Publisher's Notes Summer 1998

Celebrating

Twenty-five years have flown by since Telluride's festivals began. In 1973, Bluegrass, Film, Chamber Music and Hang Gliding Festivals and Imogene Pass Run debuted in the summer following the ski resort's inaugural year. At that time, the founders/producers of the festivals probably had no idea what momentum they started; ultimately putting Telluride on the map as the "Festival Capital of Colorado."

Today, Telluride hosts over 35 festivals and events during the warm-weather months and draws the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Shawn Colvin, Lyle Lovett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sam Bush, James Stevens, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson, Laura Dern, Oliver Stone, Sissy Spaceck, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, James Moody, The Dirty Dozen, Kathleen Kennedy and James Coburn are some of the biggest names.

In celebration of a quarter century of the world's finest entertainment, TellurideStyle Magazine showcases Telluride's festival season on pages 26-28. Salute! We are most pleased to bring you up close and personal with one of Hollywood's pathfinders and one of our region's most mentioned names, Mr. Dennis Weaver. Upon reading Dennis Weaver, The Region's Foremost Ecolonomist, you'll find Weaver is dignified, caring and friendly, as well as a man of great depth. He is whole-heartedly committed to environmental issues, particularly creating and informing others on how to live in harmony with nature. Weaver's seemingly simplistic lifestyle and pursuits speak volumes.

Speaking of volumes, Ron Kanter, a 25-plus-year local, could recite a litany of "possible film sites," special hide always and most impressive, bird's eye view of the area's mountain peaks, as he and his aircraft have soared over and scouted more dramatic terrain than most will ever see. Emmy award-winner, pilot and Vietnam Veteran, Kanter's story is one that long needed telling. He is a man of great intrigue.

In keeping with the spirit of Telluride's polymorphic style, our opening article, written by Krista Danielson, delves into the mystic, nearly magical healing qualities of Telluride. Krista's article sets the tone and theme for this issue of TellurideStyle...Celebrating life in sync with our surroundings and in tune with our spiritual and physical selves. There is something special in the air about Telluride. Mayhap it's simply our fresh, clean air or being high up that creates the special attitude of our townspeople. Whatever it is, just being in Telluride can soothe your soul and rejuvenate your spirit.

The Richer Than Rich feature unfolds the stories of Kay and Kenny Van Skiver, both of whom left their city dwellings and careers to live more minimalistic lives. Today, at the ranch they maintain, Kay and Kenny are in touch with nature, themselves and their animals.

As always, we profile business owners and managers who make TellurideStyle Magazine happen. Long-time local, Ed Andrews, is a dynamic, non-stop go-getter who always reaches for the stars. In short, Ed is a perfectionist and a true character. By the same token, Steven King, owner of The Bounty Hunter and Sharon Miller, vice-president of Telluride Mountain Title, add a zesty flavor to our town's chemistry. Both in their own right deserve to be saluted for pursuing their passions professionally as well as personally. Following suit is Stephen Butts and his beautiful family. In a rather short time, Stephen, owner of Telluride Properties, made his mark and set a few trends in the Telluride Real Estate market. Butts' reputation as a maverick in the business proceeds him. As for the culinary delights and cultural highlights...There's the forever fantastic Eagles Restaurant with Hydi and Sergio, managers, and the one-of-a-kind Lucas Gallery with the always personable, Shawna Hartley. They're both on the same page when it comes to providing clients with the best in atmosphere, quality and originality.