“Fridays at the Fort” continues July 17 at the Community Concert Hall
Second in a series of free summer shows to feature Dave Mensch & Formula 151, Ashley Edwards.
DURANGO, Colo. – Fridays at the Fort returns July 17 with the second in a series of free evenings of music at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Local favorite Dave Mensch and Formula 151 will headline, with special guest Ashley Edwards opening the show.
Fridays at the Fort is designed to further the efforts of local or regional musicians, as well as provide the community with some free, summer musical entertainment, courtesy of the Community Concert Hall. Doors to the Concert Hall open at 5 p.m., and music continues until 8 p.m. Food and beverages are available for sale, and, in a rare break from tradition, patrons may take refreshments into the hall.
Known for offering a sound unique among today’s contemporary bands, Dave Mensch and Formula 151 is emerging as one of the most highly regarded acoustic rock bands west of the Rockies.
Heavily influenced by the long heritage of singer/songwriters, as well as contemporary cutting-edge rock bands, Formula 151 incorporates dynamic musical arrangements that ignite a fire in its listeners, prompting the audience, during live performances, to remain on its feet, dancing through the night. Indeed, at Fridays at the Fort, the dance floor will be open.
Formula 151 as a band defies traditional classification, but is revered as an exciting and musically complex group that, with its compelling music, Mensch’s intoxicating vocals and the members’ genuine spirit on stage, has won over countless fans that span multiple generations. The latest “formula” is a “power trio,” featuring, in addition to Mensch, talented musicians Mike Kornelson on bass and drummer Ben Simpson.
Ashley Edwards was drawn to music and art at an early age. She experimented with keyboard and guitar, and even dabbled in the school band, but she has found her greatest passion with her favorite instrument – her voice. With a wide range of musical interests and influences, from Mariah Carey to the Dixie Chicks, Fleetwood Mac to Van Morrison, her voice carries a powerful tune filled with heart that emanates from her soul.
No tickets are required for Fridays at the Fort, and the doors to the hall will remain open throughout the evening, with no reserved seating. For further information, log on to www.durangoconcerts.com, call 970.247.7657, or visit the Ticket Office in Downtown Durango at 7th and Main Ave.Edwards was the top vocalist at the Concert Hall’s recent Spotlight to Stardom, and for Fridays at the Fort, as with Spotlight, she is accompanied by veteran guitarist Glen Canale. Canale’s roots date back to ‘60s instrumental surf music, and his sound and range incorporate influences such as Donovan, Jackson Browne, Neil Diamond, The Byrds, Stevie Rae Vaughn and the Eagles.
Fridays at the Fort will continue August 7, 2009, with Colorado-based singer/songwriter Beth Wood, and special guest Cindy Woolf.
The Community Concert Hall is located in the growing arts complex of Fort Lewis College. It operates through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, as well as the city of Durango, and with financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.
