DURANGO, Colo. – The Durango Business Improvement District (BID) is seeking recording artists of all genres to be part of Rhythms of Durango, Vol. 3. Deadline for submission is Aug. 22.

Musicians and vocalists who play venues in Historic Downtown Durango and who have recorded songs – preferably original – are encouraged to submit CDs for consideration. Artists must own the rights to their songs, or have recorded songs that are in the public domain.

Rhythms, an eclectic mix of the sounds of downtown, is designed to enliven and help sustain Downtown Durango by promoting its varied music venues, drawing visitors to Downtown and, by extension, supporting local musicians and retailers. Release date is planned for Fri., Nov. 21 at a special CD release concert (to feature the Rhythms artists) scheduled at the Henry Strater Theatre, 5-8 p.m. Four Corners Broadcasting has also stepped up as the radio sponsor for the CD.

“Production does begin now, so we want to encourage musicians and vocalists to get in touch with us. Get that music in,” said Pam Glasco, co-producer of Rhythms with Indiana Reed. “We’re looking for songs of radio-play length that typify an artist’s style. And, as this is designed as a family-friendly CD, we cannot accept songs that include obscenities or that promote violence or drug use.”

Artists selected for inclusion on the CD are asked to submit a written bio and publicity photo. These become the basis for the liner notes – or the “booklet” – that is a part of the CD package.

"One of the things that Rhythms is designed to do is promote our local recording artists,” said Reed. “I’d love it if somebody is listening to the CD and then they happen to open the paper and see that the artist is playing at The Office or The Wild Horse, or wherever, and it prompts them to go Downtown for the ‘live’ music. It’s all a part of encouraging people to help support Downtown Durango.”

“We’re looking forward to an amazing release celebration,” added Glasco, noting it will be the kick-off event for the BID’s Holidazzle holiday promotion, the week prior to Thanksgiving. “The CD release event has grown every year, and this year, with the large stage and capacity of The Hank, local music fans will be able to come out, hear the artists ‘live’ and have them sign the collector’s CDs hot off the presses – plus have a great time Downtown.”

For consideration, recording artists are asked to submit their recordings by Aug. 22, in person to the Business Improvement District office, 1199 Main Ave. (Bank of Colorado building), Suite 210, or by mail, PO Box 1405, Durango, 81302.

“Or give us a call if you’ve recorded at Scooter’s Place, as he will have your songs for us to consider,” said Reed. “We will deliberately select an eclectic mix of artists and sounds. Just like the first two volumes, we want it to be a wonderful blend that ranges from country and bluegrass to jazz and rock, and more, and we want it to really epitomize the heart of Durango.”

Limited copies of Rhythms of Durango Vol. 2 – featuring 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 – are available at the BID office for merchants who wish to offer the CDs for sale through the summer season. Extremely few copies of Vol. 1 are also available.

For further information on the project, contact Glasco at 375.5067, pamg@downtowndurango.org, or Reed at 382.9734, indiana@mydurango.net.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support all types of 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 helps enhance business in the District. Board members include John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.

#  #  #