July 2009
Music and Comedy Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
Molotov Compromise -- The Houston band performs an all ages show at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Uncle Paulie’s Pub, 126 Shadow Mountain, with El Paso bands Fixed Idea, Radio La Chusma and Hot Rod Boogie. Also featured is an appearance by the roller derby team Sun City Rollergirls. Admission: $5. Information: 832-9570.
Tailgate 2009 -- The annual outdoor concert series in Alamogordo, N.M., is a fundraiser for the Flickinger Center. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. on various Saturdays throughout the summer in the upper parking lot at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Patrons should bring their own food, lawn chair and beverages. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. Patrons must remain in park until 10 p.m. Parking spot season reservations: $150 (usually sell out early). Weekly spaces are $30, if available. Walk-up admission: $7. Information: (575) 437-2202 or flickingercenter.com.
-- June 27 -- Michale Francis Trio and Judy
-- July 11 -- Preston Eldridge - Country
-- July 25 -- Effigy (rock and roll)
-- Aug. 8 -- NM Sax Quartet (jazz)
-- Aug. 22 -- Earl and the Dynamics (jazz/blues).
Martha Reich -- Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, presents the Santa Fe-based singer/songwriter as part of its Desert Crossing Live series 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Reich’s musical roots began with “air guitar,” a year of classical guitar lessons at age 12, and being self-taught thereafter. Her guitar playing possesses complex rhythms, interesting chord progressions and open tunings, intertwined by an angelic voice. Admission is free; food and drinks available for purchase. Ages 21 and older welcome. Information/reservations: (575) 589-0653, ext. 3.
Music Under the Stars -- The 26th annual summer concert Music Under the Stars World Festival, presented by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, features local and international performers 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays, June 28 and July 12-Aug. 16, at the Chamizal National Memorial amphitheater, 800 S. San Marcial. No concert July 5. Admission is free. Information: 541-4481 or elpasotexas.gov/mcad.
Music Under the Stars fans often come early for picnics and cookouts. Lawn chairs and blankets are the norm, and grills are available -- as are food and drink booths. Grills permitted in park, but not within the amphitheater itself. No glass containers or pets permitted at park.
Free park-and-ride shuttles available from El Paso Zoo to Chamizal and depart regularly 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Sunday schedule (bands subject to change):
-- June 28 -- Texas Alibi (country)
-- July 12 -- Del Castillo (Latin rock)
-- July 19 -- KISS Mania (KISS tribute band)
-- July 26 -- Lascivious Biddies (cocktail pop)
-- Aug. 2 -- Border Roots (reggae)
-- Aug. 9 -- Windy City (Chicago tribute band)
-- Aug. 16 -- Noche Ranchera with the Mariachi Tapatio El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra.
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra performs patriotic selections during a special Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular performance Saturday, July 4.
State Line Music -- West Texas Food Bank and State Lane BBQ, 1222 Sunland Park Drive presents the Rudolph Chevrolet-Honda outdoor concert series 8 to 10 p.m. every other Wednesday through August, featuring artists of a variety of musical genres, including up-and-comers to well-known performers. Admission is free; all customers asked to bring non-perishable food donation or monetary donation for the West Texas Food Bank. Information: WTxFoodBank.org.
-- July 1 -- Stony LaRue
-- July 15 -- Band of Heathens
-- July 22 -- Micky & the Motorcars.
Danny Santos - The Austin-based singer/songwriter performs a free concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces. His music melds the inspiration of his Tejano heritage, and a musical legacy ranging from Hank Williams to the Beatles, to create a unique mix of country/folk tinged with bluegrass and the blues. Santos will have recordings of his music available for sale at the concert. Information: dannysantosmusic.com.
For concert information: Mark Pendleton, (575) 528-4001. For disability accommodation, call (575) 528-4005 or (575) 528-4008 TTY 48 hours in advance.
Zin Valle Musical Sundays -- Zin Valle vineyard, 7315 Hwy 28 in Canutillo (3/4 mile north of FM 259), hosts live music 1 to 4 p.m. every other Sunday in the spring and summer months. Guests may bring a picnic. Admission is free. Information: 877-4544 or zinvalle.com.
Upcoming performers are Dan Lambert Trio (July 5 and Aug. 16), Julio Ortiz (July 19) and Greg Gonzalez (Aug. 2).
Outdoor Concerts at the Plaza -- The City Parks & Recreation Department free family-oriented summer lunchtime concert series concludes with a performance by Jacquelina Mata noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at San Jacinto Plaza, 111 Mills, Downtown. Information: 252-9031 or 240-3310.
Jazz on the Rocks -- The monthly live jazz music series is 8 p.m. the second Thursday of every month June through October, at McKelligon Canyon. The July 9 concert features Ruben Gutierrez and Latin Jazz Exchange. Seating open three hours prior to showtime. Tickets: $9, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster). Information: jazzelpaso.org.
Alfresco! Fridays -- The outdoor concert series’ 7th season is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 28, at Arts Festival Plaza (between El Paso Museum of Art and Plaza Theatre). The free Downtown concerts highlight some of El Paso’s most talented musicians in a variety of genres. 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 musicunderthestars.net.
-- July 10 -- Raw Deal (rockabilly)
-- July 17 -- Marcelo y Friends (Latin/salsa)
-- July 24 -- Captain Radio (classic rock)
-- July 31 -- Brown Betty (rock)
-- Aug. 7 -- Slackabilly (rockabilly)
-- Aug. 14 -- Exito (Latin/Tejano)
-- Aug. 21 -- Liquid Skin (adult contemporary)
-- Aug. 28 -- Route 66 (classic rock)
Kern Place Music in the Park -- The Kern Place Association presents 1970s rock with Fungi Mungle 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 11, as part of its summer-long music series in Madeline Park, 900 Baltimore. Bring a lawn chair, blanket or picnic basket. Admission is free. Information: 588-5827 or kernplace.org.
La Viña’s Music On the Patio -- La Viña Winery in La Union, 4201 S. NM Highway 28, one mile north of Vinton Road, hosts live music 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on selected Saturdays and Sundays featuring folk, country and rock ‘n’ roll from “Live By Request.” Picnics are allowed, but beverages must be purchased from the winery. Admission is free. Information: (575) 882-7632.
Upcoming performances are Sunday, July 12, Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 26.
Melodies at the Park -- El Paso Parks and Recreation hosts the free outdoor summer music concert series, 7 to 9 p.m. every other Sunday, through Aug. 23, at various area parks. Information: Eliseo Duran, 252-9031 or Sandy Rodriguez, 240-3310.
Upcoming shows:
-- July 12 -- Tocanta at Marty Robbins Park, 11600 Vista del Sol
-- July 26 -- Cantina Flys at San Jacinto Plaza, 111 Mills, Downtown.
-- Aug. 9 -- Sobredosis Del Sabor at Eastwood Park
-- Aug. 23 -- Midnight Mist Band at Shawver Park, 652 Riverside.
Music in the Park -- The Las Cruces summer concert series is 7 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 30. No pets allowed. Admission is free. Information: (575) 541-2200 or las-cruces.org. Upcoming concerts:
All July concerts at Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada:
-- July 12 -- Nuevo Sol (rock/soul) and Melanie Zippen & The Z Factor (folk rock)
-- July 19 -- Two Lane Highway (soul, R&B) and Oldies But Goodies(oldies/doo-wop).
-- July 26 -- John DeHoyos Band (blues, country, folk) and Steve Smith & Hard Road (bluegrass).
All August concerts at Apodaca Park, 801 E. Madrid:
-- Aug. 2 -- La Cella Bella (pop chamber music) and Tuco John (jazz, old rock, soul).
-- Aug. 9 -- Bob & Melody Burns (Americana), folk duo John & Jonni and Long Gone Trio (rock-a-billy)
-- Aug. 16 -- The Next Chapter (Americana, roots music) and The Deming Fusiliers (bluegrass).
-- Aug. 23 -- The Limeliters (folk, rock, oldies) and Sweet Wednesday (modern folk).
-- Aug. 30 -- Phat Soul (soul, funk, disco) and Souled Out (soul, R&B, Motown).
‘Jazz at the Track’ -- JazzElPaso Connection presents 3 Per Taxi at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino’s Franklin Lounge. Admission is free; drink specials available. Information: 317-5503 or jazzelpaso.org.
Bluegrass Festival -- The 14th annual festival is 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Old Weed School Gym in Weed, N.M. The event offers continuous live music, food, arts and crafts, plus entertainment for kids. Master of Ceremonies is Kim Chesser, with featured bands Blue Sky Country, Vintage, Mercedes Bluegrass, Simple Gifts, Texas Country, Odyssey Bluegrass and Coyote Crossing Bluegrass Band. Admission: $12 (children admitted free). Information: (575) 687-3680 or (575) 687-3611.
A Friday night jam is also planned. Call for details.
Sunday morning gospel cowboy worship is 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is free.
To get there: take Hwy 130, turn right at Cloudcroft, and follow the signs to Weed, which is 23 miles southeast of Cloudcroft.
Cowboy Floyd -- The rock, pop and funk deejay performs 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, at 32 Degrees Night Club, 3233 N. Mesa. Admission is free. Information: 276-2866.
Verse and Harmony open mic -- The evening of poetry and music is 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Lozada Studio Cafe, 1188 N. Yarbrough (at Vista del Sol). Poet and musician sign-up at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free; $5 minimum food/drink purchase requested. Information: 590-3183, elp.spokenword@att.net or verseandharmony.blogspot.com.
Five minute allotment per poet, and two or three songs per musician (bring 1/4” cable, if needed). P.A. provided. Acoustic groups only, due to space limitation.
Mariachi Fest -- Many of the area’s best mariachi bands will perform 2 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. The event features live music on two stages, amateur and professional competitions and local food vendors. Admission is free. Information: (575) 874-5200.
Performers are Los Toritos, Real De Jalisco, Alegre, Los Caponeras, Son De Mexico, Flores Mexicanas, Los Galleros and Tapatio, as well as Folklorico Dancers and Matachines.
El Paso Friends of Jazz -- The society’s monthly meeting is 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at Paco Wong’s Chinese Restaurant, 7111 N. Mesa. Live music by the Heads Up Jazz Quartet with Dave Borrego follows brief announcements. Guests and visitors welcome. Admission is free; food and beverages available a al carte. Information: 592-1357 or elpasofriendsofjazz.org.
Café Quetzalcoatl -- Centro del Salud Familiar La Fe, Inc.’s monthly poetry, arts, live music and culture series is 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 31, at La Fe Cultural and Technology Center, 721 S. Ochoa (rear building). A different presenter is featured each month, followed by an open-mic poetry session. Admission is free. Information: 533-6805.
Café Quetzalcoatl is named for the Aztec god of culture, family and divine justice.
El Paso Blues Society -- The informal gathering of blues fans is 8 p.m. every Wednesday, at Cockpit Lounge, 9828 Montana, Suite D. Musicians should bring their own gear and know how to play 12-bar blues. Bass rigs and drums provided. Information: Jim Murphy, 526-0719 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino -- Live music is offered, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sundays in the Franklin’s Lounge. No cover. Information: (575) 874-5200.
Disco with local DJs is 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke offered with Antonio B 8 p.m. to midnight every Thursday. Weekly winners receive gift bag with prizes.
Jazz Nights return for the summer months at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. The July 14 performers are 3 Per Taxi.
-- Friday, July 3 – Tejas
-- Saturday, July 4 – The Starliners
-- Sunday, July 5 – Mariachi Los Toritos
-- Friday, July 10 – Algo Nuevo
-- Saturday, July 11 – Asi
-- Sunday, July 12 – Mariachi Los Galleros
-- Friday, July 17 – Ekiz
-- Saturday, July 18 – Last Minute
-- Sunday, July 19 – Mariachi Fest, 2 to 7:30 p.m.
-- Friday, July 24 – Los Dukes
-- Saturday, July 25 – Little Mike & The Blue Kings
-- Sunday, July 26 – Mariachi Femenil Las Caponeras
-- Friday, July 31 – Rhapsody
-- Saturday, Aug. 1 – Soul Box
-- Sunday, Aug. 2 – Mariachi Flores Mexicanas.
‘Every Other Tuesday’ at the Rio Grande Theatre -- Doña Ana Arts Council hosts a variety of musical performances 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every other Tuesday at the historic Rio Grande Theatre, 211 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Admission is free. Information: (575) 523-6403 or riograndetheatre.com.
-- July 14 -- Doug Randle, guitar and vocals.
-- July 28 -- La Cella Bella, women’s cello quartet.
Folk Fury -- KTEP, 88.5 FM, features three hours of acoustic and folk music -- with an emphasis on recordings by local musicians and occasional live appearances by them -- from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays. Hosts are Dan Alloway and Gregg Carthy. Requests: 747-5153.
Border Chorders -- The El Paso men’s barbershop and a cappella group rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at University Presbyterian Church, 244 N. Resler. Director is Anthony Bartholomew. Singers in all male vocal ranges welcome. Information: Ron Dettman, 203-2487 or borderchorders.org.
The Border Chorders are the El Paso chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Sungold Chorus -- The El Paso Sungold Chorus of the Sweet Adelines, under the direction of Lanny Desautels, rehearses at 7 p.m. Mondays at All Saints Church, 3500 McRae. All ladies interested in making good friends and good music are invited. Information: Jeanette, 778-7503.
The women’s chorus is dedicated to the performance of barbershop harmony, musical education, and community involvement.
Comedy
Comedy nights -- Sun City Comedy hosts local standup comedy 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays at the British Bulldog Pub, 1201 Bob Hope. Admission varies depending on performer. Information: 408-2511 or suncitycomedy.com.
Wednesday Night Comedy open mic events are 9:30 p.m. to midnight every Wednesday at Maverick’s, 6999 Montana. Limited to five comics per night. Admission is free.
El Paso Comic Strip -- 1201 Airway. Shows are at 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Military admitted free Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets: $6 Wednesday through Thursday; $12 Friday and Saturday, $8 Sunday. Reserved tickets at ticketweb.com. Club closed July 1-5. Information/reservations: 779-LAFF (5233) or laff2nite.com.
-- July 8-12 -- Shang, with guest Dave Lease. Originally from Brooklyn, Shang has a dark, avant-garde, socio-political style that has made him a favorite in the underground performance scene. This fall, Shang will be on MTV’s “The Ed Lover & Dr Dre Show.” He also appeared in the movie “Heat” with Robert Deniro.
-- Wednesday, July 15 -- Open mic night. Everyone who brings five guests gets five minutes at the mic.
-- July 16-18 -- Angelah Johnson, in her first El Paso appearance. Johnson’s comedic videos went viral in 2007, and “Nail Salon” was one of the most viewed YouTube and Google videos of the year. She co-starred with Gabrielle Union in the feature film “The Box” and recently joined the cast of FOX’s MADtv.
-- July 22-26 -- BT. This “Okie from Muskogee” has performed in more than 43 states, three countries, and has been seen in numerous television shows.
-- July 29-Aug 2 -- Tom Rhodes. Rhodes starred of the sit-com “Mr. Rhodes” and is currently host of Dutch television’s “Kevin Masters starring Tom Rhodes,” featuring an American in Dutch culture and society.
Comedy at the Centennial -- The Centennial Club, Biggs Army Airfield, continues its live entertainment series with a night of comedy featuring stand-ups Will Marfoni and Kevin Bozeman and troupe the Dysfunctional Romantics Friday, July 17, as part of its Centennial Concert Series. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets: $12 ($10 military ID holders). Ages 18 and older welcome. Information: 568-7503 or blissmwr.com.
Upcoming concert series events include Variety night (Aug. 28), and Hip-Hop/R&B night (Oct. 16).
Laugh Inn Comedy Club -- Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, N.M. (near Ruidoso), hosts a weekly comedy lineup at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Club 49. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets; $5 at the door. Age 21 and older welcome. Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com.
Charlie Murphy -- The well-known stand-up comic performs at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13-15, at El Paso Comic Strip, 1201 Airway, with opening act Freeze Luv. General admission: $22.50 Thursday; $27.50 Friday and Saturday. Reserved seats: $25 Thursday; $30 Friday and Saturday. Reserved tickets at ticketweb.com. Information/reservations: 779-LAFF (5233) or laff2nite.com.
Border Beats
Recently added to the El Paso playlist:
“Kivvunin,” Larry Bach. El Paso Rabbi Larry Bach’s new CD, translated as “directions” or “intentions,” is aptly named, as it carries a definite directive motive. The two most notable songs book-end the CD, including the bilingual, folksy opening track “Ki Eshm’ra Shabbat,” that leads off with Bach’s Dylan-inspired harmonica and lyrics reflecting the importance of the Shabbat (Sabbath). Most of the songs that follow have a consistent, easy-sounding rhythm, serving as mini-sermons based on Hebrew text and common sense values that could we well-heed by persons of all faiths, especially Jewish listeners and Christians who haven’t forgotten the importance of the Old Testament teachings.
One of the catchier songs is “Lullaby,” an English arrangement by Bach of a Hebrew-language song. The repetitive nature-inspired lyrics and flowing beat make it a nice sing-a-long for both youth and adults.
He saves his most personal work, however, for last in “Bob Dylan Came to Town.” In Bach’s reimagining of “The Night Hank Williams Came to Town,” his long-time music idol performs in concert a short distance from his home...on Erev Pesach, a sacred time that ushers in the Passover. Bach’s kind voice and clean guitar complements each other, and if this CD’s “intention” was to give to give the listener a sense of calm, it certainly did the trick.
-- Lisa Kay Tate
“Songs of Ascent,” Ellen M. Wilson. Wilson’s collection of Hebrew and English language songs, many inspired by verses from the Psalms and other books, sounds as home in the Southwest as it would in the mountainous Middle East. The easy-going instrumentals range from solemn piano and flute to jazzier saxophone, all accompanied by Wilson’s clear, silky voice (with accompaniment by guest vocalist Cantor Robbie Sherwin) to give an ethereal appeal. It would be hard not to sit though flowing melodies such as “Shir Chadash (A New Song)” or the closer “Oseah Shalom (Grant Peace)” and not feel at peace. It would be too easy to compare Wilson’s sound to that of the Celtic-based vocalists such as Enya or Loreena McKennitt, but Wilson adds a touch of the desert and her own, rich Jewish heritage to the mix giving “Songs of Ascent” both regional and global appeal.
-- “Thank You,” George Arriola. (Vyking Recordings). This local award-winning singer and composer has been celebrated for instrumental, vocal and writing capability. He new vocal CD is a precursor to his soon-to-be-released progressive instrumental rock CD “All I Wanna Do.” This laidback (albeit brief) EP reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s soft rock stylings. “For Love” in particular flows like a romantic walk on the beach. None of the songs struck me as stand-outs, but considering what we are listening to is all George, the musical ability is pretty darn impressive.
-- Glenn Leffler, “Acoustic Journey,” Adventures in Solo Guitar.” Leffler’s thoughtful nature and faith are evident selections from the flowing opener, “Pandora’s Box” to the slightly perkier “Pop’s Rag.” The songs are consistent and clean throughout. There are no surprises on this album, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, making this a good choice for the office or early morning back porch lounging.
-- La Guitarra presents Mario Otero, “Down at the Pass.” Otero has a great way of combining the gritty edge of the border with the disciplined sound of classical guitar. The clever narrative at throughout is a suitable tribute to Robert Rodriguez’s “El Mariachi” Trilogy, followed by a series of regionally inspired tunes like the grito-infused “Bandito Concierto” and the heart-breaking bilingual lament of “The Children of Juarez.” Although, honestly, I prefer the instrumentals on this offering, especially the brief “La Vienta” reunion featuring Otero and Stefan Schyga.
-- Stefan Schyga -- “A Winter Romance.” It has been far too long since Schyga has released a solo CD, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Packed with 15 instrumental flamenco-inspired tracks, standouts include the jazzy, mystical “Niko” (joined by Otero) the snaky rhythms of “Bossamenco” and the exotic, percussion-fused “Streets of Marrakech.”
-- Lisa Kay Tate
El Paso Scene MONTHLY
This month's listings,
stories and columnsFeature story
Copyright 2009 by Cristo Rey Communications.
Roundup
Music
Dance
Here's the Ticket
Program Notes
On Stage
Sports
Southwest Art Scene
At the Museum
History Lessons
Nature
Film Scene
Keep on Bookin'
Becoming Bicultural
Liner Notes
Stage Talk
Gallery Talk
Better Parenting