DURANGO, Colo. – The Strater Hotel lived up to its reputation as a venue for live local music on Nov. 23, as its Diamond Belle Saloon was literally alive with the sounds of Durango music during the release of Rhythms of Durango.

Lacey Black, Daniel Rottenberg, Greg Ryder, Jason Theis, Tim Sullivan and Dave Mench – six of the 18 musicians featured on Rhythms – took turns entertaining an ever-evolving crowd of local music fans, fellow Rhythms musicians and tourists who “happened” in to the Victorian themed saloon. CDs were available for purchase, and most were popped open immediately. Autographs were the order of the evening.

Dave Mensch of Formula 151 performs at the CD Release Party at the Diamond Belle Saloon.

“I want to get every artist's autograph before the night is over,” said Mensch, lead singer/songwriter/guitarist with the rock band Formula 151, when he took the stage. “Hounds of Purg, I know you’re up in the balcony. Don’t leave without seeing me first.”

A compilation CD featuring artists who play in and around Historic Downtown Durango, Rhythms of Durango is billed as “an eclectic mix of the sounds of Downtown” and features a range of music from country and ragtime to rock and jazz. It is produced by the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) and developed as one tool in the effort to help maintain the economic viability of Downtown Durango, according to BID presiding officer John Wells.

The new offering is volume two of what may be an on-going limited edition series of CDs should the 1000 promotional CDs produced sell out. Very limited numbers of Rhythms Volume One are currently still available.

“This is a terrific evening,” said Pam Glasco, co-producer of the Rhythms CD of the gathering at the Belle. “Everybody’s getting into it, and we truly appreciate the Strater Hotel and Rod Barker for hosting this great event that kicks off the holiday season.”

In addition to introducing the CD, the focus of the release party was giving the 18 artists on Rhythms of Durango the proverbial 15 minutes of “rock star” fame – if not more.

In a press release, the BID notes, “We want locals and visitors alike to hear this music, learn more about the artists, and say, ‘Hey, that group is playing Downtown, they’re great, let’s go see them,’ and maybe even buy their CDs or book them for a gig.”

Lacey Black (left) enjoys catching up with Tim and Karen Sullivan at the Rhythms of Durango release party.

“Many of our local musicians are hopefully on their way to national acclaim,” added Glasco. “How cool will it be to say, ‘We knew them when…’ and have a collector’s item like Rhythms of Durango?”

Artists featured on the CD, mastered locally at Scooter’s Place, are The Badly Bent, Lacey Black, Lisa Blue, Annie Brooks, Alison Dance, Formula 151, Tim Guidotti, Hounds of Purg, Gigi Love, Jeff Nelson Quartet, Terry Rickard, Daniel Rottenberg, Greg Ryder, Jeff Strahan, Tim Sullivan, Jason Thies, Cheryl White & Tim Birchard, and Sylvia Zurko. Detailed information on the artists follows this article.

“The Business Improvement District exists to help all business within the Central Business District,” said Rod Barker, also a member of the BID board of directors. “Live music happens all over our Downtown. We’re delighted to be able to promote our local vocalists and musicians, as well as the venues at which they play.”

Rhythms of Durango, Volume Two is available in various locations in Downtown, including Affordable Framing Plus, Brown’s Shoes, Canyon Music, Cloudberries, Community Concert Hall Ticket Office, Diamond Circle Gift Shop, Durango Coffee Company, Half-Price Tees, Kid’s Rock, Maria’s Bookshop, Pennington Camera, Rio Grande Trading Co., Steaming Bean, Southwest Sound, Spaaah Shop, Strater Hotel, The Durango Kid and Y.E.S. The Book Hutch.

Four Corners Broadcasting also stepped up to support the CD, helping further the reach of the music and artists on local radio stations KIQX 101.3FM and KRSJ 100.5FM with a number of giveaway opportunities.

Wholesale orders are available through the BID office, 970.375.5067, with further information at www.downtowndurango.org.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.

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Artists’ Bios

Rhythms of Durango, Volume Two, features the following local artists (in order of appearance):

*Tim Sullivan

Tim Sullivan, with his easy, flowing style and winning personality, is a Durango favorite. An award-winning singer/songwriter who has appeared on stage with country music greats including Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell, Tim started his career performing gospel concerts with his family at age 6. Today, he performs throughout the country, including taking the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York, all the while continuing his songwriting and recording, much to the delight of his many Durango friends and fans. Information/Contact: Mountain Rose Music - 970.749.5422

*Greg Ryder (featuring in addition to Greg Ryder on rhythm guitar/vocals, Pete Neds – lead guitar, Robin Davis – mandolin, Benny Galloway – upright bass)

Greg Ryder writes what he knows – cowboy ballads, comic satire, political statements – creating a genre that some have called “Cowboy Lounge/Acoustic Cow Punk.” Originally from Wisconsin, Greg has set down roots in Durango, which inspired him to revive the songs of the Old West in appearances and recordings. Winters find him warming hearts with his music at the Diamond Belle. His first CD of folk music, Life is Flyin’ By was released in 2006. Information/Contact: gregryder1@cs.com (email)

*Gigi Love (Featuring Michael Coble guitar & bass)

Gigi Love’s infectious sound, smoky vocals and revealing songwriting loaded with energy, vulnerable passion and delicate poise, burn a memory into the listener. Whether armed with an electric guitar or her worn acoustic, Gigi leaves an indelible imprint as she juggles blues and rock with country and folk. Gigi has opened for the Dave Matthews Band, and performed at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, as well as in and around Durango. Information/Contact: http://gigilove.com

*Jeff Strahan

In 2000, Jeff Strahan left his hectic law practice for the peace and solitude of Colorado where he began writing, recording and performing music. Today he performs more than 200 shows a year throughout the country. A “semi-finalist” at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2005 and 2006, Jeff reportedly, once he has performed at a venue, has always been asked to return. Jeff is regularly described as “having a lot of soul” with music “that will give you chills,” and an approach to entertainment that is honest and driven. Information/Contact: www.jeffstrahan.com

*Terry Rickard (Featuring in addition to Terry Rickard on guitar/vocals, Mario Dobbs – lead guitar, Steve Dejka – drums, John June – bass)

A staple on the Durango music scene, Terry Rickard is legendary for his classic rock. A native of Boston where he played in a rock ‘n’ roll band, Terry moved to Southern California in the late ‘70s to refine his acoustic guitar skills and write music. By the early ‘90s he’d discovered Durango, where he plays rock, country, blues and reggae, both solo and with the band, The Chills.    Information/Contact: 970.884.5257

*Cheryl White & Tim Birchard

Guitarists and singer/songwriters Cheryl White and Tim Birchard have been collaborating since 2006. With music that reflects her passion to commune with the Divine within, Cheryl's playing style favors open tunings and staccato rhythms, while Tim likes to add "sprinkles" over the top with alternate voicings and lead runs. The pair has performed together in a variety of settings throughout Durango and the world, from celebrations and contemplative services, to coffeehouses in Japan. Information/Contact: gratitude@rhythmtemple.com (email)

*Tim Guidotti

Tim Guidotti’s music is generally considered “Americana,” and he writes in an upbeat, folk-rock style that is lyrically based. Originally from rural New Jersey, Tim has been living in Durango for 14 years, founding the bands Earth Tone and Secret World before going solo. Performing regularly at the Office Spiritorium, he has recorded four CDs and is currently writing and beginning production on a new project, as yet untitled. Information/Contact: secretworldmusic@yahoo.com (email)

*Lisa Blue

Lisa Blue is known locally as the honey voiced singer of favorite pop standards, however her “roots are showing” when it comes to country. Well-known around Durango, she has written and performed music for film and television. She also manages the premier guitar store in town, Canyon Music. Information/Contact: 970.749.6475

*Jason Thies (Featuring Carl Ellison on harmonica)

Jason Thies has been playing music in the Durango area since 1978. He was an original member of the band Rio Grande Southern, and most recently was the guitarist for Donna Nazario and The Renovators. He has recently released a CD of original music, Just Noticeable Difference, and is writing and recording songs for his next CD, as well as performing around Durango with Jeff Haspel. Information/Contact: j@durango.net (email)

*Lacey Black

Durango native Lacey Black has been playing piano professionally since age 16, and currently is a featured solo pianist at the Mahogany Grille. Her musical passion, however, lies in songwriting. Lacey’s original songs are personal, heart-wrenching and hopeful, in the piano folk-pop style of Sarah McLachlan and Norah Jones. She has recorded several solo piano CDs, as well as contemporary releases with her band Red Rhapsody. She has also recently signed on as the new keyboardist for local band The Highrollers. Information/Contact: www.laceyblack.net

*Formula 151

The original, Durango-based and award-winning band, Formula 151, launched by singer/songwriter and guitarist Dave Mensch in 2004, offers a sound unique in today's contemporary music. Heavily invluenced by the long heritage of singer/songwriters, as well as the cutting-edge rock bands of today, Formula 151 takes its listeners on a melodic and lyrical journey, incorporating dynamic arrangements performed by Mensch, Katherine Jetter Tischhauser (cello, electric cello), Mike Kornelson (bass), and steve Dejka (percussion). Information/Contact: www.myspace.com/f151

*Hounds of Purg

The Hounds of Purg is rock 'n’ roll and blues, with a high altitude twist. Raised in the Colorado mountains, these 14-year-old musicians know how to rock a crowd. The Hounds include high school honor students Remy Russell - lead guitar, Jayson Else -bass, Drew Dugan - drums and Alden Derck - keyboards. Watch for the band (and the youthful groupies) at events in Downtown Durango and throughout the region. Information/Contact: www.houndsofpurg.com

*Jeff Nelson Quartet (Featuring Jeff Nelson – guitar, Mike Enriquez – bass, Greg Vadnais – drums/percussion, Brant Leeper – organ/piano)

Jeff Nelson is a self-taught guitarist, composer and arranger. His passion for the creative process is evident on his recent CD Journey to Garza with compositions that bridge the fertile ground between classic and contemporary jazz. Originally from Chicago, Jeff’s early electric blues influences flavor his playing. He can currently be heard live as a guitarist and vocalist with the Rico Blues Project, and with the Nelson Enriquez Jazz Quartet. Information/Contact: neldawg@gmail.com (email) or 970.259.4880

*Alison Dance (Featuring, in addition to Alison Dance – vocals, Jeff Solon – saxophone, Giovanni Rovetto - bass, Tom Gastineau - piano)

When Alison Dance opened Cyprus Café in 1996, no venue for live jazz existed in Durango. Thus the birth of Patio Jazz, music performed live on the patio of Cyprus Café. An award-winning chef, Alison loves good food, good wines and good music, and Cyprus is a joyous expression of all three. The restaurant continues to support local artists on the patio during the summer months. The CD Patio Jazz was recorded live in 2005. Information/Contact: www.cypruscafe.com

*The Badly Bent

Winners of the 2005 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition, The Badly Bent has established itself as one of the most entertaining and energetic bluegrass bands around. Known for its stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, the band always offers a fun and musically entertaining experience. The Badly Bent is Patrick Dressen – guitar, Robb Brophy – mandolin, Bill Adams – dobro, Mark Epstein – banjo, Jim Largent - bass. Information/Contact: www.thebadlybent.com

*Annie Brooks

Born to a family of traveling artists and musicians, Annie grew up backstage, surrounded by colored pencils, guitar strings and set lists. From the age of 3 she has been writing songs and performing in a variety of venues throughout the world. Annie’s organic lyrics bring to life memories of love, home and friends, while her jazz-tinted vocals and soft guitar effortlessly blend old and new, drawing in listeners of all ages. Currently, Annie is a regular at the Jean-Pierre Wine Bar in Durango, and her second CD, “Both Sides of Goodnight” is expected late 2007. Information/Contact: www.anniebrooks.org.

*Sylvia Zurko

A regular on Durango’s music scene since 1988, Sylvia Zurko offers “a harp for all occasions.” Though she grew up playing piano and flute, her first love has been the Celtic (folk) harp. Her repertoire includes Celtic, classical, Renaissance, pop, jazz, South American and original compositions. In addition to performing throughout the region, Sylvia also lectures at Fort Lewis College, sharing her knowledge of the Celtic bardic tradition, harp history and Renaissance music. Sylvia’s CDs are available at Southwest Sound in Durango, or directly from the master harpist herself. Information/Contact: sylvanharp@yahoo.com (email)

*Daniel Rottenberg

High school student Daniel Rottenberg began playing classical piano at the age of 4, but discovered ragtime at age 12 when he heard Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” and hasn’t looked back. Live, Daniel has a unique style and energy that reveals his love of ragtime music, and he performs regularly at the Diamond Belle at The Strater Hotel, as well as Trimble Hot Springs north of town. He has recently completed a CD of his arrangements and original pieces. Information/Contact: ragtime_daniel@hotmail.com (email)