I'm writing this as I make a "pitstop" to wash clothes at home before hitting the road again.  And as I write, I realize that I am going to miss a lot of great stuff here during the next couple of weeks.  I'm not quite sure why the end of the summer always spits me out at a 100 mph, but it does!

The opening of Dave Davis's show at The Art Center was last night and from what I hear it was a great event packed with fun people and incredible art.  You see, Dave is known as quite an art advocate and afficionado here in GJ.  His to-the-core passion for art is contagious, as is his laugh.  His work is incredibly unique and completely draws me in. Using a multitude of discarded objects including metal, glass, ceramic, wood and rocks (as an example) he creates 2D and 3D art pieces that impart balance, wholeness and strength.  As soon as I am in town for more than eight  hours at a time, I'll visit the show and report back.  I can't wait to see it. In the meantime, try to get to The Art Center to see all the exhibits for yourself.  Open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. And, if you're not a member, admission is only $3.  Members and children are free.

If you're looking for something to do after the weekend festivities, head to the Mesa Theater & Club on Main Street.  The Johnny Winter Band hits the stage at 8p.m.  From what I understand, this rock and blues legend can play the guitar like no other.  If you're a Rock Band or Guitar Hero fan (as I pathetically am) then you might want to head to the concert to see a real guitar hero in action.  Should be a great show for just $35.

Planning ahead a touch, be sure to put August 15 on your calendar. Max Wagner will be at Varaison Vineyards & Winery in Palisade for a "Hot August Nite" to melt our hearts with some New Orleans (Nahhwlins) jazz.  He's worked with all-time greats like Clarence "Gate Mouth" Brown and Bo Diddley and for many years led the house band at El Chapultepec jazz club in Denver. (One of me and my husband's favorite haunts when we first started dating yeaaarrrsss ago.)  He's also played with Harry Connick Jr. as lead sax - Max, not my husband.  (I'm a fan of anyone who's been THAT close to Harry Connick Jr.)  And if that weren't enough, Max also directed the Estes Park Jazz Festival. To round out the evening, there will be a New Orleans Seafood Buffet. Tickets are $95 for the buffet and show and are available online at www.varaisonvineyards.com.  Please, please go and report back to me.  I'll still be on the road taking my daughter to college.

Hope summer is treating you wonderfully and that Grand Junction is on your list of places to go before fall moves in. (Although GJ autumns are my favorite!). There's always plenty to do. Refer to my Three Day Itinerary for lots of ideas. Until next time... take care.