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DEC.

Your monthly guide to community


entertainment, recreation & culture

Hundreds
of Holiday
Happenings!
Snowplay just
a short drive
away for
El Pasoans
Page 27
Body Art
on exhibit
Page 41
Double dose
of Everclear
Page 48
Final chapter
for Socorro
bookstore
Page 4
On the cover:

Feliz Navidad
by Hal Marcus
D E C E M B E R
2 0 1 4
www.epscene.com

Page 2

El Paso Scene

December 2014

December 2014

Navidad on the Border The 20th

annual musical homage to the communitys


Mexican Navidad and American Christmas traditions is 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at
Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San
Marcial. Presented by El Paso Community
College Senior Adult Program. Admission is
free, but seating is limited. Complimentary tickets available through the Seniors Adult
Program: 831-7804.

El Paso Mineral & Gem Club Show

The annual mineral, gem, jewelry and bead


show is Dec. 5-7 at El Maida Auditorium, 6331
Alabama. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The show features hundreds of gems, minerals,
fossils, beads, silver jewelry, tools and equipment, door prizes, and more. Admission is free.

December 2014

Information: Gem Center USA, 533-715 or


epmgs.com.

White Christmas St. Pius X School,

1007 Geronimo, host a Christmas winter


wonderland 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and
Saturday, Dec. 5-6 The school grounds that
will be lit up by more than 1,000 strings of colorful Christmas lights and luminaries, along with
a Christmas ornament sale, live Nativity scene,
Polar Express coffee shop, pictures with Santa,
cookie decorating for kids and performances by
the school choir, orchestra and band. Snow
shows are 6:30 and 8 p.m. Admission: $2 ($1
students; age 3 and younger free). Information:
772-6598.
Christmas on Ice Sun City Blades Figure
Skating Club presents the holiday ice skating
show 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Sierra
Providence Event Center, 4100 E. Paisano
(behind El Paso County Coliseum). Tickets: $6
(age 2 and younger free). Information: 5254504 or suncityblades.shutterfly.com.

Celebration of Lights Christmas Tree


Lighting The City of El Paso Parks and

Recreation Department and evolve Federal


Credit Union present the 79th annual Evolve
Credit Union Celebration of Lights Christmas
tree and displays Saturday, Dec. 6, at
Cleveland Square Plaza, Downtown (between
El Paso Museum of History and El Paso Library.
Information: 541-4331 or elpasotex.gov/parks.
The program starts at 4:30 p.m. counting
down to the Tree Lighting at 5:55 p.m. followed by the Celebration of Lights Parade and
fireworks at 7 p.m.
Entertainment will be provided by Fort Bliss
1st Armored Division Band and the St.
Anthonys Franciscanos Choir. Deniese Baisley
will provide seasonal songs.

Pecan Harvest Festival The family harvest festival is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at Ramirez Pecan Farm,
13709 North Loop in Clint, with pecan picking
($2 per pound), handmade crafts, brick oven
pizza, pecan gift baskets, pony rides and family
activities. Admission is free. Information: 8512003, 887-0079 or on Facebook at Ramirez
Pecan Farm LLC.

Downton Abbey Preview KCOS

hosts a preview screening of the entire first


episode of Season 5 of the hit series 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Community
Foundation Room, 303 N. Oregon, sponsored
by Crown Wealth Strategies. Attendees are
encouraged to dress like their favorite character from Downtown Abbey. British tea and
appetizers provided by Around the World
Catering. Cash bar provided. Admission is free.
Information: 590-1313 or kcostv.org.

Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo El


Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano, hosts a holidaythemed breakfast buffet, followed by a holiday
craft, and a special visit from Santa Claus 8 to
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Seating is limited.
Cost: $30; $25 ages 3-12; free for kids under 2.
Zoo admission also required: $12 ($9 active
duty military/seniors; $7.50 ages 3-12; free for
zoo members and ages 2 and younger). Ticket
available at zoo society office. Information: 5328156 or elpasozoo.org.
Event ticket includes breakfast, a special animal
presentation, a holiday activity, and a photo
with Santa. Guests welcome to stay at the Zoo
after the event is over. The El Paso Symphony
Orchestras Tocando Program and the
EPYSOs Quartet will provide live holiday
entertainment at the event.

El Paso Scene

Please see Page 5

DECEMBER
INDEX

Roundup
3-16
Behind the Scene
4
Scene Spotlight
4
Heres the Ticket
17-19
Music, Comedy
20
Program Notes
21-22
Dance
22
Sports
23-26
Feature:
27-29
Winter Recreation
History Lessons
29
Viva Jurez
30
31-33
Nature
At the Museum
34-36
Taking a Look Back
36
Southwest Art Scene 37-40, 42
Gallery Talk
41-42
On Stage
43-44
Stage Talk
44
Keep on Bookin'
45
Film Scene
46-47
El Paso FishNet
47
Liner Notes
48
January preview
49
El Paso Scene Users Guide 49
Advertiser Index 50

Subscription Form 50

Page 3

n last years December issue, I wrote


about The Bookery and its owner,
Margaret Barber, who had been a
client and friend of El Paso Scene practically since its first issue. Unfortunately,
in this column I have to report that
Margaret has decided to close the business at the end of this month.
Margaret had been in the bookstore
business a few years before she opened
The Bookery. The Bookery actually started on the East Side with another owner,
and was forced to shut its doors after a
major bookseller moved close by. So
Margaret took it over and relocated The
Bookery to the Mission Trail in 1991.
Housed on Socorro Road in the historic
Casa Ortiz, one of the oldest residences
in the El Paso Southwest, The Bookery
has always been a browsers delight.
Books spilled out from the shelves onto
stacks on the floors, but Margaret could
always find that perfect book for her customers. Her specialties were local and
regional history, childrens books (including a wide selection of bilingual selections) and resources for teachers.
Margaret definitely was a rare, oldschool breed of business owner she
kept the doors open seven days a week
and except for an occasional helper, she
was the entire staff. She was the only surviving independent retail bookstore in El
Paso that handled new books.
Even in an age where people order
books online with just a few clicks, there
was always something special about driving down the Mission Trail to peruse the
eclectic collections that lined the shelves,
tables and even floors of The Bookery.
But the age of the true book lover seems
to be in its twilight, with not quite
enough of them around to keep The
Bookery sustainable.
Margaret long ago passed the age at
which most people retire. The Bookery
wasnt her job, it was her passion, a passion evident to anyone who ever asked
her for a book recommendation. She is
also a great storyteller, and The Bookery
was always stocked with hand puppets
that she would use to give a sampling of
some of the childrens books.

December 2014

El Paso Scene is published by Cristo


Rey Communications as a monthly guide
to entertainment, recreation and culture in
the El Paso area. Copies are provided free
at selected locations. Subscriptions are
$10 a year, sent by 3rd class mail.
Circulation: 40,000 copies.

Deadline for news for the


January issue is Dec. 15

The January issue comes out Dec. 26

El Paso Scene
P. O. Box 13615
El Paso, Texas 79913
PH: 542-1422

Office:316 Arboles, El Paso TX 79932


E-mail: epscene@epscene.com

2014 Cristo Rey Communications


Page 4

Magoffin Home open house Magoffin


Home State Historic Site hosts a Visitors
Center Grand Opening and Holiday Open
House Dec. 13 with food, music. Page 8.

Scene Spotlight highlights events


advertised in this issue.

If youve been to The Bookery before,


you definitely will want to pay Margaret
a visit before she closes Dec. 31. And if
youve never been, its not too late. Its at
10167 Socorro Road, just past the
Socorro Mission. She has thousands of
books and gift items that will be on substantial discount, so what better place to
shop this holiday season?
***
My first encounter with Hal Marcus was
21 years ago when I asked his permission
to put El Paso Navidad on the cover of
the Scene. Hals been on the cover many
times since then in fact, we started this
year with his Universe City, a tribute to
UTEP that ran on the January 2014 cover.
I had taken notice back then of another of
his recent works that would make for a
great December cover. His new celebration of El Paso for the holiday season,
Feliz Navidad, graces this months
cover. The original hangs in the El Paso
City Managers office.
***
El Paso Scene again will host a Sun
Bowl Week Hike Up Cristo Rey, beginning at noon Sunday, Dec. 28 (details are
on Page 5). Its a great opportunity for
visiting friends and family, as well as Sun
Bowl guests, to enjoy the mountains
panoramic views, and learn some history
and geography along the way.
Our sponsor is Destination El Paso
which is the new name of the sponsor
since 2006, the El Paso Convention and
Visitors Bureau.

Randy Limbird
Editor and Publisher
(915) 542-1422

Albert Martinez

Advertising &
Circulation Director
(915) 920-7244

Lisa Kay Tate


News Editor

(915) 542-1422 ext. 4

Editorial
Associates:

Yvonne T. Herrera, Will Summers

Advertising Associate: Roman Martinez


Circulation Associates:
Randy Friedman, Gil Garza

Contributing Writers:

Carol Viescas, Brian Chozick,


Myrna Zanetell, John McVey Middagh
Walter Schaefer, Jay Duncan

Subscription Form is on Page 50


Visit El Paso Scene Online at
www.epscene.com
sponsored by Phidev, Inc.

A Christmas Carol UTEP Department


of Theatre and Dance presents the Dickens
Christmas classic Dec. 14-21 in the Fox Fine
Arts Wise Family Theatre. Page 52.

Hyundai Sun Bowl The 81st annual


bowl game is Dec. 27 at UTEPs Sun Bowl
Stadium, with a free sky party before the
game. Page 26.
The Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational
Basketball Tournament is Dec. 21-22, and
the annual Fan Fiesta is Dec. 26 at the El
Paso Convention Center.

El Paso Rhinos The Junior League ice


hockey teams home games are Nov. 28-30
vs. Oklahoma City Blazers and Dec. 12-14
vs. Wichita Thunder at the Sierra Providence
Events Center. Page 35.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino


Live racing returns Fridays through Mondays,
beginning Dec. 5. Page 3.

Mineral, Gem Jewelry and Bead Show


El Paso Mineral and Gem Clubs annual show
is Dec. 5-7 at El Maida Shrine. Page 16.

El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy


The academys Christmas Salsa Social is Dec.
5, with Kizomba lesson and Team Havana.
Christmas Dance Party is Dec. 13. Page 8.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The family holiday show by Barbara
Robinson runs Dec. 5-21 at El Paso
Playhouse. Page 39.

Crossland Gallery El Paso Art


Associations gallerys Members Holiday
Exhibit and Fundraiser is Dec. 6. The
con.FIGURE.ation, Award Show, opens in
January.The EPAAs quarterly meeting is
Dec. 14. Page 17.

Escamilla Fine Art Gallery The gallerys


annual Christmas Extravaganza is Dec. 6-7,
with live entertainment. Page 5.

Tennis West Holiday Fair The annual


holiday fair is Dec. 7 at Tennis West Sports
and Racquet Club. Page 7.

Desert Lights Art Show and Sale The


show presented by Alazan Artists of El Paso
is Dec. 7 at 150 Sunset, with works by 14
area artists. Page 37.

El Paso Live events Page 41.


Travis Tritt (Dec. 11), Dave Kozs
Smooth Jazz Christmas (Dec. 16) and
Moscow Ballets Great Russian Nutcracker
(Dec. 23), at The Plaza Theatre.
Rotary Sun Bowl Luncheon and Sun Bowl
Fan Fiesta are Dec. 26 at El Paso
Convention Center.

TRLA art show Texas Rio Grande Legal


Aid hosts an art show and mural unveiling for
its new offices Dec. 12, featuring works by
local artists. Page 10.
An Evening with Joe Hayes An evening
with the Southwests Greatest Storyteller is
Dec. 12 at St. Marks Methodist Church,
benefiting Books Are Gems. Page 31.

El Paso Scene

Hal Marcus Gallery The annual Happy


Hippie Holidaze Open House Arts and Craft
Fair is Dec. 13. Showing through Jan. 15 is
Retro Rak, works by Bill Rakocy from the
1940s and 1950s. Page 38.
La Tierra Caf The caf hosts several
dinner shows. Page 40.
Dec. 13: Yolanda
Dec. 20: Bud Sanders An Elvis Christmas
Jan. 10: Aaron is Juan Gabriel.
Krystyna Robbins open house The
local artists annual open house is Dec. 14,
in her Upper Valley studio. Page 40.
Robbins Winter Workshop is Jan. 5-8, at
Innsbruck Village in Ruidoso.

The Nutcracker El Paso Youth Ballet


and UTEP present the annual presentation of
the Christmas classic Dec. 19-21 at UTEPs
Magoffin Auditorium. Page 30.
El Paso Exploreum El Pasos first living
laboratory childrens museum will have visits
from Santa Dec. 20-21. Page 43.

Hike Up Cristo Rey Destination El Paso


and El Paso Scene host the annual holiday
season hike Dec. 28. Page 32.

El Maida New Years Eve El Maida


Shrine hosts a New Years Eve Party Dec.
31 with music by Rhapsody Band. Page 11.
Forum New Years Eve The New
Years Eve Dance at The Forum Ballroom
features music by Tejas Band. Page 13.

Masquerade Ball The 4th annual New


Years Eve gala at the Hilton Garden Inn
Airport includes dinner, dancing and a champagne toast. Page 25.

Ardovinos New Years Eve The annual


New Years Eve celebration at Ardovinos
Desert Crossing in Sunland Park has entertainment by DJ Julio and live music by Jessica
Flores and Cross Town. Page 28.
Bagua Circle Walking Meditation
Center for Internal Arts hosts the seminar
Sundays Jan. 18-Feb. 15. Page 23.

UTEPs Stanlee and Gerald Rubin


Center Showing Jan. 29-April 25 is
Citizen Culture: Artists and Architects
Shape Policy. Page 31.

UTEP P3 UTEP offers several continuing


education and personal enrichment classes
for youth and adult. Pages 6 and 33.
La Via Farmers Market La Via
Winery in La Union hosts its farmers and
crafters market every Sunday. Page 29.

Southern New Mexico

Silver City MainStreet Holiday events


in the historic Main Street area include
Festival of Trees Nov. 28-Dec. 6 on Bullard
Street, and the Victorian Christmas Evening
Dec. 11 at the Silver City Museum. Page 9.

Luminaria Beachwalk The 28th annual


event is Dec. 13 at Elephant Butte State
Park with luminaria walk, lighted boat
parade, caroling and Santa Claus. Page 24.
Fountain Theatre Mesilla Valley Film
Society hosts nightly screenings at the theatre in Historic Mesilla. Page 46.

December 2014

December Roundup
Contd from Page 3

Christmas in the Village The Village of


Vintons 9th annual Christmas celebration is 1
to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Dr. Applegate
Park, 346 E. Vinton Road, featuring arts and
entertainment by area schools. Information:
886-5104.

Magoffin Holiday Open House The

annual holiday season event at the Magoffin


Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin, is 4
to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, with and art
show, music, dancing, food and a visit from
Santa. Dress warm for outside activities.
Admission is free; food available for purchase.
Information: 533-5147.
This years event also marks the grand opening
of the new Visitor Center.

North Pole at the Museum The

International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana,


will host its annual holiday celebration 2 to 4
p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Children and family pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus can be
taken in a setting of more than 100 Christmas
decorations. Admission is free; photos are $6.
Information: 543-6747 or internationalmuseumofart.net.
The event showcases the museums collection
of antique and rare Santa Claus figurines, hot
chocolate and Christmas art activities.

Battle of the Bulge commemoration

Benavidez-Patterson All Airborne Chapter


82nd Airborne Division Association, hosts a
World War II/Battle of the Bulge
Commemorative Celebration at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Home of the Airborne,
2608 Fort Boulevard, with recognition of
Battle of the Bulge and World War II veterans, including a posthumous segment.
Participants should register by Dec. 12.
Admission is free and the public is invited.
Information: John, 240-8104 or
JohCeb@msn.com.

St. Anthonys Seminary Posada The


seminary, at Crescent and Hastings in Central
El Paso, celebrates the traditional custom of
the posada at about 6:30 p.m. nightly Dec. 1623, with rosary, songs by Los Franciscanos and
procession, followed by the breaking of piatas.
The posada is conducted in Spanish. The seminarys famous Nativity scene will be on display
through Christmas Day. Information: 566-2261.

Santa at the Tramway The Wyler


Aerial Tramway State Park, 1700 McKinley, will
host afternoon visits with Santa noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec.
20-21. Visit Santa Claus and have a photo
taken with him on top of Ranger Peak.
Tramway tickets: $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 years and under. Tickets sales stop one
hour before closing. Information: 562-9899.
Hyundai Sun Bowl The 81st annual

football classic begins at noon, Saturday, Dec.


27. Teams, to be announced, will come from
the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. Tickets: $22,
$32, $42, $52 and $62 (Ticketmaster).
Captains Club tickets: $652. Information: 5334416, 1-800-915-BOWL or sunbowl.org.
The 3rd annual Sun Bowl Sky Party is 9 to
11:30 a.m. that day at UTEPs South Stadium
Parking Garage with food and drinks, live
music, games, giveaways and both university
bands. Admission is free.
Selection Sunday announcement of 2014
teams is 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, At Frankies
Sports Bar and Grill, 5850 Onix.
The 53rd annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins
Sun Bowl Invitational is Dec. 21-22 at UTEPs
December 2014

Don Haskins Center. See Sports listing for


details.
The Sun Bowl Golf Challenge is 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 26, at Vista Hills Country Club,
2210 Trawood. Information: 443-5589; 5926565 or vistahillscc.com.
Rotary Sun Bowl Football Team Luncheon is
11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at the El Paso
Convention Center. Tickets: $50; tables for
eight $450 (eight guests, or six guests plus two
football player from each team). Information:
533-4416, ext. 200 or 504-9013.

Mount Cristo Rey Hike Through Time

A guided hike is at noon Sunday, Dec. 28,


at Mount Cristo Rey, Sunland Park, N.M.
Length: 5 miles round trip (2-3 hours). Cost: $5
($2 for children) donation requested for the
Mt. Cristo Restoration Committee.
Information: 541-1422. No reservation is
required.
A presentation on the history of the monument will be given at the summit.
The four-story-tall statue of Christ on the
cross was built in 1938-40 by sculptor Urbici
Soler. The mountaintop is 4,576 feet above sea
level, in Sunland Park, N.M., near the junction
of Mexico, Texas and New Mexico.
The hike is sponsored by Destination El Paso
and El Paso Scene. Security is provided along
the trail and in the parking lot.
The 5-mile hike is easy to moderate, and is
suitable for all ages.
Meet at the large parking lot at the trailhead to
Mt. Cristo Rey off McNutt Road (NM 273).
Take the Racetrack exit off Paisano and cross
the Rio Grande.

Our Lady of Guadalupe


Virgen de Guadalupe Birthday Party

Cathedral High School alumni will host its


party celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe at 6
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Joses Party Room,
503 S. Cotton, with menudo, champurado and
bread. Admission is free to the faithful.
Information: 309-3855.

Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe The


annual three-day religious festival in Tortugas,
N.M. is Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 1012. The festival is the biggest event of the year
in Tortugas, a small village near Mesilla Park
thats home to the Tortugas Indians. Events are
centered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Information: (575) 526-8171.
The fiesta begins Wednesday with a procession taking the image of Our Lady of
Guadalupe from the little chapel to the community house rosary and vigil.
The pilgrimage to the Tortugas A Mountain
begins 7 a.m. Thursday with a procession at 5
a.m. from Casa del Pueblo to the church. At
sundown, pilgrims will light luminarias along the
mountain path.
A fiesta Mass is at 8 a.m. Friday followed by
Danzante Dances, traditional fiesta dinner an
afternoon procession.
To get there: Take Interstate 10 to Las
Cruces, exit on University Avenue and go
under the freeway; turn left at the stop sign
and continue on Main, going through two signals. Turn left on Tortugas Drive and then turn
right on Parroquia.
Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe of
Guadalupe Pueblo Events celebrating

the Virgin of Guadalupe are Dec. 10-12 at St.


Genevieves Church, 100 South Espina and
1025 E. Las Cruces Ave., in Las Cruces.
Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-9649.
A procession of the virgin is Wednesday and
Thursday from the hall to the church.

Please see Page 6


El Paso Scene

Page 5

December Roundup
Contd from Page 5

A Mass for the Virgin de Guadalupe will be


given Friday, followed by dancing by the matachines (Los Danzantes) and Piro-Manso-Tiwa
Tribe members.
The Virgin de Guadalupe is kept in the church
until New Years Day, when she will be taken
out at 2 p.m. in a procession accompanied by
dancing and pageantry. She is then taken home
until next December.

St. Anthonys Festival for Our Lady of


Guadalupe St. Anthonys Seminary,

Crescent and Hastings in Central El Paso, will


host events in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dec. 10-12, including pilgrimages, masses and
a bazaar. The public is welcome.
Information/times: 566-2261.

Fiesta Guadalupana The celebration of

Our Lady of Guadalupe is Sunday, Dec. 14, at


the Ysleta Mission (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Church), 131 S. Zaragoza (at Alameda). Events
begin at 8 a.m. at the Parish Hall. Traditional
food and entertainment offered. Admission is
free to all events. Information: 859-9848 or
ysletamission.org.
Other events are planned Dec. 10-13, including special services at 7 p.m. Wednesday and
6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Friday, Dec. 12, is the Feast Day of Our Lady
of Guadalupe, with events beginning at 5:30
a.m. A Mass Procession is at 6 p.m. followed by
a reception at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
A procession down Alameda begins at 9 a.m.
Saturday, followed by Mariachi Mass at 10 a.m.

Church programs

The Spirit of Christmas Cielo Vista

Churchs annual large-scale holiday pageant of


music and drama celebrating the Christmas
season programs is Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14
at the church at 3585 Lee Trevino. The pageant celebrates 20 years of Christmas past
along with some of the greatest stories of the
Bible told through a dramatic musical presentation. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 and
7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets:
$5, available in advance at the church office.
Information: 595-0288 or cielovista.org.
The church also offers a Discover the
Tabernacle Tour Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 11-14,
offered every half hour 6-8:30 p.m. Thursdays
and Fridays, and 2-8 p.m. Saturdays and
Sundays. Tickets are $2.
The full-scale replica of the Ark of the
Covenant to hold the Ten Commandments and
the Holy Tabernacle, built by Israelites during
their wandering in the desert.

Blessing of Nativities Sacred Earth

Ministry of St. Pius X will host its annual blessing of nativity displays 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov.
30, at St Pius X Community Center, 1050 N.
Clark. Information: Mike, 757-9395.
The ministrys patron saint is Saint Francis of
Assisi, who is the originator of the first nativities as well as patron saint of animals and the
environment.

Venite! Coronado Baptist Church, 501

Thunderbird, will host its annual Christmas


music presentation at 7 p.m. Friday and
Sunday, Dec. 5 and 7. Prelude is at 6:30 p.m.
The original musical is based on the documentary The Star of Bethlehem by Rick Larson.
The story joins the journey of the wise men
following the star to the Child, and features a
look at the heavens through the scriptures and
modern technology. Admission is free.
Information: 584-3912 or coronadobaptist.org

Page 6

El Paso Scene

Bethlehem Live CrossPoint Church,

11995 Montwood, presents an evening in old


Bethlehem 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday,
Dec. 12-13, with a live telling of the Birth of
Christ, music, food, a craft fair and petting zoo
(pony rides available) Admission is free.
Information: 857-7492 or
crosspointelpaso.com.
The churchs free performance of A Charlie
Brown Christmas is 7 p.m. both nights, plus
10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.

Living Christmas Tree First Baptist

Church, 805 Montana, presents the 50th


anniversary of its annual Christmas concerts at
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 4:30 and 7:30
p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14. Doors
open one hour prior to each performance. The
event usually sells out early. Tickets: $5 at the
church office; $6 online at FBCep.com. Tickets
available at the door, if seats available.
Information: 533-1465.
The concerts are complete with a live
Christmas chorus comprised of over 160 students and adults, performing traditional and
new holiday music. It is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country.
This years reunion program celebrate a halfcentury of the Living Christmas Tree with
music, singers, and former leaders from
throughout the history of the presentations. All
of the former directors of the program have
been invited to join the concert and four have
agreed to come thus far: John Preston, Jim Van
Hemert, Tom Willoughby and Ron Bowles.

Journey of Promises Young El Paso

Singers Advent Concert is 4 to 5:30 p.m.


Sunday, Dec. 14, at Western Hills United
Methodist Church, 524 Thunderbird. The program by Joseph and Pamela Martin is a collection of lessons and carols celebrating Advent
and Christmas. Directed by Dr. Cindy Jay, with
Ruben Gutierrez on piano. Reception following
the concert. Admission is free. Information:
227-6002 or youngelpasosingers.org.
Narrations and candle lighting will trace the
journey of darkness into light, despair into
hope. JC Crew, the childrens choir of Western
Hills UMC, will open the concert.

Christmas Celebration Abundant Living


Faith Center, 1000 Valley Crest, will host its
annual orchestral production and candlelight
communion services celebrating the birth of
Jesus Christ Dec. 19-24, in the centers auditorium. This years all new show celebrates
Christmas Around the World. Performances
are 7 p.m. Friday, and 5 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
through Wednesday. Admission is free.
Information: 532-8543 or alfc.com.
A New Years Eve communion service is at 7
p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. This service will
include a special message and end with an outdoors fireworks display.

Let there be lights

Lights of Love Ronald McDonald House,

300 E. California, hosts its 29th annual


Christmas lights celebration 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, presented by Providence
Childrens Hospital is a symbol of the beginning
of the Holiday season for families staying at the
Ronald McDonald House. Admission is free,
and the public is invited. Information: 542-1522
or rmdcelp.org.
The open house and lighting ceremony
includes Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald, music,
choir, refreshments and more.

Luminarias Festival/Posadas along the


Mission Trail The Mission Trail will glow

Please see Page 7


December 2014

December Roundup
Contd from Page 6

with traditional Christmas luminarias 4 to 10


p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Around 5,000 luminarias will be lit near dusk and line Socorro Road
from the Ysleta Mission past the Socorro
Mission, then to the San Elizario Plaza.
Admission is free. Information: 851-1682 or
elpasomissiontrail.com.
The 8-mile route includes all three Mission
Trail churches. Some shops and restaurants
along the trail will remain open after hours for
open houses or shopping. Each community will
host its own posada and holiday festivities
beginning at dusk. Special activities will be held
at the Tigua Cultural Center.
The San Elizario Genealogy & Historical
Society will host free events beginning at 4:30
p.m. with Las Posadas in front of the San
Elceario chapel with Christmas carols and
Christmas Fair and luminaria lighting in
Veterans Memorial Plaza. Traditional food and
refreshments available for a small donation.
Information: 851-1682 or epcounty.com/sanelizariomuseum.

Navidad de La Fe Luminarias La Fe
Clinic will light up Scenic Drive with more than
4,000 luminarias for its 23rd annual event 6 to
10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Admission is free,
but sightseers are invited to donate canned and
dry goods or cash or checks (made to Centro
de Salud Familiar La Fe to benefit families
served by La Fe.
Scenic Drive will be open only to one-way
traffic during the event, accessible from
Richmond/Alabama streets in Central El Paso.
Cars proceed slowly westward with lights off
to view the luminarias and the city lights of El
Paso and Jurez. Drivers will also get to view
Santa and his elves and a live Nativity scene.
Volunteers and sponsors are always needed.
Information: 545-7190.

Cumberland Circle Luminarias and


Christmas lights adorn the circle each
Christmas Eve in the central El Paso neighborhood. From I-10, take Trowbridge northwest
to Pennsylvania Ave. Pennsylvania leads directly
into the circle.
Eastridge Christmas lights The resi-

dents of the Eastside subdivision of Eastridge


participates each year in an elaborate neighborhood-wide holiday lights display. Lights are usually lit around the first week of December, and
run through the holiday season.
The subdivision is off McRae Blvd; turn west
on Eastridge.

Southern New Mexico


Christmas on the Pecos One of

Americas top holiday traditions, the boat tour


along the Pecos River runs Nov. 28-Dec. 31 in
Carlsbad, N.M. The 22nd annual event showcases the winter wonderland of more than 100
festively decorated houses. Twelve to 15 tours
are offered nightly 5:15 to 9:30 p.m.; ticket
office opens at 4:30 p.m.
The 40-minute tours depart from Pecos River
Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel. The
village includes a gallery full of Southwestern
gifts and refreshments and holiday lights. Ticket
are $15 Sunday through Thursday and $20
Friday and Saturday; $10 and $15 for ages 2-11
(under 4 free with lap pass). Tickets should be
purchased in advance; many dates are sold out.
Information: (575) 628-0952; Carlsbad
Chamber of Commerce at (575) 887-6516 or
christmasonthepecos.com.

Christmas in Cloudcroft The

Sacramento Mountain communitys holiday seaDecember 2014

son events include:


The annual Pet Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6
along Burro Ave. Call for time.
The 4th annual Lighted Christmas Parade is 7
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; stores on Burro will be
open late for holiday shopping.
The Ullr Fest is 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at
the Cloudcroft Ice Rink on Hwy. 82, with bonfire and snowplay.
Santa Land Bonfires are 4 p.m. Saturday,
Nov. 29 and Dec. 20, in Zenith Park behind
the Chamber of Commerce. Santa and Mrs.
Claus arrive at 5 p.m. with and cookies, as well
as a bonfire, roasted marshmallows, cocoa and
more. Information: (575) 682-2733 or 1-886874-4447.

New Mexico Tamale Fiesta y Mas

The 3rd annual fiesta in Historic Downtown


Silver City is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov.
29, hosted by the Southwest New Mexico
Green Chamber of Commerce, with tamale
and craft vendors and other traditional
Christmas and Borderland favorites such as
capirotada, bizcochos, Mexican hot chocolate
and red-chile kettle corn. Live music by
Mariachi Fuego del Sol. Information: (575) 5381337 or tamalfiestaymas.org.
A tardeada is 12:30 p.m. with music by
Angelica Padilla, Geli and The Heartbreakers.

Silver City Lighted Christmas Parade

The 23rd annual Silver City Lighted


Christmas Parade begins at 7 p.m. Saturday,
Nov. 29, in the historic Downtown district.
Information: (575) 534-1700.
The parade begins at the Grant County
Courthouse, travels east on Broadway Street
and turns north onto Bullard Street. The
parade includes motorized floats, wagons or
carts, lighted cars and bicycles, walking and
other entries.

Ruidoso Festival of Lights The mountain village of Ruidoso hosts the following
events though the Christmas season.
Information: 1-888-71-LIGHTS (714-4448) or
ruidosonow.com/festival-of-lights.
Christmas in the Park is 6 p.m. Thursday,
Dec. 4, at School House Park. Includes lighting
of the Yule Log, music and caroling, cookies
and a visit with Santa. Admission is free.
The annual Parade of Lights is 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Ruidoso (from
Sudderth/Mechem to Pizza Hut), featuring
floats packed with seasonal decorations and
lights. Toys for Tots will have a float for the
event; parade-goers are encouraged to bring a
toy to donate. This years theme is Keep Calm
and Winter On.
Ski Apaches Torchlight Parade is 6 to 8
Saturday, Dec. 20, at Ski Apache Resort.
Veteran skiers carry lighted torches while
descending the mountain, followed by fireworks.

City of Las Cruces Christmas Tree


Lighting Ceremony The annual ceremo-

ny is 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at City Hall in


Las Cruces. The celebration includes live entertainment, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.
Information: (575) 541-2000.

Carlsbad Winter Wine Festival noon


to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Pecos River
Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel, in
Carlsbad, N.M. (site of Christmas on the Pecos
boat rides). Features wines from eight New
Mexico wineries, arts and crafts, holiday entertainment. Tickets available from the Carlsbad
Chamber of Commerce. Admission: $10 in
advance; $12 at the door (includes 10 tastings
and souvenir glass). Information: Helping Hands

Please see Page 8


El Paso Scene

Page 7

December Roundup
Contd from Page 7

Event Planning, (575) 522-1232 or carlsbadwinterwine.com.


A VIP Party is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.
Admission; $25.

Christmas in the Foothills The his-

toric Black Range town of Hillsboro, N.M.


invites Christmas shoppers for a holiday studio
walk 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the
Hillsboro Community Center. Highlights
include vendors selling specialty arts, handcrafted gifts and food items, the annual raffle of
an original work of art, and the $49.99 Art
Show and Sale. Admission is free. Information:
(575) 5457.
To get there: Take Interstate 25 north from
Las Cruces to the NM 152 exit at Caballo, and
go west 17 miles.
Hillsboros Main Street merchants, including
restaurants, antique shops, and museums, will
all be open, and musicians and singers along
Main Street will provide seasonal and regional
accompaniment.

Christmas Light Parade The Kiwanis

club in Deming hosts the lighted Christmas


parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Deming,
N.M. Parade starts at BMX Park on Poplar to
Diamond, Spruce and Silver and ends at
Courthouse Park with a visit from Santa.
Information: (575) 546-9096 or demingchamber.com.

Luminarias on The Plaza The City of

Socorro, N.M. will host its 11th annual arts


crawl 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, on
the historic plaza and several surrounding shops
in Socorro. The event features, live music artwork, food and beverages. Admission is free.
Information: (575) 835-8927.
The citys official Christmas Electric Light
Parade is 6 p.m. on the plaza, followed by the
tree lighting ceremony at 7:15 p.m.

Altrusa Christmas Home Tour

Altrusa International of Ruidoso, the non-profit


service organization, hosts its 3rd annual home
tour 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Alto,
N.M. with door prizes and refreshments, plus
tours or area homes decorated for Christmas.
Tickets: $20 in advance. Proceeds benefit
Lincoln County charities. Information: (575)
258-4615 or altrusaruidoso.com.

Victorian Christmas Evening The

30th annual event is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday,


Dec. 11, at the Silver City Museum, 312 W.
Broadway in the historic H.B. Ailman House
with holiday music, Christmas cookies, hot
apple cider, childrens craft activities and continuous entertainment. The house will be decorated in Victorian style. Admission is free.
Information: (575) 538-5921 or silvercitymuseum.org.
Entertainment lineup: Gila Highlanders,
Community Chamber Singers, Jericho,
Gleemaiden and Concert Band of the
Southwest.

Mesilla Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting

The community tree lighting is Friday, Dec.


12, in the plaza. The Mesilla Mayor will switch
on the tree at 6 p.m. Shops will be open late
for holiday shopping that day, refreshments and
some locations; Christmas music will be performed. The tree will be decorated with ornaments created by students from an area school.
Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-3262,
ext. 116
Mesilla is southwest of Las Cruces. Take I-10
West to the Avenida de Mesilla exit. The plaza
is off NM Highway 28 (Avenida de Mesilla)
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El Paso Scene

south of I-10.
Luminarias and Christmas music will be featured Christmas Eve on the Plaza 6 to 8:30
p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. The Mesilla Singers
choir will lead in the singing of Christmas carols, and luminarias will be lit around dusk.

Old-Fashioned Christmas MainStreet

Truth or Consequences annual Old-Fashioned


Christmas Downtown Tree Lighting is 6 to 9
p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in Evelyn Renfro Park
with an art hop, bonfires, wagon rides, carolers, prize drawings, Santa Claus and refreshments at downtown Truth or Consequences
businesses. Live Nativity presented First Baptist
Church (corner of Broadway and Mims).
Admission is free. Information: (575) 740-3902
or torcmainstreet.org.

Rock of Ages Tour The annual event is

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Carlsbad


Caverns National Park.
Park staff will dress in historical costumes to
give lantern-lit guided tours, concluding with
the famous Rock of Ages Ceremony, when
the cavern lights are turned off while the hymn
is performed in utter darkness. Cost is $10 ($5
ages 6-16; children 5 and under not allowed).
Reservations required: (575) 785-3152. Other
park information: (575) 785-2232 or
nps.gov/cave.

Elephant Butte Beach Walk and


Floating Light Parade Elephant Butte

State Parks annual luminaria walk is 5 to 8 p.m.


Saturday, Dec. 13. The event features about
4,000 luminarias, a boat and RV parade, 25 host
campfires with free refreshments, Santa Claus,
hayrides, caroling and more. Cost: $5 per car.
Information: (575) 740-1777 or elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com.
The Floating Lights Parade and RV Lighting
Contest is 6:30 p.m. at the Marina del Sur.
MainStreet Truth or Consequences annual
Old-Fashioned Christmas Downtown Tree
Lighting is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in
Evelyn Renfro Park with bonfires, wagon rides,
carolers, prize drawings, Santa Claus and
refreshments at downtown businesses. Live
Nativity presented by First Baptist Church
(corner of Broadway and Mims). Admission is
free. Information: SierraCountyEvents.com.

Fort Selden Luminaria Tour The 15th

annual holiday event at Fort Selden State


Monument is 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
The trails and ruins of the 19th-century fort will
be lit by 1,000 luminarias, and visitors will be
treated to coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and
living history military re-enactments. Admission
is free that evening. Information: (575) 5268911 or nmmonuments.org.
The traditional Kids Christmas Crafts program is noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and
will include tree ornament making and cookie
baking. Pre-registration: (575) 526-8911.
Admission is also free for that event.
From Las Cruces, take I-25 North to Exit 19.
The monument, which preserves the ruins of
the 19th century fort, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. daily. Admission is $3 (age 16 and under
free).

Turning Back The Sun The winter sol-

stice celebration hosted by Friends of Leasburg


Dam, Astronomical Society of Las Cruces and
members of various Native American communities is noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at
Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs, two
miles off Interstate 25 at Exit 19, with horno
bread baking, Native American dancers, traditional Winter Coyote stories, solar viewing, arts
and crafts, and more. Admission: per vehicle.
Information: (575) 5244068 or nmparks.com.

Please see Page 9


December 2014

December Roundup
Contd from Page 8

Witness and learn about the natural phenomenon that occurs for only a few days of Winter.
Hear traditional stories from Navajo, Blackfeet
and Pueblo storytellers and sample real buffalo
stew by a warm campfire. The Astronomical
Society of Las Cruces will provide information
and telescopes to view and learn about the day
and night sky.

Dummy Gelunde and Torchlight


Parade Ski Apache and Inn of the

Mountain Gods host the 6th annual dummy ski


jump event 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.
on Ski Apache in Mescalero, N.M. Participants
build their best skiing or snowboarding dummy
and send it down the mountain over a giant ski
launch. Cash prizes up to $1,500 for winners.
Entry fee: $25; deadline to enter is 2 p.m. day
of event at main ticket office. Information/rules:
(575) 464-3600 or skiapache.com.
The gelunde is followed by the annual
Torchlight Parade 6 to 8 p.m. down Capitan
Trail and a fireworks show.

Luminarias and Christmas Carols on


the Plaza Old Mesilla, N.M., turns into a

wonderland of music and light beginning at


dusk Christmas Eve Wednesday, Dec. 24, at
San Albino Church and the surrounding historic
plaza. Around 6,000 luminarias will be set up.
The Mesilla Singers will lead singing of
Christmas carols from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Mesilla is southwest of Las Cruces. Take I-10
West to the Avenida de Mesilla exit. The plaza
is off NM Highway 28 (Avenida de Mesilla)
south of I-10. Admission is free. Information:
(575) 524-3262, ext. 116.

Downtown Ramble The City of Las

Cruces hosts an evening of music and art 5 to 7


p.m. the first Friday of the month at the Las
Cruces Downtown Mall. Information: (575)
523-2950.

New Years Eve

Ardovinos New Years Eve Bash

Ardovinos Desert Crossing, One Ardovino


Drive in Sunland Park, will ring in 2014
Wednesday, Dec. 31, with a four-course Dinner, live
performance by Jessica Flores & Cross Town, DJ Julio and party
favors, with a midnight champagne toast. Festive dinner attire.
Tickets: $95. Reservations recommended;
space fills quickly. Information: (575) 589-0653,
ext. 3, or ardovinos.com.

El Maida New Years Eve El Maida


Shrine, 6331 Alabama, hosts a New Years Eve
show celebration beginning at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, with live music by
Rhapsody Band. Cost: $30 ($50 couples);
includes champagne, party favors and drink set
ups. BYOB. Information: 562-1444.

Hilton Garden Inn New Years Gala

The hotel, 6650 Gateway East, hosts a


Masquerade Ball New Years Eve, Wednesday,
Dec. 31. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Dinner,
Dance and Stay package is $229 for two, and
includes a 5-course dinner, champagne toast,
party favors, overnight stay (with late checkout
at 2 p.m.) and a cook-to-order breakfast for
two. Information, reservations: 772-4722.

Forum Ballroom New Years Eve


Dance Tejas Band is featured at the

Wednesday, Dec. 31 dance, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.


at The Forum, 3800 Mattox (at Hawkins). Cost
is $75 per couple, which includes party favors,
beer and set-ups, door prizes and posole.
Information: 598-4220.

December 2014

Rio Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and

Casino in Mescalero, N.M. will host its New


Years Eve gourmet dinner and concert beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, with
entertainment by the Pink Flamingo Group.
Doors open at 7 p.m., dinner served at 8 p.m.
Midnight countdown celebration follows entertainment. Tickets: $125 (Ticketmaster).
Information: (800) 545-9011 or (575) 4647090.

New Years at The Lodge The resort

in Cloudcroft will host its New Years Eve


events, A Mad Hatters Tea Party,
Wednesday, Dec. 31, with a Childrens New
Years Eve pizza and slumber party at 7 p.m.
the Lodge Trestle, and adult party 9 a.m. to 1
a.m. the Lodge Pavilion, with champagne toast
and midnight breakfast buffet. A special New
Years Eve buffet and New Years Day brunch
also offered. Call for reservations/cost.
Information: 1-800-395-6343 or thelodgeresort.com.

West Texas

Mountain Country Christmas The


annual event is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7,
at the Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland, in
Alpine, Texas. The event includes an
indoor/outdoor arts crafts fair, baked goods,
organizational booths, holiday product vendors,
entertainment. Admission is free. Information:
Alpine Visitors Center (432) 837-2326.
The annual Parade of Lights is 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 4, followed by the annual tree
lighting at Brewster County Court House, and
a visit by Santa.

Bazaars and fairs

Art a la Cart La Tierra Cafe, 1731


Montana, hosts a Holiday Craft Show noon to
4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 . Information: 5338890 or latierracafe.com.

Downtown Artist and Farmers Market

The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural


Affairs Departments weekly market is 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Saturdays in the Union Plaza District
along Anthony Street. Space for about 53
artists available each month. Information: 2121780 or elpasoartsandculture.org.
The market now includes a Farmers Market
with regionally grown agricultural products.
La Semilla Food Center and local chefs and
restaurants will host free healthy cooking
demonstrations at 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m.
each Saturday.
Shop Small Saturday is Nov. 29. Live music
provided by the Chris Oliver Jazz Quartet; free
kids arts and crafts booths.
Holiday Lights Celebration is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, with live music, youth dance
and choir performances, healthy holiday baking
demonstrations.

Farmers Market at Ardovinos Desert


Crossing The 12th annual market now
runs Saturdays year-round at Ardovinos
Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in
Sunland Park, N.M. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. This producers only market features
quality farmers, backyard gardeners and artisans. Well behaved pets on leash welcome.
Information: (575) 589-0653, ext. 3.
Pet adoptions and goodies for dogs every last
Saturday of the month. El Paso Diabetes
Association hosts free diabetes screening and
information Saturday, Nov. 29.

UU Holiday Bazaar Unitarian


Universalist Community of El Paso, 4425 Byron

Please see Page 10


El Paso Scene

Page 9

December Roundup
Contd from Page 9

School, 8600 Winchester, hosts an arts & crafts


fair 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, with
more than 30 vendors selling unique gift items.
Bread of Life caf will sell menudo, beef
shredded flautas, brisket burritos, sweet bread,
and beverages. Information: 859-6448.

St., will host its annual bazaar and craft fair 10


a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, with music
food, handcrafted items, jewelry, toys, books,
Christmas decorations and more. Information:
584-7823 or uuelpaso.org.

Desert Crossing Holiday Market

Church, 10453 Springwood, will host its


Christmas bazaar 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5-6. The juried
show and sale features original works by several area artists. Information: 592-5977. Deadline
for artists to submit work is Dec. 4; cash prizes
offered.

El Paso Punk Rock Flea Market The

Arts and Craft Bazaar - Bethany Christian

La Casa Holiday Bazaar - The annual holi-

day bazaar featuring regional vendors is Dec.


5-7 at the Las Cruces Convention Center,
University and El Paseo, Las Cruces, with over
100 booths of homemade arts and crafts; raffles; holiday treats and more. Hours are 5 to 8
p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 (free for
children under 12). Proceeds benefit La Casa
Inc. shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Information: (575) 526-2819 or lacasainc.org.

San Elizario ChristKindleMarket call


for artists San Elizario Artist Guilds 3rd

annual ChristKindle is 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and


noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-7,
on the historic plaza, with crafts, gifts, German
food and drink. Admission is free. Information:
851-0093 or sanelizariohistoricdistrict.org.
Christmas Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Friday,
followed by Santas arrival at 6:45 p.m.

Christmas Craft Fair Pebble Hills


Elementary School, 11145 Edgemere, hosts its
annual holiday arts and crafts fair 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Sponsored by the
Pebble Hills PTO. Admission is free.
Information: 434-5605.
Clendenin Christmas Craft Fair The

Clendenin Elementary School PTA will host its


14th annual fair 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec.
6, at the school at 2701 Harrison, with holiday
crafts, food, games, music by students and
more. Admission is free. Vendor space available
for $25. Information: 236-5300.

Kohlberg Winter Bazaar Festival

Kohlberg Elementary, 1445 Nardo Goodman,


host its annual winter bazaar 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, with holiday gifts, treats, pictures with Santa, jumping balloons, kids crafts
and more. Admission is free. Information: 4336871 or kohlberg.episd.org.

Mimbres Hot Springs Ranch Show

the 34th annual show and sale is 10 a.m. to 5


p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at
Mimbres Hot Spring Ranch in Mimbres, N.M.
with stone and terra cotta pottery and more.
No pets allowed. Information, directions: studiosalemimbres.com.

Panza Llena, Corazn Contento

Ceramic Art Students Association (CASA) of


UTEP, hosts the ceramics sale supporting the
fight against hunger 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 6, at Hillside Coffee and Donut Co., 4935
N. Mesa. All proceeds go to Kelly Memorial
Food Pantry. Available for purchase will be
handmade ceramic tableware items that are
handcrafted by CASA members and other contributing ceramic artists. Information: Andrea
Chaparro or 253-5542 or panza-llena.com.
Those unable attend can contribute via the
Panza Llena, Corazon Contento (Full Belly,
Happy Heart)fund at Indiegogo
http://bit.ly/1yZh7SU.
Page 10

Christmas Fair Our Lady of the Valley

El Paso Scene

Ardovinos Desert Crossing will host its 10th


annual market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec.
7, in the Sunset Hall, with more than 90 local
artists, craftspersons and vendors from the
Farmers Market and guest artist. Admission is
free. Information: (575) 589-0653 or ardovinos.com.

market is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first Sunday


(Dec. 7) of the month on the corner of Joe
Battle and Vista del Sol, featuring handmade
items, local artists and other wares, along with
live performances by local bands. Information
on Facebook at El Paso Punk Rock Flea
Market.

Festival of Trees The festival continues

through Sunday, Dec. 7, at 614 N. Bullard,


Silver City. Live trees, handmade crafts and
bake goods will be for sale. Information: (575)
534-1700.

Holiday Hair Show and Art Sale The


hair demonstration and art show is 1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, at Mark Alan Salon & Gallery,
5700 N. Mesa. Refreshments served.
Information: 588-5618 or 585-1300.
The hair show will feature styles from Mark
Alan Salon; the art show/sale features painting,
drawing, ceramics and photography by
Christina Huber, Candie Printza and Beverly
Widener. Art will remain on display through
Jan. 6.

Tennis West Holiday Fair Tennis West


Sports and Racquet Club, One Tennis West
Lane (off Westside Drive) hosts its holiday fair
is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, with food,
clothing, jewelry, art and music. Admission is
free. Information: 581-5471 or tenniswest.com.

Riverside Christmas Fair Riverside

High School Band hosts a its 5th annual fair


5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Riverside
Middle School, 7615 Mimosa, with arts and
craft vendors, and performances by school and
area performing bands, dance groups and
more. Admission is free. Information: 4347268.

Happy Hippie Holidaze Open House

The Hal Marcus Gallery, 1308 N. Oregon,


hosts the 44th annual Happy Holidaze Open
House arts and craft fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13, with local vendors, appetizers, and live entertainment. Visitors are
encouraged to come in hippie garb. Admission
is free. Information: 533-9090 or
halmarcus.com.
Vendors include: Mo Malone, Adelaide Sagar,
Sandra Lee, Cactus Mary, Estela Flores, Vicki
Drennan, Chino and Yoli Zapata, Kathy
Anderson, Alanna Bach One Inspired Chef,
Paty and Jesus Garcia-De Franco Designs, Lolly
Rancich and Fabulous Fibers and Knits.
11 a.m. Gene Keller will perform songs from
his CD of Christmas songs, Hug A Bum.
12 p.m. Jorge Guzman, a multi-instrumental
musician who specializes in the accordion.
1 p.m. Nienna, singer/songwriter on keyboards.
2 p.m. Blonde on Bach performs songs from
Larry Bachs new CD Openings, inspired by

Please see Page 11


December 2014

December Roundup
Contd from Page 10

the poet Rumi


3 p.m. Cowboy Gospel Band, known for
playing stirring renditions of campfire favorites,
classic cowboy songs and country gospel.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair City of

El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will


host a Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair 9 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 at Leona
Ford Washington Recreation Center, 3400 E.
Missouri. Santa Claus will make a special stop at
from 11 a.m. to noon for free photo op (guests
should bring their own camera). Admission is
free. Information: David Faulkner, 562-7071.
Vendor registration fee is $5 for Arts and
Crafts vendors; $45 for commercial vendors.
Vendor space limited.

Holidays Arts and Crafts Fair City of


El Paso Parks and Recreation Department hosts
the arts and craft fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 13, at San Juan Recreation Center, 701
N. Glenwood. Admission is free. Information:
779-2799. Vendor booths available for $5
La Via Farmers Market La Via

Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union,


N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road, hosts a
farmers market featuring local food producers
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday. Information:
(575) 882-7632 or lavinawinery.com.

Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market

More than 230 permanent vendors in arts,


crafts, produce, baked goods and other food
items are offered at the market 8:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays along a 7-block
area of Main Street, Downtown. Information:
(575) 541-2288 or lascrucesfarmersmarket.org.

December 2014

Something for everyone


Bassett Place The mall at 6101 Gateway
West celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Special hours Thanksgiving Day and Black
Friday. Information: 772-7479 or bassettplacemall.com.
Roving Reds Salvation Army Kettle
Decoration Contest is Black Friday and
Thanksgiving weekend, 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and
Saturday, Nov. 28-29.
Holiday entertainment featured throughout
December from area schools. Santa will be at
the mall for photographs through Dec. 24.

The Fountains at Farah Holiday events

The Fountains at Farah, 8889 Gateway


West, hosts several events during the holiday
season. Free parking accessible to all events.
Information: fountainsatfarah.com.
The Ice Pond skating rink is open 2 to 10
p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8
p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 21; 10 a.m. to 10
p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8
p.m. Sunday Dec. 22-Jan. 5. Check website
for rates.
Special holiday rink hours are 4 to 10 p.m.
Thanksgiving, Nov. 27; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Black Friday, Nov. 28; 2 to 8 p.m. Christmas
Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24; 2 to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25; 2 to 10
p.m. New Years Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31,
and noon to 8 p.m. New Years Day, Thursday,
Jan. 1.
Lighting of the Tree at the Fountains at Farah
is 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. Santa and
Mrs. Claus will use their magic to light the giant
tree in the Promenade of the Fountains. The
Frozen princesses will also be there to sing
Christmas songs followed by story time with
Santa. Admission is free.

Santa will stroll the mall noon to 3 p.m. Dec.


6-21, with a storytime in the amphitheater 3 to
4 p.m.

Community Health Education Series


Sierra Providence East, 3280 Joe Battle,

hosts a free seminar series one Wednesday


each month. English presentations are 6 p.m.
with Spanish presentation 7 p.m. Information:
577-SPHN (7746). Dec. 3: When to Seek a
Specialist and the Role of a PCP in your care
coordination

Business Chica Conference Latinitas

Feu, The Network, Anson 11, Pints & Peanut


and Blackbird Cantina.

Sun City Rodders The car club hosts an

Old Car Parts Swap Meet and Show and Shine


car show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Sunday of
each month (Dec. 7) at Firestone Auto Center
parking lot, 10780 Pebble Hills. Information:
503-7244.
The club also hosts a cruise night 6 to 9 p.m.
the third Friday of the month starting at
Wendys restaurant, 9150 Viscount.

Wreaths Across America El Paso

hosts the leadership conference for girls age


10-17 Saturday, Dec. 6, at Southwest
University, 1414 Geronimo. Girls connect with
female business leaders as they develop business skills, receive financial literacy training,
learn about entrepreneurship and foster workreadiness skills. Cost: $10 Information: 2198554 or laslatinitas.com/elpaso. Online tickets
available at eventbrite.com.

Composite Squadron-Civil Air Patrol will host


the annual Wreaths Across America dedication
ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the
Rostrum at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery,
5200 Fred Wilson. Arrival by 9:45 a.m. encouraged. Information: Civil Air Patrol at 239-6149
or epwreaths.org.
Wreaths arrive at 7:30 a.m. To volunteer, call
Civil Air Patrol.

select Saturdays in December at Valle Verde


Campus. Cost per class: $25 Information: 8312851 or epcc.edu.
Dec. 6: Christmas Treats Family Fun Class
Dec. 13: Christmas Crafts.

Social Club hosts the tardeada 5 to 9 p.m.


Sunday, Dec. 14, at First Presbyterian Church,
1340 Murchison, with music by Rhapsody.
Prizes for best costumes. Refreshments and
door prizes offered; BYOB. Cost: $15.
Information: 755-4038 or 772-4643.

EPCC seasonal classes 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Neighborhood Craft Beer Tour DnJs

Productions hosts a the tour featuring 7 downtown bars starting 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at
Soho Lounge, 500 N. Oregon, led by Juan
Gaytan. Tour features seven beer samples,
each with collectible glass. History of beer and
other information presented. Tour is free; cost
varies for each individual beer. Designated drivers needed to get from location to location.
Information: 449-6969 or on Facebook at
DandJsProductions.
Participating bars are Craft & Social, Pot Au

El Paso Scene

Christmas Tardeada Golden Bears

Womens Self Defense Class El Paso


Karate Academy, 10710 Gateway North, hosts
free self-defense workshops to help women
learn easy techniques to defend themselves in
the case of an attack 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20. Students will practice on a
live person wearing a padded suit. Information,
reservations: 822-8818 or epkarate.com.

Please see Page 13

Page 11

Page 12

El Paso Scene

December 2014

December Roundup
Contd from Page 11

Plateaux The Community Cafe and Shop at

the Banner Building, 217 N. Mesa, Downtown.


Plateaux, founded by Hector Saenz and Juan
Ferret, provides a forum for local artisans to
display and sell their creations, and also presents other local art, music and literature.
Information on Facebook at PlateauxEPT.

Wine and Canine Sunland Winery, 1769


Victory Lane in Sunland Park, N.M. welcomes
well behaved dogs on leash with their owners 2
to 7 p.m. the third Sunday of every month.
Food and music offered; $1 for every drink
purchased will go toward El Paso Humane
Society Information: (575) 589-1214. or hselpaso.org.
Winter Wonderland Village display
Hundreds of figurines make up one of El Pasos
most elaborate holiday displays, Winter
Wonderland, on exhibit 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
weekdays through Dec. 31, in the auditorium
of the MacGuire Administration Building of the
Lee and Beulah Moor Childrens Home, 1100
Cliff Dr. The exhibit, donated by Dorothea
Purvis, consists of hundreds of festive figurines
and continues to grow bigger every year.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Information: 544-8777

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at


UTEP Registration is Jan. 5-29 for the

popular UTEP program that offers non-credit


classes for people age 50 or older. Spring 2015
classes begin Monday, Feb. 9.
Information: 747-6280, 747-8848 or
olliatutep.org.

Bagua Circle Walking Meditation

Center for Internal Arts, 5757 Montoya Drive,


hosts the seminar on meditation style, 9 to
noon, Sundays, Jan. 18-Feb. 15. Cost: $175.
Information/registration: Steve Barowsky, 5844730, sborowsky1@operamail.com or centerforinternalarts.com.

Volunteer blood samples needed


Greater East Cancer Center, CRBCM, and
UTEP School of Biology are seeking to measure auto-antibodies in volunteer blood samples
for early detection of cancer research 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. Monday through Friday through Jan.
31, at 11601 Pellicano Dr, #A2. Healthy volunteers and volunteers with a cancer history are
invited to donate a sample of blood.
Information/consent forms: 307-3354. Web:
crbcm.blogspot.com.

For a good cause

Treasures of the Southwest, Charity


Art Auction Open Arms Community
hosts its charity auction 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, at St. Pius X Hall, 1050
North Clark, featuring a live Art Auction, silent
auction, music, and delicious refreshments, as
well as sale tables of collectibles and gift items.
Music provided by The 7th Avenue Band.
Admission is free. Information: 595-0589 or
openarmscommunity.org.
Funds raised will benefit the Open
Arms/Centro Santa Fe Food Bank and Help for
the Poor.

Christmas Street The 41st annual fund-

raiser for the El Paso Rehabilitation Center is


Tuesday, Dec. 2, at El Paso Country Club,
5000 Country Club Place. Several lavish custom-designed Christmas trees will be on display. The Tour of Trees luncheon is at 11 a.m.
The annual Gala is at 6 p.m. The event includes
music, raffles, live and silent auctions and more.

December 2014

Information, ticket prices: 544-8484, ext. 101.


Web: pdnchildrens.org.

Amor por Juarez Auction Amor por

Juarezs 4th Annual Art Auction is 7 p.m.


Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Sotoa Building, 500 W
Overland, to raise funds for the operation of its
various programs to help the youth of Juarez.
Tickets: $50 donation; complimentary hors
doeuvres and beverages provided.
Information/tickets: 730-3800 or info@amorporjuarez.com
More than 70 pieces of various disciplines such
as painting, photography, sculpture and printmaking by local artists.
Proceeds will also help local artist Hope Riot
get her music out to a national market. She will
perform live during the event.

Critter Christmas The 5th annual holi-

day event benefitting Dona Ana County


Humane Society, Spay Neuter Action Program
and Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley
is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Las Cruces
Convention Center, 680 University, with a live
and silent auction, dancing, performances by
NMSU Dance Sport Team, Best-Dressed Dog
and Pet Tricks Contests, Photo Booth, Dog
Treat buffet, no-host bar and food. Wellbehaved leashed dogs welcome (no flexi leashes). Tickets: $50; available in Las Cruces at
American Classifeds, Better Life Pet Foods,
SNAP/DACHS office and online at holdmyticket.com. Information: (575) 642-2648 or
dachslc.org.

Hispanic Chamber Fiesta and Piata


Bash El Paso Hispanic Chamber of

Commerces 24th annual Fiesta Celebration is


6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Grace Gardens, 6701
Westside Drive. Events include the presentation of chamber awards, dinner and tequila
toast, mariachi and Latin jazz music and gifts.
Tickets: $85 ($75 members). Tables: $1,500
($1,250 members). The Piata Bash features
thousands of dollars in prizes
Information/RSVP: 566-4066 or ephcc.org.
Keynote speaker is Billy Beane, Oakland As
general manager. Beane will talk about his
innovative, winning approach to management,
which was the basis of the movie Moneyball,
in which he was played by Brad Pitt.

Animal Rescue League Pictures with


Santa Animal Rescue League of El Paso

hosts its 2nd annual Pictures with Santa noon


to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, and
Sunday, Dec. 14, at the shelters Reflection
Garden, 7256 La Junta in Canutillo. The garden
will be transformed into a into Santas Village
for the holidays, and Santa and his elves will
take pictures with pet(s) and/or family. Treats
for four and two-legged family members
offered. Donation: $10 (include a printed picture in a framed card). Visitors will be allowed
to take their own photos at the session.
Information: 877-5002 or arlep.org.

Kelly Squashes Hunger Kelly Memorial

Food Pantry, 1140 St. Vrain, hosts a fundraising


evening of food and music 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 7. Local chefs compete for best dish
using winter squash, and childrens activities
and alternative holiday gift cards will be available. Cost: $25 ($50 household). Information:
(pantry) 533-2674 or (Jeannine Kennedy) 5255254.
Chefs to compete include Joey Cazares, Eloise
and Hello Day Cafe; Roman Wilcox, Mustard
Seed Community Cafe; Robert Espinosa, Pot
Au Feu International Restaurant; Lawrence
Acosta, Toms Folk Cafe; and more.

Please see Page 14


El Paso Scene

Page 13

December Roundup
Contd from Page 13

An Evening with Joe Hayes


Southwest storyteller and childrens book
author Joe Hayes will be the featured guest at
the fundraiser for Books Are Gems, 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Marks Methodist
Church Fellowship Hall, 5005 Love Road
(Upper Valley). Tickets are $40 for adults, $10
for ages 5-17 and free for children 4 and under.
Information: 845-5437 or bookaregems.org.
The evening will feature a Western-style dinner, silent auction and storytelling by Hayes,
including his holiday favorite, The Wise Little
Burro. Proceeds benefit Books Are Gems, a
nonprofit bookstore at 7744 North Loop Ste. B
that sells and gives away new and used books.
Books are sold for $1-$2, and children who
come to the store may receive five free used
books. Teachers can also receive free books
for their classroom. The bookstore was damaged by rain-caused flooding in September and
reopened Nov. 3. The fundraiser will help pay
for the cost of repairs and replacement of damaged books.
A free storytelling session with Hayes is at 10
a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Books Are Gems.
Hayes, who grew up in southern Arizona and
now lives in Santa Fe, is a nationally recognized
teller of tales from the Hispanic, Native
American and Anglo cultures. His bilingual
Spanish-English stories have earned him a distinctive place among Americas storytellers.
His award-winning books include Watch Out
for Clever Women, !El Cucuy!, How the
Rattlesnake Got Its Fangs and La Llorona.
Many of his books have been published by El
Pasos Cinco Puntos Press.

Black Tie Ball Mimbres Region Arts


Council presents its 32nd annual gala benefit
ball, Victorian Steampunk, at 7 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 13, at the Lawley Toyota Showroom,
2750 Hwy 180E, in Silver City, N.M. with live
music by Bat News Blues Band from Tucson,
dancing meal, cash bar and more. Dress is formal attire. Tickets: $50; available at MRAC
office, Encore, Leyba and Ingalls Arts and
Vintage Fantasies. Steampunk-style attire
encouraged. Information: (575) 538-2505 or
mimbresarts.org,

Paws for Presents toy drive El Paso


Fire Department and El Paso Chihuahuas host
a toy drive through Dec. 13 benefiting the
Child Crisis Center. All gifts should new (not
gift-wrapped) for children up to age 13. The
team will categorize and deliver to the Child
Crisis Center. Donations can be dropped off at
the 35 El Paso neighborhood fire stations or
the Chihuahuas Team Shop, located at 1
Ballpark Plaza on Durango. Team Shop hours
are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday,
and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Information:
242-2025.

Mark Medoff lecture The Tony-winning


playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, director
and actor will share stories about his experiences growing up, the issue of the AtheistCultural Jew in todays society, and more at 2
p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Temple Beth El-Las
Cruces, 3980 Sonoma Springs. Proceeds benefit Mark Medoff Visiting Lecture Series and
Temple Beth-Els Temple Youth Fund.
Tickets: $10 ($5 students); available Steinborn
Realty, 141 Roadrunner Pkwy, and at Whites
Music Box, 200 S. Main. Information: Ellen
Torres: (510) 676-3211 or
ellenhowerton@comcast.net.
Along with Dr. Richard Rundell, Medoff will
also provide a short presentation from his

Page 14

El Paso Scene

upcoming production of Waiting for Godot at


the Rio Grande Theater, his first stage role in
22 years.

B-Warm Blanket Drive The Braden

Aboud Memorial Foundations blanket drive


runs through Dec. 20. New blankets, twin
size or larger will be collected during blanket
Saturdays at the B Strong Office in Placita
Santa Fe, 5024 Doniphan, #2.
Information/additional drop-off sites: 833-0393
or bradenaboud.com.

Giving Hearts Toy Drive Peace of Art:


Design for Change host the toy drive noon to 8
p.m. weekdays through Dec. 30, at 3431
Pershing, Suite A6, for the children of Cd.
Juarez. New toys of $5 or more welcome; soccer balls and dolls are favorites; no toy guns.
Cash donations also welcome. The organization
will hand out the toys on the week of Jan. 6.
Information: 491-5170, 564-9960 or peaceofartshow.org or on Facebook at Giving Hearts
2014.
Blanket Drive El Paso Fire Department

and Extreme Weather Task Force is collecting


new blankets to very young, elderly and/or ill in
need through the winter months. The purpose
is to helps prevent cold weather and carbon
monoxide emergencies in the El Paso area.
Recommendations for those in need of blankets
are also being taken. New blanket donations
can be dropped off any time at local fire stations or El Paso County Sheriff substations.
Information: 834-5772 or
graciela.ortiz@dfps.state.tx.us.
Those in need of blankets may call 2-1-1 Texas
for assistance. Persons who qualify include
infants under one year of age, the ill and disabled and those who qualify for Medicare,
Medicaid, SSI and RSDI.

Operation Santa Claus New and gently


used toys and bikes for the needy children of
the El Paso/Fort Bliss area may be dropped off
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, at
the Fort Bliss Op Santa warehouse, Bldg. 1123
or at any El Paso Fire Station, 24 hours a day,
365 days a year. For a pickup, call 568-1010.
Donations to Operation Santa Claus can be
mailed to Op Santa, Inc. P.O. Box 16270, Fort
Bliss, TX 79906. All funds are for parts and
supplies and no funds are paid to any staff.
Interested volunteers may call 568-1010 or
276-6869.

Chihuahuas A Night of Giving Winter


Banquet El Paso Chihuahuas; inaugural

Winter Banquet, A Night of Giving presented


by Team 600 ESPN El Paso is 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Centennial
Banquet and Conference Center, 11199 E.
Bliss, on Fort Bliss. Chihuahuas field manager
Pat Murphy and first baseman Cody Decker
are featured guests at the event that includes a
special question and answer session. A live auction will also be held. Proceeds benefit Special
Olympics Texas-El Paso. Individual seats begin
at $75; table of 10 is $700. Information: 2422008.

Fort Bliss

Anyone entering Fort Bliss must have a valid


drivers license, car insurance and registration.
Check beforehand to see which gates are open
to the public. The Buffalo Soldiers Gate at
Airport and Airway is usually always open.

1st Armored Division Band Holiday


Concert The Armored Division Band at

Fort Blisss annual holiday show, An American

Please see Page 15


December 2014

December Roundup
Contd from Page 14

Holiday Festival is 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Saturday


and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at Stayon
Theater, 2495 Ricker Road, Fort Bliss Main
Post. Doors open 45 minutes prior to show for
ticketholders, 10 minutes prior for non-ticket
holders. Tickets are free; available ITR
Freedom Crossing, Public Affairs Office, Bldg.
15, Slater Rd. 1AD Headquarters on East Bliss.
Information/tickets: 568-2263 or on Facebook
at 1stArmoredDivisionBandFort Bliss

Polar Bear Plunge The cold-weather

swimming event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday,


Dec. 6, at the Community Pool on Club Road
in Fort Bliss. Suit up in swim suit or wetsuit for
a bracing swim (with icebergs included). Free
T-shirts for all who take the plunge.
Underwater photos with Santa also offered.
Information: 741-5901 or on Facebook at
BlissMWR.

Army vs. Navy game broadcast Pre-

game festivities begin at noon Saturday, Dec.


13, at the Fort Bliss Centennial Clubs Samuel
Adams Pub. Admission is free. Information:
744-8427.
The Army-Navy Game (U.S. Military
Academys Black Knights vs. the Midshipmen of
the U.S. Naval Academy) is generally played on
the last weekend of the college football regular
season.

Fort Bliss Sun Bowl Brunch The

annual Sun Bowl Brunch is 9 to 11 a.m.


Saturday, Dec. 27, in at Fort Blisss Pershing
Club, 243 Club Road. Cost: $13.95; $6.95 ages
5-10; free for age four and younger. Free shuttle to the game follows brunch; game time is
noon. Reservations required: 781-7809.
Game tickets are $15 with military discount:
ITR, 744-1524 or 569-6446.

Catholic Women of the Chapel The

CWOC meets 9 a.m. Fridays (except holiday


weekends) at the Religious Activities Center,
Building #449 on Fort Bliss. Meetings consist of
fellowship, saying the rosary, craft making projects or Bible studies. Child care provided free
of charge. This years theme is Works of
Mercy. Information:
fortblisscwoc@gmail.com.

Club news

EPMBA Installation El Paso Mortgage

Bankers Associations annual installation luncheon is 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Hilton


Garden Inn, 6650 Gateway East, to install the
2015 board members. Cocktails served at 6:30
p.m.; black and white attire. Cost: $50 ($90
couples). Information: elpasomortgagebankers@gmail.com.

La Leche League of El Paso Westside

The nonprofit group, dedicated to providing


education and support to women who want to
breastfeed, meets 10:30 to noon a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 4, at Las Palmas Lifecare
Center, 3333 N. Mesa. Accredited by La Leche
League International. Pregnant women and
breastfeeding mothers and their babies and
children welcome. Admission is free.
Information on Facebook at La Leche League El
Paso Westside.

Singles in the Son - The group develops

friendships among Christian singles ages 30 to


50. Bible study held Tuesday nights. All denominations are welcome. Membership is free.
Information: Andy, 471-1997,
SinglesInTheSon@yahoo.com or on Facebook.
Friday, Dec. 5: Dinner and a movie
Saturday, Dec. 13: Dinner and El Paso
Rhinos
Saturday, Dec. 20: Christmas Party.

Project Linus The national non-profit

charitable group, which has donated thousands


blankets and afghans to seriously ill and/or traumatized children of the El Paso area, meets
once a month 9:30 to 11 a.m. selected
Saturdays, (Dec. 6) at Ft. Bliss Trading Post
(Old Commissary), 1717 Marshall. New volunteers welcome. Information: 781-0880 or projectlinuselpaso@yahoo.com.

Please see Page 16

Fort Bliss Bow & Gun Club 3730 Roy

Johnson Lane. Rifle and pistol shooting competitions are held almost every weekend. Visitors
can watch for free. Food available at the clubhouse snack bar. To get there: Take Railroad
Drive to Deer; turn right. Information: 5682983 or blissmwr.com/bowandgun.

Old Fort Bliss Building 5054, corner of

Pershing and Pleasanton Roads, Fort Bliss. The


Old West days of the Soldiers of the Pass are
relived through replicas of the original adobe
fort buildings and military artifacts,
Magoffinsville Post 1854 to 1868. Hours are 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; by
appointment only Saturday. Admission is free.
Information: 568-4518 or 588-8482.

DSL Winter Youth League Desert

Strike Lanes on Fort Bliss host a youth bowling


league Saturdays, Jan. 10-April 25, for youth
who have not reached their 20th birthday prior
to Aug. 1, 2014. Participants will be separated
into three divisions based on age if numbers
allow. Minimum number of weeks bowled will
be 12 with a maximum of 16 based on centers
availability. Bowlers will be awards scholarships
for participation and performance based on
team standings. Cost: $10 weekly, plush $10
annual sanction fee. Information: 539-5572.
December 2014

El Paso Scene

Page 15

December Roundup
Contd from Page 15

Germania Club The Germania Club of

El Pasos annual Christmas party is 11:30 a.m.


Sunday, Dec. 7, at Golden Tee, Underwood
Golf Course, 3200 Coe on Fort Bliss.
Newcomers welcome. Information, reservations: 755-5471.

Discover El Paso The nonprofit group,

founded in 1973, is dedicated to promoting


things to do and see in and around El Paso.
Information: discoverep.org.
No general meeting is planned for November.
The annual Christmas party is Tuesday, Dec.
9, at Vista Hills Country Club, 2210 Trawood.
Reservations: 584-3126.

Military Order of the World Wars


The El Paso Chapters annual Christmas luncheon is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the
Underwood Golf Clubhouse on Fort Bliss.
There will be the traditional Christmas Songfest
and meal. Guests are encouraged to arrive
early. Information 755-4038.
LAlliance Franaise dEl Paso The

40,000 copies

each month

El Pasos Best Advertising Value!

Call 920-7244 for information

nonprofit cultural institute, founded in 1964,


promotes French culture and offers francophiles the opportunity to use the French language in a variety of activities. The institute celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Information: 585-1789, 355-4598 (Spanish),
afofelpaso.com or on Facebook at
AllianceFrancaiseElPaso.
The Christmas Party is Saturday, Dec. 6, at
244 Resler.
Registration for French Classes, Spring session,
will start in mid-December. Visit afofelpaso.org
and Facebook for dates & locations.

Mesilla Valley Stamp Club The stamp

club meets 6 to 8 p.m. the first Thursday of the


month at the Branigan Memorial Library, 200
E. Picacho, Las Cruces. Guests, beginning and
advanced collectors are invited to trade, buy,
and sell stamps. Information: (575) 202-1937.

Area attractions

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

1200 Futurity Dr. (at Sunland Park Drive),


Sunland Park, N.M. The copper-domed casino
offers slot machines, and video-machine versions of poker, keno and other games. Hours
are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through
Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday; and
10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Information: (575) 874-5200 or sunlandpark.com.
Simulcast racing begins at 10 a.m. everyday.
General admission and parking are free.
Information: (575) 874-5200 or sunlandpark.com.
Live racing season begins Friday, Dec. 5, and
runs through April. Post time is 12:15 p.m.
Friday through Monday.

Wyler Aerial Tramway Texas only

publicly accessible mountain tramway gives passengers a view of 7,000 square miles, two
countries and three states (Texas, New Mexico
and Chihuahua) from Ranger Peak, elevation
5,632 feet. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 years and under. Hours are noon to 7
p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday. Closed Monday through Thursday.
Information: 562-9899.
To get there: Take Alabama to McKinley and
turn toward the mountain.
Arts in the Parks Christmas Ornament making workshop for families is noon to 3 p.m.

Page 16

El Paso Scene

Saturday, Dec. 6. Activities are free with regular tram admission.


Santa will be at the tramway noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec.
20-21, to greet visitors and pose for pictures.
The monthly Last Sunday hike is 8 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 28. Dress for weather, in sturdy
shows, and bring water. Santa hats encouraged.

Indian Cliffs Ranch The working cattle

ranch in Fabens offers a childrens zoo, buffalo,


longhorns, deer, rattlesnake pit, movie sets and
the Fort Apache playground. Its also home to
the famous Cattlemans Steakhouse.
Information: (915) 544-3200 or cattlemanssteakhouse.com.

Tigua Indian Cultural Center 305

Yaya Lane, at Socorro Road east of the Ysleta


Mission. The center features a museum on the
Tigua tribe. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
Information: 859-7700, ysletadelsurpueblo.org.
Native American Dances are performed 11:30
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Fresh Indian bread is on sale at the center,
which also offers family-operated gift shops,
featuring jewelry, pottery and other crafts.

Licon Dairy The dairys gift shop popular


for its homemade asadero cheese products is
located at 11951 Glorieta Road in San Elizario
and is open 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday. The dairy also features an extensive petting zoo and regularly stocked fishing
hole. Admission is free, with a nominal charge
for fishing hole use. Information: 851-2705 or
licondairy.com.

La Via Winery New Mexicos oldest

winery is just across the state line from El Paso,


at 4201 S. NM Highway 28, one mile north of
Vinton Road. Information: (575) 882-7632 or
lavinawinery.com.
The tasting room and patio are open for sales
and tasting of wines from noon to 5 p.m.
Thursday through Tuesday (closed
Wednesdays). Tasting fee is $5.
La Via Farmers and Crafters Market features
local food producers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every
Sunday.

Sombra Antigua Vineyard and Winery

430 La Via Road (off NM 28 between


markers 8 and 9), in Chamberino, N.M. Tasting
room open noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through
Monday. Information: (915) 241-4349 or sombraantigua.com.

Sunland Winery 1769 Victory Lane in

Sunland Park, N.M. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5
p.m. Sunday. Information: (575) 589-1214.
Painting and tasting classes are offered the
third Friday and Saturday of the month; call for
details.
Live Music is 7:30 p.m. Fridays 2 to 6 p.m.
Sundays with Sweetwater Band, 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays wit Jack Welch and Shadow, plus 8
p.m. Thursdays with Lala Ledezma and free
Latin dance lessons. Free wine tastings.
Wine and Canine is 2 to 7 p.m. the 3rd Sunday
of every month, with food and music. Well
behaved and leashed dogs welcomed. One dollar from each drink purchased with go to the
Humane Society of El Paso.

Zin Valle Vineyards 7315 Hwy 28 in

Canutillo (3/4 mile north of FM 259). Free tastings are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through
Monday. Information: 877-4544 or
zinvalle.com.

December 2014

For event tickets sold through Ticketmaster,


call 1-800-745-3000 or go to ticketmaster.com.
The UTEP Ticket Center number is 747-5234.
Pan Am Center Box Office is (575) 646-1420.
Many clubs sell tickets through other ticket
websites listed. Unless indicated, prices listed
do not include service charges.

Life in Color: Unleash The Worlds

Largest Paint Party comes to El Paso at 7 p.m.


Saturday, Nov. 29, at El Paso Convention
Center. The show fuses high-energy music, art,
dance, and paint into one mind blowing combination. All ages show. Tickets: $25.50 general
admission (Ticketmaster). Information:
LifeInColor.com.
The event features top DJs The
Chainsmokers, Brillz and David Solano, plus
aerial acts, stilt walkers, contortionists and fire
shows, leading up to famous Paint Blast.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra The group

brings their latest holiday show The Christmas


Attic at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, to the Pan
Am Center in Las Cruces, sponsored by the
Hallmark Channel. The rock holiday tradition
for a new generation will showcase their
unique combination of storytelling, virtuoso
musicianship and over the top production.
Previous shows in the area have sold out.
Proceeds benefit Million Koins For Kids.
Tickets start at $33 (Ticketmaster).
Information: (575) 646-1420 or transsiberian.com.

Reel Big Fish The OC ska-punks perform

Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Tricky Falls, 209 S. El


Paso, in support of their new album, Candy
Coated Fury, with opening acts The Maxies,
Fixed Idea and The Casual Fridays. Ages 13 and
older admitted. Tickets: $15 in advance (price
may increase day of show). Information: 3519909 or trickyfalls.com.
Reel Big Fish formed in 1991 out of
Huntington Beach, Calif. With their debut
album, 1995s Everything Sucks, the band
became a word-of-mouth hit in ska, punk and
college circles. The bands most successful
record, 1996s Turn the Radio Off featured
Sell Out. Reel Big Fish have built a cult-like
fan-base through touring and releasing seven
classic underground full-length albums, five
compilation albums and three EPs.

Carlos Mencia The superstar standup

comic performs Dec. 4-6, at the Comic Strip,


1201 Airway. Showtime is 8 p.m. Thursday,
and 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Tickets: $27.50 Thursday, $32.50 Friday and
Saturday early show; $22.50 Friday and
Saturday late show; available from
ticketweb.com. No free passes accepted.
Information/showtimes: 779-5233 or
laff2nite.com.

Disneys Beauty and the Beast Jam


Theatricals and El Paso Lives Broadway present the return of the smash Broadway musical,
based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, at the Plaza
Theatre. Tickets: $37-$77. Information: 2311111, or ElPasoLive.com/Broadway.
This classic musical love story is filled with
unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers
including Be Our Guest.

Travis Tritt The country star performs t


7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Plaza
Theatre. Tritt has won several awards for his

December 2014

music, including two Grammy Awards and four


CMA awards. His hits include Help Me Hold
On, Heres A Quarter (Call Someone Who
Cares), Anymore, Can I Trust You With
My Heart, Its a Great Day to Be Alive, and
many more. Tickets: $28, $35, $47 and $68
(Ticketmaster).

Art Alexakis An evening with the


Everclear frontman, Songs and Stories, is 8
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Lowbrow Palace,
111 E. Robinson. Tickets: $20 in advance, $30
day of show ($3 surcharge for ages 16-20).
Most Lowbrow events available from holdmyticket.com, or from All That Music, The
Headstand and Happy House. Information:
356-0966 or thelowbrowpalace.com.
Cage the Elephant The Kentucky rock

band performs at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at


Tricky Falls, 209 S. El Paso. All ages show.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $23 in advance;
$25 day of show. Information: 351-9909 or
trickyfalls.com.
Cage The Elephants singles include the No. 1
alternative hits In One Ear, Back Against
The Wall, Shake Me Down and Come A
Little Closer. Other hits include Aint No
Rest For the Wicked and Aberdeen.

Dave Koz A Smooth Jazz Christmas


The Grammy-nominated saxophonist and El

Paso favorite presents his 17th annual


Christmas show at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16,
with this years guests Christopher Cross,
Jonathan Butler and Maysa. Koz Christmas
shows have sold out for the past five years.
Tickets: $45, $57, $67, $77 and $112.
(Ticketmaster).
Koz, a multi-million-selling solo recording
artist, Grammy nominee and composer, has
sold out past El Paso appearances.
Cross has won five Grammies, a Golden Globe
and an Academy Award for his singing and
songwriting. The Texas native is best known
for his two No. 1 hits: Sailing and Best That
You Can Do (theme from Arthur).

Voodoo Glow Skulls Tricky Falls hosts

the ska punk band at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.


16, at Club 101, 201 N. Stanton, with The Car
Bombs and Second Class Citizens. Doors open
at 7 p.m. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 day of
show. Information: 248-7575 or club101.com.

A Christmas Carol Mimbres Region Arts


Council (MRAC) presents Nebraska Theatre
Caravans touring performance of the Charles
Dickens holiday classic at 7:30 p.m. Thursday,
Dec. 18, at WNMUs Fine Arts Auditorium, as
part of its Performance Series. Tickets: $20
($15 members; $5 students; $12 per person for
groups of 10 or more). Information: (575) 5382505, or mimbresarts.org.
The Charles Jones adaptation of Charles
Dickens classic features new arrangements and
renditions of holiday songs.

David Benoit Doa Ana Arts Council


presents the legendary jazz pianist with A
Charlie Brown Christmas, at 7:30 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 19, at Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N.
Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Benoit will perform many of the iconic Peanuts tunes by
Vincent Guaraldi. Tickets: $34 balcony; $45
main floor. Ticket prices increase by $5 day of
show. Student rush tickets available 15 minutes prior to each show for $10; must show
valid student ID. Information: (575) 523-6403

Please see Page 18


El Paso Scene

Page 17

Heres the Ticket


Contd from Page 17

or RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Benoits notable film scores include The Stars
Fell on Henrietta, produced by Clint
Eastwood and starring Robert Duvall; and The
Christmas Tree, produced by Sally Field,
voted Best Score of 1996 by Film Score
Magazine.

The Santaland Diaries Doa Ana Arts


Council presents David Sedariss holiday comedy performed by Albuquerques Fusion
Theatre, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at the Rio Grande
Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las
Cruces. Tickets: $17.50 balcony; $23.50 main
floor. Ticket prices increase by $5 day of show.
Student rush tickets available 15 minutes
prior to each show for $10; must show valid
student ID. Information: (575) 523-6403 or
RioGrandeTheatre.com.

The Great Russian Nutcracker The


Moscow Ballet presents the 22nd Anniversary
of the holiday classic at 3 and 7 p.m. Tuesday,
Dec. 23, at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $28,
$48, $68 and $88. VIP tickets and group tickets
available (Ticketmaster). Group and military
discounts available. Information:
nutcracker.com.
The performance features 40 Russian dancers
performing Tchaikovskys timeless score. New
in 2014 is an authentic Russian Christmas puppet play and Mashas magical Toy Cabinet.
Wearing intricately detailed costumes, many
with shimmering Swarovski crystals, the awardwinning principal dancers and corps de ballet
bring Tchaikovskys master score and the holiday season to life.

Little Anthony The DooWop legend

presents an intimate, one-man show celebrating 56 years in show business and promoting
his new book, Little Anthony: My Journey, My
Destiny, by Arlene Krieger, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Rio Grande
Theatre, 211. N Downtown Mall in Las
Cruces. Tickets: $45.50 and $34.50 (all seats
reserved); available at the box office on the 2nd
floor of the Rio Grande Theatre or online at
RioGrandeTheatre.com. Information: (575)
523-6403.
Little Anthony (Jerome Anthony Gourdine)
along with his band the Imperials, performed
live before millions and sold over 22 million
records worldwide in the last 57 years. His
Imperial colleague Johnny Britt will accompany
him on piano.

Paul McDermand Showtime! El Paso

presents in-demand percussionist at 2:30 p.m.


Sunday, Jan. 11, at Abraham Chavez Theatre,
with Steel Drum and Marimba settings of
Caribbean, jazz and pop favorites. Tickets: $30
($10 students) information: 544-2022 or showtimeelpaso.com.

Chicago The Musical Jam Theatricals

and El Paso Live presents the longest-running


American musical at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and
Wednesday, Jan. 13-14, at the Plaza Theatre.
Tickets: $45-$60. Information: 231-1111, or
ElPasoLive.com/Broadway.

Walking With Dinosaurs BBCs inter-

nationally acclaimed arena spectacular featuring


animatronic dinosaurs returns to El Paso Jan.
14-18, at El Paso County Coliseum. This multimillion dollar event features life-size dinosaurs
telling the story of life on Earth more than 200million years ago. Showtimes are 7 p.m.
Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m., 3 and 7
p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday.
Page 18

El Paso Scene

Thursday performance in Spanish. Tickets:


$39.50, $59.50 and $69.50 (Ticketmaster).

Dan Bern The prolific songwriter per-

forms Jan. 17, at the Buckhorn Opera House


in Pinos Altos, N.M. as part of the Mimbres
Region Arts Councils Folk Series. Showtime to
be announced. Tickets: $20 ($15 members);
available 10 days before show at Alotta Gelato,
Gila Hike & Bike, and L&I Arts or at the door.
Information: (575) 538-2505 or
mimbresarts.org.
Bern, who has released 18 albums since 1997,
composed more than a dozen songs for the
Jake Kasdan/Judd Apatow spoof-biopic Walk
Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and composed
songs included in Apatows Get Him to the
Greek, starring Russell Brand.

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull Chart-

topping artists Pitbull and Erique Iglesias perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at
UTEPs Don Haskins Center, with Urban/Latin
star J Balvin as opening act. Tickets: $22.75,
$92.75 and $122.75 (Ticketmaster).

Carrie UTEP Dinner Theatre, 2nd floor

Union Building on the UTEP campus, presents


the musical based Stephen Kings horror classic
Jan. 30-Feb. 15. Show time is 7 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday, Sunday dinner
shows are 2:30 p.m.; non-dinner show Sunday
1:30 p.m. (non-dinner matinee dates to be
announced) Tickets: $31.50-$46.50 dinner
shows; $17.50-$27.50 non-dinner matinees.
information: 747-6060 or utep.edu/udt.

Cirque Zuma Zuma Dona Ana Arts


Council presents the African-style Cirque de
Soleil, in celebration of Black History Month
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Rio Grande
Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las
Cruces. Tickets: $34 balcony; $45 main floor.
Ticket prices increase by $5 day of show.
Student rush tickets available 15 minutes
prior to each show for $10; must show valid
student ID. Information: (575) 523-6403 or
RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Engelbert Humperdinck The music

legend performs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb.


12, 2015, at The Plaza Theatre. The performer
has been a legend in the international music
industry for the last 40-plus years, with over
150 million records sold. Tickets: $45, $55, $75
and $85 (Ticketmaster).
His achievement s include four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for Entertainer of the
Year (1988), 63 gold and 24 platinum records
and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Brad Paisley The famed country super-

star brings his Country Nation World Tour


tour to the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces at
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, with special guests
Parmalee & The Swon Brothers. Tickets: $29,
$49 and $59 (Ticketmaster).

Ricardo Arjona The Guatemalan

singer/songwriter performs at 8 p.m. Friday,


March 13, at El Paso County Coliseum.
Tickets: $68, $88, $108.50 and $148.50.
(Ticketmaster).

Cirque du Soleils Varekai The

Cirque du Soleil brings its show, set in a captivating forest inhabited by whimsical and
enchanted creatures, March 18-22 at UTEPs
Don Haskins Center. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday through Friday, 4 and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets:
$35, $95 and $145 (Ticketmaster).

Most Wanted fight night The boxing event is 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at

Please see Page 19


December 2014

Contd from Page 18

UTEPs Don Haskins Center. Details and ticket


information to be announced (Ticketmaster).
Bout has been rescheduled from Nov. 21.

Disney on Ice: Frozen Disneys most

Venues & series

Lowbrow Palace 111 E. Robinson.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and age 18 and older


welcome, unless listed otherwise. Tickets are
regularly $3 more for ages 16-20. Information:
356-0966 or thelowbrowpalace.com.
Dance Gavin Dance The post-hardcore
bands Rise Records Tour is 6 p.m. Sunday,
Nov. 30, with guests Secrets, Alive Like Me
and Defeat the Low. Tickets: $15.
Tokimonsta The American DJ and producer bring her Desiderium Tour, Part II to
El Paso 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. Ages 16 and
older welcome. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20
day of show.
Songs and Stories, An Evening with Art
Alexakis of Everclear is 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec.
13. Tickets: $20 in advance, $30 day of show.

Tricky Falls 209 S. El Paso. All shows are

all-ages (16 and older), unless listed otherwise.


Information: 351-9909 Online tickets at trickyfalls.com.
Netsky The dance artist known for hits
like Running Low featuring Beth Ditto, brings
hit Stay Up With Me Tour to El Paso Sunday,
Nov. 30.
Reel Big Fish The OC ska-punks perform
Wednesday, Dec. 3, with opening acts The
Maxies, Fixed Idea and The Casual Fridays.
Tickets: $15.
Casey McPearson The acclaimed
singer/songwriter, and frontman for the rock
bands Alpha Rev and Flying Colors, will present
an intimate acoustic performance with Aaron
Goldfarb. at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Jim Ward
and Gabriel Gonzales open the show at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10; available at the door.
Cage the Elephant The alt rock band performs at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. Tickets: $23
in advance; $25 day of show.
Spoon The alternative band performs
Wednesday, Dec. 17. Tickets: $20 in advance;
$22 at the door.
South by So What Battle of the Bands is 5
p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Tickets: $12.

Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and


Casino Mescalero, N.M. Shows begin at 8

p.m. Age 21 and older admitted. Tickets sold


through Ticketmaster. Information: 1-877-2775677 or innofthemountaingods.com.
Gerardo Ortiz The regional Mexican
singer-songwriter performs Saturday, Nov. 29.
Tickets: $40-$100.
Gary Allen The country singer songwriter
performs Friday, Dec. 5. Tickets: $30-$125.
Pink Flamingos 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.
31, as part of New Years Eve celebrations.
Door open at 7 p.m.; dinner at 8 p.m. Tickets:
$125.
Lee Brice The country star performs
Saturday, Jan. 10. Tickets: $25-$80.
Tesla The 80s rockers perform Saturday,
December 2014

Flickinger Center for Performing Arts

1110 New York Ave. Alamogordo.


Information: (575) 437-2202 or flickingercenter.com.
Oregon Elementary Christmas program is 6
p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Imago dei Academy Orchestra performs at 7
p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.
Cope Benefit featuring Flickinger House
Band is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Call for ticket
information.
The Grinch who Stole Christmas Las
Cruces School of Dance performs the holiday
ballet Dec. 12-14. Tickets: $10.
A Christmas Carol Nebraska Theatre
Caravans touring production of Charles Jones
adaptation of the Dickens holiday musical is at
7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets: $14-$36.
Gods Heavenly Children performance is 7
p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Tickets: $10; $6 children.
Travis Tritt The country artist gives a rare
intimate solo acoustic performance at 8 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22. Tickets: $55, $85 and $115.

Spencer Theater for Performing Arts

Airport Hwy 220 in Alto, N.M. Information:


(575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or
spencertheater.com.
Pre-show buffets are served at 6 p.m. for
some shows; cost is $20.
The Four Preps Christmas Show The
pop harmony ensemble, featuring original lead
singer Bruce Belland, performs at 7 p.m. Dec.
5. Their 26 Miles (Santa Catalina) was a 1958
million-seller. Belland is joined by former
Diamonds member Bob Duncan, and Michael
Redmand and Skip Taylor, formerly of the
Crew Cuts. Tickets: $39-$59.
Flying J Wranglers Christmas Show The
local troupe presents its annual holiday show 7
p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets: $30-$36.
Ruidoso Dance Ensembles The Nutcracker
The ensemble presents their original adaptation of the Tchaikovsky classic Dec. 19-20,
featuring student and guest dancers. Showtimes
are 7 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets: $30.
Jekyll & Hyde The Broadway musical hit
based on Robert Louis Stevensons tale is 7
p.m. Jan. 15. The cast of 30 performs the tale
of Jekyll and Hyde with a pop-rock score.
Tickets: $39-$72.
Swan Lake The Russian National Ballet
Theatre presents the classic by Peter
Tchaikovsky and Maurius Petipa at 7 p.m. Jan.
30. Tickets: $39-$72.

NM Tech Performing Arts Series

Performances are 7:30 p.m. at New Mexico


Techs Macey Center in Socorro, N.M.
Information: (575) 835-5688 or nmtpas.org.
DakhaBrakha The Ukrainian music group
performs Wednesday, Dec. 3. Tickets: $16
($14 seniors; $8 youth).
NDI-NM Broadway Bound Socorro
County Youth dance program performs at 7
p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Tickets: $6 (free for children).
Mariachi Christmas Mariachi Aztlan and
Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte. headline this
years event at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
Tickets: $20 ($18 seniors; $10 youth).
Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 14. Tickets: $22 ($20 seniors;
$10 youth).

Minerals & Fossils Whimsical Clocks Fashion Jewelry Swap Watches

Placita Santa Fe, 5034 Doniphan


Enter through The Marketplace / Magic Bistro

Gifts of All Kinds!


Language Art & Expression Tiles Hand Lotion Pouchee Purse Organizers

Purses Felt Birdhouses Bee Bar

successful animated film comes to life Oct. 711, 2015, at the El Paso County Coliseum,
4100 Paisano. Performances are 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday and noon, 3:30 and 7:30
p.m. Sunday. Thursdays performance in
Spanish. Tickets: $15, $25, $30, $60 and $75
(Ticketmaster) Ages 2 and older must have
ticket.

Jan. 24. Tickets: $25-$65.


Charley Pride The country music legend
performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Tickets:
$30-$75.
C.G. Ryche The musician and filmmaker
performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Tickets:
$40 general admission.

Jackets Soaps Shawls Scarves

Heres the Ticket

The Marketplace
at PLACITA SANTA FE
In the

n of the Upper Valley

10-5 Tues.-Sat. 12:30-4:30 Sun.

5034 Doniphan

585-9296

A HOLIDAY HAVEN!
Antiques

Linens

Rustics

Jewelry

Home Decor

STAINED
GLASS

Fine Art
Collectibles
Pottery

Folk Art
wearables

MAGIC BISTRO
Florals

& More

Lunch 11 am-2:30 pm Tues.-Sun.


Dinner 5-10 pm Fri.-Sat.

El Paso Scene

833-2121

Antique Traders

catering available

Ten Rooms of Hidden Treasure


A Browsers Paradise!

833-9929

Antiques ~ Collectibles ~ Hats ~ Vintage Clothing


Painted Furniture ~ Jewelry ~ Linens ~ Primitives
Vintage Toys~ Nostalgia of All Kinds
Page 19

EPCC Fall Music Showcases El Paso


Community College hosts its student showcases at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5 at the Transmountain
Theater, 6675 N. Desert. Admission: $3; available at the door. Information: 877-1700.
Thursdays showcase features EPCCs Guitar
Ensemble and Jazz Combos, and Fridays showcase feature Mariachi Real de El Paso, EPCCs
Chorus, Band and Orchestra.
Howling Coyote Coffeehouse The

open mic event is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at


Center for Spiritual Living, 575 N. Main, on Las
Cruces Downtown Main Street. Signup is open
to acoustic musicians, poets, storytellers, and
singer/songwriters, and begins at 6:30 p.m. This
community event is on the First Fridays of the
month. Information: Bob Burns, (575) 5259333 or bobandmelody@sbcglobal.net.

Lita Ford The former lead guitarist for

The Runaways performs at 8 p.m. Saturday,


Dec. 6, at Speaking Rock Entertainment
Center, 125 S. Pueblo Rd. The rock musician,
vocalist and songwriter was a member of the
famous all-female band in the late 1970s. Her
hits include Kiss Me Deadly and Close My
Eyes Forever. She will perform with guests
Stephen Pearcy and L.A. Guns. Admission is
free. Information: 860-7777 or speakingrockentertainment.com.

A Big Band Christmas Concert Jazz

Unlimited Big Band, with vocalist Jachin Ford,


hosts its 10th annual holiday concert at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. Marks United Methodist
Church, 5005 Love Road. Admission is free,
donations welcome. Information: 637-4569.

Sarah Aroeste In Concert The Anusim

Center of El Paso and Congregation Bnai Zion


present the Sephardic Songstress 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8, at Congregation Bnai Zion,
805 Cherry Hill Lane. With roots in Spain and
Macedonia, American-born Aroeste reinvents
Ladino and Sephardic music for a new audience, combining traditional Sephardic music
with contemporary influences such as rock,
jazz, and blues. Admission is free, but donations
are welcome. Information: 203-0020 or
anusimcenterep.org.
Aroeste writes and sings in Ladino, the JudeoSpanish dialect spoken by Spanish Jews after
their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Trained in
classical opera, Aroeste became drawn to her
Sephardic musical past after spending the summer of 1997 performing at the Israel Vocal Arts
Institute in Tel Aviv.

Every Other Tuesday Doa Ana Arts

Council hosts a variety of musical performances


6:30 p.m. every other Tuesday at the historic
Rio Grande Theatre, 211 Downtown Mall, Las
Cruces. Admission is free. Information: (575)
523-6403 or riograndetheatre.com.
Dec. 9: Preview of Doa Ana Lyric Operas
Amahl and the Night Visitors.
Dec. 23: Singer/songwriter Sage GentleWind, original jazz, blues, Americana, story-driven songs and hot guitar.

Steve Smith Trio The bluegrass musi-

cians performs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11,


at the Black Box Theatre, 430 Downtown Mall
in Las Cruces. Information: (575) 523-1223.
Smith will also perform his annual house concert event with Trish Cutler at 8 p.m. Saturday,
Jan. 24, as part of the High Desert House
Concerts series. Information, reservations:
highdeserthouseconcerts@gmail.com.

La Tierra Cafe Dinner Shows The

restaurant, 1731 Montana, offers a threecourse meal followed by performance. Call for
time and ticket information: 533-8890 or on
Facebook at latierracafe.
Dec. 13: Yolanda, Latin, country and drums
Dec. 20: Elvis tribute artist Bud Sanders,
Christmas show.

Music Under Stars/Dancing in City


applications The City of El Paso

SUNLAND ART GALLERY


CHRIST M AS OPE N HOU SE: Sa turda y, De c. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
C h r i s t m a s o r n a m e n t s & m a n y s m a l l a r t wo r k s f o r h o l i d a y g i f t s !
B U Y LOCAL LY & SU P PORT EL PASOS ART ISTS
Ori gi nal A rt, Pa inti ngs & P hotog ra p hs, Pri nts & G ift Items, 2 0 15 Ca l end a rs

5034-D Doniphan, Placita Santa Fe

Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-6

Ardovinos Live Music Ardovinos

Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Dr. in Sunland


Park, hosts live music at 8 p.m. every Friday
and Saturday. Information: (575) 589-0653.

Iron Horse Saloon jam sessions - 4930

Hondo Pass.
BBQ Blues Band hosts free open blues jam
sessions 7 to 10 p.m. every Thursday.
Musicians should bring their own amps and
musical instruments; PA provided. Information:
244-0758 or on Facebook at bbqblues.
Full Circle and Blackjack hosts free jam sessions 8 to 11:30 p.m. the second and fourth
Wednesday of the month. All styles of music
welcome. Small amp, bass amp and drums PA
provided. Information: 751-6064 or on
Facebook at Full Circle El Paso Texas.

Alfresco! Fridays applications El Paso

Lives applications for the 2015 Alfresco!


Fridays season will be accepted at alfrescofridays.com throughout December. The concert
series takes place on Friday evenings in
Downtown El Paso on Convention Center
Plaza during the summer months. Patrons
enjoy an informal opportunity to enjoy the best
regional talent, featuring dozens of musical genres including Salsa, Cumbia, Reggae, Country,
Rockabilly, Ska, Classic Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk
and more. Information; 534-0609.

Museums and Cultural Affairs Department is


taking applications from local bands and musicians through Dec. 18 for the 2015 seasons of
Music Under the Stars at the Chamizal National
Memorial and Dancing in the City at Arts
Festival Plaza. Information: 212-1777.
Guidelines and application form may be downloaded at elpasoartsandculture.org. Incomplete
and/or late applications will not be considered.
Applications can be submitted to
MCADEvents@elpasotexas.gov. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.
The 32nd Music Under The Stars runs Sundays
June through August, with a patriotic concert
Thursday, July 4.
The 6th annual Dancing in the City is an outdoor dance concert series takes place
Saturdays in June and July. The event offers
attendees a live dance lesson taught by professional dancers, one hour prior to the live music
performance. Local and touring musical talent
are invited to apply.

Railroad Blues 504 W. Holland, Alpine,


Texas. Most performances begin at 9 p.m.
Admission varies Information: (432) 837-3103
or railroadblues.com.
part of Alpines Artwalk Weekend
Friday, Dec. 5: Sol Track Mind
Saturday, Dec. 6: Statesboro Revue.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Years Eve party
featuring The Shades
Saturday, Jan. 17: Kevin Seale Band
Saturday, Jan. 24: Drugstore Gypsies
Friday, Feb. 6: No Dry Country
Saturday, Feb. 7: Koltron Moore and the
Clever Few.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, 1200


Futurity Drive, hosts free music on selected
weekends. Age 21 and older admitted.
Information: sunland-park.com. Brittany Bexton
performs Dec. 5-6.

El Paso Comic Strip 1201 Airway.

Sunland Park Racetrack live music

Socorro Entertainment Center

11200 Santos Sanchez (off Socorro Road, 4.5


miles southeast of Loop 375). Doors usually
open at 6 p.m. Socorro Entertainment Center
events are all ages; although under 18 must be
accompanied by an adult. Admission is free
($10 17 and younger) unless otherwise listed.
Tribute bands play each Thursday at 8 p.m.
Information: 860-7777 or speakingrockentertainment.com.
Conjunto Primavera is 6 p.m. Friday, Dec.
19.
The New Years Eve Party with musical guest
Kumbia King All Stars is 6 p.m. Wednesday,
Dec. 31.
Page 20

Kings X Blues Jam Blackjack and Full


Circle hosts free blues-only jams 8 p.m. to midnight the first and third Wednesday of the
month at Kings X, 4119 N. Mesa. Bring a guitar
and small amp; drums, bass amp and PA provided. Admission is free. Information: 5444795.

El Paso Scene

Folk Fury KTEP, 88.5 FM, features three

hours of acoustic and folk music with an


emphasis on recordings by local musicians and
occasional live appearances by them from 7
to 10 p.m. Saturdays. Hosts are Dan Alloway
and Gregg Carthy. Requests: 747-5153.

Comedy

Shows are at 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday,


8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and
7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $6 Wednesday and
Thursday, $12 Friday and Saturday, $8 Sunday,
unless listed otherwise; available at
ticketweb.com. Closed Dec. 24-25.
Information, reservations: 779-LAFF (5233) or
laff2nite.com.
Nov. 28-30: The Greg Wilson, with Jason
Resler.
Dec. 4-6: Carlos Mencia. Tickets: $27.05
Thursday; $32.50 Friday/Saturday early show;
$22.50 Friday/Saturday late show.
Dec. 10-14: David Garcia with co-headliner
to be announced.
Dec. 17-21: Willie Barcena
Dec. 26-28: Elliott Threatt.
The 28th annual New Years Eve Party and
Show is Wednesday, Dec. 31.
December 2014

The Gold Room

BOSS
at

Guilds annual dinner-dance gala and presentation of debutantes is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov.
29, at Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso.
Information: EPSO office, 532-3776.

Catalyst String Quartet El Paso Pro-

Musica presents the celebrated quartet at 7:30


p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at UTEPs Fox Fine Art
Recital Hall, and Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Rio
Grande Theatre in Las Cruces, in Las Cruces.
Pre-concert talks are 7 p.m. Tickets: $25 ($20
military/senior; $5 students). Information: 8339400 or eppm.org.
The Catalyst String Quartet are winners of the
coveted Sphinx Competition Prize for
Excellence and Celebrating Diversity in
Classical Music.
The Quartet will also present a series of free
performances at El Paso Public Library branches, Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 1-3.
Dec. 1: 1 p.m. at Judge Marquez Branch, 610
N. Yarbrough.
Dec. 2: 11 a.m. at Armijo Branch, 620 E.
7th.
Dec. 3: 1 p.m. at Richard Burges Branch,
9600 Dyer.

Holiday Concert El Paso Wind


Symphony, directed by Ron Hufstader, opens
its season with holiday music 7:30 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 5, at UTEPs Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall.
Ticket information: 760-5599 or elpasowindsymphony.com.
The performance will serve as a Toys for Tots
Foundation drop off location during the show.
Santa Fe Opera Holiday Show Doa

Ana Arts Council and Santa Fe Opera


Educational Department and the Doa Ana
Arts Council present a free holiday concert at
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Rio Grande
Theatre, at 211 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces,
featuring arias, songs of the season, musical
theater selections and sacred music, all performed by up-and-coming opera stars accompanied by SFO Musical Director Kirt Pavitt.
Tickets are complimentary; available online at
RioGrandeTheatre.com. Information: (575)
523-6403.
Taking the stage with the Santa Fe Opera
Holiday Tour will be soprano Amy Owens, an
apprentice of the SFO this past summer and
previously with Central City Opera, Wolf Trap
Opera and Utah Festival Opera, along with
bass-baritone Calvin Griffin, also an apprentice
last summer and a former member of the
Arizona Opera Studio, Des Moines Metro
Opera and Wolf Trap Opera.

EPHCC Holiday Concert The El Paso

Symphony Youth Orchestra performs its annual


holiday concert for El Paso Hispanic Chamber
of Commerces Education Foundation at 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Plaza Theatre, The
orchestra, directed by Andres Moran, features
musicians age 14-21 and will play a variety of
seasonal music. Tickets: $15 ($6.50 age 2-12;
$11.50 students, military and seniors with valid
ID; $35 family pack of two adults, two juniors);
available through Ticketmaster. Information:
566-4066, or epsyos.org.
Selections from The Nutcracker will also be
presented by a local ballet group.

LCSO with Antonio di Cristofano

Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, directed by


Lonnie Klein, presents guest pianist Lindsay
December 2014

Deutsch as part of its Classics series at 7:30


p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at
NMSUs Atkinson Music Recital Hall. Selections
include Prokofievs Overture on Hebrew
Themes, and Beethovens Concerto No. 5
Emperor and Symphony No. 8. Tickets: $35,
$40 and $45. Information: (575) 646-3709 or
lascrucessymphony.com.

Music at the Museum International

Museum of Art, 1211 Montana, will host


fundraising concerts 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec.
6, and Thursday, Dec. 18, in the auditorium,
featuring area youth musicians, conducted by
Daniel Rivera, with original compositions by
Rivera. Refreshments follow each performance.
Tickets: $12; available at the front desk.
Information: 543-6747.

Young El Paso Singers Holiday


Concert Young El Paso Singers Elite

Ensemble, directed by Dr. Cindy Jay, with


Ruben Gutierrez on piano, will present music
of Christmas and Hanukkah noon to 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Downtown Artist and
Farmers Market, 117 Anthony, featuring standard carols, music from Journey of Promises,
and songs telling the story of Hanukkah.
Presented with the support of the City of El
Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department
and the Texas Commission On the Arts.
Admission is free. Information: 227-6002 or
youngelpasosingers.org.

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Treble Clef Ball The El Paso Symphony

NMSU Department of Music Recitals

are in the Atkinson Music Recital Hall at


NMSU. The Honors Music Recital is 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7. Ticket information: (575) 6462421 or nmsu.edu/~music,

El Paso Brass KRWG presents one of the


longest continually performing brass quintets in
America, composed of key members of the El
Paso Symphony Orchestra and other distinguished artists from across the Southwest, at 7
p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Rio Grande
Theatre, 211 N. Main in the Las Cruces
Downtown Mall. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20
at the door (ages 6-18 $7.50 in advance; $10 at
the door; free for ages 5 and younger).
Advance tickets available a KRWGs offices and
Better Life Pet Food in Las Cruces.
Information: (575) 646-2222 or
RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Amahl and the Night Visitors Doa

Ana Lyric Opera and the Doa Ana Arts


Council celebrate the season with the one-act
opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at Rio
Grande Theatre, 211 N. Main Street in the Las
Cruces Downtown Mall. Directed by Jessica
Medoff and Annie Pennies. Tickets: $15 general
admission($5 students). Information: (575) 5236403 or RioGrandeTheatre.com.
The story is about a young boy who learns
that gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Originally
aired on television in 1951, the opera became
an instant classic and has remained a perennial
Christmas favorite ever since.
Amahl, a disabled boy who needs a crutch to
walk, and his mother are very poor and may
have to resort to begging to stay alive. One
night they receive three very special guests, the
Three Kings bearing gold and expensive gifts

Please see Page 22


El Paso Scene

Page 21

Program Notes

Contd from Page 21

and following a star that will lead them to a


wondrous child. The events of this night will
prove miraculous for the young Amahl.

Hearts Aglow Mesilla Valley Chorales

holiday concert is 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at


the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown
Mall in Las Cruces. The diverse program,
directed by Nancy Ritchey, includes sacred
selections, spirituals and choral arrangements
of holiday favorites with instrumental backup.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $10.
Information: (575) 647-2560 or riograndetheatre.com.

Piano Recital The students of Alfredo


Poblano will perform classic and modern
pieces at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the

Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San


Marcial. Admission is free. Information: 1-877240-6827.

Amahl and the Night Visitors El


Paso Choral Society presents the one-act
Christmas opera at 6 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19-20, at Chamizal National
Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. One night in
Judea, a disabled shepherd boy and his mother
are visited by three strangers (the Three Kings)
on their way to Bethlehem to visit the Christ
Child. Cast includes international and regional
opera singers, professional chamber choir and
instrumentalists are from El Paso, Juarez, and
Las Cruces. Admission: $20 (15 seniors, military; $10 students). Information: 479-0156.
a part of this long-standing organization that
provides entertainment and education throughout the region. No prior musical background is
necessary.

El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy

7220 N. Mesa. Information: 585-0090 or


danceelpaso.com.
A Christmas Salsa Social is Friday, Dec. 5, with
live performance by Team Havana. Kizomba
lesson is 9-10 p.m. followed by the social from
10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Cost is $10, BYOB.
Christmas Dance Party is 8-11 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 13. Cost is $10.

Winter Wonderland Dance The

nonprofit Desert Dancer Chapter of USA


Dance is Saturday, Dec. 6, at Centennial
Banquet and Conference Center Building
11199 on East Fort Bliss, with a sit-down dinner at 6 p.m., open dancing 7 to 10 p.m. and
door prizes. Live music by Azucar. Proceeds
benefit local scholarships. Tickets: $45 ($40
members); available from area dance studios or
through desertdanceusa.com. Deadline to purchase tickets is Dec. 2. Information: Rachel,
345-6432, Nellie (575) 405-7961 or Georgena,
855-7179.

Contra Dance The Southern New

Mexico Music and Dance Societys monthly


contra dance is a Holiday Dressy Dance 7:30 to
10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Mesilla
Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago in
Las Cruces, with caller Lonnie Ludeman and
music by the Muletones. The dance begins with
beginners lessons at 7:30 p.m.; no partner
needed. Cost: $6. Information: (575) 522-1691
or snmmds.org.
The contra dances are old-time dances done
in long lines, accompanied by live, Appalachianstyle music.

The Nutcracker Ballet The Las

Cruces Chamber Ballets 32nd annual production of Tchaikovskys Christmas classic is Dec.
18-21 at the NMSUs Atkinson Music Recital
Hall, N. Horseshoe and Espina. Performances
are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday,
and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $24
(Ticketmaster). All seats reserved.

The Nutcracker Ballet El Paso Youth

Ballets 36th annual presentation of


Tchaikovskys classic ballet is 7:30 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 19-20, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at

UTEPs Magoffin Auditorium. Tickets are $15$25 (Ticketmaster). Information: 747-5234


(UTEP Ticket Center), 760-6062 (Marta Katz)
or elpasoconservatoryofdance.com.

The Great Russian Nutcracker The

Moscow Ballet presents the 21st Anniversary of


the holiday classic at 3 and 7 p.m. Tuesday,
Dec. 23, at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $28,
$48, $68 and $88. VIP tickets are $122.
(Ticketmaster). Group discounts available.
Information: nutcracker.com.
The performance features 40 Russian dancers
performing Tchaikovskys timeless score. The
Great Russian Nutcracker tells the traditional
story of a young girl meeting her prince and
includes a tribute to world peace and harmony.
Exclusive to the Great Russian Nutcracker is
the Dove of Peace, with a 20-foot wingspan,
created by two dancers moving as one; Russian
folk legends Father Christmas/Ded Moroz and
Snow Maiden/Snegurochka who escort Masha
and Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Peace
and Harmony; life-sized Matrushka Dolls; and
whimsical 10-foot-tall silk puppets.
Also new in 2014 is a Russian Christmas puppet play and Mashas magical Toy Cabinet.

Lessons and classes

Sunland Dance Studio The studio at

1769 Victory Lane, hosts lessons in Tango,


Latin Dance, Ballroom, Salsa and other styles.
Information: (575) 589-0130 or sunlandballroom.com. Classes include Adult Absolute
Beginner Ballet, Tots in Motion, Seniors 50+
Class, Introduction to Argentine Tango, Tango
Fundamentals, Salsa at Six, Country Western
and Latin Dance. See website for full schedule.
A new Latin Dance class is 5 p.m. Monday,
Wednesday and Thursdays. Cost: $5 per class.

Argentine Tango Nights Paso del

Norte Tango club hosts a weekly dance class 8


to 9 p.m. Saturdays at its new location at
Dancers Studio, 111 Rio Flor (off Mesa, across
from Bella Napoli Restaurant, followed by
Milonga (dance party) through 11 p.m.
Beginners welcome, partners not necessary.
Cost: $7. Information: 532-2043 or pasodelnortetangoclub.com.

Belly dance classes Kareesha Willow,

who has more than 10 years teaching experience, hosts belly dance classes for all levels 7 to
8 p.m. Tuesdays at El Paso Conservatory of
Dance, 1060 Doniphan Park Circle, Suite H.
Cost: $30 per month ($10 drop ins).
Information: 585-6825 or
kareeshawillow@yahoo.com.

Belly dance, yoga classes Dance Alive

offers classes Monday through Thursday at


2120 Montana. Instructor is Lorraine Alvarez
Portilla. Yoga classes are 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, and 6 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday. Belly dance classes are
6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 7:15
to 8:15 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Cost is
$50 for eight classes ($10 for drop-ins).
Information: 566-1742.

Tango Argentino del Sol The organization hosts tango lessons 7 to 9 p.m. every
Tuesday at Mexico Lindo Hall, 123 Carolina (at
Alameda behind McDonalds). Cost: $5 ($8 couples). Senior and student discounts offered.
Information: 630-7607 or tangoargentinodelsol.org.

Page 22

El Paso Scene

December 2014

Hyundai Sun Bowl The 81st annual


football classic begins at noon, Saturday, Dec.
27. Teams, to be announced, will come from
the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. Tickets: $22,
$32, $42, $52 and $62 (Ticketmaster).
Captains Club tickets: $652. Information: 5334416, 1-800-915-BOWL or sunbowl.org.
The 3rd annual Sun Bowl Sky Party is 9 to
11:30 a.m. that day at UTEPs South Stadium
Parking Garage with food and drinks, live
music, games, giveaways and both university
bands. Admission is free.
Other Sun Bowl events:
Selection Sunday announcement of 2014
teams is 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, At Frankies
Sports Bar and Grill, 5850 Onix.
The 53rd annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins
Sun Bowl Invitational is Dec. 21-22 at UTEPs
Don Haskins Center. Sunday: North Dakota
State vs. Kent at 5 p.m. and UTEP vs. Alcorn at
7 p.m. Consolation game at 5 p.m. Monday
with championship game at 7 p.m. Tickets:
$20-$40 four game/two night package; $12-$22
two-game/one night package. Information: 5334416 or 747-5234 (UTEP Ticket Center).
The Sun Bowl Golf Challenge is 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 26, at Vista Hills Country Club,
2210 Trawood. Check-in 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.
Open to all golfers. Information: Bill
Greenawald, 443-5589; Vista Hills Country
Club, 592-6565 or vistahillscc.com.
Rotary Sun Bowl Football Team Luncheon is
11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at the El Paso
Convention Center. Doors open at 11 a.m.
The starting lineups from both teams are introduced at 11:30 a.m. and the head coaches are
highlighted as well. Tickets: $50; tables for
eight $450 (eight guests, or six guests plus two
football player from each team). Information:
533-4416, ext. 200 or 504-9013.
El Paso Rhinos - El Pasos Junior League ice

hockey team plays home games at the Sierra


Providence Events Center, next to the
Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Regular game time
is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday. Tickets; $20 glass seats; $15 center
line; $10 bluelines; $5 general admission. information: 479-PUCK (7825) or
elpasorhinos.com. Home games
Nov. 28-30: Oklahoma City Blazers
Dec. 12-14: Wichita Thunder

Chihuahua League tryouts Tryouts for

the official Chihuahua, Mexico basketball league


are Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at UACJ
Gym in Juarez, Mexico. Interested athletes
should meet at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at El
Paso High School, 800 E. Schuster. Tryouts
limited to first 64 players; 16 will be drafted. A
coach, general manager or president from each
team will be present. Presented by FIBA
(Fdration Internationale de Basketball) agents
Jon Solomon and Armando Valadez. Cost to
tryout: $250 by Nov. 28; $300 after, if slots
available. Information: J. Solomon, (267) 2888514 or arcadiaguard113@msn.com, or A.
Valadez, (915) 258-2916 or
valardist@yahoo.com. Web: selfmotivatedathleticagency.com.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park. Simulcast


racing begins at 10 a.m. everyday. General
admission and parking are free. Information:
(575) 874-5200 or sunland-park.com.
Live racing season begins Friday, Dec. 5, and
December 2014

runs through April. Post time is 12:15 p.m.


Fridays through Mondays.
To get there, take the Sunland Park exit from
I-10, go south (left turn coming from
Downtown) and follow the signs.

Senior All-Star Football Classic The

23rd annual greater El Paso football showcase


game is at 1:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at
UTEPs Sun Bowl stadium. The Greater El Paso
Football Showcase All-Star Game features El
Paso area football athletes playing on East/West
teams. Also featured are cheerleaders, band,
dancers, trainers, and JROTC cadets. Pre-game
events start at 12:35 p.m. All proceeds benefit
college scholarships for participants. Tickets; $6
in advance (available at all participating high
schools); $8 at the gate. Ages 6 and younger
free. Information: 478-6904 or gepfs.com.
Halftime entertainment includes the All Star
marching band, flags, dance teams and cheerleaders from area high schools.
The 4th Greater El Paso Football Showcase
Combine begins is 3:30to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec.
19, at the Socorro Athletic Complex, 1300 Joe
Battle, open to high school seniors seeking to
play college football.

College sports

UTEP Football The Miners final home

game of the season is 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov.


29, at Sun Bowl Stadium, vs. Middle
Tennessee. Regular home game time is 6 p.m.
Tickets: $12-$45. Information: 747-5234, 5448444 or utepathletics.com.

UTEP Mens Basketball - The Miners

home games are at the Don Haskins Center.


Game time is 7 p.m., unless otherwise listed.
Tickets: $8-$50 (Ticketmaster). Information:
747-5234 or utepathletics.com.
(7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: away game at
NMSU)
Monday, Dec. 8: Incarnate Word
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Southeastern Louisiana
9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19: Arizona
Tuesday, Dec. 30: Sul Ross
Thursday, Jan. 8: Louisiana Tech
Saturday, Jan. 10: Southern Miss

UTEP Womens Basketball - Home

games are in the Don Haskins Center. Tickets:


$5 (Ticketmaster). Information: 747-5234 or
utepathletics.com.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2: Eastern New
Mexico
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: Houston Baptist
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20: Prairie View A&M
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28: Alcorn State.
Friday, Jan. 2: North Texas, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 4: Rice, 2 p.m.

NMSU Mens Basketball Home games


are at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces.
Game time is 7 p.m. Season tickets: $50-$395;
single game tickets to be announced
(Ticketmaster). Information: (575) 646-1447 or
nmstatesports.com.
Saturday, Dec. 6: UTEP
Saturday, Dec. 20: New Mexico
Monday, Dec. 22: Northern New Mexico
Saturday, Dec. 27: Colorado State
Tuesday, Dec. 30: Texas Southern
Saturday, Jan. 3: UC Irvine
Tuesday, Jan. 6: New Mexico Highlands

Please see Page 24


El Paso Scene

Page 23

Sports

Contd from Page 23

NMSU Womens Basketball The Lady


Aggies home games are at Pan Am Center in
Las Cruces. Game time is 7 p.m.; 2 p.m. on
Sundays. Tickets to be announced
(Ticketmaster). Information: (575) 646-1447 or
nmstatesports.com.
Thursday, Dec. 4: Eastern NM
Sunday, Dec. 7: New Mexico
Sunday, Dec. 14: North Dakota State
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Cal Poly
Sunday, Jan. 4: Northern New Mexico
The Hotel Encanto Thanksgiving Classic is
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28-29. Games begin
at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days. Invited teams
are Cal State Fullerton, Eastern Michigan and
Weber State.

WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl


Invitational The 53rd annual WestStar

Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational is Dec.


21-22 at UTEPs Don Haskins Center. UTEP
hosts Kent State, North Dakota and Alcorn
State. Tickets: $20-$40 four game/two night
package; $12-$22 two-game/one night package.
Information: 533-4416 or 747-5234 (UTEP
Ticket Center).
The tournament is the nations oldest collegiate holiday basketball tournament.
Sunday schedule: North Dakota State vs. Kent
at 5 p.m. and UTEP vs. Alcorn at 7 p.m.
Monday schedule: Consolation game at 5 p.m.,
championship game at 7 p.m.

Bicycling

El Paso Bicycle Club - All rides are free

and open to the public; helmets required.


Information: elpasobicycleclub.com or meetup.com/elpasobicycleclub. Rides listed below
may be subject to change; check website first.
8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29: Santa Teresa
Out-and-Backs. Meet at River Run Plaza. Allpaces ride; 40 miles total. This ride has several
options for shorter distance. Coffee break at
Pennys Diner. Randy Limbird, 328-4110.
8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 30: Rollers to Cruces.
Meet at Starbucks at Outlet Mall. 55 miles, 1820 mph. Tania Beltran,588-8079.
9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: Valley Loop. Meet
at La Union (park next to Gallery 28, NM 28
across from Mercantil Rd). 30 miles , 15-17
mph. Bob Clark, 204-2531.
8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: Meet at Starbucks,
6015 N. Mesa (at Sunland Park Dr.). Ride over
Scenic to Alabama, down Hondo Pass then
over Transmountain. 18-20 mph. Xavier Estala,
915-526-3995, Chris Hoffman, 915-492-3026.
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: Ride the ditches.
Mountain bikes only. Meet at River Run Plaza,
1071 Country Club Rd. Explore the levee and
irrigation canals in the Upper Valley area.
About 12 miles, 10-12 mph. Make sure tires
are slimed goatheads are everywhere.
Randy Limbird, 915-328-4110.
8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Meet at River Run
Plaza, 1071 Country Club Rd., and ride to NM
28 to Afton Road. 48 miles, 18-20 mph. Lisa
Studdard, 915-637-2319.
8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: Meet at Madeline
Park, Cincinnati at Baltimore in Kern Place.
Ride over Scenic then Alabama to War Road to
top of Gap and back. 48 miles, 16-18 mph. Jim
Weaver, 915-775-9757.
8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20:
Beginner/Intermediate Ride. Location, route
TBA. Marty Boyd, 915-588-5161.
8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21: Meet at Crazy Cat
Cyclery, Redd at I-10. Ride to Transmountain
to Northeast, then climb McKelligon and return
over Scenic and the West Side. 40 miles, 18-20
Page 24

El Paso Scene

mph. Fidel Villalpando, 915-203-8923.


8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27: Meet at Kohls
parking lot, I-10 at Redd. Ride rollers to Vado
and back. 38 miles, 17-19 mph. Beto Oronaz,
915-491-6640.
Sunday, Dec. 28: Time, location, route TBA.

Radium Springs Brevet The endurance

road bike event begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec.


6, at Leasburg State Park in Radium Springs,
N.M.. The 135-mile route goes along the valley
to Hatch and Caballo, then climbs to Hillsboro
and returns via Lake Valley, Nutt and Hatch.
Part of NM Brevet Series. $25 entry (includes
lunch; does not include park entry fee); register
at newmexicosportsonline.com. Information:
nmnightrider@comcast.net.

EP Cyclists The bicycle group offers rides

for all levels. Weekend rides offer options of


various paces and distances. Starting times and
locations are posted at facebook.com/epcyclist.
For more information: Manny Valadez, 8612311 or epcyclists.com.

Ride Your Bicycle El Paso Chucks

Bicycle Repair hosts Tuesday night rides at 7


p.m. beginning at Soho Lounge, 500 N. Oregon
(at Franklin). Explore downtown streets and
parks. 8-10 miles, 45 minutes. Easy pace for
beginners and intermediates. Information: 7912006 or chucksbicyclerepair.com. Chucks
Bicycle Repair is at 700 E. Yandell.

El Paso Puzzler The endurance moun-

tain bike race is Sunday, Jan. 18 at Bowen


Ranchs Round House, 2.6 miles north of US54
on Martin Luther King Jr. (Farm to Market
Road 3255). Races of 13, 35 and 50 miles
offered. Hosted by the Border Mountain Bike
Association. Registration: $55 for 13- and 35mile race; $65 for 50-mile race. Information:
elpasopuzzler.com or on Facebook at El Paso
Puzzler Mountain Bike Race.
Start time is 8 a.m. (50 mile), 8:10 a.m. (35
mile) and 8:20 a.m. (13 mile). Cost (by Dec. 1):
$65 for 50 mile; $55 for 35 mile race; $45 for
13 mile. Late fee after Jan. 1 of $10. Register
online at texassportsreg.com or newmexicosportsonline.com.
Packet pick-up is 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan.
17, or 6:30 to 7;30 a.m. the morning of the
race, at the race venue; addition $10 late for
registration during packet pick-up.

Golf

First Tee Holiday sessions First Tee of

Greater El Paso hosts a holiday skills session for


fall noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at
Ascarate Golf Course, 6900 Delta. Class
include driving range time, short game (chipping and putting) and playing time. Cost: $35
per class; participants may attend any or all
classes. Information/registration: thefirstteegreaterelpaso.org.

Girls Golf First Tees LPGA USGA pro-

gram Family Christmas party and Tournament


is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at
Ascarate Golf Course, 6900 Delta, followed by
food and prizes Information:
kristeealb@gmail.com or girlsgolf.org.

Sun Bowl Golf Challenge The 2014

Hyundai Sun Bowl Golf Challenge begins with a


shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at
Vista Hills Country Club, 2210 Trawood.
Check-in 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Open to all golfers.
Cost: per person $65; includes green fee, cart,
range balls, prizes, goodie bag, breakfast burrito bar and luncheon. Information: Bill
Greenawald, 443-5589; Vista Hills Country
Club, 592-6565 or vistahillscc.com.

Please see Page 25


December 2014

Sports

Contd from Page 24

Application forms available online at


sunbowl.org.
Representatives from the participating ACC
and Pac-12 universities will be pitted against
each other in an 18-hole, 2-person scramble
matchplay format.

Recreational Sports

Youth Gymnastics Las Cruces Parks &

Recreation offers intermediate and advanced


classes Dec. 1-11 at Frank OBrien Papen
Community Center, 304 W. Bell. Center open
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost
per student: $30 intermediate; $45 advanced;
parent must be present with children during
class time. Information: (575) 541-2455.
Classes are 4 to 5 p.m. for intermediate students and 5:30 to 7 p.m. for advanced students,
Monday through Thursday

Winter sports leagues City of Las


Cruces Parks & Recreation Department hosts
the following adult sports leagues beginning in
January. Registration for both leagues offered 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13, at
Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E.
Hadley. Games begin Jan. 12. Information, registration (575) 541-2563 or athletics@lascruces.org.
Winter Adult Indoor Volleyball League.
Womens and Co-ed Divisions offered for age
18 and older. Cost: $250 per team; had due by
managers meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.
7, at the center.
Winter Adult Basketball League. Mens and
Womens divisions offered for ages 18 and
older. Cost: $465 per team; half due by managers meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the
center.

Runs and walks

Iron Turkey 5K and Turkey Olympics

UTEPs Phi Delta Thetas 5th annual 5k Run,


1 Mile Walk and Turkey Olympics is
Thanksgiving Day, 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov.
27, at The Greenery, Sunland Park Mall.
Proceeds benefit ALS Association of New
Mexico. Cost: $25 for 5K (by Nov. 24); $30
Nov. 25-26. Information: 478-5663.
Packet pick-up is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday
and Wednesday, Nov. 25-26, at Up and
Running, 3233 N. Mesa. No race day registration or packet pick up.
Turkey Olympics cost is $20 for first event,
$10 each addition event or first event with run
entry fee.
A Turkey Olympic costume contest also
planned with Greenery gift cards for first, second and third place.

YMCA Turkey Trot The 38th annual


Thanksgiving Day 5K run, 5K team challenge

and 3K fun walk benefiting the YMCAs Strong


Teens Campaign begin at 7:15 a.m. Thursday,
Nov. 27, at YMCA offices, 808 Montana (at
Virginia). The Turkey Trot is the oldest road
race in El Paso, and follows the Sun Bowl
Parade Route. Cost: $25 per event through
Nov. 21; $30 Nov. 21-26; $35 on race day.
Information: 584-9622. Entry forms available at
all YMCA branches; online preregistration at
elpasoymca.org.
Team competition is four runners any gender
combination. Registration at randy.wastradowski@elpasoymca.org.
A free costume contest is also planned.

8k Holiday Run The family run is 8:30

a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Fort Blisss Soto


Physical Fitness Center, Bldg. 20751
Constitution on East Fort Bliss. Families
encouraged to bring strollers, your scooters,
bikes or pets; open to entire El Paso community. T-shirts for all pre-registered runners. Onsite registration and packet pickup is 7 to 8:15

a.m. Registration (by Dec. 3): $20; $10 active


duty military, children 12 and younger); additional $10 for registration on race day.
Registration at active.com. Information: 7445794 or blissmwr.com/intramurals.

Polar Bear Triathlon The 5K run, 30K

bike and 400M swim begins at 8 a.m. Saturday,


Dec. 6, at White Sands Missile Ranges Aquatic
Center. Registration at active.com).
Information: (575) 678-3374 or wsmrmwr.com
(click on Bell Gym).

Please see Page 26

Archery Classes for beginners The

Archers of El Paso Club hosts two-hour supervised shooting classes 9 to 11 a.m. every
Saturday at the Archers of El Paso Range, in
Northeast El Paso off Martin Luther King at
Stan Roberts. Bows and arrows provided for
the seminar. Youth and adults age 7 and older
welcome; parents must be present for kids age
16 and younger. Reservations required; limited
number of spaces available each month. Cost:
$20. Information/reservations: Ricardo Urias,
487-8199 or r.uri2000@yahoo.com.mx (specify
name, phone number, age, right or left handed).

Franklin Mountain Gun Club NRA


High Power Rifle matches are 9 a.m. the second Sunday of the month (Dec. 14, Jan 11), at
Fort Bliss Bow and Gun Club, Range 9. Several
matches at varying distances planned. Entry
office opens for registration at 8:30 a.m. Fee:
$15. Information: Dale Berry, 503-7244.
To get there: Take Railroad Drive to Deer;
turn right.
John C. Garand commemorative match along
with a Vintage Bolt Rifle match will be held
Sunday, Nov. 30. Cost: $15.

Motor sports

Arroyo Seco Raceway The Southern

New Mexico track is located off Hwy 549, off


I-10 at the Akela exit, with drag racing, motorcycle racing, sportscar testing and more. Call
for ticket prices. Information: (575) 544-3440,
(575) 494-4794 or arroyosecoraceway.com.
ASMA Motorcycle Roadracing is Sunday, Nov.
30.
The annual ASMA Banquet is Saturday, Dec. 6;
call for registration.
December 2014

El Paso Scene

Page 25

Sports

Contd from Page 25

Jingle Bell Rock Run University Medical

Center Foundations annual holiday 5K run and


1 mile walk benefiting El Paso Childrens
Hospital is 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at El Paso
County Coliseum. Dress in holiday-inspired
gear; prices for Best Santa, Best Reindeer, Best
Elf, Best Christmas Tree and Largest Team in
Costume. All registered participants receive
long-sleeved t-shirt; refreshments provided at
end of race. Registration: $20 per event ($25
after Nov. 28). Information: Alexa, 521-7229,
ext. 3088 or umcfoundationelpaso.org/jinglebellrock.
Pre-race and packet pick up is noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, at Up and Running, 3233 N.
Mesa, Suite 205. Race day registration and
packet pickup is 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the race
site.

Las Cruces Half Marathon The 5th

annual URSA Marathon, half-marathon, 5K and


Fun Run benefiting Habitat for Humanity is
Sunday, Dec. 7, at Field of Dreams, 2501
Tashiro Road in Las Cruces, N.M. Post-race
celebration with music and refreshments.
Registration: $65 for half-marathon; $30 for 5K;
$20 for fun run. Information: lascruceshalf.com.
Half marathon begins at 8 a.m., 5K run/walk at
8:15 a.m. and Fun Run at 9:45 a.m. Awards
begin at 10 a.m. for 5K and 11 a.m. for half
marathon.

Lady of the Mountain The Half

Marathon, relay, 10K and 5K runs begin at 8


a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Griggs Field,
Fairgrounds Road and N. Florida in
Alamogordo. Entry fee is $40 for the halfmarathon, $60 per relay team; $35 for 10K;
$30 for 5K; and $10 for Kids 1-mile run.
Discount for registration before Dec. 1.
Registration (until Dec. 11) at active.com.
Information: ladyofthemountainrun.com.
Proceeds benefit the Lady of the Mountain
Scholarship at NMSU-Alamogordo.

Chilly Dash and Splash Las Cruces

Parks & Recreation Departments inaugural


City of Las Cruces Chilly Dash and Splash is
Saturday, Dec. 20, at Frenger Pool, 800
Parkview Dr. The 5k run (3.2 miles) around
Frenger Park begins around 9 a.m. followed by
a polar plunge-style dive into the cold waters of
Frenger pool at 11 a.m. Registration through
Dec. 19, at Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E.
Hadley during normal operating hours. Cost:
$20 ($15 run only; $5 plunge only).
Information: Las Cruces Regional Aquatic
Center, (575) 541-2782.
Late entries will be taken 7 to 8 a.m. day of
event at Frenger Pool. Cost: $25 ($20 run only;
$10 plunge only).

Up and Running Jingle Bell Run The

7th annual 5K run/walk benefitting El Paso High


School girls track is 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec.
20, at Up and Running, 2322 N. Mesa (Rudolph
Plaza). Runners encouraged to wear a Santa
Hat. Cost: $25 per event by Dec. 18; $25 Dec.
19-20. Information: Chris Rowley, 478-5663.
Online registration at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Packet pick up is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 19, and 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. on race day at
Up and Running.
Hot chocolate and tamales at finish line. Bestdressed Santa and elf receive a $50 gift card.

Fort Bliss Half Marathon & 5K The

13-mile and 5K races are Saturday, Jan. 10, at


Soto Physical Fitness Center, Bldg. 20751
Constitution on East Fort Bliss. The half-

Page 26

El Paso Scene

marathon begins at 7:30 a.m.; the 5K at 8:30


a.m.
Cost: $35 half-marathon ($10 active duty soldiers); $20 for 5Kk ($10 for active duty).
Information: 744-57940 or blissmwr.com/intramurals. Registration at active.com. $10 late fee
for registration Jan. 9-10.
Packet pickup is 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan.
9 and 6 to 8:15 a.m. at Soto Gym.

Super Scholar Run Clint ISDs 5K run

and 1 mile walk is 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at


Horizon Middle School, 400 N. Kenazo in
Horizon City. Registration by Jan 9: $20 per
event ($10 students and per person); $25 after
Jan. 8. Race day registration is 7:15 to 7:45 a.m.
Online registration at raceadventuresunlimited.com.

Biggest Loser RunWalk The half

marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run are Sunday,


Jan. 18, in Las Cruces. Information: biggestloserrunwalk.com.

Winter sports

Public Ice Skating Skating offered 7 to

10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10


p.m. Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays at
the Sierra Providence Event Center next to the
Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. All ages welcome.
Admission (includes skate rental): $8 ($6 military). Spectator admission is free. Information:
479-PUCK (7825) or elpasohockey.org.
No public skating on days of home games
(Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 12-14).

Ski Apache The ski area is scheduled to

open Thanksgiving weekend. Ski Apache Snow


Report number is (575) 257-9001. Information:
(575) 464-3600 or skiapache.com.
The annual Dummy Gelunde ski jump event is
3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, followed by
the annual Torchlight Parade 6 to 8 p.m. down
Capitan Trail and a fireworks show.
Lifts are open from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
depending on weather conditions. All-day lift
tickets are $67 ($60 age 60-69; $58 age 13-17;
$47 12 and younger; $56 military and $42 for
military child; free for ages 70 and older.
(Prices slightly higher on peak days). Season
passes: $305-$700. Call or check website or
multiple-day or half-day skiing prices.
Gondola Rides are $17 ($11 age 6-12; free for
five and younger)

Ski Cloudcroft The southernmost ski

area in the United States is two miles east of


Cloudcroft on U.S. 82, has 26 trails with two
ski lifts, plus a tubing lift, rental shop,
Mustards Last Stand restaurant, vertical drop
700 feet, snowboarding, tubing with elevations
of 8,350 to 9,050 feet. Information/snow conditions: (575) 682-2333, skicloudcroft.net or on
Facebook.
Season may begin as early as November,
weather permitting.
Lift tickets: $35 ($25 age 12 and younger for
full day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $28 ($20 age 12 and
younger) for half day 1 to 4 p.m. Ski, and snowboard rentals available, and beginner ski school
packages offered.
Tubing available for $20 per day; $14 half day
(weekends only).

Cloudcroft Ice Rink The ice rink at 751


James Canyon (Hwy 82), across from
Cloudcroft High School, in Cloudcroft, N.M. is
frozen over mid-December through early
March, weather permitting. Usual hours are 3
to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
Tubing, hot chocolate and bonfires also featured. Skate rentals: $5. Information/hours:
(575) 682-4585 or (915) 449-1200 or on
Facebook at Cloudcroft Ice Rink.

December 2014

Courtesy Photo

The Ice Pondat The Fountains at Farah is now in its 2nd season.

Ski Apache usually opens Thanksgiving Day.

Courtesy Photo

Snow fun in the sun


Nearby ski resorts and local
ice rinks offer winter recreation

ith a nickname like The Sun


City, it figures that El Paso
isnt a hot spot for winter
sports. Even the worst of winter storms
rarely leaves enough snow to last more
than day. But skiing, snowboarding and ice
skating enthusiasts, as well as families
looking for sledding and tubing opportunities dont have to travel far to enjoy winter
sports.
With the mountain communities of
Ruidoso and Cloudcroft just a short drive
away, El Pasoans can enjoy the best of
both worlds: warm desert temperatures and
high-altitude snow-covered slopes. From
El Paso, Ski Apache is only a 2 hour
drive away, and promises snow even if
winter weather doesnt cooperate. Ski
Cloudcroft sometimes has to wait a little
longer to open if the seasons snow arrives
late, but is only 1 hours away.
El Paso ice skating fans dont even need
to leave the city limits to enjoy gliding on
one of two rinks now open during the winter season.

Ski Apache

Ski Apache Director of Operations Justin


Rowland said one thing visitors enjoy
about the Mescalero ski area is it doesnt
get nearly as cold as Colorado, Utah or
even northern New Mexico resorts.
The 750-acre resort 12 miles northwest of
Ruidoso has a mountain elevation at
11,400 feet, with snowmaking equipment
if snow is lacking.
Whether or not natural snowfall is optimum, Rowland said, the resort works to
make sure the winter sports experience is
at its best for guests.
In terms of snowfall, we have an up-todate modern snowmaking system, so we
have the ability to produce snow on the
slopes, even if Mother Nature does not
want to cooperate, he said.
December 2014

Story by Lisa Kay Tate

Another advantage to Ski Apache, he


said, is that it offers a warmer ride up the
mountain than anywhere else in the state.
We have New Mexicos only gondola,
(so) that while it is snowing, you can ride
the gondola and be out of the weather,
Rowland said.
The eight-passenger high-speed gondola
is one of the features Rowland said makes
Ski Apache stand out. The resort also has
11 lifts in all, taking guests to its 55 trails
ranging from beginning to advanced
degrees of difficulty.
He said another reason for the resorts
popularity is it caters to families, as well
as novice skiers.
We want to make their time with us
unforgettable, he said. We offer free lift
tickets with the purchase of a never-ever
beginner lesson. We also offer the family
plan lesson, where you can learn how to
ski or ride with your entire family.
The resorts efforts to include everyone in
the sport of skiing include its Ski Apache
Adaptive Service, a program that provides
snow-sports instruction to persons with
permanent disabilities, regardless of
severity of impairment or financial limitations.
Even those who have no desire to set foot
on a pair of skis, and take to the slopes, as
Ski Apache hosts an annual Dummy
Gerlunde Ski Jump, each December
before the annual torchlight parade.
Participants are encouraged to build their
best snow riding dummy, on a pair of
skis or a snowboard and send it down the
mountain and off a ski launch. Cash prizes
are rewarded for best rides, with consideration taken into most height achieved on
the jump, best landing and best wipeout
and dummy design and originality.
Located on the Mescalero Apache
Reservation, Ski Apache is also able to
offer another non-skiing attraction: slope-

side slot machines.


The resort is still continuing to expand.
Already under construction is what will be
the largest zip line in the United States
outside of Alaska.
This will take you from the top of our
mountain on three sections to the bottom
of the resort, Rowland said.
Located close to the El Paso area, Texas
visitors to the resort often feel at home.
Our regular guests love our friendliness
and warmth when they visit, Rowland
said. The proximity to West Texas is also
a factor, as we are the closest ski resort.
Rowland said they always recommend
the never-ever lessons to first time
skiers, not just because of the free lift ticket with the lesson purchase, but to help
new skiers feel at ease.
If they are reluctant and new, we also
always recommend to take a lesson, as skiing can be difficult when trying to learn on
your own, or from a friend, he said.
Most first time skiers that take a lesson
are very happy that they have learned
something new and very happy to be out
on the slopes in the fresh air. We have also
had numerous first-time skiers that recommend Ski Apache to their friends to come
and try the resort and the sport.
Ruidoso also has its share of roadside
areas as well, most notably Ruidoso
Winter Park in Alto, which has been called
the Holy Grail of snow tubing, by the
Travel Channel. Like the areas ski resorts,
the anticipated opening date is
Thanksgiving Day. The park offers a family zip line, inner tubes, including some
giant tubes that can accommodate three
to six individuals, and a recently added
magic carpet lift conveyor area to take
tubers to the top of the areas largest hill.
There are also carriage and sleigh rides
offered throughout Ruidosos historic midtown area during the winter months.

El Paso Scene

Ski Cloudcroft

Ruidosos neighboring community,


Cloudcroft, is also home to a popular,
casual ski area. Located two miles east of
the Village of Cloudcroft, Ski Cloudcroft is
celebrating 50 years of operation. The
resort has 26 trails with two ski lifts, plus a
tubing lift, rental shop, restaurant, vertical
drop of 700 feet and offers snowboarding
and tubing with elevations of 8,350 to
9,050 feet.
We work diligently each night to move
and groom our snow each night to make
the conditions the very best we can for
whatever Mother Nature deals us, said
Michael Adams of Ski Cloudcroft.
Both Ski Apache and Ski Cloudcroft can
boast southernmost status in their own
way, as Ski Apache is the southernmost
continuously operated resort, Ski
Cloudcroft the southernmost geographically.
(We are) also the closest to El Paso,
some 60 miles and 75 minutes closer than
Ski Apache in Ruidoso, and about onethird of the distance to the next closest
one, Sandia, Adams said. We are a family-oriented resort with a lot of first-time
skiers, even a number of people that have
never played in the snow before, and we
aim to make the experience a positive
one.
Adams said in addition to offering one of
the cheapest lift ticket prices in the country, We have a variety of terrain for the
more advanced skiers, and rarely ever will
you have to wait in a lift line.
The resort has begun catering to guests
during the off seasons. The restaurant
opened Friday through Sunday during
summer months with wood-fired pizza and
outdoor seating.

Please see Page 28


Page 27

Winter sports

Contd from Page 27

Ski Cloudcroft also maintains a steady


stream of summer activities and events
such as music festivals such as the BAMM
(Bad Ass Mountain Music) Festival, chile
cook-offs, hiking, mountain bicycle races
and chairlift rides.
The majority of our repeat business
returns for three main reasons; excellent
service, cheap lift tickets, and no lines,
Adams said. They know our snow may
not always be the best, but overlook it
when it comes to a fun, memorable experience at a reasonable price.
If weather permits, both Ski Apache and
Ski Cloudcroft are open for skiing the
weekend of Thanksgiving, and can run
well into March where some visitors can
enjoy their last taste of skiing or snowboarding for the season as late as spring
break or Easter. This gives new and seasoned skiers more than enough time to discover the sport.
By mid-November, temperatures in both
the Ruidoso and Cloudcroft areas were
dipping well into freezing, and snow was
already falling; welcoming outlooks for
any winter resort opening soon.
Like Rowland, Adams feels first-time
skiers do not need to be reluctant to give
the sport a try. They just might find it to be
something they look forward to every year.
Many of our guests purchase our beginner ski package which is a two-hour group
lesson, rentals, and a lift ticket, and come
out of the lesson with ability to ski on their
own, and leave the bunny hill to go up
the chairlift, Adams said. You never
know what your next passion may be until
you try it.
Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Phyllis Turner said El
Pasoans, along with other Texas residents,
have been making the Cloudcroft area a
winter recreation destination for some
time. People especially enjoy what she
described as a magical transformation
from the more desert area to the mountain
terrain when people heading into the village from the Alamogordo side cross the
areas landmark tunnel on US Highway 82
at High Rolls.
Theres a magical feeling when you
come over that mountain, Turner said.
Turner said another reason for
Cloudcrofts appeal is it has remained virtually unchanged for decades.
She said she remembered being a young
girl in the area more than 40 years ago, but
had to move due to her fathers new
assignment in the Air Force. It was more
than 20 years later when the family
returned for a Christmastime visit, and she
said the snowy mountains and village
charm were nearly identical to the last
time she saw it.
Its just a jewel in the mountains that
you cant explain until you actually experience it, she said.
Even when the weather may not be just
right for skiing in nearby Ski Cloudcroft,
she said the village is still close enough to
Ruidoso for visitors to pay a visit to Ski
Apache, but the possibilities for sledding,
tubing and other mountainside winter are
still there.
One thing visitors enjoy is there are
several snowplay areas just off the roadside, that are free to enjoy, Turner said.
People just need to make sure to bring
Page 28

El Paso Scene

Skiers at Ski Cloudcroft.

Courtesy Photo

Where to find
winter fun

Heres a quick list of the areas winter


recreational sports sites, as well as how
to reach them:
Skiing or snowboarding

Ski Apache, near NM 532, off NM


48, near Ruidoso, (575) 464-3600, 1800-545-9011 or skiapache.com.
Ski Cloudcroft, 1920 US82 in
Cloudcroft, (575) 682-2333 or skicloudcroft.net.
Ice skating and snowplay

Sierra Providence Events Center,


4100 E. Paisano, 479-7825 or elpasohockey.org.

Promenade Ice Pond at Fountains


at Farah, 8889 Gateway West, 2253600 or fountainsatfarah.com.

Cloudcroft Ice Rink, Hwy 82 in


Cloudcroft (across from the high
school), (575) 682-4585 or on
Facebook at Cloudcroft Ice Rink.

Ruidoso Winter Park, 1200 Ski Run


Road (in the Eagle Sports Complex) in
Alto, N.M., (575) 336-7079 or ruidosowinterpark.com.

their own discs for sledding.


She said on most winter days in
Cloudcroft when there is snow on the
mountain, it isnt unusual for nearly every
roadside stop to have some group of people taking advantage of the winter conditions.
Just pick a spot and youll see tons of
people out there in the snow just sledding
and having a ball, Turner said.
Being able to warm up, after a day of
winter recreation, whether it is skiing,
skating or sledding, is another favorite
activity, and both Cloudcroft and Ruidoso
offer plenty of eateries and lodging for
thawing out after winter fun. Turner said
Cloudcrofts new additions for the holiday
season include a bakery, winery and a coffee shop, all ready for winter guests.
She said people who havent visited the
Village shouldnt be overly leery of leaving the mild El Paso weather for a day or
weekend of winter recreation. She said as
long as people bundle up and dress for
the weather, the main road to the village is
always maintained and cleared for safe
driving. First time visitors just need to
stick to the beaten path, as she said, and
driving conditions are nearly always good,
even on some of the snowier days.
There is an old-fashioned feel to

Please see Page 29


December 2014

Winter sports

Contd from Page 28

Cloudcroft that visitors feel is so different


from life in the century were in, Turner
said, adding that the village works hard to
keep up with the times in terms of services, technology and facilities, but not
become so commercial that it loses its
charm and quaintness, and begins to look
like every other town.
We invite people to bring their winter
clothes, and get ready to come and experience a winter wonderland, Turner said.
Its like traveling back in time.

Ice skating

Ice skating hasnt always been a pastime


associated with the border area, but when
the citys first hockey team, the El Paso
Buzzards, was introduced in 1996, area
residents had a chance to enjoy public
skating after the games.
The Buzzards are no more, but the citys
junior hockey team, the El Paso Rhinos,
has since stepped in. As a result, the Sierra
Providence Event Center on the grounds of
El Paso County Coliseum, hosts public
skating most Fridays through Sundays
nearly year round, with increased hours
during the holiday season.
Skate rental is free with regular admission to the rink, and the center has about
1,000 pairs of rental skates in all sizes.
The rink is used for both hockey and figure skating leagues, such as the Sun City
Blades Figure Skating club, as well as for
private parties.
Skating lessons for ages 3 and older
wishing to learn hockey or figure skating
are also available, so those with little or no
skating experience can learn elements such
as balance, coordination and mobility.
Last year, El Pasoans had at least three
options for ice skating during the holiday
season. The Fountains at Farah and Outlet
Shoppes of El Paso both hosted temporary
ice rinks during the holiday season.

December 2014

Although the Outlet Shoppes wont be


hosting one this season, the Fountains will
bring this winter recreation back for
guests.
Fountains at Farah Director of
Operations John Colucci said the
Promenade Ice Pond was an ideal way
to enhance the malls first holiday shopping season.
Since 2013 was our inaugural year, having the ice rink at The Fountains attracted
a lot of new customers to the center and
allowed them to experience our new property as well as doing something different
and fun, he said.
Last year, the rink attracted more than
11,000 skaters ranging from young children to senior citizens during its 42-day
run.
We also hosted a private event for the
children and family members with CPS
(Child Protective Services) in foster care,
he said. We hosted more than 250 children and family members for holiday
event with CPS.
Last years Ice Pond accommodated
around 175 skaters at once, and this season
the mall has increased the size of the rink
by more than 20 percent, Colucci said.
The peoples favorite aspect of the Ice
Pond was skating outdoors in 70 degree
weather, and also night skating was real
popular with many El Pasoans during the
six-week season, he said, adding, We
want everyone to come out with both family and friends and enjoy this magical time
of the year.
Even with the local skating options, people still enjoy day trips into the Southern
New Mexico mountains to enjoy outdoor
skating in areas like Cloudcrofts season
ice rink. The rinks season is dependent on
the weather, and often opens in midDecember, just in time for the holiday season. The open air, covered rink also
includes an area for tubing, and offers
guests a chance to warm up with cocoa
and a fire.

El Paso-Juarez Historical Museum

Curator and founder is historian Fred Morales,


who hosts historic exhibits, lectures and walking tours at various locations. Information: 3073748 or fmelphist@yahoo.com.
Showing through December at El Paso Public
Librarys Main Branch, 501 N. Oregon, is
Chihuahuita, in commemoration of the neighborhoods 200 years of existence.
A historical walking tour of Evergreen
Cemetery, 4301 Alameda is 1 p.m. Saturday,
Nov. 29, covering 10 historical figures that
were prominent in old El Paso history. Cost:
$10 per person; proceed benefit historic
exhibits at the downtown library.

Holiday Open House El Paso County

Historical Society hosts an open house 5 to 8


p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the historic 1912
Richard Burges House, 603 W. Yandell, for
members, potential members and neighborhood residents, with appetizers and drinks.
Admission is free. Information: 764-3537 or
elpasohistory.com.

Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society


and Haunted History The nonprofit

organization offers a variety of ghost tours.


Age 13 and older welcome. Tours are $10,
unless otherwise listed. Information/reservations: 274-9531 or help@ghosts915.com.
San Elizario Ghost Tours is 10 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Dec. 5. Meet at the Golden Eagle
Gallery 1501 Main in San Elizario. Tour will
include going into the old jail.
Concordia Cemetery Ghost Tour is 9 to 11
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. at the cemetery. Bring a
camera. Meet at 8:30 p.m. at the Yandell
entrance.
Downtown Ghost Tours are 9 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 and 27. Meet at 108 E. San
Antonio. Tours will go inside the remains of the
Palace Saloon, as well as the societys new
office at the Wigwam Saloon. Not recommended for small children; contains adult themes.

El Paso Scene

Fort Bayard Tours Fort Bayard Historic

Preservation Society hosts a guided tour of the


historic fort 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec.
13, at Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark,
six miles east of Silver City, N.M. Meet at the
1910 Commanding Officers Quarter and
museum (House 26) beginning at 9:15 a.m.
Tour takes about 90 minutes; wear walking
shoes, sun screen and a hat; water recommended. Birders invited to bring binoculars.
Admission is free, but donations appreciated.
Individual tours may also be scheduled in
advance. Information: (575) 388-4477 or fortbayard.org. Winter tours will be on the fourth
Saturday of the month after December.
Regular museum hours are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. Admission: $3 ($10 families).
The Dec. 13 tour will include a raffle for a
Turn of the Century Dollhouse. Tickets are a
$1 donation or 6 for $5. Tickets available at
(307) 640-3012 or (575) 388-4477.

Fort Selden State Monument The

monument, in Radium Springs 13 miles north of


Las Cruces, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday).
Admission is $3; (ages 16 and under free).
Sunday admission for New Mexico residents is
$1. Information: (575) 526-8911 or nmmonuments.org.
Fort Selden was a 19th-century adobe fort
established to protect early settlers from Indian
raids. From Las Cruces, take I-25 north to Exit
19.
Admission is free to special events Saturday,
Dec. 13:
The 15th annual holiday Luminaria Tour is 5
to 7 p.m. Visitors will be treated to coffee, hot
chocolate, cookies and living history military reenactments.
The traditional Kids Christmas Crafts program is noon to 2 p.m., and will include tree
ornament making and cookie baking. Pre-registration: (575) 526-8911.

Page 29

All phone numbers listed are in Juarz.

Auditorio Benito Jurez Ignacio

Ramirez and Vicente Guerrero.


6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28-29: The
City Hall Union Labor Workers present the
seven-act play Don Juan Tenorio. The play, a
variation of the traditional Don Juan story, was
the most popular play of 19th-century Spain.
Cost: 25 pesos.
1 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: Frozen: Una
Navidad Congelada, a Christmas childrens
play based on the Disney hit. Cost: 150, 200
and 250 pesos.
2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20:
Una Navidad con Mickey childrens theater.
Admission: 150 and 250 pesos.

Centro Cultural Universitario

Plutarco Elias Calles and Av. Hermanos


Escobar. Romantic Night is at 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, with three rondalla
ensembles (stringed instrument groups based
on the medieval Spanish tradition), featuring
Rondalla Universitaria, Rondalla Piedra de Luna
and Rondalla Acordes del Desierto. Admission:
20 pesos.

Ibiza Bar Av. Lincoln Avenue near


Hermanos Escobar Av. DJ Roger Mix presents
50s, 60s and 70s music at 9 p.m. Saturday,
Nov. 29. Admission: 70 pesos.

Teatro de la Nacion Costa Rica street

at 20 de noviembre.
6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29: Ensayando
para una boda presented by Taller de Teatro
Co. Admission: 80 pesos.
6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30: Curvas Peligrosas
by famed writer and director Pilo Galindo.
Admission: 40 pesos.

Tecnologico de Monterrey Tomas

Fernandez Boulevard and Av. de las Industrias,


Campos Eliseos zone inside Bermudez
Industrial Park. La Conve anime show is
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29-30, at several
locations inside the campus. Special guests
include Christina Dark, Hallyu Dance, Lalo
Varela, Paula Monroy, Meagan Marie and others. Doors open at 11 a.m.

Museo del INBA - Circuito Jose Reyes

Estrada, Zona Pronaf. Admission is free.


Information: 616-7414. Showing all month:
Encuentros, an exhibition by top Jurez artists.

Nuvo Plaza San Luis, Ejercito Nacional at

Francisco Villarreal. Fitness Model 2014 begins


at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Presented by Pepe

Cervantes, owner of Academia Cervantes.


Admission is 150 pesos; BYOB.

Festival de Teatro de la Ciudad The


festival of music, dance and visual arts is Dec.
1-7 at various venues in Jurez. Information:
656 7370572 (W.H. Salazar).
Centro Cultural Paso del Norte - Av.

Henry Durant, Zona Pronaf. Information:


1730300 or ccpn.com.mx (Facebook: ccpnteatro). Tickets for many events sold at donboleton.com, and the centers box office.
7 and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2: El Pelon
en sus tiempos de Colera, a comic monologue
with Hector Suarez Gomiz. Admission: 150,
250 and 300 pesos.
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: The Nutcracker,
with the UACJ Symphonic Orchestra and
Classic Ballet Company. Admission: 80, 150,
200 and 300 pesos.
7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8: The musical
Journey to Broadway, 90 and 115 pesos.

Museo del Chamizal Chamizal Park

(next to the Bridge of the Americas). The


museum features archaeological and historic
exhibits. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday. Information: 611-1048.
Opening at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5:
Photographic exhibition celebrating the 125th
anniversary of CILA (Comision Internacional de
Limites y Aguas), the agency in charge of the
boundary between Mexico and United States.
Its counterpart in the U.S. is the International
Boundary and Water Commission.

Parroquia de todos los Santos Av.

Vicente Guerrero near the former racetrack. A


song recital with Sarah Alvarado is at 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5, with piano music by Jorge
Vargas Cuamba. Free admission; donations to
the church accepted.

Alianza Francesa de Cd. Jurez - Calle

Tlaxcala #2644 Col. Margaritas (at Ignacio


Ramirez). Cinema Club presents French movies
with Spanish subtitles at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
and 19. Admission is free. Bring a cold dish or
beverage to share.

Parque del DIF - Av Heroico Colegio Militar

at Costa Rica, Chamizal Zone.


Villa Navidea begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec.
7, with thousands of Christmas lights and decorations. Tamales and champurrado served. Free
admission. Presented by the city government.

Estadio Carta Blanca Av. Reforma (at

Sanders, across from Comision Federal de


Electricidad).
Megastar Ricky Martin performs at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18: Tickets are 750, 1,400,
2,300 and 2,900 pesos. Tickets at
donboleton.com.
The one-time member of Menudo achieved
worldwide fame with his hit Livin La Vida
Loca. With over 85 million albums sold and
nearly 100 platinum records, 11 No. 1 songs
and six Grammys, Martin is considered the catalyst for bringing Latin pop into the U.S. mainstream.

El Rincon De Ana Lucia The caf-

gallery is at Blvd Tomas Fernandez 8215-2A


(lower level in front of Torres Campestre
building). Husband and wife writing partners
Ricardo Vigueras and Elpidia Garcia will give
readings of their award-winning work at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9. Cocktails and appetizers
served. Free admission.

Page 30

El Paso Scene

Centro Cultural de la Ciudad - Zona


Pronaf, across from the Museo INBA.
A Transiberian Concert is at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13. Admission is 100 pesos.

Estadio 20 de Noviembre Av. 16 de

septiembre and Americas Av. A Beauty Football


League match, featuring the V Queens vs.
JLadies, is at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
Admission: 70, 150 and 250 pesos.

Centro de Convenciones Las Anitas

Waterfill zone (from Ysleta bridge, drive about


300 yards and turn on narrow road on right
near the yellow Bip Bip store). Information:
6821486 or 6820693.
Bohemian night, featuring poetry and Trova
(Cuban-style troubador music) with Edel Juarez
is at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Admission is 250
and 350 pesos. Tickets at donboleton.com and
at the door.

Bazar Del Monumento The weekly

bazaar is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays at the


Benito Jurez Monument downtown, Vicente
Guerrero and Constitucion Avenues. Art,
antiques, books and more sold and traded. The
event also features live rock bands and urban
artist shows.

Cibeles Convention Center Av.

Toms Fernndez 8450, between Calle


Portales and Antonio J. Bermudez, Zona
Campestre.
The center offers three New Years Eve
options Wednesday, Dec. 31:
A dance with Sentimiento Latino Orchestra is
650 pesos per person, includes three-course
dinner, grapes and a champagne toast; bring
your own bottle. Formal attire required; no
children under 10.
The New Years Fest, with all the above
except the dance music is by local DJs, is 450
pesos.
The Terrace Garden restaurant will offer a
special menu.

La Rodadora The interactive childrens

museum is in the citys Parque Central. Hours


are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays
and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission: 65 pesos (around $5). Information:
52-656-558-2415 or larodadora.org.
Showing all month in the 3D Theater is Los
Misterios del Universo, shown hourly. 3D
Theater admission: 30 pesos ($2.50 US).
Theater/museum combo is 79 pesos ($6.25
US).
The museum features 120 permanent interactive exhibits. Exhibits include opportunities to
explore the origins of life, the formation of the
planets, how the deserts were formed, paleontology, history and heritage and traditions, with
a focus on art and expression.

Museo de la Revolucion de la Frontera


(MUREF) Old Customs House, Zona

Centro, Av. 16 de Septiembre at Ave. Jurez.


Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through
Sunday. Information: muref.org, inah.org or
Facebook.
Guided tours are offered at noon and 2 p.m.
Sundays. Puppet show is 1 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is free.
Permanent exhibitions in nine rooms highlight
the Mexican Revolution. Displays include the
Francisco Madero carriage, Pascual Orozco hat,
Francisco Pancho Villa displays and a scale
model of Jurez-El Paso during the Mexican
Revolution.
Jurez correspondent Walter Schaefer
2 022988 (cobracollectionag@hotmail.com
or walteraleisterschaefer@gmail.com)
December 2014

Sod Farms and Pancho Villa State Park in


Columbus, N.M. trip is Saturday, Dec. 13,
departing at 7 a.m. from the Sams Club parking lot, 7970 N. Mesa (behind the car wash).
Nominal fee at Pancho Villa State Park.

Franklin Mountains State Park Most

hiking and mountain-biking trails begin in the


Tom Mays area, off Transmountain Road on
the west side of the park (east of I-10).
Entry fee is $5 per person, free for age 12 and
under (with family). Correct cash or check
only. Group rates available. Hours are 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. daily. Information: 566-6441 or on
Facebook at FranklinMountainsSP.
Yoga on the Rocks events are planned for
December and January; call for dates/times.
Guided hikes and bike rides are $3 additional
fee ($1 ages 5-12; under 5 free). Bring water,
snacks, sturdy shoe/boots, hiking stick, maps
and binoculars. Dogs welcome on leash on
some hikes. Reservations required: 566-6441
ext. 221, 224 or
adrianna.weickhardt@tpwd.state.tx.us.
Twas The Hike Before Christmas hikes are 9
a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Mundys Gap and
Dec. 20, at Upper Sunset Trail
A Jingle Dogs hike is 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21,
at Lower Sunset.
Christmas Mine Tour is 10 a.m. Thursday,
Dec. 25.
A New Years Day hike is 9 a.m. Thursday,
Jan. 1, at the Maze Trail.
A Womens Only hike is 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan.
10, at Aztec Caves.
A Copper Prospect Mine Tour is 10 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 17.
Mountain Bike rides:
Beginners Rides, 9 a.m. Satuday, Dec. 6 and
Saturday, Jan. 3 (guided ride).
Intermediate Ride, 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
The Puzzler Endurance Mountain Bike Race 8
a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18. See separate listing.
The 12 Hours or Old El Paso Mountain Bike
Race is Saturday, Jan. 31. Details to be
announced.

site starting at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.


African Star Train ride tickets are $2 plus tax
($1.50 for children and society members).
Asian Elephant Training Encounters scheduled
at noon daily.
The zoo now includes the Foster Tree House
Playground, five tree houses blended into a natural setting for kids of all ages.
The El Paso Zoo is a 35-acre home to 228
species of animals. About 420 mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, 106 fish and 294
invertebrates live in a variety of natural habitat
exhibits including a Reptile House, South
American Pavilion, Americas Aviary, Cisneros
Paraje, Birds of Prey Exhibit, Forest Atrium,
Asian Grasslands and an Elephant Complex, and
the Kalahari Research Station energy exhibit.

El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society


. Nonmembers and beginners welcome to
all field trips Information: Mark Perkins, 6373521.

Mesilla Valley Christmas Bird Count


The Mesilla Valley Audubon Society will host a
program for its annual Christmas Bird Count at
7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Southwest
Environmental Center, 275 N. Downtown Mall
in Las Cruces. Learn the history and methods
of the count, go through a collection of bird
photos of likely species, organize CBC teams,
distribute maps, bird lists and prepare for the
count. Admission is free. Information:
mvaudubon.org.
The bird count is Saturday, Dec. 20.
Cut down your own Christmas tree

Permits are available for people to cut down


their own Christmas tree in designated areas of
the Lincoln and Gila National Forests in New
Mexico through Dec. 24. Limit is one tree
up to 10 feet in height per household, and
the permit includes a map of areas where cutting is allowed.
Permits available to purchase for $5 per tree;
special permits available for trees over 10 feet.
Forest officials advise people to check weather

and road conditions before entering the forest.


Tree-cutters should dress appropriately, take a
vehicle suitable for the area and leave information at home where they are going. Maps of
tree-cutting areas available at each ranger station.
Mail-in permit applications are available in El
Paso at the Chamber of Commerce, Chamizal
National Memorial, and most southern New
Mexico communities, and many other locations;
allow 7 to 14 days for processing. Applications
must be received by Dec. 14. Applications
available online at fs.usda.gov.
Lincoln National Forest; call for hours.
Alamogordo (Supervisors office), 3463 Las
Palomas, (575) 434-7200.
Cloudcroft (Sacramento), Hwy 82 and
Curlew, (575) 682-2551.
Ruidoso (Smokey Bear), 901 Mechem, (575)
257-4095.
Carlsbad (Guadalupe), 114 S. Halagueno,
(575) 885-4181. Not open Saturday dates.
Gila National Forest:
Trees may be cut from late November to
Christmas Eve.
All offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Please see Page 32

Rio Bosque Wetlands Park UTEPs

Center for Environmental Resource


Management offers free guided walking tours
and other activities at Rio Bosque Wetlands
Park in El Pasos Mission Valley. Tours last
about two hours. Information: 747-8663 or riobosque.org.
Bird tour is 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.
Introductory tour is 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec.
13.
Meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside
Canal. Take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan
American Drive, turn left and travel 1.5 miles.

El Paso Zoo 4001 E. Paisano. Zoo sum-

mer entrance hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.


daily. Zoo admission is $10 for ages 13 to 61;
$7.50 for ages 62 and older and active duty military (including spouse) with ID; $6 ages 3 to
12; and free for ages 2 and under. Zoo members admitted free. Information: 532-8156,
521-1850 or elpasozoo.org.
Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo is 8 to 11 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13. The holiday-themed breakfast buffet is followed by a holiday craft, and a
special visit from Santa Claus. El Paso
Symphony Orchestras Tocando Program and
the EPYSOs Quartet will provide entertainment. Cost: $30; $25 ages 3-12; free for kids
under 2; tickets available at Zoo Society office.
Zoo admission also required; guests welcome
to stay at the zoo after the event is over.
Giraffe Encounter feedings are 11 to 11:30
a.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Tokens are $2 each; available at the encounter

December 2014

El Paso Scene

Page 31

Hike Up Cristo Rey


Sunday, Dec. 28, noon

Family and friends in town? This easy-to-hike trail,


with spectacular panoramas of two countries and
three cities, leads 2.5 miles to the summit to the
famous statue of Christ on the Cross.
The hike lasts about 2 1/2 hours.

Sponsored by
Destination El Paso and El Paso Scene

Silver City (Supervisors Office), 3005 E.


Camino del Bosque, (575) 538-2771.
Mimbres Ranger Station, NM Hwy 35, (575)
536-2250.
Black Range, 1804 Date St., Truth or
Consequences, (575) 894-6677.
Glenwood Office, Hwy 180 in Glenwood,
(575) 539-2481.
Non-traditional holiday season trees (century
plant, agave, and yucca stalks) may be obtained
with a Decorative Material permit.
Texas Master Naturalist Trans-Pecos Chapter
will host a 14-week course 6 to 9 p.m. weekly
February through May, 2015 at El Paso Garden
Center, 3105 Grant. The program is aimed at
developing a well-informed corps of volunteers
to provide education, outreach and service
dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and areas within the El Paso
region. Application deadline is Feb. 1. Cost:
$125 (includes all materials). Information, applications: 860-2515 or txmn.org/trans_pecos.

To get there: Take Sunland Park Drive to Doniphan, turn south,


then west on Racetrack Drive. Cross the Rio Grande bridge, then
turn south on McNutt Road (Highway 273). Go about 1 mile and
turn right on road leading to the Mt. Cristo Rey parking lot.
Security will be provided along trail and in parking lot.

Contd from Page 31

Texas Master Naturalist program -

No reservations needed.
Information: (915) 542-1422
Requested $5 donation ($2 children) to support
the Mt. Cristo Restoration Committee.

Hike subject to cancellation because of rain or snow.

Nature

Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic


Site The site is famed for many Native

American rock paintings and unique geology.


Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission: $7
(free for children 12 and younger). Additional
activity cost for tours (including morning hike):
$2 (free for age 4 and younger). Information:
857-1135 or texasstateparks.gov. Reservations
are recommended for the self-guided area and
for camping: (512) 389-8900.
Tours offered Wednesday through Sunday, by
prior arrangement at 849-6684. Participants
must carry at least one bottle of water per person. Pets not allowed on tours, and may not be
left unattended in vehicles.
Pictograph tours are 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.;
rock climbing/bouldering tours are 9:30, 10 and
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; hiking tours are 9, 9:30 and
10 a.m. and 2 p.m. during winter months, by
advance request only.
Birding tours are 8 a.m. on the third Saturday
of the month. Advance sign-up encouraged.
To get there: Take Montana Avenue (U.S.
Highway 62-180) all the way into the Hueco
Mountains then turn left on Ranch Road 2775.
North Mountain is available for self-guided day
use, for up to 70 people at a time; reservations
recommended. There is an annual orientation
program for visitors. Guided access is offered
to the rest of the site. Picnicking allowed at ten
tables closest to headquarters. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Bicycles permitted
only on designated paved areas. Pets allowed
only in camping or picnic areas. Call for reservations and other information: 857-1135.
There are campground sites with water and
electric, as well as water-only tent sites. Please
call park for reservations as November begins
the parks busy season; daily visitation is limited.

Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso


Desert Botanical Garden 4200

Doniphan (across from Frontera). Hours are 10


a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission: $3 (free for members). Information:
584-0563, keystoneheritagepark.org or elpasobotanicalgardens.org.
The parks 2-acre Botanical Garden, funded by
the Rotary Club of El Paso and the Junior
League, features native plants, amphitheater,
butterfly garden, wedding garden, childrens
maze, and a Butterfly House.
Keystone Heritage Park has 189 species of
migratory and local birds, and a 4,500-year-old
archaeological site.

Page 32

El Paso Scene

The site is open for bird watching 9:30 a.m. to


noon the second and last Saturday of the
month.
Keystones Chihuahuan Desert Experience
(immediately west of the wetland) is open daily
from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for walking and
bird watching.

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Club


Seven El Paso sites will participate in the new
club helping area residents connect to the location natural environment, and learn more about
Chihuahuan Desert area plants and animals.
Membership is free to all ages.
To join, persons need to visit one of the
Nature Clubs Chihuahuan Desert Hot Spots,
pick up a flier, and get a stamp. Once they have
visited at least three of the seven participating
Hot Spots, show stamped flier and receive an
official Chihuahuan Desert Nature Club sticker.
Sign up available online at
chihuahuandesert.org.
Participating locations: Chamizal National
Memorial, Don Haskins Recreation Center
Nature Trail, El Paso Zoo, Franklin Mountains
State Park (Tom Mays Unit), Hueco Tanks
State Park and Historic Site, Rio Bosque
Wetlands Park, and Wyler Aerial Tramway
State Park. Admission fees apply at some sites.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park


5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla. All events free
with park admission, unless listed otherwise.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through
Sunday; call for seasonal variations. Day use
fee: $5 per vehicle ($40 annual pass).
Information: (575) 523-4398.
Audubon Bird Walks are 7:15 a.m. Saturdays,
led by park volunteers.
Ranger-led Nature Hikes are 2:30 p.m.
Sundays.
Fitness in Nature walks with the Second
Chance Walker Program are 8:30 a.m. every
Saturday beginning at the Visitor Center.
Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen; wear hiking shoes.

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park


The park, part of Asombro Institute for Science
Education, is northeast of Las Cruces, off
Jornada Road. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday. Information: (575)
524-3334 or asombro.org.
Aguirre Spring Campground The

Organ Mountain recreational area, run by the


federal Bureau of Land Management, is off U.S.
70 about 15 miles east of Las Cruces. Day-use
fee is $3 per vehicle. Information: (575) 5254300.

Dripping Springs Natural Area The


recreational area is at the base of the Organ
Mountains at the end of Dripping Springs Road
(the eastern extension of University Avenue),
about 10 miles east of Las Cruces. The visitor
center and main trail is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
for the winter months. Admission is $3 per
vehicle. No pets allowed (except for assistance
animals). Information: (575) 522-1219.

White Sands National Monument


The glistening gypsum dunes are about 15
miles southwest of Alamogordo, N.M., on U.S.
70. The monument is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
through Dec. 21. Visitor Center hours are 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 20; 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. Dec. 21-Jan. 4. Park closed Dec. 25, and
open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1. Entrance fee:
$3 age 17 and older. Free for children.
Information: (575) 479-6124, ext. 236 or (575)
679-2599, ext. 232; or go to nps.gov/whsa.
Sunset strolls are offered daily at 4 p.m.
through Dec. 31.

Please see Page 33


December 2014

Nature

Contd from Page 32

The annual Holiday Open House is 5 to 8 p.m.


Friday, Dec. 5, with activities, food, gift shop
discounts and door prizes. Dunes drive will be
open until 6 p.m.
Lake Lucero Tour is 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 28;
Program fee: $8 ($4 ages 15 and younger).
Skins and Skulls mammal identification talks
are 3 p.m. weekends in the Visitor Center.
Patio talks are 1:30 p.m. weekends in the center courtyard, and Skins and Skulls wildlife
presentations are 3 p.m. weekends.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park The

park is about 160 miles east of El Paso, off the


Carlsbad Highway (U.S. 62-180). Information:
(575) 785-2232 or nps.gov/cave.
Winter hours run through May 21: Visitor
Center open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; tours available 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Last entry into cave
via natural entrance is 2 p.m. with last entry
into cave via elevator 3:30 p.m. (be in line to
exit cave by 4:30 p.m.). Closed Christmas and
New Years Day.
The annual Rock of Ages Tour is 5:30 to
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Park staff will dress
in historical costumes to give lantern-lit guided
tours, concluding with the famous Rock of
Ages Ceremony, when the cavern lights are
turned off while the hymn is performed in utter
darkness. Cost is $10 ($5 ages 6-16; children 5
and under not allowed). Reservations required:
(575) 785-3152.
Plan 3-1/2 hours for a walk-in tour and 1-1/2
hours for Big Room tour of the Caverns. Cost
is $6 ($3 for ages 6-15 or seniors with discount
card). The parks audio self-guided tour is $3
extra (also available in Spanish
Other guided tours are available; call or check
website for details.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National


Monument 44 miles north of Silver City

on NM Highway 15. Entrance fee: $3 per person; $10 per family. Information: (575) 5369461 or nps.gov/gicl.
The trail to the cliff dwellings is open from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. year round. Everyone must be
off the trail by 5 p.m. Visitor center is open 8
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided tours offered daily 1
p.m. through March 7.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

110 miles east of El Paso on the way to


Carlsbad, the 86,416-acre park includes the
highest point in Texas: Guadalupe Peak, 8,749
feet. Entry fee: $5 for ages 16 and older, good
for one week and all trails. Hours are 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Camping is $8 per site per night.
Information: (915) 828-3251.

New Mexico State Parks Day-use fee


is $5 when visiting any state park. Camping
fees: $8 for primitive site; $10 for developed
site (electrical hookup $4 extra). All programs
are free with park entrance, unless otherwise
listed. Information: (575) 744-5998 or
nmparks.com.
Oliver Lee State Park, Highway 54 south of
Alamogordo at the Dog Canyon turnoff.
Information: (575) 437-8284.
An evening sky viewing of the Perseus Story
Cycle is 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
Rockhound State Park, five miles south of
Deming on State Road 11 and then east on
Rockhound Road (State Road 141) for nine
miles. Day use hours: 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Information: (575) 546-6182 or (575) 7445998.
Holiday Lights luminarias walk is 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13, with luminaries around the
visitor center, native gardens and labyrinth, hot
December 2014

cocoa, cider and cookies.


Elephant Butte Located off Hwy 195.
Information: (575) 744-5923.
The 20th annual Luminaria Beachwalk is 5 to 8
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, with a trail among 25
host sites, refreshments, holiday light boat
parade, and more.
Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs,
two miles off Interstate 25 at Exit 19.
Information: (575) 5244068.
Day use hours: 7 a.m. to sunset.
The Turning Back the Sun winter solstice celebration is noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13,
with winter coyote stories, real buffalo stew
and Pueblo adobe oven baked bread, Native
American dances and telescope viewing.
Pancho Villa State Park, Columbus, N.M.,
State Roads 11 and 9. Day use hours: 7 a.m. to
9 p.m. Information: (575) 531-2711.
Luminarias at Pancho Villa event is 6 to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21, with hot chocolate, cookies
and a free raffle drawing for a turkey or ham.

Alameda Park Zoo Alameda Park, 1321


North White Sands Blvd. (U.S. 54/70),
Alamogordo. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Admission: $2.50 ($1.50 ages 3-11 and 60 and
older; free for ages 2 and younger).
Information: (575) 439-4290.
The oldest zoo in the Southwest (established
in 1898) is part of the park that lines
Alamogordos main highway. The zoo covers
about 12 acres, with about 250 exotic and
indigenous animals.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State


Park 1504 Miehls Drive N., Carlsbad,

N.M. Admission: $5 ($3 ages 7-12; free for 6


and under). Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last
entry at 3:30 p.m.). Information: (575) 8875516.
Holiday Bells performance with the Touch of
Joy Ringers is 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec.
6.
Holidays with the Animals family activities are
1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Children make
holiday cards and treats for their favorite Living
Desert animals.
The zoo features animals native to the
Chihuahuan Desert, in natural desert surroundings. A large greenhouse is devoted to succulents and cactus from around the world. The
headquarters building includes exhibits on minerals, history, archaeology and other subjects.

Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue

The nonprofit organization that serves West


Texas and Southern New Mexico offers
resources for those who find a wild bird or
mammal in need of help. Information: 7726011, (575) 882-2910 or cdwr.org.
Uninjured baby birds may be returned to their
nest; the mother will not reject them if they
have been touched by humans. If the nest cannot be found, create one with a basket or container with good drainage that can be attached
to the tree so the parent bird may find it. If the
bird is injured, contact the rescue immediately.

Community Tool Sheds Keep El Paso


Beautiful, in partnership with Paso del Norte
Health Foundation, Home Depot and El Paso
Fire Department, offers community tool sheds
available at area fire stations. The sheds are
stocked with push brooms, shovels, rakes, a
gas weed eater, gloves and trash bags for use
for cleanup or beautification projects. The
items may be borrowed for no charge to the
public for community cleanup projects.
Information: 546-6742.
Tool sheds are at 5315 Threadgill, 3801 Fort
Blvd., 6500 N. Mesa, 7901 San Jose, 11977
Pellicano, 1801 Montana, 6300 Delta and
10834 Ivanhoe.

El Paso Scene

Page 33

Centennial Museum University at


Wiggins, UTEP. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30
Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
Information: 747-8994, 747-6669 or
museum.utep.edu.
The museum is the official Centennial
Welcome Center. Learn more at the centennial celebration at UTEP100years.com.
Showing through Jan. 15:
Winning photographs from the Centennial
Photo Contest.
A Century of Transformations. The exhibit
follows the Texas School of Mines and
Metallurgy from its opening in 1914, to todays
University of Texas at El Paso, a nationally recognized research university.
Themed walking tours are available by
appointment at 2:30 p.m. Mondays. Contact
Maribel Villalva at 747-6669 or
mvillalva2@utep.edu.
Permanent exhibits on the Third Floor focus
on the history of the Chihuahuan Desert. The
Chihuahuan Desert Gardens on the museum
grounds have more than 800 species of plants
native to the region.
El Paso Exploreum The citys first liv-

ing laboratory museum for children is at 300


W. San Antonio (south of Convention Center).
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Last
admission is one hour before closing time.
Information: 533-4330, elpasoexploreum.org or
on the museums Facebook page. Admission:
$8 ($6 seniors over 60, and military and educators with ID; free for infants).
Santa will pay a visit to the museum Saturday
and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at the top of each
hour during regular business hours, to hand out
candy canes and pose for photos. Exploreums
Santa also is available for visits to birthday par-

ties and holiday events booked at the


Exploreum in December.
The Exploreum includes multiple interactive
exhibits in four theme areas: construction, aviation, role-play and high tech.
New is Shuttle to the Stars, an exhibit created by 11-year-old Riley Tabat. The interactive
solar exhibit offers visitors a chance to sit in
shuttle seats, experience the rumble of a takeoff, and then interactively open a window on
the solar system. Pilots then select buttons to
identify planets.

El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study


Center 715 N. Oregon. Hours are 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday.
Admission is free unless listed otherwise.
Information: 351-0048 or elpasoholocaustmuseum.org.

El Paso Museum of Archaeology

4301 Transmountain in Northeast El Paso


(west of U.S. 54). New hours are 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed
Sundays, Mondays and city holidays. Admission
is free. Information: 755-4332 or
elpasotexas.gov/arch_museum/.
Native American storyteller Alex Mares and
astronomer Francisco Carreto-Parra present a
program interweaving stories of the sun, moon,
and stars and knowledge of the cosmos with
astronomical knowledge from ancient people of
many cultures and modern science 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29. PowerPoint presentation at

5 p.m. with telescope viewing ant American


Indian storytelling 6 to 9 p.m. Advance registration required for indoor portion of program;
space is limited. Admission: $2 (free for museum members).
Weekly Archery and Atl-Atl demonstrations
are 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

El Paso Museum of History 510 N.

Santa Fe. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday


through Saturday (until 9 p.m. Thursdays), and
noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Museum admission is
free, except for selected exhibits. Admission for
Julius Caesar: $12; $8 students with ID; seniors
62 and older; $6 per person for groups of 10 or
more (free for museum members and age 5
and younger). Information: 351-3588 or elpasotexas.gov/history.
A Holiday Family Workshop in Metal
Embossing/Repujado, led by Maria Almeida
Natividad, is 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Free,
but advance registration required.
History Scapes family workshops are 9:30 to
10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of the month.
Fee: $5 for child or activity maker, $2 per child
with family membership. Parents or guardian
admitted free. Maximum of $15 per family.
Dec. 13: Building catapults
Jan. 10: Creating mosaics.
Showing through Jan. 4 is the Festival of
Trees, featuring decorated trees from businesses, community associations and families.
Showing through Jan. 8: in celebration of
Native American Heritage Month is an exhibit
of historic Tigua Indian artifacts, including
drums, rattles, moccasins, and a war shield, on
loan form National Museum Van Wereld
Cultuur in the Netherlands.
Showing through Jan. 10 for the first time in
the United States: Julius Caesar: Military
Genius, Mighty Machines. This interactive
exhibition features war machines, transportation machines and civil machines, recreated
scaled artifacts and computer animations. It
covers the epic period from the triumphant victory of Julius Caesar over the Gauls in 52 BC to
the transformation of Rome from a republic
into the Roman Empire. The interactive replica
machines were built by the Teknoart specialists
under the auspices of La Sapienza, University of
Rome.
The museums new DIGIE Digital Information
Gateway in El Paso) is a first-in-the-nation
interactive digital wall that examines El Pasos
people and cultures on giant 3-D touch-sensitive TV screens. Guests can upload photos at
digie.org and share their culture, history, heritage, family and more.

Insights Science Center The centers

new location is 321 Park Street (in Bassett


Place). Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday
through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and
noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: 474-0113.
Admission; $5 (one adult admission free with
$5 child admission).
Showing through Jan. 8: Prehistoric Park, a
Dinosauria exhibition and fossil timeline collection from the Origins Museum Institute, illustrating the the progression of life on earth,
from the earliest marine life to dinosaurs, mammoths, saber-tooth tigers and prehistoric man.

Los Portales Museum and Visitor


Center 1521 San Elizario Road. The museum is operated by the San Elizario Genealogy
and Historical Society, and is housed in an

Page 34

El Paso Scene

1850s Territorial-style building across from the


San Elizario church. It offers gifts, family trees,
historical artifacts as well as information on the
First Thanksgiving and the Salt War of 1877.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is
free. Information: 851-1682.

Magoffin Home State Historic Site

1120 Magoffin. The adobe home, built around


1875 by Joseph Magoffin, tells the story of a
multicultural family that influenced the development of the Southwest borderlands. It includes
authentic art and furnishings reflecting the daily
lives of the Magoffin family.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through
Sunday. Tours on the hour; last tour at 4 p.m.
Spanish language tours offered Thursday
through Saturday; call for availability. Cost: $4
($3 ages 6-18). Group tours available with
advance registration. Information: 533-5147 or
visitmagoffinhome.com.
The new Visitor Center Grand Opening and
Holiday Open House is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 13, with an art show, music, dancing,
food and a visit from Santa. Dress warm for
outside activities. Ribbon-cutting ceremony
begins at 3 p.m. Admission is free; food available for purchase.

National Border Patrol Museum and


Memorial Library 4315 Transmountain

Drive. The museum, in Northeast El Paso just


west of U.S. 54, features the history of the
Border Patrol with uniforms, equipment, photographs, guns, motor vehicles, airplanes, boats
and other items, including hands-on exhibits for
kids. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday and major
holidays. Admission is free. Information: 7596060 or borderpatrolmuseum.com.

San Elizario Veterans Museum and


Memorial Walk 1501-B Main Street in

San Elizario. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission
is free. Information: Ann Lara, 345-3741 or Ray
Borrego, 383-8529.

Tigua Indian Cultural Center 305

Yaya Lane, at Socorro Road east of the Ysleta


Mission. The center features a museum on the
Tigua tribe, offering a glimpse of five centuries
of Pueblo history and tradition. Hours are 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Admission is free. Information: 859-7700, ysletadelsurpueblo.org.

U.S. Army Heritage Center of the


NCO Building 11331, Staff Sergeant Simms
St., Biggs Army Airfield. Equipment and uniforms used by sergeants and other NCOs
through the years are displayed. Admission:
free. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Information: 744-8646.

War Eagles Air Museum 8012 Airport

Road, Doa Ana County Airport, Santa Teresa.


Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through
Sunday. Admission: $5; $4 senior citizens and
military; free for children under 12.
Information: (575) 589-2000 or war-eagles-airmuseum.com.
The warbirds of World War II and Korea, and
other historic military aircraft, are displayed in a
54,000-square-foot building and surrounding
area. The collection of more than 30 aircraft
and 40 automobiles includes the P-51 Mustang,
P-38 Lightning, A-26 Invader and the German
Fieseler-Storch. Among later aircraft are the F86 Sabre and MiG-15s.
To get there: Take Artcraft exit off Interstate
10 and follow signs to the airport and museum.

Please see Page 35


December 2014

At the Museum

Contd from Page 34


Las Cruces area

Branigan Cultural Center Branigan


Building, 501 N. Main, (Downtown Mall) Las
Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday. Admission is free.
Information: (575) 541-2154, lascruces.org/museums or on Facebook.
Showing through January are two photography exhibits that highlight the delicate balance
of watery and dry environments:
Fragile Waters, photographs of aquatic
landscapes by Ansel Adams, Dorothy Monnelly,
and Ernest Brooks II.
Docent-led tours of the exhibit are 10 a.m. to
noon Saturdays.
Desert Air, photographs of the worlds
most arid deserts by National Geographic photographer George Steinmetz.
Several talks are planned in conjunction with
the exhibits.
Ernest H. Brooks II will be present to talk
with guests 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, as part
of Decembers First Friday Ramble.
Through the Artists Lens artist lecture
with Ernest H. Brooks II is 1 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 6.
Family activities planned during the exhibit are
noon on selected Saturdays:
Nov. 29: Around the World in 80
Photographs geography workshop.
Jan. 17: The Adaptation Game: Animal Life
in Hostile Environments
Jan. 31: Crystal Creations: Salt Painting for
Kids
Additional events planed at the Museum of
Science and Nature and the Museum of Art
(see museum listings).
Las Cruces Museum of Nature and
Science 411 N. Main in the Las Cruces

Downtown Mall. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Tuesday through Saturday, plus 5 to 7 p.m.
during the First Friday Ramble. Information:
(575) 522-3120 or las-cruces.org/museums.
The museum will host a series of talks and
workshops in conjunction with both the
Fragile Waters and Desert Air exhibits running through January, 2015, at Branigan
Cultural Center:
The Science Cafe, hosted by Sigma Xi, meets
at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Dr. Kenneth C.
Carrol will discuss Water Quality Changes
Since Ansel Adams Found the Fragile Waters.
A Fireworks flame salt demonstration for
families is noon, Saturday, Jan. 3.
A Desert Waters family water conservation
workshop is noon Saturday, Jan. 10.
A Planet Chaos: Living in Hostile
Environment family presentation is noon
Saturday, Jan. 24.
The Southwest Reading Connections book
club for adults meets at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.
23, to discuss Barren, Wild and Worthless:
Living in the Chihuahuan Desert, by Susan J.
Tweit. The club is dedicated to exploring the
connections between life in the Southwest in
fiction and non-fiction.

Las Cruces Railroad Museum The

museum is in the Santa Fe train depot, 351 N.


Mesilla, (at Las Cruces avenue west of the
Downtown Mall). Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Admission is
free; donations encouraged. Information: (575)
647-4480 or museums.las-cruces.org.
Christmas ornament making is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13. Families can make a variety
of historic or science themed ornaments and
cards.
December 2014

Get Ready for


the Holidays with

Family Game Day is 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of each month (Dec. 13).
Families can try out early 20th century games.
Toddler Story Time is 11 a.m. the third
Saturday of each month. Listen to a Thomas
the Tank Engine book, and enjoy a Thomas
video while completing a related free craft
activity. Children of all ages welcome. RSVP
requested.

NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

4100 Dripping Springs, Las Cruces. The 47acre museum chronicles the 3,000-year history
of agriculture and rural life in New Mexico.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission:
$5 for adults, $3 seniors 60 and older; $2 age
5-17; free for museum members, veterans and
children age 4 and under. Information: (575)
522-4100 or nmfarmandranchmuseum.org.
Crafts for Kids take home holiday crafts are 10
a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and 27; free
with museum admission.
The annual Stories of Holidays Past living history event is 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, as part
of the museums Cultural Series. The audience
will enjoy holiday vignettes in the museums
theater with characters from various time periods in our states history. Admission: $2.
Showing Dec. 12-April 5: Heavy Metal:
Vintage Farm Equipment by Richard Ondrovic,
28 photographs of the museums vintage equipment by Richard Ondrovic. Artists reception is
6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15.
Showing through July 5, 2015 in the Traditions
and Legacies Gallery: Cowboys: The Real
Deal, focusing on the life of the cowboy with
photographs, stories and objects including a
chuck wagon.
Showing through Oct. 16, 2015 in the
Cultural Corridor: Cheryl Cathcart: In a
World of Horses, 32 photographs of horses
from the U.S. and Europe. Cathcarts images
capture the power, beauty and spirit of horses
in New Mexico and Montana, as well as
France, Italy and Portugal. Reception and photographers lecture is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday,
Jan. 8.

Marie Otero Salon


& Florence Street Gallery

1015 N. Florence

DISCOUNT
FABRICS
from
INSIDE OUT DESIGNS
Warehouse Prices ...
Designer Quality!

Annual Open House

at Arizona, 2 blocks north of Montana

Every Weekend in December

Hair & Makeup by Marie

4 7 9 8 D ONIPHAN D R.
S UITE B

588-4247By Apppointment

Hair for the Holidays!


Marie Otero has over 30 years of salon experience
and is a frequent fashion consultant for
local film and television productions

Where hair, makeup


& art come together

Food, drinks & chance to win


an original Ann Mitchell painting

Corner of Doniphan and Sunset


Parking in the rear

(915) 497-2586

Open Fridays & Saturdays


10am-4pm
Cash or checks only with proper ID

NMSU Art Gallery D.W. Williams Art


Center, 1390 E. University on the NMSU campus, Las Cruces (east of Solano). Hours are
noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, plus
evenings 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Admission is
free. Parking free on weekends and after 5
p.m. on weekdays. Information: (575) 6462545 or nmsu.edu/artgal.

NMSU Museum Kent Hall, University at


Solano, Las Cruces. Hours are noon to 4 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday. Admission is free.
Information: (575) 646-5161 or
nmsu.edu/museum/.

White Sands Missile Range Museum


and Missile Park Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday. Closed on federal holidays. Free admission. Information: (575) 6788824 (local call) or wsmr-history.org

Also

Deming Luna Mimbres Museum 301


S. Silver, Deming, N.M. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. Monday through Saturday. Also open 1:30
to 4 p.m. Sunday during fall and winter months.
Admission is free. Information: (575) 546-2382,
1-800-848-4955 or lunacountyhistoricalsociety.com.
Geronimo Springs Museum 211 Main
in Truth or Consequences, N.M. Hours are 9

Please see Page 36


El Paso Scene

Page 35

At the Museum

Contd from Page 35

a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon


to 4 p.m. Sunday. Features prehistoric, historic
and military exhibits about the area. Admission:
$5 ($2.50 students 6 to 18; free for ages 5 and
younger). Family rates: $15. Information: (575)
894-6600 or geronimospringsmuseum.com.

Hubbard Museum of the American


West 841 U.S. Hwy 70 West, next to

Ruidoso Downs (N.M.) Race Track. Hours are


9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday
(closed Thursday and Friday); also closed
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Docent-led tours
of permanent exhibits are 10 a.m. Fridays.
Admission: $7 ($5 for seniors, military; $2 children 6-16; free for children 5 and younger and
museum members). Information: (575) 3784142 or hubbardmuseum.org.
Now showing is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Jar,
an exhibition of Hohokam Potter from the
Anne Stradling Collection. More than 70 intact
pots dating as far back as 350 AD are featured.
Also showing is Album, mid-20th century
photographs by Carmon Phillips of the people
and places of Lincoln County.

Museum of the Big Bend Sul Ross


State University (Entrance 3), Hwy 90 in
Alpine, Texas. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday. Guided tours available. Admission is
free, donations accepted. Information: (432)
837-8734 or museum@sulross.edu.

New Mexico Museum of Space


History 3198 SR 2001, Alamogordo. The
museum features the International Space Hall
of Fame and the Tombaugh IMAX Dome
Theater and Planetarium.

Page 36

Space center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Admission: $6 ($5 for seniors and military, $4
ages 4-12, children 3 and younger free). Call
for school tours and group ticket arrangements.
Information: (877) 333-6589, (575) 437-2840
or nmspacemuseum.org.
The new Launch Pad Lecture Series runs the 9
to 11 a.m. the first Friday of each month. The
Dec. 5 lecture is Testing Apollo: Rocket
Engines in New Mexico. Admission is free;
coffee and donuts provided.
For IMAX schedule, see Film Scene. Combo
tickets available (included museum entrance
and one IMAX ticket): $10 ($9 seniors and military, $7 children).

Sacramento Mountains Historical


Museum U.S. 82 across from the

Chamber of Commerce in Cloudcroft, N.M.


Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and
Saturday. Admission: $5 ($3 ages 6 to 12).
Group rates and tours available with prior
notice. Information: (575) 682-2932 or cloudcroftmuseum.com.

Silver City Museum 312 W. Broadway,

Silver City. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday. Open until 7 p.m. the
first Friday of the month. Admission: $3 suggested donation. Information: (575) 538-5921,
1-877-777-7947 (out of town), or silvercitymuseum.org.
Showing through December is Gila Wild.
The 30th annual Victorian Christmas at the
Museum is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11.
Admission is free.

Toy Train Depot Alameda Park, 1991 N.


White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo. An actual train
depot built in 1898, the building now houses a
gift shop and model shop, with more than

1,200 feet of model railroad track and hundreds of model and toy trains on display. Hours
are noon to 4:40 p.m. Wednesday through
Sunday. Admission: $4. Information: (575) 4372855 or toytraindepot.homestead.com.
The 1/5 scale train track offers rides around
Alameda Park 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday
through Sunday. Cost: $4.

Tularosa Basin Historical Society


Museum The museum is next door to the
Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, 1301
White Sands Blvd. (U.S. 54/70). Open from 10

My brief foray
selling Cocaine

sold Cocaine. It all started quite innocently. My wife Cecilia and I were
with the Smiths at the Parade of
Homes on El Pasos far East Side. We
were walking back to the car, deep in
conversation about the cruise the Smiths
had just returned from.
I spoke up, saying, I wanted to take
Cecilia on a cruise.
I was talking loudly because of the
crowd; there was a lot of noise all
around us.
Of course old Smith blurts out, And
how the hell you think going to pay for
that?
With my quick talking mind I came
back with the answer.
Ill sell Cocaine, I retorted.
That solution made perfect sense to me,
because I was a shopkeeper and have
always been the salesman.
The crowd around us seemed to stop.
Heads turned. Mouths dropped open, at
least Smiths did. I went on talking
oblivious to our surroundings. It didnt
hit me until later, what made all those
people stop and take that gander at us.
Ha-ha, the laugh is on them.
I must be a slow learner. Some weeks
before that, Christina, my daughter, was
helping me at my store, the Cowboy
Trading Post. She was going to take out
a ride for me. The family had shown up.
I happened to be very busy inside, so
Chris took care to seeing them all into
their saddles, but hadnt taken the time
to get her own horse, Copper, and saddle.
So, she called in through the front door,
Dad, Im going to use Cocaine.
I yelled back, Okay, be careful.
And off she went with this nice man
and his family of five.
Later, Christina comes back. Wed finished the day, put everything away. She
comes up to me and says, Dad, you
remember that man I took out on the
ride?
I answered, Yes.
We were about half way through when
he rode up alongside me and asked,
Say, young lady, I heard you call to
your dad and tell him you were going to
use cocaine. When is that going to happen?
Christina told me she looked at the
man, and laughed out loud, telling him,
Wait a minute, Im riding Cocaine, this
is my dads horse and thats his nickname.

El Paso Scene

a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10


a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
Information: (575) 436-4438.

WNMU Museum 1000 West College,

Silver City, N.M. (575) 538-6386. The museum


features pottery, rugs and other artifacts of
Southwestern Cultures; historic photographs of
the Silver City area, and traveling exhibits.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday; 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday.

Taking a Look Back


by John McVey Middagh

This time the man laughs saying,


Thats good. Im a DEA agent, and I
was sure hoping I wouldnt have to work
today.
The story goes on. One day I was sitting at my desk. The front door opens
and in came three Mexican men.
The first thing one asks me, How
much is that black horse thats tied up at
the hitching post in front?
I jumped up, Wait a minute that is my
horse.
The main man replied, Good, How
much?
$2,000, I said.
He replied, That was too much.
I said, Good, Ill keep my horse.
They all waited a second looking at one
another and then the main man said, He
would give me $1,000.
I said, Thanks, Id take $1,700.
He told one of the men to go get the
money; I sold Cocaine.
This gentleman spoke up again saying,
I want the saddle that is on the horse.
I said, Wait a minute thats my saddle.
He asked, How much?
$895, I said.
He replied, But its used, $500.
I responded, $795, with pads, breast
collar, and tie down.
He told the man to go get the money.
By this time we were all standing outside the store, the main man looked back
toward the street and saw a two-horse
trailer I had for sale.
He asked pointing his finger, How
much for the trailer?
$1,200, I told him.
He said, $900.
Pay me, I quickly replied.
Again he told the man to go get the
money. I watched the man this time. He
went to their truck, opened up a large
paper bag, took out the required cash
and brought it to the main man. He again
counted out the cash to me, all $20 bills,
as it had been each time wed closed a
transaction.
The third man with them never said a
word to me the entire time.
This last deal being done, they were
happy, loaded up and departed. Leaving
me having a very good day, and out of
the Cocaine business.

John McVey Middagh is a former


saddle shop owner and amateur
local historian. You can reach him
at jmiddagh@yahoo.com.
December 2014

Agave Rosa Gallery 905 Noble (next to

the International Museum of Art). Hours are 10


a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. An
opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec.
13, for Navidad en el Barrio, featuring works
by Geo Gomez, Romy Hawkins, Pedro Rios,
Orson Lymann, Luis Bautista and Mmartha
Arzabala. Information: 533-8011 or
agaverosagallery.com.

Art Avenue Gallery The new gallery

space in Union Plaza is at 518 W. San Antonio,


Suite F. The gallery seeks to showcase contemporary artists and designers from the
Borderplex. Exhibitions will rotate throughout
the year offering a variety of emerging, midcareer and established artists who work with
multiple mediums. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday; by appointment only
Monday and Saturday. Information: 213-4318
or theartave.com.
The debut exhibition, Heritage: The Legacy
of Francisco Lascurain Labadie, runs through
Jan. 31. The exhibit highlights works of
Francisco Lascurain (1926-2013) whose warm
and richly colored canvases depict his memories of the typical urban workers of the 30s
and 40s. Born in Mexico City, Lascurain was
trained in architecture, however, his real passion and fascination was painting the common
worker in Mexico.

Artistic Celebration of Our Mountains


Exhibit The 14th annual juried art show
continues through December at Ardovinos
Desert Crossings Sunset Hall, One Ardovino
Drive in Sunland Park, featuring works inspired
by the regions mountains. Information: (575)
589-0653, ext. 3.

Ballroom Marfa 108 E. San Antonio


Street in Marfa. Hours are noon to 6 p.m.
Thursday through Sunday. Information: (432)
729-3700 or ballroommarfa.
Showing through Feb. 22: Artists Film
International Exhibit featuring Nicole Miller.
Organized in conjunction with Whitechapel
Gallery, London, Ballroom Marfa presents the
sixth season of Artists Film International, a
program that showcases international artists
working in film and animation. This year in the
north and south galleries Ballroom Marfa will
feature two video works, David (2012) and
Death of a School (2014), by Los Angelesbased artist Nicole Miller.
Bert Saldana Art Gallery The new
gallery featuring Southwestern Art is at 1501
Main Street in the San Elizario Arts District.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday
through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday. Information: 851-0093 or bertsaldana.com.

Candy Mayer Studio Open House El

Paso artist Candy Mayer will host her 4th annual open house at her home studio at 1317
Tierra Roja 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday, Dec. 6-7. All work will available for
purchase, including large pieces not usually displayed at shows. A special new image will be
Loteria El Paso, with 16 El Paso landmarks in
a Loteria card format. Also featured are new
Da de los Muertos originals and collages, several new UTEP images and Plein Air pieces ,
and new gift items including 2015 Images of El
December 2014

Paso calendars, ornaments and more.


Also on display will be photographs by husband, Charlie, including many from Mexico and
Spain. Information: 581-4971 or
candymayer.com.
To get there: Take I-10 to Redd Exit. Take
Redd east to Resler, turn left at Franklin High
School, right at Tierra Taos, then left at Tierra
Roja. Fifth house on top of hill.

Chamizal galleries Chamizal National


Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Franklin G. Smith
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday; weekends by request. Abrazos
hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is
free. Information: 532-7273 or nps.gov/cham/.
Showing Dec. 20-March 24: in the Franklin
G. Smith Gallery are works by local artists
Francisco Romero and Daniel Padilla. Opening
reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.
Showing in the Abrazos Gallery is
Monumental Men for Monumental Times. A
temporary exhibit explains the connections
between American President Abraham Lincoln
and Mexican President Benito Juarez. The
exhibit is in conjunction with plans to place a
statue of Benito Juarez near the Visitor Center.
Showing in the Cultural Center Lobby is Art
From the Heart, art by Diego Alvarez, Jose
Manuel Romero, Leonardo Ceniceros and
Sebastian Rodriguez.
Chinati Foundation Marfa, Texas.

Created by artist Donald Judd, the Chinati


Foundation houses one of the worlds largest
collections of permanently installed contemporary art. Guided tours are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $10 ($5
for students, seniors). Full tour is $25 ($10 students). Information: (432) 729-4362 or chinati.org.
A public presentation on the new Robert Irwin
installation is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the USO
Building in Marfa.
Free winter art classes for ages 4-13 are Dec.
29-30 and Jan. 2-3. Call for details.

Crossland Gallery The El Paso Art

Associations gallery is at 500 W. Paisano (in


the Art Junction of El Paso). Hours are 11 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free. Information:
534-7377, office@elpasoartassociation.com or
CrosslandArtGallery.com.
A Members Holiday Exhibit and Fundraiser,
featuring works by EPAA members, is 11 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The event includes
a scavenger hunt with a prize, snacks and holiday music. The Art Junction Artists will have
their studios open and will do live painting
demonstrations. Admission: $2 donation at the
door. A sketch artist will offer portraits for $5.

Desert Lights Art Show & Sale

The Alazan Artists impressionistic oil painters


groups 6th annual exhibit, sale and reception
for recent works is 3 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 7, at the 150 Sunset Event Center, 150
Sunset. Admission is free. Information: 5844639.
Featured artists are Beth Abbott, Phyllis Davis,
Margaret Heath, Wiley Heath, Virginia Howell,
Trish Lopez, Sandra Martin, Joann McElroy,
Marilyn Mendeloff, Lois Rayome, Anne Spier,

Please see Page 38


El Paso Scene

Page 37

Southwest Art Scene


Contd from Page 37

Ilene Steele, Nina Cobb Walker and Sandy


Young.
The name Alazan came from a trip to a
ranch southwest of Marfa where the group
attended a workshop.

El Paso Art Association EPAAs last

quarterly meeting of 2014 is 2 to 4 p.m.


Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Crossland Gallery, 500
W. Paisano (at Durango), with a demonstration
by sculptor and clay artist Elva Canizales, of El
Paso clay group Magic Hands. Information:
534-7377 or elpasoartassociation.com.
EPAA is seeking entries through Jan. 6 for its
upcoming show and sale con.FIGURE.ation.
Cost to enter three pieces is $20 for members;
$40 for non-members. Online entry forms
available at crosslandartgallery.com/configureationentry.html.

El Paso Artisan Gallery The gallery is

in the El Paso Exploreum, 320 W. San Antonio.


The gallery features works for sale by local
painters, jewelers, crafters and photographers.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Closed
Monday. Gallery admission is free. Information:
533-4330 or elpasoexploreum.org.

El Paso Museum of Art One Arts

Festival Plaza, downtown El Paso. Hours are 9


a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and
Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. Thursday. Closed Mondays and holidays.
Admission is free for most exhibits. Tickets for
Renoir to Remington are $5 (free for age 12
and younger, EPMA members and active duty
military and their family with ID). Information:
532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
Showing through Feb. 1, 2015: Renoir to
Remington: Impressionism to the American
West. The exhibit explores the variety of ways
in which artists of the American Southwest
extended the Impressionist vision, including
earlier practitioners such as Frederic
Remington and later figures such as Fremont
Ellis. The exhibition will compare examples of
French and international Impressionism from
Tacoma Art Museum in Washington (almost 25
works by Boudin, Pissarro, Renoir, etc.) with
numerous works of the American Southwest
borrowed from local collections and selected
from the holdings of the EPMA.
A Zip Tour with senior curator Patrick Shaw
Cable is 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10;
admission is free, but space is limited to first 40
guests.
The museums Spark Saturday, monthly program is 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, aimed
multiple generations. Docents will engage visitors in an Art Explorations program at 1 and 2,
and at 1:30 and 2:30 younger audiences and
their caregivers can have fun while learning
about art in the PreK Book Club. The 2 p.m.
movie will also be geared to a family audience.
Showing Nov. 30-May 3: Mexican Devotion
on Tin and Copper: Selections from the
McKnight Collection.
Showing through Dec. 7: Aleksander
Titovets Past and Present. Consisting of past
and recent work the exhibition includes landscapes, cityscapes and portraits, as well as
investigate Titovets artistic practice and its
relationship to Impressionism and Realism as
seen through a Russian and American
Southwest lens. Born and raised in Siberia,
Titovets received his Masters in Fine Arts from
St. Petersburg University College of Fine Arts.
In the early 1990s he and his wife, Lyuba, relocated to El Paso, where they have lived and
Page 38

El Paso Scene

Krystyna Robbins Studio Krystyna


Robbins will host her holiday open house
noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the
Robbins Studio, 5070 Yucca, featuring
retablos, miniatures and small paintings by
the artist. Information: 584-0953 or krystynarobbins.com. Robbins will lead a Winter
Workshop in Oils and Acrylics Jan 5-8 at
Innsbruck Village in Ruidoso.

worked with much success since. In 2007, he


was chosen by First Lady Laura Bush to paint
her portrait for the Smithsonian Institutions
National Portrait Gallery.
Dave Phelps begins his Artists on Art run with
a lecture at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11.
Phelps art is a commentary on the overwhelming barrage of information and material
goods that confronts us every day. His repetitive use of everyday materials such as barcodes
emphasizes how much technology plays a role
in peoples lives.
The first in the Modern Masters Series:
Highlights from the Solomon R. Guggenheim
Museum is Paul Czanne and Pablo Picasso:
Birth of Cubism, showing through Feb. 1.
The exhibit will highlight a pair of powerful
works by Czanne and Picasso, who have frequently been described as two of the most crucial figures in the development of modern art.
Showing Dec. 14-April 26: Body Art:
Contemporary El Paso Jewelry. See Gallery
Talk, Page 41. An Open House with artists
featured in the exhibit is 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec.
14, with light refreshments and a chance to see
examples of the jewelry being worn.
The EPMA World Cinema Series is 2 p.m.
Saturdays in the auditorium, presented by the
museums Art Algur H. Meadows Library.
Admission: $3 free for ages 12 and younger and
museum members. Age restrictions apply on
some showings.

Encaustic International Art Studio and


Gallery 7100 Westwind, Suites 120 and
135. The gallery is the studio of El Paso encaustic artist Brigitte von Ahn. Hours are 2 to 5
p.m. Thursdays, noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays, or
by appointment. Information: 833-0454 or
brigittevonahn.com.
The annual Christmas Market at the Gallery is
6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, with works by
artists Sandra Murillo (Magic Stitch), Linda
McLain, Linda Noack, Claire Lewis among others. Gary Warner will prepare
Feuerzangenbowle, a German seasonal libation.
Women of the German military community will
offer their cakes. Proceeds from the event benefit Helping Hands, a charity that supports
local people and organizations in need.
Admission is free.

Please see Page 39


December 2014

Southwest Art Scene


Contd from Page 38

EPCC K-12 Art Exhibit The 12th

annual exhibit runs through Dec. 3, at the


EPCC Administrative Services Center, Building
A, 9050 Viscount. The 1,192 art entries were
submitted from ten local school districts plus
charter, parochial, and home schools. Hours
are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Information:
Janine Rudnick, 831-4039.

Escamilla Christmas Extravaganza

Impressionist artist Alberto Escamilla hosts his


annual Christmas/Holiday show and sale 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6-7, in his gallery, 1445 Main
Street, Suite B1-2 in Placita Madrid in historic
San Elizario, with appetizers, refreshments and
a live Christmas music performance by UTEP
opera student Rocio Manriquez. Also participating are various vendors, fellow gallery artists
Debra De Santis and Claudia Magdalena
Galindo and guest artist Robert Dozal; limited
number of 2015 calendars available. Appetizers
and refreshments will be served. Information:
851-0742 or 474-1800, or
albertoescamilla.com.
Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to
4 p.m. Thursday; and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Alberto Escamillas 2015 calendars are now
available in the gallery, for $12, plus tax.
FreeStyle The collaborative show by
local artists Christina Huber, Candie Printz and
Beverly Widener using painting, drawing,
ceramics and photography runs through Jan.
6, at Mark Alan Salon and Gallery, 5700 N.
Mesa, Suite D. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and
Monday. Admission is free. Information: 5885618 or 585-1300.

Gabriel Gaytn exhibit A solo exhibit


by El Paso artist Gabriel Gaytn runs through
Dec. 30, at El Paso Mission Trail Visitor
Center, 6095 Alameda (at Zaragoza).
Information: 851-9997 (Mission Trail Center),
474-1800 or gaytanartworks.com.
Center hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Gaytns paintings depict a mosaic of ancient
and contemporary experiences that explore
cultural heritage through images and symbols.
He is a noted muralist whose works include the
column murals in Lincoln Park underneath I-10
and US 54.
Hal Marcus Gallery 1308 N. Oregon.

Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday


and Friday; noon to 7 p.m. Thursday or by
appointment. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com.
The annual Happy Hippie Holidaze Open
House Arts and Craft Fair is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13, with local vendors, appetizers and live entertainment by Gene Keller,
Jorge Guzman, Nienna, Blonde on Bach and
Cowboy Gospel Band.
Showing through Jan. 15: Retro Rak, the
art of Bill Rakocy from the 1940s and 1950s.
Rakocy has become a staple in the regions art
community, living in El Paso for over 30 years.
He was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1924 and
has worked as a stage designer, muralist, museum curator, and taught all levels of art instruction throughout the United States.
A gift shop offers art-related gifts, books and
calendars featuring art by Marcus and other
local artists.

December 2014

International Museum of Art 1211


Montana. The museum is operated by the
International Association for the Visual Arts in
the historic Turney Home. Hours are 1 to 5
p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Free guided
tours available on a walk-in basis. Admission is
free. Information: 543-6747 or internationalmuseumofart.net.
Music at the Museum fundraising concerts are
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Thursday,
Dec. 18, in the auditorium, featuring area
youth musicians conducted by Daniel Rivera,
with original compositions by Rivera.
Refreshments follow each performance.
Tickets: $12; available at the front desk.
The annual North Pole at the Museum holiday
celebration is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
Children and family pictures with Mr. and Mrs.
Santa Claus can be taken in a setting of more
than 100 Christmas decorations, hot chocolate
and Christmas art activities. Admission is free;
photos are $6.
The 15th annual Sun Bowl Art Exhibition, featuring more than 70 paintings by regional
artists, runs through Dec. 27.

oped an international reputation for the creation of large-scale artworks that often appear
to defy the laws of physics. Bowling balls are
balanced on glasses balanced on tables balanced
on file cabinets; a sharpened axe dangles from
the ceiling; other items are piled haphazardly.
Machine Project at the Border, in the Project
Space and in Downtown El Paso. The Machine
Project is an installation, education and performance series led by L.A.-based artist Mark
Allen. The project distinguishes itself from
more traditional art venues by its idiosyncratic
programming, disregard for the traditional

boundaries between disciplines and its emphasis on having fun.


INDEX, in the L Gallery. The group exhibit
exploring the context of contemporary Juarez
features works by Francis Alys, Gina Arizpe,
Roberto Cardenas and Olga Guerra.
Coming Jan. 29-April 25: Citizen Culture:
Artists and Architechts Shape Policy, featuring
works by Ala Plastica, Tania Bruguera, Suzanne
Lacy, Michael Maltzan, The Medellin Diagram,
Antanas Mockus with Futuro Moncada, Laurie
Jo Reynolds and Tamms Year Ten.

Please see Page 40

IV Biennial Ciudad Jurez/El Paso


Biennial submissions Submissions for

the fourth biennial juried exhibit are being


accepted through Feb. 1, 2015, from all
artists living and working within 200 miles of
the border between Mexico and the United
States. The binational exhibit presented by SMart runs Nov. 1, 2015-Feb. 7, 2016 at El
Paso Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza in
El Paso, and Museo de Arte de Ciudad Juarez.
Featured artists will have one piece featured at
each museum. Information: (El Paso Museum of
Art) 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org;
(Museo de Arte de Ciudad Juarez) 613-1708 or
Bellasartes.gob.mx.

La Galeria de la Mison de Senec

The Ysleta Independent School Districts gallery


is at 8455 Alameda. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday. Gallery closed for
Christmas break Dec. 5-Jan. 2. Admission is
free. Information: 434-9703.
The 17th annual Virgen de Guadalupe Art
Exhibit is Dec. 4-Jan. 15.
Opening celebration is 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday,
Dec. 4, with entertainment by Ceiba, Danza
Azteca Chichimeca Omecoalt, Scotsdale and
Eastwood Heights Elementary Folklorico.

Marfa Contemporary 100 E. San

Antonio in Marfa, Texas. Hours are 10 a.m. to


6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4
p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Information:
(432) 729-3500_ or marfacontemporary.org.
Showing through Jan. 4, 2015: Spencer
Finch, Ulysses, a conceptually condensed
chronicle of one days journey, recorded as a
series of fleeting color sensations.

Rubin Center UTEPs Stanlee and Gerald


Rubin Center for the Visual Arts is next to Sun
Bowl Stadium (off Dawson Drive). Hours are
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday;
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday. Information: 747-6151,
rubincenter.utep.edu or on Facebook at
RubinCenter.
The Cosmic Lecture Series presents Bach and
Universal Harmony, 4:30 to 5:50 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, with UTEPs Department
of Music.
Fine Arts Holiday Crafts Family Day free arts
and crafts activities that explore contemporary
art are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Showing through Dec. 19:
Alejandro Almanza Pereda: Absence Makes
the Heart Grow Fonder, in the Rubin Gallery.
Pereda, a 2005 graduate of UTEP, has devel-

Remnants

El Paso Scene

City Life

Into the Mystic

My latest
calendar is
available
at both
Collectible
stores
& at Art
Masters
Framing

Page 39

Southwest Art Scene


Contd from Page 39

San Elizario Art District Several gal-

leries and artist studios are located 1445 to


1501 Main Street near the San Elizario Plaza on
the Mission Trail. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday
through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and
noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: 474-1800
or 851-0093.
The First Friday ArtWalk is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 5, with artist galleries open late, live
demonstrations and music. A Ghost Tour
begins at 10 p.m.

Sunland Art Gallery 5034-D Doniphan,

in Placita Santa Fe. The co-op gallery features


original paintings and photographs, jewelry,
prints and gift items by more than 20 local
artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday

through Saturday. Information: Cil Abeyta, 5843117 or 474-0053.


A Christmas Open House is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13. The Gallery will be decorated for Christmas, and many small items will be
available for holiday gift giving, as well as the
gallerys 2015 calendars and ornaments.

Titovets School of Art Show & Sale

The school hosts its annual show 1 to 5 p.m.


Saturday, Dec. 13, at Womans Club of El
Paso, 1400 N. Mesa, featuring works of various
subject matter, styles and sizes by more then
25 new and established artists, students of both
Alexsander and Lyuba Titovets. Admission is
free. Information: 532-6131 or 585-3043.
The Titovetses graduated with master of fine
arts degrees in St. Petersburg, Russia and in
1992 immigrated to El Paso. They since have
received numerous regional and national
awards for their paintings.

Treasures of the Southwest Open


Arms Community hosts its charity art auction
1:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at St. Pius X
Hall, 1050 North Clark, featuring a live auction,
silent auction, music, and delicious refreshments, as well as sale tables of collectibles and
gift items. Music provided by The 7th Avenue
Band. Admission is free. Information: 595-0589
or openarmscommunity.org.
TRLA art show and mural dedication

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, 1331 Texas,


hosts an art show and mural dedication for its
new offices, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, featuring works by local artists. Admission is free;
drinks available by donation. Information: 1800-988-9996 or trla.org.
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid provides free civil
and criminal legal services to low-income residents in 68 counties of Southwest Texas.

Westside Art Guild The guild meets at

10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Polly Harris Senior


Center, 640 Wallenberg, with a presentation
on Batik by Scotti Burns. Light refreshments.
All meetings are open to the public. Guild
membership: $20. Information: Candy Mayer,
581-4971 or cc2ccmayer@aol.com.
A Christmas luncheon is 11 a.m. Monday,
Dec. 8, at Great American Land & Cattle
Company, 701 Mesa Hills.

Las Cruces/Mesilla

Aa Studios 2645 Doa Ana Road (Calle


de Oro), Open the second weekend of the
month. The gallery features emerging artists as
well as the multi-media work by gallery owner
Roy van der Aa. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment. Information: (575) 520-8752.
Adobe Patio Gallery and Studio

1765 Avenida de Mercado in Mesilla. The


gallery features works by Carolyn Bunch,
Anthony Pennock, Kelley S. Hestir, Cheryl
Derrick and other local and regional artists.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday. Information: (575) 532-9310 or
adobepatiogallery.com.
Showing through Dec. 1 is Harvest, featuring fall-themed works by 17 artists.
Showing Dec. 6-Jan. 17: Small is Beautiful,
works 15 inches or smaller by members of the
Border Artists and guests.

Aralia Gallery 224 N. Campo in Las

Cruces. Hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Friday and 11


a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575)
650-7543 or araliagallery.com.

Blue Gate Gallery The gallery owned by


Flo Hosa Dougherty is at 4901 Chagar, at
Valley and Taylor, in Las Cruces. Hours are 2
to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
Information: (575) 523-2950 or bluegateflodoc@aol.com

Cutter Gallery 2640 El Paseo (at

University), Las Cruces. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5


p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday. Information: (575) 541-0658.

La Paloma Fine Art Gallery and Studio


The gallery at 2340 Avenida De Mesilla,
N.M. features the work of Francisco Romero.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday
through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Information: (575) 523-8755 or romeroart.net.
Works include original art, prints, ceramics,
furniture, dolls and more, as well as works by
Adriana Peraldi, Miguel Varela and Rosa
Chivardi.

Page 40

El Paso Scene

Las Cruces Museum of Art 491 N.

Main (Downtown Mall). Hours are 9 a.m. to


4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed
Sunday and Monday. Information: (575) 5412137 or las-cruces.org/museums.
Showing through Jan. 10: Fragile Waters,
featuring the photography of Ansel Adams,
Ernest H. Brooks II and Dorothy Kerper
Monnelly. The exhibition was organized by
Photokunst. Guest curator is Jeanne Falk
Adams.
A Meet the Photographer event for families
with Ernest H. Brooks II is 11 a.m. Saturday,
Dec. 6. Brooks, son of the founder of the
Brooks Institute of Photography, specializes in
underwater photography.

M. Phillips Gallery 221 N. Main in Las


Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Information: or (575) 525-1367 or mphillipsgallery.com.

Main Street Gallery 311 N. Downtown


Mall, Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 647-0508.
Showing through June, 2015 is Evolution of
Photographic Printing Mediums, works by fine
art photographer Don Boyd. In addition to traditional prints on photographic papers, Boyd
exhibits images on French-made watercolor
paper, face-mounted acrylic, canvas, aluminum
and silk.

Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery


2470-A Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla, across
from the Fountain Theatre. Hours are 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. daily. New works displayed every
three months. Information: (575) 522-2933 or
mesillavalleyfinearts.com.
Decembers features artists are wall tilest
Bonnie MacQuarrie and gourd artist Patricia
Black.
New to the gallery is pastel and oil artist Kay
Susin.
The gallerys 31 regularly featured artists offer
paintings, fused glass art jewelry, wood-turning
objects, stained glass, photography, mixed
media, unique gourds, handmade textile weavings, copper paintings, art tile, affordable natural quality gems stone jewelry, prints, cards,
original print making, wood blocking and miniature paintings.
Mesquite Art Gallery 340 N. Mesquite,
Las Cruces. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Information: (575) 640-3502, (575) 524-1146
or mesquiteartgallery.com.

Picacho Corridor Fall Studio Tour

Picacho Avenue galleries and studios in Las


Cruces will host their annual fall open house
tour Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29-30, with
art talks, refreshments and more. The self-guided tour features artists throughout Las Cruces.
Admission is free. Information/maps: (575) 6357899 or on Facebook at fallstudiotour. Request
a map from fallstudiotour@gmail.com.

Rio Grande Theatre 211 Downtown

Mall in Las Cruces. Gallery in theatre lobby.


Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Information: (575) 523-6403 or
riograndetheatre.com.
Showing in December are works by artist
Denise Barella. Opening reception is 5 to 7
p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, as part of the Downtown
ArtRamble.

Please see Page 42


December 2014

Body art unveiled at


EP Museum of Art

ewelry ranks close to the top on many


Christmas wish lists, so what could be
more fun than setting aside time to
view Body Art: Contemporary El Paso
Jewelry, which opens Dec. 14 in the Dede
Rogers Special Events Gallery on the main
floor of the El Paso Museum of Art?
Patrick Shaw Cable, senior curator at the
museum, explains that Body Art took its
inspiration from Inquisitive Eyes, a 2012
exhibition that showcased work by regional artists.
The staff decided that it would be interesting to focus on some of the less traditional mediums such as jewelry that were
only minimally represented in the
Inquisitive Eyes show, he explained.
Cable realized that the principal center of
jewelry making and production in the borderland has been and remains the Metals
Department at the University of Texas El
Paso. So Cable invited former department
head Rachelle Thiewes to assist in selecting the artists who would be represented.
In addition to several examples of
Thiewes own jewelry, the exhibition will
also showcase works by ten additional
jewelers, many of whom gained their training under Thiewes prior to her retirement
from UTEP in May of 2014.
Over the years a lot of excellent students have come out of this program,
Thiewes said, including many who have
gone on to attain national reputations, but
(the museums) goal was to put together a
group of artists who continue to live and
work in the area.
Looking at the exhibit, one of the first
things that becomes obvious is the diversity not only in techniques and materials, but
also in the goals each artist has for exposing and marketing their work. When I was
teaching I tried to encourage my students
to follow their own path because there are
so many directions in which they can display their creative ability.
From the beginning, Thiewes personal
focus has been to create work for galleries
and museum collections. In contrast, she
noted that Susan Eisen, who studied under
the original department head Wiltz
Harrison and then Thiewes, chose to move
in a more commercial direction using precious metals and high quality gemstones.
Eisen has managed to establish a flourishing retail business while also continuing to
create her own line of custom jewelry,
some of which gained attention during the
2014 Emmy awards ceremony.
Thiewes proudly comments, Seeing how
far Susans talent has taken her, I couldnt
be more thrilled that she was one of my
students.
Work by the other artists we chose to
highlight ranges somewhere in between.
For instance, Linda Moore works entirely
in sterling silver. Her forte is beautiful
forms of nature rendered in fine metals.
The wonderful simplicity in her designs is
what makes her work so dynamic. As a
buyer what you have is a beautiful piece
that is unique and not something that is
mass produced.
Thiewes relates that Helen EllisonDorion, an English transplant who is today
December 2014

an adjunct professor of metalsmithing and


jewelry design at NMSU, has become a
master at making brilliant earrings. I
probably own 25 to 30 pair because they
are so distinctive. Helen began working
with sterling and copper, but now she has
added enameling and even paint. She is
doing experimental work that is still highly
wearable. Whenever I wear her earring out
of town, the first question I get is who is
the artist and how can I get a pair?
Victor Beckman exhibits a captivating
sense of playfulness in his pieces such as
his Jump Rope Necklace. Witty forms
and concepts can be seen in the Naughty
and Nice earrings crafted by Lorena
Aguirre.
Despite the fact that most artists began as
metalsmiths, several have now chosen to
work in more contemporary mediums such
as paper and even plastic, creating work
that is less expensive, but which has a distinctive audience.
Laura Aragon, whose work is a composite of natural (flowers) and man-made
(pinwheels) forms explains, I moved forward in my craft by incorporating various
materials arcylics, plastics, latex with
accents of precious metals. I pioneered the
use of laser cutting to increase the pension
of each piece, as I evolved into completely
non-metal pieces.
Thiewes is herself known for highly
unusual creations. As co-curator, Thiewes
will be showing examples she has created
over the past 30 years. One of the things
that has remained a constant is my interest
in the human body and how my jewelry
interacts with its movement. Past pieces
might create a challenge in the way you
walk or how you move your upper body.
For instance, I made long necklaces that
attached to one shoulder, crossed the body
and then attached on the opposite calf. If
you walk like most of us walk, not pointing your toes forward they dont move
very well with the body. If you put shoulders back and point forward, the beauty
comes out reminding the wearer of a better
way to walk. It sounds like this might be
awkward, but the body adapts to this concept within minutes.
With some of my pieces, there is kinetic
aspect pounding on the body reminding
you that you are moving. A recent piece
entitled Slipstream is composed of three

Please see Page 42


El Paso Scene

Page 41

Gallery Talk

Contd from Page 41

enlarged steel rings which rest on the


shoulder. Surrounding the wearer, it
remains in her peripheral vision, making
her very cognizant of the space she is
occupying.
Thiewes explains that nearly a decade
ago she changed her focus from the wearer
to the viewer. She currently works in steel,
using auto body paint to achieve the effect
she desires.
Light is incredibly important with these
pieces. The paints I use actually change
color as the body moves. Its very interesting because one person looking at the
piece as the body moves, might actually
see a different flash of color than someone
standing right next to them the range is
vast depending on effect I want.

Spanish Colonial art

One of the most sumptuous examples of


the beautiful religious imagery created
during the Spanish Colonial period in
Mexico can be seen in Santa Fe at the
Peyton Wright Gallerys 21st annual
Devotional Art Exhibition, which opens
this month and runs through March.
Closer to home, you can still enjoy this
tradition by taking in Mexican Devotion
on Tin and Copper, a collection of stunning retablos on display in the Dorrance
and Olga Roderick Gallery Niche at the El
Paso Museum of Art. This exhibition
opens Nov. 30 and runs through May 3.
Christian Gerthsheimer, who curated the
exhibit, relates that the museum is fortunate to have one of the most outstanding
collections of Spanish Colonial art in this
region thanks in part to dedicated museum
supporters such as the family of Frank and
Sarah McKnight, who donated 71 pieces
from their parents collection. Their parents acquired the collection while also
buying retablos throughout northwestern
Mexico for resale at their gallery.
The retablos on display, representing the
largest number of pieces from the collection that have been shown to date, include
paintings of saints, the Virgin and Christ,
martyrs, angels, the Pieta and ex-votos
from the 17th through the 19th centuries.

Open houses

Candy Mayer will host her annual open


house10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-7, at her
home, 1317 Tierra Roja on the West Side.
In addition to her 2015 calendar, she has
also created a wide array of new images
featuring downtown El Paso, UTEP and
her plein air paintings. Photographs taken
by her husband, Charlie, will also be available including some from their trip to
Spain.
Krystyna Robbins is another artist who
annually opens her studio doors at
Christmas time. Her Open House is noon
to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Robbins
Studio, 5070 Yucca, featuring retablos,
miniatures and small paintings, as well as
her 2015 Calendar.
Also on the West Side, Encaustic
International Art Studio and Gallery, 7100
Westwind, will celebrate its annual open
house 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. Once
again, a portion of the sales proceeds will
benefit Helping Hands, a charity organized by local German military wives.
Gallery owner and artist Brigette von Ahn
relates, Three of the few remaining ladies
are baking their delicious cakes to raise
funds for their local projects. We will also
have our small Christmas Market.
Local artists like Sandra Murillo (cloths
with paintings), Linda Noack (jewelry),
Linda McClain (aprons made of recycled
fabrics, purses) and Claire Tappan Lewis
(painted rocks, salsas), among others, sell
their wares and donate to Helping
Hands.
Brigittes husband, former local news
anchorman Gary Warner, will add to the
celebration his unique
Feuerzangenbowle. a glowing punch
that is sure to put you in a holiday mood.
On the other side of El Paso County,
Alberto Escamilla will host a Christmas
Extravanganza 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 6-7, at his gallery at 1445 Main St. in
San Elizario, with new paintings, art gifts
including ornaments, calendars and guest
artists and vendors.
The longest-running open house tradition
in the El Paso arts community is Hal
Marcus Happy Hippie Holidaze, which
celebrates its 44th anniversary 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, with a variety of
arts and crafts, appetizers, and live entertainment at the Hal Marcus Gallery, 1308
N. Oregon.

Myrna Zanetell is a freelance writer


specializing in the visual arts.

The Ho Show Local sculptor Ho Barons surreal sculpture garden is at 2830 Aurora (at
Piedras), featuring several large-scale works. Barons works are also on display at the El
Paso Public Library and El Paso Museum of Art. Information: 562-7820 or hobaron.com.

Southwest Art Scene


Contd from Page 40

Rokoko Art Gallery 1785 Avenida de

Mercado in Mesilla. The gallery features the


work of Mitch and A.me Alamag. Hours are
noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Information: (575) 405-8877 or rokokoart.com.

The Potteries 2260 Calle de Santiago,

Mesilla (two blocks west of Plaza, west of San


Albino Church). The gallery features Janice
Cook with (porcelain dinnerware), Jeanne
Rundell (whimsical paintings and dysfunctional
teapots), and Bill Cook with hand-thrown
Southwest lighting fixtures. Hours are 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5
p.m. Sunday. Information: 524-0538 or thepotteriesmesilla.com.

thetheatregallery Black Box Theatre

lobby, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.


Open one hour prior to Black Box performances. Information: (575) 523-1223. Currently
showing is Gourd Artwork by Karen Currier. A
wine and cheese reception is 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5, as part of the Downtown
Ramble.

Tombaugh Gallery First Unitarian

Universalist Church of Las Cruces, 2000 S.


Solano. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, or by


appointment. Information: (575) 522-7281 or
uuchurchlc.org.
Showing Dec. 7-Jan. 23: UU Bee Welcome
show, works by the long-time quilting group
and associated artists. Receptions with demos
and food are 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 7 and Jan. 11.

West End Art Depot The We.AD, at

401 N. Mesilla in Las Cruces, is an arts cooperative and incubator. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday,
noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Information: Chris,
(575) 312-9892 or we-ad.org.

Also

Art Hop MainStreet Truth or

Consequences sponsors the event 6 to 9 p.m.


the second Saturday of each month (Dec. 13)
in the downtown gallery district. The event features the monthly art opening of new shows
throughout the galleries of Truth or
Consequences, including fine arts, pottery, and
fabric arts. Many shops and restaurants stay
open late for this monthly event, with live
music in several locations. Information torcmainstreet.org.

Deming Arts Center The Deming Arts

Councils gallery and gift shop is at 100 Gold


Street in Deming, N.M. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is
free. Information: (575) 546-3663 or
demingarts.orbs.com.
Deming Arts Councils 2nd annual Holiday
Market is Dec. 4-31, highlighting handmade
gifts and works by local artists and craftspersons.

Rio Bravo Fine Art 110 Broadway in

Truth or Consequences, N.M. Home of the


Estate of Harold Joe Waldrum. Gallery hours
are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through
Sunday, or by appointment. Information: (575)
894-0572 or riobravofineartgallery.com.
Showing through Dec. 28 is Fresh Air, featuring new works of Delmas Howe. This series
goes back to some of Howes older themes
including cowboys, skies, still life and pickups,
etc.
Showing through Jan. 11: Abstract Energy,
works by Joel Smith.

Page 42

El Paso Scene

December 2014

Shrek: The Musical Kids-N-Co., 1301

Texas, presents the hit musical based on the


animated feature film, Nov. 28-Dec. 21.
Directed by Skyler Carreon, musical direction
by Laura Sambrano, and choreography by Mia
Carreon. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday and
Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $7 ($5
students, seniors, military). Information 3511455 or on Facebook.
Once upon a time, there was a little ogre
named Shrek And thus begins the tale of an
unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey
and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.
Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie
with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy
tale misfits.

A Tuna Christmas No Strings Theatre

Company presents the holiday version of the


comedy classic by Ed Howard, Jaston Williams
and Joe Sears, through Dec. 14, at the Black
Box Theatre in Las Cruces. Directed by Ceil
Herman. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and
Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $12
($10 students and seniors over 65; $8 all seats
Thursday). Reservations: (575) 523-1223, nostrings.org.
Its Christmas in the third smallest town in
Texas. Radio station news personalities
Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie, report on
various Yuletide activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

American Southwest Theatre Company presents the Tony-winning musical based on


Charles Dickens unfinished book, through
Dec. 7, at NMSUs Center for the Arts.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2
p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $5-$18. Information:
(575) 646-4515.
The musical follows the exploits of Theatre
Royale Music Hall Company as they attempt to
complete the unfinished story of Edwin Drood.

Kids-N-Co. auditions Kids-N-Co., 1301


Texas, will host auditions for its first play of
2015, a steampunk version of The Little
Prince by local playwright Ryan Johann Perry,
directed by Stella Mariam, at 7 p.m. Sunday and
Monday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Actors and actresses aged 8 to adult are needed. Information:
351-1455.
Meet Me In St. Louis Las Cruces

Community Theatre, 313 N. Main, Las Cruces,


presents the family musical for the holiday season Dec. 5-21. Written by Hugh Wheeler,
Hugh Martin and Ralph Blained, directed by
Janet Mazdra. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays
and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets:
$11-$14. Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org. See Stage Talk, Page 44.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever


El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents
Barbara Robinsons family holiday favorite Dec.
5-21. Directed by Rachel Mullins. Showtimes
are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m.
Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($7 military/students with
ID); $1 off ticket price for those who bring
baby and childrens clothes donations for the
Rainbow Room. Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.
The Hermans are a family of rotten children.
They lie, steal, swear, fight, light things on fire,
and are generally feared in the community.
December 2014

El Paso Scene

When they get wind of the annual church


Christmas pageant, they bully their way into
the main roles and generally wreak havoc.
What some feared would be the worst pageant
in church history turns out to have a special
quality that causes the community to rethink
the real meaning of the Christmas story.

A Charlie Brown Christmas The


holiday musical, presented by the CrossPoint
Drama Ministry is at 7 p.m. Friday, and
Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-14, at
CrossPoint Church, 11995 Montwood.
Admission is free. Information: 857-7492 or
crosspointelpaso.com.
The churchs free Bethlehem Live! event will
also be held 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
El Paso Playhouse auditions - El Paso

Playhouse, 2501 Montana, hosts auditions for


the play Almost, Maine, directed by Corey
Dlask at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Dec. 1415. Auditions consist of cold readings from the
script. Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.

The Polaroid Express Kids-N-Co.

presents a ride to a land where holiday themes


collide at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in the
Philanthropy Theatre of the Plaza Annex, as
part of El Paso Community Foundations Jewel
Box series. Tickets: $16 (Ticketmaster).
Information: 533-4020 or epcf.org.
Step aboard the Polaroid Express and take a
ride to a land where retro holiday scenes collide. A talented team of young writers led by
Stella Maria Perry have mixed and matched
those well-worn family images, offering sights
and sounds of the holiday season under electric
Christmas lights.

A Christmas Carol The UTEP

Department of Theatre and Dance presents


their annual adaptation of Charles Dickens
Christmas classic at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 14 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec.
20-21, in the Fox Fine Arts Wise Family
Theatre. Adapted by Chuck Gorden and
directed by Austin Savage. Tickets: $13 ($11
seniors, military, group, UTEP alumni and nonUTEP students; $9 UTEP students; ages 4-12):
747-5118 or theatredance.utep.edu.

A Christmas Carol Mimbres Region Arts


Council (MRAC) presents Nebraska Theatre
Caravans touring performance of the Charles
Dickens holiday classic at 7:30 p.m. Thursday,
Dec. 18, at WNMUs Fine Arts Auditorium in
Silver City, as part of its Performance Series.
Tickets: $20 ($15 members; $5 students; $12
per person for groups of 10 or more).
Information: (575) 538-2505, or
mimbresarts.org.
The Charles Jones adaptation of Charles
Dickens classic features ensemble music and is
full of color and movement. Woven throughout
the holiday tale are new arrangements and renditions of holiday songs.

Alfred Jarry Meets Frankenstein


Christmas Carol Silent Noir Theatre,

presents the midnight production at 12:01 a.m.


Thursday, Dec. 25. The theatre company
brings Grand Guignol, Absurdism, and AvantGarde activism to El Paso with cutting edge
performances and showmanship. Location/ticket information: silentnoirtheatre@yahoo.com.

Please see Page 44


Page 43

Classic holiday
musical set in
1904 St. Louis

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rite what you know. Thats


what every budding writer is
told.
For Las Cruces Community Theater
president Janet Beatty-Payne, the words
have been slightly changed to: Direct
what you know.
I remember sitting and brainstorming
what show I should submit for this season with my husband Patrick, BeattyPayne said. We were trying to come up
with a holiday musical, and Patrick
said, what about Meet Me in St.
Louis? Seems like the perfect show for
you to direct!
Perfect indeed.
Beatty-Payne was born and raised in
the St. Louis area. She got her bachelors and masters degree at nearby
Southern Illinois University. She played
Rose in a 1993 production of the show
in St. Louis.
Since my heart is so tied to St. Louis,
and since Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas has always been such of
favorite song of mine, I just had to
direct this show, said Beatty-Payne,
who moved to Las Cruces in 1996.
The musical is based on the 1944
movie starring Judy Garland. It tells the
story of the Smith family living in St.
Louis just before the 1904 Worlds Fair.
I have many fond memories of looking through souvenir books from the
1904 Worlds Fair with my Grandma
Hoffmann while enjoying her stories of
how her grandmother and mother had
gone to the fair, Beatty-Payne said.
So here we are, December 2014, and
my vision for Meet Me in St. Louis
has come to fruition.
During the course of the show, the two
oldest girls, Esther and Rose, fall in
love. Father Smith worries about money
and threatens to move the whole family
to St. Louis, leaving everything behind
including missing the fair. Its a huge
production.
Producing a large-cast show with lots
of scenes creates some obstacles.
The biggest challenge of this show is
getting all of our new projection equipment up and ready, as we are going to
use projections on the set throughout
the show, said Beatty-Payne, who has
been performing and directing at LCCT
since 1997.
Im so lucky to have the skill and
expertise of Sam Tyson on my side to
help with lighting and projections.
Shes also thrilled to have back musical director Christa Fredrickson. She is
a pro and always brings out the best
vocals from everyone.

On stage

Contd from Page 43

In Paris on Oct. 31, 1907, Alfred Jarry meets


the Frankenstein Monster. This is what happens next.

Waiting for Godot Dona Ana Arts


Council presents award-winning writer Mark
Page 44

El Paso Scene

The cast, she added, also has


impressed her.
I have an amazing cast of seasoned
performers as well as some newcomers.
My two female leads of Esther and
Rose, Alyssa Gose and Tine Hartell, are
incredibly talented young ladies who
have extensive performing resumes
even though they are young. Alyssa just
turned 17 and Tina is 22. I just know
our audience is going to love this show,
and with recognizable songs such as
Have Yourself A Merry Little
Christmas, The Trolley Song, and
The Boy Next Door, our patrons will
leave the theatre humming those tunes
and excited for the holidays.
Because of the cast and crews hard
work, she added, The biggest joy for
me has been watching the show come
together and seeing beautiful performances by everyone involved. At rehearsal last night, I had tears in my eyes
watching the Have Yourself A Merry
Little Christmas number.
The end result, she promises, will be a
treat for the whole family.
I love the holidays. I love the theatre. And this show is a wonderful combination of both!

Carol Viescas is a veteran of


community theater and teaches
journalism at Bel Air High School.

Las Cruces Community Theatre, 313 N.


Main, Las Cruces, presents Meet Me
In St. Louis Dec. 5-21 at 8 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m.
Sundays. Information: (575) 523-1200
or lcctnm.org.

Esther and Rose sing Have Yourself A


Merry Little Christmas to Tootie and
Agnes. Left to right: Jenifer Brouhard as
Tootie Smith, Alyssa Gose as Esther
Smith, Abrianna Morales as Agnes
Smith, and Tina Hartell as Rose Smith.
Medoffs return to the stage in the Samuel
Beckett classic tragicomedy Jan. 6-11, at Rio
Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las
Cruces. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets:
$17.50 balcony; $23.50 main floor. Ticket
prices increase by $5 day of show.
Information: (575) 523-6403 or
RioGrandeTheatre.com.
December 2014

Brown Friday sale Casa Camino Real


bookstore and art gallery, 314 S. Tornillo in Las
Cruces, will hold a Brown Friday sale 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28. The sale features
books in all languages and all genres as well as
vintage vinyl records and Mexican and
American folk art. Information: (575) 523-3988
or bbf@borderbookfestival.com.
Santa Claus visit Santa Claus will visit
the Jenna Welch & Laura Bush Community
Library El Paso Community College Northwest
Campus, 6701 S. Desert 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 6, with free refreshments and pictures.
Information: 831-8840 or epcc.edu/library/nw.
Tumblewords Project The writing

workshops are 12:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.


Saturdays, unless otherwise listed, at the
Memorial Park Public Library meeting room,
3200 Copper, unless listed otherwise.
Workshops are free; donations for the presenter are encouraged. The group is open to all
writers in a non-critique, non-caustic forum.
Information: 328-5484 or on Facebook at
Tumblewords.
Dec. 6: Postcards from Afar with Lucie
Zavala. Zavala writes bilingual short stories and
memoirs. She is the founder and coordinator of
Rincn Bohemio, a bilingual writing group. The
workshop will provide participants an opportunity to experience a form of memorializing or
sharing travel experiences with others.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13:
Reflections of Generosity: Discovering Inner
Peace through Art, Music and Writing with
Ron Kelsey. This workshop will feature art
from the Reflections of Generosity Foundation
not previously shown at Tumblewords and
opera performed by singer Kyla Kelsey and
harpist Whitney Kairns, both of whom have
over 20 years of performance experience. Kyla
is from Canada and studied through the Royal
Conservatory of Music. Sgt. Kelsey, Sgt. serves
as an active duty Soldier in the Army and is
working to fund free art and writing workshops
for soldiers, veterans and their families.
Dec 20: Writing for the Dark Time with
Tumblewords founder Donna Snyder. For
more than a decade Snyder has presented an
annual workshop near the Winter Solstice that
explores the concept of darkness in both its
negative and positive aspects. Her next poem
collection, Three Sides of the Same Moon, is
forthcoming from NeoPoiesis Press in 2015.

Holocaust Museum book club The El

Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Centers


final book club discussion of the year is 11 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, at the museum, 715 N.
Oregon, to discuss The Inextinguishable
Symphony: A True Story of Music and Love in
Nazi Germany, by Martin Goldsmith. The discussion will be moderated by a panel of community and Museum members. Admission: $5;
free for museum members. Light refreshments
served; book available for sale in museum
bookstore. Space is limited, please RSVP.
Information: Jamie Williams, 351.0048 or
jamie@elpasoholocaustmuseum.org.

Goldsmith tells the true love story of his parents, German Jews who met in 1936 when they
were both playing in the Kulturbund Orchestra
in Frankfurt. The orchestra was a cultural
organization set up by the Minister of
Propaganda in Nazi Germany for Jewish artists
and audiences. The Kulturbund served as a cultural refuge but also gave German Jews a false
sense of security for what the future held.

Santa Claus library visits Santa Claus


will appear at all El Paso Public Library branches in December. Kids of all ages are invited to
meet Santa and give him their special wishes
for the holiday season. Celebrity guest readers
will share holiday stories. Parents encouraged
to bring their cameras. Admission is free.
Information: Main Branch, 543-5433.
5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, Westside
Library, 125 Belvidere.
4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, Dorris Van Doren
Library, 551 Redd.
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Richard Burges
Library, 9600 Dyer.
3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Memorial Park
Library, 3200 Copper.
11 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 1617, Armijo Library, 620 E. 7th.
11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, and 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20, at Clardy Fox Library, 5515
Robert Alva
5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Jos
Cisneros Cielo Vista Library, 1300 Hawkins.
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, Irving Schwartz
Library, 1865 Dean Martin, and at Ysleta
Library, 9321 Alameda.
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Main
Library, 510 N. Oregon and at Esperanza
Moreno Library, 12480 Pebble Hills.
4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, Judge Marquez
Library, 610 N. Yarbrough.

An Evening with Joe Hayes


Southwest storyteller and childrens book
author Joe Hayes will be the featured guest at
the fundraiser for Books Are Gems, 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Marks Methodist
Church Fellowship Hall, 5005 Love Road
(Upper Valley). Tickets are $40 for adults, $10
for ages 5-17 and free for children 4 and under.
Information: 845-5437 or bookaregems.org.
The evening will feature a Western-style dinner, silent auction and storytelling by Hayes,
including his holiday favorite, The Wise Little
Burro.Proceeds benefit Books Are Gems, a
nonprofit bookstore at 7744 North Loop Ste. B
that sells and gives away new and used books.
Books are sold for $1-$2, and children who
come to the store may receive five free used
books. Teachers can also receive free books
for their classroom. The bookstore was damaged by rain-caused flooding in September and
reopened Nov. 3. The fundraiser will help pay
for the cost of repairs and replacement of damaged books.

A free storytelling session with Hayes is at 10


a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Books Are Gems.
Hayes, who grew up in southern Arizona and
now lives in Santa Fe, is a nationally recognized
teller of tales from the Hispanic, Native
American and Anglo cultures. His bilingual
Spanish-English stories have earned him a distinctive place among Americas storytellers. His
award-winning books include Watch Out for
Clever Women, !El Cucuy!, How the
Rattlesnake Got Its Fangs and La Llorona.
Many of his books have been published by El
Pasos Cinco Puntos Press.

The Bookmark Holiday Hours

Barnes & Noble (West Side) 705

Friends of the Westside Libraries bookstore,


7348 Remcon, will be open for holiday shopping 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursdays and Saturdays, and 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturdays. Bookstore closes for the holidays
Dec. 24-Jan. 6. Information: 833-2342.

Tech Tent at Branigan Library

Thomas Branigan Memorial library offers a new


service to help familiarize patrons with e-books
and other electronic reading devices 11 a.m. to
noon Wednesday. Free instruction and help on
how to use tablets like Nook HD, (tablet
Kindle Fire, Google Nexus8 and Apple iPad
Mini, as well as Microsoft Windows Laptop.
Information: (575) 521-2098.
The Librarys growing collection of e-books is
provided by Freading, which has more than
50,000 classic titles, One-Click e-books with
546 titles, One-Click e-audiobooks with more
than 9,000 titles, and the 3M Cloud Library
with 500 newer titles.

Barnes & Noble (East Side) The

El Paso 120, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29.


Childrens storytimes are 11 a.m. Saturdays.
Nov. 29: Dragons Love Tacos
Dec. 6: The Polar Express
Dec. 13: Honeyky Hanukah and Merry
Christmas, Splat.
Dec. 27: The Snowman and the Snowdog
Spanish Language storytime is 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29 with Oso Quiere Contar
Una Historia.
Holiday-themed childrens storytimes and
activities:
4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1: How The Grinch
Stole Christmas
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5: The Polar Express PJ
party with Kids-N-Co.
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12: Elf On the Shelf
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19: Rudolf The RedNosed Reindeer with celebrity guest.

Fountains at Farah, 8889 Gateway West, Suite


120. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, 9
a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call
for special holiday hours. Information: 5901932.
Mark Paulda will sign copies of his latest book,

Sunland Park. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.


Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday. Call for special holiday hours.
Information: 581-5353.
Holiday-themed childrens storytimes and
activities:
1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1: How The Grinch
Stole Christmas
4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5: The Polar Express
1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: Honeyky Hanukah
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12: Elf On the Shelf
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19: Rudolf The RedNosed Reindeer.

Barnes & Noble (Las Cruces) 700 S.

Telshor in Mesilla Valley Mall. Call for special


holiday hours. Information: (575) 522-4499.
Childrens storytimes are 10 a.m. Fridays, with
special storytimes 11 a.m. selected Saturdays.
Holiday-themed childrens storytimes and
activities:
4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1: How The Grinch
Stole Christmas
6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3: Honeyky
Hanukah.
6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5: The Polar Express.
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12: Elf On the Shelf.
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19: Rudolf The RedNosed Reindeer.

The Bookery
10167 S o c o r ro Ro ad 859-6132
Ope n 10-5, 7 days a week

GOING OUT OF
BUSINESS SALE!
After nearly 24 years in business
on the Mission Trail, Im sorry to
announce that The Bookery will be
closing at the end of December.
I still have thousands of books plus
gift items that must be sold, so
please visit The Bookery this holiday
season. Thank you to all my loyal
customers!
Margaret Barber, owner

30-50% OFF
including Gift Items
Special Volume & Cash Discounts

Thousands of
books must go!
We still have great selections of
local, regional and military history;
teachers materials; childrens books
and so much more!

No credit/debit cards
December 2014

El Paso Scene

Page 45

Film Salon The Film Salon at Trinity First

Get Scene
around town!
The Scene comes out the last week of the month.
Pick up your copy at these and other locations.
Or subscribe by mail! See Page 50 for order form.

VILLAGE INN

WALGREENS

1500 Airway
7144 Gateway East
4757 Hondo Pass
2929 N. Mesa
5863 N. Mesa
7801 N. Mesa
2275 Trawood
1331 N. Zaragoza
3464 Joe Battle

890 N Resler Dr
5900 N Mesa St
8050 N Mesa
2800 N. Mesa
200 N Mesa
2879 Montana
5401 Montana
1100 Geronimo
8401 Gateway West
5150 Fairbanks
9428 Dyer
10780 Kenworthy
1210 Wedgewood
3355 N Yarbrough
1831 N. Lee Trevino
2950 George Dieter
11685 Montwood
12390 Edgemere
1607 N Zaragoza
800 N. Zaragosa
100 N. Americas
8045 N. Loop
14300 Horizon

In Las Cruces:
1205 El Paseo
455 S. Telshor

GOLDEN CORRAL
4610 Transmountain
1460 N Lee Trevino

FURRS
11925 Gateway West

EP FITNESS
145 Paragon
1430 Lee Trevio
12145 Montwood
981 N. Resler
1224 Wedgewood

AY CARAMBA!
8001 N Mesa

ALL THAT MUSIC


6800 Gateway West

BARNES & NOBLE


705 Sunland Park Dr.

CAFE EAST
11251 Rojas

SU CASA
2030 E. Yandell

BARON GROCERY
7555 Aculpulco
2231 Zaragosa
3920 Doniphan
121 N. Kenazo, Horizon
10005 Alameda, Socorro

VISTA MARKET

INTL BAKERY
6513 N Mesa

AVILAS

YSLETA ISD

6232 N. Mesa

9600 Sims

BASKIN ROBBINS
ALL LOCATIONS

ARDOVINOS
PIZZA

CLINT ISD
LIBRARIES

865 N. Resler at Redd


206 Cincinnati

RIVIERA

THE
MARKETPLACE

EL PASO
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
UTEP LIBRARY
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EP CONV. CENTER
EL PASO LIBRARY

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ALL LOCATIONS

5218 Doniphan

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River Run Plaza

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5034 Doniphan

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5420 Doniphan

Sunland Park Dr

THE BAGEL SHOP

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3400 N. Mesa
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ANDRES PIZZA
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1308 N. Oregon

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11250 Montwood

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4772 Doniphan

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1757 George Dieter
2900 N. Mesa
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865 Resler

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5320 Doniphan

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1346 N. Lee Trevio

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315 Mills

CARNITAS
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6516 N Mesa
Page 46

11930 Picasso
6415 N Mesa

United Methodist Churchs Resler Hall Chapel,


801 N. Mesa (at Yandell), continues its series of
the great films of 1939 with Ernst Lubitschs
comedy Ninotchka at 7:30 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 6, in Resler Hall. Film historian and collector Jay Duncan is special guest for this
screening. Admission is free. Information: 5332674 or filmsalon.org.

Jays Pix Presents Film historian, educator, writer, archivist, collector Jay Duncan and
the Sunset Film Society host the monthly film
series at noon Sunday, Dec. 14, at Ardovinos
Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in
Sunland Park (Gallery, Main Restaurant).
Admission and parking is free; but reservations
strongly recommended; RVSP via sunsetfilmsociety.org.
Decembers program presents an Animation
Trifecta of holiday specials, including the very
first animated Christmas special produced for
television. Mr. Magoos Christmas Carol
debuted on the NBC Television Network on
Dec. 18, 1962, sponsored by Timex. It became
an annual holiday event for the next two
decades, then it vanished from regular telecasts.
Also features are two Academy Award-nominated animated shorts:
The Snowman (1982). Based on the wordless best-selling childrens book by British
author Raymond Briggs, this enchanting film
perfectly captures all the wonder and innocence of Childhood.
Peace On Earth (1939). In December
1939, MGM released an animated short made
at a time when much of the world was contemplating peace or the diminishing prospect
thereof. Peace on Earth was nominated for
an Academy Award and was nominated for a
Nobel Peace Prize in 1940.

Pax Christi Film Series The series

TX TOURISM
CENTER

THE BOOKERY
EL PASO ZOO

In Jurez
Museo INBA Museo
Chamizal Museo de la
Revolucion de la Frontera
El Rincon De Ana Lucia
Telon de Arena La
Rodadora Museo del Nio
Impulsa Educacion en
Valores ICHICULT
Academia Municipal
Biblioteca Arturo Tolentino
Centro Cultural Paso del
Norte Centro de
Convenciones Cibeles
Foro Nova Palazzo di
Pane Casa Mia

presents Peace Like a River, a film on the


1993 Parliament of Worlds Religions, narrated
by Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn, at 3
p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Diocesan Migrant and
Refugee Services Mother Teresa Center, 2400
E. Yandell. Discussion will follow. Hosted by
Pax Christi El Paso and the Peace & Justice
Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso.
Admission is free, donations accepted.
Information: 740-3962.
The event organized to celebrate, explore and
reflect on the ways in which the worlds religions could confront the problems that threaten humanity. Featured speakers include the
Dalai Lama, Hans Kung, Charlotte Black Elk,
Thich Nhat Hanh and many others.

EPMA World Cinema Series El Paso

Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza, hosts


screenings of films at 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Donations purchase art books for the museums Algur H. Meadows Library. Seating is limited on a first come, first serve basis.
Admission: $3 suggested donation; free for
members and age 12 and under. Age restrictions may apply. Information, films: 532-1707
or elpasoartmuseum.org.

Fountain Theatre 2469 Calle de

Guadalupe, 1/2 block south of the plaza in

El Paso Scene

Mesilla. The historic theater, operated by the


Mesilla Valley Film Society, features films at
7:30 p.m. nightly, plus 1:30 p.m. Saturday and
2:30 p.m. Sunday. Theatre closed Dec. 24-25,
and Dec. 31. Admission: $7 ($6 seniors, military and students with ID; $5 children and society members); $5 on Wednesday.
The 25th patron admitted free and small popcorn is 25 for all on 25th day of each month,
to celebrate the Societys 25th anniversary.
Information, schedule: (575) 524-8287 or
mesillavalleyfilm.org.
Nov. 28-Dec. 4: The Better Angels. The
story of Abraham Lincolns childhood in the
harsh wilderness of Indiana. Rated PG.
Dec. 5-11: Love is Strange. Alfred Molina
and John Lithgow star as a gay couple. After
they are married, one is fired from his teaching
post, forcing them to stay with friends separately while they sell their place and look for
cheaper housing. Rated R.
The Societys 25th anniversary gala is at 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5. Cost: $25 ($20 MVFS members). Includes film showing, hors doeuvres
and live music.
Dec. 12-18: Lifes a Breeze. The movie
follows follow and Irish family as the search for
fortune through the streets of Dublin. Rated R.
Dec. 20-23: Fanny. In this second part of
the Marseille Trilogy, Fanny falls in love with
and is abandoned by Marius before discovering
she is pregnant.
Dec. 26-30: Diplomacy. A historical drama
that follows the relationship between German
military governor of occupied Paris Dietrich
von Choltitz and Swedish consul-general Raoul
Nordling.

New Mexico Museum of Space


History 3198 SR 2001, Alamogordo. The

museums Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater will


host its Farewell showings of classic IMAX
films in their original format as the theater prepares for its new high-resolution, giant screen
digital projection system. Closed Thanksgiving
and Christmas Day. Tickets: $6 ($5.50 for seniors and military; $4.50 ages 4-12). Ages 2 and
under free for all shows. Museum/IMAX
combo tickets available. Information: (877)
333-6589 or (575) 437-2840 or nmspacemuseum.org.
Journey Into Amazing Caves is 10 a.m.,
noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Expert cavers Nancy
Aulenbach and Dr. Hazel Barton explore
unusual caveslike ice caves in Greenland and
underwater caves in the jungles of Mexicoas
they search for important clues about the
Earths past and the microorganisms that inhabit its most extreme environments. Narrated by
Liam Neeson.
Tornado Alley is 1 and 3 p.m. Join Storm
Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of
VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever to
understand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Narrated by Bill Paxton.

Jays Film Forecast Film historian Jay

Duncan prepared this list of top monthly


Coming Attractions for movie fans, listed by
studio and release date (subject to change).
Dec. 5:

Please see Page 47


December 2014

Film Scene

Contd from Page 46

Comet (IFC) Justin Long, Emmy Rossum,


Eric Winter. Directed by Sam Esmail.
Life Partners (Magnolia) Leighton Meester,
Gillian Jacobs, Gabourey Sidibe. Directed by
Susanna Fogel.
Pioneer (Magnolia) Wes Bentley, Aksel
Hennie, Stephen Lang. Directed by Erik
Skjoldbjaerg.
The Pyramid (20th Century-Fox) Denis
OHare, Ashley Hinshaw, James Buckley.
Directed by Grgory Levasseur.
Wild (Fox Searchlight) Reese
Witherspoon, Gaby Hoffmann, Laura Dern.
Directed by Jean-Marc Valle.
Dec. 12:
After the Fall (Entertainment One) David
Duchovny, Hope Davis, Timothy Hutton;
Directed by Carroll Cartwright.
The Captive (A24) Ryan Reynolds, Rosario
Dawson, Scott Speedman. Directed by Atom
Egoyan.
Exodus: Gods and Kings (20th Century-Fox)
Christian Bale, Sigourney Weaver, Joel
Edgerton. Directed by Ridley Scott.

know this sounds like a bit of a buzzkill, but I love looking up reviews of
science fiction movies on websites
devoted to bad physics and bad
astronomy. They always come up with
dozens of scientific impossibilities that
moviegoers are expected to take for
granted (for example, the most common
quibble is sound traveling in outer
space).
At least by doing this afterward, I can
turn my brain off during the movie and
suspend my scientific sensibilities for a
couple of hours. If the movie is worthwhile enough for me to think about it
later, then I search the internet to sift the
science from the fiction.
I wish there was some kind of equivalent reviews pointing out the bad theology in movies. But unlike scientists
who mostly agree on their faultfinding,
it would be hard to find any consensus
among theologians.
The reason this came to mind was a
couple of recent movies that pushed my
own personal bad theology button.
One was the Russell Crowe Noah
film. To be honest, I didnt really watch
it I just sat down occasionally to
catch a few minutes here after my wife
decided to rent it. Seeing giant rock
creatures helping Noah build the ark and
defend it from his enemies was enough
for me to lose all interest. Not to mention various other flights of fancy such
as Noah drinking hallucinogenic tea or
trying to kill his grandchild.
In a case like Noah, the bigger challenge might be to find any examples of
good theology, based on the actual biblical narrative.
I dont hold out much hope for the next
biblical blockbuster coming out this
month, Exodus: Gods and Kings.
Ridley Scott cites his own atheism as a
credential for directing the epic because
I've got to convince myself the story
works. And Moses portrayer, Christian
Bale, says of his character, I think the
man was likely schizophrenic and was
one of the most barbaric individuals that
I ever read about in my life.

December 2014

Free the Nipple (Disruptive Films) Casey


LaBow, Lola Kirke, Zack Grenier. Directed by
Lina Esco.
Inherent Vice (Warner Bros.) Jena Malone,
Josh Brolin, Reese Witherspoon. Directed by
Paul Thomas Anderson.
Top Five (Paramount) Adam Sandler,
Rosario Dawson, Chris Rock. Directed by Chris
Rock.
Dec. 17:
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
(Warner Bros.) Ian McKellan, Cate
Blanchett, Martin Freeman. Directed by Peter
Jackson. Continuation of J.R.R. Tolkiens 1937
saga of Middle Earth.
Dec. 19:
Annie (Columbia) Quvenzhan Wallis,
Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne. Directed by Will
Gluck. Based on the Broadway musical and a
re-imagining of the 1982 film directed by John
Huston.
The Gambler (Paramount) Jessica Lange,
Mark Wahlberg, Brie Larson. Directed by
Ripert Wyatt.
Goodbye to All That (IFC) Melanie
Lynskey, Paul Schneider, Audrey P. Scott.
Directed by Angus MacLachlan.

Mr. Turner (Sony Classics) Timothy Spall,


Dorothy Atkinson, Paul Jesson. Directed by
Mike Leigh.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
(20th Century-Fox) Ben Stiller, Robin
Williams, Dan Stevens. Directed by Shawn
Levy. Third in the series that began in 2006.
Dec. 24:
Two Days, One Night (IFC) Fabrizio
Rongione, Marion Cotillard, Oliver Gourmet.
Directed by Luc Dardenne and Jean-Pierre
Dardenne.
Dec. 25:
American Sniper (Warner Bros.) Bradley
Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes. Directed
by Clint Eastwood.
Big Eyes (Weinstein Co.) Christoph Waltz,
Amy Adams, Danny Huston. Directed by Tim
Burton.
The Interview (Sony) Seth Rogan, Lizzy
Caplan, James Franco. Directed by Rogan and
Evan Goldberg.
Into the Woods (Disney) Johnny Depp,
Meryl Streep, Chris Pine. Directed by Rob
Marshall.
Selma (Paramount) David Oyelowo,
Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson. Directed by

Ava DuVernay.
Unbroken (Universal) John Magaro, Jack
OConnell, Garrett Hedlund. Directed by
Angelina Jolie.
Dec. 31:
Leviafan (Sony Classics) Alexey
Serebryakov. Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev.
A Most Violent Year (A24) Jessica
Chastain, Oscar Issac, Ashley Williams.
Directed by J.C. Chandor.

DVD Releases
Dec. 2:
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes / PG-13
The Hundred-Foot Journey / PG
As Above, So Below / R
Cantinflas / PG
Dec. 9:
Guardians of the Galaxy / PG-13
Calvary / R
Dolphin Tale 2 / PG
Dec. 16:
This is Where I Leave You / R
Magic in the Moonlight / PG-13
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / PG-13

Of course its easy to take potshots at


Hollywoods treatment of these stories.
The directors, screenwriters and producers make no pretense of trying to be
loyal to the actual biblical narrative.
Yet I dont reserve all my bad theology rotten tomatoes for big-budget features that borrow from the Bible to make
bucks. Even serious films made by
devout believers often fall far short of
credible theology.
I recently watched God is Not Dead,
about a Christian college student taking
on an atheist philosophy professor. The
student is earnest and good-hearted, of
course; the professor is motivated only
by his own inner demons. That by itself
would make the movie a bad work of
art, but not necessarily bad theology.
And to be fair, there were moments during the arguments between the two main
characters that made me think.
But the worst flaw (spoiler alert) of the
movie is its contrived ending. The professor is hit by a car and a pastor evangelizes to him during his final breaths.
The implication is the professor may
now be headed for heaven instead of
hell. What bothers me most is the message that it doesnt matter what you do
in this life as long as you utter the right
words at the end.
Im not the only person who had problems with this film. Critics of every religious stripe panned it from atheists to
fundamentalists (some creationists criticized it for accepting the Big Bang theory as factual). The public didnt seem to
mind, however; the movie made with
an estimated $2 million budget
grossed over $60 million.
Randy Limbird is editor of
El Paso Scene. Comments?
Send to randy@epscene.com
El Paso Scene

Page 47

Local: El Paso swigs a double


shot of Everclear

It isnt often that we get a visit from a charttopping band twice in one year, but that is
sort of what we are going to be treated to this
month. Art Alexakis, lead vocalist, singer,
songwriter, and general mastermind of the
band Everclear, is coming back to town for a
very special engagement. It will not take
place at Speaking Rock or a radio-station
sponsored festival or anything like that, but
instead will be a very intimate show at
Lowbrow Palace. The night promises to present Art in very different way than the countless times he has visited El Paso in the past.
It is being billed as An Evening With, so if
you are looking for the usual high-octane
show you are in for a very big surprise. This
will be a solo affair with him and his
acoustic guitar, digging into a mental briefcase chock-full of stories and anecdotes. His
lifes tale includes anger management issues,
bankruptcy, a misguided childhood and an
unquenchable thirst for drugs, so there will
be plenty to draw from. He has also promised a new Everclear album on the horizon,
and every fan who buys a ticket for the show
will receive a download card to immediately
receive an advance copy of the first single
off the new disc. It all takes place Dec. 13
apparently Santas coming early this year.

National: Mark Lanegan,


Phantom Radio, Vagrant
Records

One of Seattles favorite sons has made a


very quick return to the album release circuit. Its not with the Gutter Twins, Mad
Season or a return collaboration with Moby,
Queens of the Stoneage or Unkleits simply dubbed Mark Lanegan Band. The man
himself is front and center on his new CD,
Phantom Radio. Unlike last years solo CD
homage to his heroes, this time there is not a
cover to be found. The grunge day sounds
with his band the Screaming Trees havent
disappeared; for the first time some of those
flavors have come creeping back. This may
be due to its slicker feel, or maybe some of
the gravel he has left his voice. Some tunes
even seem to have a more pop feel.
Whatever it is, this one has hints of yesteryear. The other difference is the prominent
keyboard and a more overall electronic feel
than past efforts. Not to despair longtime
fans, there is still plenty of the darkness,
doom and gloom we have come to appreciate
over the years. No one ever really knows
where the phantom Mark Lanegan will
appear again, but one can only hope it is on a
radio near you.

Ben Ottewell, Rattlebag, The


End Records

If youre unfamiliar with this column and


you see the name Gomez, youre much
more likely to think of a friend or neighbor
than a jam band from England with a cockney accent that I am extremely fond of. Ben
Ottewell took the lead vocalist reins on most
of his bands tracks, and although many
members in the band took the mic on any
given disc, it was primarily Bens vocals that
guided us through Gomez waters. This is his
second time treading on his own. His most
recent masterpiece is Rattlebag. This collection is anchored by lush acoustic arrangements with his deep and incredibly raspy
voice at the forefront, but of course there are
several toe-tappin tracks to get your hippydaze dance groove on. Ottewell still has on
his life jacket, in the form of Gomez bandmate Ian Ball who joins him on a few cuts.
Rattlebag is defined as an assortment or
variety, which makes perfect sense as this
album is a Rattlebag of brilliance.
Page 48

El Paso Scene

Farmer Jason, Christmas on


the Farm with Farmer Jason,
Courageous Chicken

It has been a little while since Farmer Jason


harvested any crops, but lucky for us he
planted some a little while back that are just
perfect for wintertime pickin. If you are not
familiar with Farmer Jason, maybe the name
Jason Ringenberg will ring a bell, if not
maybe Jason and the Scorchers. He has been
putting out some amazing music for over 30
years. When he last donned the overalls it
was performing childrens music that appeals
to kids from 1 to 92, and this time hes doing
the same but putting a Christmas spin on
things. Hes worn the Santa suit once before
in his pre-ranchers life on a full throttle duet
with Kristi Rose for Lovely Christmas, a
track that is well worth the hunt. This bounty
is more family-friendly with a dozen cuts of
originals and classics, as well as bringing in
some help from the legendary Webb Wilder
on a duet of Rudolph The Red-nosed
Reindeer. His reindeer rap is worth the price
of admission alone. Put away the Frozen
soundtrack, hide the Disney sing-alongs, and
munch on some fresh new treats with
Christmas on the Farm with Farmer Jason.

Collectibles: The Turtles, 45


RPM Vinyl Singles Collection,
Manifesto Records

Your favorite musical ectotherms have delivered a special holiday treat for all of their
reptile-loving fans. Although, in all truth
there is no need to have an affinity for slowmoving creatures to love The Turtles. The
band first arrived onto the music scene in
1965, combining touches of the Lovin
Spoonful, the Byrds, and the Zombies to
make a sound all their own. They are most
remembered by their 1967 hit Happy
Together. With only five official years and
an equal number of albums, the guys never
really got their due. Most of the band spun
off and spent many years with Frank Zappa
and T. Rex, but new material is scarce. The
Turtles have taken their best work and issued
an amazing box set consisting of eight separate 7-inch vinyl singles, each remastered for
optimal sound. Each piece features incredible
B-sides, including their remake cover version
of a Warren Zevon cut from their sophomore
release. These tracks have been long out of
print and this collection simply titled 45
RPM Vinyl Singles Collection captures
them all in one place. So go ahead and look
under this shell, it will be music to your ears.

Look for these new and upcoming releases:


The Decemberists What a Terrible
World, What a Beautiful World
Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds
Chasing Yesterday
The Waterboys Modern Blues
Various The Art Of McCartney

Brian Chozick is owner of Tumblin


Dice Music. Drop him a line at
tumblindicemusic@netscape.net.
December 2014

UTEP Womens Basketball - Don

Haskins Center. Tickets: $5. Information: 7475234 or utepathletics.com.


Friday, Jan. 2: North Texas, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 4: Rice, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 17: UTSA, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22: West. Kentucky, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 24: Marshall, 2 p.m.

JANUARY
PREVIEW

UTEP Mens Basketball - Don Haskins


Center. Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets: $8-$50
(Ticketmaster). Information: 747-5234 or
utepathletics.com.
Thursday, Jan. 8: Louisiana Tech
Saturday, Jan. 10: Southern Miss
Thursday, Jan. 29: UAB
Saturday, Jan. 31: Middle Tennessee

El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Music


Festival Jan. 10-31. Tickets: $25 per con-

cert; $20 military/senior; $5 student, unless


otherwise listed. 833-9400 or eppm.org.
Violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Violist Scott
Rawls, and Cellist Zuill Bailey perform at 7:30
p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 14, at NMSUs Center
for Performing Arts in Las Cruces, Friday, Jan.
16, at Western Hills United Methodist Church,
524 Thunderbird, in El Paso, Saturday, Jan. 17,
and El Adobe Recording Studio, 5301 El Paso
Drive, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at El Paso
Scottish Rite Tempe Theatre, 301 W. Missouri.
Cypress String Quartet performs at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 25, at NMSUs Center of the
Performing Arts, and at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.
27, at El Paso Museum of Art.
Cypress String Quartet performs with El Paso
Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Friday and
Saturday, Jan. 23-24, at The Plaza Theatre.
Tickets: $15-$40.
Montreal Chamber Music Festival performers
including Cellist Denis Brott (director), cellist
Zuill Bailey, violinist Bella Hristova, and pianist
Asuncion Santiago perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday,
Jan. 30 at NMSUs Atkinson Music Recital Hall
and Saturday, Jan. 31, at UTEPs Fox Fine Arts
Recital Hall.
Free Bachs Lunch concerts are noon
Thursdays at the El Paso Museum of Art.
Jan. 15: Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Scott Rawls,
Zuill Bailey
Jan. 22 Cypress String Quartet
Jan. 29: Montreal Chamber Festival performers
The Music Film series is 2 p.m. Saturdays at
the El Paso Museum of Art. Admission is free.

Sun City on Tap Townsquare Media

hosts the beer festival and tasting event featuring more than 100 beers from more than 50
craft breweries from throughout the world 1
to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at
the Venue at Southwest University. Admission:
$20. Information americaontap.com.

El Paso Puzzler Mountain bike races of

13, 35 and 50 miles Sunday, Jan. 18 at Bowen


Ranchs Round House. Information: elpasopuzzler.com or on Facebook at El Paso Puzzler
Mountain Bike Race.

El Paso Rhinos - The Junior League ice

hockey team plays home games at the Sierra


Providence Events Center,4100 E. Paisano.
Game time is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets; $5-$20. information: 479-7825 or elpasorhinos.com.
Jan. 23-25: Springfield Express
Jan. 30-Feb. 1: Dallas Ice Jets

Spring Home Show The El Paso

Association of Builders presents the annual


event Jan. 23-25 at the El Paso Convention
Center. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.
to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday. Admission: $5.95; free for ages 12 and
December 2014

younger). Information: 1-800-756-4788, ext. 46


or HomeShowElPaso.com.

Emerald and White Ball Honoring


Unsung Heroes El Paso Chapter, The

Links Inc. hosts its 8th annual black tie dinner


gala Honoring Unsung Heroes with dancing
and awards 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Jan. 24,
at Centennial Banquet and Conference Center
E. Fort Bliss. Tickets $60; 241-6046 or
linksinc.org.

12 Hours of Old El Paso The Mountain

Bike race is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan.


31, at Franklin Mountain State Parks Round
House (Bowen Ranch Roundhouse), off Martin
Luther King Jr. (2.6 mile north of Highway 54).
Details to be announced.

Southern New Mexico

Waiting for Godot Dona Ana Arts


Council presents award-winning writer Mark
Medoffs return to the stage in the Samuel
Beckett classic tragicomedy Jan. 6-11, at Rio
Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las
Cruces. Information: (575) 523-6403 or
RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Dan Bern The prolific songwriter per-

forms Jan. 17, at the Buckhorn Opera House


in Pinos Altos, N.M. as part of the Mimbres
Region Arts Councils Folk Series. Tickets: $20
($15 members. Information: (575) 538-2505 or
mimbresarts.org.

Biggest Loser RunWalk The half


marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run are Sunday,
Jan. 18, in Las Cruces. Start/finish location to
be determined. Information: biggestloserrunwalk.com.

Fujii-Cecil Duo Las Cruces Civic


Concert Association presents the flute and guitar duo 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27, at the Rio Grande
Theatre, 211 N. Main in the Las Cruces
Downtown Mall. Tickets: $20. Information:
(575) 521-4051 or lascrucescca.org.
Piano Battle Grant County Community

Concert Association presents the dueling


pianos presentation at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan.
31, at WNMU Fine Arts Auditorium in Silver
City. Tickets: $20 ($5 students 17 and
younger). Information: (575) 538-5862 or
gcconcerts.org.

Cirque Zuma Zuma Dona Ana Arts

Council presents the African-style Cirque de


Soleil, in celebration of Black History Month
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Rio Grande
Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las
Cruces. Tickets: $34-$50. Information: (575)
523-6403 or RioGrandeTheatre.com.

El Paso Scene
USERS GUIDE

Publication Schedule
& MonthlyDeadlines

El Paso Scene comes out on the Wednesday


following the fourth Monday of the month.
The deadline for news announcements is the
third Monday of the month. The deadline is
Dec. 15 for the January 2015 issue, which
will be distributed beginning Dec. 26. The
deadline for camera-ready advertising is Dec.
17. For ads that require design work, please
submit requests by Dec. 10.

Submitting News

El Paso Scene accepts news items by mail


(P.O. Box 13615, El Paso TX 79913), email
(news@epscene.com) and fax (542-4292).
There is no charge for news announcements.
All items will be edited for brevity and style.
News items should include an event name,
description, time, date, place, sponsoring
organization, information phone number and
admission prices, if any. Please include a contact name and phone number. A fill in the
blanks online press release form is at
www.epscene.com/pressrelease.html

Circulation & distribution

El Paso Scene publishes 40,000 or more


copies each month, distributed throughout El
Paso and also Las Cruces, including area
Village Inns, Walgreens, EP Fitness, Vista
Markets, Leos, The Cleaners and many more
locations.

El Paso Scene

Advertising information

A full media kit on El Paso Scene advertising


rates, sizes and specifications is at
www.epscene.com/adrates.html. You may
also request a media kit by calling us at 5421422, or call our advertising director, Albert
Martinez, at 920-7244.

Subscriptions

Mail subscriptions to El Paso Scene are $10 a


year, $18 for two years and $25 for three
years. A subscription form is provided on
Page 50. Subscriptions are sent via 3rd class
mail. Copies sent outside El Paso and Doa
Ana counties may be delayed.

El Paso Scene Online

The entire content of each issue is posted on


our website, www.epscene.com. Besides
monthly listings and columns, the entire issue
may be downloaded in PDF format. The website contains a digest of events listed by week
and annual calendar listings for each months
scheduled events. The website also provides a
press release form and a media kit on El Paso
Scene advertising.

El Paso Scene Weekly

A weekly digest of El Paso Scene events is


available for free by email, and is also posted
on our website. To request our free weekly
email newsletter, go to
www.epscene.com/newsletter.php
Page 49

Advertiser Index

Alazan Artists

37

Ananda Yoga

23

All That Music!

Alma Calderon

Antique Mall - El Paso

43

18

17

Ardovinos Des. Crossg 28


Ardovinos Pizza

44

Around and About Tours 33


ATMAS Healing
Baskin Robbins
BeadCounter

42

10

19

Bert Saldana Art Gallery 39


Bingo Plus

The Bookery

Books Are Gems


BOSS Spa
Bruces Air
Caboots

Cattleman's

Cecila Burgos LPC

Center for Internal Arts


City of Elephant Butte
Collectibles

Counterpoint

The Desert Gypsy


El Maida Shrine

47

45

31

21

32

40

21

10
23

24

29

15

13

11

El Paso Art Association 17


EP Ballroom Dance

EP Cons. of Dance

30

El Paso Live

41

El Paso Exploreum

43

EP Gem & Mineral Show 16


El Paso Playhouse
EP Saddleblanket
El Paso Trailrides

39

5,22

22

Elegant Consignments

Enterprise Fun Tours

20
9

EPCC

18

Executive Singles

25

Escamilla Gallery
Etcetera

Forum Ballroom

Fountain Theatre

Fox Plaza

Furrs Family Dining

Gastric Band Hypnosis

Geico

Glass Goodies

Hal Marcus Gallery

Hans Martial Arts

Heavens Best Carpet

Hike Up Cristo Rey


Hilton Garden Inn

In Vogue Healthcare

13

46

14

38

13
6

19

38

38
32

25

15

Inside Out Designs Inc. 35

Johnson Jewelers

Kaplan College

Katz Beads

KTEP

La Tierra Caf

La Vina Winery

Leos Mexican Food

Magoffin Hall

Magoffin Home

Marie Otero

The Marketplace

MegaMates

Mesa Street Antique

Mesilla Book Center

Mind/Body Studio

12

28

24

48

40

29

13

35
8

35

19

49

21

45

25

Mustard Seed Caf

33

Pat Olchefski-Winston

39

Naydas Gems & Stones 20

Paseo Christian Church 44

Perkins Jewelry Supply

PhiDev Inc

Precision Prosthetics

PTEP

Rare EP Items

Real Estate El Paso

Krystyna Robbins

Rubin Gallery

Salon Saleh

Silver City MainStreet

Smartz Printing

Sombra Antigua

Sun Bowl Assn.

Sunland Art Gallery

Sunland Park Racetrack

Tennis West

34

47

24
7

37

40

31

16
9

23

14

26

20
3

TX Rio Grande Legal Aid 10

The Cleaners

Tigua Indian Cultural

Touch of Class

UTEP Athletics

36

14

42

50

UTEP P3 Cont'g Ed

33

Vaboom Studios

33

UTEP P3 Pers. Enrich.

UTEP Theatre & Dance 52

Vanities

Village Inn

Walgreens

Western Traders

Wyler Aerial Tramway

51

50

50

47

38

"
"
!

Page 50

El Paso Scene

December 2014

December 2014

El Paso Scene

Page 51

Page 52

El Paso Scene

December 2014

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