Author: lydia

Take a tour down memory lane watching New Mexico PBS station KNME’s “Route 66 in New Mexico”. This seven-part series totals about 55 minutes—well worth every second. Interviews, vintage photos, great cinematography… It’s a great way to get your kicks on Route 66!

A Bit of Background

Founded in 2006, the New Mexico Jazz Festival followed on the work of the Open Arts Foundation’s Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival (2000-2005) which produced hundreds of concerts and brought an unprecedented wealth of high quality jazz to Santa Fe.

In 2006, our inaugural effort presented McCoy Tyner, Branford Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Newport Jazz Allstars, and more. In 2007 we expanded our efforts and presented more concerts in both cities including performances by the legendary Sonny Rollins in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. We also inaugurated a partnership with the City of Albuquerque’s Summerfest by offering 5 hours of music on Civic Plaza— an evening which was free and open to the public and which was capped by a performance by Toumani Diabaté’s Symmetric Orchestra.

This Weekend

July 19, Saturday, 7pm
New Mexico Jazz Workshop presents Blues Under the Stars
Pleasure Pilots • The Memphis PTails • Alex Maryol
Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater

July 19, Saturday, 6-10:30pm
Albuquerque Summerfest
Allen Toussaint Quintet
plus Hillary Smith’s Hip Pocket • Paul Rivers Bailey
Laryea Addy • Concepto Tambor
Harry E. Kinney Civic Plaza

July 20, Sunday, 7:30pm
Bert Dalton Trio Honoring Chris Calloway
Straight Up Honoring Arlen Asher
The Lensic Performing Arts Center

Week Two
July 22, Tuesday, 6-8:30pm
Perceptions: Kanoa Kaluhiwa’s AfriLatin Jazz Ensemble
Le Chat Lunatique
Santa Fe Plaza

July 23, Wednesday, 7-9:00pm
Jazz in the Evening
Cathryn McGill Quartet
Old Town Plaza Albuquerque

July 23 & 24, Wednesday & Thursday, 7:30pm
Kenny Garrett Quartet
Outpost Performance Space

July 25 & 26, 7pm
New Mexico Jazz Workshop presens Women’s Voices
Friday (25th) Charmed; Dianna Hughes; Patti Littlefield;
Kari Simmons;Hillary Smith
Saturday (26th) The Buckarettes; Jenny Marlow;
Busy McCarroll; Madi Sato; Susan Clark
Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater

July 25, Friday, 7:30pm
Habib Koité & Bamada
The Lensic Performing Arts Center

July 26, Saturday, 7:30pm
Cassandra Wilson
The Lensic Performing Arts Center

July 27, Sunday, 4:30pm
A.B. Spellman & Paquito D’Rivera: Meet the artist
The Lensic Performing Arts Center

July 28, Monday, 2pm
A.B. Spellman: Reading
The Lensic Performing Arts Center

July 27, Sunday, 7:30pm
Paquito D’Rivera’s Funk Tango Quintet
The Lensic Performing Arts Center

July 28, Monday, 7:30pm
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
The Lensic Performing Arts Center

August in New Mexico is a great time to come visit: the rainy season is in full swing and the land is lush, green and absolutely beautiful! Here’s a list of some ongoing happenings throughout the state. For a great detailed calendar of events, visit our friends at Forever Frontier.

Socorro Farmer’s Market
Main Plaza, Socorro, NM
Each Saturday morning, June to October
575-835-8927

Monte Cristo Gift Shop & Gallery
Chloride, NM, just 35 miles west of Truth or Consequences via Hwy 52.
Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM
505-743-0493 or montecristo@zianet.com

Las Cruces Farmers Market, downtown mall
Every Wednesday & Saturday
Growers and vendors selling locally grown produce and homemade crafts. www.lascrucescvb.org

Mesilla Mercado
Every Thursday & Sunday
Old Mesilla Plaza, Mesilla, NM.
Growers and vendors selling locally grown produce and homemade crafts. www.lascrucescvb.org

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Las Cruces, NM
Explore farming, ranching, and rural life in New Mexico!
Museum Tours, Seminars and Exhibits.
www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
575-522-4100

Deming Livestock Auction
Every Wednesday, 9:30 am
575-546-8851

Summer Chairlift Rides
Taos Ski Valley
From late June through September, enjoy the majestic views of Taos Ski Valley from our lift #1. Once you arrive at the top off load and hike around. Ride the lift or hike down to the base area.
$10 for adults and $6 for juniors. Group rates available. If you have a Taos season pass from last season or for the upcoming season there’s no charge. (You must present pass).
Hours 10am – 4:30pm, Thursdays through Mondays until September 1st, then Saturdays and Sundays from September 6-28, 2008.
Taos, NM
www.taosskivalley.com

Crownpoint Rug Auction
Crownpoint,, NM (east of Gallup)
300-400 hand woven Navajo rugs are auctioned off each month; sponsored by Crownpoint Rug Weavers Association. Rug viewing begins at 4:00 pm and runs until 6:00 pm. Auction begins at 7:00 pm.
Crownpoint Elementary School, 72 miles south of Farmington on Hwy. 371, Call for dates: 505-786-5302, 505-786-7386 www.crownpointrugauction.com

Hiking Season in Taos Ski Valley
May through October are ideal months to hike our surrounding trails. Trail maps available at the Visitor Center or on-line at www.taosskivalley.com
Call for more information (575) 776-1413 or 800-517-9817.
Taos, NM.

Thanks to high prices for oil and natural gas, New Mexico could be looking at a big revenue windfall for 2009, according to economists in Gov. Bill Richardson’s administration and the Legislature. The money could go to spending increases or offset permanent tax cuts. The Legislature will convene in January for a 60-day session.

For more details, click here

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As promised, I stopped in to Pie Town’s other famous hot spot, The Daily Pie, to sample the wares. I happened to come in during the lunch hour, which gave me the opportunity to try a meal AND a slice of pie.

Their menu—no printed version—is all up on a white board: scrumptious sandwiches (we tried the BBQ pulled pork and the brisket version—truly finger lickin’ good) and, of course, a variety of pies, neatly labeled on a—what else—colorful pie chart. Today they had Peanut Butter Pie, Plum Pie (I can attest to its tart but sweet appeal), Apple Pie, Key Lime Cream Cheese Pie, Triple Berry, Black Berry and the famous New Mexico Apple Pie, made with green chilies.

But the pie doesn’t stop there. There’s Primo Pie (Creamy Pecan, Chocolate Cream, Strapple and Coconut Cream). Then there’s what owner Mike Rawls calls “Pielets”—miniature 4” versions of some of his most popular pies that “travel much better than a slice.”

“I also added in a $5.00 menu not too long ago to give people a break in this economy,” he says. “It’s all home-style food made from scratch. Much more satisfying than fast food and for about the same price. Leaves room in their bellies and in their pocketbooks for a slice of pie!”

Tool around the restaurant and you’ll also find it’s a bit of a general store. “You gotta offer a bit of everything in a small town,” comments Mike. Browse through the T-shirt rack (hooded pull-on sweatshirts are “buy 1 get a free slice of pie” until they’re out) or thumb through the local Pie Town history and recipe books.

Mike is also a big Pie Town advocate, donating his time and money to setting up and running www.pietown.org, the town’s “official” website, where you can find information and pictures of the famous Pie Town Festival (happening this year on September 13th) and other info such as where to stay, where to buy a good piece of land, and where to find someone to build on it for you.

“It’s all about the Power of Pie,” says Mike.

The Daily Pie café is open Tuesday through Saturday 7am- 6pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Gov. Bill Richardson announced Friday that the production company 26 Films will commence principal photography in New Mexico for “Run For Her Life”, a feature film starring Dermot Mulroney and Diane Kruger, marking the 100th major film production shot in the state during his administration.The film will be directed by Icelandic director, Baltasar Kormakur with Michelle Chydzik Sowa and Nathalie Marciano of 26 Films producing along with Jennifer Kelly.Principal photography begins June 15 in Santa Fe. The production will employ approximately 90 local crew members and 300 local actors.

“Run For Her Life” is a dramatic thriller about Paul Stanton (Mulroney), a successful D.A. on the path to political office who becomes entrenched in a dangerous situation while trying to save the life of his 8 year-old daughter in desperate need of a lung transplant.

“Trappings: Stories of Women Power and Clothing,” created by Two Girls Working, comes to Albuquerque, New Mexico June 13th-August 16th. This unique collection of art creates conversations about the meaning and expression of power.

Two Girls Working, a collaboration between Tiffany Ludwig and Renee Piechocki, examines the way we identify ourselves and others that describe the range and diversity of background, identity and attitude among women. To do this, they begin by asking women to respond to the question: what do you wear that makes you feel powerful? Since they started the project in 2002, the artists have interviewed more than 600 women in 15 states. This year, before coming to Albuquerque, the exhibit has also been displayed in New York, Wyoming and Missouri. The national exhibition tour is in conjunction with the release of their book of the same title.

“I chose to bring Trappings to 516 ARTS to involve Albuquerque in a national dialogue. Our mission at 516 is to help connect Albuquerque with larger cultural trends and discussions — regionally, nationally and occasionally internationally,” said Suzanne Sbarge, Executive Director of 516 ARTS. “I think our local involvement lends important voices to this dialogue — including many Native American and Hispanic women.”

Trappings: Albuquerque will include a two-floor installation at 516 ARTS in downtown Albuquerque as well as an accompanying public art project featuring Trappings bus panels on the downtown D-Ride buses and banners on light posts and buildings. Bus passengers can view images and hear participant interviews by dialing a number from their cell phones.
In addition to the gallery exhibit and public art displays, events will further develop the theme including a panel discussion on July 14 and the Downtown Artscrawl on August 15th.

“By incorporating interviews from local women of all ages and cultures, this exhibition provides a multi-faceted conversation about power,” said Joni Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Exhibitions such as the national tour of ‘Trappings’ contribute to Albuquerque consistently being named as one of the country’s top arts destinations.”

Visit http://www.516arts.org/ and http://www.twogirlsworking.com/ for information on Trappings. For details on more Albuquerque events, go to http://www.itsatrip.org/.

Trappings: Albuquerque is made possible by New Mexico Humanities Council, the City of Albuquerque, McCune Foundation, Clear Channel Outdoor and many general sponsors.

Governor Bill Richardson recently announced that DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures and director Michael Bay will return to New Mexico to film major sequences for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, expected to hit theaters next summer. Filming in Alamogordo begins in the fall.

“Transformers was a huge success and I am pleased that Dream Works, Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay have decided to return to New Mexico to film the second installment,” said Governor Richardson.

The first film, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox and John Turturro, grossed more than $700 million worldwide.

Whether you’re an old hand at fishing or if you feel like testing the waters for the first time, June 7 is the perfect time to get out and make a cast or two at lakes and streams across New Mexico—no license required.

June 7, 2008, is National Fishing Day, and to celebrate, the New Mexico Game Commission is granting all anglers, residents and nonresidents a day of free fishing on public waters statewide. On this special day, no one needs a license or habitat stamp, although all other fishing rules apply.

As a bonus this year, the Department of Game and Fish and its partners will conduct free fishing clinics June 7 at waters across the state. Anglers of all ages are encouraged to participate. All you need is some basic fishing equipment and a desire to fish in New Mexico’s great outdoors. Most clinics will offer prizes for kids who register and attend educational stations.

At least 160 volunteers and more than 30 Department staff members will be at the clinics to provide fishing instruction and information about New Mexico’s fish and fish habitat. Young anglers will learn the basics: how to bait hooks, tie knots, catch fish and the correct way to release fish. They’ll also learn how to be responsible anglers and how to get the most out of the Department’s Fishing Rules and Information Booklet.

The kids fishing clinics will be at waters across the state in lakes and streams of varying sizes—even in a portable swimming pool. Almost all of them will be generously stocked with catchable-sized trout or channel catfish before the events.

For more information about the clinics, contact Kevin Holladay at (505) 476-8095.

Here’s where to find the clinics:

* Glenwood: 8 a.m. to noon, Glenwood Fish Hatchery pond.
* Clovis: 8 a.m. to noon, Ned Houk Pond.
* Las Cruces: 8 a.m. to noon, Alumni Pond.
* Roswell: 8 a.m. to noon, Wal-Mart Super Center, catfish portable pool.
* Corona: 8 a.m. to noon, Corona City Pond.
* Aztec: 8 a.m. to noon, Aztec City Pond.
* Pecos Canyon: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cowles Pond.
* Questa: 8 a.m. to noon, Eagle Rock Lake.
* Albuquerque: 8 a.m. to noon, Tingley Beach.
* Grants: 8 a.m. to noon, Grants Riverwalk Pond.
* Santa Rosa: 8 a.m. to noon, Blue Hole Park Pond.
* Caballo Lake State Park: Fishing derby, 7 a.m. to noon. Educational activities start at 3 p.m.

You absolutely have to live up to a name like Pie Town and, at the Pie-O-Neer, that’s exactly what Kathy Knapp and her merry band of bakers do.

One of only two pie shops in Pie Town (stay tuned for a review of The Daily Pie, coming soon to this blog near you), the Pie-O-Neer is an Old West-style storefront complete with a porch and a swinging screen door. As we stepped in, Kathy greeted us with a cheery “Come on in, we’re closed!” Fortunately, she still had a couple of slices left of her famous O.P. Pie (that’s oatmeal and pecan) and Apple Crumb Pie. But the highlight of the visit—for me, at least—was the last pie to come out of the oven that day, the Cookie Pie: walnuts and oatmeal and golden raisins and apples, all cooked under a perfectly crunchy crust and served with a wonderful gob of vanilla ice cream on top. Seriously addicting.

Originally from Chicago, Kathy has spent the last 13 years making customers happy with her eclectic pie menu; she also serves a selection of freshly made sandwiches and the ubiquitous chili cheeseburgers. Her bakery/café/shop holds an intriguing collection of new stuff and found objects, and includes a library with titles as varied as the clients who walk through the door—some books are for borrowing, others are for buying, and if you have anything in your car that you’ve already read, donations and trades are encouraged. A display case holds copies of the Pie Town Cookbook, a selection of natural salves and handmade soaps, Native American jewelry, pottery, pine needle baskets and some really cool hand-painted gourds called “Galloping Gourds”. There’s also a small rack of super soft, 100% cotton, hand-dyed T-shirts appropriately named “Cop-a-Feel” for the textured patches they have on the front.

When you order, don’t be surprised if the waitress pulls up a chair to chat while she writes it down. It’s just that kind of a place—and you’ll be so glad it is.

The Pie-O-Neer is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s right off Highway US 60—you can’t miss it as you drive through town.

PS: In the immortal words of Kathy herself: “If you bake it, they will come”… And some have come from hundreds of miles away! Read on below… Also, here’s a link to a great article on Pie Town published in the Smithsonian Magazine.

http://www.roundamerica.com/pie-places.htm

http://www.joeberkovitz.com/blog/2007/05/16/new-mexico-episode-1-the-church-of-cartesian-space/

http://flapjackflanny.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html

http://www.sunset.com/sunset/food/package/0,20869,714295,00.html

http://allbutthedissertation.blogspot.com/2007/11/pie-town-part-2.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt/351840748/