Events Calendar

Visit the Grand Junction VCB website for current events.

Main local events, make reservations early for these high event weekends!!

FEBRUARY

President's Day and Valentine's Day Weekend
February 13-16:
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MARCH

Spring Break
March 6-17


APRIL

Easter Weekend
April 10-12:

14th Annual Fruita Fat Tire Festival
April 23, 2009 to April 26, 2009
14th Annual New Belgium Brewing Fruita Fat Tire Festival presented by US Bank. Come join the fun at Colorado's "kickoff" to the mountain bike season in the beautiful red rock country.----- Thursday April 23, 2009 Expo set-up, VIP Party for industry and participants registered by April 23. Registration for the festival will occur from 3-6 pm at the Civic Center. ----- Friday April 24, 2009 Expo, Beer Garden, Rides, Party 6-10pm - No Cover. Registration 10-6 pm at the Civic Center. Daily schedules posted at the Info Tent! ---- Saturday April 25, 2009 Clunker Crit, Expo, Beer Garden, Rides, Party 6-10pm - No Cover, Registration 10-12 noon at the Civic Center. Daily schedules posted at the Info tent! ----- Sunday April 26, 2009 Enjoy the trails before you head home!!
http://www.fruitamountainbike.com/

Spring Barrel Tasting
April 25, 2009 to April 26, 2009
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MAY


Downtown Art & Jazz Festival
May 08, 2009 to May 10, 2009

Mother's Day Weekend
May 8-10, 2009

Mesa State College Graduation Events
May 14th-17th

Spring Barrel Tasting
May 16, 2009 toMay 17, 2009

Mike the headless Chicken Days
May 16-17th

Memorial Day Weekend
May 22, 2009 to May 25, 2009

JUCO Junior College Baseball World Series
May 23, 2009 toMay 30, 2009
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JUNE

Downtown Farmer's Market
June 11, 2009 to September 17, 2009

Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Music Festival
June 12, 2009 to June 14, 2009
Festival times are 5 pm Friday to 5 pm Sunday
Come Join us for the Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Music Festival ---------------- Festival features a shady concert park on the banks of the Colorado River with kids activities, and plenty of on-site camping & jam sessions. There are Saturday & Sunday morning workshops for guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, vocals, songwriting, alpaca felting, glassblowing and instrument building. Concert park vendors feature local wines, micro-brew, food, and more.----- \"A relaxed music festival for the listening audience with discerning taste\".---- Featuring: Cadillac Sky, Kane, Welch & Kaplin, The April Verch Band, The Kruger Brothers, The Dixie Bee-Liners, Mollie OBrien, Danny Barnes, Moira Smiley & VOCO, Catfish Keith, Dakota Blonde, Cartharsis and Way Down Yonder.
Riverbend Park451 Pendleton St., Palisade, CO, CO 81526 970-464-5602 http://visitgrandjunction.com/url_tracking.php?List_ID=498&url=www.palisademusic.org


Palisade Sunday Market
June 14, 2009 to September 20, 2009
http://www.palisadecoc.com/

Father's Day Weekend
June 19-21

15th Annual Bicycle Tour of Colorado
June 21, 2009 to June 27, 2009
A fully supported weeklong road bicycle tour through the Rocky Mountains!! Grand Junction High School will be their host site on Monday, June 22. --- Riders contact Premier Delivery Service at 303-238-1501 or pds@bicycletourcolorado.com to make hotel arrangements.
303-985-1180 http://visitgrandjunction.com/url_tracking.php?List_ID=687&url=www.bicycletourcolorado.com


Country Jam USA Music Festival
June 25, 2009 to June 28, 2009

JULY

Independence Day Weekend
July 3-5th

July 04, 2009
Fourth of July Family Celebration with a great parade and fun games and food in Palisade Memorial Park
http://visitgrandjunction.com/url_tracking.php?List_ID=579&url=www.palisadecoc.com


July 04, 2009
Downtown Grand Junction Independence Day Parade sponsored by COGA.

Mesa County Fair
July 21, 2009 to July 26, 200911:00 AM - 10:00 PM (closes at 11:00 PM Fri & Sat; and 4:00 PM Sun.)
Enjoy plenty of family entertainment everyday at the Fair with carnival rides, 4-H/FFA animal exhibits and shows, local arts and crafts displays, daily magic shows, live music, dancing contests, and much, much more. Nighttime ticketed shows include PBR bull riding, concert and demolition derby. Daily gate admission fee and information on ticketed shows to come!
Mesa County Fairgrounds2785 Highway 50, Grand Junction, CO 970-256-1528 http://www.mesacountyfair.com/

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AUGUST

5th Annual Cycling Festival
August 07, 2009 to August 09, 2009
43200 Hwy 141, CO 970-931-2458


Art on the Corner Golf Tournament
August 07, 2009


41st Annual Palisade Peach Festival
August 13, 2009 to August 16, 2009
The Festival kicks off on Thursday, August 13, 2009 with four days of fun-filled, entertaining events. With more than 100 food, art and craft vendors, great live musical entertainment, a fantastic children’s area, various culinary activities, numerous special events, and of course…peaches, we are certain that there is something for everyone at this year’s festival!

Western Colorado Senior Games
Aug 24-28th

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SEPTEMBER

Labor Day Weekend
Sept 4-7th

Rock Jam USA
September 11, 2009 to September 12, 2009

Colorado Mountain Winefest
Colorado Mountain Winefest
September 17, 2009 to September 20, 2009


Pork 'N Hops
September 18, 2009 to September 19, 2009

16th Annual Tour of the Vineyards
September 19, 2009

Fruita Fall Festival
Sept 25-27

Color Sunday
Sept 27th

Downtown Car Show
September 26, 2009

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OCTOBER

Downtown Spooktacular
Oct 31st

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NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving Weekend
Nov 26-29

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DECEMBER

Parade of lights
Dec 5th

Past Events Calendars:

January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009

Noteworthy Duo

Michael Nigro, Classical Guitar & Lisa Schroeder, Flute

Wednesday, July 29th

7pm

$15 donation requested

Call 970-243-4958 to reserve your seat, 12+

"If listening to great flute music, performed by a superb musician, is what you are looking for, look no further than Lisa Schroeder. She delivers on all levels." (Steven Allen Fox, Composer/Artistic Director/Conductor of the Golden State Pops Orchestra)

"Nigro is an excellent guitarist, drawing a multitude of tone colors from his instrument and displaying great technical dexterity. He has a wide dynamic range, a very pretty sound, and an ability to vary his articulation for expressive purposes. Guitarists have to be able to play melody and accompaniment at the same time, while differentiating the two, and also provide their own percussive effects. All of these tasks Nigro performed with ease and a sense of style."
(Jim Ruggirello, Long Beach Gazzette)

Lisa Schroeder and Michael Nigro join their musical talents, creating an experience of pure elegance and classical artistry. Their vision is to reach a non-classical audience, inspire the classical listener, and to touch just one life with a "noteworthy" performance. Their interest in South American Music can be heard throughout their extensive flute and guitar repertoire. Lisa and Michael are both on faculty at Vanguard University of Southern California.

During the course of the concert, in an informal manner, Michael and Lisa often include commentary, information, and anecdotes about the composers and pieces they are performing. Their striking ability to communicate with their audience makes "Noteworthy" performances seem more like an intimate gathering of friends than a recital for strangers.

Flutist, Lisa Schroeder is a Los Angeles based performer, teacher, and clinician. As a Solo Artist with Altus Flutes, and as flutist with Noteworthy Duo, Lisa has established herself as a first-rate artist and teacher, performing in Concerts and giving Master Classes across the United States and Europe. In California, she is the acting principal flutist of the Golden State Pops Orchestra. In August 2008, Lisa was selected to perform bass flute with the National Flute Association’s Professional Flute Choir at the Kansas City Convention. Her expressive playing transports the audience into the music and has received praise from the flute community. Gary Schocker, a renowned flutist/composer/pianist, states “Lisa Schroeder is a dynamic performer who brings her own style to the flute.”

As a high school junior, she attended the esteemed Interlochen Center for the Arts and knew from that moment on that she was destined to be a flute performer. Lisa began her collegiate music studies at Eastern Michigan University and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance from Middle Tennessee State University.

While in Nashville, Lisa gained experience in performing, teaching, and recording session work with area singer/songwriters. She held the piccolo position in the Tennessee Philharmonic and the flute position with the Music City Winds.

In 2002, Lisa performed in the John Barcellona Master Class in Kentucky, after which the internationally acclaimed flute performer/teacher invited her to study with him in Southern California. She in turn received her Master of Music degree in flute performance from California State University Long Beach. Her interest in new music inspired a thesis entitled, “Twentieth-Century Techniques in Flute Literature: Learning and Teaching Multiphonics”.

Lisa Schroeder has performed in Master Classes with Gary Schocker, Peter Lloyd, Michel Debost, Debora Harris, Angeleita Floyd, John Barcellona, Jim Walker and Sir James Galway. Her primary teachers have included Dr. John Barcellona, Dr. Yvonne Chavez-Hansbrough, Dr. Deanna Hahn-Little, Dr. Julie Stone, and Ann Richards of the Nashville Symphony.

Mrs. Schroeder currently teaches flute at Vanguard University of Southern California, Cerritos College, Golden West College, and directs the Rolling Hills Flute Choir. Her passion for teaching has brought about her annual “Flute Loops” camp held in Palos Verdes, CA.

Michael Anthony Nigro showed an interest in the guitar at an early age and began playing by the age of 12. After several years of lessons with local teachers and self-study, he attended the prestigious Indiana University School of Music where he graduated with his Bachelor of Music Degree in 2000 under the direction of Ernesto Bitetti.

After moving back to his native Southern California, he attended California State University, Fullerton and earned a Master of Music degree under the tutelage of David Grimes.

Michael Nigro’s debut recording, “Homage to Piazzolla; Argentine Dances, Songs, and Rhythms,” is released on the label, Music & Arts. The American Record Guide stated, “Nigro has a big sound, a smooth tone, and sure-footed interpretive instincts.” His latest CD, “Guitar Sudamericana,” is released on the Austrian label, Balcon Records and features guitar works by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Antonio Lauro, Adolfo Luna, Jose Luis Merlin, and many others.

As a performer and teacher, Michael has played concerts and Master Classes at many esteemed colleges which include Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, University of Wisconsin, Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona, Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, Marlyhurst College in Portland, Oregon, William Jessup University in Rocklin, California and many others.

Michael is an active member of the guitar community; he is co-founder of the Long Beach Classical Guitar Society, independent reviewer of new music publications for Soundboard Magazine, and sought after teacher and performer.

In January 2006, Michael joined the faculty at Vanguard University of Southern California where he teaches private guitar, class guitar, and guitar ensemble.

www.noteworthyduo.com

Pete Kartsounes

Pete Kartsounes, Eclectic/Singer/Songwriter

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Time: 6:30 pm

$15+ donation requested

Pete returns to Grand Junction to support children's charity:

Hike for Cancer's therewithcare.org

Proceeds to go to therewithcare.

Bring a picnic and come listen to some bluegrass/folk, original tunes by Pete and

support kids and families facing medical crisis!

www.petekmusic.com_

Pete Kartsounes is no stranger to the life of a full time musician.
He has spent the past 13 years writing, recording and touring nationally and internationally.
Now living in Boulder, Colorado, Pete has established himself as a dominant figure in todays music scene.

Apart from playing festivals and venues nationwide as a member of the Wayword Sons "featuring Benny Galloway"
(writer behind the songs of Yonder Mountain String Band), Pete also plays as a solo act, and with his own band "Pete Kartsounes Band" (P.K.B).
The band consists of an amazing group of musicians, who's skill set has the ability to fit the genre of any event.
Pete's mixture of musical genres is extensive, making his music unique.
He writes ballads, blues, jazzy, bluegrass, standard-like and sometimes music that isn't so easy to describe
other than to say that they are "story-telling" songs. He is also known for his strong, soulful voice, and encompassing lyrics.
Referred to as a "must see" and "truely one of a kind" from critics, he is becoming one of the most prolific songwriters of today.

Pete's newest release "Out of Nowhere" is his 3rd and most essential albumn to date.
Getting rave reviews throughout the country, it is a tasteful blend of Bluegrass, Jazz, folk, and blues,
entwined with acoustic overtones and superb musicianship.
The disc includes many well known artists, some of which are Grammy Award Winner Sally Van Meter, Jeff Austin (Yonder Mtn String Band),
Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon), and Travis Book (The Infamous Stringdusters).
It was also recorded in DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format by Gus Skinas. It is truely original and visual music.

For more information and to hear Pete you can go to http://petekmusic.com

May at Willow Pond...

May at Willow Pond...

The view from the backyard...The roses are happy!


Wild Sweet Peas are starting to bloom...


A happy Bumble Bee and a Yellow Columbine...


Pink Columbines...



Climbing roses next to the garage...

Rabbit Valley- Trail through Time

30 miles from Grand Junction, near the Colorado/Utah border, is Rabbit Valley and the Trail Through Time. Here you can view some interesting wildlife, such as the lizard pictured above, as well as interesting vegetation, rock formations and of course, what the area is famous for....dinosaurs! Well, dinosaur fossils anyway...





Blue belly lizard...

Diplodocus vertebrae

This area also has a working quarry, where folks from the Museum of Western Colorado excavate findings to be displayed at the Dinosaur Museum, in Fruita. Some days you might find the paleontologists out there digging...

Spring and Fall are the best times to go, mild weather and flowers in the springtime. Summer is hot, triple digits, so bring plenty of water!

There is a high trail and a lower trail with wheelchair access. The entire loop is 1.5 miles, and takes an hour to an hour and a half to complete. The high trail was easy enough for us hiking novices to complete...

For more information on the Museum, visit: http://www.museumofwesternco.com/

For more info on Rabbit Valley:
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/mcnca/recreation/camping/rabbitvalley.html

June News from the Pond

Here's the News from the Pond!

Farmer's Market!
Summer fun for $40 a day!!
Yoga at WP!
Lodging Specials! Cooking Classes! Houseconcerts!

We know money is tight right now,
so we've come up with
"$40 a day the Willow Pond Way"
Start by checking our SPECIAL's PAGE
for savings on lodging,
then read our blog for our suggestions on enjoying the finest food and activities
the Grand Valley has to offer for
around $40 a day!

Here are some of the fabulous
community events coming up in June:

Farmer's Markets open! Palisade Bluegrass Festival!
Auto Fest! Bicycle Tour Colorado! Country Jam USA!!!

Visit our Calendar for more info..
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*New*

Yoga at the Pond!
Willow Pond has teamed up with
The Academy of Yoga
to present Yoga-to-go classes at the inn.
If you'd like to schedule a private class for you and your party during your visit to Willow Pond, call the Academy.
Only $80 per class for your whole party!
Perfect for girlfriend getaways and
those who don't want to miss their class!
Students must be registered guests of the inn to participate.
Visit www.academyofyoga.com
for more information.
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SPECIALS!!

View our specials page for details:

We've decided to make our same day special
a year round deal,
so give us a call if you find yourself in town or
need to get away without leaving town!

Innkeeper Same Day Special:

Save 15% when you book a room
the same day of your stay!

Call between 10am and 6pm the day of your stay.
No advance bookings,
offer only good the same day of your stay.
Not valid with any other offer,
must book by phone directly through Willow Pond,
double occupancy only, other restrictions may apply.
Offer expires Dec. 31st, 2009.

Online Special
$10 off all 2 -night online bookings!

MSC Special:

$10 off your stay for all Mesa State Families.

Are you a return guest?
Call us for our return guest special!

Click here: Check Availability

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DMT Cooking Classes:

View registration information

Presented by Chef Diana Tarasiewicz of DMT Catering...

June cooking classes:

JUNE -

Tuesday June 2 -
SUMMER TAPAS AND PAELLA PARTY - DEMO
Marry the incredible flavors of Spain and spring in this class with seasonally inspired recipes for fantastic small bites and flavorful paella. You'll master these easy recipes, learn about special ingredients and classic techniques plus handy tips for making these culinary sensations in a snap.

MENU: Sweet and Spicy Marcona Almonds - Potato and Kale Tortilla - Garlic Shrimp with Amontillado Sherry - Quick Chicken, Shrimp and Chorizo Paella

Thursday June 4 -

VEGETARIAN EXPRESS: QUICK GREAT MEALS FOR SUMMER - DEMO

Are you fantasizing about quick, delicious vegetarian meals? Come excite your palate with Diana's inspirational line-up, and the key word here is fast! You'll learn timesaving tips, meet quick-cooking ingredients, and have a great meal.

MENU: Quinoa Pilaf with Red Peppers, oranges, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds & Optional Feta; Sautéed green lentils with Marinated sun dried Tomatoes & Kale; Savory Tofu & Garlicky Greens in Tahini-Ume Sauce over brown rice; Curried Coconut Red Lentil Soup with Chard & Tomatoes

Thursday June 25 -

A NIGHT IN PROVENCE -DEMO

Famous for it's sun, food, wine and casual join de vivre, Provence is the perfect place for romance - Come to Willowpond B&B to learn how to make a delicious dinner menu of classic recipes from the southeastern region of France along with special techniques for easy cooking.

MENU: Olive Tapenade and Herb Aioli with Spring Vegetables - Seafood Soup with Rouille - French Roasted Chicken with Herbes de Provence - Warm Cherry Clafoutis with fresh whipped cream.

Tuesday June 30 -

QUICK AND DELICIOUS MEALS FROM THE EARLY FARMER'S MARKET - DEMO

Shopping at farmers markets allows you get a hold of the freshest produce, eat with the season and support your local community. Learn to create fresh, flavor-packed main dishes, soups, apps and desserts. Diana will teach you tricks for selecting produce, handy preparation tips and more. With some kitchen creativity, a bit of expert instruction and a trip to the market, the possibilities are practically endless.
MENU: Curried Carrot Bisque with Mini Crab Cakes - Roasted Beet, Chevre and Truffle Risotto - Pan seared New York Steak with Arugula or spinach Salad - Strawberry Napoleons with Chantilly Cream



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Music Notes:

Mark your Calendars!

Willow Pond House Concert Series

See the music page on our website for details!

Pete Kartsounes

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

6:30 pm

Proceeds benefit Hike for Cancer.

__________

Noteworthy Duo

Michael Nigro, Classical Guitar
&
Lisa Schroeder, Flute

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

7pm

______________

Ricko Donovan

Hammered Dulcimer Virtuoso

Thursday,August 20, 2009

6PM

____________

Jason Wilber

Lead guitarist for John Prine and
Iris Dement!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

7pm

Don't miss these incredible artists!

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Weddings at Willow Pond

We are currently booking for the 2010 wedding season...
We still have some dates left for last minute 2009 summer
and fall weddings...
Call the inn for a tour and consultation...

That's the news for now!