Hottest Party of the Year

Thanks to the 1,300 people who attended Albuquerque’s biggest night – the annual ATM Hot Singles Party last Friday. Albuquerque’s best-looking singles (and some couples) mingled by the pool, lounged in the onion, talked on the grass, and ogled each other at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Even the weather cooperated for once and brought us a beautiful evening.

The party started steaming up with makeovers by Toni and Guy, glitter tattoos by Have On Art, and liquor samples from Tuaca, Rosa Regale, and Ciroc around 7 p.m. But by 9 p.m., the evening was in full swing when Albuquerque the Magazine’s hot singles – who were featured in the August issue of our magazine – stepped up their game by participating in a live auction benefiting Special Olympics of New Mexico. Several of the magazine’s hot singles will go on dates – thanks to the magazine and Special Olympics – with winning bidders from Friday’s auction.
The after party at the Hard Rock’s Lucha bar gave our singles one last chance to chat up the hottie who caught their eye, and a chance to enjoy some of the finest (and largest) margaritas on the rooftop while city lights flickered below.

Don’t miss out Albuquerque’s hottest and hunkiest singles next year if you couldn’t make the party this time around. If you’re not convinced that this party was packed with seriously spicy singles, take a peek at some snapshots our ATM photo crew caught throughout the evening…

Favorite Things Friday

If the kids have just finished their first full week of school, you’ve had another busy work week, and you’re looking to hold onto some last few shards of summer, check out what’s going on this weekend.

Start out your weekend with a little spice at the ATM Hot Singles Party tonight at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel from 7 to 11 p.m. Feel refreshed after a long work week with a massage, loosen up, and hit the dance floor after a few drinks, get that tattoo you’ve always wanted (don’t worry—they’re only glitter), get confident with a mini-makeover, snag yourself a hottie for the night while benefiting the Special Olympics of New Mexico at our Singles Auction, and meet some of the hottest eligible people in Albuquerque. Don’t want the night to end? It doesn’t have to! Join us in the Lucha lounge for the after party until 1:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door.

Relax at the spa and partake in a birthday “paw-ty” for a favorite Albuquerque animal, Sugar, on Sunday at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. Sugar is a Golden Retriever that has loyally greeted guests, worked at the Tamaya Stable, led trail rides, and shown his tricks in rodeos. Enjoy music, games, and party favors at the serene pueblo-style resort from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Add some flavor to your Saturday night by attending the Albuquerque Latin Dance Festival at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Plaza Mayor. With live music by Son Como Son, Ivon Ulibarri and Café Mocha , Nosotros, and many others, you’re sure to start swaying your hips to the beat. And if you can’t get your hips to stop, check out the after party at the Cooperage Restaurant. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free.

What are you doing this weekend to keep your summer “hot”?

Vote for the Best

Every time I try an ice cream flavor that’s to die for or go on a new hike with a view that’s simply breathtaking, I think to myself, more people should know about this!

If you’ve ever done that, too, then don’t miss out on the chance to let everyone know about your favorite things about Albuquerque. Voting for Albuquerque The Magazine’s annual Best of City closes on Wednesday, September 1, so head on over the Albuquerque The Magazine website (www.abqthemag.com) and vote.

To voice your opinion about your favorites, vote today—whether it’s the best green chile, best sushi, best colorist, best spa, best summer camp, best kid’s story time, or any number of our more than 100 categories.

The local favorites with the most votes will be listed in our gorgeous and glossy double December/January issue. It’s a great way to let locals know about your preferred people, places, and services (and maybe even steal some of their favorites, too)!

We know that there are tons of places to choose from, so what will you vote for?

Hot for Hot Singles

This year seems to be no exception to what most Albuquerqueans already know – there are some HOT singles out here.

And what better way to get out on the town and meet some new friends (that might want to get even friendlier) than going to the ATM Hot Singles Party?

This feisty fiesta will be at Hard Rock Albuquerque from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, August 27. Get ready for a night of dancing and socializing under the stars. Catch the eye of the hottie across the pool with glitter tattoos courtesy of Have On Art and mini-makeovers by Toni and Guy Academy. Relax after drinks and dancing with a massage from The Spa at Hard Rock.

Getting the courage to find a perfect dancing partner is easy with tastings provided by National Distributing Company. Don’t want the party to end? Spark a new romance by bidding on the hot singles featured in the August issue. You’ll be a good date as well as a do-gooder, because all proceeds from the auction benefit Special Olympics of New Mexico.

Can’t get enough of this year’s hot singles? We can’t either. That’s why there’s a sizzling after-party at Hard Rock’s Lucha bar.

Tickets for the event are available at the door and are $25 (you must be 21 and older).

So what part of the Hot Singles Party are you most looking forward to?

Intern Intel: Week Two

Bandelier National Monument - Photo Courtesy of my brother, Andrew

It’s the Tuesday before the ATM Hot Singles Party and the office is buzzing! (And I still need to find a tailor to hem my dress!)

This past week, my mom and brother visited from Maryland and (I’m proud to say) they liked Albuquerque’s signature green chile stew and couldn’t believe that a place could exist without 98 percent humidity. Earlier in the week, between trips to Lowe’s to renovate my barren patio, we visited Bandelier National Monument and Petroglyph National Monument. Last Tuesday night, we tried out Vivace at 3118 Central Avenue Southeast. We loved their homemade Cannelloni Di Pollo with a glass of Pedroncelli Pinot Noir.

Dropping them off at the airport was depressing, but from the comments about the perfect weather, great food, and gorgeous sites, I think it’s safe to say that their first impression of Albuquerque was a positive one.

The weekend blew by and Sunday night I went out with friends to Two Fools Tavern (3211 Central Avenue Northeast) for dinner and a beer and then we wandered over to Monte Vista Fire Station (3201 Central Avenue Northeast) to watch a bit of the Vikings vs. 49ers game.

This week at ATM, I’ve been missing our staff writer, Katy Barnitz. Friday was her last day before traveling to Denmark to study abroad for an entire semester and I already miss her computer expertise (I’m a PC girl and the office computer is a Mac) and writing tips. Meanwhile, I’ve been working on an Oktoberfest Tapa for our October issue. It’s involved contacting local bars and breweries to see how they’ll be celebrating this year’s Oktoberfest. I’ve also been brainstorming a few tailgating tips for this season of Lobo football.

Tonight I’m going to my very first Isotopes game with my boyfriend who just moved here from Myrtle Beach. Thursday I start graduate classes at UNM (dun dun dunnnn).

So between family visits, writing for the October issue, grad classes, and getting ready for the ATM party on Friday, I’ve hardly had a chance to think about what sites to show my boyfriend this weekend.

Any tips or must-see places for two new Albuquerqueans?

Favorite Things Friday

Even if it is blistering hot outside, as soon as school busses start running and the kids head back to school, summer feels like it’s over. Embrace the beginnings of autumn with one of these Albuquerque events. From homegrown theater to sleeping with the fish, there’s something for everyone this weekend!

Follow the lives of six people whose stories intersect, in “Trust,” a contemporary dramatic comedy.  The play is presented by The Filling Station, and will run at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays through August 29. Tickets are $20 for adults.

Spend the night with the fish! Begin an unforgettable slumber party with an evening of learning, games, crafts, movie watching, and more.  Aquarium Overnight allows guests to sleep next to the sharks in an unforgettable viewing of the aquarium. Pre-registration is required, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact the Biopark for additional information at 848-7180.

Head to the N4th Theatre for the world premiere of “Persephone!” This modern musical adaptation on the classic Greek myth is presented by the Ka-HOOTZ Theater Company and was written by New Mexico playwright, Mars Mraz. The play runs at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Help raise money and awareness at this year’s annual Climb to Conquer Cancer set up by the American Cancer Society. Climb 6.5 miles the Sandia Crest where food and entertainment will await, then a bus will take you back down. Early registration is encouraged, but you can register starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the Sandia Peak Ski area.

What are you up to this weekend?

Intern Intel

The day after graduation from the University of Delaware, I packed up my 1996 Honda Accord and drove out to Albuquerque with intention of spending the next two years soaking up as much information as I could. Although learning is often synonymous with education, I moved to the Land of Enchantment not just to obtain my masters degree from UNM, but also with the hopes of learning more about myself and my career interests—editing and publishing.

When I received an email from ATM editor, Jenna Frosch, saying that they were looking for more publishing interns, I knew that my goal to learn more about the fast-paced editorial industry was finally beginning to pan out.

When I told my friends back home that I was ATM’s new editorial intern, they chuckled and said, “You better learn how to use the coffee maker!” This being my third official day at ATM, I quickly learned that, although the title “editorial intern” does involve a personal, daily trip to the Keurig machine in the conference room, I am no glorified coffee fetcher.

My first experiences with ATM have included: writing my first “Favorite Things Friday” blog, actually attending the 4^th Annual Ballet Pro Musica Festival (which I learned about while writing my “Favorite Things Friday” blog), hanging out the window of my car searching for new Passenger Window ideas, trying out different restaurants in our Bites section (based on a recommendation from a friend, Ryan, I tried the Cider and Cobb Sandwich at Two Fools Tavern and LOVED it), archiving old magazines to ensure that ATM doesn’t feature the same thing twice, and searching for the perfect dress to wear to The 7^th Annual Albuquerque Hot Singles Party.

Hardly the stereotypic coffee-delivering intern!

Already, working for ATM has allowed me to begin discovering a city that was previously foreign to me. The casual, yet professional work setting allows me to feel like my co-workers (who were strangers only a week ago) are now my mentors and friends. Being an ATM intern may be a lot of work but the end result is worth it—valuable work and life experience.

While I’m just getting started on the intern track, there’re lots more to learn and see in Albuquerque. What are some ways YOU recommend to get involved in the city’s lifestyle?

Favorite Things Friday

Thank goodness it’s Friday! If you’re searching for a few fun events to make your weekend “brag-worthy” at the office on Monday, take a look at what’s happening in Albuquerque this weekend.

Enjoy the cool Albuquerque nights at the steamy summer salsa series Friday from 7-10 p.m. at The Albuquerque Museum . Salsa Under the Stars plans to make your Friday night muy caliente with music by Son Como Son. Proceeds benefit The New Mexico Jazz Workshop Institute of Music.  Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for students and seniors, $10 for NM Jazz Workshop and ABQ Museum Members, and FREE for children under 12.

If you still feel like dancing after salsaing under the stars on Friday, rest assured, the show will go on at the Fourth Annual Ballet Pro Musica Festival! The Festival features the National Ballet of Mexico, La Catrina String Quartet, and Jackquelyn Helin’s piano stylings. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets start at $30.

Laugh your hearts out at the Adobe Theater at 8p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at David Mamet’s 1977 playwright, Life in the Theater. The play focuses on the relationship of two thespians, Robert and John. With its meditation on the challenges of acting and mentoring, this drama/comedy is sure to engage theater enthusiasts everywhere. $14 General Admission, $12 Seniors and Students. Make your reservation call 898-9222.

Enjoy one of the last weekends of summer New Mexico style: with a little spice. The 6^th Annual Old Town Salsa Fiesta will features live dance, salsa tasting, and voting on the best homemade salsas all accompanied by local music groups like Latin Starts, Picoso and Changui Son.  Area restaurants will offer specials and New Mexico wines. The festival begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

This collaborative project between Warehouse 508 and 516 Arts is geared toward young artists interested in large scale group projects.  The Alley Art Mural Project encourages young artists to explore large scale art as part of a group.  The series of temporary murals can be seen in the alley between 5^th and 6^th Streets.    Be one of the first to see the latest mural by attending the opening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Head outside of town, away from all of the city lights, for a beautiful view of summer stars.  The Albuquerque Astronomical Society will bring telescopes out for a night of Stargazing in the Manzanos.  Expect a fascinating look at planets, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.  Picnic facilities are available, so consider watching the sunset and waiting for dark with a picnic dinner.  The site is located approximately nine miles south on NM Highway 337 from the Tijeras exit on I-40.  Watch for the Oak Flat sign, and head east on Oak Flat Road to the Oak Flat picnic grounds and Juniper Loop.  For additional information, call 254-TAAS.

What are you up to this weekend?

By Rachel Gearhart and Katy Barnitz

Favorite Things Friday

With evening monsoons and nearly unbearable daytime temperatures, there’s nothing like a nice event to take your mind off August’s continually bizarre weather.  If you’re plan-less this weekend, choose a few of these events to pack your calendar!

Experience the bittersweet, inspiring story of a group of students at New York City’s High School for Performing Arts as they discover prejudice, issues with identity, and self worth, and learn how to survive being young.  FAME, The Musical is presented by Albuquerque Little Theatre and runs at various times Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults.

Expect the wonderful music of 2008 Best of the City winner, Le Chat Lunatique at the First Friday Patio Party at Plaza Sombra.  The old-style French café jazz group will entertain visitors from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight. Enjoy the atmosphere of Old Town and take in the sights and sounds of this very-popular monthly party.

Head out to Expo New Mexico this weekend to see an incredible selection and variety of antiques at the 12^th annual Great Southwestern Antique Show.  More than 200 dealers will fill the Lujan Center with antiques, fine art, and treasures of every shape and size.  Admission is $8 and the show is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Try the delicious wines of New Mexico while viewing the talented work of area quilters at this year’s Quilt and Wine Fair in Corrales.  Expect quilting lectures, arts and crafts, wine lectures, and book signings.  Admission for adults is $15, and the festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Corrales Recreation Center.

Celebrate being a New Mexico State University Aggie with the Isotopes this Saturday night as the ‘Topes take on the Sacramento River Cats.  Bring friends and family decked out in NMSU crimson and white for a great game and delicious baseball-park food and a little shameless celebration of your Aggie heritage!

What are you up to this weekend?

Favorite Things Friday

Bring on August!  This summer is going so fast!  And, really, it’s no wonder–Albuquerque’s many exciting events don’t leave us with the chance to be bored!  Here’s a glance at what’s happening this weekend.

See acoustic folk-pop duo, Over the Rhine live at Outpost Performance Space Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. Saturday’s performance will begin with a live interview with Art of the Song-Creativity Radio.  The group was recently named one of the 100 Best Living Songwriters by Paste magazine.  Tickets are $25 and are available online.

Looking for fun in the sun for a good cause?  Head over to the Third Annual Volley for Hope charity sand volleyball tournament, benefitting Casa Esparanza’s Patient Navigation program.  Teams of 4 and 6 are eligible to participate in the tournament bracket. Head over to Charlie’s Sandboxand register from 8-9 a.m., cost is $20 per person.

Check out the first of this summer’s Los Ranchos Arts and Crafts Markets.  Taking place every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., the markets are a haven for homemade. From oil paintings to homemade dresses, you won’t want to miss out on the wonderful talent of Los Ranchos artisans.

Moonlight and Magnolias is an imaginative recreation on what happened during the making of the screenplay Gone With the Wind.   See a wonderful performance by a fantastic cast at the lovable Adobe Theater.  The play runs at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets are $14 for adults.

Come see and hear the long-loved interpretation of the gospel of St. Mark with all of the sparkle of a Broadway production in Godspell.  Desert Rose Playhouse and director Daryl Streeler present the play through Sunday.  Performances take place at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets are $15 for adults.

What are your weekend plans?