February 2010
Music and Comedy Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
El Paso Blues Society — The informal gathering of blues fans is 8 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at King’s X, 4119 N. Mesa. Blues fans get together to discuss blues-related news followed by a “blues” jam session hosted by Austin Jimmy Murphy. Drums, bass rig and PA provided. Guitarists must bring their own amp and guitar. Bass players bring own bass. Blues only. Admission is free; sign-in required. Information: Jim Murphy, 526-0719 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).
Bob Marley’s Birthday Tribute Parties — Birthday tributes to the reggae legend are planned at East Side and West Side locations, featuring live music, and a special donation jar for Haitians. Guests are invited to bring posters, banners, photos and more of Marley to be part of a “Live Shrine.”
• Eastside event is 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Zen Meister, 1160 Airway, with Radio La Chusma, Border Roots, Fixed Idea, Ras Scandal, Valley Rats, Liquid Cheese and more. Fans are invited to come on stage and read a poem about Marley. Admission by donation to Haiti assistance. Information: 778-1089
• Westside event is 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Bombardier’s, 109 Castellano, with Radio La Chusma, Border Roots and Mane Street Group. Admission: $8. Information: 532-2292.
Howling Coyote — The open mic venue for musicians, poets, writers, storytellers and performance artists is 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 and 19, 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 snacks provided. Admission is free, but donations welcome. Information: howling-coyote.net, or Bob Burns, (575) 525-9333 or (915) 799-5684.
Howling Coyote celebrates its 5th Anniversary Feb. 5 as part of For The Love of Art Month.
Applejack Band — The El Paso folk band performs a dinner show Saturday, Feb. 6, at La Tierra Cafe, 1731 Montana. Dinner served at 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Cost: $32, reservations required. Information: 592-5122 or (575) 541-1992.
Reggae Thursdays — Zen Meister Bar, 1160 Airway, hosts local, regional, national and international reggae acts 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Thursdays. Admission: $8. Information: 778-1089 or 433-5614.
• Feb. 4 — Bob Marley Birthday Tribute Show and “Live Shrine”
• Feb. 11 — Ras Scandal Live Dub and Zen Dub Unit
• Feb. 18 — Radio La Chusma & Friends
• Feb. 25 — Zen Dub Unit, Acoustic Roots and DJ selector.
West Side Bohemians — The new El Paso music trio performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the new Travel Mug Coffee, 4070 Mesa, Suite F (next to Albertson’s). The trio, consisting of “The Skipper,” “Professor” and “MaryAnne” on 12-string, cello and vocals, perform in English and Portuguese and describe their sound as “sultry, jazzy, elegant and haunting.” Information: 202-1775 or WSideBohemians@aol.com.
Padres Marfa — 209 W. El Paso Street in Marfa, Texas. Information: 432-729-4425 or padresmarfa.com.
• The Resonators — 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, playing a mix of oldies, classic rock, conjunto and cumbias. Admission: $7.
• Punk Rock Night — 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, with S.P.I.C., The Strange Boys and Chain and the Gang. Admission: $5.
Burnsland/Back Porch KRWG Benefit Fundraiser — 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. KRWG radio personalities and popular local musicians Bob Burns and Benjy Rivas will take the Rio Grande Theatre stage for a special concert to benefit the NPR affiliate. Burns is the host of the weekly program “Burnsland.” Rivas is the host of the weekly program “The Back Porch” and can play just about every musical instrument imaginable, usually with his roots ensemble the BBR Band. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door for adults; $7.50 in advance, $10 at the door for young adults; Free for children under 6. Information or reservations: (575) 646-2222.
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.
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. No bands Sunday due to Super Bowl. Information: (575) 874-5200.
The Sunland Showcase of performers is 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.
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, Feb. 5 — Algo Nuevo
• Saturday, Feb. 6 — Ekiz
• Friday, Feb. 12 — Rhapsody
• Saturday, Feb. 13 — The Starliners
• Sunday, Feb. 14 — Mariachi Las Caponeras
• Friday, Feb. 19 — Havanah Feeling
• Saturday, Feb. 20 — River City
• Sunday, Feb. 21 — Mariachi Los Galleros
• Friday, Feb. 26 — Los Dukes
• Saturday, Feb. 27 — Sonny Powell
• Sunday, Feb. 28 — Mariachi Tapatio.
‘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.
• Feb. 9 — Blues Messiah
• Feb. 23 — Doug Randall.
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
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.
• Jan. 27-31 — Co-headliners Edwin San Juan and Yoursie Thomas. San Juan toured with the USO and has made several TV appearances. He is also the grand champion on UPN’s “Talent Agency” on UPN with 9 consecutive victories.
Thomas is a popular entertainer as part of the U.S. Military MWR program and also has several TV comedy show credits.
• Feb. 3-7 — AJ Jamal, who has been seen on “In Living Color” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” “The Tonight Show.” Feature act is Rene Garcia.
• Feb. 10-14 — Bret Ernst, who has been seen on “Reality Frat House,” “Weeds,” “Chelsea Lately,” “Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show” and “One MIC Stand.” Feature act is Aurelio Bocanegra
• Feb. 17-21 — Alex Ortiz. Ortiz has performed on “Premium Blend,” “Showtime at the Apollo,” Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes” and commercials. Feature act is Shawn Latham.
• Feb. 24-28 — G. Reilly. Reilly has appeared on “Latino Comedy Jam,” “Que Loco’s” and “BET’s Comic View.” Feature act is Polo.
• March 3-7 — BT. BT has appeared on such shows as Sci-Fi’s “Black Scorpions” HBO’s “Suckers.” Feature act is Gretchen Hess.
Comedy nights — Sun City Comedy hosts weekly shows with local comics at 9:30 p.m. Sundays at the New Old Plantation, 301 Ochoa. Ages 18 and older welcome. Admission: $3.
Monthly comedy nights are also planned at Maverick’s Bar and Grill, 6999 Montana. This month’s event is 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.
For other local comedy events, go to suncitycomedy.com.
Bill Maher — The ‘politically incorrect’ comic performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at The Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $45.50-$75.50, plus service charge. sold through 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,
stories and columnsFeature story
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