El Paso Scene Weekly for June 9-15, 2008
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‘Viva El Paso!’ -- The summertime pageant returns to McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre for its 31st season Fridays and Saturdays, June 13-Aug. 2, 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.
Showtime is 8:30 p.m. with dinner option at 6:30 p.m. Presented by El Paso Association for the Performing Arts and El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Admission: $15, $20 and $24 ($13, $18 and $22 for children). (Ticketmaster) Dinner tickets sold separately: $20 ($12 children). Information: 588-7054 or vivaep@yahoo.com. Web: viva-ep.org.
Music Under the Stars -- The Harlem Gospel Choir opens the 25th annual summer concert Music Under the Stars World Festival, presented by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday June 15, at the Chamizal National Memorial amphitheater, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission is free. Information: 541-4481 or musicunderthestars.net .
ALSO THIS WEEK
Latinitas Benefit Night -- Taco Cabana, 6345 Gateway West, will host a happy hour fundraiser for the Latinitas Scholarship Fund 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 12, featuring mariachi music and information about the nonprofit Latinitas program for Hispanic girls. Twenty percent of food proceeds from the evening will benefit Latinitas. Donations of school supplies are also accepted at the door. Information Alicia@latinitasmagazine.org.
UTEP Dad’s Dinner -- The event honoring Miner dads is 5 p.m. Friday, June 13, at the Larry K. Durham Sports Center, next to the Sun Bowl. Guest speaker is El Paso native Walter Driver Jr. Chairman, Southeast Region of Goldman Sachs & Co. and Immediate President U.S Golf Association. Tickets: $100. Information: 747-8533.
El Paso Anime Convention 2008 -- UTEP’s Anime Society will host its 4th annual convention promoting Japanese Animation in the area Friday through Sunday, June 13-15, at UTEP Student Union East, featuring an Artists’ Alley, Cosplay (Costumed Display), panels and workshops, gaming, video screenings, karaoke, prizes and more. A dance for ages 15 and older is planned Friday evening. Registration/membership badges: $7 per day; $15 all three days; $5 children age 7-12. Ages 6 and younger free, must be accompanied by adult with valid badge. Information: 613-4459 or elpasoanimecon.org.
This year’s Artist Alley participants include Yamel Beltran, Crystal Jayme, Elijah Lawson, Abraham Morales, Michelle Morris, Jesica O’Black, Irene O’Leary, Jorge Santiago Jr. and Kenneth Wagnon.
Gaming competitions include Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Halo 3, Rock Band and more.
Flag Day at Fort Bliss -- The annual retreat ceremony commemorates Flag Day and the United States Army’s Birthday at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 13, at Memorial Circle, Fort Bliss. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free. Information: 568-4505.
A narrator will describe the significance of each battle streamer as they are placed on the Army Flag. Soldiers will be dressed in uniforms from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Grenada and Panama Conflicts and the Persian Gulf War. The 62nd Army Band will perform patriotic music before the ceremony.
La Que Buena Gordita Festival -- The 2nd annual event is June 13-15 at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta, featuring authentic Mexican food, beverages, arts and crafts, a kids zone and carnival rides. Live entertainment includes both national and local performers such as Banda Machos, Mysterio Musical, Tropicalisimo Apache, Imperial Sonora. Admission: $2. Information: 544-9797 or 231-3024.
St. Anthony’s Day Celebration -- The annual commemoration of Friday, June 13, at Ysleta del Sur Reservation. St. Anthony is patron saint of the Tigua tribe in Ysleta. The celebration is free and open to the public. Information: 859-8053.
Preparations begin in early morning, with an 8 a.m. Mass at the Ysleta Mission, and a procession bearing St. Anthony’s image immediately following. People with promises to St. Anthony’s can take their vows or display acts of devotion.
Tribal members return to the tuh-la (ceremonial site similar to a kiva), where dancing continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A meal will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. The procession returns to the church at about 4:30 p.m., then back to the tuh-la for more dancing.
The tuh-la is located near the reservations: Take Alameda east to Candelaria, turn left, then right on San Fernando and right on Juno. The reservation is a few blocks from the mission and Ysleta Cultural Center. The public is invited to watch, but photographs of the ceremonies should be taken only with permission. Bring folding chairs.
Flag Day Ceremony and Chili Cookoff -- The El Paso Texas “Flags Across America” chapter will host its annual ceremony at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Old Glory Memorial, corner of Diana and Gateway North (Entry on Kenworthy). The memorial honors all those who serve our country, especially those that have given their lives in the name of the freedoms Americans enjoy every day. Information: Eve Dumont, 345-4397 or Jimmy Melver, 549-5031.
The chili cook-off benefiting the memorial begins at 10 a.m. with a cook’s meeting, chili turn-in at 2 p.m. Admission is free; $18 for chili entries (CASI rules apply).
St. Anthony’s Fiesta/Kermess -- St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 224 Lincoln in Anthony, N.M., celebrates its 108th anniversary Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, with live entertainment, food booths featuring hamburgers, barbecue plates and gorditas, games and more. Admission is free. Information: (505) 882-2239.
To get there, take Exit 0 off I-10, turn right on 4th and left on Lincoln.
Opening ceremony and processional is 3 p.m. Saturday. The fiesta continues through 11 p.m. Saturday. Sunday high mass is 11 a.m. fiesta is noon to 11 p.m.
Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing -- The market is 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Information: Luis, (575) 589-0653, ext. 6. Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is at One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M.
Big Daddy Car Show -- Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino will host the 9th annual Father’s Day event noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 15. Events include a car and motorcycle show, food and beverage booths, beer garden and live music by Last Minute (formerly BJ Pando) and Tejas. Admission is free. Information: (575) 874-5200.
Every dad can enter the Father’s Day Giveaway for prizes such as a 42” LG LCD HDTV, two Craftsman Lawn Care Packages (Mower, Gas Blower/Vacuum, and a Gas Trimmer) and a Char-Griller Smokin’ Outlaw Grill Smoker. Giveaways begin at 2 p.m.
Entry forms for car show participants available at the racetrack and casino or online at sunland-park.com.
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
Art Binational 2008 -- The El Paso Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza, and the Museo de Arte Cd. Juárez will host its first binational juried exhibit June 8-Aug. 24, at both locations, featuring artists from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Chihuahua. Two artworks by each selected artists will be included in this exhibition, one artwork exhibited in El Paso and one is Juarez. Jurors are Ruth Fine, Curator of Special Projects in Modern Art at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., and Mexico City-based art historian Luis-Martin Lozano. Admission is free. Information: 532-1707.
Opening reception is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at El Paso Museum of Art, and Friday, June 13, at Museo de Arte Cd. Juárez. Both jurors will be present to provide comments on the exhibition.
La Galeria de la Misíon de Senecú -- The Ysleta Independent School District’s gallery is at 8455 Alameda. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 434-9703 or finearts.yisd.net.
Showing June 12-Aug. 3: “Crossing Borders” Juntos Art Association exhibit featuring works by Lourdes Aguilar, Mario Colin, Gabriel Gaytan, Victor Hernandez, Lydia Limas, Candy Mayer, Oscar Moya, Maria Natividad, Fernando Racelis and Steve Salazar. Opening reception is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12.
Music & more
Club 101 -- 3233 N. Mesa, Suite. 300. Advance tickets for most events available at All That Music, Up and Running, Club 101 and at ticketbully.com, unless otherwise listed.
Information: 544-2101 or club101.com.
-- Sevendust -- 8 p.m. Monday, June 9, with opening act Blood Simple. Tickets: $22.50.
-- Rancid -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, with Buck-o-nine and Fixed Idea. Tickets: $18.
Outdoor Concerts at the Plaza -- The City Parks & Recreation Department hosts its 2008 free family-oriented summer lunchtime concert series noon to 1 p.m. on selected Wednesdays at San Jacinto Plaza, downtown El Paso. Information: 252-9031. June 11 -- Shelby Acosta .
Alfresco! Fridays -- The annual outdoor concert series is 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays 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. Information: 541-4481, 536-0600 or musicunderthestars.net. June 13 -- Captain Radio (classic rock).
‘Rock the Ages’ concert -- Heavy metal legends Dokken and Great White will headline 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Wet-N-Wild Waterworld, I-10 Exit 0, in Anthony, N.M., with special guest El Paso’s own Ulysses. Both groups broke out into the hard rock/heavy metal scene in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Proceeds will benefit a charity to be announced. Admission: $20 through June 1, after $25 (show only); $30 day of show (includes concert and regular Wet-n-Wild admission), plus service charges. Advance tickets at All That Music in El Paso and The Gen in Las Cruces. Information: (575) 882-0706 or premiere-e.com.
Dokken’s hits include “Breaking the Chains,” “Alone Again,” “Into the Fire,” “Just Got Lucky” and “It’s Not Love.” Great White’s hits include “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” “Save Your Love,” “Face the Day,” “Rock Me” and “House of Broken Love.”
El Paso Summer Music Festival -- The 4th annual festival potpourri concert honoring Wilma Salzman is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Temple Mt. Sinai, 4408 N. Stanton. Featured guest artists include mezzo soprano Maria Elena Armijo, The Mesa St. Trio, flutist Melissa Colgin-Abeln and international pianist Louise Houghton. Tickets: $15 ($10 seniors; $5 students). Information/reservations: 449-0619 or elpasosummermusicfestival.org.
El Paso Summer Music Festival is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the El Paso Community Foundation.
‘Peter and the Wolf’ – Ballet students at El Paso Conservatory of Dance present the ballet of the Russian story and other dances at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. Admission is free. Information: Marta Katz, 252-5601.
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.
SPORTS
El Paso Diablos Baseball -- The American Association minor league team plays at Cohen Stadium in Northeast El Paso. Game time is 7:05 p.m. (Sunday games begin at 5:05 p.m.). Tickets: $5 general admission, $6 reserved, $7 box seats. Information: 755-2000 or diablos.com.
-- June 10-12 -- Sioux Falls Canaries. Wear any jersey and get in free Wednesday, June 11.
-- June 13-15 -- Shreveport Sports
‘Basketball in the Barrio’ -- A premiere screening of the documentary “Basketball in the Barrio: El Paso’s History and Culture” is 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at the Philanthropy Theatre in the Plaza Annex. The one-hour documentary was produced over the course of five years by award winning filmmaker Doug Harris, a former college basketball All American and European professional player. A reception to honor local basketball legends featured in the documentary is 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit Basketball in the Barrio Camp June 13-15 at Armijo Center. Tickets: $25. (Ticketmaster). Information: 842-7937 or athletesunitedforpeace.org.
Over the past 12 years, hundreds of El Paso youths have migrated to the Segundo Barrio’s Armijo Recreation Center for a special three-day sports camp that blends basketball and border culture.
The documentary starts by revealing El Paso’s significant role in the Mexican Revolution during the early 20th century. Individuals featured include UTEP coach Don Haskins, NCAA championship coach Nolan Richardson and El Paso championship boxing prizefighter Juan Lazcano, along with
Jon Teicher, the radio/television voice of Miners basketball.
El Paso Patriots Soccer -- The professional soccer team’s 2008 season home games begin at 7:30 p.m. at Patriot Stadium, 6941 Industrial. Tickets: $7 ($5 children). Season tickets: $60 (for 10 games). Available at the Patriots office, 6941 Industrial, EEC Fashions. at 501 S. Stanton, or at the gate. Information/group tickets: 771-6620 or elpaso-patriots.com. Friday and Saturday, June 13-14 -- Dallas Fort Worth Tornados.
La Fe 5K -- The 15th annual Father’s Day Community Health 5K Run and 5K Walk begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, La Fe Preparatory School, 6161 E. Father Rahm, school playground. Use entrance at Campbell and 6th. The 3.1-mile course goes through the historic Segundo Barrio neighborhood. Registration: $15 in advance (by June 11); $20 on race day. First 200 entries receive free t-shirt. Information: Jesus Quiñonez, 534-7979.
Southern New Mexico
Billy the Kid Championship BBQ and Green Chili Cook-Off -- The Father’s Day cook-off is Friday and Saturday, June 13-14, at Billy the Kid Plaza, 2140 Hwy 180 E in Silver City. Judging begins at noon each day after the Wild-West shoot-out reenactment. Contestants compete for more their $5,000 in prize money with their brisket, green chile stew or hot wings recipes. Information: (575) 534-0707.
Antique & Collectible Show & Sale -- The Mesilla Valley Serra Club sponsors the 30th annual event, featuring 40 dealers, is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14-15, at St. Genevieve’s Parish Hall, 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave., Las Cruces. Free appraisals. Refreshments available. Admission: $1.50 (good for both days). Information: Bob Gaines, (575) 526-8624.
The Serra Club is named for the Franciscan padre who founded a series of California missions. The antique show is the oldest one in the area.
Elephant Butte Chili Challenge -- The 2008 cook-off is Saturday, June 14, in the Desert Cove camping area of Elephant Butte State Park. More than 20 cooks compete to have the best and hottest red and green chili in the southwest. Tasting begins at 11 a.m. Proceeds will benefit local charities. Park fee waived for the event. Tasting cups are available for a small donation. Information: (575) 894-3264.
Kars of Kids -- The 10th Annual Kiwanis Kars for Kids is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Young Park, Walnut and Nevada in Las Cruces. The event includes antique, classic and custom cars (both American and foreign models), trucks and motorcycles. Food and soft drink booths and prize raffle offered. Bicycles welcome. Proceeds go to the First Step Pediatric Center, Jardin de los Niños and other Kiwanis Foundation projects. Admission and parking is free. No alcohol allowed in park. Information: (575) 532-1751 or (575) 644-7758.
A pancake breakfast is served from 8 to 11 a.m. Plates: $5.
Raft the Rio Festival -- The Southwest Environmental Center’s 11th annual event is Saturday, June 14, in Las Cruces. The 3-mile race starts at 10 a.m. at La Llorona Park on Picacho Ave. and ends at the Calle de Norte (Mesilla) Bridge. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Entry fee is $10 in advance; $20 on race day per vessel and two participants (plus $5 for each additional crew member age 13 and older). Teams may pre-register at the Environmental Center. Refreshments served at finish line. Spectator admission is free. Information or registration: (505) 522-5552 or wildmesquite.org.
Mescalero Wine Festival -- The first ever festival is June 14-15 at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, Mescalero, N.M. The inaugural event will present many New Mexico wineries, including award-winning wines available for free tasting or for sale by the glass, bottle or case, as well as arts and crafts vendors from throughout the southwest, live music and more. Admission: $20 (includes souvenir wine glass). Must have picture ID to enter. Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com.
Pinos Altos Art Fair -- The 10th annual art fair is 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, in the mountain village of Pinos Altos, N.M. More than 40 artists and craftspersons will be featured and “Artists in Action” booths will be set up with local artisans demonstrating pottery making and spinning. Admission is free. Information: (575) 388-5202 or pinosaltos.org/artfair/.
Pinos Altos, a mining town founded in 1860, is seven miles north of Silver City on NM 15.
Spring Fling Rod Run -- The Pine Top Rod and Custom Car Club’s run and car show is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Mountain Annie’s Theater Parking Lot, 2710 Sudderth, featuring food, music, door prizes and more. Open to all classic, sport and collectible cars and trucks. Awards presented at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. Information: (575) 336-2403 or (575) 257-6586.
Father’s Day Car Show -- The Historic Vehicle Association presents its annual car show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 15, at Alameda Park in Alamogordo. Admission is free. Information: (575) 437-5318.
‘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.
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ -- Theatre Group New Mexico at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, N.M., will present the Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice musical June 12-15, at WNMU Fine Arts Theater. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $5 (ages 12 and under free). Information: (575) 388-0045.
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. Estéban performs 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14. The master guitarist/arranger and his group reinvent tunes such as “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Amazing Grace,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” “Edelweiss” and “Angel In The Morning.” In July of 2007 his “Best of Estéban” CD rose to the top of the Billboard New Age Album charts. This is his third performance at the Spencer. Tickets: $56 and $59.