Favorite Things Friday

Everyone may be looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend, but before you head out with your buddies, consider the many other events happening around town. Bring the family, put that cash away for the babysitter and enjoy the weekend.

If you are a fan of contemporary Pueblo artists, this event is for you. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is hosting a Culture’s Night Out tonight, Friday May 4, from 5:30 pm until 7 pm. Patio entertainment begins at 6 pm and lasts until 9 pm. Marla Allison, Mallery Quetawki and Gregg Analla are a few featured artists. There will also be free hors d’oeuvres, a chance to create your own pottery art, door prizes and live music from Quemozo. To find out more information, visit indianpueblo.org.

Have you ever wanted to camp out under the stars? Well you will be able to at the 2012 Duke City Sleep Out tonight, May 4. Campers can start to check in at 6 pm and at 7 pm there will be live bands performing, dancing, games, movies, storytelling and face painting. To find out more information and to register online, visit firstgiving.com.

If Dreams Were Thunder is a brand new art exhibition by Griffin & Mandeville Purveyors of Contemporary Art. The exhibition features work by four New Mexican artists–Trish Booth, Elizabeth Haidle, Jessica Chao and Mike Rizzo. Tonight, Griffin & Mandeville is hosting an Artist Reception from 5 pm until 9 pm. Find out more about the artists and the event by visiting thegriffingallery.com.

You will surely spend a hilarious and heart-warming evening going to George Burns’ Say Goodnight Gracie show on Sunday, May 6. The Tony-nominated show begins at 3 pm. The show is based on Burns’ wife, Gracie Allen. Find out more and purchase your tickets by visiting popejoypresents.com.

Commissioner Wayne Johnson welcomes community members to the East Mountain Celebration Sunday, May 6 from noon until 4 pm at Los Vecinos Community Center. Bring the entire family, because there will be fun jumps, food vendors and live music from Santa Fe South. Commissioner Johnson will honor several citizens for their public service work Registration for the skateboard competition begins Sunday morning at 10 am and lasts until 11 am at Los Vecinos Skate Park. Call 294-9610 to find out more about the competition. Admission is free. For more, visit bernco.gov.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

This month quickly came to an end and if you are searching for some events to keep yourself busy, here are some to look forward to. Grab family and friends and celebrate the upcoming end to the school year and the beginning of summer!

If you are a fan of Shakespeare, this is the perfect production. The Aux Dog Theatre in Nob Hill is putting on a Macbeth production tonight, April 27 from 8 until 10:30 pm. Macbeth was Shakespeare’s horror story about a marriage filled with power and a country that was torn apart by civil war. To find out more information about the play and how to purchase your tickets, visit auxdog.com.

One Million Bones is a nation-wide art project that partners with the Students Rebuild challenge. The national day of action takes place this weekend, April 28 across the country and for New Mexico, it happens in Santa Fe. The University of New Mexico One Million Bones Chapter is hosting the installation at the Santa Fe Capitol Building (Roundhouse) from 10 am until 4 pm. To find out more information about how to participate in the event and what it’s all about, visit onemillionbones.org.

DanceBrazil is coming to Albuquerque! These performers combine traditional dance from colonial Brazil with the Afro-Brazilian movement and Capoeira. This unique show takes place Saturday, April 28 starting at 8 pm. For complete information about the show and how to purchase your tickets, visit popejoypresents.com.

Here’s an event for all poetry lovers. “I’ll Drink To That” is a new poetry series in Albuquerque which showcases local talent in slam poetry, acoustic and underground Hip-Hop musicians and comedians. Each month features a different brewery and showcases local talent. This month it’s at Nexus Brewery on Sunday, April 29 from 4 to 6 pm. This show features Hakim Bellamy, Leah Black, Jessica Helen Lopez, “Diles”, Glenn “Buddha” Benavidez, Lauren Camp and Carlos Contreras. It’s a free show and to find out more information about the event, visit nexusbrewery.com.

Throughout the entire weekend, Albuquerque is hosting North America’s largest pow wow and Native American competition, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. This event features more than 3,000 participants along with shopping opportunities, food and music. It will be held all weekend, April 26 through the 28 at UNM’s The Pit. To find out more information about purchasing tickets, visit itsatrip.org.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Thank goodness it’s Friday, TGIF! Today marks the end of the workweek, but that means a fun weekend begins around the Duke City. We’ve picked out events that will be sure to spice it up.

All of the ATM staff will be at Mattress Firm’s Beds, Bikes & Tikes event tomorrow morning in UNM’s The Pit parking lot helping more than 600 children receive new bicycles. Stop by and say hi! The event begins promptly at 8 am.

Don’t have plans tonight or a babysitter? Bring the family to the Burque Bop at the Harwood Art Center. The event is from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and features music by Mudhut, which combines African rhythms, jazz guitars, bass and a dance beat. Admission for adults is $8 and the kids get in free. Don’t make dinner tonight because Roxy Bistro and the Oz Patisserie food trucks will be at the event. To find out more, visit www.harwoodartcenter.org.

The Fourth Annual Recycled Art Fair is an event for all art lovers that takes place on Saturday, April 21. Upcycle Art or Recycled Art is an art form used by artists who use discarded materials to create art. This event will be full of demos, workshops, educational booths, creativity centers, face painters, food and music. There will be a hunt and a prize for the most interesting trash found. It takes place at the Open Space Visitor Center and to find out more, visit cabq.gov/openspace.

Are you a music fanatic? Why not help raise money for a good cause at the same time by attending the Music 4 Humanity concert on Saturday, April 21. Albuquerque’s youth will show off their talent and all proceeds raised will benefit Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. Tickets start at $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. The youth concert is set to begin at 7 pm, and there will be a silent auction and sandwich/dessert hour starting at 6 pm at the Albuquerque Academy Simms Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit www.youthunitedabq.com.

If you are a music and arts fan, then this event is just for you. Paco de Lucia is taking the stage Sunday, April 22, at the Fine Arts Building on the University of New Mexico Campus. De Lucia is a celebrated flamenco guitarist who combines his guitar music with keyboards, harmonicas, bass and a choir. The event begins at 7:30 pm and tickets start at $34. To find out more, visit www.ampconcerts.org.

Start your weekend out right by registering for the Walk. Bike. Ride. Multi-Modal Experience 2012. The registration deadline is Monday, April 23. The free event will take place on Friday, April 27 and participants will start at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church and trek across the city to get a glance at how a multi-modal transportation network can change the way we move. The New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects will also discuss the design and implementation of comprehensive transportation solutions for everyone. To register for the event, visit www.nmasla.org.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

When Friday falls on the 13^th, it is considered one of the unluckiest days of the month. Whether you are avoiding driving, digging up those lucky rabbit’s feet or even staying home to avoid bad luck, we have found events around town that will be sure to keep you entertained.

The Albuquerque Isotopes kick off their tenth season tonight in the first game of 2012. The national anthem will be sung promptly at 7:05 pm. The ‘Topes play Omaha this opening week. Tonight’s game will have giveaways at the door including beanie caps, schedule magnets and team posters. For more information about the season and how to purchase tickets, visit abqisotopes.com.

For the art lovers out there, the National Hispanic Cultural Center is hosting a community art gallery exhibition opening, called Nuestros Maestros: The Legacy of Abad E. Lucero. Paintings, sculptures and furniture created by Lucero will be featured starting at 6 pm. There will be a free public reception at the Art Museum. The event extends to Sunday, April 15, where there will be a curator’s tour starting at 1:30 pm. For more information about the event and the artist, visit nationalhispaniccenter.org.

Composer John Kennedy is a local New Mexican composer and conductor, who is known for the ten years he led Santa Fe New Music. Tonight, April 13, starting at 7:30 pm, Kennedy will showcase his best pieces at The Kosmos located at 1715 5^th St. NW. For more information about the event or to RSVP, visit chatter20-21.org.

Many people recognize the movie Legally Blonde immediately. The movie was so popular it inspired a Broadway musical. Musical Theatre Southwest tackles the play filled with handbags and hairspray tonight, April 13, starting at 8 pm. To find out more about the play and how to purchase your tickets, visit musicaltheatresw.com.

Imagine the Magic is an event for those who love magic and who are fans of the element of surprise. The show takes place at The Filling Station from 7 pm to 9 pm, April 13 and 14. Reserve your seat today and enjoy the most advanced tricks in the books. To find out more information about the event, visit imaginethemagic.us.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Time to put away those umbrellas and boots and dust off your sandals because the weather is going to be perfect this weekend. Here are a couple events for those who want to get out of the house and into the beautiful weather.

Today marks the first Friday of the month, so that means it is time for April’s citywide ARTScrawl. Learn more about Albuquerque’s hidden gem art scene from 6 pm to 10 pm. To view a complete map and list of participating art galleries, visit www.artscrawlabq.org.

It sure is the weekend to celebrate art in Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Fine Wine & Art Festival is happening today, April 6, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown starting at 5 pm.  More than 70 wineries and over 25 craft beers will be available at the event. There will also be more than 30 New Mexico artists including Rachel Harris, Jade Leyva, Denise Kunz, Nick Harmon and many more. All proceeds from a silent auction will benefit Wemagination, a University of New Mexico Family Development Program. Tickets are $55 in advance or $65 at the door. To see a complete list of artists being featured at the event, visit holdmyticket.com/event/37213.

To celebrate the Busking Centennial Festival Series tradition, Old Town invites all musicians to come perform on the Old Town Plaza Vieja Gazebo on April 6 and 7. Come cheer on your favorite musician and witness the diverse performances. All performances take place around Old Town starting today, April 6, at 6 pm and last until Saturday, April 7, at 5 pm. To find out more, visit www.albuquerqueoldtown.com.

Long week at the office? The Box Performance Space and Improv Theatre are hosting two events this weekend. Starting tonight, April 6 at 8 pm, The Q is an improvised soap opera event and The Show is a performance beginning at 9 pm on April 6. For ticket information and to find out more information about the event, visit theboxabq.com.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

The final weekend of March sure has crept up without warning! Saturday marks the last day of the month. But today means that it’s Friday and no matter your style, here are some local events to keep you happy and laughing this April fools day weekend.

Calling all science buffs–Jesse Phillips, Nuclear Engineer of the Severe Accident Analysis Department at Sandia National Laboratories is speaking at the free New Mexico PBS Science Café “Fukushima” event. On March 31, Saturday, from 10 am until 12 pm at the Los Poblanos Inn & Cultural Center, Phillips will speak about the disaster, which happened in Japan on March 11, 2011. The question of he evening is: can science and technology ever prevent devastation in the face of overwhelmingly powerful forces of nature? The event is free but registration is required. Call 277-2396 or send an email to rposton@newmexicopbs.org to find out more information.

The Duke City is one of the fittest cities, and no wonder, because there are people riding their bikes and running on every sidewalk. To all the bike enthusiasts, The Adoption Exchange Classic Bicycle Race is an event by Mountain Top Cycling, which spans three events in two days. It starts March 31 and lasts from 9 am until 1 pm. A winner of the cycling events will be the rider with the fewest points in each category. All proceeds from the three events will be donated to The Adoption Exchange. To find out more information, visit www.newmexicosportsonline.com.

Quelab is Albuquerque’s first hackerspace and this Saturday, March 31, is the March of the Robots. This is where Quelab is showing off all robot minions that were built during the month of March. The event lasts from 6 pm until 9 pm. For more information about all things robotic, visit quelab.net/wordpress.

This Sunday is April Fools, so get your laugh on at the Albuquerque Zoo from 10 am until 2 pm. The truth about common animal myths will be revealed and visitors can walk around to discovery stations around the zoo to find out the real stories behind some of the most common animal myths. The cost of the event is covered with regular admission price. To find out more information, call 764-6214 or email biopark@cabq.gov.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

The first weekend of spring has arrived and thankfully it brings warm weather with it too. With so many outdoor activities to do, here are a couple events if you want to stay out of the heat and get you into the spring spirit.

Here’s an event for the bull riding enthusiasts: The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Ty Murray Invitational is coming to the UNM Arena The Pit this weekend. From tonight, March 23, starting at 8 pm until March 25 starting at 2 pm, enjoy the 16 consecutive year of watching the top 35 bull riders in the world compete. Tickets start at $15. For more information, contact (877) 664-8661 or go online to www.unmtickets.com.

To all you coffee and chocolate lovers, listen up: The Southwest Coffee and Chocolate Fest is coming to the Albuquerque Convention Center from tonight, March 23, until March 25. Look forward to meeting 75 of the best chocolatiers, coffee roasters, chefs, bakers, caterers, wineries and breweries. (You could even do some Easter chocolate shopping.) Purchase your tickets at chocolateandcoffeefest.com.

Sunday Chatter is an event happening on Sunday, March 25, to celebrate the contributions of New Mexico Composers. Presentations will be given on varied works from composers with ties to the Land of Enchantment. The concert is also a part of UNM’s internationally known annual Composers Symposium. Admission prices are regularly $15 and for more information visit www.sundaychatter.org.

Grab your sunglasses, because The Original Tribute To The Blues Brothers is this Sunday, March 25, starting at 3 pm at Popejoy Hall. Jake and Elwood are joined on stage by the Bluettes to bring the ‘Soul and Blues’ back. For more information and to find out how to purchase your tickets, visit www.popejoypresents.com.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Win tickets to see The Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers!

Treat yourself and a friend to an exciting performance of The Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers. In three sentences or less, tell us about your favorite Popejoy performance and why it was the ultimate show to win two tickets for the March 25 show. Leave your answer in the comments below and we’ll randomly draw a winner on Thursday, March 22.

Favorite Things Friday

Today marks the end of yet another workweek and the start of spring break for students! If you aren’t going out of town this weekend, or if you are just looking for something fun to do, here are a couple events around town to make your weekend more enjoyable.

There is one event you simply can’t miss–our Wedding Showcase this Sunday, March 11, at Sandia Casino. Tickets are available at the door and are $30. We want to see you there!

Calling all theater buffs—you don’t want to miss this one. Starting today, March 9, through Sunday, March 25 Miss Saigon is coming to The African-American Performing Arts Center with times starting Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. This performance highlights a Vietnamese girl and an American soldier who fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Miss Saigon won 30 major theatre awards, which include three Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. Each night, the play begins at 8 pm. To find out more information about the play or how to purchase tickets, visit musicaltheatresw.com or call 265-9119.

Here’s one for you dance enthusiasts: Dancing Earth, Night of Stars*Moon*Water* is a contemporary dance ensemble holding their first festival of international Indigenous performing arts. This show moves from powwow to poetry and percussion in expression of diversity with 12 artists who improvise about water. The performance takes place March 9 through the 10 with times starting at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday. To learn more about the play and how to purchase tickets, visit nhccnm.org.

This sure is a weekend for the performing arts. This Saturday, March 10, starting at 8 pm, Red Star-Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble is a group of 70 singers, dancers and musicians that take viewers back through the history of Russian music and traditional folk songs. To find out more information and how to purchase your own ticket, visit popejoypresents.com.

If spending money on jewelry is becoming too much for you, this workshop is right up your alley. Recycle, Repurpose, Regenerate: A Personal Textile Art Workshop is an event where you will find yourself ripping, cutting and disassembling discarded clothing, blankets, fabrics and yarn into satisfying pieces of jewelry. Fibers will be provided, but bring your own scissors, clothing and blankets to personalize your jewelry. This crafting event takes place Saturday, March 10 starting at 2 pm as well as Sunday, March 11 from 12 to 4 pm at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Domenici Education Center. Visit womenandcreativity.org for more information.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

The wind has picked up in the Duke City this week, but don’t let a little weather ruin your weekend! Take your mind off this week’s stress and enjoy these events happening around town with all your friends and family.

For all you art fans who want to stay inside this weekend, it’s the first Friday ARTScrawl. Today, March 2, from 5 to 9 pm learn about Albuquerque’s hidden art scene with a variety of local artwork. To see a map of all galleries that are featuring exhibits, visit www.artscrawlabq.org.

Looking to have a monstrously good time? Popejoy Hall is featuring the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award winner, Young Frankenstein. Mel Brooks himself is the creator and mad genius behind the show. Performance dates take place throughout the weekend. Visit popejoypresents.com for times and ticket information.

If you want to celebrate National Grammar Day on Sunday, one possibility is visiting Bookworks for the Dr. Seuss Read Across America Celebration. Stop in to hear some of your favorites March 2 from 2 to 3 pm.

Have you ever secretly wanted to learn more about the paranormal? Join Adam Gorightly at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center this Saturday, March 3 starting at 1 pm. Admission is free!

It sure is the weekend to enjoy great art around town. The Harwood Art Center and Escuela del Sol are exploring the evolution of science, art and inspiration tonight, March 2 from 6 to 8 pm with The Butterfly Effect.

Have you ever wanted to see more swimming in Albuquerque? The Duke City Aquatics is one team having their 2012 SC SR Championships. Throughout this weekend, March 2 through March 4, watch the Senior Champs at the West Mesa Pool.

What are YOU doing this weekend?