TELLURIDE - The realization of a cancer diagnosis in 2011 had to be the most trying experience that bassist David Murphy ever faced. A gruesome tour schedules, impeccable work ethic, and flagshipping an entire resurgence in live electronic music most likely paled in comparison. The cancerous tumor in his sinus cavity would take surgeries, treatments, and recovery that meant the band would have to cancel months of touring. The loyal Sound Tribe Sector 9 fan base was appropriately shocked by the news, and the band’s absence from their usual mega-festival and extensive touring appearances was felt in the livetronica scene.
Murphy made an inspiring and speedy recovery, and the band took the blessing as a reason to return with limited dates that seemed tailored towards big stages and even bigger crowds. The bright spark that was beginning to fade after over a decade of playing prior to the band’s hiatus had returned, and it has not stopped since.
Now two years later STS9 is making good on their promise to return to 9,600 feet to make up for the canceled date in 2011. Sweetening the deal is that the band is booked for two sold out shows at the Conference Center for what is sure to be the biggest dance party on the mountain all year.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS – Ridgway High School students (left to right) Jack Middleton, Abel Lannan and Tashi Hackett presented the results of their research on possible sister cities to Ridgway Town Council last week. Mountain towns in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Dominican Republic made the cut. Next step: contact. (Photo by Peter Shelton)
MAIN STREET GELATO – A+Y Design Gallery owners Adam and Yesenia Duncan offered up gelato samples from behind their Italian-imported gelato case Monday morning. Along with unique furniture and fine art, the two offer 22 flavors of locally-made gelato. (Photo by Gus Jarvis)
BUILDING OPTIMISM – Tom How (left) and Daniel Key of Sjoden Wood Designs worked on a new home in the Cobble Creek Golf Community Tuesday morning. The spec home is being built under the direction of contractor Bert Welz, who said he’s optimistic for the region’s construction trade. (Photo by William Woody)
GROWTH INVESTMENT – Students took advantage of a "living classroom" at the Telluride School's new Grow Dome this spring. The Dome, which will be open to the public for tours Wednesday, May 22, was funded in part by a Telluride Medical Center's Physical Education Program (PEP) grant. (Courtesy photos)
HEADED TO PLAYOFFS - Montrose High Shoo0l's Jake Kastendieck fielded a ground ball last Saturday during the team’s 10-0 victory over Woodland Park. The Indians advance to the state 4A quarterfinals this Friday at Cherokee Trail High School against Valor Christian. (Photo by William Woody)
PINHEADS, PIXELLATED – The Pinhead Institute holds its annual fundraiser, entitled Minecraft Mania,at the Sheridan Opera House this Sunday, May 19. (Courtesy photo)
TELLURIDE IN 1910 – A hypothetical model of the main street facades, made up of buildings throughout the region, the television producers are proposing to build for the production of "When Calls the Heart." (Courtesy image)