Winter Travel • Nov. 27-Dec. 10, 2014 by Local iQ Magazine

INside F E AT UR E Whether you favor snowy, curvy roads or warmer climes, Local iQ travel writers offer four engaging winter travel options

PUBLISHER

Francine Maher Hopper fran@local-iQ.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ART DIRECTOR

Kevin Hopper

505.247.1343 x220 kevin@local-iQ.com EDITOR

Mike English 505.247.1343 x230 mike@local-iQ.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Chela Gurnee

505.264.6350 chela@local-iQ.com

MARQUEE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Andrea Blan

Musicians Jenny Lewis and Ryan Adams start in the studio, take it to the ABQ stage

andrea@local-iQ.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cara Tolino

cara@local-iQ.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Ben Q. Adams

505.247.1343 x250 ben@local-iQ.com PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Samantha Aumack

samantha@local-iQ.com PHOTOGRAPHER

Wes Naman

wes@local-iQ.com

F OOD

PHOTO ASSISTANT

Joy Godfrey

Columbian restaurant helps to turn a stretch of Nob Hill’s Silver Avenue into an international cusine destination

joy@local-iQ.com COPY EDITOR

Laura Marrich INTERNS

Marissa Higdon, Melyssa Laurent, Jazmen Bradford Vallejos

CALENDARS

505.247.1343 x250 calendar@local-iQ.com

ON THE COVER

DRINK Local iQ’s resident mixologist Randy Kolesky gets in the holiday mood with a big splash of cranberry

Singer songwriter Jenny Lewis, as shot by photographer Autumn de Wilde

M USI C Songwriter Jessica Hernandez brings her Motown roots to town for an intimate showcase

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

22 A R TS Exhibit gives female photographers the camera, asking males to do the posing

CA LE N DA R S

FE AT U R E S

Arts Events....................26 Community Events..... 32 Live Music...................... 22

Places To Be.....................4 Marquee............................. 5 Smart Music................... 25 Smart Arts...................... 28 Film Reel......................... 30 Crossword....................... 31 Horoscope...................... 31

COLUM N S 1+1=3.................................. 11 In Need? Call Weed...... 7 Playing with Fire............9 Stir it Up ........................10 The Curious Townie......6

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

Andrea Blan Autumn de Wilde Dave DeWitt Eric Francis Logan Greeley Marissa Higdon Randy Kolesky Melyssa Laurent Dan Lutzick Jim Maher Linda Maher Jordan Mahoney Sam Melada Katixa Mercier

Douglas Merriam Kyle Mullin Ben Tuasig L. Darlene Weed Steven J. Westman DISTRIBUTION

Ben Adams Kristina De Santiago Keith Johnson Kurt Laffan David Leeder Distributech

Local iQ

P.O. Box 7490, ABQ., N.M. 87194 OFFICE 505.247.1343, FAX 888.520.9711 • local-iQ.com SUBSCRIPTIONS are $10 for 6 bi-weekly issues within the Continental U.S. Please send a local check or money order payable to Local iQ, attention “Subscriptions” to the address above. You may also use the number above to place a credit card order. DISTRIBUTION: Find Local iQ at more than 600 locations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and surrounding areas. If you can’t find a copy, want to suggest a new location, or want to help deliver Local iQ, please call 505.247.1343.

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LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

PLACES TO BE

DEC

FRI

FESTIVAL

CONCERT

THEATER

Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival Holiday Show

DakhaBrakha 7:30p, Mon., Dec. 1

The Last Night of Ballyhoo

The Dirty Bourbon 9800 Montgomery NE, 505.296.2726

8p, Fri.-Sat.; 2p, Sun.; Dec. 5-28

$17 advance, $22 day of show

Tricklock Performance Lab 110 Gold SW, 505.243.0596

ampconcerts.org holdmyticket.com

$22, $20 stu./sen. motherroad.org

Expo New Mexico, Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex 300 San Pedro NE, 505.292.7457

$7/day pass $9/3-day pass

ART Indigenous Fine Art Market Holiday Showcase 9a-5p, Sat.-Sun., Nov. 29-30 Hotel Andaluz 125 2nd NW, 505.819.3695

$10-$50 indigefam.org

he Indigenous Fine Art Market (IFAM) first presented jewelry, paintings, sculptures and other indigenous art forms in Santa Fe over the summer, and now it’s displaying the beauty of Native American artistry at its inaugural holiday showcase at Hotel Andaluz. Some of the artists included in the juried Albuquerque showcase include Chickasaw jeweler Kristen Dorsey, Navajo painter Gilmore Scott, Blackfeet jeweler Tchin and many more. In addition to the two-day market, a benefit party on Nov. 29 from 7-9p will feature Champagne, dessert and a silent auction benefitting IFAM, which aims to share the “Native narrative with the world through the connections and relationships made with those who experience our art.” —ML

DEC

ow can a song be both mystical and upbeat? Then again, how can a band embody Ukrainian folk music and punkpop, too? DakhaBrakha manages to be a bit of everything, weaving pop, jazz and Ukrainian folk music into melodies that pulse with energy, moving from mournful and haunting to wildly celebratory. These former theater performers are a forceful stage presence, always accompanied by their towering lambs-wool hats and a prop or two. Their sound encompasses an eclectic range of instruments (including accordion, bass drum and cello), ethereal voices and complex melodies, pulling listeners through strange new musical landscapes. DakhaBrakha creates an international sound that is wholly and completely its own. —MH

FRI

NOV

SAT

he Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival is back again the day after Thanksgiving, showcasing handmade arts and crafts to start off the shopping season. Now in its 15th year, the festival boasts more than 200 artists and craftspeople, plus live entertainment, plenty of fun things for the kids to do and festive foods to help the whole family get rolling into the holidays. Santa Claus is also rumored to make an appearance, so bring those “Dear Santa” letters! —ML

riograndefestivals.com

ART Nutcracker Market 10a-4p, Fri.-Sun., Dec. 5-14 Taos Art Museum at Fechin House 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, 575.758.2690

FREE taosartmuseum.org

n 1927, portrait painter Nicolai Fechin moved to Taos with his family in tow. Fechin bought an adobe house that he added to over the years, creating a home that derived its unique look from Fechin’s Russian heritage and his love for Spanish and Native American design. The Taos Art Museum moved into Fechin’s former home in 2003, and this winter, the museum’s first-ever Nutcracker Market will feature handmade works crafted by local artists. Along with jewelry, pottery, photographs, prints and more, the market will have free gift-wrapping and plenty of raffles. Members of the museum get an extra 10 percent off, but gifts should be affordable for all. The market itself is free and open to anyone looking for holiday presents or a little exploration of the intriguing Fechin house. (Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.) —MH

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

he Last Night of Ballyhoo centers on the Freitag family, a Jewish clan that happens to own a Christmas tree. That should give you a basic idea of how well this German family is assimilating to the culture of Atlanta, Georgia. The Freitags just want to fit in with Southern American society, and their efforts coincide with a series of (humorous) dramas centered on status and romance. In this insightful comedy, the family is obsessed with the upcoming social event Ballyhoo, a ball thrown by a highly selective country club. Set in 1939, while Hitler is invading Poland, the Freitag family falls apart and comes together again as it tumbles through the twists and turns of this surprising comedy. Mother Road Theatre Company helms this Tony-award-winning play at the Tricklock Performance Lab through December. —ML

DEC

10a-5p, Fri.-Sun., Nov. 28-30

SAT

DEC

MON

NOV

FRI

Where to go and what to do from November 27 to December 10

PARADE Twinkle Light Parade 5:15p, Sat., Dec. 6 Central between Washington and Girard, 505.768.3556

FREE cabq.gov

ne of Albuquerque’s favorite holiday events returns with sparkling lights and holiday fun. This year’s Twinkle Light Parade takes place a couple of days after Nob Hill’s annual Shop and Stroll event, but most stores will still stay open for visiting and shopping after the parade. Bleachers for seating along the parade route — Washington to Girard on Central — will be available to those who arrive early. Parking near the area can be limited, but there will be a free shuttle running from UNM’s Q lot (on University just south of Indian School) and buses will run until about 10p. Schools and local organizations will be represented during the parade with floats decorated in bright lights and plenty of holiday bling. Between the shopping and the holiday lights, the Twinkle Light Parade is fun for the whole family. —ML

MARQUEE

Pitch-perfect pairing Musical compatriots Jenny Lewis and Ryan Adams start in the studio, take it to the ABQ stage

BY ANDREA BLAN

nasty two-year bout of insomnia is all it took for Jenny Lewis to work with Ryan Adams on her most recent record. Now the two are celebrating the common ground they found in that process by touring together in a show that arrives in the Duke City Dec. 8. Lewis is the former front woman of the L.A. indie rock band Rilo Kiley, which disbanded in late 2011. When she wasn’t recording with Rilo Kiley, Lewis began doing joint projects with other artists MARQUEE and putting out solo albums, which did considerably well. Jenny Lewis She’s visited New Mexico a few times promoting her previous & Ryan Adams 7:30p, Mon., Dec. 8 efforts, Rabbit Fur Coat and Kiva Auditorium Acid Tongue. 401 2ND NW, 505.768.4575 Lewis has said in several $35-$61, ALL AGES interviews that she was plagued ampconcerts.org jennylewis.com by insomnia when she began paxamrecords.com thinking of making a new record. She felt creatively stuck for two years and reached out to Ryan Adams, longtime producer, solo artist and one-time member of the alt. country band Whiskeytown, to help with a song. They quickly became friends and Adams helped produce Lewis’ new album, The Voyager, at his Pax Am Studio in Los Angeles. Lewis credits Adams’ no-nonsense approach Jenny Lewis, left, originally made her musical mark as a member of the Los Angeles indie band Rilo Kiley. Since that band’s demise, her solo at making music — cutting a track and career has flourished and producer and solo artist Ryan Adams (formerly of Whiskeytown, right) has produced her third and recently released moving on, with no time for instant critique The Voyager. The two share billing for a Dec. 8 Albuquerque show at the Kiva Auditorium. — for allowing her to completely let loose and create an album all her own. The rest of The Voyager is solid as well The Voyager arrives in a style Lewis is and musician since then. Although Adams he can be a pistol when it comes to working — funky, pop-inspired/driven tunes with quickly making her signature: musically is no stranger to Albuquerque, having played with other artists. The man is talented and the-ever-so-slight drug reference thrown in, happy, lyrically heavy. As she told Billboard the fabulous Dingo Bar and the Launchpad plays music in earnest, there is no denying ending with the title track “The Voyager,” magazine, “From the very first song Rilo in the late ’90s, this will be his first solo stop that. which has a haunting and folky feel to it, Kiley wrote, that was the idea — very upbeat in the city and it has a lot of fans absolutely It’s very fitting that these two musicians are matching the solemn and heartfelt lyrics: (music), with lyrics that are dark as night.” thrilled to witness his live set. playing select cities together. Both artists, “The voyager’s in every boy and girl / If you It’s a formula found on such new songs as Adams’ latest self-titled and mostly selfwhile popular in their own right, have never wanna get to heaven get out of this world.” “Head Underwater,” “She’s Not Me,” “You produced record has received positive really been in the mainstream of things. I Ryan Adams has also had an expansive Can’t Outrun ‘Em” and “Slippery Slopes” reviews (and repeated plays in my truck). prefer it remain that way forever with all music career, gaining momentum with — all standouts, with catchy riffs and dark It must be noted that his ability to set musicians I adore, but with these amazing Whiskeytown in the mid ’90s and earning a lines delivered in the purest and sweetest of imagery and heartbreaking lyrics to music new albums out, I can’t imagine it will stay reputation as a prolific and gifted songwriter voices. is undeniable, and eclipses the rumors that that way much longer for these two.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

CULTURE

Age of the entrepreneur

spent all of the week before Thanksgiving pulling duty as the co-host on The Morning Brew with Larry Ahrens, the fun local talk show that airs at 9a on Comcast channel 27. I’ve been fortunate to have been a small part with this show since it first aired in 2013. A lot of us grew up in this city hearing Larry Ahrens’ voice on the radio. Yet I never imagined that I would end up working with him, much less call him my friend. But here we are, and I have accomplished both of those. Larry is a good friend, as is his lovely wife Susan, who makes me beam and sometimes blush when I get to spend time with her. It’s always easy and fun sitting at the table with Larry, chatting up the people who come on as guests. Often I know them, and then there are those added treats of folks who I’ve never met before. The week was partially filled with discussions of Global Entrepreneurship Week, specifically what is happening right here where we live. While my friendship with Jessica Eaves Matthews keeps me up with Hautepreneurs (New Mexico’s “Premier Peer Network for Woman Entrepreneurs”), it was amazing to soak up and revel in other aspects – some of which I had no idea about. Larry and I talked to Eric Renz-Whitmore of the New Mexico Technology Council and Jon Robinson from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (based in Kansas City, Mo.). We heard a lot about what was going on around the city all week long. Robinson stated, “Albuquerque is probably THE most active U.S. city now in Global Entrepreneurship Week. …

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

They are just absolutely killing it.” When I asked what they attribute to Burque’s prowess, he replied, “It certainly takes a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm, and the community has really risen to the challenge. It’s a really broad-based effort here in Albuquerque.” These guys also made a point, which truly hit home, that the term “entrepreneur” can often be heard as solely big industry and big-money corporations. But the artist or the theater director or the guy who is growing fodder for his horses are all entrepreneurs as well. With events happening at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, CNM’s STEMulus Center, Tricklock’s Reptilian Lounge and the South Valley Economic Development Center it made for a great showing of where we live. As Renz-Whitmore and Robinson continued to fill us in, I just kept saying, “Wow!” Good for us!” Ya’ll know how proud I am to call this place home. That pride just elevated a whole lot more. Big thanks to Janice Padilla, my fave coordinating producer at The Morning Brew, as well as ALL of the Brew Crew. Always fun. I always leave with a fuller heart and bit more knowledge. Happy Thanksgiving!

LAW

Why you need a will

oward Hughes, Abraham Lincoln and James Dean all died without a will. The legal term is dying “intestate.” (If you leave a will, you’ve died “testate.”) So, what happens if you die intestate? Unless you have a lot of “stuff” that you do not want your immediate family to possess, you may want to write yourself a will. Without a will, the state will divide your “stuff” to your living relatives according to where they fall in a selected statutory list of survivors. If there are no relatives, the state keeps all of your stuff. Do you need a lawyer to make a will? Absolutely not. You can write your own will in New Mexico if you meet three criteria: 1) You are over the age of 18. 2) You are of sound mind (no written test required). 3) You sign your own will in the presence of two witnesses who know they are signing a will. That’s it!

Some will tips New Mexico does NOT recognize holographic (handwritten) wills made in this state UNLESS they are signed by the testator (the person leaving the will) and two witnesses. Wills do not have to be typed, but they must be signed by all three parties. Just writing your wishes down is not enough in New Mexico. It is very important in New Mexico that you and the two witnesses signing the will do so in the presence of each other at the same time. Having a will notarized is often done but not necessary under the law. Just because you have a will does not mean the courts will find it valid. How hard would it be to argue against your sound mind without you there to give an explanation of your crazy life? Family fights over contested wills are common upon the death of a loved one — or perhaps a not-so-loved one, but one with “stuff.” Under New Mexico law, to be of sound mind you must know who your heirs are, know what property you own and know you are making a will. If you sense there may be problems after you pass on, make a video and give it to a trusted party.

What is probate? Probate is the judicial procedure from which the law declares your will valid or invalid, and divides your stuff either per your wishes or per statutory requirements, depending on whether you died intestate or testate. Is it possible to pass along your stuff outside of probate? Yes. There are several ways to skip out on probate: • Joint tenancy property; where two or more coowners have interest and right of survivorship (bank account, mutual funds, etc.) • Life insurance • Payable on death (POD) provisions in contracts (pension plan, IRA, 401k, etc.) • Trusts (wills are public records, while a trust is private; perhaps invented when a man wanted to leave secret money to his mistress!) • Gifts • Small estates (between $30,000 and $50,000)

Fun facts • Wills are for the living. • Avoiding probate may not avoid estate tax; talk to a professional. • Debt passes with a gift unless specifically stated otherwise. • If the estate has insufficient funds to pay creditors, the gifts may be reduced. • Wills have no expiration date and can be modified any time up until death. • Go to bernco.gov for more information regarding probate. • Seek professional help — wills can be complicated. L. Darlene Weed is a lawyer in practice in Bernalillo. She can be reached at weedlawfirmllc@hotmail. com, 505.273.0875.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

FOOD T O P P L AT E S

Ajiaco Colombian Bistro 3216 SILVER SE, 505.266.2305

Hours: 11a-8p, Tue.-Sat. ajiacobistro.com

he corner of Silver and Bryn Mawr is developing at a quick rate and with it, an honorary international cuisine block: Italian, French and now, Colombian. Ajiaco Colombian Bistro opened in late October, giving those with appetites in Nob Hill another option for lunch and dinner. I popped in to sample the menu and was greeted with the sounds, smells and warmth of a Colombian kitchen. When you eat at Ajiaco, you taste the family traditions imported from Colombia by owners Pedro Sabogal and Nubia Garcia. These are a few dishes that I tried … and couldn’t get enough of. Buen provecho! —Katixa Mercier

Morciarepa $5

Papa Criollo $3 Not just potatoes — Colombian creole potatoes. Imported from Colombia, these darling little potatoes are light as a feather, and have a decadently buttery flavor, vibrant yellow interior and skin that will leave you with a hankering for more. This item is not on the menu, but if you are in the know, you can ask for a side.

Flan de Café $5 I’ll be honest; I do not care for flan. But this is not just any flan. It’s a slice of a complex coffee profile. Using the everfamous Villa Myriam Colombian coffee, this flan is not unctuous, but rich and luscious with a depth of flavor that draws your eyes thin with bliss, just like the first sip of morning coffee.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

Ajiaco $10 (bowl), $5 (cup, photographed) The namesake of the restaurant is a traditional Colombian soup. Shredded chicken and a corn cob slice bathe in an herbed soup base. It’s accompanied by a mound of buttery short-grained rice and presented with conservative portions of capers, avocado and crema, making it impossible to accidentally veer away from the intended authentic experience of this Colombian staple.

Arepas, found predominantly in South America, are corn cakes that can be served as a pocket sandwich or, in this case, as a base for fixings. This Morciarepa has a near-creamed corn interior accented by a light crisp and char from the flattop. On top sits a morcilla (blood sausage) garnished with green onion curls. The arepa is available with hogao, chorizo or pork rinds.

FOOD

Head south to Jamaica, Mexico for winter recipes

hen my editor told me that the theme of this issue was winter travel, my mind immediately went south, and I started conjuring up two wonderful warm and sunny places where I’ve eaten the best food: Jamaica and Baja California Sur.

Jamaican Jerk Pork Roast We were in Jamaica shooting video for a documentary I co-produced with New Mexico State University, Heat Up Your Life (it’s on YouTube). The most fun was shooting inside jerk shacks, where they showed me exactly how to smoke-grill pork. The “jerk” in jerk pork is a spice mixture that was used to preserve meat before refrigeration. It was developed by the Arawak Indians, and later refined in Jamaica by runaway slaves known as Maroons. These days, the spices are used to season meats for barbecue and to tenderize rather than to preserve. An inexpensive smoker or a covered grill can be substituted for the traditional jerk pit, and is a lot easier than digging a pit in your yard. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.

Ingredients: 3 to 4 Scotch bonnet chiles, stems and seeds removed, chopped (or substitute habaneros) 1/4 cup chopped green onions, including some of the greens 3 Tbsp. crushed allspice (pimento) berries (or substitute 2 teaspoons ground) 3 Tbsp. fresh thyme 3 cloves garlic 2 Tbsp. grated ginger 2 Tbsp. lime juice, fresh preferred 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 bay leaves 3 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp. ground cardamom 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. salt 3 to 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil 3- to 4-pound pork butt or loin roast Method: To make the jerk paste, either pound all of the ingredients (except the pork) together using a mortar and pestle or place them in a blender or food processor, adding the oil to make a paste. Place the roast, fat side down, in a non-reactive pan. Make slashes in the pork about 1-1/2 to 2 inches apart and almost through the roast. Rub the jerk over the meat, making sure to get it thoroughly into the slashes. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the pork and bring it to room temperature. Prepare either the grill or smoker. If using a grill, be sure to use a pan under the

pork to catch the drippings. Smoke the pork for about 3 hours at about 325 F, turning the roast every 30 minutes to ensure even browning. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 150 F. Variations: Substitute lamb chops, chicken or rib steaks for the pork.

Yield: 8 servings, Heat Scale: medium

head back to the beach. But on the way, the captain pointed, the pilot made a sharp turn to starboard, and we soon tangled with another school and I had my fish, a 16-pound yellowtail that took nearly 15 minutes to land. Dany instructed the captain about the fish, and soon 33 pounds of clean fillets were delivered to Dany’s new restaurant, Santo Vino. In a matter of minutes, Dany had invited 18 lucky people to a private fish feast that evening and served fish that were only five or six hours out of the ocean. The first course was Mexican Sashimi (my title), and I’m never seen so much raw fish devoured so quickly. I watched Chef Dany prepare the sashimi, and I’ve attempted to reconstruct it here, though it probably isn’t exact. No matter, it will be delicious if you pick the freshest fish you can find!

Ingredients: 16 thin yellowtail fillets 1 serrano chile, cut into very thin rounds 1/4 onion, minced 1/4 onion, sliced and separated 1/4 cup minced tomatoes 1/4 cup capers 1/4 cup minced red or orange bell peppers Method: Place the fillets on a serving plate. In a bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients and mix well. With your fingers, drop the mixed ingredients from the bowl over the fillets, and serve immediately.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings, Heat: Mild to medium

Chile pepper expert Dave DeWitt is the author of 50 books, many on chile peppers and spicy foods. His latest book is the forthcoming ‘Microfarming for Profit’ from Torrey House Press.

PHOTO BY WES NAMAN

Jamaican Jerk Pork Roast

Mexican Sashimi There was no dock and no fancy yacht. The tackle was old and weather-beaten. But this was real fishing, not a tourist trip from a resort. We were fishing with fourthgeneration professionals off the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur at the town of Todos Santos. I was joined by Chef Dany Lamote of the Hotel California, an avid fisherman like myself, and his son Sebastian. We had a captain and a pilot aboard our 22-foot, wide-beam panga boat that launched from the beach using a line to a pullerpanga already in the water. We caught two groupers and then tied into a school of yellowtails, which are really jacks and closely related to amberjacks. People confuse them with yellow-tailed snapper and yellowfin tuna, but these yellowtail are the same prized fish that are sushi bar favorites. Soon, everyone had a fish except for me, and it was time to

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

DRINK

The perfect drink for blowing up turkeys

o it’s Nov. 20, 2014, and I’ve just sent in the final payment that reconciles my personal monetary obligation to 2013’s Holiday Season — you know, that corporatesponsored-and-mandated event known as the “time to give.” Already I’m being nudged into purchasing new tiny shiny balls to hang on prematurely downed, farm-raised conifers, none of which have ever had the opportunity to be “free range.” I am being cajoled into buying undervalued diamonds just so I can get a bright-eyed Christmas-Eve kiss and possibly have my stocking hung with care before I suck down a quart of Dark Eyes-spiked eggnog while assembling the Three-Speed Back Hoe Excavator that my son will inevitably use to unsettle the foundation of our house just as the New Year’s Eve orgy kicks into full swing. On top of that, my significant other is being bombarded by television advertisements to surprise me with the latest model of Ford Mustang, tagged with a giant bow that costs more than the yearly income of most Wal-Mart employees. There’s no end to the incessant bombardment of those who make stuff to try to get those who buy stuff to feel like they need the stuff that is being sold for those who make the stuff. Mark my words, in just a few years every Walgreens around the world will no longer just have the Halloween aisle running simultaneously with the Christmas aisle. Instead, every Walgreens will have a year-round aisle dedicated to our most cherished holidays. And that, to me, would be just fine. Please, don’t think that I don’t appreciate the holidays. Lust, bunnies, explosions, trickery, gluttony and materialism all have a place in my heart. Can

Liquid Holiday Cheer Ingredients: 11 frozen cranberries One medium orange wheel, halved 2 oz. Knob Creek Bourbon 1/2 oz. St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram 1/2 oz. maple syrup Orange zest

you imagine if Walgreens actually had six aisles perpetually dedicated to the above holidays? I know I would endorse it. At any time of the year, any day of the week, any hour of the day, I would be encouraged to don a giant dirty bunny rabbit suit and while gorging on chocolate-covered strawberries and hanging out under some mistletoe while stuffing both a frozen and a perfectly cooked turkey full of M-80s, bottle rockets and Roman candles, dousing them in gasoline and lighting them on fire in order to determine which is the better party favor. In fact, I think I’m going to head out right this moment and hunt me down a giant dirty bunny costume, some chocolate-covered strawberries, mistletoe and a couple turkeys. Then I’ll fill myself up a water bottle full of Holiday Cheer and drive over to Moriarty to get some boom booms. Oh boy, can’t wait. Below is the recipe for the Holiday Cheer I’m putting in my water bottle for the drive over to Moriarty. It has some cranberries in it to remind me that Thanksgiving is nigh and that I have a good many things for which I am thankful, and will contemplate said thankfulness while blowing up said turkeys. Randy Kolesky tends bar at Artichoke Cafe.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

Method: To make yourself some Holiday Cheer (really just a twist on an Old Fashioned), drop into the bottom of a mixing glass 8 frozen cranberries along with half of one medium orange wheel. Now muddle. Add Knob Creek Bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram and maple syrup. Then add about five ice cubes and stir vigorously. Fill a highball glass 1/3 full of fresh ice, then slowly pour the contents of the mixing glass into the highball. Now zest in some orange peel and stir a bit more. Add additional ice if necessary. For garnish, float the other half of the orange wheel on top and place three cranberries on it. Drink. You are now ready to blow up some turkeys. PHOTO BY WES NAMAN

DRINK

A brilliant white for this year’s holiday season

inter is upon us and the chill may compel some wine enthusiasts to reach for red. I know that there are some of you out there who insist on drinking white no matter what the weather. That’s OK. Drink what you like and like what you drink. Don’t let wine bullies tell you that you are wrong and that it should be any other way. The truth is: You can learn to appreciate anything, and while sidestepping the marketing and the hype (like Beaujolais nouveau) you can always discover the wine that suits you, even when the weather is cold and dark. This month I speak to the white wine drinkers who want something for the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond. Maybe you’re used to oaky chardonnay or crispy clean sauvignon blanc. There is another grape that you should encounter, if for no other reason than it is another experience to add to your flavor lexicon. That grape is viognier.

French kiss Viognier is a grape that has its origins in France (following its probable Roman delivery from the Dalmatian Coast in the 3rd Century). Until recently, you couldn’t find a good French viognier under $30 to $50. Eventually it found its way beyond its origin, but let’s start here. The French region of Condrieu is where it shines, but now there are affordable wines that serve as an entry point to its enjoyment. The grape is used in the northern Rhône with the syrah grape to produce amazing blends, but let us narrow our focus. Viognier is aromatic and creamy and has all the characteristics that make it stand equal to the oakiest California chardonnay. To get a sense of its personality, try the Domaine de Gournier at $13/bottle, available at Stone Face Package liquor in the Heights or Jubilation on Carlisle. It has the smell of flowers and peaches on the nose but has a body that rivals that of your favorite California chard.

I wish they all could be California girls I have previously recommended California viognier from Cline Cellars to drinkers of California chard. California is the next natural place to chase this delicious and fruity-yet-rich grape. Another great example of this grape (in the California style) is the very affordable McManis Viognier at $13/bottle, available everywhere from Quarters Wyoming and Stone Face to Whole Foods on Carlisle or Wyoming. In California it becomes a little creamier and thicker than it is in France (think low fat vs non-fat or whole milk). Have it with smoked fish or, if your diet allows, sauces with butter and cream. The oak the Californian wine makers add make it a perfect pairing for the more substantial dishes we eat this time of year.

and most sophisticated wine enthusiast. Here in Albuquerque, you can sample the offering from Yalumba for $13/bottle at Stone Face, Jubilation or Whole Foods. Check it out and send me your impressions.

Chile today, hot tamale After some time, viognier made its way to South America. The grape remains creamy and full bodied in that climate, but it has yet another characteristic derived from the Southern Hemisphere. The 2013 Tabali Reserva is a great introduction to viognier at $13/bottle at Jubilation on Carlisle. You will find all the thicker, buttery qualities that can be found in an American viognier along with the aromas of France. It was a pleasant surprise, which I would not have discovered without the aid of Jesús, one of our more knowledgeable wine buyers here in Albuquerque. Although he passed the difficult Level One Sommelier Exam, he is unpretentious and chooses to educate the uninitiated, which is what the love of wine is all about. Pick this one up and try it with anything you have for Thanksgiving. As always, I encourage you to write me about your experiences with shopping, drinking or eating at sam@local-iQ.com. Don’t doubt your own palate. Wine is thoroughly enjoyable whether you are formally trained or not. I look forward to your feedback and appreciate your readership. Cheers. Wine columnist Sam Melada spent 15 years working in fine and not-so-fine dining restaurants. He believes that all palates can be enlightened to the pleasures of food and wine.

Fire on the barbie In addition to making its journey from France to the U.S., viognier has found itself in Australia. In southern Australia it blossoms into something between the subtle and aromatic French style and the lightly oaked American style of Napa and Sonoma (among other places). In the Southern Hemisphere it remains a volatile and mercurial grape. Just because it survives late in the growing season down under does not mean it’s “ready.” The flavors develop into a musky peach and apricot flavor that has an aromatic complexity at the right time. I guarantee this will surprise the novice

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

W I N T E R T R AV E L

The Mary Colter-designed La Posada Hotel (interior, above and exterior, right), built in 1930, has been restored to its full original glory by current owners Allan Affeldt and Dan Lutzick. It features beautiful art and tasteful furnishings in every nook and cranny.

CROWN JEWEL

Winslow, Arizona’s restored La Posada Hotel stands as one of the few Fred Harvey Hotel masterpieces still thriving

“P

STORY BY STEVEN J. WESTMAN PHOTOS BY DAN LUTZICK

erplexed” is often the look on people’s faces when you tell them you are headed to Winslow, Ariz., for a weekend. For many, Winslow is just a place to stop and get some gas on the way to a bigger city. But I am a guy who likes to take the side road and find the treasures that other hurried drivers pass right by. In my car I always carry a copy of a book by Jack D. Rittenhouse, A Guide Book to Highway 66. Originally published in 1946, UNM Press now prints facsimile editions, and it’s a cool way to check out the history of this older mode of traveling through these landscapes. Rittenhouse describes Winslow as “quite a center for tourists, vacationists and health-seekers. Its open air, high altitude and pleasant climate are combined with its location in the center of many surrounding historic spots: Indian villages, old ruins and similar points.” Many of these locales are gone now, but Winslow is seeing a resurgence. Founded in 1882, it was one of the Southwest’s more bustling railroad towns, and with that going on, Fred Harvey staked a claim and built one of his masterpieces — La Posada. Harvey worked with beloved architect Mary Colter to create the “resting place” (the translation of posada), which opened in 1930. The hotel served as the hub for rail travelers for the next 27 years, but closed to the public in 1957. As with many landmark buildings, this one could have been demolished and left as nothing but a memory. But 37 years later, along

comes Allan Affeldt and his wife, Tina Mion. If you read my feature about Las Vegas, N.M., in the Sep. 4, 2014, Local iQ, you know my affinity for all things Harvey. Affeldt and Dan Lutzick are taking a big role in that town by restoring La Castañeda, an old Harvey hotel. I’ve been a fan of their work for some time. But my recent visit to La Posada in Winslow cinched the place in my heart as truly my favorite hotel in the world.

SUBLIME SPLENDOR

Through trusts and grants and preservation organizations (and a good amount of money), La Posada is back to its true and beautiful glory. Yet it’s love and care that you feel when you step out of your car and walk across the front patio, entering this living museum — where you can spend the night, have an amazing meal and take in incredible art collections. I’m thankful that I use a cane sometimes, for I found myself gazing at the ceilings that change from room to room (more of Colter’s vision). The furnishings are sublime, and every nook and cranny seems to have something marvelous to catch your eye. The staff here is remarkably on top of every need with a smile, and loaded with information. Each guest room is different and special, and mine was one I could have camped out in for much longer than two nights. Dining in The Turquoise Room is a must. Chef John Sharpe is at the helm, incorporating meals from the past with sumptuous offerings from his creative mind. The Signature Soup (“creamy sweet corn with smooth and spicy black bean topped with a signature of spicy chile cream”) or The Maytag Blue Cheese Salad were satisfying dishes. Yet

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

WHERE TO STAY:

La Posada Hotel & Gardens 303 E. 2nd, 928.289.4366 laposada.org WHERE TO EAT + DRINK:

The Turquoise Room at La Posada 303 E. 2nd, 928.289.2888 theturquoiseroom.net

Brown Mug Café 308 E. 2nd, 928.289.9973

E & O Kitchen 703 Airport, 928.289.5352

Dar’s Route 66 Diner 107 W. 2nd, 928.289.2573 WHAT TO DO + SEE:

Winslow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center 523 W. 2nd, 928.289.2434 winslowarizona.org

Old Trails Museum 212 Kinsley, 928.289.5861 oldtrailsmuseum.org

The Snowdrift Art Space, above and right, is housed in a 22,000-squre-foot warehouse in the heart of Winslow that was once home of the Babbitt Brothers Mercantile Store. Operated by Ann-Mary and Dan Lutzick, it features gallery space, studios and a small theater for private screenings.

it was the Braised Bison Osso Buco (“lean and tender bison osso buco simmered in a lightly spiced blackberry-chile barbecue sauce, served over smashed Gilfeather rutabagas and winter greens with McClendon’s baby carrots, parsnips, cherry tomatoes and kale”) that made the meal truly remarkable. Follow that with Warm Prickly Pear Cactus and Spice Bread Pudding, and I wanted to melt in my chair. I’m also a big fan of the Martini Bar, where the Margaritas are what you need to order. THIS is the spot where you truly sidle onto a stool, share a few tales and make new friends. There was a group visiting known as Roots on the Rails (rootsontherails.com), music-minded folks from all over the country who ride by train and bring musicians and singers to perform. This added to the excitement, not to mention allowing hotel guests to hear some great performances.

FURTHER AFIELD If you want to explore Winslow for your meal, ﬁnding other spots to dine is easy. On East 2nd Street is Brown Mug Café, family owned for over 60 years, where I sopped up a bowl of red chile and beans with a homemade tortilla, and sat at my table and watched the locals talking to one another from across the room. Out at the airport is another spot called the E & O Kitchen. This is one of those old cafés that has been built for folks landing by plane, and even though there is not a lot of air trafﬁc here anymore, E & O keeps customers coming back for their awesome corn masa gorditas, as well as one of the tastiest chile rellenos I’ve had in a long time. Want some retro diner food? Look no further than Dar’s Route 66 Diner, with the counter loaded with fresh-baked pies and serving up classic comfort food in the form of chicken-fried steak and eggs. This space is right at THE “corner” and was once the home of Starr Jewelers.

SUCH A FINE SIGHT TO SEE Which ﬁnally brings us to that iconic corner made so famous by The Eagles. At the intersection of Kinsley Avenue and 2nd Street stands a statue in honor of the song. All day long visitors stop and take photos with this guy, which made me quite the voyeur for a spell. Along this corridor are several shops where one can purchase Route 66 kitsch. Make your way into the Old Trails Museum during this part of the visit, which is full of eye candy about Winslow’s past and is always a good place to ask for a history lesson. Another must-visit spot is farther down 2nd Street at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, which has a home in the Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post and Warehouse, dating back to 1917. Bob Hall runs the show here, and is a fabulous wealth of knowledge.

It really seems like there is a lot of new stuff going on around town, especially with regards to the art scene. The Winslow Arts Trust has been busy with creative artists and patrons ﬁnding a niche in spaces around town — such as Ann-Mary and Dan Lutzick’s Snowdrift Art Space (snowdriftart.com), Paul Ruscha’s El Gran Art Garage (stationtostation.com/ space-for-art-in-winslow) and Tina Mion (tinamion.com), who resides at La Posada. Two notable artists who have also made La Posada a more breathtaking scene are John Suttman and Ernesto Martinez. Suttman is known to many New Mexicans as a designer, sculptor and furniture-maker extraordinaire. Here on the property, his work includes the magniﬁcent forged gates all over the grounds and on the path to the train depot. I had to grin when I realized I “knew him when.” Also delicately placed in the hotel’s nooks and crannies is the work of Martinez. His hand-painted furnishings that once graced La Fonda hotel in Santa Fe (another Harvey building) are part of the collection at La Posada. Seriously, everywhere you turn there’s is something magical to be seen. You will understand why they call this place a living museum. Make your life sweeter by hopping on a train or getting in the car and checking into this place of rest and comfort for a few days. LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

W I N T E R T R AV E L

Part international artist haven, part sleepy Texas town, Marfa draws in an eclectic set of visitors who seek to view permanant art installations, such as the Prada Marfa building (center bottom). Outside of the celebrated works, many by late artist Donald Judd, Marfa is a place that is in no rush. Instead, visitors are urged to slow things down, grab a Lone Star beer at the Lost Horse Saloon (right), walk around town with a camera snapping photos of vintage signage (left) and eat from decidedly modern menus provided by the ever-present Food Shark (center top).

PLANET MARFA

Just 200 miles southeast of El Paso sits the isolated town of Marfa, Texas, home to wide-open spaces and a Prada bag full of culture

STORY + PHOTOS BY KEVIN HOPPER

o artists, it should be immediately apparent why Marfa, Texas, is so special once the Prada Marfa building, located 30 miles northwest of Marfa along an otherwise desolate strip of U.S. Hwy. 90, comes into view. No, it’s not an actual Prada store dropped randomly into rural Far West Texas — that would be really bizarre. It’s an art piece that, at the time of its installation in 2005, caused some waves in the modern art scene. The Prada building sets the stage for your stay in Marfa, a strange little burg on the fringe of nowhere, Texas. It is precisely what minimalist artist Donald Judd was looking for when he purchased his first building here in the early 1970s. “Less people, more space. It’s easier to think out here,” the late artist said of Marfa, previously only known as the town where Giant, James Dean’s final film, was shot. There is certainly no shortage of space in this high-altitude region of Texas. The pace is slow and the overall vibe is quiet and peaceful. Sure, there are countless rural towns just like this across Texas, but the difference is that this one is rife with art and culture. In fact, Marfa is swimming in a modern, minimalist aesthetic that is contrapuntal to its setting. In and of itself, Marfa is a work of art. Judd’s legacy in Marfa — aside from his permanent art installations — is apparent at every corner. Name one other small Texas town that boasts a late-night grilled cheese house called the Museum of Electronic Wonders & Late Night Grilled Cheese Parlour. Parked randomly throughout the town are a dozen old broken cars with the words “Food Shark” stenciled on the doors that serve as advertising. Dilapidated houses as old as the Texas hills are juxtaposed

against über-modern dwellings. Weathered ranchers in cowboy hats sit outside of barber shops while 20-something Europeans in tailored jeans pass by looking to shoot hyper-modern works of minimalist art on their iPhones. Those who say, “That sounds a lot like Taos,” are partially correct (save for all the Lone Star beer). In a cultural sense, many New Mexicans will feel at home here, both because of the high desert air and the laid-back vibe. But really, it is art that ties it all together. The drive is lengthy for sure — around seven hours from Albuquerque — but once here, there’s not a whole lot to do. And in Marfa, that’s the big draw. I just happened to be there during Viva Big Bend, an annual multivenue, multi-town Americana-centric music festival featuring the likes of Billy Joe Shaver, Butch Hancock and Texas Tornados, so it was surely a bit more bustling than normal. Because of that, I owe Marfa one or more return visits to stare at the brilliant night sky, peek at the unexplained phenomenon that is the “Marfa Lights,” take in Judd’s artwork and stroll around town with nothing better to do. To find out much more about this offbeat creative haven, a quick video search will return a few dozen videos that seek to find out the answer to the question, “Why in the World Marfa?” In one such clip, a young artist states, “Everybody is doing their own thing here. So nobody is really interested in what you’re doing. And that gives you the freedom to do whatever you want.” For reasons unknown, Marfa has magic in the air. By my estimation, it has something to do with the duality you find here: young and old, modern and antique, sleek and weathered, conservative and liberal. Maybe it’s a microcosm of what life would be like if we all set aside our differences and just lived for ourselves. Now that is an artful concept.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

WHERE TO STAY:

El Cosmico elcosmico.com

Hotel Paisano hotelpaisano.com

The Thunderbird thunderbirdmarfa.com WHERE TO EAT + DRINK

Padres padresmarfa.com

Lost Horse Saloon losthorsesaloon.com

Planet Marfa 432.386.5099

The Food Shark foodsharkmarfa.com

Cochineal cochinealmarfa.com

Maiya’s Restaurant maiyasrestaurant.com WHAT TO DO + SEE:

Ballroom Marfa ballroommarfa.org

Marfa Lights marfatxlights.com

Judd Foundation juddfoundation.org

Chinati Foundation chinati.org

Marfa Book Company marfabookcompany. wordpress.com

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

W I N T E R T R AV E L

Tempe Beach Park marks this Arizona city within a city with a unique water element that serves as the signature feature of a thriving urban center currently experiencing a renaissance. The rooftop pool at Tempe Mission Palms (above) is a great spot to relax after a day of boating at Tempe Town Lake (right).

DESERT OASIS

Developing at a fast (but walkable) pace, Tempe is becoming a thriving urban gem

WHERE TO STAY:

Tempe Mission Palms 60 E. 5TH, 480.894.1400 missionpalms.com WHERE TO EAT + DRINK:

The Handlebar 680 S. MILL, 480.474.4888 handlebaraz.com

World of Beer 526 S. MILL, 480.638.2337 worldofbeer.com

Rúla Búla Irish Pub & Restaurant 401 S. MILL, 480.929.9500 rulabula.com

La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar 699 S. MILL, 480.967.5244 laboccapizzeria.com

Caffe Boa 398 S. MILL, 480.968.9112 cafeboa.com

House of Tricks 114 E. 7TH, 480.968.1114 houseoftricks.com WHAT TO SEE + DO:

Mill Avenue downtowntempe.com

Tempe Beach Park 80 W RIO SALADO, 480.350.8625 downtowntempe.com

Papago Park 625 N. GALVIN, 602. 495.5458 arizona-leisure.com

Tempe Center for the Arts 700 W. RIO SALADO PKWY., 480.350.2822 tempe.gov

STORY BY KEVIN HOPPER

y two o’clock backstage meet and greet with the recently regrouped Luscious Jackson was confirmed. I don’t usually get giddy about these things, but the band includes drummer Kate Schellenbach, who was one of the original members of the Beastie Boys (when it was a punk band), possibly my favorite group of all time. My wife and I had flown into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport the night before so we could take in a show, a big show actually. The lineup included another recently regrouped act, The Replacements, possibly my other favorite band of all time. It also included the Descendents, possibly my wife’s favorite group of all time, and one that is now very high on my list. The turnaround on this trip was slightly impossible — leave after work on Friday, take in a show on Saturday, then take an early morning flight back home on Sunday. How much could you possibly accomplish? A lot actually, especially given the fact that the New Tempe (which is what I call this city within a city) is well set up for this type of extreme “daycation” (which is my new term for this type of quick trip excursion). A five-minute shuttle from the airport (after a 45-minute flight) placed us in the Mission Palms, a very astute and tranquil destination hotel just steps away from the dozens of restaurants, retail shops, breweries and bars that line Mill Avenue. Adjacent to that is Arizona State University, which now boasts the largest enrollment in the country. So within an hour and a half span, Albuquerque travelers can be checked in and poolside with a margarita in hand. And that’s exactly how this trip went down.

THE ‘BIG SHOW’

The big show was a first-year festival called Summer Ends Music Festival, to be held at Tempe Beach Park. Despite being in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, the park overlooks a large body of water, the Salt River, where you can rent a boat and pretend you’re actually at a real beach. Walk or bike across the river bridge, and the view alone is worth it. Ride a bit farther and you can spend all day cruising the trails of Papago Park, where there are ponds, golf courses, the Phoenix Zoo and a botanical garden. All of which would have been an enjoyable way to spend the day, but we had a show to attend. More importantly, I had to meet Luscious Jackson. Unfortunately, my fateful meet-up was spoiled by Mother Nature. Walking from the hotel to the show, we noticed a nasty storm cloud rolling in from the west, which hit the venue in a very big way exactly at 2 p.m. Gale-force winds and a few dozen sheets of rain overtook and

shut down the entire festival. We quickly ducked into one of Tempe’s oldest restaurants, Monti’s La Casa Vieja — which, sadly, is closing this month to make way for a new hotel and office complex, another sign of Tempe’s remarkable growth. A bit of respite was found in a crisp Manhattan, but the question remained: Would the show go on? The show did indeed go on, but the venue moved across the bridge and indoors to the Marquee Theatre. A few bands dropped out, including Luscious Jackson (bye-bye, Beastie Girl), but not the Descendents or The Replacements, both of which salvaged a potentially disappointing trip.

TAKE A STROLL

Phoenix is perhaps the last city one would describe as walkable. However, the New Tempe is the exception. From the front door of the Mission Palms, which is nestled next to Tempe’s A Mountain, it is extremely easy to get anywhere on foot. To the south, we didn’t have much need to walk past University Drive. To the north, we actually walked over the bridge to the Marquee Theatre, though it was a bit of a trek. Thanks to Uber, the return trip after the show was much nicer. Shopping, eating, drinking and art galleries are all confined to just a few bustling blocks that feel very metropolitan for such a sprawling Western city. Highlights included craft beers at The Handlebar and World of Beer. Cocktail spots are numerous, but my favorite was the back patio of Rúla Búla Irish Pub & Restaurant. Keep in mind that Mill Avenue is the strip nearest to the biggest college in the country, so raucous late-night partying is the norm. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, duck into La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar (very similar to Farina) or Caffe Boa, a modern European-style bistro with a stellar craft cocktail menu and incisive wine list. Our best meal of the trip was at a spot called House of Tricks. Located in a pair of historic dwellings, this fine-dining eatery treats food as high art. Though the restaurant was full, the outdoor bar was a great space for us to first take photos of our meals, then savor each bite.

THOUGHTFUL GROWTH

Our fast-paced trip to Tempe provided great insight on how building a city should be approached. Yes, the storied Monti’s steakhouse is making way for an office complex and hotel. Yet, the historic aspects of the space — the Hayden House, Tempe’s oldest building — will be preserved and incorporated into the new structures. The water element of Tempe Town Lake adds a lot to this small Downtown stretch of land, an increasingly metropolitan, delightfully walkable city oasis. The fact that you can swing the whole trip in a handful of hours makes it all the more intriguing.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

W I N T E R T R AV E L

THE BUILT-IN GETAWAY

When an overnight trip to Santa Fe beckons, the remodeled Anasazi offers a boutique landing spot STORY BY MIKE ENGLISH — PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS MERRIAM

n a recent visit to Los Angeles, my companion and I stayed at a friend’s house in Long Beach. Almost all our social engagements were in Los Angeles proper, so we hopped in the rental car and made the 45 minute drive — daily or twice daily, fighting traffic all the way. It’s like driving from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, in terms of time commitment, and in Southern California no one thinks twice about it. My takeaway from this: I should visit Santa Fe more often. Wouldn’t you agree? I’ve long thought the divide between these two signature New Mexico cities is an unjustified and outdated one. There’s a commuter train that joins us. There are endless cultural and culinary opportunities, no matter which direction you travel. Santa Fe is the built-in getaway for Albuquerque, and vice versa.

20 LOCAL iQ

In the interest of walking my talk, my companion and I left work a couple of hours early on a recent weekday and drove the 50 miles to Santa Fe. Our destination was a hotel near the Santa Fe Plaza that first caught my eye when I started living in New Mexico in 2001, the Inn of the Anasazi. The beefy columns, corbels and vigas and the hotel’s earthy facade had yelled Rosewood Inn of the “Spanish Southwest” to this Pacific Anasazi Northwest native. I’d never stayed 113 WASHINGTON, SANTA FE, 505.988.3030 there in the ensuing years, but now rosewoodhotels.com/anasazi we were invited to check out the recent remodel. The Inn of the Anasazi was built in 1990 on the site of an old office building and juvenile detention center. When the hotel was bought in recent years by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts — the Dallasbased international resort company that operates luxury properties in places like London, Dubai, Beijing and San Miguel de Allende — the new owners wanted to give it a modern and sophisticated aesthetic while

| ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

keeping the Native American and Spanish Southwest flavor. So they turned to the hotel’s original designer, Wilson Associates, with Jim Rimelspach spearheading the project. Work on the remodel was completed this summer. You feel the elegance when you walk into the Anasazi, but it’s a quiet, cozy style of luxury in keeping with the down-to-earth aesthetic of the hotel. Artworks by New Mexico Pueblo painters, potters and sculptors dot the hallways and plaster walls. Earth tones, wood and leather furniture, rich carpets and kiva fireplaces fill the communal spaces. And the staff, led by Managing Director Sandra Finlay, apparently pop happy pills all day — a modest, understated kind of happiness which, again, is in keeping with the atmosphere. Guest rooms are where the remodel was focused, and when we entered ours there was a plate with blue corn chips and guacamole, cornand-green-chile muffins and a bottle of Marble beer sitting on the round red leather ottoman. To be honest, that’s what I noticed first. But the room was beautiful too. White walls and

white bedding create a crisp, bright atmosphere, while touches of color such as a studded yellow leather headboard for our king bed and an orange and brown woven wool rug add warmth and color. Vigas and wood plank ceilings add the requisite Santa Fe touch. Native American prints hang on the wall. In the bathrooms, the light and white theme continues, with white walls and gray marble tub surrounds and vanity tops set off by elegant brushed nickel fixtures. We had little reason to leave, and indeed, after a memorable meal on the hotel patio we retreated to our room for a wonderfully lazy night. There obviously is no shortage of luxury accommodations in Santa Fe, and Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi falls in this category, with rooms starting around $200 a night, depending on the season. But I would suggest that the boutique atmosphere of this Rosewood-run inn is uniquely elegant and international, even while it’s an expression of Santa Fe. For a onenight City Different getaway — which all of us Albuquerque folks need to do more often — it’s a treat worth giving yourself at least once.

The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi was built in 1990 and features vigas, beams, columns and corbels on the front facade (preceding page). A recent remodel focused on the rooms and created crisp bright design with splashes of color — and includes a tray of New Mexico-style treats for just-arrived guests (above).

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

MUSIC

Out of hiding

L I V E M US I C

Songwriter Jessica Hernandez brings her Motown roots, and dozens of other influences, to town for an intimate showcase BY KEVIN HOPPER

ost songwriters tend to have an instrument of choice when composing music, piano being the most versatile and logical choice, guitar likely a close second. Detroit songwriter Jessica Hernandez doesn’t see it that way. Rather than choosing one instrument when writing songs for her band’s full-length debut, she chose them all, freeing herself up to discover her own sound. “I wrote all the songs on this new record,” Hernandez said in a recent phone interview of Secret Evil, “and I would try different things. I would say, ‘OK. Today I’m going to write on the accordion. Today I’m going to try writing on the harpsichord.’ I feel like by trying to write on different instruments, as a starting point … it shifted my brain a lot and helped each song evolve in a

PREVIEW

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas WITH RED LIGHT CAMERAS, THE DIRTY SHADES

9p, Tue., Dec. 9 LOW SPIRITS 2823 2ND NW, 505.344.9555

$8 Tickets: holdmyticket.com lowspirits.com jessicahernandez.net

different way.” It makes sense that this unconventional process resulted in a sound made up of myriad influences, tones and structures. Her group, officially called Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, has been tagged with nearly every genre under the sun — from straight-up garage rock to neo-psychedelia, punk blues to gypsy pop, surf rock to hoodoo blues. “I experimented a lot to figure out what I like, what felt most ‘me’ and what was most flattering to my voice,” she said. What she arrived at is very much Detroit, her hometown and a city steeped in musical history. That rich history, that soulful heart and the city’s analog guts can be found on the very first track of Hernandez’ debut, titled “No Place Left to Hide,” a bluesy gut-bucket stomp that serves as a coming out party for the young songwriter, still in her early 20s. In sharp contrast to her millennial speaking voice (lots of “likes”), Hernandez’ singing voice spans generations and eras. There’s soul in there, the kind you would find on Motown recordings 50 years prior. But despite this writer’s theory that soul and R&B hits filled her parents’ house (and also the Mexican bakery and restaurant they ran) during her youth, Hernandez revealed otherwise. “Both my parents are big music fans, and obviously growing up in the ’70s in Detroit, he was into the rock scene,” she divulged. “He got me really into Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. My mom is pretty young, so she was really into the new wave ’80s thing. And she got me into Tear for Fears and The Clash and The Cure, New Order, Joy Division, those kinds of bands.” Also big music fans, it was her grandparents that, as Hernandez put it, “brought the Motown to the table.” “I would hear all these stories about how the Supremes and the Four Tops and all these bands actually played at their high school dances,” Hernandez related. “That was back when Motown was starting to boom, and they would test out the bands at all the local high schools in Detroit to see how the kids would respond to it.” Hernandez and the Deltas very nearly became part of a similarly storied musical history when they were signed to Blue Note Records in 2012. That deal soon went sour as the label underwent ownership transitions, but Hernandez forged on and found another deal with Instant Records, owned by record industry veteran Richard Gottehrer. Secret Evil has been received well by critics, and the group hasn’t slowed its considerable touring schedule, which suits Hernandez and her band just fine. Asked how the daughter of a Mexican restaurant owner eats when touring, she admitted to a fondness for Cracker Barrel. “We try to eat at Cracker Barrel like, three times a week,” Hernandez said, laughing, “whether it’s breakfast or the Tuesday meatloaf deal. It’s now one of our weird routines on the road.” Even though it’s still early on in her career, Hernandez is in an enviable spot. She has a record deal and an abundance of good press. The next time she and the Deltas roll into town, perhaps on the band’s follow-up to Secret Evil, the venue likely won’t be the small-capacity Low Spirits (she is scheduled to play there on Dec. 9). Taking in a promising artist armed with a huge set of pipes might be the most rewarding thing you can do this month. Riding high on the success of her debut full-length record, Secret Evil, Detroit songwriter Jessica Hernandez, of Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, takes a multi-pronged approach to songwriting. The result is an album that spans multiple genres, yet retains a cohesive feel.

SUBMIT TO LOCAL iQ The next deadline is Dec. 3 for the Dec. 11 issue. SEND CALENDAR ITEMS TO:

calendar@local-iQ.com

f: 888.520.9711 a: PO Box 7490, ABQ., N.M. 87194

Low Spirits Elder Crown HOLIDAY FOOD & CLOTHING JAM

9:30p, TBD

Marble Westside Youngsville 6-9p, FREE

Marcello’s Chophouse Karl Richardson Duo LOUNGE 6:30-9:30p, FREE

Mineshaft Tavern, Madrid

PLEASE USE THIS FORMAT:

The Travis Day Band AMERICANA 5p Open Mic w/ Glen Neff 7p, FREE

Venue

Molly’s Bar, Tijeras

Band GENRE TIME, COST

Just In Time 1:30-5p Swing Shift 6-10p, FREE

List events any time for free at local-iQ.com

Old Tyme Shop & Ice Cream Parlor

*All events subject to change. Check with individual venues before heading out

Q Bar

** CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE A FREE SERVICE AND MAY BE CUT DUE TO SPACE. PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO FREE EVENTS.

THU

Adobe Bar Taos Bryan Hayes 4-6p Eryn Bent 6:30-9:30p, FREE

Blackbird Buvette Fractal Frequencies w/ Kate Star Cherry TRANCE 10p, FREE

El Farol, Santa Fe Guitarras Con Sabor 8p, FREE

Sandia Casino Ballroom Asian Show 3p, TBD

FRI

Open Jam Session 6:30p, FREE Old School House Party DJs Mike T, Big Phill ’80S ’90S 9p-1:30a, FREE

Scalo Il Bar Le Chat Lunatique DIRTY JAZZ 8:30p, FREE

Sunshine Theater Common, Jay Electronica, Fly Union 7p, $35

SAT

Adobe Bar, Taos Brent Berry y Tambien AFROFUNK 6:30-9:30p, FREE

African American Performing Arts Center Holiday Celebration 7p, $10

Blackbird Buvette The Music Lab Thanksgiving Throwdown 9:30p, FREE

Cool Water Fusion Kevin Kennedy 9-11p, $5

Adobe Bar, Taos

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Kenny Skywolf Band FUNKY BLUES 6:30-9:30p, FREE

The Accidentals 6p, FREE

Cowgirl Santa Fe

African American Performing Arts Center

Bill Hearne Trio COUNTRY 2-5p The Sean Healan Band 8:30p, FREE

A Holiday Celebration 7p, $10

Dirty Bourbon

Blackbird Buvette Low Life Happy Hour w/ DJ Caterwaul 6p Leftover Soul w/ DJ Leftovers RARE GROOVE 10p, FREE

Burt’s Tiki Lounge Playboy Manbaby, The Dying Beds, Colour Me Once 9p, FREE

Casa Esencia DJ 9p-1:30a, $10-$20

Cool Water Fusion Peter Bonner 6-8p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery Joel Martin 6p, FREE

Cowgirl Santa Fe The Bottom Dollar String Band 5p Todd & the Fox 8:30p, FREE

Dirty Bourbon Local Band Weekend! Boss Hogg 9p-2a, $5

Effex Nightclub DJ Stitch 9p, TBD

El Farol, Santa Fe Girls Night Out ROCK N ROLL 9p, $5

Embers Steakhouse The T-Shirt Philosophers 6p, FREE

First Turn Lounge, Casino at the Downs Fat City 9p-1a, FREE

Local Band Weekend, Perfect Stranger 9p-2a, $5

Effex Nightclub Elevate DJ Devin & Chris de Jesus 9p, TBD

El Farol, Santa Fe Flamenco Dinner 6:30p, $25 Fun Addix 9p, $5

El Rey Theater Netsky DRUM N BASS 9p-1a, $15/$20

First Turn Lounge, Casino at the Downs Fat City 9p-1a, FREE

The Gasworks Into It, Over It & Lemuria 7p, $12

Imbibe Ryan Shea 10p, FREE

Immanuel Presbyterian Church 5th Annual Messiah Sing: Quintessence CHORAL 3p, FREE

Launchpad Mr. Gnome, Young Tongue, Great States 9p, $8

Lotus DJs Shatta, XES 10p, TBD

Low Spirits Let It Grow GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE 9p, $5

Marble Brewery

Imbibe

Squash Blossom Boys AMERICANA 1-4p, FREE

The Woohabs 6p DJ 10p, FREE

Marcello’s Chophouse

Lotus DJs AI, Dan Sen 10p, TBD

Tony Rodriguez Duo LOUNGE 6:30-9:30p, FREE

MUSIC

LI V E MUSI C Mineshaft Tavern, Madrid

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Dianne Patterson FOLK 3p Truckstop Honeymoon ALT BLUEGRASS 8p, FREE

Next Three Miles 6p, FREE

Molly’s Bar, Tijeras

El Farol, Santa Fe

Steve Maase Project 1:30-5p Still Rockin’ 6-10p, FREE

Monte Vista Fire Station Chris Dracup 8p, FREE

Q Bar DJS TOP 40 9p-1:30a, $10

Rt. 66 Casino, Thunder Road Steakhouse

Cowgirl Santa Fe Zenobia 12p The Union Suits 8p, FREE

Launchpad The ABQ Battle Bands! 4:15p, $10-$12

Scalo Il Bar

Mineshaft Tavern, Madrid

The Grinder GYPSY JAZZ 8:30p, FREE

The Barbwires SOUL BLUES 3-7p, FREE

Sister Bar

Monte Vista Fire Station

Anthony Leon & the Chain, Cowboys & Indian, Quality Retreads 9p-1a, $5

Memphis P-Tails 8p, FREE

St. Paul Lutheran Church Annual Winter Solstice BACH CHORAL 5:30-7p, $15-$25

St. Therese of the Infant Jesus

O’Niell’s Nob Hill Pawn Drive BLUEGRASS 4p, FREE

Outpost Fred Strum IBERO AMERICAN 3p, $10-$15

De Profundis ACAPELLA 7:30p, $10-$15

MON

Zinc Cellar Bar

Adobe Bar, Taos

Stanlie Kee & Step In BLUES 9:30p, FREE

Kate & Billy’s Medicine Show OLD TYMEY OPEN MIC 6:30-9:30p, FREE

SUN

Blackbird Buvette

B-Man & the MizzBeeHavens 6p, FREE

Loma Colorado Library Rio Rancho

Cowgirl Santa Fe

Russell Turek CLASSICAL GUITAR 7p The Goldsteins POP CABERET 10p, FREE

Eryn Bent 5-7:30p, FREE John Kurzweg Band ROCK 8:30p, FREE

Cooperage Son Como Son SALSA CUBANA 9:30p, $7

Dirty Bourbon

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Cooperage

First United Methodist Church

Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra 7p, FREE

Breaking Brass BACH 12:05-1:05p, $5

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Launchpad

Lenin & McCarthy 6p, FREE

The Supersuckers, Get Action, Lovers & Leavers 9:30p, $10

DJ Automatic & Drummer Camilio Quiñones 9p, FREE

Country star Lee Ann Womack will perform at the Isleta Showroom on Sat., Dec. 6 with an opening set by Brandy Clark. Show at 7p. Tickets: $30-$50, available at holdmyticket.com. Cowgirl Santa Fe Cowgirl Karaoke w/ Michele Leidig 8p, FREE

Dirty Bourbon Dakhabrakha ALT UKRANIAN FOLK 7:30p, $17

Low Spirits Jerry Joseph 9p, $8

Marcello’s Chophouse Open Piano Night LOUNGE 6:30-9:30p, FREE

Vernon’s Black Diamond Lounge Bob Tate PIANIST 6p, FREE

TUE

Canteen Brewhouse

Whiskey Business Karaoke! 9p, FREE

Keith Sanchez 3p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Adobe Bar, Taos

Haiku Cowboys 6p, FREE

Chas M Williams BLUES ROCK 6:30-9:30p, FREE

DakhaBrakha UKRAINE QUARTET 7:30p, $8-$16

Monte Vista Fire Station Alex Maryol 7p, FREE

Ned’s Bar and Grill

Outpost Performance Space

Sammy D 6p,FREE

The Browning, It Lies Within, Ruse 7:30p, $10

Pallbearer 9p-1a, $10

Ned’s Bar and Grill

Vernon’s Black Diamond Lounge

Picosso 6p, FREE

Bob Tate PIANIST 6p, FREE

THU

Casey Mraz PIANO 8-10p, FREE

Adobe Bar, Taos

Vernon’s Black Diamond Lounge

Sadie Orchard GOTHIC AMERICANA 6:30-9:30p,

Zinc Cellar Bar Lindgren & Lewis AMERICANA 8p, FREE

WED

Adobe Bar, Taos Mesa 4-5:30p John Carey 6:30-9:30p, FREE

Broken Bottle Brewery Open Mic Night 7:30p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery Frank & Greg 6p, FREE

Cowgirl, Santa Fe Lindgren & Lewis TWANG SOUL 8p, FREE

Effex Nightclub Phenox DJ Nihil, K Oss GOTH 9p, FREE

Lotus DJs Shatta, Sharp, Kid Official 10p, TBD

Sister Bar

Tractor Brewing, Wells Park

Albuquerque Baroque Players BAROQUE 6:307:30p, FREE

Macey Center, Socorro

Launchpad

Bob Tate PIANIST 6p, FREE

O’Niell’s Heights Watermelon Mountain Jug Band 4p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Leo Kottke 7:30p, $25$35

Imbibe

De Profundis ACAPELLA 3-5p, $10-$15

Le Chat Lunatique DIRTY JAZZ 9p-12a, FREE

KiMo Theatre

Last Call 6p, FREE

Jim Almand AMERICANA 8p, FREE

Immanuel Presbyterian Church

Chatter Sunday: Rahim AlHaj + Quartet 10:30a, $5-$15

Embers Steakhouse

Open Mic Night w/ Chris Dracup 8p, FREE

Cowgirl, Santa Fe

Nacha Mendez 7p, FREE

The Kosmos

Brickyard Pizza

Six of One Sextet w/ glenn Kostur JAZZ 7:30p, $15-$20

Q Bar Latin Gold DJ Quico 9p-1:30a, TBD

Rt. 66, Casino Envy Blue October 9p, $25

Vernon’s Black Diamond Lounge

FREE

Jazz Brasiliero BRAZIL JAZZ 6p, FREE

Blackbird Buvette

Zinc Cellar Bar

KGB Club DJs DARKWAVE GOTH 10p, FREE

Todd Tijerina Trio BLUES ROCK 9:30p, FREE

Cherry Hills Library

Linda Kennedy HARPIST 1-3p, FREE

FRI

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Adobe Bar, Taos

Joel Martin 6p, FREE Gregg Daigle Band AMERICANA 8p, FREE

Peña Flamenca de Taos 4-5:30p Floozy Nation FOLK PUNK 6:30-9:30p, FREE

Effex Nightclub

Burt’s Tiki Lounge

Beer Bust Thurs. DJ Chris de Jesus 9p, FREE

Veve’s Birthday with Psychomagic, Santoros 9p, FREE

Cowgirl Santa Fe

Embers Steakhouse Eryn Bent 6p,FREE

Imbibe Nob Hill Shop & Stroll Live Music 5p, FREE

Casa Esencia DJ 9p-1:30a, $10-$20

Central Methodist Messiah NM PHILHARMONIC 6-9p, $25-$55

Randy Rogers Band 9p-2a, $20

Murata 6p, FREE

Effex Nightclub

Cowgirl Santa Fe

DJ Stitch 9p,TBD

Brent Berry AFRO COASTAL 2p Bone Orchard AMERICANA 8:30p, FREE

Embers Steakhouse Bad Katz Trio 6p, FREE

Imbibe DJ 10p, FREE

Launchpad NMDM 2nd Annual Brutal Christmas Drive 7:30p, $5

Lotus DJs AI, Dan Sen 10p, FREE

Low Spirits Gilded Cage & Variete 9p, $10

Monte Vista Fire Station Alex Maryol ACOUSTIC 8p, FREE

Old Tyme Shop & Ice Cream Parlor Open Jam Session 6:30p, FREE

Q Bar Vanilla Pop 9p-1:30a, FREE

Sunshine Theater Dilated Peoples HIP HOP 8p, $20

Vernon’s Black Diamond Lounge Entourage JAZZ 7:30p, FREE

SAT

Adobe Bar, Taos Inn

Treelighting w/ Jimmy Stadler CAROLS 6:309:30p, FREE

Damn Bar, Rio Rancho Wayne Hancock COUNTRY 9p, TBD

Effex Nightclub Elevate DJ Devin, Chris de Jesus 9p, TBD

Imbibe Nob Hill Twinkle Light Parade Ryan Shea 10p, FREE

Isleta Casino The Showroom Lee Ann Womack, Brandy Clark 7p, $30-$50

Jewish Community Center Kinky Friedman 7:30-10p, $36

Lotus DJs Shatta, XES 10p, FREE

The Main Event Sports Bar Rasheed, Mateo, Young Wiz HIP HOP 7p, $5

Monte Vista Fire Station Felonious Groove 8p, FREE

Outpost Latif Bolat THE HEALING SOUNDS OF TURKEY

7:30p, $5 CONTINUED ON 24

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

MUSIC

L IVE M U SIC CONTINUED FROM 23

The Kosmos

Q Bar

Chatter Sunday: Laura, David & James 10:30a, $5-$15

DJ TOP 40 9p-1:30a, $10

Rio Rancho United Methodist Church Youth Chorus 2-3p, $10

Sol Santa Fe Nosotros, Metafora y Refugio Klandestino 8p, $10

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Musica Antigua de Alburquerque CHRISTMAS 7:30-9:15p, $9-$16

Taylor Ranch Library NM Territorial Brass Band VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS 11a-12p, FREE

Vernon’s Lounge DCN Project 7:30p, FREE

Zinc Cellar Bar Youngsville POP FOLK 9:30p, FREE

SUN

Adobe Bar, Taos Taos Gospel Choir 6:309:30p, FREE

Blackbird Buvette Bailey Johnson Art Show w/ Chemical West 6p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery Last Call 6p, FREE

Battlecross, Wretched, War of Ages METAL 7:30p, $13

Low Spirits Three Bad Jacks 8:30p, $8

Monte Vista Fire Station The Jake Jones Band 8p, FREE

Rio Rancho United Methodist Church Rio Rancho Youth Chorus 2-3p, $10

St. John’s United Methodist Church In Dulci Jublio: Quintessence CHORAL 3p, $6-$18

Vernon’s Lounge Bob Tate PIANIST 6p, FREE

MON

Blackbird Buvette Whiskey Business Karaoke! 9p, FREE

Burt’s Tiki Lounge Creepers, Shmu, You 9p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Bob Tate PIANIST 6p, FREE

TUE

Adobe Bar, Taos Hogan & Moss ALT FOLK 6:30-9:30p, FREE

Blackbird Buvette Try VS Try Bi Weekly Open Mic Night 10p, FREE

Brickyard Pizza OpenMic Night w/ Chris Dracup 8p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery Beautific Breath 6p, FREE

Cowgirl Santa Fe Zoltan Orkestrar CIRCUS SWING 8p, FREE

Lomas Tramway Library Music By the Mountain HARP 6:30-7:30p, FREE

Low Spirits Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas, Red Light Cameras 9p, $8

Sunshine Theater Emmure, The Acacia Strain, Fit For A King METAL 6:30p, $18

Vernon’s Lounge

Karl Zink 6p, FREE

Bob Tate PIANIST 6p, FREE

Cowgirl Santa Fe

Zinc Cellar Bar

Cowgirl Karaoke w/ Michele Leidig 8p, FREE

Trevor Richman TEX AMERICANA 8p, FREE

Cowgirl Santa Fe

Kiva Auditorium

Broomdust Gospel Quartet 12p Tiffany Christopher ROCK 8p, FREE

Ryan Adams, Jenny Lewis 7:30p,$57-$485

WED

Launchpad

KiMo Theater

Voo Doo Glowskulls, Mustard Plug, Dan Potthast PUNK 7:30p, $13

Adobe Bar Taos

Annual Holiday Concert 3p, FREE

Launchpad

Vernon’s black Diamond Lounge

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

Angela Lindberg Livingston 4-5:30p Ashley Raines 6:30-

9:30p, FREE

Blackbird Buvette Open Mic Night w/ Felix Peralta 7p, FREE

Broken Bottle Brewery Open Mic Night 7:30p, FREE

Corrales Bistro Brewery Java Fix 6p, FREE

Cowgirl Santa Fe Alto Street FOLK 8p, FREE

Dirty Bourbon Nosotros, Sol Fire 7p-2a, $5

Effex Nightclub Phenox DJ Nihil, K Oss GOTH 9p, FREE

Embers Steakhouse, Isleta Casino Calvin Appleberry 6p, FREE

Launchpad The OriginalWailers REGGAE 9:30p, TBD

Outpost Elaine Elias 7:30p, $30-$35

Shooters Billiards Bar & Grill Potluck & Johnny Richter of Kottom Mouth Kings HIPHOP 7p-1a, $10-$20

Tractor Brewery, Nob Hill Solos on the Hill: Eryn Bent 8:30-10:30p, FREE

Vernon’s Lounge Bob Tate PIANIST 6p, FREE

smart MUSIC

unk isn’t dead. At least that’s the mantra of The Motet, which playfully boasts to be a “world-class improvisational funk band that has dedicated more than a decade to the healing powers of funky dance music.” The Colorado-bred group pulls out every stop to ensure that delving into this vintage genre sounds anything but dated. The Motet The band’s new eponymous album, released this WITH KELLER WILLIAMS past February, features warbling keyboard riffs 8p, Sat., Dec. 6 on the opening track, “Like We Own It,” a thickThe Historic El Rey Theater as-molasses bass line on “The Fountain” and 622 Central SW, 505.510.2582 declarative horns on “Keep on Don’t Stoppin’.” $10-$20, 18+ Opening for The Motet is Keller Williams. holdmyticket.com Described as a “fan favorite” one-man-band elreyabq.com extraordinaire, Williams’s bio also asserts that themotet.net “his looping shows always bring something kellerwilliams.net a little unexpected — full of fun originals and off-the-wall covers.” A recent review praised his off-kilter cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Scarlet Begonias,” complete with a blazing vocal trumpet solo, which is a difficult feat for a solo act. Both groups promise eccentric, funky grooves that are bound to be more than memorable. —Kyle Mullin

inky Friedman is larger than life. The Texas renaissance man — writer, musician, songwriter, humorist, politician, cigar smoker — has made a name for himself in more ways than two fingers can count. He continually plots out a political career, An Evening with though he has never Kinky Friedman won office, and is a 7:30p, Sat., Dec. 6 strong proponent Jewish Community Center of cannabis 5520 Wyoming NE, 505.332.0565 legalization. $36 However, his brownpapertickets.com biggest talent is kinkyfriedman.com in making biting social commentary packaged in three-minute songs, most notably, “Ride ‘em Jewboy” and “They Ain’t Making Jews like Jesus Anymore.” Friedman will perform at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque as part of a fundraiser for JCC’s Arts and Culture program. —Logan Greely

lackalicious is somewhat of an Blackalicious anomaly in the hip hop world, WITH DANIEL BAMBAATA in that its two members Gift MARLEY of Gab and Chief Xcel don’t play up 9p, Sat., Nov. 29 Skylight to the genre’s imagery or culture as 130 San Francisco, Santa much as some more celebrated acts. Fe, 505.982.0755 Yet, the pair has made a huge mark holdmyticket.com in what is called the underground blackalicious.com skylightsantafe.com or alternative hip hop genre. The music of Blackalicious is much more cerebral than the music you hear on the radio. It’s construction is complex, yet its delivery, fluid. Gab’s lyrics are a tangled web of literary devices expertly crafted and delivered in a rapid fire style — he has mastered the art of circular breathing and is considered one of the top MCs in the game. All of the above makes Blackalicious one of the most important hip hop groups of its time, despite the fact that its music hasn’t gotten the attention from radio programming it has deserved. Though Gab and Xcel have spent a number of years away from the group, concentrating instead on solo work, the two have paired up recently to tour the western states in preparation of a March 2015 release, tentatively titled Emoni. —Logan Greely

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

ARTS

E V E N TS

Reverse focus

SUBMIT

Photo exhibit flips the lens, giving female photographers the camera, asking males to do the posing

TO LOCAL iQ The next deadline is Dec. 3 for the Dec. 11 issue. SEND CALENDAR ITEMS TO:

calendar@local-iQ.com

f: 888.520.9711 a: PO Box 7490, ABQ., N.M. 87194

BY MARISSA HIGDON

ccording to Guerrilla Girls, a group of female artists fighting discrimination in the art world, 76 percent of the nudes in the modern art section of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art are of women, but less than 4 percent of the actual artists in the same section happen to be female. Local artist Diane Alire believes the excessive amount of female nudes is due to a lack of authorship by female artists. Alire says male artwork and viewpoints are promoted at the expense of female talent and perspective because mostly male artists have, historically, had their genius recognized by the art community. EXHIBIT “ALL bodies have been subject to the male (heterosexual and homosexual) gaze and authority,” she said in a recent Female Gaze/ interview with Local iQ. “Women’s gaze has been theoretically Male Figure and philosophically under-explored, if not non-existent.” 5-8p, Thu., Dec. 4 To showcase the beauty of all human forms, and to explore MATRIX FINE ART this lack of female artist representation despite an abundance 3812 CENTRAL SE, 505.268.8952 of female forms in artwork, Alire teamed up with five other FREE photographers to create a new exhibition titled Female Gaze/ matrixfineart.com Male Figure. Alire says she came up with the idea after Matrix Fine Art did a show where a local photographer invited a number of photographers to come in and shoot a nude female model. “I was just flipping it,” Alire said of her decision to create a similar experience with female photographers and male models. “I thought about what would happen if we invited several female photographers to shoot the male nude. What would that look like? How would that change? Would our gaze of the male nude be different in some way than traditionally the female nude has been portrayed?” She invited five photographers to create images of nude male models for the exhibition. Alire, along with Lisa Tremaine, Kyle Zimmerman, Ann Bromberg, Kate Livingston and Aaron Marie, has been creating pieces to showcase at Matrix Fine Art from Dec. 4-27. The photographs range from Alire’s surreal printmaking photography style to Tremaine’s direct portraiture. The exhibition showcases the individuality of each artist and their personal take on the beauty and relevance of male nudes. Aaron Marie’s works show a male model in positions and environments similar to those of women in classical paintings, while Alire creates abstract pieces using the human body as a character in a complex narrative told by the many elements of her photos. The main focus of the exhibition, Alire says, is on recognizing the beauty in both the male and female form. “There’s a Seinfeld episode where Seinfeld says, ‘The female nude is a work of art, and the male nude is just utilitarian.’ And I don’t think so,” Alire said. “I think that the male nude can be as beautiful, sensuous, sexy or even as objectified as the female nude. I think it depends on your point of view.” Photographers have been working on this exhibition for months, and each artist will bring their own personal voice to the conversation about male beauty and female artwork. The exhibition serves as an intimate window into the thoughts and perspectives held by the photographers themselves. “It’s about seeing how women photographers see men,” said Alire. “What lens do we use to view men? Is it the lens that has been dictated by maledominated society?” It’s an interesting and relevant discussion given current trends in feminism and gender equality. Alire claims the exhibition is mostly about appreciating human beauty in whatever form it takes, but added, “I think it does have an undercurrent of feminism or political statement.” No matter what viewers take away from this unique collection of photos, Female Gaze/Male Figure is an engaging exhibit that manages to examine the person in front of, and behind, the camera. The opening reception for the exhibit coincides with the Nob Hill Shop and Stroll on Dec. 4.

List events any time FOR FREE at local-iQ.com *All events subject to change. Check with individual venues before heading out ** CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE A FREE SERVICE AND MAY BE CUT DUE TO SPACE. PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO FREE EVENTS.

FRI

THROUGH NOV. 30:

Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Holiday Show Jewelry, pottery, paintings and more. 10a-5p, $7 EXPO NM 300 SAN PEDRO SE, 404.292.7457

THROUGH NOV. 30:

Corrales Holiday Art Festival Marking its 7th year, this event supports local artists. 10a-4p, FREE CORRALES SOCCER FIELD 2469 CORRALES ROAD, CORRALES, 505.514.8911

Roots Vision Mult-media visual arts and tunes experience. 6p, FREE POP UP GALLERY 105 GOLD SW

THROUGH NOV. 29:

Winter Market Over 100 artists working in different media will have works for purchase. 12-7p, Fri.; 9a-5p, Sat. $7-$11 HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE 800 RIO GRANDE NW, 505.768.3556

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Winter Group Show Two dozen artists contribute works for this winter show. 5-7p, FREE SAGE CREEK GALLERY 421 CANYON, SANTA FE, 505.988.4222

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

20,000 Tones Carlos Estrada-Vega presents new work. 5-7p, FREE WILLIAM SIEGAL GALLERY, 540 S. GUADALUPE, SANTA FE, 505.820.3300

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

ZBCA Annual Group Show 2014 A showing of works by Holly Roberts, Karen Yank, Heidi Brandow and others. 5-7p, FREE ZANE BENNETT CONTEMPORARY ART 435 S. GUADALUPE, SANTA FE, 505.982.8111

Female Gaze/Male Figure will feature the work of six female photographers, each of whom has turned their lens on male models. At top is “Horned Angel,” a two-plate gravure composed by Diane Alire. Directly above is an image entitled “Legacy,” by Albuquerque photographer Kyle Zimmerman.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Holiday Cheer Enjoy artwork by numerous gallery artists,cookies and more. 5-7p, FREE MANITOU GALLERIES 225 CANYON, SANTA FE, 505.986.9833

ARTS

ARTS E V E NTS 29

SAT

SAT./SUN. THROUGH DEC. 11: PERFORMANCE

The Nutcracker This holiday tradition features the American Ballet Theatre. 7p, Sat.; 2p, Sun., $9-$11 POPEJOY HALL 203 CORNELL NE 505.292.4245

WED

DISCUSSION

Gallery Talk: Gods and Heroes Discussion about art, history & design. 11a, FREE ABQ MUESEUM 2000 MOUNTAIN NW, 505.243.7255

THU

THROUGH DEC. 21: PERFORMANCE

Group Show Numerous artists works ranging in different mediums will be up for view. 5-8p, FREE BLACKBIRD GALLERY 323 ROMERO NW, STE 16, 505.243.9525

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Carol Hall, Helen Bamert and Emily Holcomb Three artists will be showcased — weavings, paintings and jewelry. 5-8p, FREE

Donna Loraine Carpenter THROUGH JAN. 5: RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Paper, Cloth and Clay Media is the message for this exhibit, featuring new and older works by numerous artists. 5-7p, FREE VSA-N4TH GALLERY 4904 4TH NW, 505.345.2140

OFFCenter’s Holiday Gift Bazaar Support local art and buy holiday gifts. 5-8p, FREE

YUCCA ART GALLERY 206-1/2 SAN FELIPE NW, 505.247.8931

OFFCENTER COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT, 808 PARK SW, 505.247.1172

THROUGH DEC. 31: RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Harley Kirschner

Southwest Splendor Featured artists Julane Jensen and Lee McVey share their art. 5-8p, FREE PURPLE SAGE GALERIA 201 SAN FELIPE NW, 505.450.4059

Enjoy the paintings this artist created each month for a year. 5-7p, FREE OT CIRCUS 709 CENTRAL NW, 505.249.2231

Bill Tondreau Panoramic Landscape Photographs This Academy Award winner for special effects for Star Wars will share his process and techniques. 5-8p, FREE SUMNER & DENE 517 CENTRAL NW, 505.842.1400

GROUP SHOW

Dana Velasco, Merge and Dani Jefferies These artists works will be up for view. 6-9p, FREE A SPINAL HEALTH AND MOVEMENT CENTER GALLERY 316 ADAMS SE, 505.247.2373

albuquerquechiroprators.com

This artist enables the gallery to offer a new twist on the theme of technology and art. 5-8p, FREE SE-OC RIGHT BRAIN GALLERY 3100 MENAUL NE, 505.816.0214

se-oc-rightbrain gallery.com

Patterns & Rhythms Group efffort for the 32nd annual Invitational Themed Show. 5-8:30p, FREE WEYRICH GALLERY 2935 D LOUISIANA NE, 505.883.7410

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

A Winter Gathering All gallery artists are featured in this special show with attractively priced art. 5-8p, FREE THE GALLERY ABQ 8210 MENAUL NE, 505.292.9333

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Balancing Act

22nd Annual Art of Devotion Exhibition

Abstract oil painter Daniel North shares his latest works. 5-8p, FREE PALETTE CONTEMPORARY ART & CRAFT 7400 MONTGOMERY NE, SUITE 22, 505.855.7777

THROUGH DEC. 31: RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

David Schwindt This landscape artist shares his latest paintings. 5-8p, FREE FRAMING CONCEPTS GALLERY 5809 JUAN TABO NE, 505.294.3246

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

The Photography of David Schnieder This award winning wildlife and nature photographer will have his works up for view. 5-8p, FREE HIGH DESERT ART & FRAME 12611 MONTGOMERY NE, 505.265.4066

A collection of ecclesiastical and secular art from Europe and the Americas will be shared. 5-7p, FREE PEYTON WRIGHT GALLERY 237 E. PALACE, SANTA FE, 505. 989.9888

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

THROUGH DEC. 7: EVENT

CHS 26th Annual Fine Crafts Show Start your holiday shopping early with local gifts. 10a-4p, FREE OLD SAN YSIDRO CHURCH 966 OLD CHURCH ROAD, CORRALES, 505.792.7729

DEC. 5-7, 12-14: PERFORMANCE

26 Miles

New Views, Old Villages Watercolors by Tom Noble will be up for viewing. 5-7p, FREE VENTANA FINE ART 400 CANYON, SANTA FE, 505.983.8815

THROUGH DEC 21: PERFORMANCE

This exploration into family relations and what it means to be of mixed ethnicity. 7:30p, Fri., Sat.; 2p, Sun., $15-$18 TEATRO PARAGUAS STUDIO 3205 CALLE MARIE, SANTA FE, 505.424.1601

White Christmas Based on the film, this version will include 17 classic songs. 7:30p, Fri., Sat.; 2p, Sun. $12-$24 ABQ LITTLE THEATRE 224 SAN PASQUALE SW, 505.242.4750

A Christmas Carol Timeless classic of the Dicken’s tale, for the whole family. 7:30p, Fri., Sat.; 2p, Sun., $15-$22

Albuquerque ARTScrawl

VORTEX THEATRE 2900 CENTRAL NE, 505.247.8600

THROUGH DEC. 31: RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Backyard Treasure New works by Janet Hoelzel. 5-8p, FREE MARIPOSA GALLERY 2500 CENTRAL SE, 505.268.6828

THROUGH DEC. 27: RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Female Gaze/ Male Figure This show will feature six photographers exploring the female gaze by photographing the male nude. 5-8p, FREE MATRIX FINE ART 3812 CENTRAL SE, STE 100A, 505.268.8952

RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

2014 International Juried Print Exhibit Twenty five selected pieces from around the world will be on display. 5-8p, FREE

Daniel North • “Mr. Red” • 9x12” • Oil on paper

Palette Contemporary Art and Craft

Join us on Friday, December 5, from 5-8pm, for painter Daniel North’s reception. Daniel’s abstract oilbased paintings reflect the balance between humans and nature. In continuance from his Nov. 21 demonstration, a number of those completed paintings will be on display. See the finished product of what you saw in the making! HOURS: are Mon-Sat, 10 AM-6 PM. 7400 MONTGOMERY NE 505.855.7777 palettecontemporary.com

‘Mindscape 1’ by Veerarghavan Hariraam On view at New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery

Join us for the First Friday ARTScrawl December 5, 5 - 8 pm Old Town, Downtown, Nob Hill, and The Heights. Visit our website for detailed information about galleries and shows. ARTScrawlABQ.org

NEW GROUNDS PRINT WORKSHOP & GALLERY 3812 CENTRAL SE, 505.268.8952

FRI

THROUGH DEC. 31: RECEPTION/EXHIBIT

Larry Chvotzkin

Aaron Marie • “Olympia” • 10 x 8” Digital Photography

This ABQ artist specializing in watercolors will have new art on display. 5-9p, FREE

Dawn Estrin • Cardinal Earrings

ESSENCE GALLERY & BOUTIQUE 323 ROMERO STE 1, 505.843.7367

Specializing in the unique

OPEN HOUSE

Little Art in Your Life Local and international artists present new works. 5-8p, FREE PARK FINE ART 323 ROMERO NW, 505.764.1900

Sumner & Dene

75 artists in 7,000 square feet Featuring our Annual Holiday Craft, Gift and Jewelry SHOW Open 7 days a week. 517 CENTRAL NW 505.842.1400 DOWNTOWN ALBUQUERQUE sumnerdene.com

One image from the group exhibition Female Gaze/Male Figure, curated by Diane Alire, showing the month of December.

Matrix Fine Art & New Grounds Gallery

Two Galleries, one convenient Nob Hill location, large selection of contemporary art! OPEN: Wed.- Sun., 10am-6pm; Tue., 10am-4pm. 3812 CENTRAL AVE SE 505-268-8952 newgroundsgallery.com matrixfineart.com

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

smart ARTS

Find more artist profiles, exhibits and performance previews at Local-iQ.com/ARTS

or those who missed out on the Albuquerque production of 26 Miles— about a mixed-ethnicity young girl, her parents and a life-changing road trip — the opportunity will be presented again during this Santa Fe run. After trying to commit suicide, lost and confused adolescent Olivia contacts her estranged mother, strong-willed Beatriz, and together they embark on a nearly 2,00026 Miles mile trek from Philadelphia to 7:30p, Fri.-Sat.; 2p, Wyoming. Along the way, Beatriz Sun., Dec. 5-14 and Olivia bond in their quest Teatro Paraguas Studio to find out who they are, both 3205 Calle Marie, Santa Fe, individually and as a mother 505.424.1601 and daughter. The production $15-$18 marks Mónica Sánchez’s return teatroparaguas.org to the New Mexico stage, after leaving to pursue a career in professional theater in California. Sánchez is well-known for her work with La Compañía de Teatro de Alburquerque. The play is written by 2012 Pulitzer-winner Quiara Alegría Hudes. Closely resembling the playwright’s own adolescence, 26 Miles takes audiences on a true-to-life, hilarious and touching ride. —Melyssa Laurent

lthough it opens with Tchaikovsky’s familiar overture, Nutcracker on the Rocks is not your traditional 7:30p, Fri.; 2p, nutcracker ballet. The first act 7:30p, involves characters riding a Harley, Sat.; 2p, 6p; for one. Featuring contemporary Sun.; Dec. 5-7 music from the likes of Aretha National Hispanic Cultural Center Franklin, The Rolling Stones 1701 4th SW, and Janis Joplin, this updated 505.724.4771 Christmas classic takes audiences $26-$34 on a whirlwind, time-traveling tour nhccnm.org filled with flappers and hippies, among other rockin’ characters. Showcasing modern styles, African dance, swing and hip hop, the community-infused Nutcracker on the Rocks has been a favorite Albuquerque dance performance for the past 18 years. Join the Keshet Dance Company at the National Hispanic Cultural Center for an energetic kick-start to your holiday season. —Marissa Higdon

Nutcracker on the Rocks

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

Bill Tondreau ill Tondreau came to Albuquerque Panoramic in 1988 for an experimental medical Albuquerque treatment to rid him of a brain tumor. Photographs While that sounds like a terrible ordeal, the treatment had an extremely positive impact OPENING RECEPTION: on him — and the city of Albuquerque, 5-8p, Fri., Dec. 5 Sumner & Dene Gallery as the world-renowned cinematographer 517 Central NW, recognized the beauty of our home. 505.842.1400 Three-time Academy Award-winner Tondreau FREE was intrigued by the dramatic landscapes sumnerdene.com surrounding Albuquerque, and he began creating stunning photographs using techniques he perfected on the sets of movies like Return of the Jedi and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He takes anywhere from 18 to 68 photographs and stiches them together to create incredibly detailed images of iconic Albuquerque locales. The Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande make the most frequent appearances in these bold and colorful compositions. From Dec. 1-31, Tondreau’s photographs will be at the Sumner & Dene Art Gallery, with a reception on Dec. 5 celebrating the beauty of Albuquerque and the skilled artist that captures it so well. Also check out the exhibition during the Route 66 ARTScrawl on Dec. 12 for some added holiday cheer. —Marissa Higdon

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

smart FILM

Find more reviews and film trailers, visit Local-iQ.com/FILM

DIRECTED BY RUBEN OSTLUND

here’s something sad about attempting to re-create a cherished memory, in that it’s never exactly the same. For that reason, despite the return of Carrey, Daniels and the Farrelly brothers, Dumb and Dumber To is just as much a bummer as it is a gas. Twenty years have passed since the Farrellys’ 1990s slapstick masterwork, and in the meantime, Lloyd (Jim Carrey) has been pretending to be mentally defective Dumb and (more so than usual), all for the Dumber To sake of a lengthy gag on Harry (Jeff Daniels). The charade over with, the DIRECTED BY PETER AND two return to their dismal Rhode BOBBY FARRELLY Call for show times  Island apartment, but not for long, Century Rio 24 as Harry discovers that he fathered 4901 Pan American NE, a daughter years ago. They set out 505.343.9000 to find her, mainly to see if she can dumblr.com cinemark.com lend Harry a kidney (after all, Lloyd asserts, she’s a urine-match). As the dimwitted duo stumble cross-country, the film approaches that perfect balance of love and crass achieved in the first film. But with all the callback and self-reference, the viewer is only reminded that the two are getting old and, in fact, a lot has changed. Worth a watch for plenty of gags, but the refurbished antics might just make you nostalgic for the Harry and Lloyd of days past. —Jordan Mahoney

30 LOCAL iQ

cavernous ski lodge, squeaky lifts and the powdery French Alps set the stage for this touchy Swedish 4:30, 7:30p, Fri.drama. Fine-tuned and subtly Mon., Dec. 12-15 Guild Cinema performed, the film narrows in 3405 Central NE, on a strange but fleeting incident 505.255.1848 with lingering turmoil.  magpictures.com/ forcemajeure Tomas, Ebba and their two guildcinema.com children sit on a ski-lodge rooftop, the family picturesque, staring at a “controlled” avalanche in the distance. As the billowing snowfall gets closer and closer, panic sets in and Tomas grabs his phone and bolts, while Ebba grabs the kids, and the three are enveloped in white dust. They aren’t hurt, just thoroughly shaken-up, afraid to even speak about it for a while. After some awkward stiffness, Ebba addresses Tomas — and the elephant in the room — asking why he ran away. The rest of the movie is pure psychotherapy, where family dynamics, heroism and masculinity are all thoroughly dissected. Force Majeure feels like a controlled avalanche itself, ominous, beautiful and tense. Tomas and Ebba even drag other couples into their dilemma, and will no doubt have the viewer wondering as well: “What would I have done?” —Jordan Mahoney

Force Majeure

| ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

eople are just like birds, this French drama forcefully asserts. In a two-part narrative, we are introduced to Gary, a Silicon Valley engineer who’s in Paris, headed to Dubai, and Audrey, a maid at his hotel. They barely interact, but they are both in for a change — in one instance, quite literally. Bird People Tired of his job and life back home, DIRECTED BY PASCALE FERRAN Gary decides to miss his flight, 6p, Sun.-Thu., Dec. 7-11 opting instead to chain-smoke and Guild Cinema play Tetris through the night. His 3405 Central NE, 505.255.1848 co-workers are baffled, and his ifcfilms.com/films/bird-people guildcinema.com wife distraught as they break up via Skype. While Gary nests into his new self-serving lifestyle, Audrey cleans his room, and others, collecting snippets of humdrum lives and bad habits. After her shift, she decides to skip on a party and — in a fantastical turn — she takes the form of a curious sparrow, fluttering through the night. Director Pascale Ferran seems the type to sit at the mall and peoplewatch — Bird People takes pleasure in eavesdropping on everyday conversations. Nothing you can’t get by jumping on a bus or hanging out at the airport, but worth it for Audrey’s tale, a refreshing look at pure whimsy after Gary’s reckless abandon. If he were a bird, he’d probably be an ill-tempered crow. —Jordan Mahoney

P L A N E T WAVES ARIES (MAR. 20-APR. 19) Easy does it till the Sun ingresses your fellow fire sign Sagittarius on Saturday. By easy, I mean that what takes 25 pounds of effort today will take five pounds after the Sun has changed signs. Therefore, I suggest you invest your energy in something efficient, like planning ahead. You might want to try this thought experiment, just for fun. On Friday, seek out what you consider to be some wide, far-reaching and extravagant plans. Then review them after the Sun has changed signs and ask yourself whether maybe you could expand your idea of your own potential. This will be the theme of your life over the coming year — stretching across the divide between who you are and who you could be. Just because your ideas get bigger doesn’t make them more difficult, or further away. Discovering yourself is a journey without distance to a goal that has never changed. TAURUS (APR. 19-MAY 20) There seems to be some difficult conversation you want to have with a loved one. Whoever you’re speaking with will have a better perspective on what they have to gain by at least listening to what you want. What you’re going for here is a greater sense of potential than you might ordinarily feel within the confines of one relationship. You seem to want to express the full spectrum of your potential, and you also have an idea that one path to doing that is through intimate relationships. Consider how rare it is that any other person in the world would have a close enough idea of their own potential to match yours. That’s why this discussion must be encountered with an open mind and an even more open heart. GEMINI (MAY 20-JUN. 21) You seem to be hung up on one particular strategy for making something happen. Yet I suggest you check whether it’s really working, and in turn whether you need to throw your old plan to the wind. You might not have gotten an idea of that until the Sun enters your opposite sign Sagittarius last week, you realize how much more is possible than you had in mind. The thing is, you may be stuck in the past, even if that past is what seemed like a brilliant idea one week ago. I suggest you set aside your entire strategy as you contemplated it earlier, including anything that seems like an emotional strategy or the desire to get someone to change their mind about something. Once the Sun changes signs, you will see that none of that matters, though you may feel like you’re getting way ahead of yourself. You’re not; you merely need to catch up with yourself. CANCER (JUN. 21-JUL. 22) You seem to be in a time crunch, though I think that will let up as the next few astrological developments unfold. You could benefit from experimenting with the idea that you actually have plenty of time to accomplish what you need to. This is an idea more than anything else; being rushed is often an idea rather than a reality. Often but not always, and I think this is one of the times when the pressure is more conceptual than it is real. There are, meanwhile, plenty of things you can do over the next week or so to move obstacles out of your way, and clear the space in front of you. Just doing that will help you feel like you’re in a more spacious reality. And that might reveal in a bold way that time is entirely a function of thought, closely related to belief. Most important, using your time is a matter of priorities. LEO (JUL. 22-AUG. 23) Right now it’s easier to work out any emotional blocks or tension through creative activities than it is through other forms of “sorting yourself out” or “getting to the bottom of things.” You

may think this is cheating — painting your troubles away, or working it out on drums, or maybe even in bed. Well, on the art studio couch would be better. Art serves a purpose to humanity, and it’s not a luxury. It’s an absolute, bottom-line psychic necessity, and by the way it’s entirely unrelated to how creative you supposedly are or are not. The blank canvas or page, the silent space into which you can make sound, represent a more than symbolic encounter with total potential when you allow yourself a moment of anything at all being possible. Then you dare to do something, anything. The result is an effect that can soak through your entire being and inform every aspect of who you are. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP. 22) You seem to be running circles in a small, dark space. There is a vast expanse just outside your door. Yet you have to step outside to see it, to feel and experience it. What you’re really doing is giving yourself a break from a particular mental thought pattern, which is also a change in environment. You can accomplish this most easily with a change in physical space, even if it’s a day trip or a few nights away. One method I use is that I have several work spaces, all equally functional. In weeks when I have 10 projects due, it helps to bounce around from space to space. Café-hopping can do the trick; there are many possibilities. The idea is to actually see and use the relationship between mental space and physical space. The constant change of perspectives will help you keep your ideas fresh and your mind interested in what you’re doing. Right now that is essential. LIBRA (SEP. 22-OCT. 23) From the look of your charts, the heavy feeling that may have been stalking you is about to clear out of the way. However, it remains an option. That’s the thing to remember, and to remember all the time. State of mind, and emotional state, is optional. The problem is that it doesn’t always feel that way, and when you need that information the most you may be the least likely to have it available. Now is a good time to memorize the fact that you have a choice, because your options are not only wide open, they have equal magnetism, equal accessibility. You can move between them like moving from room to room in a physical space. Notably, all of your options have value right now; once you start exploring them you are likely to see that each supports the other. The most significant point here is learning how not to get stuck in any one of them. SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 22) Don’t worry about how to do it, just take the first step and get moving. You seem to think that you need to have your whole strategy or agenda planned out, but that’s never the way things work. Sure, you can sketch out a rough plan, but I think that even that would go against your purposes because you could easily get hung up on having that plan be the right plan. What you need is some momentum; what you need is movement in what seems like it might be a good direction to go. If you meet resistance or challenges, then take them one at a time. You are embarking on actual terrain, which has geographic features like hills and streams. These have never stopped the human race from getting anywhere, most of the time without a map, and I don’t think they will stop you. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 22) Now that the Sun entered your sign, followed immediately by a thundering New Moon, you can see how little you had to worry about. But that never stopped anyone from ruminating unnecessarily. Two points come out of

by Eric Francis • planetwaves.net your chart, besides the timing of the big turning point of the moment, that New Moon. One is that you seem determined to follow your intuition. I would suggest rather than doing that, you allow it to lead you. There is plenty of intuition to go around, but one of its properties is that it has nothing to do with fear. Second, you may have a tendency to take on the emotional baggage of others. Be especially aware around your mother or anyone who reminds you of her, or when you slip into some of her tendencies. It is vital that you stick to your own values, with passion, awareness and determination.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 20) You know what you want. You’ve earned that knowledge and you’ve earned the privilege of striving for your preferences. At the risk of stirring up revolt against this currently derided thing, privilege, I will say this: Semantically, the word privilege has its origins as a law that applies to one person. Later, it came to mean an advantage granted. If you have some advantage, you have granted it to yourself. Though there are obviously precursors to that — for example, you know how to read, you are educated, you have a bank account, and others — the privilege I am talking about is something you have given to yourself by your own effort. If you want a balancing factor, I suggest that you proceed in full awareness of your environment, and strive to be responsive to your environment. If everyone did that, we would all be privileged and we would live in something close to utopia. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 19) If you can get your mind off of work and responsibility, you will discover that this is a perfectly vibrant time in your life. True, you are the kind of person who is at home in your work. You seem to be more oriented on “my work is my life” than the natural “I have boundaries and I punch out at 5 pm” type. Sometimes, however, it’s good to make some distinctions in this area, and now is a fine time for that. Anyway, your astrology is magnetizing you out into the social world at the moment, and by the weekend this will pick up considerable momentum. So get among friends, get out into society, and tell only your best stories about what you’re accomplishing and the many trials and tribulations that you’ve surmounted on your way to being a master of the game. PISCES (FEB. 19-MAR. 20) The New Moon in Sagittarius put you into the spotlight. You’re already visible at the moment, though this will increase in a series of degrees over the next four weeks. Visibility is a good thing, for you. Contrary to the notion that Pisces people are reclusive and prefer to be invisible, there is also the extraverted, performance art type of Pisces. And this comes out in every fish person at some point — such as right now. Whatever you’re doing, visibility will help. Even if you’re a smuggler, be the kind who attends the Senate gala ball and you will blend in all the more perfectly. Other factors in your chart describe this moment as one of high achievement. Yes, there are issues brewing in the background, but you’ve got your wheels on the ground and have enough traction to be moving steadily. You may meet some truly influential people this week and next. Take phone numbers and make sure people remember your smile.

THE AMERICAN VALUES CLUB CROSSWORD “As Above, So Below”

By Brendan Emmett Quigley, edited by Ben Tausig. Difficulty 4/5 ACROSS 1 Watch out for, at the gym 5 Obamacare, initially 8 Thurman of the “Kill Bill” franchise 11 Protein-rich alternative to the patch? 15 Dance of the woodlouse? 16 Grain in some whisky 17 Straight man? 18 Canadian tea brand 19 Drug also known as “ozone” 22 With all judges participating 25 Hemp fiber type 27 It’s hard work 28 Org. that catcher Moe Berg worked for 31 Song word repeated after “Que” 32 Just fine 33 Twentiethcentury piano great Van ___ 35 Dog in need of shampooing? 39 Drove a Phillipshead into a bowl of borscht? 42 Dictator overthrown in the Cuban Revolution 44 Braves’ div. 45 “The Tide of Nationalism” statesman

46 Doctrine of some kind 48 Force of physics 49 Dix-neuf follower 51 Antiquated guide that comes with TripTiks 53 Since January 1, on pay stubs: Abbr. 54 Phrase said while sarcastically snapping one’s fingers 57 English author who wrote “The Quiet American” 58 Gchat alternative 61 PalestinianGenevan alliance? 65 Skiing surface slapped on? 66 Some Korean smartphones 67 Q: How many ___ agents does it take to change a lightbulb? A: Please remove your pants. 68 Turn on the waterworks DOWN 1 Show some signs of life 2 Showy flower 3 What the hautbois is called, today 4 Dance class option 5 Auto parts brand owned by GM 6 ___ Rica 7 Burned

8 1989 comedy that takes place at Channel 62 9 Sidekick of Krusty the Clown who isn’t Sideshow Bob 10 Stun and then some 12 Actress Lauren on “The Walking Dead” 13 Senses of mystery 14 Airport code near Millbrae, California 18 James Franco film about actor Mineo 19 Handle 20 Raiders quarterback Derek 21 Schematic 22 Intuitively reasonable but rarely actually used name for an online publication 23 Koh-i-___ diamond 24 Urban locking locale 26 IDs in book publishing 29 Two of the vowel sounds in “banana” 30 Fruit mixed with gin 34 The sperm stops here, briefly 36 Cruising through, as a final 37 Skip day organizers: Abbr.

38 Cryptozoological phenomenon that’s likely just a Tibetan blue bear 40 Bone linked to the anconeus muscle 41 Bird eaten around Easter 42 Flock 43 Partially 47 Rural folks 48 Snyder who won’t change his football team’s name 50 Trunk with limbs attached, perhaps 52 “You ___ not as cool as you think” 55 “Crazy on You” band 56 French saint who walked around with his own decapitated head: Var. 57 People often get it with burritos 58 One on a coffee run, say 59 “Welp, that changes things” 60 Letters on a new car sticker 61 Stomach acid, in chem class 62 Mo. with very few holidays, though looks like it’s got National Ice Cream Sandwich Day 63 Title after tying the knot 64 Address convention

SOLUTION ON PAGE 32

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

ADOPTIONS Learn more about these and other great pets at: BRODIE Hi, my name’s Brodie! I’m a 2 year old male American Staffordshire Terrier who’s GREAT with small children and other dogs ‘cause I’m really gentle and patient and love to take long walks or just hang out! I’m super smart and love to learn new things.

NOLIE I’m a pure bred, full grown 1 year old female American Bully (w/ Frenchie Bulldog back blood) who’s very sweet and an intelligent love muffin I’m a total house dog who’s gets along GREAT with other dogs and children and loves to snuggle.

I’m a 10 month old male American Staffordshire Terrier who would love to be YOUR house dog and I love to snuggle! I’m lovely w/ others dogs and even cats (if they’re nice). and practicing my manners. I’m super, super sweet!

LOTTI I’m a 16 month old female Mastiff / Lab mix. I’m easy to train, affectionate, gentle and well behaved indoors ~ fun outdoors & a TOTAL house dog! I’m lovely with children, always up for a good romp with canines or a hike with humans.

LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 10, 2014

AnimalHumaneNM.org

THU

FIND US ON FACEBOOK:

Microchip Your Pet, Free!

facebook.com/animalhumanenm Smiley

37531 Smiley is a gentle, kind soul but also a friendly and fun dog. She definitely likes to be around people and her soft eyes and sweetness say it all. Smiley is a “keeper!” Dory

ABNER

COMMUNITY E VE NTS

Microchips are free for anyone in the ABQ metro area. 9:30a-6p, FREE EASTSIDE AND WESTSIDE SHELTERS 505.764.1164

TUE

THROUGH DEC. 7: EVENT

7th Annual Festival of Trees Make ornaments, see Santa and enjoy live entertainment. 10a-7p, Fri., Sat.; 12-5p, Sun. FREE ABQ CONVENTION CENTER 401 2ND SW, 505.243.6626

THU

Nob Hill Shop & Stroll

34566

Bundle up and head out for local shopping, food and music. 4p, FREE

Dory is shy, soft, precious, and cuddly. She is a lovely bundle of black fur, who loves to cuddle. She will blossom in a gentle, loving home.

NOB HILL: CENTRAL BETWEEN GIRARD & SAN MATEO, 505.842.8022

FRI

Old Town Holiday Stroll Lighting of the Christmas Tree kicks off a night of entertainment and shopping. 5p, FREE HISTORIC OLD TOWN RIO GRANDE & CENTRAL NW

SAT

Twinkle Light Parade Enjoy over 100 twinkling floats, cars and more in this parade. 5p, FREE NOB HILL