Cultural Events Link:
For the most comprehensive calendar of events in the Grand Junction area, refer to the Visit Grand Junction website which links to the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Center's calendar and includes arts and cultural events. You can also visit the Current News section for Commission press releases about our events and exhibits at Grand Junction's City Hall, or visit our Links page for information about individual venues.  If you have an event you'd like to suggest for inclusion, please contact us!

Cultural Events in March & April 2010

Event information can always change - check with the sponsoring organization to confirm event specifics.
March
March 3 - 6 "The Producers" musical by Mesa State College Theatre in Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theatre, 7:30pm, plus matinee Feb. 28 at 2pm. Tickets: Adults $20, seniors $15, students $5, "Play with your Food" dinners $20: 248-1604.

 Thru March 30 City Hall Art Exhibits by Dr. Scott Lybrook (photography), Janet Mayerik (paintings), Thad Tuin (sculpture), and Southwest Photographic Arts Association. Open weekdays 8am - 5:30pm: 254-3865 or www.gjarts.org.

2 Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra: "Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique" at Grand Junction High School, 1400 N. 5th, 7:30pm. Featuring guest pianists Andrea Arese-Elias and Gisela Flanigan. Tickets: $25/$20/$15, students $5: 243-6787 or www.gjsymphony.org.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Open Mic Night at the Breckenridge Ale House, Tuesdays, 2531 N. 12th, 9:30pm (sign up 9pm), no cover: 858-7675 or 242-7253, raindanceconcerts@yahoo.com.

3 - April 3 Rockies West National Watercolor Exhibit by the Western CO Watercolor Society at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th Street. First Friday 3/5, 7pm - 9pm, free. Center hours: Tues. - Sat., 9am-4pm; admission $3 (members free; Tuesdays free): 243-7337, www.gjartcenter.org.

3, 17 Palisade Art Lovers Member Meetings (1st & 3rd Wed.), United Methodist Church, 4th & Main in Palisade, 10am - noon, guests welcome. Info: Lise 255-1553, palisadeartlovers.org.

3, 10, 17 Artspace Wednesday Arts Management Series Training: 3/3 Business Promotion & Design with Shawna Wells; 3/10 Website Design & Blogging Made Easy; 3/17 Marketing Power with Nancy Lewis, at Alpine Bank, 225 N. 5th St., Room 205, 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Cost: $35, members $25. Info and pre-registration: 640-8177.

3, 10, 17, 24 Open Mic Night at Palisade Brewery, Wednesdays, 200 Peach Av., Palisade, 6:30pm, no cover (musicians welcome): 464-7257 or www.palisadebrewery.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 Open Mic Night at The Rockslide Brew Pub on Thursdays, 401 Main, 10pm (sign up at 9:30pm), no cover (musicians welcome, all genres): 858-7675 or 245-2111.

5 First Friday Art Openings, hours vary, free. Botanical Gardens (245-9030, 5 - 7pm), Planet Wines Art & Wine (420 Main, 6 - 9pm, 424-5432), Frameworks & Gallery (7-9pm, 243-7074), The Art Center (7pm - 9pm, 243-7337), Hang-ups (245-7949), and Off the Wall 2.

5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 Live Jazz by Dennis Woodrich & Michelle Wilkinson at Le Rouge, 317 Main, Fridays (duo) & Saturdays (trio), 7:30pm - 10:30pm, free: 257-1777.

6 Page Peddlers Monthly Meeting at Cups Coffee House, 3090 N. 12th, 9am - 11am, free. To help authors publish and market their books: 240-1345, pagepeddlers.wordpress.com.

6, 13, 20 Artspace Saturday Business of Art Series Training: 3/6 Pricing Your Artwork; 3/13 Applications/ Zaplications for Exhibits & Fairs; 3/20 Grants & Resources for Artists with Kellene Zubick, at Alpine Bank, 225 N. 5th St., Room 205, 9:45am - 11:15am, free. Information and pre-registration: 640-8177, www.artspacecolorado.org.

6 100% For Haiti Sale in Palisade at Twisted Brick Studios, 128 E. 3rd St., The Blue Pig Gallery, 119 W. 3rd St., and Tim Wedel Studio, 3815 N. River Rd., 10am - 6pm, free. Dozens of artworks for sale; 100% of proceeds help Haiti: 464-4653, twistedbrickstudios.blogspot.com.

6 First Saturday Art Opening Russell Mendelson (oil painting) at Frame Depot, 529 Bogart Lane, free, 1pm - 4pm. Exhibit runs through March. Regular hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-4:30pm: 245-6999 or framedepotgj.com.

6, 13, 20, 27 High Tea (Saturdays) at Augusta's Tea Room, 2952 B½ Road, 3pm - 5pm. Old-fashioned ambience. Tickets: Adults $20, children $15; reservations required: 242-5310.

7 Free First Sunday at the W. CO Botanical Gardens, Greenhouse & Butterfly House, 641 Struthers Avenue, 10am - 4pm, 245-9030 or 245-3288 or www.wcbotanic.org.

7, 14, 21, 28 Live Jazz by Dennis Woodrich & Warren Jones at Il Bistro Italiano, 400 Main Street, every Sunday at 5:30 - 8:30pm, free: 257-1777 or 243-8622.

9 Community Cinema: "Dirt! The Movie" presented by Mesa County Libraries and Rocky Mt. PBS at the Central Library, 530 Grand Av., 6pm, free. An Independent Lens documentary (vignettes about dirt), followed by discussion. Information: 243-4442 or http://www.mcpld.org

9 Rocky Mt. Collage Society Bi-monthly Meeting at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St., 7pm - 9pm, free, guests welcome. Postcard Challenge: Bring creative materials. Info: Gayle 241-8561.

10 A Little Noon Music: Brita Fay (piano) free concert (2nd Wednesdays) in the First United Methodist Church sanctuary, 522 White, 12:15pm - 12:45pm. Info: 242-4850.

11 & 12 Western Slope Concert Series: Celtica Sinfonia II with Celtic band FEAST and Mystic Force dancers from Ireland, Avalon Theater, 7:30pm. Tickets: Adults $26, 12 & under $17; in advance $23/$15 at City Markets or online at JunctionConcerts.com: 241-0741.

14 Pig Tails & Wine Trails starting at The Blue Pig Gallery, 119 W. 3rd St., Palisade, 10am - 5pm, free. Pick up a map at The Blue Pig and tour Palisade's many excellent art venues and wineries - Valentine's treats and wine discounts: 464-4819, www.thebluepiggallery.com.

14 Altrusa Student Art Show opens at The Art Center, 243-7337, www.gjartcenter.org.

17 Poetry Night at the Mesa County Central Library, 530 Grand, 6pm - 8pm (2nd Wed.), free. Learn about Quincy Troupe, then share your choice: 243-4442 or www.mcpld.org.

17 Bold Reads Book Club meets at Mesa County Central Library, 530 Grand, 6:30pm, free. Discuss The Revolution Will Not be Microwaved by Sandra Katz: 243-4442 or www.mcpld.org.

18 Brush & Palette Club meets monthly (3rd Thurs.) at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St., 1pm, guests free. Kurt Isgreen - Watercolors Capturing the Intimate Beauty of the American West. Information: David Cook 245-7382 or pasteloil@earthlink.com.

18 Kiva Book Club meets at the Mesa County Central Library, 530 Grand, 6:30pm, free. Discuss Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout. Info: 243-4442 or www.mcpld.org.

19 Schumann Singers Concert: Celebrate Spring! at the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Av., 7:30pm. Baroque to Broadway, sacred, spiritual, madrigal, and pop. Tickets: $12 (or $10 in advance at Roper Music, GJ Symphony): 243-5992 or www.schumannsingers.org.

19 Mesa State College Symphony Orchestra Concert in Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theatre, 1231 N. 12th, 7:30pm. Proceeds benefit Western Slope Center for Children. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

19 Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Avalon Theater, 645 Main, 7:30pm. South African vocal group famous for backing up Paul Simon. Reserved tickets $25/$30 at Triple Play Records, City Markets, Back Porch Music. Information: www.sandstoneconcerts.com, 243-8497.

20 Arts Forum: The Arts Mean Business hosted by the GJ Commission on Arts & Culture for local artists, art clubs, and cultural organizations at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St., 10am - 1pm, free. Roundtable discussions, information, and panel presentations. Registration: 254-3865.

20 Friendship Force International, Western Slope Chapter celebrates "World Friendship Month" 3pm - 5pm, Lakeside Club House, 3150 Lakeside Drive. A travel, cultural, educational exchange program: 243-5456 or 241-9122, www.thefriendshipforce.org.

20 Stray Grass Concert with Flat Top Reed at the Elks Lodge, 4th and Ute, open house and tours 6pm, concert 6:45pm - 10pm. Admission $10; taco bar $6, cash bar - fundraiser for the Legends Historic Sculpture Project. Info: 640-5350 or 260-8130.

22 Western Colorado Chorale "Brahms, Beatles & the Beachboys" in Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theater, Mesa State College, 7:30pm. Tickets: Adults $18, seniors $16, students $5 at GJ Symphony office, 243-6787, 462-3743, or online at www.gjsymphony.org.

23   Library Foundation Training for non-profits: "Using the Foundation Center Database" , Central Library, 5th and Grand, 1:30pm - 3:00pm Foundation Center Series, Learn how to streamline your search for grant money by accessing The Foundation Center Database. You will discover the highlights of this resource so you can easily navigate the database to find private foundations - even international ones - that might offer a funding opportunity for your organization.  Presented by Shawna of Mesa County Libraries.  To register, call 243-4442 or stop by an information desk.  Location: Central Library Computer Lab

25 Mesa State Wind Symphony & Jazz Ensemble with John Salmon (piano) in Moss PAC Robinson Theatre, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

26 Mesa State Student Art Show opens at The Art Center, 243-7337 or www.gjartcenter.org.

26 & 27 "The Last Doubloon" musical comedy by GJ Senior Theater at Central High School, 550 Warrior Way, 7:30pm, plus Sat. matinee 2pm. Hilarious play by playwright Sheri Hickman - treasurer-hunting pirates and "wanna-be" pirates. Tickets: $10. Information: 245-2036.

27 & 28 Mesa State Festival for Creative Pianists in Moss Recital Hall, Friday Judges Recital 7:30pm, Sat. Winners Recital 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

27 GJ Symphony Orchestra Children's Concert "Peter & the Wolf", GJHS Auditorium, 1400 N. 5th St., 11am. Also features Childrens Choir and designed especially for ages 12 and under but all are welcome. Tickets available at 243-6787 or www.gjsymphony.org.

27 Contra Dance in Palisade Community Hall, 8th and Main, Palisade, 7pm New Dancer's Workshop, Dance 7:30 - 10:30pm. Admission: Adults $7, ages 10-17 $3. Live Celtic/Old Time music by Fifth Reel, caller Ron Young; come with/without partner. Info: Connie 243-6736.

28 Celebrate Spring! Springfest Celebration in downtown Palisade and Twisted Brick Studios, 128 E. 3rd St., 10am - 5pm, free. Celebrate spring with new art by Twisted Brick artists and enjoy festivities in Palisade - fun, food, fine art: 464-4653, twistedbrickstudios.blogspot.com.

30 Grand Junction Centennial Band Spring Concert at the Avalon Theatre, 645 Main, 7:30pm. All-American music, percussion soloist, and barbershop chorus. Tickets $5, available at Roper Music, band members, GJ Symphony, and at the door. Info: John 243-9091.

April -
April - May - June   City Hall Art Exhibits by Teri Shecter (painting), D. B. Cooper (3-D photographs), Raymon Anderson (sculpture), and the Brush & Palette Club. Opening reception for First Friday, April 2, 5:30pm - 7pm. Open weekdays 8am - 5:30pm: 254-3865 or www.gjarts.org.

1 Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra: "Stravinsky - The Firebird" concert at Grand Junction High School, 1400 N. 5th, 7:30pm. Featuring Mesa State Dance Program dancers and guest artists. Reserve seats: $25/$20/$15, students $5: 243-6787 or www.gjsymphony.org.

1 - 3 "And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson" by Mesa State College Theatre in the Moss Performing Arts Center MET (Black Box Theater), 7:30pm. A mosaic of small town callousness and a victim's descent into madness. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Open Mic Night at The Rockslide Brew Pub on Thursdays, 401 Main, 10pm (sign up at 9:30pm), no cover (musicians welcome, all genres): 858-7675 or 245-2111.

2 First Friday Art Openings, hours vary, free, Botanical Gardens (245-9030, 5-7pm), City Hall (5:30-7pm), Planet Wines Art Show & Wine Tasting (420 Main, 6-9pm, 424-5432), Frameworks & Gallery (7-9pm), The Art Center (7 - 9pm, 243-7337), Hang-ups, and Off the Wall 2.

2 Mesa State College Percussion Ensemble Concert in the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 1231 N. 12th, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-May 1 Live Jazz by Dennis Woodrich & Michelle Wilkinson at Le Rouge, 317 Main, Fridays (duo) & Saturdays (trio), 7:30pm - 10:30pm, free: 257-1777.

3 First Saturday Art Opening: Kathy Drogos (oil/acrylic) at Frame Depot, 529 Bogart Lane, free, 1pm - 4pm. Exhibit runs through March. Regular hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-4:30pm: 245-6999 or framedepotgj.com.

3, 10, 17, 24 High Tea (Sat.) at Augusta's Tea Room, 2952 B½ Road, 3pm - 5pm. Old-fashioned ambience. Tickets: Adults $20, children $15; reservations required: 242-5310.

4, 11, 18, 25 Live Jazz by Dennis Woodrich & Warren Jones at Il Bistro Italiano, 400 Main Street, every Sunday at 5:30 - 8:30pm, free: 257-1777 or 243-8622.

4 Free First Sunday at the W. CO Botanical Gardens, Greenhouse & Butterfly House, 655 Struthers Av., 10am - 4pm, 245-9030, 245-3288 or www.wcbotanic.org.

4 Handel's "Messiah" performed by the Messiah Choral Society on Easter Sunday at the Avalon Theater, 645 Main St., 2:30pm, free. A gift to the community - 19 piece orchestra, four professional singers, 70 voice chorus. Information: 245-4914 or www.mcsgj.org.

6 Mesa State College Chamber Choir in Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 1231 N. 12th, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

6, 13, 20, 27 Open Mic Night at the Breckenridge Ale House, Tuesdays, 2531 N. 12th, 9:30pm (sign up 9pm), no cover: 858-7675 or 242-7253, raindanceconcerts@yahoo.com.

7, 21 Palisade Art Lovers Member Meetings (1st & 3rd Wed.), United Methodist Church, 4th & Main in Palisade, 10am - noon, guests welcome. Info: Lise 255-1553, palisadeartlovers.org.

7 Poetry Reading at the Mesa County Central Library, 530 Grand Av.,6pm, free. Poets Luis Lopez and Aaron Abeyta read their poetry: 243-4442 or www.mcpld.org.

7, 14, 21, 28 Open Mic Night at Palisade Brewery, Wednesdays, 200 Peach Av., Palisade, 6:30pm, no cover (musicians welcome): 464-7257 or www.palisadebrewery.com.

9 Mesa County Concert Assoc.: Boston Brass, GJHS Auditorium, 1400 N. 5th St., 7:30pm. If seating available concert night, tickets $25, students $15, available at door: 243-1979.

10 Mesa State College Trumpet Fest Final Concert in the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 1231 N. 12th, 4pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

10 Behind the Moon presented by Sultan's Pride Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, Masonic Center, 1st & Bookcliff Ave., 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $7.00 Adult, $4.00 Children, $25.00 Family: 985-5324.

11 Palisade Artists Palisade Paint Out! at area orchards and wineries, 10am - 5pm, free to visitors. Visit Palisade area orchards and watch artists painting the blossoms of spring. Sale of artwork April 18 in Palisade (below). Info: 464-4653, twistedbrickstudios.blogspot.com.

12 Mesa State College Faculty Woodwind Quintet Concert in the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 1231 N. 12th, 4pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

13 Community Cinema: "The Horse Boy" presented by Mesa County Libraries and Rocky Mt. PBS at the Central Library, 530 Grand Av., 6pm, free. An Independent Lens documentary (a journey about autism), followed by discussion. Information: 243-4442 or www.mcpld.org.

14 A Little Noon Music: Mesa State College Chamber Choir (2nd Wednesdays) in the First United Methodist Church sanctuary, 5th and White, 12:15pm - 12:45pm, free: 242-4850.

14 - 17 "The Fable Factory" by Mesa State College Theatre in Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theatre, 7:30pm. New adaptations of favorite fairy tales by MSC students. Tickets: Adults $20, seniors $15, students $5, Friday "Play with your Food" dinner $20: 248-1604.

15 - 18 Palisade Art Lovers 30th Annual Peach Blossom Art Show in the Palisade Veterans Memorial Building, Palisade Park, 120 E. 8th St., Thur. - Sat. 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, free. Colorado and Grand Valley artists. Info: Lise 255-1553 or www.palisadeartlovers.org.

15 Brush & Palette Club Monthly Meeting (3rd Thursdays) at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27½ Road, 1pm, guests free. Cathy Steckle "Unique Presentation of Fine Art & Architectural Applications in Glass". Info: David Cook 245-7382 or pasteloil@earthlink.net.

17 Writing the Path Poetry Workshop at Mesa County Central Library, 530 Grand, 10am, free. Workshop followed by afternoon open mic. Please pre-register: 243-4442, www.mcpld.org.

17 Bookcliff Harmony Barbershop Chorus Spring Show "Yard Sale" at the Avalon Theater, 645 Main, 2pm and 7pm. Award-winning quartet "McPhly", vocalists, and students. Tickets: Adults $15, seniors/students $12: 261-9498, 314-7202, www.bookcliffchorus.net.

18 Grand Valley Artists Palisade Paint Out Show & Sale in Palisade Plaza, 3rd and Main, 10am - 5pm, free. Fine artists show work created at the Palisade Paint Out - fine art, food, fun, and many interpretations of valley scenery: 464-4653, twistedbrickstudios.blogspot.com.

20 Mesa State College Women's Choir Concert in the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 1231 N. 12th, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

21 Mesa County Concert Assoc.: Harry James Orchestra, GJHS Auditorium, 7:30pm. If seating available concert night, tickets $25, students $15, available at door: 243-1979.

22 Mesa State College Student Chamber Ensembles in the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 1231 N. 12th, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

23 & 24 Spring Dance Concert by Mesa State College Dance in Moss PAC Robinson Theatre, 7:30pm, plus matinee Sat. 2pm, $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

23 Mesa State College Guest Artist Recital: Rhonda Larson (flute) in the Moss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 7:30pm. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

24 SouthWest Arbor Fest, Lincoln Park ,11am-5pm, free. Chili, salsa, arts, music: 254-3866.

24 Poetry Workshop at Mesa County Central Library, 530 Grand, morning (time TBD), free. Presented by Beth Paulson. Pre-registration required: 243-4442 or www.mcpld.org.

24 "Spring Swing" Dance & Silent Auction at the Elks Lodge, 4th and Ute, silent auction 6pm, dance 7:30pm. Benefiting the Counseling & Education Center - dancing, appetizers, music by Swing Set. Tickets: $25 at CEC, 2708 Patterson. Info: 243-9539, cecwecare.org.

25 Palisade Antique Street Fair & Marketplace in downtown Palisade, 10am - 5pm, free. Antiques, food and beverages fill the street in downtown Palisade. Don't miss the fine art also on display at Twisted Brick Studios! Info: 464-4653, www.twistedbrickstudios.blogspot.com.

26 Mesa State College Jazz Ensemble Concert in Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theatre, 1231 N. 12th, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

27 Celtic Guitar Concert at the Mesa County Central Library, 530 Grand, 10am free. Award-winning Jerry Barlow returns (www.jerrybarlow.com). Info: 243-4442, www.mcpld.org.

29 Mesa State College Grand Valley Brass Concert in Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theatre, 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students: 248-1604.

30 The Art Center's Annual Fine Art Auction, Preview Reception 5pm, with wine, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction, live auction 7pm. Tickets: $20, 243-7337, www.gjartcenter.org.

Event information might change - please check with the sponsoring organization to confirm event specifics.

Contact us to be placed on the calendar mailing list or to include cultural events in future calendars: phone 254-3865, fax 242-1637, e-mail: allisons@ci.grandjct.co.us. All events must be open to the general public. Deadline to include events is the 10th of the month prior to publication.