El Paso Scene Weekly for June 2-8, 2008 Click here for other weekly digests Click here to Get El Paso Scene Weekly 's
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Concerts & shows
Grupo Fantasma -- The Austin-based Latin funk band opens its summer tour in El Paso at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, at Take II, 6315 N. Mesa, with guests Radio La Chusma and Mexicans at Night. Influenced by the classic Fania All-Star’s recordings from the mid-1970’s, Grupo Fantasma’s music is a combination of funk, cumbia, salsa and more. They recently appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno Show and were the opening act for Prince in England. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission: $10 (ages 18 and older admitted). Information: 832-0997.
Dave Koz and Friends -- The Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz performs 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, at the Plaza Theatre, with special guests. The show will be highlighted by the return of feature guest vocalist Phil Perry, who wowed the El Paso audience with four standing ovations last June. Tickets: $33-$95, plus service charges. Available at Ticketmaster: 544-8444 or ticketmaster.com. Information: 351-3909.
Koz, a multi-million-selling solo recording artist, four-time Grammy nominees and composer, is considered one of the most expressive voices in contemporary music. His past three El Paso appearances have sold out.
‘Stronger Than Hell Tour’ -- Christian metal and hard rock bands perform at 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, at Club 101, 3233 N. Mesa, Suite. 300, featuring Demon Hunter, Living Sacrifice, The Famine and Advent. All ages show. Admission: $20. Advance tickets for most events available at All That Music, Club 101 and at ticketbully.com. Information: 544-2101 or club101.com.
Hugh Cardon Memorial Concert -- The UTEP Department of Music will host a tribute and remembrance to the late UTEP voice professor Dr. Hugh Cardon through music and song at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Admission is free. Information: 747-5606.
The Comic Strip -- Reed’s on the Ten, 9515 Gateway West. Shows are at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission, unless listed otherwise: $6 Wednesday and Thursday; $10 Friday and Saturday late show; $12 Friday and Saturday early show, $8 Sunday. Information/reservations: 581-8877 or laff2nite.com. Advance tickets available at ticketweb.com.
June 5-7 -- Charlie Murphy. Murphy has been doing stand-up for 17 years and is best known for his work on the Emmy-nominated “Chappelle’s Show,” for which he created the feature “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories.” “Norbit” opened at No. 1 at the box office. Opening act is Freeze Luv. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Thursday, 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Friday, and 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $22.50 to $25 Thursday; $27.50 to $30 Friday and Saturday.
ALSO THIS WEEK
El Paso Sun City Pride Parade and Street Festival -- The parade in honor of National Gay Pride Month is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 7, starting at Houston Park (Montana and St. Vrain), and concluding at Pride Square (E. Missouri and N. Stanton), for the Gay Pride Street Festival. Entries from the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Straight-Supporting community are welcome, including marching groups, business and civic organizations, talent groups and bands. Information: 474-3403 or elppride.org.
The Street Festival runs noon to 2 a.m. with a performance by Crystal Water at 10 p.m. Tickets: $25; available at Toolbox Bar, 506 N. Stanton or through elppride.org.
Other Gay Pride Month events:
-- “Rising” Kickoff Dance Party -- 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday, June 5, El Paso Museum of Art’s Arts Festival Plaza, featuring DJs and stage performances by Amber Nixx and Jessica Marxx of San Antonio. Admission: $5 (half of admission goes towards museum education and exhibition programs). Available at the door.
-- Cruising the Clubs Invitational -- Friday, June 6, at various participating downtown clubs and bars in Pride Square and the surrounding area. Cover charge varies, party shuttle service available.
-- Pride Day at Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterworld -- noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8, in Anthony. Entrance with Street Festival ticket.
Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing -- The market opens for its 7th season 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, beginning June 7. This “producers only” market features quality farmers, backyard gardeners and artisans, and runs through October. The CoffeeStream will serve breakfast and coffee on the patio. Information: Luis, (575) 589-0653, ext. 6.
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is at One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M.; from El Paso, take Race Track Drive across the Rio Grande and across McNutt Road (NM 273), continue past the post office and turn left on Ardovino.
Ballet Folklórico Nahui Olin Internacional -- Youth groups from El Paso’s South Side unite to perform traditional dances from Mexico’s interior at 6 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7-8, at the Chamizal National Memorial. Admission: $3. Information: 532-2739.
‘Song of the King’ -- Barbara Driscoll School of Ballet presents the uplifting tale for its annual school recital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Plaza Theatre. Admission is free. Information: 584-9903.
The children’s ballet will feature dolls from around the world.
El Paso Psychic Fair -- The fair is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, at the Hawthorn Inn, 1700 Airway (at Boeing). Admission: $5 for both days (private readings not included with admission). Free admission with active duty military I.D. Information: 593-7714 or elpasopsychicfair.com.
The fair features aura photos, handmade New Age crystal and gemstone jewelry, New Age items, fantasy paintings, metaphysical healing, spirit writing and readings by 12 professional psychic readers and mediums from Texas and New Mexico. Guests include author and radio host Ken Hudnall signing his “El Paso Ghost,” and “UFO’s and Aliens” books. Readings offered in English and Spanish.
Scenic Sundays walks -- El Paso Parks and Recreation Department invites citizens and their pets in El Paso and the surrounding communities and Juarez to ride, skate, walk or run on Scenic Drive from 6 a.m. to noon Sundays. Safety barrels will line the area and the El Paso Police Department will provide security along this popular path. Admission is free. Information: Shamori Whitt, 541-4021.
EXHIBITS
The Consulate General of Mexico -- 910 E. San Antonio. Admission is free. Information: 533-8555 or elpasotexas.gov/mcad/mexicanrevolution10.
Showing June 5-27: “The Border Artists: Painting Across Borders,” Border Artists exhibit featuring works from regional artists. Works include ceramics, sculpture, water colors, mixed media, oil, acrylics and photographic fine. Opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 5.
Art Junction of El Paso -- The art service of El Paso Art Association is at 500 W. Paisano, Suite D upstairs (Downtown, at Durango). The association is also home to the Crossland Gallery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 534-7377 or elpasoartassociation.com.
Showing June 5-28: “Art Junction Artists Extravaganza”, an exhibit by the 30 artists with studios in EPAA’s Art Junction featuring oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, fabric art, encaustic, drawings and more.
Opening reception is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7.
El Paso Museum of Archaeology -- 4301 Transmountain Road in Northeast El Paso (west of U.S. 54). Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 755-4332.
Showing June 7-Oct. 25: “Woody Crumbo: American Indian Artist and Activist.” Woodrow Wilson Crumbo (1912-1989) was a Creek-Potawatomi Indian born in Oklahoma. He is best known for his silk screens and etchings of American Indian figures and animals. Among his most prominent works is “Land of Enchantment” (1946) a watercolor on paper depicting a gently humorous and insightful confrontation between a Navajo mother and daughter and a family of tourists. In 1960, Crumbo became assistant director of the El Paso Museum of Art, and director in 1968. Crumbo was instrumental in promoting recognition and tribal status for the Tigua Indians. This exhibit includes Crumbo’s pieces donated to the El Paso Museum of Art from 1964 to 1981.
Opening reception is 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7, with a presentation by museum director Dr. Marc Thompson.
On stage
‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’ – The UTEP Dinner Theatre concludes its 25th Anniversary season with Fats Waller’s swingin’ musical revue June 6-22, at UTEP Dinner Theatre. Showtime is 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; dinner matinee performance is 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8; non-dinner matinees are 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15 and 22. Tickets: $23-$35 dinner shows; $10-20 non-dinner matinee. Information: 747-6060.
The comic and musical sound of 1930s Harlem lives on in this rollicking Tony Award winner, still considered one of Broadway’s best all-time revues. The show celebrates the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller, who rose to fame during the golden age of the Cotton Club with hits like ‘The Joint is Jumpin’,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Your Feet’s Too Big,” “Black and Blue” and “Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do.”
‘Noises Off’ – El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents Michael Frayn’s high-speed comedy June 6-28. Directed by Chet Frame. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military and students; $6 EPCC students with ID). Not suitable for younger children. Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.
Frayn’s play within a play, highlights the contrast between on-stage and back-stage antics of a theatrical troupe presenting bawdy comedy, taking them through dress rehearsal, opening night and the end of a ten-week run. The “on-stage” performance is affected each time by the off-stage chaos.
‘Snow White and the Seven Samurai’ -- Kids-N-Co. presents Carol Viescas’ new version of the fairy tale classic through June 8, at Kids-N-Co. Education and Performance Center, 1301 Texas. Directed by Ron Keck. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $7 ($5 children, students, seniors and active military); available at door only, no reservations. Advance tickets available for groups of 10 or more. Information: 351-1455 or kidsnco.org.
Southern New Mexico
Mountain of Blues Festival -- The 11th annual music festival is Saturday, June 7, at 501 Wingfield Dr. one block south of Sudderth. Includes live blues bands, food and beverage booths and kids’ games. Gates open at 10 a.m., performances go from noon to 8:30 p.m. No coolers or pets allowed in event area, water permitted. Tickets: $20 at the gate ($15 in advance). Tickets/information: 1-866-207-4816, (575) 257-9533 or ruidoso.net/bluesfestival.
This year’s performers are Lou Ann Ellison, Caledonia, The Unknowns, Bad News Blues Band, Todd Tijerina Band and Coco Montoya.
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.
-- Ruidoso Dance Ensemble’s “Giselle” -- 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, June 4-5. An original adaptation by ensemble artistic director and choreographer Deborah Rogers of the 1841 romantic ballet by Theophile Gautier and Adolphe Adam. Tickets: $25.
-- Kathy Mattea -- 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7. Mattea’s newest CD, “Coal,” which pays tribute to the Grammy-winning country-pop singer’s Appalachian roots, was released in April. Her hits include “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” “Where’ve You Been,” “Walk the Way the Wind Blows” and “The Battle Hymn Of Love.” Tickets: $56 and $59.
Inn of the Mountain Gods -- The resort/casino is in Mescalero, N.M. (near Ruidoso). Event tickets available through Ticketmaster. Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com.
-- Beach Boys -- The legendary band kicks off summer 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 5-6. The Beach Boys have 36 U.S. Top 40 hits including four No. 1 singles and a never ending stream of best-selling albums, including “Surfin’ Safari,” “Endless Summer,” and “Pet Sounds.” Tickets: $25-$100.
A Taste of Capitan -- The Village of Capitan restaurants will offer a taste of their specialties during its 2nd annual event 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, on Capitan’s main street, Smokey Bear Boulevard. Participating restaurants include Brewers, El Paisano, Greenhouse Café, Horsemen’s Grill, Hitchin Post, Rustic Roots, Smokey’s Restaurant, Tom’s BBQ and more. Also featured is the 2nd annual Chips and Salsa competition. All proceeds benefit the Capitan Public Library and Smokey Bear Park Playground. Admission is free, tastes offered for $1 each. Information: (575) 257-2327 or atasteofcapitan.org.
Winston Spring Fiesta -- The annual fiesta at the former New Mexico mining boom town begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 36 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences on NM 52. with cow-chip poker, games, flea market, and a western dance. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free. Information: (575) 743-3304.
The 24 Club Home Tour -- The annual tour of Silver City, N.M. homes is 1 to 4 pm. Sunday, June 8. Refreshments available at Legacy Home and Gifts from 2 to 4 p.m. Ticket information: (575) 388-1226.
‘Hello Dolly’ – The Las Cruces Community Theatre, 313 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces, presents the hit musical June 6-22. Directed by Dale Pawley. Janet Mazdra stars as Dolly Levi, the irrepressible matchmaker who dabbles in the lives of the lovelorn in 1890s New York and plots to snare herself a husband in the process. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $9 ($8 students and seniors). Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.
‘Lifted’ -- Virus Theatre Group presents the original play by Jay Glickman of Silver City June 6-21, at the Historic Gila Theater in Downtown Silver City. The troupe contributed to Glickman’s script by using their own collaborative process, whereby each actor gives life and words to their own characters. Suggested donation: $5 or more towards the theater. Information: (575) 313-6707.
‘Brilliant Traces’ -- No Strings Theatre Company presents “kooky and off-kilter play” by Cindy Lou Johnson June 6-22, in the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Directed by Ceil Herman. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15 and 22, and Thursday, June 19. Tickets: $10 ($9 student and seniors 65 and older; $7 all seats Thursday. High school rush tickets are $7 and available 10 minutes before showtime. Information/reservations: (575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org.
Set in Alaska, the play deals with issues of love and family. Reclusive Henry Harry’s sleep is disturbed by the surprise appearance of Rosannah DeLuce who bursts into his Alaska home dressed in a very wet wedding gown. Each has hidden secrets, the revelation of which leads to understanding, compassion, and ultimately love.
National Trails Day Race -- The Rails-to-Trails 8.1 mile run/walk is 8 a.m. Saturday, June 7, in Cloudcroft, N.M. The race will begin at the Cloudcroft Trestle Picnic area, loop its way down the mountain to the switchback bridge and then back up to the starting point. Some terrain may be difficult. All entrants receive a t-shirt. Packet pick-up is 7 to 7:45 a.m. Registration: $25. Information: (575) 682-2204 or jkwinkles@yahoo.com.
The Lincoln National Forest may be closed due to fire danger, but a special use permit has been granted for the event.
Copyright 2008 Cristo Rey Communications
epscene@epscene.com
P.O. Box 13615, El Paso TX 79913
Phone: (915) 542-1422. FAX: 542-4292.