El Paso Scene Weekly for Sept. 15-21, 2008 Click here for other weekly digests Check out www.newspapertree.com, El Paso’s leading online source of local news.
Celebration of Our Mountains — The 15th annual Celebration of Our Mountains is a six-week-long festival of events to encourage appreciation of the El Paso region’s environment. The celebration includes nearly 60 hikes, field trips, driving tours, nature walks, bicycle rides and other activities. Information: celebrationofourmountains.org.
This year’s theme is “Celebrate Our Franklins.”
Diez y Seis de Septiembre “Gritos” — In celebration of the 197th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence Day, a series of Grito celebrations are planned in the El Paso area. All events are free and open to the pulic. The “Grito de Dolores” is the cry Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave the night of the Sept. 15 that ignited Mexico’s rebellion against Spain.
• The annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta in Mesilla is noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13-14, at the Mesilla Plaza.
• UTEP’s ceremony is noon, Monday, Sept. 15, at the Student Union North Plaza, Student Union Building. 747-5664.
• El Paso’s main ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at San Jacinto Plaza. The Mexican Consul General’s office honors Mexico’s independence with this ceremony filled with live music and ballet folklóricos dancing, and ending with fireworks. Information: 533-6311 or sre.gob.mx/elpaso.
• Sunland Park’s ceremony is 4 p.m. to midnight Monday, Sept. 15, at Elena Memorial Plaza, 101 Buena Vista, Sunland Park, N.M. Mariachis, ballet folklorico, charro riders, fireworks and more. Information: (575) 589-0600.
El Paso Ford Dealers Southwestern International PRCA Rodeo — The 79th annual rodeo is Sept. 16-21 at Cohen Stadium in Northeast El Paso. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world are scheduled to participate in El Paso’s only professional rodeo featuring nightly performances and live entertainment. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 reserved seating; $8 general admission, children 5 and younger free. Tickets available through the Diablos ticket office at Cohen Stadium. Information: 755-2000 or elprodeo.com.
Friday and Saturday’s performances are followed by dances with live music by Spur Ride Band.
• Tuesday — Kids’ Night and “Go-Western Day” at area schools.
• Wednesday — Military Night
• Thursday — “Touch Enough to Wear Pink” Night benefiting Susan G. Komen foundation.
• Sunday — La Fiesta day featuring mariachis and Escaramusas.
Festival de Las Margaritas — HusH Gallery and Stanton Street Underground will host the celebration of arts and culture noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21,, at Miguel A. Terán Community Park, 15375 Kentwood (south of Horizon City). The event includes musical groups, bands, singers, dancers, comedians, poets, models, skateboarders, bikers, low riders, visual artists of all mediums and more. Admission is $5 (children enter free). Information: 533-4869, 694-8617 or hushspace@yahoo.com.
The festival is named after the flower (“margarita” is “daisy” in Spanish) not the drink. The festival also will culminate in a series of “Battle of the Bands” competitions.
St. Frances Fiesta — St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church’s 10th annual bazaar is Sept. 19-21 at 12200 Vista del Sol at Peter Cooper, between Zaragosa and Loop 375. The event includes live entertainment, food, games and raffle. Festival hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday and 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Breakfast booth opens at 9 a.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 857-1263.
Fiesta proceeds are used to accelerate the mortgage pay-off of the church’s multi-purpose worship hall.
Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta — The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC) will host its 4th annual fiesta and Franklin Mountains State Park Lone Star Legacy highlighting the animals and plants of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Franklin Mountains State Park’s Tom Mays Section at the western base of Transmountain Road. Park fees will be waived during the event, but donations are welcome.
Information: 566-6441.
Educators and nonprofit organizations from across the region will offer free tours and demonstrations as well as up-close encounters with desert creatures and plants, including spiders and snakes.
Visitors may bring their own food for picnics or barbecues.
Participants include the National Park Service, El Paso Zoo, Texas Master Naturalists, El Paso Water Utilities, Las Cruces Museum of Natural History and more.
The park will host its first-ever Chili Cookoff at the Fiesta, samples available. Raffles of local art will be held. Interested cooks or teams may contact Kelly at 566-9441, ext. 24.
Father Yermo Bazaar — Father Yermo schools, 220 Washington (near the El Paso Zoo), hold their 9th annual bazaar noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20-21. Activities include games, food, raffles, entertainment and more. Information: 533-3338.
UTEP Football — The Miners host the NMSU Aggies at 7:05 Saturday, Sept. 20, at Sun Bowl Stadium. Ticket information: 747-5234, 544-8444 or utepathletics.com.
Home games:
MUSIC & DANCE
Jonathan Butler— The singer/songwriter and guitarist performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre, with special guest J. Moss. Hosted by Destiny Church. Tickets: $15-$75, plus service charge (Ticketmaster). Advance tickets also available at Destiny Family Christian Center, 755-7744 or destiny4me.com.
The South African expatriate’s music is described as a “laid-back, slightly jazz-tinged approach to R&B/pop.” As a teenager Butler won a Sarie Award, the South African equivalent of an American Grammy. In the early 1980s, he moved to England. One of his biggest releases was in 1987 with his cover of “If You’re Ready (Come With Me),” performing a duet with British urban contemporary singer Ruby Turner. Other hits include the Grammy-nominated “Lies” and “Sarah, Sarah.”
Detroit-based J. Moss is one of modern gospel music’s most prolific talents. As a third of one of urban contemporary production company PAJAM, he’s been the co-writer and/or producer behind some of the biggest artists in both Gospel and secular music including Karen Clark-Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, N’SYNC, Michelle Williams, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Dru Hill, Boyz II Men and Kelly Price. His latest album is “The J. Moss Project” featuring influences of hip-hop, modern R&B, pop and traditional gospel.
Guitar Slim & Tim Thompson Show Band — The two El Paso country acts perform 7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing’s Sunset Hall, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park. Free admission. Sponsored by El Paso Saddleblanket. Information: (505) 589-0653.
Cocktails After The Symphony — El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s new “CATS” group for the young and young-at-heart who share a love of El Paso, the symphony, and socializing will host it first of three post-concert parties Friday, Sept. 19, following the opening EPSO performance at the Plaza Theatre. Admission: $60. Information/RSVP: 532-3776.
Season membership: $150 per person - includes premier seating at each of the symphony concerts preceding CATS parties, entry into post-concert parties, food, drink and a t-shirt.
El Paso Symphony Orchestra – The Symphony’s “Spectacular Beginnings” opening concert of the 2008-2009 season is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19-20, in the Plaza Theatre, under the direction of Maestra Sarah Ioannides. Guest artist Lukas Vondracek, piano, will accompany the symphony in performing Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, op. 96, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, op. 73, E-flat major “Emperor” and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, op. 43, D major. Tickets: $11-$37. Information: 532-3776.
Vondracek’ was born in the Czech Republic, and his mother was a professional pianist. He gave his first concert at the age of 4 and now, at the age of 21, has visited 25 different countries giving more than 850 concerts. He has toured in Japan with the NHK Symphony.
El Paso Chopin Music Festival — The 2008 fall series of piano concerts is sponsored by El Paso Community College and the El Paso Chopin Festival Society. Performances are at 8 p.m. on three Saturdays at the Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission is free, but people are advised to arrive early because the concerts are almost always standing room only. Information: 584-1595 or chopinfest@sbcglobal.net. Web: elpaso-chopin.com.
Sept. 20 — Misha Dacic. After performing at the Martha Argerich Project Festival in 2003 in Lugano, Switzerland, Dacic made his American debut at the Discovery Series of the Sixth Miami International Piano Festival. His coming engagements include performances in festivals in Brazil, Panama, and Turkey.
Fall Music Festival — Bethany Christian Church’s music ministry under the direction of Vicki Myers hosts its annual festival at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at 10453 Springwood Drive.
This year’s theme is “Communion with God in Music.” The program will feature some original music by Pastor Bob Patterson, Organist Anne Jennings and Music Director Vicki Myers. Other musical presentations consist of hymns, small ensembles, and several numbers by the Bethany Chancel Choir. The Bethany Bell Choir and the Youth Bells led by Lola Mae Perry will also perform. Day care provided. Refreshments will be served afterward. Admission is free, donation taken. Information: John Estes, 598-6957 or bcc.elp.org.
UTEP Music Department — Performances are 7:30 p.m. in the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Ticket prices vary by event; admission is free to UTEP students/faculty/staff with ID.
Information: 747-5606 or utep.edu/music.
• Faculty Recital Series — Dr. Steve Wilson, trombone and guest artist, Dr. Allan Kaplan, trombone, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Tickets: $6 ($5 seniors and military, $3 non-UTEP students).
Jack Stewart piano concerts — Jack Stewart performs at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana. Stewart will play easy listening, show tunes and sacred music on his Liberace grand piano on long-term loan to the museum. Museum opens at 1 p.m. Admission is free. Information: 525-2235.
The concert also will feature accordionist Jorge Guzman of Puerto Rico. Guzman, now working in El Paso, is a musician, artist and engineer.
‘Gala de Vientre’ — The belly dance show featuring local dancers and teachers is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission: $15. Information: 564-9144.
ON STAGE
‘Shakespeare on the Rocks’ — The annual theater festival is Sept. 4-28, at the Ysleta ISD Fine Arts Amphitheater, 8455 Alameda. Four of William Shakespeare’s best-known plays will be performed in a repertory format, with all four plays offered each week at 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday evenings. Information: 474-4275, 227-2397 or shakespeareontherocks.com.
The festival is presented by Eden Enterprises in cooperation with Ysleta Independent School District and El Paso Community College. Artistic Director is Hector Serrano.
Tickets are $10 ($8 students with ID and seniors 65 and older), sold at the door (beginning at 7 p.m.). Group rate is $6 with 2 days advance purchase (call 434-9715). All seating is general admission and is on concrete benches. Patrons may wish to bring a stadium cushion.
The Ysleta ISD Renaissance Faire is Friday through Sunday, Sept. 26-28 at the Fine Arts Plaza next to the amphitheater. Arts and craft vendors, food booths, entertainment and games for children are offered 6 to 10 p.m. each evening. Admission to the Faire is free.
Play schedule:
• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — Sept. 4, 12, 20 and 28. In this, one of the world’s most beloved comedies, three worlds intertwine: the nobles, the tradesmen, and the supernatural fairies. The entangled love affairs of Demetrius, Helena, Lysander, and Hermia; the comic performance of a “play within a play” by the tradesmen of Athens; and the fairyland antics of King Oberon and Queen Titania will leave audiences laughing long after they leave the theater.
• “Julius Caesar” — Sept. 5, 13, 21, 25. Breaking all conventional rules of drama, Shakespeare presents neither a clear-cut hero nor a villain. Caesar, the conquering general and ambitious politician, is assassinated by his best friend Brutus, the noble and high-minded senator. Set in ancient Rome, at the time that the empire transformed from a republic into a dictatorship, this great tragedy presents complicated human beings in agonizing conflict with one another, and themselves.
• ”The Tempest” — Sept. 6, 14, 18, 26. This dramatic romance weaves fantasy and realism into a story that speaks across the centuries to audiences today. The timeless stage is an enchanted island, where an exiled Duke and two young lovers encounter the occult, finding good and evil in their own natures. Prospero, the Duke is said to represent Shakespeare himself, the poet and playwright who controls the lives of his characters through the art of his words.
• “Romeo & Juliet” — Sept. 7, 11, 19, 27. One of the great love stories of all time and a “hit” for over 400 years. The ill-fated love and death of two young people ends up reuniting the feuding Montague and Capulet families. Full of passion and exquisite verse, it expresses love in its infinite variety more than any other work in the English language.
‘Jake’s Women’ – El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents the Neil Simon comedy Sept. 5-27. Jake, a writer with a struggling marriage, talks to many of the women he knows, both in real life and in his imagination, as he works to save his marriage. Directed by Jan H. Wolfe. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $10 ($8 seniors, $7 students and military). Ticket information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.
‘Over the River and Through the Woods’ — The Woman’s Club of El Paso, 1400 N. Mesa, presents its first dinner theater event at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19-21, featuring local performers and a special meal prepared by Woman’s Club members. Admission: $30 ($50 for two). Information: 532-6131.
The story is about Nick, a single Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents have retired to Florida, but he still has Sunday dinner with both sets of his grandparents in New Jersey. When he needs to tell his family he’s been offered his dream job that would take him away from his beloved, but annoying grandparents, a series of schemes to keep Nick around begins.
Southern New Mexico
Spencer Theater for Performing Arts — Alto, N.M. (about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso). Information: (575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or spencertheater.com.
The Winter 2008-2009 series begins with the dark musical ‘Sweeney Todd’ at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept 18-19. The demon barber of Fleet Street slices up tasty meat pies in the celebrated 2006 Tony Winning musical thriller. The bizarre, spine-tingling tale features a brilliant cast of actors/musicians. Tickets: $53-$59.
17 Hippies – ASNMSU Cultural Series opens its 2008-2009 season with an eclectic mix of world music at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at NMSU’s Music Center Recital Hall in Las Cruces. The band blends music from Eastern Europe, France and America in what they call their own “Berlin Style.” Tickets: $12.50 ($10 NMSU students, faculty, seniors and children). (Ticketmaster). Information: (575) 646-4413.
Willis Delony – The pianist will perform a combination jazz and classical recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the NMSU Recital Hall, Las Cruces.
Classical works will include Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantasy as well as Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise, and Sonata No. 2 by Dello Joio. Jazz selections will feature Delony’s arrangement of Afternoon in Paris, and a movement from a jazz dance suite by David Baker. Virtuoso tubist Jim Shearer will join Delony for a tuba/piano finale, including Manhattan Hoedown.
Deloney is the Barineau Professor of Keyboard Studies and Professor of Jazz Studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. His concert explorations of the jazz and classical piano worlds are showcased in a recent recording of music by American composers entitled “Double Dance – Classical and Jazz Connections II,” released by Centaur Records in 2008.
Tickets are $8 ($5 students and seniors), available at the door or Ticketmaster outlets. Information: (575) 646-1420 or panam.nmsu.edu.
Tularosa Basin Wine & Music Fest — The 3rd annual event takes place 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21, at Alameda Park Zoo, 1321 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the gate. Information: TularosaBasinWineFest.com.
Wine tasting begins at noon, featuring New Mexico wines from seven vineyards. The festival also offers arts and crafts and food vendors.
Entertainment schedule:
Saturday: Silver Dunes Dance Troupe, noon; Rich Chorne Band, 1:15 p.m.; Nosotros, 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Border Roots, 11 a.m., Gregg Cropp & Texas Alibi, 2 p.m., Billy Townes, 4:30 p.m.
White Sands Hot Air Balloon Invitational — The 16th annual ballooning event featuring around 50 hot air balloons is 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21, at White Sands National Monument and locations in Alamogordo. Launches begin at sunrise both days. Park entrance fee: $3 (free for ages 15 and younger). Information: (575) 679-2599 or 1-800-826-0294.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts — The hard rock legend concludes the Ruidoso Downs summer concert series at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino in Ruidoso Downs, N.M. The concert is in conjunction with the Aspen Motorcycle Rally.
Tickets: $20, $25, $30 and $50. Information: (575) 378-4140.
Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally — The 38th annual rally is Sept. 17-21 in Ruidoso. The rally includes a trade show, bike judging, tours, golf tournament, parade, stunt show and other events at Ruidoso Downs Sports Theater Complex. The rally is sponsored by the American Motorcycle Association National Road Riding Convention. Registration: $40 by Sept. 1; $45 at the gate ($2 discount for AMA members). Information: (800) 452-8045, (575) 378-4140 or motorcyclerally.com.
This year’s events include a concert by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at 8 p.m. Saturday at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. Ticket information: (575) 378-4140.
Registration opens at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Poker runs begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hospitality area opens at 8 p.m. for riders.
The trade show is 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. An Observed Trails Exhibition is 11:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday in the vendor area. Admission: $5.
Field games and events begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
CMA Non-Denominational Church services are 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The Queen and King Contest is 4 p.m. Thursday.
Final Awards Ceremony is 5 p.m. Saturday.
An MSF “advanced motorcycle riders course” is offered daily at Ruidoso Convention Center. Cost: $65 per rider.
The Golden Aspen Rally Motorcycle Parade is 10 a.m. Saturday, down Sudderth and Hwy 70.
Lumberjack Day — The annual day-long event is Saturday, Sept. 20 in Zenith Park, Cloudcroft, with axe throw and standing block chop and “hot saw” competitions, demonstrations and more. Visitors can come test their own lumberjack skills. Admission is free. Information: (575) 682-2733.
Gila River Festival — The Gila Conservation Coalition will host its 4th annual river festival Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 18-21, in Silver City, the Gila Cliff Dwellings and Cliff-Gila Valley, N.M. to celebrate and raise awareness of the Gila River. Events include guided tours, nature walks, demonstrations, art workshops and more. Information: (575) 538-8078 or gilaconservation.org.
El Paso Scene
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09/02/08 - 09/07/08
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