El Paso Scene Weekly for March 22-28, 2010 Click Here for Other Weekly Digests
Click here to Get El Paso Scene Weekly 's email newsletter ‘Kidspalooza’ — El Paso Symphony Orchestra hosts the 3rd annual family festival 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 27, throughout Downtown. Downtown area arts organizations will present “Make & Take” craft workshops, tours, performances and exhibits to educate and expose young participants to the many activities available in the El Paso area. Activities are free, unless otherwise listed. Sun Metro rides free. Information: 532-3776 or epso.org.
Activities and Events:
• El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” at noon and 2 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. Dance choreographed by Ingeborg Heuser and produced by Eden Enterprises. Cost: $5, general admission.
• The hands-on Wing Harp and Drum Cloud are on display with ongoing demonstrations in Arts Festival Plaza.
• “Fun zone” activities and music are hosted by City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department in Cleveland Square.
• El Paso Public Library’s “Make and Take” musical instrument workshops are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Percussionist Nancy Green will lead a drum circle 1 to 3 p.m.
• El Paso KidsExcel will teach fun dance moves at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. at the library.
• City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department will provide performances and educational workshops throughout the day, including Outrageous Fortune Theater Company’s “Hamelito, the Little Prince That Could,” at 11 a.m. at the library and “Capoiera Quinto Sol” Brazilian dance/martial arts/acrobatics noon to 1:30 p.m. at OLO Gallery.
• El Paso Museum of Art will host a scavenger hunt of their permanent art collection. Tour guides will answer questions about art. Activities in the Museum of Art include an art gift basket drawing and free postcard making.
• El Paso Opera will present Mozart’s one-act opera “The Impresario” at 1 p.m. in the library.
• “Make and Take” dragonflies, scorpions, and elephant trunks with the El Paso Zoological Society ZOO DO at Lynx Exhibits.
• Lynx Exhibits will have a free outdoor fair with jumping balloon, El Paso Zoo, Live cargo reptiles, Dame La Mano food, contests and prizes. Admission to “Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss” is $5 that day.
• Explore “Giant Worlds” from NASA at Insights El Paso Science Museum. All-day activities include: Space Tours, Scavenger Hunts and Cosmo Facts, as well as Science presentations of Giant Ice Bubbles, Tesla Coil and Star Lab. Admission: $5 ($4 seniors, military and students; $3 child 4 to 11 years old).
• A children’s tour provided at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site.
• Creative Kids at OLO Gallery features children build and paint instrument to take home. Cost: $10.
• The Railroad & Transportation Museum of El Paso will have model train demonstrations throughout the day.
• Tour the historic Union Depot train station, passenger service and exhibit of Harvey House by Railroad Man and Harvey Girl.
MUSIC AND DANCE
The Vibe — Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, presents the musical group at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27. The El Paso-based band combines soul, R&B and pop with its original touches. No cover charge. Information: (575) 589-0653, ext. 3.
Vienna Boys’ Choir – The world famous choir performs in both Las Cruces and El Paso March 23-24 as part of a U.S. tour.
• Doña Ana Arts Council concludes its 2009/2010 Cultural Arts Series with two performances by the world famous choir Tuesday, March 23, in the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Showtimes are 6 and 8 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets: $40; available online at riograndetheatre.com. Information: (575)523-6403.
• El Paso Youth Choir at St. Paul’s sponsors the choir’s performance at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison. Tickets are $20. Information: 533-0201 or saintpauls.elpaso@gmail.com
The Choir is the modern-day descendent of the official choir of the Viennese Court and has been touring as a professional musical group since 1924, wowing audiences the world over with their unique sound.
In existence since 1498, when Emperor Maximilian of Hapsberg decreed its establishment, the choir as it exists today is a private, not-for-profit organization which performs approximately 300 concerts each year, in front of more than 500,000 people. Among the composers represented in the choir’s repertoire are Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig von Beethoven, Georg Friedrich Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and many more.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Vienna Boys Choir has sought to update its image, recording pop music selections and adopting an alternative uniform to the sailor suits worn since 1924. Despite the heavily debated modernization, they still remain the best known choir in the world.
EPSYO and EPSO “Side-by-Side” Concert — More than 150 performers from El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra and El Paso Symphony Orchestra will combine forces at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $13-$39 Information: 532-3776 or tickets.epso.org.
Megadeth ‘Rust in Peace’ Tour — The heavy metal performs its iconic album’s 20th anniversary tour at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at Club 101, 1148 Airway, with special guests Testament and Exodus. Tickets: $36. (ticketbully.com).
ALSO THIS WEEK
El Paso Museum of Art — One Arts Festival Plaza, downtown El Paso. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Closed Mondays and holidays. Admission is free, except for the “Bedazzled” exhibit. “Bedazzled” admission is $10 ($5 museum members and children 12 and younger). Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
Showing March 27-July 25: “Bedazzled: 5,000 Years Jewelry,” featuring jewelry from five millennia from a variety of cultures from the Walters Jewelry Collection. The collection is the most wide-raging collection of jewelry assembled by a private collector in the United States.
Highlights include gold bracelet from the first century B.C.E. discovered in a tomb in the Greek colony of Olbia (present-day Ukraine); a Tiffany & Co. iris corsage ornament, which was a grand prize winner at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle; a 19th-century imperial, ceremonial Chinese headdress; a plique-a-jour enamel and sapphire pansy brooch created by renowned Art Nouveau designer Rene Lalique and purchased by Henry Walters at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition: and finger rings that held a variety of roles throughout history.
Public opening is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 27. The exhibition catalogue will be available for purchase at the museum’s store.
Cesar Chavez Celebration — Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe will celebrate the accomplishments of the late United Farm Workers of America founder 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at La Fe Preparatory School, 616 E. Father Rahm. Live entertainment and various activities offered. Admission is free. Information: 545-7190.
Super Kite Contest — The 10th annual kite flying contest, sponsored by Westside Community Church, is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Francisco Delgado Park, on Imperial Ridge behind Franklin High School. Prizes for most beautiful, most unusual and highest flying kites and longest kites in the air. The event includes jumping balloons and face painting, as well as free kites for first 50 children. Admission is free. Information: 877-8000 or westsidecommunity.org.
Gun Show — The Paso Del Norte Gun Collectors Spring Gun Show is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 27-28 at the El Maida Shrine Temple, 6331 Alabama. The show includes guns and antiques for buy, sell or trade. Admission is $5, $3 for under 18. Minors must be accompanied by a parent. Information: 598-0935.
The Paso Del Norte Gun Collectors Inc. was formed in 1964 and raises funds for various charities.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
‘Celebre La Buena Vida’ — The fundraiser for Buena Vida Adult Day Center is Thursday, March 25, at the Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso. Cocktails and Light Buffet begin at 5:30 p.m. An auction begins at 6:30 p.m. for miniature houses painted by area artists. Tickets are $30. Information: 598-5403.
Buena Vida Adult Day Centers are a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc.
Women’s Hall of Fame — The El Paso Commission for Women’s 21st annual Hall of Fame induction banquet and ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. Friday, March 26, at the DoubleTree Hotel, 600 N. El Paso. Tickets are $75. Information: 588-6226 or elpasowomen.org.
Celebrity Waiter Spaghetti Dinner — Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center’s 11th annual fundraiser is 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at St. Pius X Parish’s Msgr. Arturo Banuelas Community Center, 1050 N. Clark, at Geronimo. Local celebrities, candidates for office and other politicians will serve as waiters for a night working for tips. Proceeds benefit Las Americas’ work to provide legal advocacy for detained immigrant children, battered immigrant women and asylees/refugees. Ticket information/reservations: 544-5126, ext. 23 or info@laspamericas.org. Web: las-americas.org.
Sunland Derby Gala — Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino’s gala benefiting United Blood Services is Saturday, March 27. Guest speaker is NFL great Jerry Rice. The event will feature a silent and live auction including autographed memorabilia, artwork and many other items donated from the community. Information: 544-5422, ext. 194.
Following a record-setting college career at Mississippi Valley State, Rice was a first round draft pick for the San Francisco 49ers in 1985. He won Super Bowls with the 49ers in 1988, 1989 and 1994 and was selected to the Pro Bowl a record 13 times, won the Most Valuable Player award in 1987 and was the MVP of Super Bowl XXIII.
The running of the Sunland Derby and The Oaks (for fillies) is Sunday, March 28.
Woman’s Club benefit — The Woman’s Club of El Paso annual civic benefit luncheon is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at El Paso Country Club, 5000 Country Club Place, benefiting the Bob Kelly Food Pantry (at Trinity First United Methodist) and Highland Presbyterian Food cupboard. Tickets: $40; reservations required. Tickets available at the Woman’s Club of El Paso, 1400 N. Mesa. Information: 532-6131.
This year’s event includes a “Jewels of The Desert Fashion Show” produced by Carlos Mendoz and featuring El Paso Community College Fashion Designers and GUiSHEM of New York and Guatemala.
ON STAGE
‘Be My Baby’ – El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents Ken Ludwig’s contemporary comedy about a middle-aged couple who travel to America to adopt a baby March 19-April 10. Directed by Jan Wolfe. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military/students). Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.
Roald Dahl’s ‘Willy Wonka’ – Kids-N-Co. presents a musical of “pure imagination” based on Dahl’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” March 20-April 11 at Kids-N-Co. Performance Space, 1301 Texas. Directed by Vanessa Colon. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $7 ($5 students, children, seniors and active military) at the door. Information: 351-1455.
Words and music are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly, with the stage adaptation by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald. Five golden tickets have been hidden in five Wonka chocolate bars and the five kids who find them are invited to tour Wonka’s secret candy factory and meet the maestro of sweets himself.
‘Arritmia’ — Telon de Arena of Juarez presents an original play depicting the problems of old age and how these problems affect family members at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25-28, at the Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission: $10 ($7 seniors). Information: 532-7273.
‘Cast Party’ — UTEP’s • Music Theatre Company presents an evening of scenes from opera and musical theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 28, in the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, featuring chorus members of El Paso Opera’s “La Vie de Boheme” and “Porgy and Bess.” This presentation, conceptualized by senior performance major Joseph Quintana, explores the antics of an opera cast at its cast party after a performance. Tickets: $12 ($8 seniors, military, non-UTEP students; $5 children and UTEP faculty, staff and students).
‘Cowboy Mouth’ — The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents the semi-autobiographical one-act by Sam Shepard at 7 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, March 28-30, at UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Center’s Basement Theatre. Directed by Samantha Nava. Admission by donation. Information: 747-5118 or theatre.utep.edu.
Co-written by Shepard and Pati Smith, the dark, thought-provoking play features the Patti Smith character as a person obsessed with death who finally flips into periods of bizarre fantasy. The Shepard character, Slim, struggles with the meaning of art and the role of that artist. For mature audiences only.
SPORTS
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — The 2009-2010 live horse racing season runs through April 20. Race days are Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (and Wednesday, Feb. 17). First post is 12:25 p.m. each race day. General admission is free to the track and casino. First post time is 12:25 p.m. Turf Club seating is $7.
Simulcast racing begins at 10 a.m. everyday. General admission and parking are free. Information: (575) 874-5200.
Sunday, March 28 — Sunland Derby and The Oaks (for fillies).
Races leading up to the Sunland Park Derby and Sunland Park Oaks include La Coneja Stakes (4-year-old and up fillies and mares, NM-breds); Harry W. Henson Handicap (3-year-old and up fillies and mares), New Mexico Breeders’ Oaks (3-year-old and up fillies and mares) and New Mexico Breeders’ Derby (3-year-old, NM-bred).
2010 USBC Women’s Championships — El Paso will host the national sports event March 27-July 3, at El Paso Convention Center, hosted by United States Bowling Congress. The tournament will be held for 100 consecutive days in the first arena-style women’s championship in USBC history. Spectator admission is free. Information: 544-9000.
‘Defy the Ban’ World’s fastest 10K — 10K run and 2-mile fun-run/walk 8 a.m. Sunday, March 28, benefiting Million Koins for Kids. Finish line and assembly are for all events is Apetito’s Restaurant, 1831 Northwestern. The 10K begins at the top of Transmountain and ends at Northwestern (elevation loss of 1,400 feet). The 2-mile event starts at Apetito’s. Registration by March 25: $25 5K; $20 for fun run/walk. Fee goes up to $30 and $25 March 26-27. Packet Pick Up 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 26-27 at Race Adventures, 3233 N. Mesa, Suite 205. No race day registration. Information: 478-5663. On-line registration available in person from Race Adventures or online at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
All 10K runners must pick up packets before race day to secure bus ticket and scheduled bus time. Departure times are 7, 7:20 and 7:40 a.m.
Southern New Mexico
J. Wagner and Alexa Woodward — The folk musicians perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Admission: $10. Information/reservations: (575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org.
Wagner’s songs have been recorded by Victoria Williams, Calexico, 3 Penny Acre, Brandi Carlile and countless others. He was a two time Regional finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Competition.
Woodward’s haunting banjo songs are rooted in the hills of Virginia and were refined in the roots music scene in New York city.
Mutt Show — Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley will host its 4th annual show for dogs noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada. Owners can enter their dogs in several categories, including Sweetest Smile, Biggest Paws, Smallest Paws, Most Obedient, Most Like Owner, Trickiest Dog, Best Costume, Shortest Tail, Longest Tail and Longest Ears. Pre-registration is recommended: $5 per category. Day of show registration is 11 a.m. to noon. Information: (575) 382-0018 or (575) 532-9104.
Dogs from the Animal Services Center will be available for adoption and any dog adopted at the show is eligible to be entered free in any category.
Wheels of Dreams — The Las Cruces Rodrunners will host its annual show benefiting the youth of Las Cruces 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at the Field of Dreams Stadium, 250 Tashiro, Las Cruces. The show features around several classic cars and hot rods from 1983 and earlier, as well a swap meet and raffle drawings throughout the day for an engine, transmission, gift basket and more. Cash prizes for participants. Food vendors. Spectator admission is free. Entry is $30 in advance, $36 day of show. No alcohol allowed. Information and registration: (575) 496-7146 or (575) 649-1358. Web: lcrodrunners.com.
Rio Grande Theatre — The renovated historic theater is at 211 Downtown Mall, Las Cruces. Information: (575) 523-6403, (575) 523-0807 or RioGrandeTheatre.com.
• Asylum Street Spankers — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25. The group began in 1994 during a party at the Dabbs Hotel in Llano, Texas. Within a year they conquered Austin. Since then, they’ve toured regularly throughout Europe, Japan and the U.S. The Asylum Street Spankers are considered an underground institution, yet one of the best live acts working today. Presented by Guitars not Guns. Tickets: $10.
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino — Mescalero, N.M. Age 21 and older admitted. (Ticketmaster) Information: 1-877-277-5677 or innofthemountaingods.com.
• The Doobie Brothers — The classic rock band performs at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 25. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and has sold over 30 million albums in the United States. Tickets: $25-$100.