Good morning, Grand Junction.

A motorcycle collided with a truck turning onto 5th Street near North Avenue at 9:50 a.m. on Friday, killing the rider on scene while police investigated the accident—closing North Avenue between 4th and 7th Street and considering speed as a factor.

Local businesses saw more activity after District 51 graduation ceremonies ended (May 15) and as Colorado Mesa University holds its commencement today, with JUCO events starting (May 24) expected to bring even more visitors.

CNMA has opened applications for the new Community Artist in the Park Program to let local painters, sculptors, musicians and writers share their art at Colorado National Monument.

Mesa County artists must commit to 12 hours of visitor engagement monthly from July through November and host at least one public event in Grand Junction (applications close June 12).

Faron Lewis, a Nashville Christian and gospel recording artist, will perform two concerts on May 18 in the Grand Valley — one at 10:30 a.m. at Palisade Church of the Nazarene and the other at 6 p.m. at Bethel Assembly of God.

The Monument Trail now connects the Riverfront to the Lunch Loop Trail thanks to work by the city, Mesa County and other partners—this new trail has a HAWK signal for safety and is expected to boost local businesses.

A Chainbreaking Ceremony will be held Tuesday at the Lunch Loop Trailhead to mark the milestone.

Colorado Mesa University is holding its spring commencement today at Stocker Stadium, where 1,668 degrees will be awarded and former Arizona Cardinals coach Ben Steele will deliver the speech.

Parking lots open one hour before the ceremony and online streaming starts at 8 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

CDOT's hidden dispatch center inside Hanging Lake Tunnel monitors I-70 & 7 major highways across 15 counties using 128 cameras to track severe weather and road hazards.

The trained team operates emergency vehicles and heavy machinery to clear debris and keep travelers safe.

Colorado Department of Transportation runs a hidden dispatch center in the Hanging Lake Tunnel that uses 128 cameras to watch for hazards on I-70 and sends emergency teams to clear debris and dangerous conditions—CDOT staff also manage dispatch for 15 counties and seven highways across Western Colorado.

City utility work on Crosby Ave will close the road from Main St. to W.

Gunnison through June while construction on the roundabout at Horizon Dr. and G Rd continues until October. CDOT will reduce lanes on I-70 Business Loop with First Street, Ute, and Pitkin becoming one lane, and Enstrom Development will close 28 Road north of Grand Ave from Grand Ave to Belford Ave on Tuesday and Wednesday with detour routes in place (call 970-822-0181 for questions).

VA Western Colorado Health Care System will host a free Community and Clergy Suicide Prevention and Moral Injury Seminar on May 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Western Region One Source in Grand Junction—topics include moral injury, PTSD and care for community members after a suicide.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-10 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Not specified — Experience electrifying Irish music and dance starring world champions in a captivating celebration of Celtic culture.

9th Annual Rods & Hogs Classic Car and Motorcycle Show

10 AM – 5 PM — Teddy Morse's Grand Junction Harley-Davidson, BMW, KTM — $10 per vehicle — Experience the roar of engines and enjoy food, music, and prizes at this community-centric event.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with Jason Boland & The Stragglers as they showcase their new album and celebrated career.

40 Oz to Freedom: A Tribute to Sublime

8-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the energetic tribute to Sublime by the award-winning band 40 Oz to Freedom.

Ninety Percent 90s

8-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Cover charge TBD — Covering the best and worst hits of the 90s with 100% awesome vibes.

Clyde McGee with Eric Mocko Live

8 PM — Mesa Theater — Free venue parking — Enjoy a night of live music returning to Grand Junction with Clyde McGee and special guest Eric Mocko.

Rock Junction

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Grand Junction Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram — Entry fee varies — Explore a plethora of automotive innovations and network with industry professionals.

Cheap Trick Concert

7-11 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — Ticket information available — Experience classic rock tunes from the legendary Cheap Trick band.

Phantom Ink Festival

12 PM-10 PM — Grand Junction Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in a vibrant tattoo festival featuring artists, competitions, and entertainment.

Wüffstock at the Gardens: Liver Down the River

4-7 p.m. — Western Colorado Botanical Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Zac Grant and Liver Down the River in a beautiful botanical setting.