“Jam Session in Las Cruces,” a two-month long series of events that focus on the art and culture of jazz, will take place at various city locations between December 10, 2010 and February 3, 2011. The project will feature multi-media exhibits, concerts, films, public gallery talks, and educational outreach to students of all ages. Sponsored by the Branigan Cultural Center, the Dona Ana Arts Council, the New Mexico State University Department of Music, the Center for the Arts/NMSU Foundation, the ASNMSU Cultural Series, the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau, and KRWG, this citywide event is the product of over eighteen months of planning and preparation.

The centerpiece of the project is an exhibit on loan from the Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C. titled “Jam Session:  America’s Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World.” Consisting mainly of photographs and other important historical documents, the exhibit tells the story of American cultural diplomacy as the U.S. Department of State sent jazz musicians—including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dave Brubeck, among many others—around the world beginning in the mid-1950s. In Las Cruces, the exhibit will be housed at the Branigan Cultural Center and will be open for public viewing Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm each day. Additionally, during all special film and concert events at the Rio Grande Theatre, the Branigan exhibit will stay open late so patrons can take in the exhibit before the evening shows.

Other associated events include four major concerts by internationally renowned touring artists. These concerts begin with a tribute to Louis Armstrong featuring trumpet player and vocalist Byron Stripling with the NMSU Jazz Ensemble on Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Rio Grande Theatre. The Jim Cullum Jazz Band, best known for their acclaimed public radio show “Live From The Landing,” will play a concert at the Atkinson Recital Hall on the NMSU campus on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Jazz and classical pianist Willis Delony will perform inside the exhibit space at the Branigan Cultural Center on Wednesday, January 26 at 7:30 pm, and the series will conclude with New York jazz piano legend Junior Mance and his quintet at the Rio Grande Theatre on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 8:00 pm.

The Rio Grande Theatre will host a film and local concert series throughout the entire “Jam Session in Las Cruces” project. Building on the theatre’s already successful “Every Other Tuesday” concert series, during this special two-month project there will be live concerts every Tuesday at 5:30 pm, followed by a jazz-oriented film at 7:00 pm. The entire film series and all Every Other Tuesday concerts are free and open to the public. Films will include “High Society,” “Round Midnight,” “The Benny Goodman Story,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Satchmo: The Genius of Louis Armstrong,” and a special holiday double feature of “Holiday Inn” and “White Christmas.”  Local performing artists will include the New Horizons Band, the MST Jazz Trio, Roman Chip, Allan Kaplan, the Creole Jazz Band, and Ken Neidig with the Jazz Unlimited Big Band.

The Rio Grande Theatre will also have two galleries filled with local and Southwest jazz memorabilia. One gallery will deal specifically with the history of jazz in the Las Cruces/El Paso area, and the other will be devoted to the jazz photography of noted Albuquerque artist Jim Gale.

NMSU Music Professor Dr. James Shearer, along with Bob Burns, Ken Neidig, and Dr. Bill Thompson, will offer a series of gallery talks every Saturday at the Branigan Cultural Center beginning at 11:00 am (with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day). These talks are free and open to the public. Dr. Shearer will also be on site throughout the exhibit giving tours to student groups of all ages. Specialized tours are available to any interested group.

To schedule a guided tour or for more information about any of these events, please contact the Branigan Cultural Center at 575-541-2155 or visit the “Jam Session in Las Cruces” website at:  www.lcjazz.org.

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library is located at 200 E. Picacho Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001.

The Rio Grande Theater is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall Las Cruces, NM 88001.

Harvest Cooking Class

Aug. 3, 2-4 p.m.

Enjoy a variety of creative recipes in our monthly cooking class. This month’s recipes feature corn, watermelon and onions. Carol Koenig is the chef. Pre-registration is required. $35.

Monthly Lecture Series: Made in New Mexico Westerns

Aug. 12, 7 p.m.

This is the second compilation of clips from 22 different Western movies of the over 150 that have been made, at least in part, in New Mexico, since 1898. Presented in chronological order with live narration by local film historian and reviewer, Jeff Berg, this set of films ranges from 1930 to 2004, and includes rare scenes from Westerns shot around Las Cruces, and elsewhere in the state. This 95-minute presentation is guaranteed to have something for everyone, whether or not you love Westerns. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.

Exhibit Opening: Skylines & Byways

Aug. 19, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This fine art exhibit features works from local artists who are members of the The City of Artists Promotional Association (CAPA). “Skyways & Byways” will be on display in the Museum’s Arts Corridor and features many paintings, along with some photography pieces, sculptures and collages. The exhibit includes 46 pieces in all. The artists will be on hand for the reception on Aug. 19, which is free to the public and includes refreshments. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 5, 2010.

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

America’s favorite summer treat — ice cream — is the star of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum’s most popular event of the summer.

The seventh-annual Ice Cream Sunday is set for 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 18. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children 17 and under.

The annual ice cream sandwich eating contest and race is scheduled to start at 2 p.m., with registration beginning at 12 p.m. There were will be several different age categories, and the contestants this year must move from table to table, eating one sandwich at each table.

There will be an ongoing living history performance, with a rural family creating and enjoying homemade ice cream. Museum visitors may make their own ice cream by rolling tin cans. Also, there will be green chile ice cream for sale, made from a tractor-engine-powered ice cream maker.

The event’s first 600 paid visitors will receive a coupon for a free 5-ounce cup of Caliche’s Frozen Custard, which will be served at the museum throughout the afternoon. They will have a choice of two toppings only – strawberry or mango.

Aside from Caliche’s Frozen Custard, the Southwest Dairy Farmers and Price’s Creameries also are sponsoring events and providing treats.

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

Mesilla, N.M.– The Town of Mesilla is hosting a dedication ceremony of a sign depicting the historic Civil War Battle of Mesilla and Major Isaac Lynde’s Retreat on the Mesilla Plaza Saturday, July 24 at 2 p.m. The historic event took place in Mesilla July 24-27, 1861.

The sign, which will be displayed at the southeast corner of the plaza, was donated to the Town of Mesilla by the New Mexico Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The event will feature re-enactors, including a salute and cavalry.

Admission is free. No alcohol, pets or smoking are allowed on the plaza. For more information, contact Joy Ahlfeldt at (575) 524-3262 ex. 117.

LAS CRUCES, NM – If the legends of cowboys and the mysteries of the night sky peak your curiosity then travel to Aguirre Spring on Saturday, July 10 for two programs that will immerse visitors in the rich history of the area.

The Organ Mountain Summer Series 2010, hosted by the Bureau of Land Management, allows the public to enjoy the beauty and culture of the land while also learning about its past. This year’s programs are entitled Origins of Cowboy Culture and The Night Sky: A Cultural Clock.

Origin of Cowboy Culture will begin at 6:00 p.m. and include an emphasis on Spanish/Indian/Mexican and African-American cowboy stories presented by Rudy Avila, Jaime “Slim” Salas, and Alex Mares. It will also include stories about the origins of cowboy equipment, words, folklore, and legends.

The atmosphere alone will indulge the senses and transport listeners back in time with the smell of campfire cooking and fresh mountain air. Visitors can look forward to tasting biscuits made in a Dutch oven and cowboy coffee made over a campfire all while enjoying a spectacular view of the Tularosa Basin and Organ Mountains.

After hearing stories of the old west visitors are welcomed to take part in The Night Sky: A Culture Clock at 8:30 p.m. Once the sun has set and the stars are visible Interpretive Park Ranger Charles Wood will give a laser guided tour of the constellations. Visitors will also learn about the celestial cycles, how early cultures used the night sky to time their daily lives, and hear stories of the constellations.

For those interested in taking part in the programs they will take place at the Aguirre Spring Campground located on the east side of the Organ Mountains, east of Las Cruces in Doña Ana County. There is no fee for attending; however, a $3.00 vehicle pass will apply except for those who possess the Golden Age, Golden Access, America the Beautiful, or LCDO Recreation Pass.

For more information please contact McKinney Briske at (575) 525-4334

Harvest Cooking Class
July 6, 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of creative recipes in our monthly cooking class. This month’s recipes feature tomatillos, poblano chile peppers, and cantaloupe. Carol Koenig is the chef. Pre-registration is required. $35.

Monthly Lecture Series: Hiking Apacheria & New Mexican Ranches
July 8, 7 p.m.
Historian Jerry Eagan presents “Hiking Apacheria & New Mexico Ranches: Sites & Signs of the Apaches in Southwestern New Mexico.” Eagan, a retired civil servant and U.S. Army combat veteran of the Vietnam War, has hiked and studied various Apache trails and sites throughout the Southwest. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.

Ice Cream Sunday
July 18, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Museum’s most popular event of the summer features ice cream making demonstrations, living history, and the annual ice cream sandwich eating contest & race. Caliches will provide a free 5-ounce scoop of their frozen custard to the first 600 visitors who pay admission. Also sponsoring activities and providing treats are Price’s Creameries and Southwest Dairy Farmers. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children 17 and under.

Camps for kids

Southwest Art Camp
July 6-8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.       
Ages 8-12
Cost: $75  
Create a masterpiece! This three day camp will embrace the rich history of art making in New Mexico. Each day will focus on drawing, painting or pottery. Children will have the opportunity to learn the basics of each medium and create an assortment of artworks to take home. Come explore art making, New Mexico style! Please bring lunch each day. Pre-registration and a non-refundable class deposit of $20 is required. Deadline for class deposit is June 30.

Cowboy Life Camp
July 13-14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ages: 6-10
Cost: $40
Put your spurs on and grab your bandana! Come learn about both the Old West and modern ranching in New Mexico. Take roping lessons, create your own brand, stamp leather, and learn how to tell a tall tale.
Pre-registration is required.

Farming and Gardening Camp
July 20-21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages: 6-11
Cost: $50       
Where do your fruit and vegetables come from? Discover the science and history of farming in New Mexico through hands-on lessons in the Museum’s Greenhouse and the Children’s Garden. Learn how early Native Americans farmed. What new foods did the Spanish colonists introduce?  Take home plants and seeds to start your own garden. Children should dress in clothing that can get dirty and please bring lunch each day. Pre-registration is required.           

Rural Cooking Camp
July 27-29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages 9-13
Cost: $75     
Would you like to prepare delicious food in an old-fashioned setting? Come explore country cooking at the Museum. We will whip up butter by hand, bake bread, harvest vegetables, use an horno and do some Dutch-oven cooking. The three-day camp will follow a plant’s journey ‘from the soil to the table’ and also introduce themes of organic and sustainable agriculture. 
Pre-registration and a non-refundable class deposit of $20 is required. Deadline for class deposit is July 16.

For more information
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum 
4100 Dripping Springs Road
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 522-4100.
www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

Friday & Saturday, July 9 & 10
Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “King Arthur’s Quest“
The age of Romance and Heraldry are turned on their ear when characters from legend, including Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, Lancelot, Mordred and Morgan le Fay, take center stage as Missoula Children’s Theatre brings their annual production to Las Cruces, starring local children ranging in age from 5 to 18. Showtimes for King Arthur’s Quest are 7pm on Friday night and 2:30pm on Saturday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Saturday, July 24
KRWG presents Steve Smith & Hard Road
Steve Smith and Hard Road evolved into a full working group as a result of the success and chemistry of the musicians who came together to work on Steve’s original live studio recording Hard Road, released in 2004. At the heart of Hard Road is the song-writing team of Steve Smith, one of this generation’s mandolin masters, and Minnesota songbird Chris Sanders. Joining them onstage on select dates are guitarist Aaron McCloskey, banjo player Bill Evans, bass player Bill Amatneek and fiddler Megan Lynch. Showtime is 7pm with doors opening at 6:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults; $7.50 in advance, $10 at the door for 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets call (575) 646-2222.

Saturday, July 31
Premiere Entertainment presents Sounds of Motown
Spend an evening reliving some of the greatest hits of the Motown era, featuring number one R&B and Soul classics by such artists as the Four Tops, Gladys Knight, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations and many more. Direct from Las Vegas this electrifying musical experience features the unique style and versatility of Ronnie Rathers, former member of the Funk Brothers (who provided session work for 135 #1 Motown hits) and regular performer with such artists as Ray Charles, The Average White Band, Chubby Checker, Tavares, The Drifters and Percy Sledge, to name just a few. Tickets are $25 general admission and $40 VIP (which includes hors d’oeuvres and a meet and greet with the musicians). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces. For more information, call (915) 630-2206 or visit www.pre-e.com

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre Schedule for July 2010
July 13 – Tuba Four
July 27 – Lilis Urban
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
Students of the Career Art Path (CAP) Program
Every year, during the month of June, the Dona Ana Arts Council sponsors a two-week series of hands-on workshops for kids in grades 6 through 9. Called the Career Art Path (CAP) program, the workshops are set up so that students can explore possible careers in exciting creative industries, including printmaking, sculpture and digital photography. For the first time ever, an exhibition of works created in these workshops by the talented students will run for an entire month in both the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries. The show will run through the entire month of July, 2010, beginning with an artist reception on July 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.
 
 

Las Cruces residents are invited to attend the City of Las Cruces 4^th of July celebration at the Hadley Complex, 1605 E. Hadley, July 3^rd-4^th.  

The festivities kick off with the City of Las Cruces Electric Light Parade, presented by Wells Fargo and El Paso Electric Co., on Saturday, July 3^rd at 9:00pm at the corner of Madrid Avenue and Solano Drive (Apodaca Park). The parade travels south on Solano, turns left on Hadley, left on Walnut and ends at the corner of Walnut Street and Spruce Avenue (Sierra Middle School).

Following the parade, tribute band Journey Unauthorized will perform at 10:00pm. The celebration continues on July 4^th with the following events:

• 4:00pm – Local Bands
• 8:00pm – Clay Walker
• 10:00pm – Mayor Ken Miyagishima’s Welcome

           Annual Fireworks Display

Fireworks are prohibited in the event area and along the parade route. The events are free! Parade entries are available at the Public Information Office inside City Hall, 700 N. Main Street. It is free to enter! The theme is Patriotism! Alive in Las Cruces. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, June 30^th.

For more information contact the Public Information Office at 575/541-2200. The TTY number is 575/541-2182.

Las Cruces, NM –The Branigan Cultural Center in partnership with the Las Cruces GFWC Progress Club will host two “Block Parties” in preparation for the annual commemorative art exhibit to honor those lost on 9/11/2001.  A dramatic new format for the 9^th annual 5,000 Flowers exhibit is planned.  Two wood towers will represent the World Trade Center.  Small wood blocks will be painted with ten flowers each and then placed on the towers. 

The block parties are planned to complete enough blocks to cover the first tower. Anyone interested in participating in the project is invited to drop in during a “Block Party” to complete one or more blocks.  All paints and materials will be supplied.  The parties are free and open to the public, no registration is required.

5,000 Flower Block Parties will be held at the Branigan Cultural Center on Thursday, July 8, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and repeated on Saturday, July 17, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  For more information contact Rebecca Courtney at mlcourtney@comcast.net  or call 575-522-8243.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. New 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 las-cruces.org/museums.

Las Cruces, NM —  A new exhibition, “Fire & Fiber” opens Friday, July 2, 2010 at Branigan Cultural Center, and runs through Saturday, July 30. The show displays works by the Potters’ Guild of Las Cruces, collaborating with a variety of fiber artists. Over twenty-five works will be displayed. An opening reception will be part of the First Friday Ramble, July 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.   For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at las-cruces.org/museums

Image:  “Forest Rhythms”

Ceramic by Randy Summers, Fiber by Jeannine Summers