Favorite Things Friday

Time sure does fly by fast. Yes, this is the final weekend of January. As you begin to put away the last of your winter decorations, consider these events happening around town to make your weekend better.

Hip Hop With A Reason is an event starring One Be Lo (Of Binary Star). The concert will take place Saturday, January 28 at Warehouse 508 and doors will open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door. It is open to all ages and all proceeds made will go to Joy Junction. To find out more information, visit www.albuquerquehiphop.com.

The Inaugural ABQ Sprout Dinner is a public dinner that funds micro-grants for the local creative projects that contribute to the Albuquerque community. The dinner will be on Saturday, January 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Valley Multipurpose Center. A full vegetarian menu will be created based on what food is available locally. Tom Docherty of Café Lush is scheduled to be the chef of the dinner and Valle Encantado is donating locally grown vegetables and greens. To find out more about the organization and the dinner, visit abqsprout.org.

Grupo Fantasma with Mexican Dubwiser is an Austin-based Latin funk jam band that has a reputation for putting on high-energy live shows. Their concert is tonight, January 27 at 8 p.m. at 620 Central Ave. NW. To find out more about the show and how to purchase your ticket, visit www.ampconcerts.org/index.php.

Aromatherapy is known as the practice of using plant materials and oils to improve your mind, body and overall health. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm is hosting a winter aromatherapy class this Sunday, January 27, from noon until 2 p.m. The class costs $10 or it is free to any guests of the inn. To find out more information and to register, visit lospoblanos.com.

The three week long Revolutions International Theatre Festival is hosting its last weekend of performances. Revolutions emphasize the heritage of the performers as a crossroad of global exchange and artistic innovation. Aside from the main performances, audience members can enjoy contests and special events. The concerts last until Sunday and take place downtown, midtown/university and in Nob Hill. To find out more information, visit tricklock.com/revolutions.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Grab your lucky charms and rabbits’ feet. It’s Friday the 13th. If you believe in all that superstition mumbo jumbo, today’s your lucky day (Or is Friday the 13th an unlucky day? I forget.). Avoid walking under ladders or breaking any mirrors, and everything should be just fine. I’ll probably spend my evening on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn, watching old horror flicks on AMC. But if blood and guts aren’t your style, here are a few suggestions for tonight (and the rest of the weekend) to make it one to remember.

Comics lovers, watch out! The must-see event of the year is here: Albuquerque Comic Con 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino today through Sunday. Bust out your spandex superhero costumes and let your inner nerds run free! This year, the event celebrates the 70th anniversary of Wonder Woman and women in comics with guest stars like Dean Stockwell (of Quantum Leap and Battlestar Galactica fame) and True Blood stars Kristen Bauer and Sam Trammel. With vendors, panels and discussions, there’s so much to see and do! Day passes start at $15. For info, call Tall Tale Comics at 296-6178.

Here’s one for you television junkies: Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, from the hit Discovery Channel show MythBusters, are in town tonight for their MythBusters: Behind the Myths stage show at 8 p.m. at Popejoy Hall. Meet the co-hosts of the award-winning show, which is now in its ninth season, and learn something science-y, too. Tickets start at $37.50. For info, call 925-5858.

Also opening this weekend at the Adobe Theater is the acclaimed play A Moon for the Misbegotten by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill. Autobiographical and often considered the sequel to Long Day’s Journey into Night, the play chronicles the debauchery of James Tyrone—with his sidekick and landlord, Phil Hogan—who threatens to kick Hogan off his land after one too many brews. A drunken bout and hilarity ensues in this quick-witted, yet cynical play, which is set in a rundown Connecticut farmhouse during the Great Depression. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $13 for students and seniors. For info, call 898-9222.

Nature enthusiasts take note: on Saturday, January 14, there’s a Winter Fire Colors Flower Show at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Gardens. Warm up with flowers in hot colors from Mediterranean climates as these fiery hues provide welcome relief from winter’s chill. Tickets are included with admission to the BioPark. For info, call 768-2000.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Explore Albuquerque’s southwest art around town this weekend and make sure that the first week of the New Year starts off right.

¡Vamos al Museo! is a fun-filled family event that is hosted by the National Hispanic Cultural Center on January 7 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. This engaging family-led program offers a 30-minute tour of the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Art Museum and Messy Classroom. Families will not only get to enjoy a tour of the museum, but they will also have the opportunity to create their own artwork in the Pete V. Domenici Education Building Messy Classroom. For more information, visit their website at http://www.nhccnm.org or call 246-2261.

The Valles Caldera National Preserve is opening the Coyote Trail and surrounding area to visitors who want to ski through the snow-covered trails. Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on January 8, the trails will open for free. Take advantage of the outdoor recreation activities and enjoy the scenery. To find out more information, visit their website at vallescaldera.gov.

Another art opportunity is available with the Albuquerque Art Business Association’s ARTScrawl, which gives visitors the chance to mingle and see new works.  This event only happens on the first Friday of every month, so don’t miss the chance to see an opening showcase with legendary enemies at Mariposa and 100 miniature paintings at Johns’ Western Gallery. To find out more information about this event, visit artscrawlabq.org.

The First Annual New Mexico Traditional Chile Summit is happing this Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Oñate Monument & Visitor Center in Alcalde, New Mexico. National speakers, a local panel of members, and a chile cook-off will take place. RSVP at the “1^st Annual New Mexico Traditional Chile Summit” page on Facebook.

Also opening this weekend is the controversial and stimulating play, “A Shot Away,” at the Aux Dog Theatre, which chronicles the life of Tina Priest, a soldier who died in Iraq after being sexually assaulted by a fellow serviceman. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m, and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through January 29. Tickets are $16, or $12 for seniors, students and military. For reservations, call 254-7716 or e-mail info@auxdog.com.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

As the holidays wind down, the New Year often starts with acting on those resolutions that were carefully thought out. Celebrate the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 with events happening around town.

Today, Dec. 30, marks the end of the traditional light show River of Lights. From 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., enjoy the final day of the displays’ fun shapes for the entire family to see. Admission is only $8 for adults, $4 for children and kids under the age of three are free. Tickets can be purchased at any BioPark cashier from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Start off the New Year by going to the Peking Acrobats show at Popejoy Hall. This is the third consecutive year the group has caught audiences’ attention with their acrobatics. Gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers are scheduled to take the stage. Tickets run start at $29. To find out more, call 925-5858 or visit www.popejoypresents.com.

Fulfill those resolutions with yoga classes at Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga. On Monday, Jan. 2, from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m., students and beginners are welcome to attend the session. Classes are taught in a one-on-one environment and students learn a sequence of asanas everyday with the guidance of an instructor. To get more info or to make an appointment, call 265-9289.

Vernon’s Black Diamond Lounge is kicking into gear for 2012 with a performance by Los Radiators. On Sunday, Jan. 1, this live band will provide modern and traditional blues and Motown with unique vocal interpretations and rhythm. Enjoy their music from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  For info, call 341-0831.

Stay fit during the New Year with Zumba, Yoga, Cardio KickBoxing, or General Fitness classes at C.Y.L. Fitness LLC. Classes cost only $6 or $25 for five classes. For more info call 948-4943.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

The countdown to Christmas continues. T-minus nine days and counting. In between last-minute shopping and holiday office parties this weekend, here are just a few other events to get you in the festive spirit.

Here’s an event to ensure that your holiday is out-of-this-world! Join the Challenger NM simulation space shuttle on its fun and festive holiday mission launching on Saturday, December 17 at 9 a.m. in search of comets and other celestial objects in the winter sky. Pre-registration is required, ages 10 and up. For info, call 938-3352.

Looking for a way to help out the less fortunate? ABQ Nightvision is putting on Hoodies 4 The Holidays event on Friday, December 16 at 9 p.m. at Imbibe. Attendees are encouraged to wear hoodies and bring an extra hoodie to donate to the PTA Clothing bank, benefiting more than 2,500 students a year in the Albuquerque area, or pay a $10 admission. For info, call 255-4200.

Don’t miss An Irish Homecoming at Popejoy Hall on Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m.  For nearly two decades, the name of a traditional Irish jig has become equally well known as the name of one of the most engaging ensembles in Irish Music: Cherish the Ladies. The group has won recognition as the first and only all-woman traditional Irish band, but soon established themselves as an Irish music sensation. Maureen O’Connell joins Cherish the Ladies along with an all-star dance ensemble featuring champion dancers of Riverdance. Tickets start at $29. For info, call 277-8010.

Lastly, if you haven’t already, this weekend is the perfect time to visit the ABQ BioPark’s annual River of Lights celebration. Tonight, enjoy guest caroling at the Botanical Garden and rides on the railroad from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Also, enjoy a special Supper with Santa at the Shark Reef Café inside the Aquarium to meet Santa. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. For info, call 764-6280.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Sixteen. That’s right. Just 16 more days till Christmas. If you’re like me, the countdown to Christmas makes me think of all the shopping that I haven’t done yet (thank goodness for e-commerce and free shipping!) and stress-induced panic is quick to set in. But in between scrambling for gift ideas and the last-minute visits to the mall this weekend, here are just a few ideas to ensure that you’re jolly—and not a Scrooge—this holiday season.

Here’s a truly homegrown holiday tradition: Albuquerque’s own Bugg Light Christmas Display. Norman and Joyce Bugg started this tradition at their home in the Northeast Heights back in 1970, but the popularity got to be too much for the neighborhood. Now housed at the Menaul School (301 Menaul Blvd. NE), join the line of cars and pedestrians to catch a glimpse of this spectacular display, which includes more than 2,000 lights and dozens of handcrafted characters, debuting tonight, December 9, at 5 p.m.

Stomping feet, thrilling horns, swirling dresses and lively violins fill the air as Mariachi Christmas, now in its 13th year, returns to Popejoy Hall on Sunday, December 11, at 3 p.m., to ring in the holiday season. This year, Mariachi Aztlan joins Ballet Folklorico Paseo del Norte in the celebration. Tickets start at $19. For info, call 925-5858.

Another holiday tradition? Why it has to be The Nutcracker at the KiMo Theatre, of course! Catch the holiday classic, performed by the Ballet Repertory Theatre, a family favorite since 1996. Show times this weekend include Saturday, December 10, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $15. For info, call 768-3544.

Don’t forget about Christmas Joy 2011, a fun and festive event at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, which opens this weekend. Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas as more than 60 classically trained dancers dazzle audiences with jazz and ballet performances choreographed to traditional and contemporary Christmas music. Tickets start at $18. For info, call 298-5551.

As any good Albuquerean knows, it’s Christmas year-round here when choosing between our beloved red or green chile. Thanks to this week’s opening of Chipotle Restaurant (located at 6801 Menaul Blvd. NE, near Uptown) you won’t have to choose. Grab a crave-worthy Burrito Bowl for your next meal.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday. Holiday Time.

If you do nothing else this weekend, there is one event you simply can’t miss––our annual Best of the City party! All of our 200 winners, as voted on by YOU, the readers, will be there, proving why they won the bragging rights to call themselves the Best of the City. It’s the party of the year tonight, December 2 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Hard Rock Casino & Resort, and we want to see you there! Tickets are $40 before the event and $50 at the door.

If you’re not partying it up with us at Best of the City, stroll Old Town tonight, December 2, to enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree in the plaza, dining, concerts, and––of course––shopping. Be sure to bundle up to Keep Jack Frost out!

Don’t miss the University of New Mexico’s Hanging of the Greens, a delightful holday tradition when the campus is adorned with luminarias. It’s the oldest student-run tradition and includes more than 13,000 luminarias! There will be caroling, hot chocolate, cider, lumanaria displays, and biscochitos tonight starting at 5:45 p.m.

If you don’t have the holiday fever yet, here’s an event to make sure you’re feeling jolly: the annual Twinkle Light Parade kicks off Saturday, December 3, from noon until 6 p.m. It’ll take place Downtown at Civic Plaza and will feature more than 100 floats. It’s an event sure to put even the grumpiest of Grinches in the holiday spirit!

This weekend Sandia Resort and Casino is hosting the Festival of the Trees. Admission is free and you can enjoy special guest appearances by Santa Claus while creating ornaments for the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation.

Don’t forget that The River of Lights just opened this week. The lights display is one of the most fun holiday traditions in Albuquerque. It’s a great event for the whole family and is open every night of the week from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Admission for adults is $8, children ages 3 to 13 is $4 and kids under 2 are free.

Visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum on Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to decorate cookies, ornaments, and cards. There will be hot drinks and yummy pastries on sale for your enjoyment.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

TGIF! Today marks the end of yet another grueling workweek. But, more importantly, it’s the beginning of a fun-filled weekend. Here are just a few events we promise will make your weekend all the more enjoyable.

Get the weekend started right with a trip to ¡explora! for adult night this evening, November 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. The museum stays open late for 18-and-older guests, and you’ll have the chance to view the vast Albuquerque nighttime sky with local astronomers and meet local amateur radio operators. The Watermelon Mountain Jug Band will be on hand playing live music. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for ¡explora! members. For info, call 224-8323.

Have a blast at BLAST!, the 2001 winner of the Tony Award for Best Theatrical Event and Emmy Award for Best Choreography, playing at Popejoy Hall on Saturday, November 19, at 8 p.m. BLAST! is a powerful stage show blending part marching band, part color guard and part jam session, with perfectly synchronized and flawless dancing to match. Tickets start at $39. For info, call 925-5858.

Also appearing at Popejoy Hall this weekend, on Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., is the one-and-only Joan Rivers. The diva extraordinaire herself comes to Albuquerque and gives audiences a frank, touching and hilarious look at her life and the challenges she has met during her almost 50-year career in show business in My Life in Show Business: 135 Years and Counting. Tickets start at $39. For info, call 925-5858.

Want to give back to the community while also spending quality time with the family? Consider volunteering at Roadrunner Food Bank and help sort and box food for distribution to the hungry this winter from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register in advance online at www.rrfb.org. For info, call 349-8825.

Finally, no true Lobo fan can miss the University of New Mexico men’s soccer team as they take on Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the UNM Soccer Complex on Sunday, November 20, at 7 p.m. Root for the cherry and silver as the No. 1-ranked and undefeated Lobos fight to bring an NCAA Championship title to Albuquerque. For tickets, visit www.unmtickets.com or call the Lobo Ticket Office at 925-LOBO (5626).

Win Tickets to Blast!

Treat three friends and yourself to an exciting performance of Blast! In four sentences or less, tell us about your favorite Popejoy performance to win four tickets for Saturday’s show. Leave your answer in the comments below and we’ll randomly draw a winner on Friday, November 18!

Favorite Things Friday.

The luckiest day of the century has finally arrived: 11/11/11. Keep the luck and fun going through the weekend with these awesome events.

Celebrate your Veteran’s day with a trip to the New Mexico Veteran’s Art Show. The show opens tonight, Friday, November 11, at 6 p.m. and will continue until November 26. This event will showcase artwork created by local veterans and is in the Fine Arts Building in the fairgrounds.

Say goodbye to summer with the trumpet noises of sandhill cranes. Once winter has settled upon this wonderful city, the cranes begin their yearly journey. Head to the Open Space Visitors Center on Saturday, November 12 to view this magnificent migration.

There’s no need to panic about the upcoming holidays and all the shopping that comes with it. On Saturday, November 12 at 9 a.m., there will be a Holiday Arts and Crafts show at the Hilton Uptown. More than thirty locals will showcase their unique items and gifts for the holidays, which will be a great opportunity to get an early start on your Christmas shopping list.

Buying books for only 50 cents sounds like it’s too good to be true. But it’s not. The Friends of the Library is holding a book sale on Saturday, November 12 at 10 a.m. Head to the Albuquerque’s Main Library to pick up your next great read.

What are YOU doing this weekend?