Archive for April, 2010

Who: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
What: Calendar of Events 
When: May 2010 
Where: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Contact: (575) 522-4100

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum May 2010 Events Calendar

Harvest Cooking Class
May 4, 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of creative recipes in our very popular monthly cooking class. This month’s recipes feature beets, carrots and berries. Carol Koenig is the chef. Pre-registration is required. $35.
 
Monthly Film/Lecture Series: Utopia on the Rio Grande
May 13, 7 p.m.
The Museum will play host to the world premiere of filmmaker Robin Riley’s documentary about Shalam Colony, the group of “faithists” who tried to create a utopian community north of Las Cruces from 1884-1907. Riley also will be here to discuss this fascinating story. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.
 
Garden Sale
May 13-16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Garden Sale will take place at the Museum’s greenhouse and features a good selection of vegetables and herbs, as well as cacti. Trees and shrubs also will be for sale.
 
Blessing of the Fields
May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Museum’s annual Blessing of the Fields celebrates a long, historic tradition from the Mesilla Valley and other parts of the state. The Museum opens at 9 a.m., and the colorful procession to bless the fields and animals will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event also includes ballet folklorico dancers, music, food, and arts and crafts vendors. Admission is $2 per person.
 
For more information, or to register for a class, please call (575) 522-4100.
 
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
4100 Dripping Springs Road
Las Cruces, NM 88011
www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

Who: Las Cruces hosting
What: 32nd Annual Senoir Olympics 
When: July- August 2010 
Where: Las Cruces
Contact: (575) 623-5777 or (575) 642-6048

32nd Annual Senior Olympics coming to Las Cruces on July 28 – Aug. 1 2010
 
Over 1,000 senior athletes are expected to compete in the 32nd Annual Senior Olympics Summer Games that will be held in Las Cruces from July 28 through August 1, 2010.
 
With a variety of local qualifying games already underway, athletes must compete and qualify in their respective sporting event, or events, at the local qualifying games, which will continue through May 31, 2010, in order to participate in the Summer Games.
 
Cecilia Acosta, executive director of New Mexico Senior Olympics Inc., estimates that over 1,800 athletes will qualify at the local games and about 1,200 will register for the State Summer Games. This year also serves as the only qualifying opportunity for seniors in the state to attend the 2011 National Senior Olympics Games in Houston, Texas.
 
There are a wide variety of sporting events offered at local games including: billiards, cycling, track and field, bowling, table tennis, racquetball, badminton, a number of other sports. Schedules for local qualifying games will vary based on local interest and sporting venues available in their locality. Playing rules state that athletes must place 1st-6th in their respective age divisions- 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, etc. in order to be eligible to register for State Summer Games. The registration fee for the State Summer Games is $45 per person and allows for participants to compete in up to ten different sports.
 
Posters for the State Summer Games are now available for local game coordinators and can be modified to include contact information that will help to link local senior participants. All local game sites have various deadlines and scheduling information which can be found on the NMSO website at www.nmseniorolympics.org  or by calling the toll free hotline at 1-888-623-6776. There are 32 sanctioned games sites currently planning local games. Athletes register in the game site where nearest to them. Local game sites are required to submit local qualifying data to NMSO by June 1st.
 
For more information on the Senior Olympics visit www.nmseniorolympics.org or contact Cecilia Acosta at (575) 623-5777 or (575) 642-6048.

Who: Jerry Hernandez
What: Artwork on display 
When: April 2010 
Where: The Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau lobby gallery
Contact: (575) 541-2150

Local artist chosen as artist of the month for the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s visitors lobby gallery

LAS CRUCES, NM – During the month of April, a collection of Jerry Hernandez’s artwork will be on display and available for sale, in the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau lobby, located at 211 N. Water Street.

With dynamic color combinations and techniques inspired by the late artist Bob Ross, Hernandez’s work features a variety dynamic landscapes that truly highlight his unique style.

Entitled, “Imaginary Places,” the series of landscape paintings feature landscapes from “imaginary places,” Hernandez “visits,” in his mind.  The paintings feature a distinctive wet-on-wet technique Hernandez uses to blend vibrant colors into his work.

A Las Cruces native, Hernandez became interested in painting at a very young age and continued to paint on-and-off throughout the years, sometimes setting painting aside for long periods of time. Hernandez’ renewed interest in painting began over ten years ago when Hernandez met his future wife who encouraged him to pursue his passion more aggressively. Hernandez has a number of paintings in public and private collections throughout the area.

Each month the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau features artwork from a local artist in the visitors lobby gallery. The Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau is located at 211 N. Water Street in Las Cruces, NM. For more information contact the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau at (575) 541-2150.

All aboard!  The Las Cruces Railroad Museum will be hosting the third annual Railroad Day May 6-8, 2010 at the historic railroad depot in Las Cruces.
 
All three days will feature events and activities for train enthusiasts of all ages, including a special appearance by the New Mexico Rail Runner Express on Saturday.
 
Inside the museum, the Dona Ana Modular Railroad Club will have model train layouts running throughout the museum and the Harvey Girl re-enactors from the Railroad and Transportation Museum of El Paso will be on-hand to recant stories of early railroad life in New Mexico.
 
Outside, the “Van of Enchantment” mobile visitor center sponsored by the New Mexico Tourism Department, will be passing out New Mexico information. There will also be railroad related musical entertainment including and an Old West medicine show, a one-act play about the orphan trains and a performance by the Vista Vibrations Bell Choir.
 
A welcome ceremony on Saturday morning will begin at 10 am to celebrate the depot’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places and to welcome the acquisition of a 1909 wooden caboose. Guest speakers will include: Mayor Pro-Tem Sharon Thomas, District 1 Councillor Miguel Silva, and the Rail Runner’s Lawrence Rael.
 
Prior to Saturday’s big events, Thursday, May 6, is Senior Appreciation Day. Friday, May 7, is Students’ Day, special tours by appointment for large groups and activities for the kids throughout the day.
 
For more information, call (575) 647-4480 or visit www.las-cruces.org/museums. The museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The event is free and open to the public. The museum is located at 351 N. Mesilla Street (at Las Cruces Ave.).

Who: Rio Grande Theatre
What: Calendar of Events 
When: April 2010 
Where: Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Rio Grande Theatre April 2010 Calendar of Events

Thursday – Sunday, April 1 – 4
Gee ‘n Ess & “I”
Dr. George Jarden, founder of Voz Vaqueros, The Singing Men of Las Cruces, presents his one-man musical show that is three years in the making and highlights the light comic operas of W.S. Gilbert (Gee) and Arthur Sullivan (Ess), including The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore and eight others. As himself – the character “I” – the “live” George sings, dances and acts Gilbert & Sullivan roles, and also interacts with some twenty ambitiously and ingeniously-conceived  videoed musical and dramatic vignettes (also played and sung by Jarden himself!). Showtime is 7pm. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (575) 523-6720 or visit www.rartsproductions.org.
 
Wednesday, April 7
Sierra Middle School KSTAR Film Fest
A special presentation of short films, produced and created by 7th grade media students. Admission is Free and open to the public. For more information call (575) 527-9640.
 
Thursday, April 8
24th Annual DAAC Awards
Join the Dona Ana Arts Council for their annual Community Arts Awards celebration, done Western-style. Rhinestones and denim is the look for a sparkle-filled evening of entertainment sure to please the most jaded of award-show attendees. Scheduled performances are a Patsy Cline/Dolly Parton Tribute by Janet Mazdra, a Square Dancing Exhibition by Las Cruces Chamber Ballet and honky-tonk dancing to the music of Desert Wind. Dinner provided by La Iguana Restaurant and assisted by Alma d’Arte Culinary Arts students. Showtime is 6pm.  Tickets are $25 general admission; $20 student and senior and can be purchased by calling (575) 523-6403.
 
Friday, April 9
Santa Fe Opera Spring Tour
Two talented young singers–soprano Jamie-Rose Guarrine and baritone Sean Anderson, accompanied by pianist and music director Kirt Pavitt—will present the short original piece, Words And Music, which explores the relationship between words and music. The story centers on Melody, a composer and writer’s block, and Webster, who is certain that he, with his gift of language, can help her and perhaps find the perfect girl for himself. As they move toward resolving the dilemma, they also fall in love. The second half of the program is comprised of popular arias and song. Showtime is 7pm. The event is FREE and open to the public, but donations will be taken to benefit NMSU’s Student Lyric Opera. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
 
Saturday, April 10
Studio A-440 Recital
Approximately 70 students of Studio A-440 perform their annual recital in a variety of musical styles and genres, including piano, guitar, saxophone and vocals. Showtime is 2pm and 3:30pm. For more information, call Studio A-440 at 575-525-1367.
 
Tuesday, April 13
Amusing Muses
To help celebrate National Poetry Month, the Dona Ana Arts Council and Sin Fronteras/Writers Without Borders presents an evening of original comic poetry readings, with co-hosts Dr. Wayne Crawford and Richard “Dick” Thomas. A diverse group of Las Cruces poets will each read one poem aimed to make the audience laugh out loud.  If time allows, a second poem will be offered by each. Poets participating include Chris Acosta, Sheila Black, Peter Brooks, Wayne Crawford, Floydd Elliott, Billy Garrett, Michael Mandel, Sue Miller, John Pate, Camillo Roldan, Joseph Somoza, Tim Staley, Dick Thomas, Joanne Townsend, Connie Voisine, Joshua Wheeler, Heloise Wilson, and Ellen Roberts Young. The 2010 Sin Fronteras Journal, Volume 14, will officially be released at this reading as well. Showtime is 6:30pm. Admission is FREE.
 
Wednesday, April 14
Patagonia Film Festival
A special presentation of the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, presented by the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, which brings together the best of the home festival’s films in a three-hour program. With a growing public awareness for the environment, the festival aims to increase this groundswell through inspiring and educational films which hopefully will motivate people to go out and make a difference in their community and around the world. Whether it is the struggle for environmental justice, information on renewable energy or an educational tale about an endangered species, the films expose people to forward-thinking ideas and global awareness. Showtime is 5pm. For information contact New Mexico Wilderness Alliance at (575) 527-9962.
 
Thursday, April 15
ASNMSU presents Bassekou Kouyate
Bassekou Kouyate is one of Mali’s best-known ngoni players. He has collaborated with many important traditional musicians of his country as well as international such as Carlos Santana and U2 among many others. Most recently he is featured on Ali Fracas posthumous album ‘Savanna’ and toured with him leaving a lasting impression on the audience as the bands solo ngoni player. Bassekou Kouyate will appear at the Rio Grande Theatre as part of the ASNMSU Cultural Series. Showtime is 8pm. Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 students and seniors and are available through Ticketmaster or the Pan American Center on the NMSU Campus.
 
Saturday, April 17
We Are One, Dance And Drum
Susan Jewell, Karuna Warren and Terry Alvarez join forces once again to present the fourth annual event recognizing the work and talent of local dance troupes and celebrating a variety of philosophies and styles in belly dance. Dancing and Drumming combine in a show featuring some of the best solo dancers in the region, alongside drumming groups, student dance troupes and group performers. Showtime is 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $5 matinee; $8 evening. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
 
Wednesday, April 21
ASNMSU presents Ana Moura
Portuguese vocalist Ana Moura, whose soulful and riveting interpretation of her land’s captivating fado style has made her a star in Europe, brings her gentle, persuasive magic to North American audiences. The 25 year old singer has become a leading exponent of this poetic, deeply expressive idiom which personifies the Portuguese psyche as is explores such universal themes as lost love, separation and longing. Ana Moura will appear at the Rio Grande Theatre as part of the ASNMSU Cultural Series. Showtime is 8pm. Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 students and seniors and are available through Ticketmaster or the Pan American Center on the NMSU Campus.
 
Saturday, April 24
International Day Of Dance
The Fifth Annual Day of Dance, sponsored by Branigan Cultural Center, celebrates the International Day of Dance initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Council, under the auspices of UNESCO. The event presents culturally diverse dance forms found in the Las Cruces area, including ballet Folklorico, belly dancing, Peruvian dance, line dancing, Native American dance, ballroom dance and more. Showtime is 10am. Admission is FREE to the public. For more information about the program, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at www.las-cruces.org/museums
 
Saturday & Sunday, April 24 & 25
Project IN Motion: Wing Walkers
They fly through the air with the greatest of ease, but instead of a trapeze, they use strips of fabric to present balletic mid-air dance that delves into imagined spaces encompassing not only the sky, but the earth and the ocean as well. Examining everything from aviary adventures and oceanic orchestrations to our own human foibles, Project IN Motion’s aerodynamic poetry provides entertainment and thrills through graceful and intelligent aerial and terrestrial dance. This year’s concert consists of five premiering aerial dances involving various flying apparatus and three terrestrial dances, both new and old. Collaborations with local videographer Robert Yee and guest choreographers Billy Blanken (IsadoraNow in New York City) and Dierdre Morris (Wise Fool in Santa Fe and Stalker in Australia) will be highlights of the evening. Showtimes are 7pm and  4pm, respectively. Tickets are $25. For more information visit www.ProjectInMotion.com or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com
 
Tuesday, April 27
LCCCA presents Intersection
The Las Cruces Civic Concert Association continues their season with a violin, cello and piano trio whose powerful connection with audiences worldwide has led to chart topping hits on classical and crossover charts in Asia, Europe and the US. Their program spans classical, avant garde and popular genres, creating an exciting musical embodiment of vitality, verve and diversity. Showtime is 7:30pm. Single ticket price is $20 at the door. Call (575) 521-4051 for more information.
 
Thursday & Friday, April 29 & 30
Dancers Unlimited presents Vertigo
Members of Dancers Unlimited perform routines featuring various styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary and swing.  Showtime is 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Call (575) 621-9654 for more information.
 
Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
April 6 – LCHS Choir
April 20 – Salty Dog Bluegrass Band
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
Flo Hosa Dougherty
Ninety-five caricatures and characterizations representing eleven operas by Gilbert and Sullivan will be presented in conjunction with the opening of the Gee ‘n Ess & “I” production. The rendering by Flo Hosa Dougherty are all captioned and are grouped by opera titles to create a nostalgic journey for those who remember the first time they saw, or even acted, in one of them. The exhibition will run through the entire month of  April, 2010, beginning with an artist reception on April 2, from 5 to 7pm, as part of the Downtown Art Ramble.
 
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main, in Las Cruces, NM. For clarification, photos or additional information, please visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.

Who: Southwest Environmental Center is hosting
What: The 13th Annual Raft the Rio
When: June 12, 2010
Where: The Rio Grande River
Contact: (575) 522-5552

Annual Rio Grande raft race and festival announced: Fun, prizes, and a chance to win a real whitewater raft trip!
 
Raft with the wildest crew that ever floated the Rio Grande! The Southwest Environmental Center’s thirteenth annual Raft the Rio will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 on the Rio Grande, near Las Cruces. The family-friendly event is open to individuals and teams of all ages willing to get wet and have fun. Creativity and the use of discarded materials in building rafts are highly encouraged.
 
The three-mile rafting adventure will begin at La Llorona Park beneath the Picacho Street bridge, and end just upstream from the Calle del Norte Bridge (“Mesilla Bridge”). There will be refreshments, food vendors and live music at the finish line.
 
Prizes will be awarded to homemade boats in the following categories:
 
• First to finish
• Least likely to finish (must be floating at start of race)
• Best use of recycled materials
• Most spirited (most enthusiastic crew)
• Best theme (most thorough application of a theme to vessel and crew)
• Champion of the River (best promotes appreciation for the Rio Grande)
 
This year there are two divisions: Kids and Open. Prizes will be awarded in both divisions. The Kids Division race begins at 10 a.m. sharp, followed by the Open Division at 10:15. To be eligible for the Kids’ Division, at least half the sailors on a boat must be under 13 years of age.
 
The river is expected to be full, due to releases of irrigation water from Caballo Reservoir. Teams may register at the starting line beginning at 8:00 a.m., or in advance by contacting the Southwest Environmental Center.
 
The entry fee is $10 per raft in advance (or $20 on race day), plus $5 for each crew member 13 years and older (after the first two). Motorized craft are not allowed. New Mexico law requires that all participants wear personal flotation devices.
 
Participants who are also members of the Southwest Environmental Center will be entered in a drawing to win an exciting whitewater raft trip for two on the Rio Grande near Taos, courtesy of event sponsor Far Flung Adventures. In keeping with the environmental spirit of the event, participants are encouraged to minimize their purchase of new materials for making rafts.
 
For more information, call the Southwest Environmental Center at (575) 522-5552.

Who: Aerial Dance Troupe IN Motion
What: Performing it’s latest production
When: April 9, 2010
Where: The Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Project in Motion: WingWalkers at the Rio Grande Theatre April 24 & 25

The sky is limitless when the Rio Grande Theatre welcomes back aerial dance troupe Project IN Motion for their latest high-flying production, entitled Wing Walkers. They fly through the air with the greatest of ease, but instead of a trapeze, they use strips of fabric to present balletic mid-air dance that delves into imagined spaces encompassing not only the sky, but the earth and the ocean as well. Examining everything from aviary adventures and oceanic orchestrations to our own human foibles, Project IN Motion’s aerodynamic poetry provides entertainment and thrills through graceful and intelligent aerial and terrestrial dance. Project IN Motion brings its finesse and fabric know-how to the Rio Grande Theatre on April 24th and 25th, 2010.

This year’s concert consists of five premiering aerial dances involving various flying apparatus and three terrestrial dances, both new and old. Collaborations with local videographer Robert Yee and guest choreographers Billy Blanken (IsadoraNow in New York City) and Dierdre Morris (Wise Fool in Santa Fe and Stalker in Australia) will be highlights of the evening. The anchor piece, The Palace at Night, will be a vignette of five aerial and terrestrial pieces inspired by modern artist Alberto Giacometti and choreographed by Hilary McDaniel-Douglas, Mei-Ling Po McKay and Joseph Putman on an elaborate apparatus created especially for the piece. Dancers for the pieces will be Blanken, McDaniel-Douglas, Putman, Joe Duerksen, Anika Jones, Stephen Pohuski and guests.

The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Doors open at 6:30pm and the performance begins at 7pm on Saturday, April 24th. Doors open at 3:30pm and the performance begins at 4pm on Sunday, April 25th. Tickets are $25. For more information visit www.ProjectInMotion.com or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com

Who: Singers for the Santa Fe Opera
What: Performing Words & Music
When: April 9, 2010
Where: The Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Dona Ana Arts Council presents the Santa Fe Opera Spring Tour featuring Words & Music at the Rio Grande Theatre April 9
 
March 26, 2010 – Two talented young singers will be featured in The Santa Fe Opera’s annual Spring Opera Tour, making a stop at the Rio Grande Theatre as part of their trek through nine communities in New Mexico and Texas. Soprano Jamie-Rose Guarrine and baritone Sean Anderson, accompanied by pianist and music director Kirt Pavitt, will present the short original piece, Words & Music, which explores the relationship between words and music. The Santa Fe Opera will take the Rio Grande Theatre stage on April 9, 2010.
 
The story behind Words & Music centers on Melody, a composer with writer’s block, and Webster, who is certain that he, with his gift of language, can help her and perhaps find the perfect girl for himself. As they move toward resolving the dilemma, they also fall in love. Words & Music is a journey that incorporates musical works that are familiar to all. The second half of the program is comprised of popular arias and song.
 
The Spring Opera Tour is supported by First Community Bank; the Guilds of The Santa Fe Opera, Inc.; New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs; the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission – the 1% Lodgers’ Tax; and the National Endowment for the Arts. 
 
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Doors open at 6:30pm and the performance begins at 7pm. The event is FREE and open to the public, but donations will be taken to benefit NMSU’s Student Lyric Opera. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

Who: A variety of poets
What: Readings Original Comic Poetry 
When: April 13, 2010
Where: The Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Dona Ana Arts Council and Sin Fronteras/Writers without Borders presents Amusing Muses at the Rio Grande Theatre

To help celebrate National Poetry Month, the Dona Ana Arts Council and Sin Fronteras/Writers Without Borders presents Amusing Muses, an evening of original comic poetry readings. Co-hosted by Dr. Wayne Crawford and Richard “Dick” Thomas, the event will feature local poets with a penchant for tickling funny bones and maybe even eliciting a groan or two. Amusing Muses will take over the Rio Grande Theatre stage on April 13, 2010.
 
A diverse group of Las Cruces poets will each read one poem aimed to make the audience laugh out loud.  If time allows, a second poem will be offered by each. Poets participating include Chris Acosta, Sheila Black, Peter Brooks, Wayne Crawford, Floydd Elliott, Billy Garrett, Michael Mandel, Sue Miller, John Pate, Camillo Roldan, Joseph Somoza, Tim Staley, Dick Thomas, Joanne Townsend, Connie Voisine, Joshua Wheeler, Heloise Wilson, and Ellen Roberts Young.
 
The 2010 Sin Fronteras Journal, Volume 14, will officially be released at this reading as well. The journal is co-managed by Crawford and Thomas, also poetry editors.  Others include drama editor Michael Mandel, poetry editor Michelle Holland, prose editors Duncan Hayse and Ellen Young, and cover art by Paul White. Journal writers taking part in Amusing Muses include Floydd Elliott, Camillo Roldan and Joe Somoza.
 
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Doors open at 6pm and the performance begins at 6:30pm. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.