August 2010
Music and Comedy Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
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.
• July 30 — La Imperial Sonora (Latin cumbia)
• Aug. 6 — Aztec Zodiac (jazz/funk/Latin)
• Aug. 13 — PT and the Cruisers (easy listening)
• Aug. 20 — Mike Hamilton (jazz)
• Aug. 27 — Radio La Chusma (Latin reggae/world)
• Sept. 3 — Marcelo & Friends (salsa/Latin)
• Sept. 10 — Fungi Mungle (70’s rock/disco/funk)
Music Under the Stars — The 27th summer concert series, 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, through Aug. 15, at the Chamizal National Memorial amphitheater, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission is free. Information: 541-4481 (MCAD), 532-7273 (Chamizal) or elpasoartsandculture.org.
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.
• Aug. 1 — Hot Club of Cowtown (Western Swing)
• Aug. 8 — Azucar (Salsa and Merengue)
• Aug. 15 — Mariachi Los Toritos.
Phillipe Bertaud - The internationally renowned guitarist performs 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, at the Hillsboro Community Center in Hillsboro, N.M.
Bertaud is commonly referred to as “the New Lord of the Strings” by the press and defined by his peers as “one of the finest acoustic fingerstylists on the international scene today.” Refreshments will be served. A $5 donation is requested at the door. Information: (575) 895-5797.
Southwest Regional Folk Alliance — A special one-day event for the Southwestern music community is 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Hotel Paisano, 207 North Highland in Marfa, Texas, with around 200 artists, venue representatives, agents, managers, and others from the music business attending. Lunch provided at noon for $5 per person; proceeds benefit SWRFA conference scholarships. Information: 1-800-262-7910 or swrfita.org.
An open mic program is Friday evening, Aug. 6, at the hotel.
Tribute band concerts — Hotrods and Wheels, 1510 Bengal, hosts a series of monthly tribute band concerts over the next few months. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; ages 21 and older welcome. Tickets: $10 per show. Information: 591-7637.
• Aug. 6-7 — Metallica Tribute
• Sept. 3-4 — AC/DC Tribute
‘Carnival Familiar’ — The music festival begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld, 8804 S. Desert, Anthony, Texas. Information: 886-2222 or wetwild.com.
Featured bands are Celso Pino, Michael Pelayo y Su Tuba Nortena, Cumbia Sobre El Rio and Cumbia Arenosa. Also featured is a Mexican Cook Cook-Off, Battle of the Rock N Roll Mariachi Bands and Mexican hat dance competition. Tickets: $15 in advance; available at Wet N Wild or any Western Beverage location.
Kern Place Music in the Park — The Kern Place Association presents the jazz musician Billy Townes at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 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, 731-9956 or kernplace.org.
Riversong Ramblers — The music and comedy group performs Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7-8, at Chartreuse Moose gallery in Ruidoso, N.M., across from the tennis courts on Sudderth Drive. Arts and crafts and food also offered. Information: (505) 990-3550.
‘How To Be A Hit Songwriter’ — Sharon Cobb, 25-year veteran of producing and songwriting in Nashville, will teach a class in commercial songwriting 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 8-Sept. 28, at Unitarian Universalist Community of El Paso, 4425 Byron. Class size is limited; early sign-up encouraged. Admission is free; but donations will be accepted. Information: (615) 491-5000.
Cobb has co-written with Ben Vereen, Steve Cropper, Steve Earle, Bobby Braddock, Bruce Channel, Kix Brooks, and numerous other Number 1 songwriters. She also produced an R&B album on Ben Vereen, and live shows for Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Garry Morris, and written theme songs for two films.
Jazz on the Rocks — The monthly live jazz music series is 8 p.m. the second Thursday of every month May through October, at McKelligon Canyon. The Aug. 12 concert features Allan Vache and Friends. Seating open three hours prior to showtime. Tickets: $9 in advance; $10 day of show, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster). Season ticket packages: $40. Information: jazzelpaso.org.
2010 Soldier Show — The variety show performed by soldiers to soldiers and the El Paso and Fort Bliss communities is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13-14. The live musical revue showcases the talents of active duty Soldiers who are selected by audition from throughout the Army. They are amateur artists who have a passion for music, dance and performing. They come from infantry, transportation, military police, medical, intelligence, aviation, signal and other tactical units. Admission is free. Advance tickets available at the ITR Building 1743 on Fort Bliss. Tickets not required for entry, but ticket holders will be seated first. Information: 568-7506 or blissmwr.com.
El Paso Friends of Jazz — The society will meet at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at Dominic’s Italian Restaurant, 6901 Montana. Live music by Curt Warren and Friends follows brief announcements. Guests and visitors welcome. Admission is free; food and beverages available a la Carte. Information: 592-1357 or elpasofriendsofjazz.org.
Marfa Jazz Festival — The 2nd annual festival is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-29, at the Crowley Theatre and Padre’s Marfa, both on W. El Paso Street in Marfa, Texas. Information: (432) 432-386-6282 or padresmarfa.com.
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.
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 Franklins 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.
• Friday, July 30 — Inolvidable
• Saturday, July 31 — Asi
• Sunday, Aug. 1 — Mariachi Femenil Las Caponeras
• Friday, Aug. 6 - Rhapsody
• Saturday, Aug. 7 - Destiny
• Sunday, Aug. 8 - Mariachi Los Galleros
• Friday, Aug. 13 - Tejas
• Saturday, Aug. 14 - Algo Nuevo
• Sunday, Aug. 15 - Mariachi Flores Mexicanas
• Friday, Aug. 20 - Ekiz
• Saturday, Aug. 21 - Bosse
• Sunday, Aug. 22 - Mariachi Alegre
• Friday, Aug. 27 - Los Dukes
• Saturday, Aug. 28 - Inolvidable
• Sunday, Aug. 29 - Mariachi Real de Jalisco.
The Percolator — 217 N. Stanton. Live music events are scheduled regularly at downtown cafe and gallery. Information: 351-4377 or myspace.com/thepercolator915.
• Corima and Remainder, 8 p.m. Friday, July 30.
• The Lusitania, Alister M and more, 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5.
• Ralpheene — 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6.
• Chris Johnson “Happy Birthday? – 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7.
• Amanda Brinegar fundraiser art and music event is 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8.
• Sideshow, Tragedy, 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.
• Abraham Fragoso’s art music show, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13.
• CJ Boys, JM Hastey, & Justin, 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21.
• Archaeology – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24.
• Chris Johnson and Titus Andronicus — 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2.
• Thriftstore Cowboys and Jack Hearn Lusitania — 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4.
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, Aug. 1, Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 14.
Music in the Park — The Las Cruces summer concert series is 7 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 22, featuring both local and guest artists. No pets allowed. Admission is free. Information: (575) 541-2200 or las-cruces.org.
All August concerts are at Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada:
• Aug. 1 — Azucar (Latin jazz/salsa) and Red Hot & Red (jazz)
• Aug. 8 — NM Symphony Brass Quintet and Madera Winds chamber music
• Aug. 15 — Crystal Ship (60s and British Invasion rock and Los Changos Del Mar (surf music).
• Aug. 22 — The James Douglas Show from Los Angeles (funk/R&B) and Nosotros (Latin rock).
Howling Coyote — The open mic venue for musicians, poets, writers, storytellers and performance artists is 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 and 20, at First Christian Church, 1809 El Paseo, Las Cruces, across from Las Cruces High School. Performer sign-up is 6:30 p.m. with cut-off after 18 performers have signed up. Each performer has ten minutes on stage. Musicians are limited to two songs. Open jam session after last performance (optional). Coffee, soft drinks and light snacks provided. Admission is free, but donations welcome. Information: howling-coyote.net, or Bob Burns, (575) 525-9333 or (915) 799-5684.
Padre’s Marfa — 209 W. El Paso Street in Marfa, Texas. The West Texas venue hosts regional and national acts. Information: 432-729-4425 or padresmarfa.com.
• Doug Moreland — 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, performing dancehall music with a lead steel-guitar.
• Allen Oldies Band — 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, as part of the club’s 2nd annual Oldies Fest.
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.
• Aug 8 — Tocanta at Shawver Park, 652 Riverside.
• Aug 22 — Brittney Gamboa and Mariachi Cuauhtemoc at Eastwood Park.
Zin Valle Free Music Sundays — Zin Valle vineyard, 7315 Hwy 28 in Canutillo (3/4 mile north of FM 259), hosts free live music 1 to 4 p.m. on selected Sundays. Guests may bring a picnic, and enjoy wine tastings. Information: 877-4544 or zinvalle.com.
• Aug. 8 — Dusty Low
• Aug. 22 — James Springer
‘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.
• Aug. 10 — Clarinet Quartet
• Aug. 24 — East Mesa.
Tailgate 2010 — The annual outdoor jazz 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 6:45 to 7:45 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.
• Aug. 14 — Ron Helman Jazz Ensemble
• Aug. 28 — Bert Dolton Trio with Special Guest
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 four-part barbershop harmony, musical education, and community involvement.
Travel Mug Open Mike Night — The Travel Mug, 7040 N. Mesa (in Colony Cove), presents open mic performance 7 to 10 p.m. every Thursday, hosted by Robert Arroyo and Sam Barlow Band. Performers are welcome to come sign up before 6 p.m. Thursdays. Admission is free. Information: Vanessa, 238-2229.
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.
Comedy
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, unless listed otherwise. Reserved tickets at ticketweb.com. Information/reservations: 779-LAFF (5233) or laff2nite.com.
Carlos Mencia, the comic behind Comedy Central’s hit show “Mind of Mencia” will give a rare comedy club appearance at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10. Tickets: $30, plus service fees.
• July 28-Aug. 1 — Elliott Threatt. A nationally touring headliner, Threatt has also acted on “Days of Our Lives” the movie “Article 99” and the afterschool special “The Children will Lead.” His “Biscuits Made From Scratch” CD was nominated for a Grammy Award. Feature act is David Kious.
• Aug. 4-8 — Co-Headliners
Steve Flye and Mo Amer.
• Aug. 11-15 — Adam Hunter. Hunter was a top eight finalist on last season’s “Last Comic Standing.” He was also the subject of the MTV show “True Life: I am a Comic.” Feature act is Cristela Alonzo.
• Aug. 18-22 – Edwin San Juan. San Juan has entertained troops on the USO tour, “Around the World in Eight Days” and is a regular on cable stand-up comedy shows. Feature act is Juan Garcia.
• Aug. 25-29 — Jason Collings. A native of Long Beach, Calif. Collings has toured with Carlos Mencia and Jo Koy. Feature act is Dino Archie.
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).
Border Beats
Recently added to the El Paso playlist:
‘Blood and Candle Smoke’ by Tom Russell (Shout Factory). Russell is another example of El Paso extreme talent, but in this case El Paso can’t take credit for his birth. It took Russell about 50 years to find his way here, making the Upper Valley his home base while touring around the world. Russell is a folk/country singer-songwriter best known for ballads such as “Outbound Plane” and “Gallo del Cielo” that were made into hits by other singers . His El Paso years have been particularly productive — his critically acclaimed folk cycle CD, “The Man from God Knows Where” came out in 1999 and his latest, “Blood and Candle Smoke” is the 10th album during the past 10 years. In this CD, his first set of original songs under the Shout label, Russell draws from some of his early years growing up in the turbulent 1960s “East of Woodstock, West of Viet Nam,” studying criminology and teaching in Africa, as well as the influences of living on the border. Russell fans can catch some of these songs in person Nov. 6 and 7, when he performs in Silver City and Las Cruces.
— Randy Limbird
“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,
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Copyright 2010 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