Plaza Classic Film Festival — The El Paso Community Foundation will host its 3rd annual classic and “semi-classic” movie in The Plaza’s Main Theatre, Philanthropy Theatre and outdoor Festival Plaza Aug. 5-15. Billed as the “world’s largest classic film festival,” movies of all genres will be presented from the golden age of cinema to more recent favorites. Special film talks with celebrities and scholars, live music events are also planned. Age 13 and older only admitted for all R-rated films. Individual tickets available through Ticketmaster. All-festival pass: $150. Information: 533-4020 or plazaclassic.com.
Special guests for the festival include actress Debby Reynolds (who was born in El Paso), film historian Nick Clooney (father of George Clooney) and director Peter Bogdanovich.
Special events:
• “Plaza Days” Open House events are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 5-6, featuring organ music on the full hour and the Western Skies Light Show and cartoon on the half hour. Admission is free.
• The opening night film is the 60th anniversary showing of “Sunset Blvd” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, in the Kendle Kidd Performance Hall with guests actress Nancy Olson Livingston and film historian Nick Clooney. Admission: $20.
• “The Good, The Bad, The Indie v06” showcase of El Paso area shorts at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5. Screenings are preceded by a live concert; artists to be announced. Admission is free.
• A free talk and book signing of “El Paso’s Historic Movie Palaces” with author Cynthia Haines is 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, in the Philanthropy Theatre.
• A screening of the 1952 musical “Singin’ In The Rain” with special guests Debbie Reynolds and Nick Cloony is 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, preceded by a free film talk at 6 p.m. in the Camino Real Dome Bar, 101 S. El Paso. Tickets: $10.
A reception for Debbie Reynolds follows at 9:30 p.m.; location to be determined. Tickets: $15.
• The screening of the restored silent film classic, Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” is 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, in Kendle Kidd Performance Hall, with special live musical accompaniment by The Alloy Orchestra. Tickets: $8. A film talk precedes the screening at 6 p.m. in the Dome Bar.
Kendle Kidd Performance Hall (main theatre) films:
• The African Queen (– 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, preceded by a free film talk at the Dome Bar. $8.
• Saturday Night Fever — 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 (Rated R). Tickets: $6
• The Paleface — 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug 7. Tickets: $4
• The Absent-Minded Professor — 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, with special guest Nancy Olson Livingston. Tickets: $4.
• Picnic — 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. World Premiere of Sony’s restoration. Tickets: $4.
• Easy Rider — 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug 7 (Rated R). Tickets: $6
• The Bridge on the River Kwai — 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8. World premiere of Sony’s restoration. Tickets: $8.
Philanthropy Theatre films (admission is $2):
• Dr. No — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6.
• Heavy Metal — 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 (Rated R).
• A Fistful of Dollars – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug 7.
• Yojimbo — 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug 7.
• Cléo from 5 to 7 — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug 7.
Arts Festival Plaza free outdoor movies are 9 p.m. preceded by live music at 8 p.m.:
• Friday, Aug. 6 — Mel Brooks’ “Silent Movie” with The Lusitania in concert
• Saturday, Aug. 7 — “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Live performer to be announced.
ALSO THIS WEEK
Fiesta de San Lorenzo — The 95th annual celebration at San Lorenzo Catholic Church in Clint is Friday through Sunday Aug. 6-8. One of El Paso County’s oldest traditions, the event includes food, games, rides, matachines, loteria, raffle tickets and live music. The event traditionally attracts more than 10,000 people each day. Admission is free to all events. Information: 851-2255.
Tuesday, Aug. 10, is the Feast Day of San Lorenzo. The traditional procession from San Elizario Parish to the church grounds begins around 4 a.m. with the recitation of the rosary, hymns, and Matachines at the church. A Spanish Mass at dawn with matachines and other festivities throughout the day.
To get there, take the Clint exit from I-10 and follow the Mission Trail signs.
Bugfest! — The El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano, hosts its annual weekend expo Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7-8, with close-up bug encounters, games and activities for the whole family. Zoo admission is $10 for ages 13 to 61; $7.50 for ages 62 and older and active duty military (including spouse) with ID; $6 ages 3 to 12; and free for ages 2 and under. Zoo members admitted free. Information: 532-8156, 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org.
Mexican Food World Cookoff — Saturday, Aug. 7, at Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld in Anthony, Texas. Information: 886-2222 or wetwild.com. Sponsored by KLAQ, KROD, KISS radio stations and El Paso Restaurant Association.
Area restaurants will compete in the following categories: enchiladas, tacos, fajitas and open meat (any Mexican food dish with choice of steak, chicken, shrimp, pork, seafood, etc.). The event also features the Rock N’ Roll Mariachi competition, where area mariachi compete with their traditional sounds plus one mariachi-style rock song.
Admission (with tax): $21.60; $19.43 ages 4-12, $3.19 toddlers age 1-3 (includes swim diaper), $15.10 for picnic only and senior 65 and older. Babies 11 months and younger free. Advance tickets are $15, available at Howdy’s and area restaurants.
Featured bands are Celso Pino, Michael Pelayo y Su Tuba Nortena, Cumbia Sobre El Rio and Cumbia Arenosa.
CONCERTS
Game — The rap artist (formerly known at “The Game”) performs at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at El Paso County Coliseum. As a member of G-Unit, Game rose to fame in 2005 with the success of his debut album, “The Documentary” and two Grammy nominations. Tickets: $20, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster).
Game also has also been nominated for two BET Awards, one MTV Music Award and won the 2005 Billboard Music Award for Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist. His latest single is “Ain’t No Doubt About It” featuring Justin Timberlake, off his upcoming “The Red Album.”
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. 6 — Aztec Zodiac (jazz/funk/Latin)
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
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.
‘Tejano Legends’ VII — Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution, Jay Perez and Asi Band headline the Tex-Mex music style tour at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at the El Paso Convention Center. Tickets: $25 to $55, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster).
Hiroshima — The American jazz fusion band performs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. After more than 30 years and 15 albums, the band’s latest CD “Legacy” was nominated for a 2010 Grammy for “Best Pop Instrumental Album.” Tickets: $35 and $40, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster).
Music Under the Stars — Azucar (Salsa and Merengue) performs at the 27th summer concert series 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at the Chamizal National Memorial amphitheater, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission is free. Information: 541-4481 (MCAD), 532-7273 (Chamizal) or elpasoartsandculture.org.
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.
Club 101 — 1148 Airway. 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.
• Pantheon Rococo — The 15th Anniversary USA Summer Tour is 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4. All ages show. Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 at the door.
• Lil Rob — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, with special guests Mr. Geo, El Dreamer, Enemy 1, Cuatrero and West Texas G. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 day of show.
ART EVENTS
El Paso Artisan Galley — Lynx Exhibits, 300 W. San Antonio. Information: 533-4330 or lynxexhibits.com. Showing Aug. 5-Sept. 5: “Hues of Blue,” artistic interpretations of the color blue by 15 area artists. Visitors may vote for the artists’ work with the best incorporation of the color.
Hal Marcus Studio and Gallery — 800 N. Mesa, second floor (at Yandell). Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com.
Showing Aug. 5-Nov. 5: “Drawing: the Essence of Art” group exhibit. Opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5. Dress in black and white; refreshments served.
ON STAGE
‘Viva El Paso!’ — The summertime pageant returns to McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre for its 33rd season at 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Aug. 7, offering an array of multicolored costumes, electrifying musical production numbers, and legendary characters. The outdoor musical extravaganza highlights the four major cultures of the region, through drama, song and dance, that have called El Paso home: Native American, Spanish Conquistadors, Mexican and Western American. Tickets: $18.20 general admission. Dinner show: $24.35 ($14.05 age 12 and younger). (Ticketmaster) Information: 231-1165 or viva-ep.org.
‘The Clown Who Ran Away’ – El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents Conrad Seiler’s family comedy about a clown who must save six other dolls Aug. 6-21. Directed by Moises Hinojos. Showtime is 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $7 ($5 under age 12). Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.
Dodo is a clown whose rescue effort changes him from runaway to hero.
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. 2-5 — Fort Worth Cats
Solo Boxeo Tecate — Featherweight boxer Antonio Escalante takes on Edel Ruiz of Mexico when Tele-Futura’s boxing event comes to El Paso at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center. Also featured is boxer Omar Figueroa versus an opponent to be announced. Tickets: $105.75, $65.75, $35.75 and $25.75, plus applicable service charges. (Ticketmaster).
Escalante is ranked No. 2 in the world by both the World Boxing Association and the World Boxing Organization.
Sun City Roller Girls — The women’s flat track roller derby league will host its next bout, “Shut Up and Skate!” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Doors open at 5 p.m. August’s bout features Las Pistoleras taking on the Sexacutioners. Admission: $5 in advance; $7 at the door; $4 military with ID; free for ages 5 and younger. Advance tickets available at area Good Times stores, Red Skull Tattoos, All That Music, Tom Fooleries Tattoo and Mulligan’s East, and FleshWryders. Information: Mulligan’s East, 633-8306 or suncityrollergirls.com.
Southern New Mexico
Lincoln County Fair — The annual fair is Aug. 2-7, at the County Fairgrounds in Capitan, N.M. (north of Ruidoso). The fair includes livestock exhibits and sales, pets shows and demonstrations. Information: (575) 648-2311.
National Night Out — The City of Las Cruces will take part in the nationwide event 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Las Cruces Downtown Mall (south end), featuring several activities for the entire family including games, entertainment, giveaways and informational booths. Admission is free. Call for times: (575) 541-2200 or aparker@las-cruces.org.
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.
Fort Stanton Live! — The fort’s annual celebration of living history, hosted by Fort Stanton, Inc./Fort Stanton Foundation, is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Aug. 6-8, at Fort Stanton, 20 miles northeast of Ruidoso on Hwy 220. The event features a Wild West Show, Civil War reenactments, Buffalo Soldiers, Mountain Men, food, vendors and live entertainment. No pets or alcohol allowed. Admission is free; donations accepted. Information: (575) 354-0341 or fortstanton.com.
Fort Stanton was established and built in 1855 by troopers of the 1st Dragoon Regiment to serve as a base of operations against the Mescalero Apache Indians. The site served various purposes through 1995.
Old Lincoln Days — The annual celebration of Lincoln’s Wild West heritage is Aug. 6-8 in Lincoln, N.M., a restored Western town famous for the bloody Lincoln County Wars of 1878 and the escape of Billy the Kid after he was sentenced to die by hanging. The town, maintained by the Lincoln State Monument and Lincoln County Heritage Trust, is on U.S. 380 about 30 minutes from Ruidoso. The event features a parade, vendors, foot, a Mountain Man camp, cavalry reenactors and the “Last Escape of Billy the Kid” pageant. Information: (575) 653-4025 or billythekidpageant.org.
The Pageant is presented at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Pony Express Trail Ride — Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse hosts its annual commemorative trail ride in conjunction with Old Lincoln Days Aug. 6-8. The ride keeps the Pony Express tradition alive by carrying the U.S. mail on horseback from White Oaks to Lincoln in three days. To participate in the ride or purchase a letter via Pony Express, call (575) 354-8007.
Alto Artists Studio Tour — The artists of the Alto, N.M., area open their studios for the 7th annual free public tour 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7-8. The self-guided tour features several artists in a variety of media in studios and galleries in Alto, Ruidoso and throughout Lincoln County. Information: Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, (575) 336-2356 or altoartists.com.
Alto is 5 miles north of Ruidoso on Highway 48. The tour route takes visitors through pine forests onto a mesa with views of Sierra Blanca and the Capitans. A brochure with artists’ names and a map of the studio locations is available at Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, participating studios and all sponsor locations.
Kids Kindness Day — Souls’ Ministries 8th annual event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada, Las Cruces, featuring food, games, live entertainment and more. Admission is free. Information: (575) 496-1359.
Souls Ministries’ outreach and charitable efforts include those living in Juarez’s red light district, as well as prison ministries and other areas in need.
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.
• The Turtles starring Flo & Eddie — 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. The Turtles soared to fame in 1965 with “Ain’t Me Babe.” Other hits include “Happy Together, “Eve of Destruction,” “House On The Hill” and more. “Flo and Eddie” are the stage names of the group’s founders, Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, who continue to tour 45 years later. Tickets: $76 and $79.
‘The King and I’ — Alamogordo Music Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Tony-winning work as its summer musical July 30-Aug. 1 and Aug. 6-7, at Flickinger Center, 1110 N. New York, Alamogordo. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10. Information: (575)442-8661 or alamogordomusictheatre.org.
The story is based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, who taught the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the 1860s. Songs include “Shall We Dance?” “Getting to Know You” and “Something Wonderful.”
‘A Delicate Balance’ — No Strings Theatre Company will opens its 10th season with Edward Albee’s 1967 Pulitzer Prize-winning play through Aug. 8 at Black Box Theatre, 420 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Directed by Ceil Herman. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1 and 8, and 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5. Tickets: $10 ($9 students and seniors over 65, $7 all seats on Thursday). Information: (575) 523-1223 or nstcbbt@zianet.com.
A wealthy middle-aged couple Agnes and Tobias, have their complacency shattered when longtime friends Harry and Edna appear at their doorstep. Claiming an encroaching, nameless “fear” has forced them from their own home, these neighbors bring a firestorm of doubt, recrimination and ultimately solace, upsetting the “delicate balance” of Agnes and Tobias’ household.
‘Nunsense’– The Las Cruces Community Theatre, in the city’s Downtown Mall, kicks off its 2010-2011 season with the its season with the “habit-forming” musical by Dan Goggin Aug. 6-22. Directed by Art Haggerton. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Gala opening night is Aug. 6. Tickets: $10 ($9 seniors/students/military; $8 per person for groups of 10 or more; $7 children 5 and younger). Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.
When the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, “Sister Julia, Child of God,” has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, they are in dire need of funds for the burials. They decide the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show and take over the school auditorium currently set up for the eighth grade production of “Grease.” Featuring star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises, this show has become an international phenomenon translated into 21 languages.