The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) and the Pagosa Springs Instrumental Music Society (PSIMS) will come together for a special evening celebrating history, music and community on Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Tennyson Sculpture Garden gazebo downtown.
The evening will open with stories from local author and historian Sue Fischer’s presentation, “Surprises, Mysteries and Oddities at Chimney Rock.” Fischer will share intriguing insights into Chimney Rock National Monument and the many unexpected details that continue to enrich understanding of this important Southwest Colorado archaeological treasure.
After a brief intermission, there will be performances by three PSIMS ensembles: a brass trio, a brass quintet and a woodwind ensemble. The trio, including Karen Mesikapp on trumpet, D’Ann Artis on horn and Leo Baughman on trombone, will play a selection of light classics with a Latin flair. The brass ensemble, including Jeff Fuller and Mesikapp on trumpet, Artis on horn, Dan Burch and Baughman on trombone, will play a rendition of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and other jazz classics.
Our newest ensemble is making its debut at this concert with Phil Bennett, Erika Sueker and Michelle Chapman on clarinet, Denise Fisk and Kuch Oberly on flute, and Jean Broderick on cello (bassoon). In honor the spirit of Chimney Rock, we will play “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from the play “Peer Gynt” by Henrik Ibsen and selections from “Cloud Dances” by Valarie Morris, which is inspired by the desert sunsets of the southwest.
Admission is free, and donations are strongly encouraged. Proceeds will benefit both CRIA and the PSIMS, supporting educational programming, performances and community outreach.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, as seating is not provided in the sculpture garden. Community members and visitors are invited to spend a memorable summer evening surrounded by stories, music and neighbors while supporting two nonprofit organizations that contribute to the cultural life of Pagosa Springs.
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