter Wright

SAC Dec 14th-poster Kristin Holstrom, coordinator of The New Community Coalition, hosts a Sustainable Action Cafe at Telluride's five-star Wilkinson Public Library. The first gathering in a series takes place Tuesday, December 14, 8:30 – 10 a.m. We created these informal get-togethers with you in mind if you are tired of talk and want to see some action.

This month’s "action: targets ways to green up the holidays. It goes without saying we in Telluride all hope for a very white winter and pray for more snow. But green and white are not a bad combination.

At this Sustainable Action Cafe, Kris plans to open up the discussion to include local and green holiday gift ideas, and tips for saving money. Do we have to buy to be happy?  If we don’t buy how do businesses survive?  What does a thriving, sustainable community look like during the holidays and after?  Other thoughts? Please bring them with you on Tuesday.

Trailblazers+Sam, 2010
Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers,
plus Sam Bush, TBF 2010

It's always exciting to see the preliminary lineup for the coming year's Telluride Bluegrass Festival. As we go through the list we look for favorites returning, and performers we don't know so well making the list, maybe for the first time.

This year's early release is no different. Brian Eyster of Planet Bluegrass cautions that there will be additions to the list, but this is the TBF lineup as we know it now. Got your tickets yet?

[click "Play", Nancy Landau talks about Friends of the Library and Funday Sunday]

 

12-12 Dinner Why does Telluride's Wilkinson Public Library need Friends?

The Wilkinson is a five-star book mecca in part because it attracts a steady stream of traffic. Locals and guests love the place and use it as a regular hang-out, a kind of safe haven. The kids' section is always alive with activity. And Scott Doser's programs attract regular weekly crowds.

December 12 is Funday Sunday at Telluride's five-star Wilkinson Public Library. The all-day event begins with a brief annual meeting of the Friends of the Library, 1 p.m., to explain the role of the Friends.

The meeting is followed by a High Def/Blu-Ray screening of "The Wizard of Oz." (The High Definition Blu-Ray format projector was gifted to the Library by the Friends.)

[click "Play" to hear Paul DiStefano's conversation with Susan

 

 

kicker: Ames Conservatory's big production takes place this weekend, 12/10 – 12/12

Polar Homeboy Paul DiStefano is a Telluride success story:  He grew up in Telluride, became a street magician and is now poised to become a dancer on the world stage.

In September 2009, Paul showed up at the Telluride Dance Academy, now the Ames Conservatory. His idea was take classes with former prima ballerina and artistic director Valerie Madonia. Within six months of intense study, pedal to the metal (or toes to the boards), Madonia felt confident enough in Paul's emerging talent to recommend him for an audition at the Joffrey School of New York, where Valerie regularly taught.

 In his ongoing series about breeds of dogs, Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch and Kennel has omitted one major breed. Until now. Watch the video as Ted talks about the Black Lab, in this case illustrated by his...

 Telluride Inside.... and Out was on our way home from a booksigning at the Wilkinson Public Library, Bob Rubadeau's latest novel, ("Gatsby's Last Resort," a murder mystery set in Telluride), when we remembered that Jeff Badger, owner of Siam, had let slip that the "soft" opening of his new bar on Pacific Street was Tuesday night. It was Tuesday night. Why not check out the scene just down the road a piece?

This is not, I promise you, the grapefruit martini speaking. Which followed the glass of a crisp sauvignon blanc. Just before the shitaki sticky buns. The shrimp lettuce wraps. And the asparagus hand wraps. Nope, none of the lubricants or the taste treats or the good vibrations from the crowd had any influence whatsoever on what I am about to uncork. I mean, reveal.

Gertrude Stein eat dirt. There is a "There" there. And "There" is here in Telluride.