Archive for the ‘Event News’ Category

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 children 12 and under 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.  

Sponsors for this year’s event include: Positive Energy, Inc., Aggie Recreational Equipment, GeoInsight, Blue Moon Bar, Sunspot Solar Enery Systems, LLC, RETHINK Real Estate, Mott Pots, and Mountainview Regional Medical Center. 

For more information, contact the Southwest Environmental Center at (575) 522-5552, or visit www.wildmesquite.org.

The City of Las Cruces will begin the Music in the Park series on Sunday, May 30th with the Mayor’s Jazz Fest. Music in the Park is a 14-week musical extravaganza offering Las Crucens an eclectic mix of music performed by local, regional and nationally recognized artist, at Apodaca Park, Klein Park and Young Park. Music types include: jazz, rhythm and blues, Mariachi, classical, country, Tejano, bluegrass, new wave and pop, among others.

All concerts listed begin at 7:00pm, (except for the Mayor’s Jazz Fest). The following is the 2010 schedule:

Apodaca Park      801 E. Madrid Ave.

 May 30        (Mayor’s Jazz Fest, 6:00 p.m.)
Gerald Veasley – Smooth Jazz – Philadelphia, PA
Roundtrip – Bebop Jazz and Standards – Santa Fe, NM
Ritmo Caluroso – Latin Jazz – Las Cruces, NM

June 6        
The Buzz Tones – Variety – Las Cruces, NM
Benji Rivas – Blues/Variety – Las Cruces, NM

June 13      
Syd Masters & the Swing Riders – Western Swing – Tijeras, NM
Bob Einweck – Folk – Phoenix, AZ

June 20      
Windy City – (Tribute to Chicago) Pop – El Paso, TX

June 27    
Steve Smith & Chris Sanders – Bluegrass – Las Cruces, NM
Rhythm Mystic – World Music – Pinos Altos, NM

Klein Park            155 N, Mesquite St.

July 11        
Fast Lane – C&W, variety, blues – Las Cruces, NM
Redneck Cowgirl – C&W, gospel – Deming, NM

July 18        
Undiskovered featuring Carol Portillo – Variety – Las Cruces, NM
Mariachi Feminil Flores Mexicanas – Mariachi – El Paso, TX

July 25        
Remember Then – Doo Wop & Oldies – Las Cruces, NM
Gene & the Starliners -Oldies but Goodies – Las Cruces, NM

Young Park 1905 E. Nevada Ave.

August 1               
Azucar – Latin Jazz, Salsa – El Paso, TX
Red Hot & Red – Jazz – El Paso, TX

August 8               
NM Symphony Brass Quintet – Chamber Music, pop – Las Cruces
Madera Winds – Chamber Music – Las Cruces, NM

August 15             
Crystal Ship – 60′s Rock, British Invasion Rock – Las Cruces, NM
Los Changos Del Mar – Surf Music – Taos, NM

August 22             
The James Douglas Show – Funk, R&B – Los Angeles, CA

August 29            
 Nosotros – Latin Rock – Las Cruces, NM

Entertainers, locations and dates are subject to change without prior notice. The City has provided the Music in the Park Series as a public service, free of charge, since 1994.   Residents are reminded that in accordance with a City of Las Cruces policy, pets are not permitted at special events held at City of Las Cruces facilities.

For more information, contact the City of Las Cruces PIO office at (575) 541-2200, or online at www.las-cruces.org.

Friday, June 18
Southern New Mexico Pride’s Gaylapalooza
Over the past 20 years, the GLBTQ community in Las Cruces and surrounding areas has celebrated Pride month with a variety of events aimed at celebrating the diversity of its members and their achievements. This year, the Rio Grande Theatre will host a kick-off event co-sponsored by Southern New Mexico Pride and the Doña Ana Arts Council, entitled Gaylapalooza, featuring three of the best and brightest Queer Indie artists touring today: Daniel Cartier, Namoli Brennet and Eric Himan. The musical extravaganza, hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies Ivonna Bump, will kick off a weekend of family-oriented activities and events. Doors open at 6:30pm and the performance begins at 7pm. Tickets are $20, with a portion of the proceeds going to Southern New Mexico Pride as a fundraiser for its weekend events. For more information visit www.SouthernNMPride.org, www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre

June 1 – New Horizons Swing Band
Under the direction of Shawn Robinson, this offshoot of the New Horizons Band present such classic standards as  “The Girl from Impanema,” “In the Mood,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Bandstand Boogie” and “The Hawaiian War Chant.”

June 15 – Tuco John Band
A very special engagement with the local Jazz quartet that specializes in standards from the 1930s through the 1950s, with classic rock, R&B and soul tunes thrown in to mix things up a bit.

June 29 – McLaughlin Kids
They first took the Rio Grande Theatre stage a year ago, almost to the day, as part of the David Diaz-created ensemble group Regardless. Now they’re back to show that one doesn’t have to be “seasoned” to rock out old school style.

Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30 pm and are free to the public.  For more information contact DAAC at 575-523-6403. 

On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries
Photographer/Filmmaker Mark Vasconcellos
The world of diverse cultures will be examined through the photographic works of local filmmaker Mark Vasconcellos in the Rio Grande Theatre galleries. The exhibition, entitled One World, features 20 color and black & white images taken during his travels throughout the world and will be on display in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries. The show will run through the entire month of June, 2010, beginning with an artist reception on June 4, 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 additional information, please visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.

Las Cruces, NM – “Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program 1942-1964” remains on display at Branigan Cultural Center through July 24, 2010. Several programs are planned in conjunction with the exhibit.

Wednesday, June 9th at 7 p.m. – Bracero Documentary and Lecture
“Los Braceros – Strong Arms to Aid the U.S.A.,” a documentary produced by KVIE, PBS station in Sacramento, CA, provides an overview of the Bracero program.  Following the documentary, Minnie Cheatum will share her remembrances of the Rio Vista Processing Center in Socorro, Texas, where she was a clerk. 

Thursday, June 10th at 2 p.m. – Guided Tour of Bracero exhibit
The public is cordially invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Cultural Center Docents.  A guided tour of the Bracero exhibit will be led by staff.

Saturday, June 26th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Bracero Oral Histories
Anyone who had contact with the Bracero program is strongly encouraged to contact the Cultural Center to set up an interview with the Institute of Oral History at UTEP.  The oral history program is an official partner of the Bracero Archives.  Dr. Kristine Navarro and students will be at the Cultural Center all day to conduct interviews.  For more information on the Bracero Archives visit www.braceroarchive.org

Thursday, July 8 at 1 p.m. – “History Notes”
Guest speaker Cameron Saffell, Curator of History and Oral History Program Director at the NM Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, will talk about the Bracero Program.

Bittersweet Harvest is a traveling exhibit from Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibits. Funding is made possible through the Smithsonian’s Latino Center, which celebrates Latino culture, spirit and achievement in America by facilitating the development of exhibitions, research, collections and education programs. For more information, visit www.latino.si.edu.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main Street, at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.  The exhibits and events are free and open to the public. 

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For more information, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at www.las-cruces.org/museums

Take a rare and exciting look at the life of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and embryos in Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies. This remarkable hands-on exhibition is composed of more than 50 authentic dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe—including those from each of the major plant and meat-eating dinosaur groups. The exhibition opens at the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History on May 21st from 6:00 pm. to 8:00 pm.

Hatching the Past presents new discoveries about dinosaur reproduction and behavior and introduces the fascinating people and science behind these discoveries. This multi-media experience gives credence to long-debated theories that dinosaurs and birds are closely related.

A captivating experience for all ages, Hatching the Past invites visitors to touch a real dinosaur bone, dig for eggs, experience hands-on exploration stations and view animated video presentations.  Each science-rich section is enhanced with exciting life-like models of embryos and hatchlings, colorful illustrations of dinosaur family life and stunning photographs of some of the world’s most renowned dinosaur hunters and their discoveries. 

Hatching the Past was developed by Charlie and Florence Magovern of The Stone Company, Boulder, Colorado, in association with the Harvard Museum of Natural History. The Museum of Natural History strives to inspire curiosity about the sciences, facilitate life-long learning, and promote stewardship of the natural environment of the Chihuahuan desert and southern New Mexico.

If you need accommodation for a disability to enable you to fully participate in this event, please contact the museum 48 hours before the event at (575) 522-3120.

The museum is located at 700 S. Telshor Blvd. insides the Mesilla Valley Mall. 
 

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.

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.