This year’s 11th annual Jewels and Jeans Barn Dance, hosted by the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs, will feature Vanishing Breed — an area favorite known for their music that gets crowds on their feet.
Band members bring a wealth of talent and experience: Ellis Miller of Dolores, on lead guitar, has spent most of his life in music, performing with several big-name country stars. Brothers Carl and Donny Johnson, of Cortez, keep the rhythm rolling — Carl Johnson on steel guitar (and a few other instruments, when needed) and Donny Johnson on bass, joining the band when he’s not busy with his own solo gigs. Fred Brown, a U.S. Navy veteran from El Paso, Texas, drives the beat on drums and also plays with other regional groups.
Rounding out the lineup is Odis Sikes — an accomplished acoustic guitarist, powerful lead vocalist, Vietnam veteran and proud regional resident since 1980. In August 2024, his lifelong dedication to music was honored with induction into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame.
“Vanishing Breed has this incredible ability to get everyone dancing — whether you’ve been two-stepping for years or you’ve never set foot on a dance floor,” said Rotary president-elect Kim Moore. “We’re thrilled to have them bring their energy to our milestone year.”
The 11th annual barn dance will take place on Oct. 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds in the Extension Building, 344 U.S. 84. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Hungry dancers will be treated to hearty fare from one of Pagosa’s favorite food trucks, serving up choice of sliced brisket or pulled pork with assorted BBQ sauces, slaw, white cheddar mac and cheese, rolls and assorted cheesecake bites — all for $25 per plate (sold separately from the dance ticket).
The evening will also include a cash bar and fun contests for best dressed and best dancer, ensuring plenty of ways to join in the fun.
Rotary’s barn dance isn’t just about music and dancing. It’s also about making a difference.
New this year, the club is launching a Meals of Hope project with the goal of packaging 20,000 meals for local families.
That effort joins a long list of Rotary investments in our community. Over the years, fundraising proceeds have helped provide over $600,000 in scholarships for local students and supported programs including the Feed Our Children Backpack Program, teacher mini-grants, the Dictionary Project for third-graders, youth leadership programs, international youth exchange and community grants.
“We love seeing neighbors and visitors alike out there on the dance floor, knowing that every step is helping fund a young person’s future or putting food on the table for a local family,” added barn dance co-chair Kirsten Bennett.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Secure your spot now by purchasing tickets at Tangled or Wednesday Bouquet. Tickets are also available online at https://tinyurl.com/bd58jz. Don’t wait — this is one night you won’t want to miss.
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