Archive for August, 2009

Who: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
What: “Bracero Memories” Exhibit
When: August 28, 2009
Where: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Drippings Springs Rd.
Contact: (575) 522-4100

New “Bracero Memories” exhibit at the NMF&RH Museum

 A controversial labor program that brought millions of Mexicans across the border to work in U.S. fields is the subject of a new exhibit at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.

“Bracero Memories,” opens in the museum’s Legacy Gallery on Aug. 28 and will be on display through Jan. 18, 2010.

Mainly through historic photographs, the exhibit tells the story of the Bracero Program, a temporary guest worker program for millions of Mexican laborers between 1942 and 1964. The program marked a significant chapter in American and Mexican cultural history and relations. After the U.S. entered World War II, there was an immediate need for labor to fill the jobs left by Americans who went off to fight. The practices of that time are relevant to current debates about illegal immigration, farm labor issues, and proposed guest worker programs.

“This is a significant part of the history of New Mexico and the Southwest,” said David Lundy, the museum’s exhibits curator. “It’s a topic we’re excited about sharing.”

The traveling exhibit was produced by the University of Texas-El Paso Institute of Oral History and the UTEP Centennial Museum. The Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum has supplemented the exhibit with historic photographs from New Mexico, as well as a replica of living quarters that includes several objects from the museum’s collections.

“To give museum visitors a better feel for what it was like for the Bracero workers, we’ve created a vignette … a replica of the living quarters from the late 1940s, early 1950s,” Lundy said. “The employers had to provide room and board for the workers.”

A reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 10. Filmmaker Patrick Mullins will show his award-winning 2008 documentary “Bracero Stories” at 7 p.m. “Bracero Stories” draws on interviews and photographs collected by the Smithsonian Institution’s and the University of Texas-El Paso Institute of Oral History’s Bracero Oral History Project to recount first-hand experiences of workers and program administrators to see the workers behind the official policies and programs. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and $2 for children ages 5 to 17. Children 4 and under are admitted free.

For more information, please call (575) 522-4100.

Who: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
What: Events in September
When: September 2009
Where: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Contact: (575) 522-4100

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage September 2009 Events Calendar

Harvest Cooking Class

Sept. 1, 2-4 p.m.

This month’s cooking class features recipes that include figs and/or plums, green chile and fall herbs. Carol Koenig is the chef and pre-registration is required. $35.

Documentary film

“Bracero Stories”

Sept. 10, 7 p.m.

Filmmaker Patrick Mullins will show his award-winning 2008 documentary “Bracero Stories.” The Bracero Program, a temporary guest worker program for millions of Mexican laborers between 1942 and 1964, marked a significant chapter in American and Mexican cultural history and relations. The practices of that time are relevant to current debates about illegal immigration, farm labor issues, and proposed guest worker programs. “Bracero Stories” draws on interviews and photographs collected by the Smithsonian Institution’s and the University of Texas-El Paso Institute of Oral History’s Bracero Oral History Project to recount first-hand experiences of workers and program administrators to see the workers behind the official policies and programs. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.

Adult Felting Class

Sept. 24, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Learn the basics of both wet felting and needle felting by completing a small felted pin, cuff and felted beads. Instruction will include basic techniques of both methods and how to manipulate wool into artfully crafted wearables. Participants will be given wool, needles, and assorted jewelry findings to complete the projects in class. $35 per person.

Coming Soon: Ghosts of the Past

Oct. 22-24, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Make plans to join us for this extremely popular three-night family event. Visitors are taken on indoor or outdoor guided tours where they will encounter historical characters from New Mexico’s past. Stay tuned for more details

For more information, or to sign up or register for a class, please call (575) 522-4100.

Who: The Rio Grande Theatre
What: September Events Calendar
When: September 2009
Where: The Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Rio Grande Theatre September Calendar of Events!

Saturday, September 5
Cinderella Rock
Designed to introduce kids across the United States to musical theatre, Cinderella Rock takes approximately 60 local kids and combines them with a cast of travelling actors to put a new twist on an old tale. A hundred years have passed since the last wish granted by Cinderella’s fairy godmother and, to avoid getting fired by Mother Nature, she has ‘til midnight to make someone—anyone’s—wish come true. Luckily for her, a famous artist formerly known as Prince Charming is trying to make a comeback in the world of reality television. Cinderella Rock features 13 original songs, a live band and over 20 professional New York actors. Showtime is 8pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and children. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Friday, September 11
DAAC’s Annual ArtsHop
For the 16th consecutive year, the Doña Ana Arts Council (DAAC) will present the premiere fine art gallery tour of Las Cruces and Mesilla. Fourteen galleries will showcase the work of artists from around the region. Each gallery will be opening a new exhibit during the event with the featured artist present. In addition, special exhibits of Temporary Installations Made for the Elements (T.I.M.E.) environmental art will be displayed at various locations. Galleries participating in ArtsHop will be open from 4 – 8pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of and $15 for students. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit DAAC’s Career Art Path (CAP) program for Middle School students. For more information call the Doña Ana Arts Council at (575) 523-6403 or visit the website at www.Las-Cruces-Arts.org

Saturday, September 12
Nosotros
Hometown boys return for a headline performance at the Rio Grande Theatre! The award-winning ensemble began as a local guitar trio in 1994, but has since added members, relocated to Albuquerque and racked up the awards, cementing their reputation as a Latin music powerhouse. Seamlessly combining Latin rhythms with the elements of Flamenco, Jazz, Salsa and Rock to create an unmistakably original sound, Nosotros recently released their fourth album, entitled “Llena La Alma,” with Grammy Award-winning Engineer, Doug Geist. Opening the show will be local Latin Rock band, Nuevo Sol. Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $15. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Saturday, September 19
R&R Productions presents Ernie Watts
R&R Productions presents two-time Grammy Award-winner Ernie Watts, one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players on the music scene. In a diverse career that has spanned more than 40 years, he has been featured on over 500 recordings, by artists ranging from Cannonball Adderly to Frank Zappa, always exhibiting his unforgettable trademark sound. Watts’ latest release, “To The Point,” was recorded live at The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles with his longtime quartet and represents a snapshot of where he finds himself today. Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, September 24
The Reel Rock Tour
NMSU Outdoor Recreation will screen Sender Film’s Fourth Annual Reel Rock Film Tour, featuring the final edit from the Vertical Carnival Adventure for National Geographic TV International, along with short films from contest winners in such genres as Humor/Spoof, Adventure/Adventure and more. Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $10. For more information call 575-646-4746 or visit www.ReelRockTour.com.

Friday, September 25
Le Chat Lunatique
Playing a combination of Gypsy Swing, Western Swing and whatever else they damn well please, Le Chat Lunatique claims that their forte is Filthy, Mangy Jazz, the result of a mutual love for the great Hot Club of France–a gypsy swing group from 1940s Paris, which included the combined genius of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli–fused with Western Swing and Latin rhythms to create a formidable groove. Presented as a collaboration between the Doña Ana Arts Council and Guitars Not Guns, a non-profit organization providing guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children in a classroom setting. Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $10. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Saturday, September 26
Marina V
Singer/songwriter Marina V describes herself as “…a young girl who was once a shy kid playing her songs on an out-of-tune upright piano in Soviet Moscow with neighbors knocking on the wall because it was too loud, and whose piano teacher told her not to write anymore, who learned English by translating the Beatles songs and whose soul cried with joy when she heard the beautiful melodies of Russian classical and folk music, who overcame a lot of adversity and moved all the way to America by herself at 15, leaving everything behind to make her music dreams come true.” Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $15. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Wednesday, September 30
LCCCA presents Smith & Adams
The Las Cruces Civic Concert Association kicks off their season with husband/wife duo Richard Smith and Julie Adams–he a blues guitarist, she a cellist—whose mastery of their respective art forms combine to create a one-of-a-kind musical experience that is taking the nation by storm. Showtime is 7:30pm. Single ticket price is $20 at the door. Call (575) 521-4051 for more information.

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
September 8 – Brand New Day: Songs & Humor
September 22 – Yolanda Martinez: Native American Drums
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30pm and are free to the public. 

On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries
Monday Studio Group
The works of a dozen plus ladies, ranging in age from the late fifties to the early nineties will be on display throughout the month of September 2009, beginning with a reception for the artists to coincide with the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble, on September 4, at 5pm. Working in watercolor, colored pencils, oils and pastels, the artists of the Monday Studio Group explore many styles of expression and have found that they need all of their energy and enthusiasm as they tackle the difficulties involved in portrait and figure painting. The exhibit will run through September 28, 2009.

For clarification, photos or additional information, please contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.

Who: The Black Box Theatre
What: Upcoming Events in August
When: August 2009
Where: The Black Box Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-1223

Upcoming Events at the Black Box Theatre!

We have a great mix of performances coming up which include our season opener, “More Fun Than Bowling,” the Amazing Magical Musical Adventures series, “Where The Wild Things Are,” in conjunction with the Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music introducing children to music, and “The Temps,” a cabaret of show tunes. Our 2009-2010 Season Tickets will be on sale through the run of “More Fun Than Bowling.”

You can see photos for “More Fun Than Bowling” at http://www.no-strings.org/bowling.html

You can see photos for “The Temps” at http://www.no-strings.org/bbtmusic.html

thetheatregallery, located in the lobby of the Black Box Theatre presents, “Theatre Magic – The Designers’ Art,” a photographic exhibit featuring the work of Peter Herman. During his nearly ten years as set and light designer at the Black Box Theatre, Peter has taken numerous rehearsal photographs. The show highlights the contribution of design and technical theatre to the total theatre experience. thetheatregallery is open an hour before performance time and by appointment by calling (575) 523-1223. The wine and cheese reception will be Friday, September 4, from 5:00- 7:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Downtown Ramble.

“MORE FUN THAN BOWLING” OPENS THE 2009-2010 SEASON AT THE BLACK BOX THEATRE AUGUST 14 – AUGUST 30

Whether one bowls or not, the 2009-2010 season opener at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Main Street, Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, “More Fun than Bowling,” guarantees an evening of hilarity.
Opening Friday, August 14, at 8:00 p.m. and running through Sunday, August 30, Steven Dietz’s two-act, five-character philosophical comedy directed by No Strings Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Ceil Herman, combines suspense and humor in a small Midwestern town. Actors Jeff and Dale Peckham, father and daughter in real life, play Jake and his daughter Molly. Jake’s two wives are played by Katie Richardson as Lois and Megan Richardson as Loretta. Danny Wade plays the mysterious Mr. Dyson. The actors convince audiences that while “More Fun than Bowling” could be a metaphor for the incongruities of life, they themselves are right there on stage having a good deal of fun bringing the play to life. The scenic and lighting design is by Peter Herman and costume design is by Cortney Newtson. Leah Angelo is the stage manager and Rorie Measure is Assistant Director.

Performances of “More Fun Than Bowling” are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays, August 23 and 30 at 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 regular admission, $9.00 students and seniors over 65, and all seats on Thursdays are $7.00. Preferred Patron Packages( PPP) Season Tickets may be purchased during the run of “More Fun Than Bowling.” Regular PPP Season tickets are $50.00 and student and senior PPP tickets are $45.00 for the 6 shows of the 2009-2010 season.
Reservations: (575) 523-1223 or online at http://www.no-strings.org.

“THE TEMPS” A MUSICAL POTPOURI AT THE BLACK BOX THEATRE ON AUGUST 17 AND 18 AT 7:00 P.M.

Singers Lauren Fajardo, Carrie Oliver, and Cindy Pits and No Strings Theatre Company present “The Temps” a musical potpouri featuring tunes from,”Annie Get Your Gun,” “Nine To Five,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” and “Mack and Mabel.” The tune-filled show, which is in an office setting, is about three women who work together and the dynamics of their relationships in and out of the office. The two performances are on Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.
Tickets are $10.00 regular admission and $9.00 students and seniors over 65. For reservations call (575) 523-1223.

UPCOMING AMAZING MAGICAL MUSICAL ADVENTURES:
“WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE” ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

Bring the whole family out to enjoy “Amazing Magical Musical Adventures”, a series presented by Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music and the Black Box Theatre, located at 430 N Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. The August performance of “Where the Wild Things Are” will be Saturday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m. Perfect for the entire family, the shows incorporate storytelling and music and are targeted for children ages 4 ­-10. Reservations may be made by calling the Theatre at (575) 523-1223. Remaining tickets are available at the door 30 minutes prior to the performance.

"MORE FUN THAN BOWLING" OPENS THE 2009-2010 SEASON AT THE BLACK BOX THEATRE AUGUST 14 - AUGUST 30"THE TEMPS" A MUSICAL POTPOURI AT THE BLACK BOX THEATRE ON AUGUST 17 AND 18 AT 7:00 P.M.

"THE TEMPS" A MUSICAL POTPOURI AT THE BLACK BOX THEATRE ON AUGUST 17 AND 18 AT 7:00 P.M.

Who: Branigan Memorial Library
What: New Picturing America Art Exhibit
When: September 2009
Where: Branigan Memorial Library
Contact: (575) 528-4005

Picturing America Exhibit at Branigan Memorial Library

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., will host a print collection of America’s most notable art works.

The “Picturing America” exhibit will help visitors understand American democracy and allow them to experience America’s history through art.

The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded an important grant to the library, which will bring works of American art to schools, libraries and communities throughout the country.

The exhibit will be in the library’s Terrace Gallery during the month of September. 

For more information call 575-528-4005. The TTY number is 575-528-4008.

Who: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
What: New Art Exhibit, Documentary Screening & Ribbon cutting for Eagle Ranch
When: August 13, 2009
Where: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Contact: (575) 522-4100

Border Artists unveiling of ‘The Art of Cultivation’, a Documentary film screening & Eagle Ranch ribbon-cutting all set for Aug. 13

The opening of a new exhibit featuring some of the region’s top artists highlights a busy evening at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum on Aug. 13.

The exhibit, “The Art of Cultivation: Agriculture in the Mesilla Valley,” opens in the museum’s Arts Corridor and features the work of The Border Artists. The reception is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and admission is free.

The artists were tasked with creating fine art that demonstrates the diversity and flavor of agriculture in the Mesilla Valley. Established to promote the quality and diversity of fine arts in the border region, the Border Artists have been active in the regional art community for almost 20 years.

Artists who are active in the organization include Carolyn Bunch, Tauna Cole, Janice Cook, Sherry Doil-Carter, Tom Gerend, Winfrey Hearst, Annetta Hoover, Suzanne Kane, Tony Lazorko, Cassandra Lockwood, Joyce Macrorie, Rosemary McLoughlin, Diana Molina, Virginia Ness, Jeanne Rundell, Jo-An Smith, Dan Tapper, Scott Weaver, Bob M. Willis and Sandy Zane.

The exhibit will be in the Arts Corridor through Dec. 6.

Two more events are planned for Aug. 13. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce will have a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Eagle Ranch Mercantile, which now consists of a gift shop, snack bar and family room. Wine tasting, featuring award-winning Heart of the Desert wines, also will be part of the celebration.

The final event on Aug. 13 is a showing of the documentary film, “Betty LaDuke: Art Reflecting Life.”  The film begins at 7 p.m. in the theater and admission is a suggested donation of $2.

The film profiles LaDuke, the artist whose work is featured in the current “Dreaming Cows” exhibit on display in the North Corridor of the museum. The documentary gives a deeper profile of the artist and the inspiration behind her colorful works.

For more information about the museum and its programs, call (575) 522-4100.

Who: Rio Grande Theater Every Other Tuesday Performance
What: Hosts Dr. J. Albert Carlile, Master of Mirth, Music, Magic and Medicine
When: August 11, 2009
Where: The rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 541-2137

The Old West Comes Alive During Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre!

As those of us who grew up in the Southwest know, the Old West wasn’t all gunfights and saloon brawls. One of the dimly-remembered passages of the frontier history was the American “Medicine Show” and for one night only, that forgotten part of Americana will be re-enacted on the Rio Grande Theatre stage, when Dr. J. Albert Carlile, Master of Mirth, Music, Magic and Medicine sets up his historically accurate shingle. Joining Dr. Carlile on stage will be his assistants: professional storyteller and dancer, Terry Alvarez; music teacher and stage performer James Carlile Jr. and musician/performer James Carlile III.

James A. Carlile, a retired military officer and electrical engineer has spent much of his time since retirement performing live, as well as in television and movies. His research on the “medicine men” of the Old West was prompted by memories of growing up in a small farming community in Texas, where travelling medicine shows brought excitement and interest to everyday life. The medicine show, selling elixirs claiming to cure all manner of ills, began shortly after the Civil War and lasted until about 1940, when radio and newspaper advertisements made the selling of patented medicines a common occurrence. In addition to selling questionable wares, these shows usually travelled with performers who could sing or dance and were a great source of entertainment to people who rarely left their small frontier towns.

Join Dr. Carlile and his assistants as they resurrect the time-honored tradition of the old-fashioned medicine show, singing, dancing, playing the banjo, guitar and slide guitar, telling corny jokes and, of course, hawking their “miracle” wares, during the Rio Grande Theatre’s Every Other Tuesday presentation.

“Every Other Tuesday” is a free performance series produced by the Doña Ana Arts Council beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Historic Rio Grande Theatre on the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces, NM.  For more information contact DAAC at (575) 523-6403 and for a list of upcoming events go to www.riograndetheatre.com.

Exhibits are accessible and free of charge.  For information, call (575) 541-2137 or visit the website www.museums.las-cruces.org. 

Who: The Las Cruces Museum
What: Hosting “From the Ground Up” ceramics exhibit
When: September 4, 2009
Where: The Las Cruces Museum of Art
Contact: (575) 541-2137

“From the Ground Up” Opens September 4th

“From the Ground Up XXIV,” a regional, juried exhibition of contemporary ceramics, will be on display at the Las Cruces Museum of Art from Friday, September 4 through Saturday, November 7.  This biannual event is a collaboration between the Potters’ Guild of Las Cruces and the Las Cruces Museum of Art.  An artists’ reception will be held on Friday, September 4 from 5 – 7 pm.  At this time, juror Blair Meerfeld will present the awards.

This exhibition features ceramic works, both functional and sculptural, by over sixty artists representing the states of the Rocky Mountain Region – New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.   The participating local artists are Joe Angelo, Klyf Brown, Christina Campbell, Walter Castro, Janice Cook, Liz Fisher, Andi Freespirit, Richard Green, Susanne Kane, Dana Kroos, John Northcutt, Cindy Waddell, Barb Williams, and Cally Williams. 

The juror, Blair Meerfeld, has been a professional studio potter for many years and is now a resident of Santa Fe.  His work is primarily functional pieces, crafted with wood fired stoneware.  He will be presenting a free public lecture on his work on Saturday, September 5 at 12 pm at the Branigan Cultural Center. 

Funded by the City of Las Cruces, the Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main Street, at the north end of the downtown mall.  Exhibits are accessible and free of charge.  For information, call (575) 541-2137 or visit the website www.museums.las-cruces.org.