“When
style meets sound: inside Durango’s Community Concert Hall.”
Crafting Spaces that Reflect Your Legacy
At DHM Design, we design landscapes that honor the essence of place, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of your property. From site design and grading to planting schemes and ecological restoration, our work elevates the land, enhances the experience, and creates spaces that endure.
A Moment of Balance
With autumn beginning to creep in and the summer sun still shining bright, we find ourselves in that in-between season—a slack tide moment where change feels both distant and imminent. Maybe this is the perfect time to finally make that move on your dream home. Or perhaps it’s time to refresh your wardrobe and make a subtle (or bold) fashion statement. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
As the equinox approaches, we reach a moment of balance—between old and new, summer and fall, holding on while also letting go. Maybe it’s the right time for that new haircut you’ve been putting off. If so, we know just the stylist to visit.
Here’s to a summer’s graceful farewell and an autumn awakening.
JAMES LEONARD, EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Branden (Brandy) Murray
branden.murray@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com
Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com
Kalista Pena | kalista.pena11@gmail.com
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Andy Wingerd
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
September 2025 Visit our Instagram
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn
inside the issue
city scene
1: James Ranch community members at lunch. 2: Concert Hall at the The Park with director Charles Leslie and Brice Beaird and band. 3: Stillwater Music and Be Frank Foundation new partnership leaders, Jana Leslie and Lech Usinowicz 4: Welcome to Durango Sunward Financial Group! 5: James Ranch owner, David James and his daughters. 6: Nourish Durango opens its doors with fresh local foods for all. 7: Durango City Lifestyle and Anya Lucero at Durango Chamber members event.
COURTESY OF JAMES RANCH
COURTESY OF DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COURTESY OF DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COURTESY OF DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COURTESY OF STILLWATER MUSIC
COURTESY OF DENISE LESLIE
COURTESY OF JAMES RANCH
ART IN STYLE
COMMUNITY CONCERT HALL’S INSPIRING SEASON OF REFLECTION
ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COMMUNITY CONCERT HALL
Every night at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, something unexpected occurs. A voice rises, a story is told, a beat drops — and suddenly, strangers in the audience feel more connected. It’s moments like these that inspired the theme of the Concert Hall’s new 2025–2026 Performing Arts Series: Reflection .
Courtesy of Community Concert Hall
“This season is about more than entertainment,” says Director Charles Leslie. “It’s about exploring who we are, what we carry, how we connect — and how those things are expressed through individual and cultural style.”
From bold stagecraft to intimate ballads, Reflection highlights not only substance but also style — the unique ways artists tell their stories through sound, movement, and emotion.
The journey begins September 19 with Get The Led Out, capturing the high-energy rock style of Led Zeppelin. A week later, Roger McGuinn of The Byrds brings his distinctive folk-rock sensibility to the stage, sharing stories and songs from a life in music.
October blends humor and heritage: Paula Poundstone returns with her brilliantly offbeat comedic style, while The Road to Everywhere Roadshow uses music, film, and storytelling to explore Indigenous identity through the lens of Robert Mirabal’s powerful aesthetic.
Falco & Book Play Garcia presents a bluegrass reimagining of Jerry Garcia’s legacy — a rootsy twist on a rock icon. Later in the fall, audiences will groove to the cool sounds of The Drifters and the vintage swagger of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
The holiday season brings its own festive style, from the classic elegance of State Street Ballet’s The Nutcracker featuring the San Juan Symphony (Dec 12–14), to the warm Western spirit of The Bar-D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee (Dec 20).
As 2026 arrives, Reflection keeps the excitement alive. From the stunning flips of The Peking Acrobats to the worldly sounds of International Guitar Night, each show offers something new and memorable. Artists like Diné pianist Connor Chee and jazz singer Julia Keefe showcase their rich cultural backgrounds and personal stories through their distinctive musical styles.
“This season explores who we are and how we connect—expressed through individual and cultural style.”
—DIRECTOR CHARLES LESLIE
For those wanting an even closer connection to the performers, the Backstage Pass Series offers a listening room–style experience right on stage — a rare chance to share space with artists like Matt the Electrician and Grace Pettis & Natalie Price, whose voices blend storytelling and heart with undeniable style.
Tickets are on sale at DurangoConcerts.com . Come reflect — in every style.
Courtesy of Community Concert Hall
Celebrating 31 years of showcasing fine arts and crafts by makers from across the country, the Durango Autumn Arts Festival takes place amidst the vibrant fall colors on quaint East Second Avenue in historic downtown Durango, Colorado.
Organized as a fundraiser by the Durango Arts Center—the region’s premier non-profit visual and performing arts organization —the festival is ranked among the top in the country, attracting an estimated 8,000 visitors annually. Artists and craftspeople consistently praise the event for its excellent organization, warm hospitality, and steady, friendly crowds.
New this year: Young Artists - Huge Impact - 10 booths featuring young artists making their debut in the art festival world.
Courage, Community, and Confidence
A hidden gem on the edge: how one hairstylist made her dream into a reality.
Courage, community, and confidence. The golden trio to embrace when creating the best version of yourself.
Start with courage — whether it’s the courage to make a change or to try something new. Then, find a community and surround yourself with others who share a passion or goal. From there, celebrate both big and small victories. As you build confidence, you’ll feel it rise — standing a little taller, pedaling a little faster.
Kerri Willis, hairstylist and owner of Elevated Edge Salon, wants to help you feel your best. When you leave her chair, she hopes you feel empowered, bold, beautiful, and capable.
Located in “the Three Springs area” Elevated Edge Salon is a homage to Willis’s own journey of courage, community, and confidence. An avid mountain biker, Kerri has competed in the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde for many years. She fell in love with Durango’s scenery and its people. After moving here four years ago, she found immense gratitude for the women she’s met through mountain biking.
ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
“Mountain biking isn’t just mountain biking,” she says. “You build confidence out there, you cry out there, you do whatever it takes. You build community with other women, you grow together, and get stronger together.”
That same courage led her to open her own salon, thoughtfully named Elevated Edge Salon. “When you cut hair, you elevate it; we also live at elevation,” she explains. The “edge” nods to both the salon’s location on the edge of town and the edge of a blade. Since opening earlier this year, the salon has evolved with chic, sharp modernism. Inside, you’ll find two stunning jewelry cases featuring pieces by Marie Bleeker and Micki Hassemer, and joyful artwork by local artist Heather Freeman brightening the walls.
As a hairstylist, Willis aims to uplift every client. “I want everyone to feel welcomed and to just be themselves — and leave feeling their best.” With 18 years of experience, Willis specializes in lived-in color, a technique that blends highlights and lowlights for a natural,
multidimensional look. This includes balayage and grey transitions. The style suits Durango’s outdoorsy, natural beauty vibe, offering minimal upkeep for any lifestyle.
Beyond haircuts, Willis wants to create an experience, not just provide a service. With a spa background, she focuses on your comfort, taking her time at the shampoo bowl with relaxing massages. She describes this as “hairapy.”
“It’s all-around hairapy,” she says. “It’s massage, touch, and a sensory journey as well. I use a product line with an essential oil base, emulating that spa kind of feeling.” Willis carries a range of Mr. Smith products, all sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. “It’s all the things you want.”
The freshest style is one of confidence — the courage to pursue your dreams, and the community to support you along the way. Stop in and visit Kerri Willis at Elevated Edge Salon. You’ll leave with more than a trendy haircut — perhaps a new pair of earrings, and definitely a wonderful new friend.
SCAN TO JOIN
STAND OUT WITH STUNNING HEADSHOTS & BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY!
Elevate
Photography
FALL FASHION TIPS DROPPIN’ LIKE AUTUMN-IC BOMBS
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
Trends, Tips, and Layering Tutorials from Durango’s Downtown Fashionistas
The Sparrrow Mercantile
Fall ushers in trees and shrubs adorned with rubies, emeralds, and gold doubloons. Small wonder we crave similar ornamentation to make every outfit a moment. But with temperatures as crisp and cutting as glass—plus cold drizzles and biting winds lying in ambush—fall fashion in Durango must blend the practical with the playful. The style-savvy owners at Lively (a Boutique), The Sparrow Mercantile, and Crow’s Closet dish on how to layer, what’s trending, and how you can refresh your wardrobe while staying true to your style.
WEAR WHAT YOU LOVE
Whether you’re building an outfit around a great new boot, a cozy cardigan, or the pants you can’t stop wearing, there’s no one “right” starting point.
“Start with your lifestyle,” says Johnna Bronson of Lively. “Are you dressing for work, errands, a festival, or a client meeting? That will shape everything.”
Katie Bisogno of The Sparrow agrees: “Confidence is key, whether or not a piece is trendy. What matters most is how you feel in it.”
Jackie Possner of Crow’s Closet adds, “It could be the shoe, the top—whatever inspires you. Let that lead.”
TRENDING COLORS & FABRICS
This season, it’s all about richness without loudness. Think deep tones, classic bases, and playful surprises.
• Blues & lavenders – Seen everywhere from tops to accessories and staying strong into spring (Crow’s Closet).
• Chocolate, brown & mocha – Monochromatic sets are big, offering elegance with zero effort (Lively).
• Jewel tones & animal prints – Elevated neutrals with personality (The Sparrow).
• Textured natural fibers – Cotton, wool, linen blends, and even angora are the stars this year, as all three boutiques shift away from fast fashion toward quality.
Jackie Possner at The Crow's Closet
Johnna Bronson at Lively Boutique
LEVEL UP YOUR ACCESSORY GAME THIS FALL
Accessories aren’t just add-ons—they’re conversation starters.
At Lively, scarves are back, especially “twillies” that double as hair ties, belts, or neckerchiefs. Charm jewelry is a trend to watch—personalized and giftable. Felt hats get the glam treatment with customized branding, feathers, poker cards, and local artisan adornments.
At The Sparrow, Western-style hats reign supreme, complete with swappable bands and creative styling accessories. Layered jewelry and bold local designs shine. Katie encourages local love, noting, “Find your local artist and wear what they’re creating.”
At Crow’s Closet, hats and beanies fly off the shelves in fall. Stacked bracelets and hand-forged jewelry by local metalsmiths are on fire. Boots range from sleek waterproof pairs to rugged workwear vibes—perfect for muddy trails or Main Avenue strolls.
THE ART OF HOT LAYERS (WITHOUT OVERHEATING)
There’s no time like fall for layering, but how do you manage it without turning into a human fashion furnace?
• Use breathable, quality fabrics. Jackie recommends tech fabrics with venting and weight-conscious construction. Look for materials that offer sun, wind, or moisture protection with a polished finish.
• Balance your silhouettes. “If you’re wearing a wide-leg pant, try a more fitted top, or belt it if it gets too bulky,” suggests Jessica Snowberger, manager and stylist at The Sparrow.
• Built-in layers are in. Johnna loves pre-layered pieces like sleeveless knits with attached jackets.
• Pro tip: Fleece-lined tights that look sheer are a cozy hack under skirts and dresses.
SHOP LOCAL, STAY FABULOUS
In a time of big-box competition, all three shop owners agree on one final message: support local. These boutiques offer beautiful, high-quality pieces, authentic one-on-one styling, and a deep connection to the Durango community. Whether you’re hunting for a head-turning festival outfit or practical boots for leaf-crunching hikes, you’ll find something fabulous— and personalized—at Lively, The Sparrow, and Crow’s Closet.
A SHOO IN FOR FALL FEET
Fall is all about footwear. Here are the top picks for kicks that are practical and stylish:
• Tall boots, riding boots, ankle boots, and anything with a kitten-heel are trending (Lively)
• Birkenstock Bostons are popular local favorites (Crow’s Closet)
• Sneakers go with everything—yes, even dresses and suits (The Sparrow)
The Sparrow Mercantile
HOME Home is ‘Estate’ of Being
You expect to find real estate brokers touring properties or preparing contracts. But what about after hours? Two local brokers share their rather surprising hobbies. More than pastimes, these activities bring the agents home within themselves — which could be the key to unlocking successful home buyer and seller transactions.
Two Brokers Reveal the Real Keys Unlocking Real Estate and Successful Home Buying and Selling
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON RAGSDALE AND CAROL CARDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Angling for Patience When in Doubt, Get Cranky
Knee-deep in a river, Cinnamon Kasnoff is at peace. “I took a fly-fishing class in my early twenties, and I loved it!” she says.
To be a successful angler demands patience, as well as a deep understanding of someone else’s perspective — namely, a fish’s predilections in a body of water.
These skills transfer directly to Kasnoff’s three decades of work as a broker. “I’m not pushy,” explains Kasnoff, a Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “I’m a listener, not a talker — which is huge because I hear my clients and what they need, and I ask questions.”
Clambering up rocky terrain on two wheels… brain churning… muscles screaming — this is Zen enlightenment for Hal Lott. The Associate Broker for Sotheby’s notes, “Being in a three-hour mountain bike race above 9,000 feet — there’s a drive. Don’t give up. Find the best way to navigate through whatever the next obstacle may be.”
Lott applies this mindset to navigating home buyer and seller negotiations. When the path gets bumpy, Lott gets cranky — meaning he keeps cranking the pedals.
“You can often find solutions and get everybody to that finish line if you understand what people’s needs are and just keep going.”
ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE
whirled PEAS!
Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.
Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need
ENERGY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
BLUEBERRY MINT
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups cucumber
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup celery
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie)
• 1 sprig parsley
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
• 1 scoop organic whey protein powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax meal
• 1 scoop green superfood powder
VITALITY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 lemon
• 1 green apple
• 1 cucumber
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN NECTAR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/3 cup celery
• 1/2 cup cucumber
• 1/2 cup kale
• 2/3 cup Granny Smith apples
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup coconut water
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
PINK FLAMINGO
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups strawberries
• 1 cup chopped mango
GREEN MACHINE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups water
• 1 avocado, peeled
• 1 cup chopped mango
• 1 banana
DIRECTIONS:
First, blend the spinach and almond milk in a blender until smooth. Then add the berries and mango and blend again until smooth.
DIRECTIONS: Place spinach and water in the blender and blend until smooth. Then add avocado, mango, and banana and blend again until smooth.
KALEFORNIA ENERGIZING
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups kale, stems removed
• 1 cup water
• 2 oranges peeled
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• 1 cup chopped mango
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (soak in water for 10 minutes)
DIRECTIONS:
Blend kale, chia water, and oranges until smooth. Add pineapple, mango and blend again.
events
SEPTEMBER 5TH
The ArtRoom Collective First Friday Artist Social
The Smiley Building, 1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301 | 5:30 PM
The Art Collective at the Smiley is offering a sneak peek into Brad Plot’s creative process on the first Friday of September. Join him for a live demonstration at the Smiley building and observe and learn more about his recent digital illustrations. Chat and share inspiration with other creatives, and if you feel so inclined, purchase local art!
SEPTEMBER 5TH-7TH
Pino Nuche Indigenous Artist Market & Juried Show
Sky Ute Casino Resort, 14324 CO-172, Ignacio, CO 81137
The Southern Ute Cultural Center is happy to announce its annual Pino Nuche Indigenous Artist Market & Juried Show! Held at the Sky Ute Casino Resort, this art market is focused on supporting native artists and bolstering indigenous voices. With handcrafted jewelry, clothing, home goods, and more, witness the beauty of culturally inspired creativity at this fantastic market!
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Stand Up Comedy Night - A Local Showcase
The Subterrain, 900 Main Ave F, Durango, CO 81301 | 8:00 PM
As summer begins to wane, treat yourself to an evening full of laughter and incredible wit! The Subterrain is hosting a Stand Up Comedy Night on the first Saturday of the month. This local showcase is a great excuse to let loose and laugh with friends! Be sure to show up and support the local comedy community!
SEPTEMBER 8TH
Author Event and Book Signing: Ernesto Sagás "Latino Colorado"
Maria's Bookshop, 960 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 | 6:00 PM
Please join Maria’s Bookshop in welcoming Ernesto Sagás, a professor in the College of Arts at Colorado State University, for an Author Event showcasing his newest release, Latino Colorado: The Struggle for Equality in the Centennial State. His book follows the history of Mexican Americans and other Latinos in Colorado from the 19th century to the present day.
SEPTEMBER 12TH
7th Annual DEVO Film Fest
Chapman Hill, 500 Florida Rd, Durango, CO 81301 | 6:00 PM
It’s that time of year! It's the 7th Annual DEVO Film Festival! Bring the family and enjoy an incredible evening of adventurous films and fun. The DDFF is a fundraiser for Durango Devo, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Devo’s riders. Visit durangodevo.com/film-fest for more information and updates.
SEPTEMBER 20TH-21ST
31st Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival
2nd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
Durango Autumn Arts Fest is one of the most beloved local festivals in Durango. This fall marks 31 years since the festival was first held! Come on down to Second Ave to celebrate this major accomplishment! Browse dozens of art and fine crafts booths. Presented by the Durango Arts Center, this event is sure to be fun for everyone!
