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"Nightlife: Live Music, Karaoke, and Art Shows - Mountain to Mesa Journal Edition Nine"


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"Nightlife: Live Music, Karaoke, and Art Shows - Mountain to Mesa Journal Edition Nine"

Mountain to Mesa Journal
Archives
"Nightlife: Live Music, Karaoke, and Art Shows - Mountain to Mesa Journal Edition Nine"

Mountain to Mesa Staff
Mar 5, 2026
Mountain to Mesa Journal — Edition Nine |
As winter slowly loosens its grip across the Four Corners, the region begins that familiar shift between seasons. While the mountains still hold snow and the high country reminds us that winter isnβt quite finished yet, a few warm afternoons hint at spring. Around here, that in-between season has its own rhythmβmuddy trails, bright blue skies after passing storms, and the first signs of people returning outdoors after the quieter months.
In this edition of the Mountain to Mesa Journal, we inspect one of the most distinctive communities in the San Juan Mountains: Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Known today for its steaming geothermal pools and gateway access to the San Juan backcountry, Pagosa has a deeper story rooted in frontier settlement, shifting meanings behind its name, and more than a century of life built around the powerful hot springs that rise along the San Juan River.
Alongside that history, weβve also gathered a fresh set of happenings from across the Four Corners regionβlocal events, seasonal activities, and a few opportunities to explore the landscape as the days gradually grow longer. Whether youβre in the mountains of Colorado, the mesas of New Mexico, the deserts of Utah, or the canyon country of Arizona, thereβs always something unfolding just down the road.
Thanks for being here for the latest edition. |
Along the upper reaches of the San Juan River, where the mountains begin rising toward the high country of southern Colorado, the town of Pagosa Springs grew around a natural feature that has drawn people to this valley for centuries. Long before there were roads, bridges, or buildings, mineral hot springs bubbled up along the riverbank, sending warm water into the cool mountain air.
For the Ute people, who lived throughout the San Juan region, these springs were already well known. Travelers moving through the mountains understood the value of warm water in a rugged landscape, and the springs became a natural resting place along established routes through the high country. The mineral waters were believed to carry restorative qualities, offering warmth and relief in a place where winters could be long and severe.
The name Pagosa reflects that long relationship with the springs. It is commonly believed to come from a Ute word often translated as βhealing waters.β Historians note, however, that the original meaning may also have referred to βboiling waterβ or βwater with a strong smell,β likely describing the sulfur-rich mineral water that continues to rise from the earth today. Whatever the exact translation, the name has always remained closely tied to the springs themselves.
Outside attention reached the valley in the mid-1800s as explorers and surveyors began documenting the remote country of southwestern Colorado. By the late nineteenth century, settlers began moving into the area following treaties that forced the Ute people from much of their traditional territory in the San Juan Mountains. Ranchers, traders, and travelers recognized the value of the river valley, and a small settlement gradually formed near the springs.
The town of Pagosa Springs was officially surveyed in 1883 and incorporated in 1891, establishing it as one of the early communities of southwestern Colorado. Even in those early years, the hot springs were recognized as the townβs most distinctive feature. Visitors traveled from surrounding territories to soak in the mineral water, which was widely believed to ease injuries, aching joints, and the exhaustion of frontier life.
Simple bathhouses appeared near the springs in the early 1880s, allowing residents and travelers to make regular use of the geothermal water. These modest facilities helped give Pagosa Springs a quiet reputation as a small health resort, attracting visitors who arrived by wagon, horseback, and eventually by rail connections in nearby towns.
At the center of it all lies the Mother Spring, located along the banks of the San Juan River. Modern measurements have revealed that the geothermal source extends more than 1,000 feet beneath the surface, making it widely recognized as the deepest known geothermal hot spring in the world. The mineral water that rises from this underground source continues to feed the soaking pools that remain central to the town today.
Like many communities in the region, Pagosa Springs developed alongside the industries that shaped the surrounding mountains. Mining towns such as Silverton and Creede created supply routes through the region, while the valleys around Pagosa supported cattle and sheep ranching. The town itself became a quiet crossroads where ranchers, miners, and travelers paused along their journeys through the San Juan Mountains.
Life along the San Juan River has always carried a measure of unpredictability. In 1911, heavy rains and rapid snowmelt sent the river surging through Pagosa Springs, creating the largest flood recorded in the townβs history. Water rose dramatically through the valley, washing out bridges and damaging buildings in the young community. For early residents, it was a powerful reminder that the same river providing life to the valley could also reshape it overnight.
More than a century later, the river offered a similar reminder. In October 2025, days of heavy rainfall across the San Juan Mountains caused the San Juan River to rise quickly through Pagosa Springs, forcing evacuations and flooding several areas along the river corridor. The river crested above twelve feet, reaching one of the highest levels recorded in decades and damaging roads and infrastructure near the water. While the 2025 flood did not reach the dramatic height of the 1911 event, it echoed the same lesson residents have long understood: life in this valley has always been closely tied to the rhythms of the river.
Despite these moments, Pagosa Springs has remained a relatively small and steady mountain town. Over time, tourism gradually joined ranching and outdoor recreation as an important part of the local economy, yet the springs themselves have never lost their central role.
Even today, steam rises from the pools along the riverbank on cold mornings much as it did generations ago. The warm mineral water continues its slow journey upward from deep beneath the earth, reminding anyone who visits that long before there was a town here, the springs were already part of the landscapeβand they remain the quiet reason Pagosa Springs exists at all. |
Turkey Springs Trail Loop |
π₯Ύ Hike: Turkey Springs Trail Loop - Pagosa Springs, CO |
Durango Independent Film Festival |
π Activity: Durango Independent Film Festival |
Cascade Canyon Winter Train |
π Activity: Cascade Canyon Winter Train |
Sip & Stitch - Craft and Wine |
π Activity: Sip & Stitch - Craft and Wine |
Dart Tournament |
π Activity: Dart Tournament |
Bluegrass Jam Night |
π Activity: Bluegrass Jam |
Open Mic Night |
π Activity: Open Mic Night |
Live Music at The Strater Hotel/Office Spiritorium |
π Activity: Live Music Schedule at The Strater Hotel |
Powerhouse Trivia Night |
π Activity: Powerhouse Trivia Night |
An Evening with Keller Williams |
π Activity: An Evening with Keller Williams |
2nd Annual Disability Awareness Art Show |
π Activity: 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Art Show |
Durango First Friday |
π Activity: Durango First Friday π Date: Friday, March 6th, 2026 π Place: Downtown Durango π Time: 4:00pm π Contact: 970-403-9186 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Celebrate Durangoβs creative side! Hosted by the Durango Creative District, explore this evening of music, original performances, featured artist showcases and artisan pop-up markets all across town. |
Year of the Horse |
π Activity: Year of the Horse with lively Music and Equine Art π Date: Friday, March 6th, 2026 π Place: Toh-Atin Gallery π Time: 4:00pm π Contact: (970) 247-8277 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Join us for a fun 1st Friday evening of live music, jewelry, paintings, and Navajo weavings, with an equine focus. Featuring Navajo Weaver, Laverne Barber and Navajo artist Leland Holiday. |
The Diamond Belle Saloon Belle Girls Room Dedication |
π Activity: The Diamond Belle Saloon Belle Girls Room Dedication |
1st Friday at Toh-Atin Gallery |
π Activity: 1st Friday at Toh-Atin Gallery: Live Music with Jason Thies and Jeff Haspel |
Unchain My HeART Fundraiser |
π Activity: 12th Annual Unchain My HeART Fundraiser and Youth Art Showcase |
8th Annual Powder Hounds Art Auction |
π Activity: 8th Annual Powder Hounds Art Auction π Date: Friday, March 6th, 2026 π Place: The Powerhouse π Time: 5:00pm π΅ Price: free π Contact: (970) 259-2847 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: A celebration of creativity, community, and compassion, benefiting the La Plata County Humane Society. Powder Hounds kicks off with an in-person event on March 6, launching a fully online art auction that will remain open through March 17. At the kickoff event, all featured artwork will be on display, and guests will have the opportunity to meet the local artists while enjoying an evening at the Powerhouse. For Powder Hounds, upcycled snowboards are transformed into one-of-a-kind works of art by local artists, giving new life to old gear while supporting animals in need. The auction also includes a special bronze sculpture by Suzie Grimm, which will be on display during the event. |
First Friday Artist Showcase - Andy Mathews |
π Activity: First Friday Artist Showcase - Andy Mathews π Date: Friday, March 6th, 2026 π Place: The Subterrain & Durango Winery π Time: 5:00pm π΅ Price: free π Contact: (970) 880-4824 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: New! The Subterrain & Durango Winery will be joining in on First Fridays this year- each month we will showcase a local artist, kicking it off with an opening reception and artist mingle. Come peruse great local art and meet the creator, explore Durango's only art bar and receive 20% off beverages and snacks at our bar. Art will be hung and for sale the duration of the month. Andy Mathews is a multidisciplinary artist in Durango CO who produces live entertainment (in the form of comedy) for the town. He has been proud to offer a calendar of events focused on building an accessible community right in his backyard. Andy also makes art that feels like a dream you almost remember. Think back. To a time when things were new. To a time when the windows were open, and it's cold, but sunny. Behind your eyelids is a bright orange. You smell your grandmaβs perfume. |
Erin Currier: Renderer Wanderer |
π Activity: Artist Reception with Erin Currier: Renderer Wanderer |
First Friday ArtRoom |
π Activity: First Friday ArtRoom π Date: Friday, March 6th, 2026 π Place: ArtRoom Collective at The Smiley π Time: 5:30pm π΅ Price: Free π Contact: (970) 759-4620 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: All are welcome to talk, laugh, inspire, peruse an open studio, enjoy snacks and purchase local art if inspired. Hope to see you there! The ArtRoom Collective at The Smiley is a diverse, working studio gallery where artists create, collaborate and share their passion with the community. See creation in action! The ArtRoom Collective is Durango's working studio gallery where 23 artists, jewelers, potters, photographers, glass blowers, fiber artists and others create and sell their handmade goods. Monthly First Fridays at The ArtRoom Collective feature artist socials to inspire. |
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour |
π Activity: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour |
Marvel Years with Louie Letdown |
π Activity: Marvel Years with Louie Letdown |
Winter Market at Four Seasons |
π Activity: Winter Market at Four Seasons |
McDonald's Cardboard Derby |
π Activity: McDonald's Cardboard Derby |
Durango Artisan Craft Fair |
π Activity: Durango Artisan Craft Fair |
Show Your Ink Throwdown |
π Activity: Show Your Ink Throwdown |
2nd Annual Women's Hockey Classic Fundraiser Game |
π Activity: 2nd Annual Women's Hockey Classic Fundraiser Game |
Euchre Night |
π Activity: Euchre Night π Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026 π Place: Union Social House π Time: 5:30pm π΅ Price: Free π Contact: (970) 759-4144 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Calling all card players to the table! Bring your best game and enjoy a fun and entertaining evening of Euchre, the Midwest classic. Whether youβre a seasoned player or just learning, come solo or with a partner for great company and friendly competition. |
Karaoke with Kimmy |
π Activity: Karaoke with Kimmy |
Ragged Oak |
π Activity: Ragged Oak |
Big A$$ Variety Show |
π Activity: Big A$$ Variety Show |
First Tracks Brunch Experience |
π Activity: First Tracks Brunch Experience |
Irish Jam |
π Activity: Irish Jam |
Painting Party at EsoTerra Ciderworks Arboretum |
π Activity: Picasso & Vino Painting Party at EsoTerra Ciderworks π Date: Sunday, March 8th, 2026 π Place: Picasso & Vino at EsoTerra Ciderworks Arboretum π Time: 2:00pm π΅ Price: $44 π Contact: (970) 335-8189 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Our newest painting inspired by Van Gogh is a tribute to the emerging EsoTerra Ciderworks Arboretum near Durango where the owners are working to preserve apple orchard history. Join us for a session of fun & creativity while you follow along step by step to create your own masterpiece while supporting two local Durango businesses! Everything's included for you to paint along. Come early to check out the Arboretum & support EsoTerra by purchasing their locally produced cider, wine and delicious food!! |
Funk Jam Sessions |
π Activity: Funk Jam Sessions presented by Jimmy's Music |
Live Piano Music - Serafinas |
π Activity: Live Piano Music |
Live Music - El Camino Lounge |
π΅ Activity: Live Music & Events π Date: March 05th through March 8th, 2026 π Place: El Camino Lounge & Grill at Motel SOCO π Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Food, Beverages, and Live Music with Ruben. 5-8pm. |
Live Music & Events at Coyote Moon Lounge |
π Activity: Live Music & Events at Coyote Moon Lounge |
Live Music & Events at Uncle's Bar and Social Club |
π Activity: Live Music & Events at Uncle's Bar and Social Club |
Karaoke at the Pagosa Bar |
π Activity: Karaoke at the Pagosa Bar |
Events at Picasso and Vino Studio |
π Activity: Events at Picasso and Vino Studio |
Live Music Events at Dublin Crust & Brew |
π Activity: Live Music Events at Dublin Crust & Brew |
The Break Room - Karaoke |
π½οΈ Activity: Karaoke |
Bakersfield Mist |
π¨ Activity: Live Theatre |
Buckaroos Dinner Sleigh Ride |
π Activity: Buckaroos Dinner Sleigh Ride |
Lickety-Split Improv |
π¨ Activity: Lickety-Split Improv π Date: Friday, March 06, 2026 π Place: Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts π Time: 7:00pm π΅ Price: $10 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Lickety-Split is back and raring to go. Join us as we perform with our local ensemble Pool of Fools and put on an evening of quick-witted quips and quirky characters - all based on your suggestions. This show is recommended for ages 14 and up! Tickets are $10+fee when purchased online; $15+fees at the door. 7pm. |
Live Music at the Springs Resort |
π Activity: Live Music at the Springs Resort |
Objects Tell Stories |
π Activity: Objects Tell Stories π Date: January 22nd through March 31st π Place: Farmington Museum π Time: 10am-5pm π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Farmington Museum π« Admission: Free π Contact: (505) 599-1174 π Details: The Farmington Museumβs collection is filled with fascinating treasures that capture the spirit of our communityβs past. From antique furniture and vintage clothing to retro technology and unique works of art, each piece reveals a glimpse into the lives, creativity, and culture that shaped Farmington. Many of these artifacts are rarely displayedβexplore our staffβs favorite picks and discover the stories they have to tell. |
Atoms for Peace |
π Activity: Atoms for Peace π Date: Now through April 2026 π Place: Farmington Museum π Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm π Contact: (505) 599-1174 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Farmington Museum & Visitor Center "Atoms for Peaceβ contains portions of several lithographic public-relations-oriented fine art print programs created for the General Dynamics Corp. in the 1950βs and 1960βs. The prints depict Erik Nitscheβs interpretations of nuclear energy use and modern technologies for the era, and the featured posters were created for the promotion of nuclear energy in foreign countries, which are imprinted in the languages of those regions. On display in the Farmington Museum lobby through April 2026. |
Two Minutes to Midnight |
π Activity: Two Minutes to Midnight π Date: Now until April 2026 π Time: 10:00am -5:00pm π Contact: (505) 599-1174 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Monday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm Farmington Museum & Visitor Center In 2018 the Doomsday Clock was set to two minutes to midnight, the closest it has ever been to striking midnight since the height of the Cold War in 1953 when both the United States and the Soviet Union tested thermonuclear weapons for the first time within ten months of each other. Today, while the Cold Warβs lessons and fears have largely faded from our collective memory, it is critical to view a decidedly uncertain present through the lens of the past. |
The Broadway Tenors |
π΅ Activity: The Broadway Tenors π Date: Thursday, March 5th, 2026 π Place: Farmington Civic Center π Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm π΅ Price: Adult- $28 | Seniors & Military- $26 | Student - $16 π Contact: (505) 599-1148 π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: The Broadway Tenors brings three of Broadwayβs leading men together for one unforgettable night of musical theatre magic. This high-energy concert features a dazzling repertoire of more than 30 Broadway favorites, with iconic songs from West Side Story, Jersey Boys, The Phantom of the Opera, Rent, and more. Powerful voices, timeless hits, and show-stopping moments await at the Farmington Civic Center. Join us for a night of world-class vocals and Broadway magic. Tickets are on sale now! Get your tickets here ! |
Chiaroscura – Artwork by Paloma Baron |
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Activity: Chiaroscura β Artwork by Paloma Baron |
Fresh Startup Friday |
π Activity: Fresh Startup Friday π Website: Learn More |
Tony Jackson - Live Music |
π΅ Activity: Tony Jackson |
Community Curator Showcase |
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Activity: Community Curator Showcase |
San Juan College Cinematheque Series |
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Activity: San Juan College Cinematheque Series |
Film Contest Screening |
π΅ Activity: Film Contest Screening |
X Riders Cup |
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Activity: X Riders Cup |
Alphabet Soup at The Pinon Project |
π Activity: Alphabet Soup at The Pinon Project |
Gathering Resistance and Resilience |
π΅ Activity: Resistance and Resilience: Songs to Meet the Moment |
Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light |
π Activity: Georgia OβKeeffe: The Brightness of Light |
Telluride Gold Kings - Live Music |
π΅ Activity: Telluride Gold Kings |
Telluride Community Concerts |
π΅ Activity: Telluride Community Concerts |
Inter-National" Restaurant Takeover |
π½οΈ Activity: The "Inter-National" Restaurant Takeover |
Telluride Art Walk |
π¨ Activity: Telluride Art Walk |
Pop-Up Artist Market |
π Activity: Pop-Up Artist Market |
Telluride Gay Ski Week |
π¨ Activity: Telluride Gay Ski Week |
Mind Blown - Ty Gallenbeck |
π Activity: Mind Blown |
Bass Camp |
π Activity: Bass Camp |
Tips Up Fri-Yay |
π΅ Activity: Tips Up Fri-Yay |
Wowzers - Live Music |
π΅ Activity: Wowzers |
International Women's Day Wine Dinner |
π½οΈ Activity: International Women's Day Wine Dinner |
The Polish Ambassador |
π΅ Activity: The Polish Ambassador |
Kind Hearted Strangers |
π΅ Activity: Kind Hearted Strangers |
Sunday Rehab: Après Edition |
π Activity: Sunday Rehab: AprΓ¨s Edition |
Hip Hop Is Dead |
π΅ Activity: Hip Hop Is Dead |
Horizon plays at Mancos Brewing Company |
π΅ Activity: Horizon plays at Mancos Brewing Company |
Moab Run the Rocks |
π¨ Activity: Moab Run the Rocks |
Mixed in Mancos Songwriting Panel |
π Activity: Mixed in Mancos Songwriting Panel |
HeART of a Horse |
π Activity: HeART of a Horse |
Mixed in Mancos 2026 |
π΅ Activity: Mixed in Mancos 2026 π Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026 π Place: Mancos Opera House π Time: 05:00 PM - 10:30 PM π΅ Price: $30.00 π Contact: (970) 533-4545 π§ Email: hellozark@gmail.com π Website: Learn More πΊοΈ Directions: Get Map π Details: Mixed in Mancos 2026 will take place on Saturday, March 7th and feature the bands Mean Irene at 6:00pm, Stillhouse Junkies at 7:30pm and Genuine Cowhide at 9:00pm. Mixed in Mancos is an annual celebration of local music presented by the Mancos Creative District. This event will be recorded, and a live album will be released on CD and vinyl. |
Coffee Bear (The Den) - Live Music |
π Activity: Live Music @ The Den- "People We Know" |