El Paso Scene Weekly for June 16-22, 2008 Click Here for Other Weekly Digests
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Tom Waits -- The eccentric musical shaman brings his “Glitter and Doom” tour to El Paso at 8 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Plaza Theatre. The tour highlights cities Waits has rarely or never performed in during his four-decade career. Tickets for his previous “Orphans” tour in 2006 sold out in minutes. Tickets: $80, plus service charge. Tickets available through Ticketmaster through its “paperless ticket” service. Information: 544-0689 or 544-8444.
Always on the far edge of mainstream, Waits has maintained a loyal cult following and his music has been covered by performers such as Bruce Springsteen and Rod Stewart. His 1992 album Bone Machine featuring the hit single “Goin’ Out West,” received the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, and his 1999 Mule Variations won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.
As an actor, Waits can be seen in Terry Gilliam’s upcoming romantic fantasy, “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus,” and has appeared in more than 14 films including “Mystery Men,” “Dead Man Walking,” “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “The Cotton Club” and more, and has worked on the soundtracks of several others. He also lent his signature voice to the character of Captain Hook in “Shrek 2,” performing “A Little Drop of Poison.”
Johnny Lee and The Urban Cowboy Band -- The 1980s country legend performs at 10 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Whiskey Dick’s, 1580 George Dieter. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. (ticketbully.com). Information: 921-9900.
El Paso Summer Music Festival --An Evening with Christopher O’Riley is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Plaza Theatre. The concert pianist and host of National Public Radio’s “From the Top” is known for his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead to his powerful interpretations of repertoire classic and contemporary music. As host of the popular classical music radio show, O’Riley works and performs with the next generation of young musicians. Admission: $25-$100. Information: fromthetop.com or christopheroriley.com. Information/reservations: 449-0619 or elpasosummermusicfestival.org.
O’Riley will host a lecture and master classes Sunday, June 22, at Temple Mount Sinai. Lecture begins at 1 p.m. with classes at 2:30 p.m. Lecture admission: $10 ($5 students). Master classes: $40 students; $5 observers. Call for reservations: 581-7946.
El Paso Summer Music Festival is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the El Paso Community Foundation.
Chalk-the-Block -- Artists of all ages and levels are invited to participate in the downtown public art street festival noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 21, in Downtown El Paso. Artists will create chalk works of art on city sidewalks throughout the downtown area. Activities for all ages offered. The event includes an outdoor display of the Art and Sol Project at Cleveland Square, a Kidzone, interactive chalk area, art vendors, live music and entertainment by Radio La Chusma, Sundown Soundz and Eden Enterprises, food, chalk art competitions and more. Hosted the City of El Paso’s Public Art program and Museums and Cultural Affairs Department. Information: 541-4257.
The El Paso Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza, will host special “Chalk-The-Block” children’s workshops June 17-20. Those attending the workshops will get a chance to participate in the festival. Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
TeenFest Car and Bike show -- El Paso Public Library’s annual teen summer reading program kickoff is Saturday, June 21, at Cohen Stadium, also featuring informational booths, games, live music and more. Trophies awarded to fan favorites in car and bike show. Admission is free. Information: 543-5479 or 543-5495.
Booth space and car entry is free. Deadline to enter is June 7.
Street Legends Beach Party and Car Show -- The 5th annual show is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at Wet N’ Wild Waterworld in Anthony, featuring the Car Show ‘N Shine non-competitive exhibit. Also featured is live music, DJ battle, bikini contest, water rides and lots of shade. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Peaceman. Admission: $18.48; $16.63 for ages 4-12, $2.31 for toddlers ages 1-3 (includes free swim diaper), $13.86 for picnic only and senior 65 and older. admissions. Babies 11 months and younger free. Information: (575) 882-0706 or premiere-e.com.
Car set-up begins at 8 a.m. Registration for participants $30 at the door (includes two passes to water park and water rides). All entries will qualify for door prizes.
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 20-21 -- Laredo Heat.
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.
FREE CONCERTS
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 18 -- Kristen Moren.
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. June 20 -- Border Roots (reggae).
Music Under the Stars -- The 25th annual summer concert Music Under the Stars World Festival, presented by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, features local and international performers 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays, at the Chamizal National Memorial amphitheater, 800 S. San Marcial. No performance July 6. Admission is free. Information: 541-4481 or musicunderthestars.net . June 22 -- Satisfaction! A Rolling Stones Experience (Tribute Band).
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.
‘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.
ALSO THIS WEEK
Third Thursdays at EPMA -- The monthly event, geared towards “YoCos” (Young Cosmopolitans), is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the El Paso Museum of Art. Food, drink, networking and door prizes. The June 19 event is “Thunder Down Under: A Night in Oz” featuring food, beverage, music and atmosphere from the Land Down Under. Bring a business card to be eligible for free Vegemite giveaways. Donation: $8 ($5 for museum members); $12 ($10 for members) for two. Information: 532-1707.
The July 17 event will be a “Spur and Boots” county hoe down, featuring a hot dog and hamburger fry and music on the patio. A special invitation is extended to military and their family.
Fiesta Fronteriza -- The Paso Del Norte Civil Rights Project hosts its 2nd annual celebration 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Cafe Mayapan, 2000 Texas. The event celebrates the legacy of civil rights struggle in the Paso Del Norte Region and honors individuals who carry on that tradition by working to protect and defend human rights today. This year’s distinguished guest is El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez. RSVP by June 5. Admission: $50. Information: Valerie Noce, 532-3799, ext. 10 or texascivilrightsproject.org.
Honorees:
-- Thelma White Courage Award -- Daniel Solis of Alianza para el Desarrollo Comunitario, Inc.
-- Ruben Salazar “Speak Truth to Power” Award -- Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Eileen Welsome.
-- Dr. Lawrence Aaron Nixon Social Justice Advocacy Award -- Desert ADAPT Albert Armendariz, Sr.
-- Lifetime Achievement in Civil Rights -- George McAlmon.
Relay for Life 2008 -- The American Cancer Society event is Friday to Saturday morning June 20-21 at Hanks High School, 2001 Lee Trevino. This year’s Relay For Life theme is “Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.” Thousands of participants from throughout El Paso will walk or run the track all night long, in teams of 8-12 people, to raise funds for cancer research.
Survivors Lap opens the event at 7 p.m. followed by a luminaria ceremony honoring loved ones lost to cancer at 10 p.m. The walk concludes at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, with a Fight Back ceremony. Information: Pat Martinez at4 71-6234, Oscar Corral at 549-0198 or Christina Aragon at 544-4427, ext. 116.
This year, the El Paso Relay For Life
has been chosen as one of hundreds of sites in the U.S. to be a part of its newest research study, Cancer Prevention Study-3, to better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer. The goal is to enroll 500,000 people, ages of 30-65.
Ballet Folklórico Churuhui -- The group performs dances from the different regions of Mexico at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 20-21, at the Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission: $5. Information: 588-5743.
Southern New Mexico
SummerSlam Tour -- The WWE Raw Championship match is 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, at NMSU’s Pan American Center in Las Cruces. Championship matches include John Cena vs. Randy Orton, DX vs. Umaga & Snitsky and Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy, as well as an Intercontinental Championship Match featuring Jeff Hardy vs. Lance Cade, and World Tag Team Championship match with Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes vs. Carlito and Santino Marella. Tickets (on sale May 10): $20, $25, $30, $40 and $60 (Ticketmaster).
Western Heritage Days -- The annual roundup is June 20-22 at the Sacramento Mountains Museum in Cloudcroft, N.M. Activities begin at 5 p.m. Friday with a barbecue, followed by “The Great Pie Auction” at 6 p.m. and a campfire with cowboy songs. Saturday and Sunday events include Old West and cowboy activities such as cooking from a traditional chuck wagon, and blacksmith and wheelright demonstrations. Information: (575) 682-2932 or cloudcroft.net.
A Taste of the Spencer -- The Spencer Theater Guild presents a guided tour of Jackie Spencer’s unfinished dream home, “The Cedars” 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 21, located near the theater on Airport Highway 220. Meet in the Spencer parking lot at 5 p.m. First 100 ticket purchasers receive free bus transportation to the site (no parking at or near home). Many of the 80-plus pieces of art in the estate (from Picasso to local artists) will be on display at the theater and available for purchase (minimum bids posted) by silent auction. The event also features food, wine, jewelry and several vacation raffles. Admission: $25. Information/reservations: (575) 336-4800 or 1-888-818-7872.
High Rolls/Mountain Park Lions Club Cherry Festival -- The 43rd annual festival is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 21-22, at the High Rolls Community Center, 56 Cottage Row. The festival features all varieties of cherry products -- pies, tarts, ciders -- and, of course, fresh cherries. Proceeds benefit Lions’ Club charitable causes. There will also be more than 60 arts and craft vendors, food and drink, and children’s activities.
Admission and parking is free. No pets, please. Information: (575) 682-3445 or highrollsfestivals.com.
High Rolls is nine miles east of Alamogordo on U.S. 82 (between Alamogordo and Cloudcroft). Follow the signs to the community center.
Pride at the Park -- The 19th annual Gay Pride Month picnic and parade is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Pioneer Women’s Park, 500 W. Las Cruces Ave., in Las Cruces. This year’s theme is “Love Knows No Borders.” The annual celebration for lesbian, gay, transgendered, bisexual and questioning community members along with their heterosexual allies will include food, information, entertainment and fun. A lively walking parade, booths sponsored by local vendors and community organizations, and a special play area for children are planned. Information: Carrie Hamblen, chamblen@nmsu.edu.
San Juan Fiesta and Turtle Fest -- The annual event is Thursday through Sunday, June 21-22, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Tortugas, N.M., near Las Cruces. This year’s theme is “Dances with Turtles.” Information: (575) 526-8171.
The celebration dates back to when the present day Tortugas consisted of two separate villages, Guadalupe and San Juan. To get there: Take Interstate 10 to Las Cruces, exit on University Avenue and go under the freeway; turn left at the stop sign and continue on Main, going through two signals. Turn left on Tortugas Drive and then turn right on Parroquia.
Events usually include a Saturday dance, traditional Tortugas dances Sunday, enchilada dinner, and turtle races Sunday. Call for details.
Summer Arts and Craft Market -- First Christian Church, 1211 Hull Road in Ruidoso, will host an open-air arts and craft fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 21, in the church parking lot. Admission is free. Information: (575) 258-4250.
Summerfest and Street Fair -- Community United Methodist Church’s Community Youth Warehouse, 220 Junction Road in Ruidoso, will host its 2nd annual fundraiser 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21, with hand-made crafts, raffles, baked goods, hamburgers, hot dogs and silent and live auctions. Information: (575) 336-8236.
‘Thunder in the Desert’ model rocket launch -- The 15th annual Southwest Regional Sport Launch is Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, at Veterans Memorial Park in Alamogordo. Rocket launching begins around 8 a.m. both days. Free for spectators. Information: (575) 434-5441 Register online at alamorocketry.org.
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. “The Mousetrap’ is 8 p.m. Friday, June 20. Wayland University Theatre Workshop present the Agatha Christie mystery that has seen continuous runs in London since 1952. Tickets: $25.
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. Ron White, the one and only “Tater Salad,” performs 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 21-22. Best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon, White has established himself as a star in his own right. Tickets: $25-$100.