Voices Of Western Colorado: Endurance
ENDURANCE
NOUN: THE ABILITY TO WITHSTAND HARDSHIP OR ADVERSITY
We Asked These Western Slope Locals to Weigh in on This Topic.
JOHN SUTCLIFFE —
Owner of Sutcliffe Vineyards
“Endurance. Who doesn’t revere that quality? Who doesn’t respect the fortitude it requires? Yet, it is illustrated in so many diverse ways — often in the face of forces beyond one’s control, remorselessly battling hatred and bigotry, poverty and persecution, refusing to bow to illness or disability. And then, the endurance we summon in our adventures and challenges, the doggedness we require to conquer our fears and trials —the marathon in the blistering heat, the final ascent through a bitter storm, finishing a game through injury and pain. So different in setting so similar in what they require, endurance, however expressed, is courage and doggedness, perhaps a morsel of stubbornness. At its worst, obsessive and destructive, but at its best, enduring resolve.”
CONNIe WILLIAMS —
Artist + Owner of The AppleShed in Cedaredge
“Endurance from the eyes of a business person of 74 years has a very different meaning than the dictionary definition. My definition is formed from a business focus and a long-lived life full of challenges and rewards from following my passion and dream. Endurance as I see it is choosing a direction of interest, excitement and passion. This choice will help you achieve the dreams and goals you desire. Never stop, change direction or give up. Enduring through all the trials and tribulations and successes makes the end journey beautiful and rewarding. But, don’t forget to enjoy the journey!”
JOSH BEHRMAN —
Founder + Owner of Mountain Groove Productions
“Endurance in the music industry is essential — enduring an unpleasant or difficult situation to withstand hardship. Mountain Groove has endured multiple decades, from venues in New Jersey and North Carolina to the opera houses in Aspen and the festival grounds of Palisade. The highs and lows of ticket sales, weather and remaining sustainable over that time. Both myself and my partner, Amy Kimberly, have undoubtedly proven that. I had to evacuate the festival grounds due to an electric storm on Aspen Mountain for JamGrass 20 years ago and floods in Palisade in our second year at Palisade Bluegrass and Roots festival. Now, we are in our 14thyear. We show up and build a culture that’s sustainable and thrives.”
Originally published in the Summer 2023 issue of Spoke+Blossom.