V3 / Is5 • MAY 2015
ALSO IN THIS
ISSUE
Gabe Sachs
Jason Green
Catharine Pilafas
Eddie Izzard Comedian. Actor. Transgender. The man who isn’t afraid to be who he is makes his presence known in Albuquerque during his Force Majeure tour.
A FREE PUBLICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS PG 16
COVER STORY
Eddie Izzard
Comedian. Actor. Transgender. The man who isn’t afraid to be who he is make a presence in Albuquerque during his Force Majeure tour.
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Albuquerque Little Theater brings the gutbusting musical to the Land of Enchantment.
20th Annual Silver City Blues and Bikes Festival Celebrating blues and motorcycles in New Mexico
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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU Spamlot
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH Jason Green Check out the comedian that truly isn’t afraid to hold back on what he really feels.
TURN IT UP
THE 5 Catharine Pilafas One of the hardest working actors in the business talks passion,The Night Shift, and yoga
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15 EXTRAS: Santa Fe Farmers Market 19 THE SPORTS CONNECTION: 37th Annual NM Senior Olympics Summer Games 20 NOW SHOWING: What summer movie may be the pearl in the sh*t sandwich. 21 BETWEEN THE PAGES: Rock with Wings
12 BEHIND THE SCENES: Gabe Sachs of The Night Shift Sachs talks about the series, past projects and future goals for the show.
NME STAFF Teresa Robinson-Ewers Publisher / Editor-in-Chief info@NMEntertains.com ----------------------------------------------Eduardo Robinson Managing Editor ----------------------------------------------Ariel Bisbee Photography & Multimedia Director Rhonda Heyns Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS Darlene Esquibel, Winter Flack, Drew Martinez, Nadeige Severinghaus, Stephen Smith, Dave Staggs, Andy Wise SUBSCRIPTIONS New Mexico Entertainment Magazine is $24 a year within the Continental United States. Please place your order online at www.NMEntertains.com. Please note the first issue will take 4-6 weeks.
New Mexico Entertainment 231 Sierra Dr. SE, Suite #11 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 505.450.4706 • www.NMEntertains.com
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22 THE CUT: The Shop 24 FOLLOW-UP: The Great New Mexico Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival 25 CALENDAR OF EVENT: See what’s happening in the state.
LET US ENTERT ENTERTAIN Y OU
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edieval Mania in a musical hits The Albuquerque Little Theatre stage. Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful showgirls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful showgirls? The 2005 Broadway production received 14 Tony Award nominations, winning three including “Best Musical”. A perfect finale to ALT’s 85th season! Albuquerque Little Theatre’s production of SPAMALOT will be led by Joshua Terrazas as King Arthur, Dehron Foster as Sir Robin and Tasha Waters as The Lady of the Lake. Also featured will be Nicholas Handley (Sir Lancelot), Paul Ashby (Patsy), Benjamin Smith (Sir Galahad),
William Dudeck (Sir Bedevere) and Logan Mitchell (Not Dead Fred/Prince Herbert). The creative team is made up of Albuquerque Little Theatre Executive Director Henry Avery (Director), Peter Bennett (Choreographer), Shelly Andes (Music Director), Elizabeth Bailey (Stage Manager), Jaime Pardo (Costume Designer), Ryan Jason Cook (Lighting and Sound Designer) and Nina Dorrance (Props Designer). SPAMALOT opens May 22 and runs through June 14. Curtain times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. There is a special Thursday performance at 7:30pm on June 4. Tickets are $24 for general public, $22 for seniors, $18 for students and $12 for children. For more information visit www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org.
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TURN IT UP: ANNUAL SILVER CITY BLUES AND BIKES FESTIVAL
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he Mimbres Region Arts Council’s (MRAC) unparalleled Blues Festival, the last remaining FREE Blues Festival in the Southwest, celebrates 20 extraordinary years of success with a new name, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival, and an expansion that will include a third full day of motorcycle related activities on Friday, May 22 in and around Gough Park. Blues Hall of Famer, Lifetime Achievement and 2-time Grammy award winner Taj Mahal will headline the festival Saturday night, May 23. The festival runs through Sunday afternoon, May 24, featuring the Campbell Brothers as Sunday headliners. Presented in and around Silver City’s Gough Park, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival is the same great festival you’ve come to expect, renamed and expanded for a total Blues & Bikes Lovers Experience. The MRAC is thrilled at the extraordinary opportunity to present internationally renowned blues powerhouse Taj Mahal in Silver City, New Mexico. Composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. Though his career began more than four decades ago with American blues, he has broadened his artistic scope over the years
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to include music representing virtually every corner of the world – west Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Hawaiian islands and so much more. What ties it all together is his insatiable interest in musical discovery. Over the years, his passion and curiosity have led him around the world, and the resulting global perspective is reflected in his music. Says Taj Mahal, “I apply the warrior energy to the blues.” In addition the Blues Festival hosts a diverse array of artisans from across the region. Handmade and one-of-a-kind fiber arts pieces, pottery, and jewelry can be found in the Artisans Alley framing the park. While you are browsing and shopping, stop by any of the many food vendor booths to sample a variety of traditional festival and ethnic foods. Over the weekend, downtown Silver City shops, galleries and restaurants will be offering Blues Festival specials. The Silver City Blues Festival is supported by our sponsors: Lawley Toyota of Silver City, Western New Mexico Univerity, James Edd Hughs/Edward Jones Investments, and the Town of Silver City. Our media sponsor is Q 92.9 FM. Funders include WESTAF, The National Endowment for the Arts, and New Mexico Arts. For more information on this amazing event visit http://www.mimbresarts.org/blues-festival-homepage/.
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH: JASON GREEN
“They are now teaching the kids at college that everything they taught us was wrong.”
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ason Green, comedy genius or candidate for institutional living arrangements? Genetically predisposed to be a genius, Jason bounced around to 21 different schools in multiple states growing up and managed to graduate two years early. Comedy became a survival technique during his constant moving. Even being brilliant didn’t motivate Jason to go to college until years later where, by his own admission, he got a degree in Creative Writing. He’ll proclaim to anyone who listens that college, no matter what you take, is a waste of time, designed to make you feel inferior. “ They are now teaching the kids at college that everything they taught us was wrong,” says Green. A pessimist, rebel, and a homeless looking individual that sometimes cleans up, it’s hard to nail down Mr. Green and to know when he is joking or serious. He goes off the belief that everyone hates themselves and forces themselves to suffer. He has been known to compare sitting through some open mic nighters to his high school girlfriend having a miscarriage...ouch. Open Mics are essential, but not everyone who goes out for comedy is cut out for it, including himself. “I made a grave mistake,” shared Green. He speaks of the fact his wife laughs at all of his jokes.
His theory for beating homelessness stand up and tells jokes for five minutes a day and now a woman takes care of him. Five minutes that’s all. Talk to people for five minutes. Other than the time he spenda on stage being happy, he claims there’s no upside to comedy. In order to have feelings of self-worth, you have to get on stage for five or ten minutes and make them laugh. A frequent contributor, Mr. Green recommends The Chomps the Cat Food Cal in Show, a podcast on iTunes. “It’s a great example of Improv comedy,” Green states. “I myself, Will Bolt and Sarah Kennedy are frequently on the show.” The podcast, hosted by a fat cat that is sensitive about its weight, runs for about an hour every Thursday night. Check it out, along with the many open mic nights popping up around town. The best open mic to perform at in Albuquerque? Back Alley Draft House on Monday nights. It starts around 7:00pm and they offer beer and pizza with a brick wall behind the stand-ups. Make sure you get there on time or you’ll get the dreaded first or last time slot for the night. Catch Jason Green while you can around Albuquerque. Mr. Green got himself a set of wheels, 1989 Chrysler minivan and he is ready to raise some hell and keep in laughing across the country starting this summer. May 2015
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THE 5: CATHARINE PILAFAS
T d as) an (Pilaf eiger) r e h t s Hea odie G Nurse Holly (Es 10
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ruly one of the nicest actors you’ll ever meet, Catharine Pilafas is also one of the most dedicated in her field. This Arizona native, who has made New Mexico her home, plays Nurse Heather Bardocz on NBC’s The Night Shift, and she is enjoying this new journey. She took a moment to take part in The 5 this month.
You were born in Arizona, what lead you to New Mexico? My journey from Arizona to New Mexico roots back to going to college in Colorado. I went to the University of Northern Colorado and graduated with a BA in Acting minoring Dance. After I graduated college I landed and audition in Denver - that would take me to New York to do my first offBroadway play, "Conviction." After the run of the show, I married my husband, the author, Adam James Jones, and we decided to try New Mexico because I had heard it was a mini Los Angeles and I was ready to start a career in Film and TV. Where did your drive from acting come from? My drive for acting, probably started as a young girl watching TCM, Turner Classic Movies. I grew up in Phoenix and in the summertime, your choices are swimming or watching movies. My mom claims she named me after Katharine Hepburn. So, I watched Woman of the Year, Adam's Rib, The African Queen, Philadelphia Story, etc. all growing up. You have done all genres of acting including drama and comedy. What project has been your most fulfilling? I have really enjoyed getting to do so many genres, but I am looking forward to doing more comedies. A lot of the work I've done the last couple years has been heavy dramas, which definitely works muscles, so I'm looking forward to working the comedy muscles a lot more. I think I need to write something on my own. Instead of waiting for the phone to ring, I've been producing a lot of projects lately and just recently, within the last year, I have finally started directing. Looking forward to directing a lot more. You've become a recurring character 11
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on NBC's The Night Shift. How has the experience been for you? Working on Night Shift has been a gift. It's actually the first time I was cast in a pilot, and it has been fascinating to see, each step of the way, if the show remains on the air - if I stay on air. It has all been very insightful. The best lessons I've learned on set thus far. It feels really affirming to be working regularly. My favorite part of the show is the people I work with. Very good people, very welcoming. Not only are you passionate about acting, but also yoga. What is it about yoga that connects you? Yoga is essential in my life and by that I mean yoga can be pausing and taking a breath - becoming present; it's not just the physical poses or meditation. I love to teach movement for actors, because I think it's vital for artists and people in general to release tension so that they can open their heart to the abundance of their true desires. I can't think of a better discipline for actors to study than yoga. It's so complementary to every aspect of the craft. It's my personal form of spiritual practice. Best day job I will ever have.
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BEHIND THE SCENES: GABE SACHS
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itting on the set of The Night Shift, it was like stepping into another world. Taking a break from filming, Gabe Sachs joined me in OR Room 2 and the first question I had to ask was, “Why not Albuquerque Memorial?” The Night Shift takes place in San Antonio, Texas, but filming here in Albuquerque. He saw that the question was coming. “We were writing this script and we were looking for that ER that was responsible for a lot of counties and San Antonio was one of them,” shared Sachs. “That’s really the story.” Sachs has nothing against New Mexico, as he loves it here - the hiking, the scenery and the people. This state has really given him the opportunity to shoot the show he wanted to shoot.But before we dove into The Night Shift, we took a step back to one of his memorable projects, Freaks and Geeks, a television series before its time that only saw the light of day for one season. This show paved the way for such stars as James Franco, Seth Rogan, John Francis Daley, Linda Cardellini and Jason Segel. The experience was something that Sachs remembers. “We did 18 episodes and they kept moving us around,” said Sachs. “It got to the point that some people at the network didn’t like us and felt that the show was too real. The crazy thing is it more popular now than it was then.” Sachs is in his wheelhouse when it comes to working behind the scenes as a writer. When he and his writing partner, Jeff Judah, were asked to work on Freaks, it changed their lives. “We were able to do a lot of interesting projects after that,” explained Sachs. One of those projects was the popular book series, Diary of a Whimpy Kid. The way he got there was unexpected. “We created the new 90210. Although we loved the actors and the crew, it was sort of a miserable experience. They wanted a soap and we weren’t the wrong guys to write a soap and we thought it would be interesting to have this great background and put our characters in it…they did not agree,” laughed Sachs. “We said, ‘were not doing television, that’s it, that’s the end’ and we got hired 12
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for Diary and knew nothing about it the series, but knew the kids loved it, so we rewrote the script that was already in existence for the first one and then wrote the second.” I had to step back and talk about the irony of the statement Sachs made that he was done with television, but we were now sitting on the set of The Night Shift. Sachs shared that he was done with television, but came up with a crazy story idea. “It was almost as if we said ‘what would be the craziest thing we want to do’ and that would be a medical show. No one was jumping at the chance to do that,” said Sachs. “So Sony called and said that they will do a blind script and see what happens.” The lengthy process lead to no one wanting to see them until NBC gave them a shot. They loved the whole “M*A*S*H in a hospital” theme with the show. The challenge came when Sony asked if they could film the pilot in 6 weeks. “I said yeah…lying through my teeth. I didn’t care what it was, I would have said yes.” joked Sachs. “ I got a hold of Jeff, and Sony pulled the trigger and I was in New Mexico and San Antonio scouting for locations.” They shot the pilot at the old Lovelace hospital on Gibson and waited another year with no word. Then, during a meeting of hiring writers, Sachs got news that he was surprised to hear. “I get a call and they say the show’s dead,” shares Sachs. “We start writing our thank you letter to Sony for letting us do the show we wanted to do and people are asking ‘what are you doing?’ and we said we got a call that the show isn’t getting picked up. It was in Deadline and Variety. But we hadn’t talked to NBC yet.” The headlines of their demise left nothing to the imagination. “The headlines were ‘Night Shift Dead on Arrival’, ‘Night Shift has no life’, ‘No one is breathing at The Night Shift’,” said Sachs. “Then finally Sony called this one writer and said this isn’t true and the retraction was ‘There’s a little life in The
Night Shift, but not for long’, and two hours later, the show got picked up.” The Night Shift is currently in their second season and has picked up a core audience of viewers. Sachs shared what it is that keeps viewers coming back to the show. “I think the way Jeff and I create stuff makes it different from Grey Anatomy or ER, and we were huge ER fans, but we wanted to figure out how to incorporate military into it and sort of go from there.” The military element was important because of how he saw the lead character, “We wanted a character who was really flawed and a guy who was in the military and the best doctor, but wasn’t great at following orders. So I think it was important to see what happens when a doctor comes back from Afghanistan or fighting in the war and comes back to this hospital and how that adjustment is and it was important to represent those guys and what’s happening with them coming to this environment. Like Law and Order, The Night Shift turns to the headlines to get ideas for story ideas on the show. “There’s been stories that have happened around where we live and started grabbing cases from stuff we know and people are turning us onto stuff.” PTSD is a big topic on the show and it was a goal for Sachs to have a character experiencing the challenge of having PTSD. “We have friends that are in the military and it’s one thing to read about, but until you talk to somebody who’s been there, you just can’t believe it. What you’re dealing with is a lot and everyone deals with it in their own way and we wanted to show that with a guy like TC, who’s really strong and smart, and keeps up this front and what happens when he breaks down.” The show has plenty of characters that the audience can relate to - from gay characters to love triangles and they are looking forward to series 3. “We’d love a season three! We’ve been
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very happy with this and we still have more stories to tell. It’s all up to the network. It would be great if we were in summer every year, but we’ll see.” When it comes to the cast, Sachs had to joke a little when asked about the camaraderie. “They’re horrible. No, really, the cast is amazing and strong. Camaraderie is great, they hang out, they go out to dinner, we’ve been really lucky. There’s always been one or two you can’t stand, but we’ve been lucky, they’re really good people. You try to get that in casting, but there’s no guarantee.” The magic can also be found in the origin of the characters. I discovered that some of the characters are based on real people that Sachs and Judah know or knew. “A lot of the names are friends of ours.” But be careful, if you get on their bad side, they’ll name a horrible character after you, which Sachs laughed and dodged the question when I asked who. Sachs wants the audience to take away from the show the crazy rollercoaster of emotions that come in working with this team of characters and feel like they are along for the ride. “I think it’s sort of focusing on these doctors and their crazy
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situations. I think the real TC (who is not military) would say one minute you’re pulling a cell phone out of someone’s butt and the next minute you’re saving a 5year-old kid, so it sort of those crazy emotions that happen and we want to show how those guys react.” When it comes to his legacy and what he wants to be remembered for, Sachs has a simple goal. “Just doing good work. I’ll tell you, Jeff and I just want to tell really good stories and have shows and movies that really have something to say. But we want to do great stuff that we’re happy with and that is what we’ll continue to do.”
EXTRAS: SANTA FE FARMER’S MARKET
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anta Fe’s F a r m e r s Market runs this year in the Santa Fe Railyards. During this time of year you can purchase farm fresh Squash, greens, and other cool weather veggies. But, what I bet you didn’t know is that this time of year the Market offers organic seeds that have been harvested in New Mexico. It’s a smaller market with a more intimate setting. I was able to get personal advice from many of the vendors and helpful hints on how to sustainable, organically grow food in this climate. Zulu’s Petals Organic Farm in Dixon was where I purchased my seeds from and received written notes, read-
ing suggestions and contact information if I had any trouble. It was a great experience for an amateur gardener such as myself. I learned more in a ten minute chat than I learned all last year gardening. If you are looking for fresh or dried whole herbs, this market is also for you. It offers a large variety of herbs for anyone interest in making salves, soaps, or anything else. This market also offered quite a few different kinds of meats to get you through the cold months. Across the tracks is an indoor artist market and across the street Site Santa Fe is free during the market hours. It’s work the quick train-ride to Santa Fe. You can swing by REI for some winter hats and gloves and Second Street Brewery for lunch. It opens right as the Market is winding down
COVER STORY: EDDIE IZZARD
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he suits. The nail polish. The boldness. The name Eddie Izzard is synonymous with comedy and New Mexico will get to feel the laughter when Izzard takes the stage at the Kiva Auditorium on May 28th. I was excited to be interviewing the man who’s appeared in such great films and has a terrific humor to boot. HIs role as Tony P in Mystery Men for me was a testament of how simple the comedy could be and still get a laugh - plus, you know, he loves disco. So it was surprising to find out that the love of comedy, Izzard explained, was secondary. “I wanted to do drama. I tried like crazy and just couldn't get into plays, I couldn’t get decent roles,” says Izzard. “I discovered, in comedy, you can setup your own show and I love comedy. I realized I had an uncanny ability to make people laugh, so, in my teenage years, I dropped Drama and did comedy.” Izzard had a theory that, in his late teens, his career would flourish in the new field he had chosen, but still, it would be a tough road to hoe. “In my 20’s I was hashing away through different mediums of comedy and when the stand-up [comedy] finally took off in my 30’s, I decided I’m going to get a separate agent about my drama. So, comedy was my secondary drive and when that started working I decided to do drama as well and that’s how it came around.”
Izzard has done it all - stage and screen, both big and small, but when it comes to what he prefers, film was definitely his wheelhouse. “Making films on location is my preference - film drama. Big films - definitely fun” shared Izzard and he shared one movie that he remembered fondly filming. “I spent ten weeks filming Treasure Island, that was shot in Dublin and Puerto Rico. It was great and it was tough.” The topic lead me to ask Izzard about other movies that were an amazing experience for the actor and he answered the question like my five-yearold son when asked, ‘What part did you like about the movie?’ “To be honest, all of them,” Izzard said with excitement. “In Valkyrie, I was shooting in Berlin, that was amazing. Ocean’s Twelve I was in Rome and [Ocean’s] Thirteen was shot in Las Vegas on a massive set on Warner Brothers' stage. They’ve all ranged up there, I just really enjoy it.” Stand-up has been a comfortable home for Izzard over the years. The feeling of the audience and how they respond to a set is something Izzard remembers took quite a few avenues to master. “It’s great. The initial stages of break-through on your confidence level so it feels like you’re commanding the stage - that’s one level,” shared Izzard. “Then from the commanding you have to push through. In the end, I decided to block off the tel-
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evision route and just work my way doing live shows, which is an unusual decision. But when you’re on the stage and you’re in the zone and it all working, it is such a beautiful feeling - it’s walking on air.” I was interested to learn that Izzard identified as transgender. For years, his fans have seen him show off the make-up and nail polish, identifying himself as a transvestite. But over the years, Izzard discovered who he truly was. “We all get different genetics when we’re born. I don’t believe in a God saying, 'Right, you get a little bit there' and so on. I feel it happens how it happens, so you deal with it. We are quick to note our difference when in fact we’re completely similar. I decided to be true to myself.” Izzard also shared that it was a struggle to get to where he is now. “If you asked me 30 years ago, I wouldn’t be this relaxed. I decided the guilt and shame were not my responsibility if I was given these genetics. I deal with words in my career, so I knew if I talked about the transgender topic - I would be my own personal role model. I would articulate who I was. I got more relaxed and confident about the articulation of it. Some of us [in the LGBT community] we come out about, then we get more relaxed about it. Some don’t come out and lie about it. Some actively work against us. There are Republicans who are and they attack LGBT people to distance themselves from their own sexuality. I decided to be honest about it. We need to get the “boring”. When LGBT is boring, then we made it.” When it came to making it in his career, Izzard knew the specific moment that he realized he "made it" in his field. “When I sold-out the Olympia in Paris. I thought ‘That’s pretty damn good’ And I was standing there on the top floor with my brother, Marcus, counting the filled seats and that was just beautiful. Playing on the same stage where David Boone and Jimi Hendrix playing - I mean fucking hell!” I asked Izzard what we should expect with this new show coming to the Kiva 18
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Auditorium on May 28th and, in a joking manner, he plans to bring you just your everyday run of the mill show. “We’ll start with human sacrifice, then I gone onto digging for gold, fighting Dark Vader, eating Spaghetti Carbonara - medieval kings. It very vibe-enriched by Steve Martin’s stand-ups, so you sort of get that type of show.” Along with his stand-up tour, Izzard is currently filming a new HBO series The Devil You Know (working title), directed by Gus Van Sant and co-written by Orange Is The New Black and Weeds creator Jenji Kohan. The show explores the circumstances around one of the most compelling chapters in American history — the infamous Salem Witch Trials in 17th century New England. Izzard plays farmer Thomas Putnam, the conservative, rigid and devoutly Puritan patriarch of the powerful Putnam family. He is a leader in agrarian Salem Village, but his top position is being threatened from many sides. Izzard’s career has spanned over two decades of laughter. When asked what he would like his legacy to be - in true role model fashion, he had a role model answer. “It would be nice if anyone looked at what I’m doing could say, ‘I can do that’ and they got a positive part. If kids in countries around the world said, ‘If he can do it, I can do it!’ - that would be nice.”
THE SPORTS CONNECTION: 37TH ANNUAL NM SENIOR OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES
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thletes from all over New Mexico will be qualifying at local Senior Olympic Games in their respective age divisions and in the Sport/Event they plan to compete in, culminating at the New Mexico 2015 Senior Olympics State Summer Games in Roswell, NM. Executive Director, Acosta stated: “New in 2015 is the ‘Seniors Got Talent’ 50+ entertainment talent show production to be held at the Pueblo Auditorium on Saturday June 6th at 1:00pm, which is free to the athletes and spectators. The games will attract 800 senior athletes and over 500 of their families and friends from 90 communities throughout New Mexico. Most sporting events have age divisions for both men and women are 50-54; 5559; 60-64; … 90-94. The competition is held in 26+ different sports including: Archery, Air Gun, Badminton, Basketball, Billiards, Bowling, Cycling, Dance, Disc Golf, Horseshoes, Golf, Race Walk, Racquetball, Softball, Shuffleboard, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis and Track & Field events at sport venues located throughout the
City of Roswell and the New Mexico Military Institute campus. NMSO Games will include an Opening Ceremony Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. on the NMMI campus and will be open to the Public. A benefit from the games is the boost to Roswell’s economy with 300+ hotel nights, meals for five days, fuel, shopping and recreation for over 1300 athletes and their families (match above 800/500). The closing program is a Rock “n” Soul Show, plus a tribute to Roy Orbison on Saturday, June 6th beginning at 8pm at the Roswell Civic Center. The event is free to the registered athletes. New Mexico Senior Olympics Inc. is the event producer of the largest multi-sporting event in the State of New Mexico for active older adults. The mission of the NMSO organization is to motivate seniors 50+ to be involved in regular exercise for improved health and fitness. NMSO is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for all seniors through education, fitness and sporting events. To learn about this event visit www.nmseniorolympics.org. May 2015
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NOW SHOWING: WHAT SUMMER MOVIE MAY BE THE PEARL IN THE SH*T SANDWICH.
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ell, it is that time of the year, the wonderful time of the year where studios sh*t out big piles of money that filmmakers sculpted into mounds of feces that we then rub on our face and comment on how great the texture is. This year we all know who is going to win the race for the almighty dollar, Avengers: Age of Ultron is going to ride the wave. No, the question is what movie will come in second or, dare I say, be a polished pearl in the middle of a shit sandwich. Just like every year there is a huge list of movies trying to get your dollar, the question is will they be worth it? MAD MAX: FURY ROAD This is my personal pick for surprise hit of the summer. This movie has been reported to be so awesome the studio gave Director George Miller more money to extend the main action sequence. With this money he added something called the “Car Catapult”. Yeah, I’ll be there with fucking bells on. FANTASTIC FOUR Look, I don’t really give a sh*t about race in movies, so long as you give me a good story. Fantastic Four is going to live or die by how well Doctor Doom is performed, styled, and written. So far they haven’t put much up with him in it, so I’m a little worried.
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TOMORROWLAND TEEN TITANS! No wait… This is my second choice for most likely to be a sleeper hit. Directed by Brad Bird who also made “The Incredibles” and “The Iron Giant” I think this may end up being a decent movie. POLTERGEIST It would be a miracle if this movie was good. ANT-MAN Chances are this is going to be a hit whether it is going to be good or not. It’s riding the Marvel spunk train behind Avengers. So far I have been underwhelmed, but the latest trailer did make it look like it may be more humorous than other Marvel outings so there is that. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – ROUGE NATION I am so Meh with the Mission Impossible series I don’t think I could sit through this movie. Still it has enough of a fan base I can see it pulling off a surprise weekend. So these are just a few of the Big Movies coming out this summer (notice I said summer so no “Why is Star Wars not on the list” whining. Who do you think is going to fly and who is crash like a spastic quail on meth? - Angry Men Reviews
BETWEEN THE PAGES: ROCK WITH WINGS
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long stake out ends in a simple traffic stop. Cacti and a rifle in the trunk what does it all mean? Bernie and Chee, with the help of Leaphorn, must put all the pieces together before anyone gets hurt in the latest installment Rock With Wings released on May 5th. Our happy couple takes a much-needed getaway to Monument Valley in Arizona. A beautifully described Navajo land in Arizona. The importance a family in the Navajo culture runs deep when Chee and his wife agree to help his cousin get a business started. The working vacation is shortlived when family matters call Bernie
back to her home in Shiprock, Arizona. Balancing the family issues gives you a deeper look into the psyche of Chee and Bernie and how they handle the day to day struggles of life with such demanding jobs. Separated for the first time since they’ve been married, both of the Navajo officers find themselves caught up in elusive cases in different places, while navigating the distance between them. From the lights of Hollywood to a dusty trailer past the edge of town, our favorite Navajo officers race against time to solve crimes and catch criminals. Fast-paced, beautiful description, and multiple mysteries afoot this novel as a little something for everyone. Well-planned twist and turns, it’s impossible to put this book down once you start. - Winter Elise
THE CUT: THE SHOP
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early morning delivery lead me to discover a hideout among a Taco Bell and many small businesses. The Shop, a breakfast and lunch restaurant, proved to me to be a bold restaurant just by the location they chose. Located at 2933 Monte Vista Blvd NE, this location has found a merry-go-round of restaurants, from the beloved Chocolate Cafe, Carolina’s Mexican Food and Cecilia’s Cafe. Their boldness doesn’t stop at the building, this restaurant has the menu and chefs to earn their culinary chops. Presenting beautiful fest that are tasty to boot. The morning I went in, I had the pleasure of being helped by one of the
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cooks themselves, excited that he got my order correct on the register, as this is not his normal position. I made the decision to order the Huevos Rancheros ($9.00) and I was truly not disappointed. Made with blue corn tortillas, potatoes and black beans, The Shop’s Huevos are enhanced with their choice to use tomatillos, queso fresco, and a very tasty red chile. That cook and the dish lead me to make a second trip a week later, but was disappointed in the lukewater reception by the regular counter person - being greeted by her stepping away from the counter to tend to other tasks, never giving me a “I’ll be right with you”. Once she finally did get to the counter to take my order, there was no eye contact, let alone a smile, which left my anticipation of the meal to be the highlight of my visit. Once again, the food did not disappoint. Besides the Huevos Rancheros, some other standouts on the menu are their Chicken & Waffles ($10.00), Duck Hash ($10.00) and the Chilaquiles ($15.00). I will be stopping back in to experience the rest of their delicious delights, but next time, I hope they add a bright and shining welcome when I walk through the door. -Teresa Ewers
FOLLOW-UP: THE GREAT NEW MEXICO FOOD TRUCK AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
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h e first Gre at New Mexico F o o d Truck and C r a f t B e e r Fe s t i v a l happened at The Balloon Museum this April. There were some amazing food trucks at the event serving their hearts out to a crowd large than anyone expected. The lines were long and there was little shade to be found anywhere on the grounds. The out-of-state promoters didn’t realize how warm and sunny New Mexico is in April. Trying different food trucks
all the food was wonderful and what others had looked delicious too. In the end, the festival turned away almost 2000 people, with the trucks running out of food towards the end of the day. That’s good eats if you can sell out with a 30 minute wait to even get into the park. Unfortunately, billing this event as a Craft Beer Festival was borderline false advertising. The beer that was offered, that was mostly Sam Adams, had controlled of all the fluid served at the event. Epic fail on the promoters and sponsors part, New Mexico is proud of their craft brewing. The disappointment in the beer selection tore through the crowd like a tidal wave. Overall, the food was worth it, but next year we hope the Promoters learn from their mistakes and keep it local.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY 16, 2015 9TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST FUNNYFEST Join us for a night of comedy with four of the nation's top comedians! Part of the proceeds will benefit New Mexico AIDS Services. https://www.facebook.com/events/156 1899030733224/
MAY 2015 2 I KENNY CHAVEZ’ 9TH ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO FOLK ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL 9:00am - 4:00pm Mark your calendars for the Kenny Chavez’ 9th Annual Cinco de Mayo Folk Art & Music Festival to be held Saturday, May 2nd from 9 AM to 4 PM at La Parada Mercantile and Farm & Table located at 8917 4th Street NW, 87114. We will have a great line up to include 40 local Artists and 3 Bands. Farm & Table will provide festive food and drink. This is a free event. Farm & Table 8917 4th St NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114 https://www.facebook.com/events/957993 427591475/ 3 I 2015 PRIDE GUIDE¤ NEW MEXICO LGBT WEDDING AND HONEYMOON EXPO 11:30am - 4:00pm Hyatt Regency Albuquerque 330 Tijeras Ave NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 http://gogaynewmexico.com/weddingexpo/
4 I YELLOWCARD * FINCH * THE DOWNTOWN FICTION Sunshine Theater 210 Central Avenue Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 www.sunshinetheaterlive.com 6 I WALK THE MOON * THE GRISWOLDS Sunshine Theater 210 Central Avenue Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 www.sunshinetheaterlive.com 9 I LEGACYART ALBUQUERQUE XV 5:00pm - 10:00pm LAA raises funds for college scholarships, tuition assistance, and programs in the fine and performing arts for students and their families who might otherwise not have access to these benefits. We sincerely thank all of our donating artists, celebrity guests, and patrons for allowing us to make a difference in the lives of young people. Sandia Resort & Casino 30 Rainbow Rd NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113 (505) 796-7500 https://www.facebook.com/events/15186561 38395082/
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15-JUNE 7 I CURTAINS This musical is a send-up of backstage murder mystery plots. It is set in 1959 Boston, Massachusetts and follows the fallout when the supremely untalented star of Robbin’ Hood of the Old West is murdered during her opening night curtain call. It is up to Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective who moonlights as a musical theater fan, to save the show, solve the case, and maybe even find love before the show reopens, without getting killed himself. The Adobe Theater 9813 4th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-9222 www.adobetheater.org 16 I 9TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST FUNNYFEST 7:30pm - 10:00pm Join us for a night of comedy with four of the nation’s top comedians! Part of the proceeds will benefit New Mexico AIDS Services. KiMo Theatre 423 Central Ave NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 https://www.facebook.com/events/156189 9030733224/ 22-29 I 20TH ANNUAL SILVER CITY BLUES AND BIKES FESTIVAL The Mimbres Region Arts Council s (MRAC) unparalleled Blues Festival, the last remaining FREE Blues Festival in the
MAY 27, 2015 TRAIN Chart-topping San Francisco nativesTrain are taking their latest hit album Bulletproof Picasso on the road with a 40+ city summer tour across North America with special guests The Frayand Matt Nathanson . The Picasso AtThe Wheel Summer Tour 2015, promoted by Live Nation, with a stop at Isleta Amphitheater on May 27th. www.isletaamphitheater.net
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Southwest, celebrates 20 extraordinary years of success with a new name, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival, and an expansion that will include a third full day of motorcycle related activities on Friday, May 22 in and around Gough Park. Blues Hall of Famer, Lifetime Achievement and 2-time Grammy award winner Taj Mahal will headline the festival Saturday night, May 23. The festival runs through Sunday afternoon, May 24, featuring the Campbell Brothers as Sunday headliners. Presented in and around Silver City s Gough Park, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival is the same great festival you ve come to expect, renamed and expanded for a total Blues & Bikes Lovers Experience. Gough Park 1201 N Pope Street Silver City NM http://mimbresarts.org/blues-festivalhomepage/ 22-JUNE 14 I MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful showgirls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful showgirls? The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony
Awards, including Best Musical, and received 14 Tony Award nominations. A perfect finale for this stellar season! Albuquerque Little Theater 224 San Pasquale SW Albuquerque, NM 87104 (505) 242-4750 ext. 2 http://www.albuquerquelittletheatre.o rg/ 24 I APOCALYPTICA * ART OF DYING Sunshine Theater 210 Central Avenue Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 www.sunshinetheaterlive.com 27 I TRAIN Chart-topping San Francisco nativesTrain are taking their latest hit album Bulletproof Picasso on the road with a 40+ city summer tour across North America with special guests The Frayand Matt Nathanson . The Picasso AtThe Wheel Summer Tour 2015, promoted by Live Nation, with a stop at Isleta Amphitheater on May 27th. Fans across the country will have a chance to witness the band perform tracks from the new album - including the Top 10 radio single "Angel in Blue Jeans","Cadillac, Cadillac" and their new single "Bulletproof P icasso" along with theirmany enigmatic, signature hits from the past 20 years. Isleta Amphitheater 5601 University Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 www.isletaamphitheater.net/ 28 I EDDIE IZZARD Kiva Auditorium 5601 University Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 www.isletaamphitheater.net/
VISIT WWW.NMENTERTAINS.COM FOR THE LATEST EVENTS 365 DAYS A YEAR!
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