A new racino is coming to Raton, and Wednesday New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson joined state and local officials in breaking ground for the combination horse track and casino. KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin spoke with Trinidad Chronicle-News reporter Marty Mayfield about the industry in Raton, and the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photos courtesy Marty Mayfield.)
Resident Diane Hartshorne directs the Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society, and in today’s “Citizen Report,” Hartshorne explains how she’s breathed new life into old history.
(The “Citizen Report” is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Gazette and KRCC. More information is available at the YourHub link at ColoradoSprings.com.)
Boulder is gearing up to be this year’s host for a national celebration of African music. Zimfest is perhaps the largest annual gathering in North America of students, teachers, performers and fans of Zimbabwean music. KRCC’s Shelley Schlender has this profile of the husband and wife team whose love for the music has led them to teach it, perform it, and lead this year’s Zimfest.
Colorado Springs native Barbara Samuel O’Neal is an award-winning author, dipping her ink into the world of women’s fiction and romance. Recently she discovered the world of Joan Didion, and was surprised to find out that the two have more in common than just their profession.
(The “Citizen Report” is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Gazette and KRCC. More information is available at the YourHub link at ColoradoSprings.com.)
Briarhurst Manor historians Erick and Tamila Wright had a different sort of inspiration for their work. And, as they explain in this week’s “Citizen Report,” it’s that very inspiration that could help them give the Briarhurst Manor its proper place in local history.
(The “Citizen Report” is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Gazette and KRCC. More information is available at the YourHub link at ColoradoSprings.com.)
Denver Post columnist Ed Quillen and his wife Martha founded Colorado Central magazine fifteen years ago. Since then the quirky newsprint publication has covered everything from the arts to water rights-as long as it was about central Colorado. Just last month they sold the magazine. March was the first issue with Mike Rosso, the new owner, at the helm. KRCC’s Shanna Lewis has this retrospect and look forward.
Local singer-songwriter Jason Bennett has recorded five cds of original material, and occasionally plays gigs around town. But as he writes in this week’s “Citizen Report,” there’s one thing he encounters at some of these gigs that really gets his goose.
(The “Citizen Report” is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Gazette and KRCC. More information is available at the YourHub link at ColoradoSprings.com.)
Freelance writer Mary Grace Becker found a certain isolation in working from home. So, once a week, she heads to the library…a place, she says, where she can sense the energy around her, see families, and be a part of something. In this week’s “Citizen Report,” Becker describes the energy of a place known for its quiet.
(The “Citizen Report” is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Gazette and KRCC. More information is available at the YourHub link at ColoradoSprings.com.)
Boulder’s annual International Film Festival wrapped up over the weekend, with films on topics ranging from the Dalai Lama to Jean Claude Van Damme. One of the films screened at the festival was Come Back to Sudan, about Sudanese refugees living in Colorado who make a journey back to their homeland. Colorado College graduate Daniel Junge directed the film. KRCC’s Michelle Mercer caught up with the award-winning documentary filmmaker in Boulder and has this report.
Tom McElroy has lived and worked as a conceptual and avante-garde artist in Colorado Springs for 40 years. Tomorrow, the Fine Arts Center Modern opens “Atomic Elroy’s Hometown,” a video, performance and installation exhibit exploring McElroy’s self-described complex relationship with Colorado Springs. KRCC’s Aaron Retka stopped by during preparations for the opening and has this report.
Betty Smocovitis is a scientific historian who has examined the influence of Darwinism on popular culture. She’ll be lecturing tonight at Colorado College on Darwin’s presence in the music of the last 150 years. Gleaned from libretto scores, wax-cylinder recordings and other media, she’s collected a large body of musical data. KRCC’s Aaron Retka spoke with Smocovitis, who explained the use of music in discussing scientific history.
A northern Colorado horse group is among the select few that will march in president-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural parade next week. Bente Birkeland talked to members of the Freedom Riders as they prepare to gallop their way to their second presidential parade.
The FAC Mod, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center’s downtown satellite, reopened over the weekend to host the first Dream City art show. KRCC’s Aaron Retka has this report.
KRCC’s Michelle Mercer is in Brazil for a two-month artist’s residency. And while many across the United States are preparing for the holiday season, Michelle has this rare glimpse into a very special Brazilian holiday celebration on the island of Itaparica.
The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival wrapped up its 21st annual festival this past weekend. An eclectic mix of 28 independent films screened in downtown Colorado Springs, exploring issues such as racism, homophobia, and human rights. Despite their diversity, all films were either created by, or made about, women. KRCC’s Kristin Lynch attended the festival and has this report.