El Paso Scene Weekly for Aug. 23-29, 2010

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St. Nicholas Greek Festival — The 23rd annual festival of vibrant Greek culture is Aug. 27-29 at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, 124 S. Festival. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 833-0882.
  Food is always the star of the show at the Greek Festival, and baklava and a plethora of other pastries such as koulourakia and paximadia will be sold. Lamb will be roasted Greek style on a spit. The famous Greek combination dinner plate will also be available with souvlakia (beef shish kebab) or chicken oreganato, rice pilaf, tyropita (cheese-filled phyllo), spanakopita (spinach-filled phyllo), keftedes (spicy meatballs), dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), Greek salad and pita bread.
  The items can be purchased separately, along with gyros sandwiches and loukanika (Greek sausage on pita bread), kalamari, moussaka (baked eggplant) and pistichio (Greek pasta dish). Pastries include baklava, sweet breads and loukamathes (honey puffs). Greek and American coffee also are sold with other beverages. Wine, beer and sodas will be available.
  The Greek Souvenirs store will have several handmade and imported items, and live Greek music and dances are also featured.

Home and Garden Expo — The 11th annual expo is Aug. 27-29 at El Paso Convention Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The expo is the only established Home & Garden event in El Paso and is the largest home and lifestyle show in the region, with more than 200 area companies displaying the latest products and services for homeowners. Admission: $5; $3 military/seniors 62 and older; free for ages 18 and younger. Seniors and military admitted free Friday. Information: (361) 882-2071 or expoltd.com.
  Special guest is Kelly Edwards, one of the industry’s most popular TV designers currently appearing on several cable shows including co-host and design coordinator on STYLE Network’s “Tacky House,” HGTV’s “Design on a Dime” and AOL Living.
  Also features are daily grand prize giveaways, educational seminars from area experts for interior design and décor ideas, home energy saving tips, current tax incentives and more. El Paso County Master Gardeners will provide fall planting tips.

Feria del Valle Cristo Rey — Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 8011 Williamette (next to Yucca Park), will host its annual bazaar Aug. 27-29 offering carnival rides, food (gorditas, enchiladas, funnel cakes, tacos, etc.), games, live entertainment, matachines dancers and more. Hours are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. Headline entertainment begins at 6 p.m. each night. Admission is free. Information: 591-0688 or 591-6399.

El Paso Psychic Fair — The fair is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28-29, at the Hawthorn Inn, 1700 Airway (at Boeing). Admission: $5 for both days (private readings not included with admission). Free admission with active duty military I.D. Information: 345-6245 or elpasopsychicfair.com.
  The fair features aura photos, tealeaf readings, handmade New Age crystal and gemstone jewelry, spirit writing, Feng Shui products, aromatherapy and readings by 14 professional psychic readers and mediums from across Texas and New Mexico. Readings offered in English and Spanish.

Stateliners Car Club — Anthony Texas’s Stateliners Car Club’s 4th annual fundraising show is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Town of Anthony’s Municipal Park in Anthony, Texas. The show features low riders, low rider bikes, hot rods, trucks, modified classics, muscle cars, bombs and original classics 1987 or older. Proceeds benefit Anthony’s Municipal Park Improvement Project and other local charities.
Spectator admission by donation. Information: 409-7927, 920-9247, (575) 882-3474 or (575) 639-1873.
  Entry fee for participants: $25 pre-registration; $30 day of show.

San Luis Rey Fiesta — San Luis Rey Church in Chamberino, N.M. will host its Gran Fiesta noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, featuring food and refreshments (gorditas, enchiladas, tripitas, hamburgers, sodas, aguas frescas, snow cones, beer), loteria, dart throw and a softball tournament. Live music provided by Centauro Band as well as folklorico dancers and matachines. Information: (575) 882-2045.
  Fiesta is preceded by a mass at 10 a.m.

The Ataris — The pop punk band performs at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, with Spoiler and Free at Will at Club 101, 1148 Airway. All ages show. Tickets: $10 in advance. Advance tickets for most events available at Club 101, All That Music, Psycha and online at ticketbully.com, unless otherwise listed. Information: 544-2101 or club101.com.

Alfresco! Fridays — The free outdoor concerts begin at 5:30 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 10 at Arts Festival Plaza (between El Paso Museum of Art and Plaza Theatre). Presented by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department. No outside food or beverages, or pets allowed. Information: 534-0689, 541-4481, or alfrescofridays.com.
• Aug. 27 — Radio La Chusma (Latin reggae/world)

Gospel Starlights — The group’s 7th annual anniversary musical celebration is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Abundant Joy Christian Faith Center, 4950 Y Hondo Pass. Information: Jeanette, 226-6531 or Naquitta, 202-1134.

Rubin Center — UTEP’s Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts is next to Sun Bowl Stadium (off Dawson Drive). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: 747-6151, Rubincenter@utep.edu or utep.edu/artsandculture.
  Showing Aug. 26-Dec. 11:
• “Contra Flujo: Independence and Revolution” in the L and Rubin galleries. The exhibition, meaning “Against the Flow,” features seven contemporary artists from Mexico City who use new media to explore the centennial of the Mexican Revolution and the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence.
• “Border 2010: Photographs by Alejandro Cartagena and David Rochkind” in the Project Space.
  Opening reception for both exhibits is 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26.

EPSO Anniversary Gala — The Grammy-nominated Eroica Trio performs for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebration Saturday, Aug. 28, at the El Paso Museum of Art. Cocktails are 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7:30 p.m. and the Eroica Trio at 8:30 p.m. Formal attire. RSVP by Aug. 21. Tickets: $125 ($250 couples; $1,250 table for 10). Information: 532-3776.
  The Eroica Trio has won the prestigious Naumburg Award, resulting in a highly successful Lincoln Center debut and has since toured the United States, Europe, and Asia. The trio also has released eight critically lauded recordings with multiple nominations.

Western Gala — The dinner-dance benefit for the 81st annual El Paso Ford Dealers Southwestern International PRCA Rodeo is 6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 28, at Sunland Park Race Track and Casino’s Signature Ballroom. Cocktails served at 6:30 with prime rib dinner at 7:30 p.m. and dancing to Clay Mac Band 8 p.m. to midnight. Silent auction and giveaways also featured Tickets: $75 ($600 table for 8). Information: 525-8464 or elprodeo.com.
  The rodeo runs Sept. 23-26 at Cohen Stadium.

Shakespeare in the Park — Shakespeare on the Rocks presents three of The Bard’s classic at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday andSunday, Aug. 20-22 and Aug. 27-29, at the Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission: $10 ($8 military, students and seniors). Group rate for 10 or more; $6 with advance notice. Information: 532-7273, 474-4275 or shakespeareontherocks.com.
• “Othello” — Aug. 20 and 28.
• “Twelfth Night” — Aug. 21 and 29
• “Romeo and Juliet” — Aug. 22 and 27.

‘A Man Having A Baby’ — The premiere of the new romantic comedy by El Paso playwright Martin R. Cardenas is 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28-29, and Sept. 4-5, at the Scottish Rite Theater, 301 W. Missouri. The play is about “the world’s biggest bachelor” dealing with the reality of becoming a parent. Ages 13 and older recommended. Tickets: $12.50; available on ticketbully.com.

Movies in the Canyon — Free movies will be shown Friday and Saturday nights at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. Showtimes are 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. and later showings are Fridays and Saturdays. Movies range from G to PG-13-rated features. Concessions available (no food or beverages may be brought in). Information: 534-0665 or moviesinthecanyon.com.
• Aug. 27 — “Nacho Libre” and “School of Rock”
• Aug. 28 — “Hook” and “The Goonies”

SPORTS

El Paso Diablos Baseball — The American Association minor league team regular home game time is 7:05 p.m. (Sundays at 6:05 p.m.) at Cohen Stadium in Northeast El Paso. Tickets: $8 box seats; $7 general admission (free for age 4 and younger). Information: 755-2000 or diablos.com.
• Aug. 24-26 — Shreveport Captains

Sun Bowl Volleyball Invitational — The 6th annual collegiate volleyball tournament featuring UTEP and teams from top women’s programs across the nation is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-28, at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center. Teams/game times to be announced. Tickets: $5 per day. Information: 533-4416, ext. 15.

UTEP Women’s Soccer —Home games are at UTEP’s University Field. Tickets: $7 ($3 children). Information: 747-6150 or utepathletics.com.
  The 13th annual Miners’ Classic is Aug. 27-29. UTEP takes on Fresno State at 7 p.m. Friday and Utah Valley at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Raise Awareness for Candlelighters run — El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Richard D. Wiles hosts the inaugural 8K and 5K runs and 1-mile fun walk benefiting Candlelighters of El Paso 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at McKelligon Canyon. First 500 runners receive a free t-shirt an refreshments provided to all participants. Medals awarded to top three male and female runners in each category. Registration: $20 in advance; $25 on race day. Information: Chris Rowley: 478-5663. Online registration at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
  Packet pick-up is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, and 7 to 7:45 a.m. at the starting line on race day.

‘A Day of Reckoning’ wrestling — The inaugural World Wrestling Today event is 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Cohen Stadium, featuring several champion wrestlers. The show will crown the WWT’s World Champion and World Tag Team Champions. A special ladies match between Simply Lucious and former WWE Women’s Champion, Jazz, is planned, as well as a special tribute to former El Pasoan, Eddie Guerrero with the Guerrero Family. Tickets: $20 general admission; $30 box seats; $50 ringside.
Information: 755-2000.
  The event was postponed from Friday, July 9; tickets purchased for that date will be honored and those ticket holders will receive a free CD.
  Bouts will feature Booker T, Charlie Haas, Ken Anderson, Kishi, The James Gang (formerly known as the New Age Outlaws) and Rob Terry. Also competing are Mexico’s Super Crazy, Kevin Thorn, Former Mexican Heavyweight Champion, Konan, Carlito, Rodney Mack, Texas Newcomer, Ryan Genesis and El Paso’s own Chavo Guerrero Sr. The “Special Enforcer/Referee” is NFL Hall of Famer Randy White.


Southern New Mexico

Great American Duck Race — The annual running of the ducks is Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 26-29, in Deming, N.M. Admission is free for spectators, and anyone can be a duck racer for just $5. This year’s theme is “Pirates.” The ducks are provided; don’t bring one. Call for entry forms. Information: (888) 345-1125, (575) 544-0469 or demingduckrace.com.
  The Tournament of Ducks Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday in downtown Deming.
  Opening ceremonies and invocation are at noon Saturday at the Deming Elks Lodge, 2799 Chaplin.
  Live Duck Races and Water Races are noon to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday at McKinley Duck Downs. Duck Race eliminations and finals are 3 p.m. Sunday.
  Other events:
• Duck Royalty Pageants are at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the DPS Auditorium.
• Duck Mart vendors begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at Courthouse Park and run all day Friday through Sunday, with carnival events beginning 4 p.m. Friday and running all day Saturday and Sunday. Live entertainment from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
• Duck Race Dance is 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at Hat Creek Saloon. Admission: $5 (free with sponsor t-shirt).
• The Kickoff Breakfast hosted by Elks Lodge 2799 is 7 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Courthouse Park.
• Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascension is 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Deming Soccer Field.
• Barbecue hosted by First United Methodist Church is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
• Slow Pitch Tournament runs all day Saturday and Sunday at the Hooten Complex.
• The Great American Tortilla Toss is 2 p.m. Saturday, and the Great American Outhouse Race is 5:30 p.m. on Silver Street.

Rodney Carrington — The country comedian and star of the sitcom “Rodney” performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, N.M. Carrington has recorded eight major comedy albums selling over two million copies. Also an actor he co-wrote and co-starred in “Beer for My Horses” with Toby Keith. Tickets to be announced. Ages 21 and older admitted. (Ticketmaster).

J. Paul Taylor birthday — A free public celebration honoring the life and career of long-time Mesilla resident J. Paul Taylor 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Mesilla Plaza. Taylor, who turned 90 this summer, served as a state legislator, teacher, and administrator. Festivities include music, refreshments, and a brief ceremony. Attendees may bring copies of photographs or written recollections of activities shared with “J. Paul.” Information: (575) 915-5756 or FriendsofTaylorMonument@gmail.com.
  Hosted by “Friends of the Taylor Family Monument”, a nonprofit organization dedicated in support of the Taylor-Barela-Reynolds-Mesilla State Monument. In lieu of gifts, donations are welcome for the monument fund.

MainStreet SalsaFest — The 2nd annual salsa competition is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, on Main Street, between Las Cruces and Griggs streets in Las Cruces. Businesses, restaurants and home salsa makers, compete for cash prizes and other awards. Tasters may vote for their favorite. Entertainment and dancing provided by Sobradosis del Sabor band with salsa lesson throughout the day and a dance competition at 3 p.m. Also featured are children’s activities, food and drink and vendor booths. Admission is free; tasting wristband for voting is $3. Information: (575) 525-1955 or downtownlascrucespartnership.org.

Downtown Ramble — The City of Las Cruces hosts an evening of music and art 5 to 7 p.m. the first Friday of the month at the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Information: (575) 523-2950.

Spencer Theater for Performing Arts — Airport Hwy 220 in Alto, N.M. (about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso). Free public guided tours are 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (except show dates). Information: (575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or spencertheater.com.
  Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band perform 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 — Singing Neil Diamond’s hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Holly Holly,” “Red, Red Wine,” and “Song Sung Blue,” vocalist Bobby Bruce not only looks like Diamond, but also matches note for note. He is joined on stage by fellow musicians Kyle Radomsky, Craig Zurba, Dave Corman) and Marlow Holder. Tickets: $66 and $69.

Stephanie Fix — The award-winning root-rock Austin singer-songwriter performs at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Fix has been a finalist in eight different national songwriting competitions including the USA Songwriters Competition and the International Billboard Songwriter’s Competition. Her most recent CD, “Crooked Smile” has gained praise from music critics and publications. Admission: $10 at the door; reservations recommended. Information/reservations:(575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org.

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Phone: (915) 542-1422. FAX: 542-4292.