Albuquerque, NM

So here I am once again. Finally got a big project completed, and now I can get back to a sort of normal life: is there such a thing. Check out the entertainment scene fot this weekend and beyond. See previous posts as well.

Welcome to undergroundARTS, a weekly newsletter of happenings and opportunities in the arts in the Albuquerque area.

Visual Arts
Art Exhibits, Studio Tours, and more…

Friend or Foal: A Photography Benefit in Bernalillo
DeAnna Dimmitt and Rick Meiers of Dry Heat Photography and wildlife photographer David Cramer will be at Art Gallery 66 in Bernalillo this weekend. Art Gallery 66 and the artists are donating 20% of the proceeds to the New Mexican Horse Project and the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. Carlos LoPopolo of NMHP and Leyton Cougar of WSWS will be on hand Saturday with a New Mexican wild horse and an ambassador timber wolf. This is a great opportunity to see these magnificent animals, discuss the organizations, and purchase beautiful photography.
Saturday, April 5, noon-6pm
Art Gallery 66
Bernalillo (north of Highway 550 stop light)
dryheatpho tography.com davidcramer.com

April Fool Around at the Factory
April Fool Around at the Factory on 5th Art Space features artists Fenton Ayres and Richard Hample for a First Friday Artscrawl opening. The eclectic artists at the Factory will don their wildest jester wear in celebration of this artsy event. The Factory has a busy month scheduled with Oh Baby So Tasty productions presenting All My Friends are Dead this Friday and Saturday and Land of Enchantment+Emerald Isle Mysterious Vistas by PD Rearick Friday and Saturday, April 11-12. This is part of First Friday Artscrawl citywide. For information on all 18 participating galleries, visit the Artscrawl website
Reception Friday, April 4, 6-11pm
Factory on 5th Art Space
1715 5th St. NW
(505) 463-5824
factoryon5.com

10th Annual Master Works of New Mexico Exhibit
This New Mexico favorite opens this weekend with four separate juried shows: pastels, watermedia, oils/acrylics and miniatures. The exhibit continues with many special events through April 25.
Reception Friday, April 4, 5-8pm
Open House and Paint-in Sunday, April 13, noon- 4pm
EXPO New Mexico (State Fairgrounds)
Hispanic Arts Building
(505) 260-9977
masterworksn m.org

Sightseeing opens at Coleman Gallery
Susan Bryant exhibits hand-tinted photographs of churches and temples in Chiapas, Mexico. Also see wood sculpture by Chalo Guevara, energetic paintings by Will Johnson, and 3-color plate mezzotints by Carol Sanchez.
Reception Saturday, April 5, 3-5pm
Coleman Gallery Contemporary Art
4115 Silver SE
(505) 232-0224
colema ncontemporary.com

First Saturday Artwalk in Madrid
The Johnsons of Madrid have added a musical component at the gallery from 1-3pm followed by an art reception from 3-5pm highlighting paintings by Mel Johnson inspired by New Mexico and created since the Johnsons arrived in 1973. Singer Nacha Mendez will perform this Saturday with a suggested admission of $10.
Reception Saturday, April 5, 3-5pm
Johnson’s of Madrid Galleries
Highway 14 in Madrid

Bright Spectrum 2008 at Jewish Community Center
Bright Spectrum 2008, an exhibition of watercolor, mixed media and oil paintings by members of the Arts Ole Watercolor Studio opens Sunday and continues through April 29.
Reception Sunday, April 6, 2-4:30pm
Jewish Community Center
5520 Wyoming NE
(505) 332-0565

Looking at Photographs
Learn how to examine photographs and explore your own personal interpretations every Thursday in April, 10-11:30am. Instructor Dr. Douglas Fairfield, Curator of Art. $30 fee for members; $40 for non- members.
April 10, 17 and 24, 10-11:30am Albuquerque Museum
2000 Mountain Road NW
(505) 243-7255

Performing Arts
Theater, Dance, Lectures, Poetry and more …

New Mexico Ballet Company, one weekend only
This 35th Anniversary Gala will come to National Hispanic Cultural Center this weekend.
Performance Fri. April 4, 7pm, Sat. April 5, 6pm
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th St. SW
(505) 292-4245

Harriet’s Return opens at N4th
The life of Harriet Tubman, a one-woman show written by local playwright/actress Karen Jones Meadows (who also portrays Ms. Tubman and 30 other characters) opens this weekend.
April 5 & 12, 3 and 7pm; Sundays April 6 & 13, 3pm
North 4th Art Center
4904 4th NW
(505) 35-2772
vsartsnm.org

Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front
Todd DePastino, historian, presents a book signing and slideshow on cartoonist Bill Mauldin (1921-2003) who won fame as the leading spokesman for the American combat soldier during WWII.
Lecture and Book Signing Sunday, April 6, 3pm
Bookworks
4022 Rio Grande NW
(505) 344-8139
bkwrks.com

Poetry Reading and Slam at CNM
Come hear the vibes and rhymes of the newly formed CNM Poetry Slam Club. Scheduled to appear are Kenn Rodriguez, performance poet and 2005 National Poetry Slam Champ and 2005 Poet of the Year - Priscilla Baca y Candelaria, a nationally published South Valley author who has worked to encourage Hispanics, Native Americans and other young women to speak their minds in positive, creative ways.
Performance Wednesday, April 9, 6:30- 8pm
CNM Campus - H Commons
(505) 224-5526
cnm.edu

Let Me Say This About That at the Harwood
Enjoy an evening of poetry and film in conjunction with the Harwood’s annual National Poetry Month celebration of words and art. Local poets Mitch Rayes, Lisa Gill, Hakim Bellamy and Virginia Hampton will read from works that inspired Bryan Konefsky’s exhibition of video installations and film-poems in the Main Gallery. The evening will be augmented by projection-art by members of Basement Films.
Performance Friday, April 11, 7-9pm
Harwood Art Center
1114 7th St. NW
(505) 242-6367
harwoodartce nter.org

Music
musical performances, workshops and festivals

Tosca opens at the KiMo
Opera Southwest presents the final show of the 35th season, Puccini’s Tosca, April 5, 8, 11 and 13.
Performances April 5, 8 and 11 -8pm, April 13 - 2pm
KiMo Theatre
5th and Central Downtown
(505) 243-0591

Holly Hofmann-Mike Wofford Quartet at the Outpost
Holly Hofmann has been called the most authoritative, swinging flutist in jazz today. Pianist Mike Wofford has appeared on over 100 recordings as a sideman and leader and continues to be one of the most in- demand sidemen and arrangers in jazz. Accompanying Hofmann and Wofford are New Mexico’s own talented rhythm section stalwarts, Michael Olivola on bass and John Trentacosta on drums.
Performance Thursday, April 10, 7:30pm
Outpost Performance Space
210 Yale SE
(505) 268-0044
outpostspace.org

Jim Lauderdale with The Texas Sapphires
Jim Lauderdale is a multi-talented performer and songwriter with successes in both country and bluegrass music. The Texas Sapphires are not your average country band - they blend their punk and country roots to play what they know best, a unique concoction of vintage hillbilly, honky-tonk and rock and roll. An AMP production.
Performance Thursday, April 10, 7:30pm
The Cooperage
7720 Lomas NE
(505) 232-9868
abqmusic.com

Annual Spring Opera Tour
Free community concerts in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and neighboring communities each summer are offered by the Santa Fe Opera. Performances are by opera apprentices.
Performance Saturday, April 12, 7:30pm
KiMo Theater
423 Central NW
(505) 986-5900
santafeopera.org

Call for Composers
John Donald Robb Composers’ Competition based on themes of Hispanic folk songs from the Robb Archives of the Center of SW Research in the UNM Main Library. Winning composition receives $3,500.
Deadline: October 1, 2008
(505) 277-8967 0 Doris Williams

Film Arts
art films, films about art, and news from the Film Industry

Art on Film Series continues at the Guild
Albuquerque

www.abqarts.org

Also if you are local, call the zoo and sign up for the run for the zoo. They need your help and they will make it worth your whole.

Blogsville: www.earthly gardens.com
www.about-tulsaok.com www.about-tulsa.com

Past the bewitching hour. While I wasn’t quite ready to come home everyone else decided to go to the hotub and for several reasons I wasn’t up to it tonight. I hadn’t brought a suit, it was frigid outside and it was alredy late enough for me since I still had to drive home. The party was strange, food good, but I was partucularly quiet and when I did start talking to people they often seemed to leave rather quickly. It’s the first time in a long time that I felt so out of place. No my usual scene.

Be back soon.

MISC 1: On Sunday, I get to go to Rio Chama for brunch to celebrate Sam’s birthday. Look up Rio Chama Restaurant and look for the upcoming review. This may become a tradition as we did the same last year. Perhaps I can get a menu to give even greater details!

The true Southwest awaits you in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Come immerse yourself in our rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in our blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year- perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and piñon, and you’ll understand why Albuquerque, NM is a destination like no other.

Whether you want to shop for authentic Native American jewelry, try hot air ballooning, explore living history museums, enjoy Albuquerque events and festivals, sample local cuisines or hit the golf courses and spas, Albuquerque has you covered.

For business or pleasure, Albuquerque is a must-see destination in the American Southwest. Albuquerque—It’s a Trip®—you’ll never forget.

It’satrip, found in a google search for Albuquerque Day Trips, has a lot of what most people would come to Albuquerque for. When I travel, I like to explore also off the beaten path. When I visit Albuquerque, I usually look for what is not available in Santa Fe. It is a big city and has lots to offer and can be overwhelming too.

From this site I chose the topic: African Americans….here’s a little about what I found:

African American Culture & HeritageAlbuquerque is home to a rich and thriving African-American community including artists, entrepreneurs, families and individuals all tightly woven within the fabric of the city. The Black presence here reaches back to the first wave of Spanish explorers, and the history of this community includes societal and cultural challenges that, while similar to other cities, is unique to this region.

Perhaps the most infamous name in local Black history is that of Estevanico, sometimes referred to as “Esteban,” or, “Stephen the Black.” Born in 1503, Estevanico was a Spanish Moor from North Africa enslaved at a young age by the Portuguese and sold in 1520 to Andres Dorantes de Carranza, a Spanish nobleman. In 1527, Estevanico and Dorantes sailed from Europe with the explorer Panfilo de Narvaez on an expedition to conquer Florida. This expedition turned into one of the most epic journeys ever recorded and eventually led to Estevanico–the first African known to have set foot on the continental U.S.–becoming a central figure in the establishment of New Mexico.

In 1539 Estevanico found himself going north on another expedition to find the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. Sent ahead as an advance scout, Estevanico continued alone to present day New Mexico, one of the first non-Natives to set foot here. Almost as quickly as he arrived, however, Estevanico’s exploits were cut short. As he approached the Zuni pueblo of Hawikuh he was killed by suspicious villagers.

Fast forward from that auspicious beginning to the 1870s, when Albuquerque saw the first growth spurt of its African American population with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad. Black communities became established in the South Broadway and Barelas areas along the railroad corridor. From the 1920s through the 1940s, Black businesses thrived in spite of the discrimination inherent in the pre-civil rights era. Establishments such as the legendary swing club, Chet and Pert’s, catered to the small but growing Black community. Over the next few decades the population of African Americans in Albuquerque grew steadily, with another bump coinciding with the opening of Kirtland military base.

Today, African-Americans comprise just over 3% of Albuquerque’s population. While the community may not be large, its members contribute enormously through the arts and other cultural activities. If you’re interested in exploring Albuquerque’s African American community, there are a number of events, groups and resources that provide an easy entry point.
For cutting-edge theater and performance, check out Out Ch’Yonda, located at 925 4th Street, a few blocks south of downtown. Be it beat box music, poetry, dance, fringe theater or anything else, Out Ch’Yonda is never boring. 505-385-5634.
The best resource to get started for finding African American artists is the New Mexico African American Artists Guild, put together by painter and printmaker Kenneth Winfrey. It’s the most comprehensive list of websites and gallery locations in the Albuquerque area for African American artists working in all media.
If you enjoy sculpture, Fred Wilson, along with wife Kristen, is one of Albuquerque’s premier large format artists. Ike Davis, who does his thing on the western edge of the city, has been an Albuquerque name for more than 20 years.
One of the more interesting galleries in the East Nob Hill Area is Pearls of the Antilles, a pan-African artists’ collective. You’ll find Pearls at 3716 Central SE, 505-265-0982.
For music, be sure to check out what’s happening at The New Mexico Jazz Workshop, which includes the popular Jazz and Blues series during …..the above from www.itsatrip.org Visit this site for more details and ideas.

So to expand some of the news, here’s a few other ideas:

New Mexico at Christmas
By Teresa Plowright, About.com

Filed In:Family Vacations

Christmas Wedding
4. New Mexico at Christmas
New Mexico is one of my favorite regions in the US, and though mainly known as a summer destination, it also shines — literally– at Christmastime.

With its large Hispanic population, the celebration of Christmas is a major festival. A beautiful aspect of this celebration is the appearance everywhere of “luminarias”: “little lanterns” in Spanish, these are little paper bags with sand (for stability) and a small candle inside. inside.

Thousands of these small flames line streets, staircases, doorways. You can enjoy luminaria displays in Old Town Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or in smaller and Taos. (Taos is a great place to visit with kids, not least because of its unique three-story native American pueblo: read about visiting Taos New Mexico.) Taos also offers great skiing a short drive away.

Below are some details on holiday events:

Albuquerque, River of Lights
At the Albuquerque Biological Park throughout December: featuring hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights in various themes; family activities; entertainment; food and crafts; dinner with Santa; dinner with Father Time.

Albuquerque and Santa Fe: Luminaria Tour
On Christmas Eve, the main plazas of both cities are decorated with thousands of luminarias. In Santa Fe, cider is served, carols are sung and groups walk to the nearby Cross of the Martyrs.

Old Town, Albuquerque: Holiday Shop & Stroll
Early in December, this event features late closing for shops, free rides between Old Town and the River of Lights (above), lighting of the holiday tree and a children’s parade with Santa Claus.

Native American Dances
Various animal dances occur during the winter season, including the buffalo, eagle or game animal dances on and following Christmas, at the Jemez pueblo.

*photo courtesy of NewMexico.org.

More:
Winter Vacations Ideas
great places for Holiday Lights

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Teresa Plowright
About.com Guide to Family Vacations

Christmas Vacation
Searching for Christmas vacations? See our Christmas vacation guide.
FantasticFindings.com

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Great winter family vacations. Huge discounts booking online!
www.uclickwefind.com

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Plan a Trip with TripAdvisor. Find Hotel Deals, User Reviews & More.
www.

You can see why I like google. Now if I were planning a trip for, and I could, I’d ask what do you most want to know or see in Albuquerque NM. I’d also know what is your most pleasant experience when you are travelling and how much do you WANT to do in one day? What sort of pace would you like? If you are coming to NM for the holidays, a convention, or on a business trip, contact me here and let’s define what would add to your trips success!

So prepare for more fun than you thought would be possible in a day!

Blogsville: www.about-chicagoil.com

www.earthlygardens.com

Sometimes life and biz changes quickly. Faster than the seasons. The way we approach these changes can show our faith and character. Holidays can sseem to add to voltality. It’s best to make sure you have some r’n'r time to help ease the strain.

Santa Fe was getting snow on and off throughout today. The mountain has already received 26″ of new snow and expects to be open the ski slopes on Friday. I was going into a shopping center in a good part of town. Two robust tall elegantly dressed women were complaining about the much needed snow. “Who got all this snow?” the first demanded. “God”, I said, as I passed by. “Oh yes” they chorused. “Amen.” There was a moment of silence, and then I heard, “OK God, stop this mess, now.” Within a few minutes the snow stopped. I hope they noticed. As I left the mall awhile later, I said, “Ok God, its all right to snow again,” and within 5 minutes we got a lot of heavier snow. This is a true story, thank you God.

Let’s see if I call scounge up some holiday events.

.

Classics Concerts

Purchase Season Tickets Now!
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Artists, dates, times, locations and programs are subject to change.

2007-2008 Season
Reserve your seats now for the most incredible NMSO season ever!

CLASSICS V
ROMERO GUITARS

The Romeros have developed the technique of the guitar by making what is difficult to look easy; They are, without a doubt, the grand masters of the guitar. - composer Joaquin Rodrigo

The NMSO celebrates its Latin roots with the “Royal Family of Guitar”… The Romero name is synonymous with the finest in classical guitar music throughout the world.

December 14, 2007, 8 pm, at Popejoy Hall. Click here for tickets.
December 15, 2007, 6 pm, at Popejoy Hall. Click here for tickets.
December 16, 2 pm, at NHCC. Click here for tickets.

Performers
Guillermo Figueroa, conductor
Pepe Romero, guitar
The Romero Guitar Quartet
Miguel del Aguila, piano

Program Notes

Program
Cordero, Concierto Festivo
Rodrigo, Concierto Andaluz
De Falla, Three Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2
Del Aguila, Conga

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CLASSICS VI
GUILLERMO & GRACE

In 1932, Grace Thompson Edmister was selected to lead the Symphony, then known as the “Albuquerque Concert Orchestra.” Maestra Manson’s Fanfare salutes our female anomaly in the male-dominated orchestra world of the era. Guillermo will delight audiences with his violin mastery as he performs the world premiere of the Violin Concerto by Uruguayan native, Miquel del Aguila, commissioned by the NMSO for its 75th Anniversary.

January 18, 2008, 8 pm, at Popejoy Hall. Click here for tickets.
January 19, 2008, 6 pm, at Popejoy Hall. Click here for tickets.
January 20, 2008, at NHCC. Click here for tickets.

Performers
Anne Manson, conductor
Guillermo Figueroa, violin

Program Notes

Program
HIGDON, Fanfare Ritmico
Del Aguila, Violin Concerto (American Premiere)
Schubert, Symphony No. 9

and:Events for Wed Dec 12 2007 through Thu Dec 11 2008

Lensic

SOLD OUT - Naomi Klein with Laura Flanders
Occurrences: Dates: Wednesday, Dec 12 2007
Times: 7:00 PM

Presented by: Lannan Foundation
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View Details »

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Live From The Met At The Lensic - Romeo et Juliette
Occurrences: Dates: Saturday, Dec 15 2007
Times: 11:00 AM

Presented by: The Lensic & The Santa Fe Opera
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View Details »

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A Yuletide Festival
Occurrences: Dates: Sunday, Dec 16 2007
Times: 4:00 PM

Presented by: Santa Fe Symphony & Orchestra
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View Details »

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Holiday Concert
Occurrences: Dates: Monday, Dec 17 2007
Times: 7:00 PM

Presented by: Santa Fe Concert Band
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View Details »

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Rumi Concert
Occurrences: Dates: Tuesday, Dec 18 2007
Times: 7:30 PM

Presented by: Story Dancer Project
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View Details »

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Classical Christmas Eve
Occurrences: Dates: Monday, Dec 24 2007
Times: 5:00 PM

Presented by: Santa Fe Concert Association
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View Details »

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Broadway Chanteuse - Betty Buckley
Occurrences: Dates: Friday, Dec 28 2007
Times: 7:30 PM

Presented by: Santa Fe Concert Association
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View Details »

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A Russian New Year’s Eve
Occurrences: Dates: Monday, Dec 31 2007
Times: 5:00 PM

Presented by: Santa Fe Concert Association
Location: The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
City: Santa Fe

View

don’t forget: www.desertchorale.org

Winter Festival Tickets On Sale Now!
505-988-1234 or 800-905-3315
www.ticketssantafe.org

For more details about individual shows,
please download our Winter Festival 2007 program brochure (requires Adobe Reader)
Get Adobe Reader

The Desert Chorale is grateful to Ralph Lee Hopkins for permission to use his photograph
on Winter Festival 2007 program book, brochure
and our Christmas in Santa Fe recording.

“It was the kind of concert where you wanted more . . . even better than in recent years.”
-Santa Fe New Mexican, July 2006

“A musical experience full of light, color and, above all, sonic resonance. Singing at its very best.”
-Albuquerque Journal, July 2006

“Desert Chorale Soars in Silver Season”-Santa Fe New Mexican, July 2007

811 St. Michael’s Dr., Suite 208 • Santa Fe, NM 87505 • (505)988-2282 • e-mail us

So enjoy: I’ll have another surprise for you soon.

Blogsville: wish these and othe bloggers a merry christmas! Leave a comment:

momisteaching.com

countrymusicherald.com

about-tulsaok.com

www.about-chicagoil.com

Photos by Mary MacIntyre, Santa Fe NM

Go to the movies! It’s the Santa Fe Film festival this week: the 28th to 12/2. Some of you can afford it, come fly to Santa Fe. Check if the winter lower rates have started. If not, check the Bed and Breakfast or small cozy hotels for comfort that surpasses the big chains.