INside COVE R Albuquerque creative director pours his heart and creativity into Valentine’s Day in a very big way
PUBLISHER
Francine Maher Hopper fran@local-iQ.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ART DIRECTOR
Kevin Hopper kevin@local-iQ.com EDITOR
Mike English mike@local-iQ.com
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LIFESTYLES EDITOR
Lisa VanDyke Brown fabu@local-iQ.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Chela Gurnee 505.264.6350, chela@local-iQ.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Derek Hanley 505.709.0364 derek@local-iQ.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
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Colleen Dugle colleen@local-iQ.com
Imported Italian flour and fresh ingredients make for memorable pies at Heights pizzeria
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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jaime Gutierrez jaime@local-iQ.com AD PRODUCTION MANAGER
Jessica Hicks jessica@local-iQ.com AD PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Nathan New nathan@local-iQ.com EXEC. ASSISTANT/CALENDAR COORDINATOR
Derek Hanley 505.709.0364 derek@local-iQ.com PHOTOGRAPHER
Wes Naman wes@local-iQ.com PHOTO ASSISTANT
Joy Godfrey joy@local-iQ.com
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PROOFREADER
Kayla Sawyer
Dual-neck guitar/bass, drums, loops used to create huge sound for L.A. instrumental duo El Ten Eleven
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Todd Rohde, Shari Taylor
ON THE COVER
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A R TS New Albuquerque Museum exhibit captures period of Japanese fascination, fusion with Western culture
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F I LM A loving elderly couple ensnared by death, the focus of Michael Haneke’s highly acclaimed Amour
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CA LE N DA R S Arts Events............................................................................................26 Community Events.............................................................................32 Live Music..............................................................................................23
COLUM N S News/Legislature.................................................................................. 5 Lessons In Love...................................................................................... 6 1+1=3........................................................................................................... 9 Stir It Up................................................................................................. 10 Key Ingredient........................................................................................11 Paw Prints...............................................................................................12 Soundboard...........................................................................................22 Credit Corner........................................................................................32
F E AT UR E S Places To Be............................................................................................ 4 Marquee.................................................................................................... 7 Smart Music...........................................................................................25 Smart Arts..............................................................................................29 Crossword/Horoscope.......................................................................31
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LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
PHOTO: WES NAMAN/ART DIRECTION: LONNIE ANDERSON
Lovebirds Lonnie Anderson and Anne Bolger-Witherspoon having a laugh during this issue’s cover shoot with photographer Wes Naman.
CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Lonnie Anderson Nelle Bauer Hakim Bellamy Jeff Berg Anne BolgerWitherspoon Charlie Crago Justin de la Rosa Marisa Demarco Eric Francis Kate Gerwin Eric Garcia Ana Loiselle Jim & Linda Maher Sam Melada Bill Nevins Jim Phillips
Michael Ramos Susan Reaber Hannah Reiter Steven J. Westman Margaret Wright DISTRIBUTION Miguel Apodaca Kristina De Santiago Sean Duran David Leeder Susan Lemme Shawn Morris Andy Otterstrom Ronnie Reynolds Danae Thompson CFC 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 | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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PLACES TO BE
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hat do you get when you combine comedic acting and basketball? If the Harlem Globetrotters are your answer, you are correct. For their 87th consecutive season of touring, the multi-talented team will be traveling to both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho to showcase their talents as part of their 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour. If you have ever wanted to call the shots, now is your chance. For the first time, fans are able to choose from five rules that they would like to see added to Globetrotters basketball, including the daunting four-point shot (35 feet from the basket), the Penalty Box, Two Ball Basketball, six-on-five play, and Double Points, all of which could result in major changes to the outcome of the game. Just count on some craziness to unfold on the court. —TR
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7:30p, Tue., Feb. 5 Outpost Performance Space 210 Yale SE, 505.268.0044
$15-$25
FOOD Dishcrawl 7p, Tue., Feb. 5 Nob Hill $45 dishcrawl.com/albuquerque
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ishcrawl is the latest fad to hit Albuquerque, and it’s taking place in the restaurantrich neighborhood of Nob Hill. Dishcrawl is both a culinary experience as well as a social one, geared towards introducing food connoisseurs to the city’s gems. When it comes to cuisine in the Duke City, Nob Hill is known to house some of the most unique restaurants in town, making it a perfect location to host the event. This guided tour brings crawlers together and leads them through four restaurants, allowing them to try different foods and experience the ambiance each restaurant has to offer. Part of the adventure of “dishcrawling” is not knowing which restaurants you will be visiting until 48 hours prior to the event, when an email will be sent out to everyone partaking, giving them the list of restaurants as well as a meeting place. It’s like a secret meeting between foodies and they don’t want us to know. But we found out. —TR
obody would expect the likes of Kanye West or Pantera to hum so smoothly out of the belly of a cello, but Portland Cello Project makes exactly that happen, and they do it often. With a catalogue of over 800 pieces of music you wouldn’t normally hear played with a cello, Portland Cello Project’s performances never fail to intrigue. Blending musical genres and blurring perceptions of music, the group’s mission is to bring the cello to new places — sports bars, punk clubs, alongside heavy metal bands — and to play music on the cello that you wouldn’t expect from a cello. Alongside their lush and compellingly sincere opening act, folk group Alialujah Choir, Portland Cello Project wows with a variety of music that plays with the barriers and sings for the simple joy of music. —ST
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portlandcelloproject.com outpostspace.org
FESTIVAL Poe Festival Feb. 7-Apr. 7 Multiple venues, 505.328.2693 dukecity.wix.com/poefestival
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uoting a raven apparently takes the talents of two of Albuquerque’s most creative theater companies, as the Duke City Repertory Theatre and Blackout Theatre have joined forces this year for a two-month Poe Festival. Paying tribute to the 19th century author of such classics as The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven, Duke City Rep gets things rolling with the stage production Poe (a kickoff party for the show will be held Feb. 5, with the play running Feb. 7-17 at The Filling Station). The play seeks to enter the mind of the forefather of American horror. Meanwhile, Blackout’s Poe Project: Merely This and Nothing More, also drawing on Poe’s extensive body of work, will run at the North 4th Arts Center Mar. 22-Apr. 7. Sprinkled in between those productions will be such events as Poe quizzes, Poe story times, a Poe masquerade ball and even a night of Poe comedy. Call it Poe-palooza. —ME
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
ebruary marks fiesta time, and Albuquerque’s annual signature celebration of Carnaval is nothing if not a party. Typically celebrated at the beginning of the Catholic season of Lent, when discipline and repentance are emphasized, Carnaval is that final fun blowout before things get a little more serious. The National Hispanic Cultural Center’s annual celebration of the occasion will once again feature two colorful nights of music and dance, led by the group PANdemonium and the Odara Dance Ensemble. Headed by band director Frank Leto, PANdemonium will bring the Carnaval rhythms of such styles as samba, calypso, frevo and batucada, while Pilar Leto and Odara will express the celebratory Carnaval vibe that you might find in places like Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and New Orleans. For the proper Latin kickoff to the Carnaval season, this is where it’s at in the Duke City. —ME
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nhccnm.org
$22, $25 at door
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WITH ALIALUJAH CHOIR
1p, Sun., Feb. 3 The Pit 1414 University SE, 505.277.6687 santaanastarcenter.com unmtickets.com harlemglobetrotters.com
Carnaval 8p, Fri.-Sat., Feb. 8-9 National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th SW, 505.246.2261
Portland Cello Project
$18-$70
$22-$74
CELEBRATION
PERFORMANCE
Harlem Globetrotters 7p, Sat., Feb. 2 Santa Ana Star Center 3001 Civic Center NE, 505.891.7300
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SPORTS
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The where to go and what to do from January 31-February 13
CONCERT Eric Bibb & Habib Koite 7:30p, Sun., Feb. 10 Simms Center for the Performing Arts 6400 Wyoming NE, 505.828.3200 $17- $27.50
Tickets: holdmyticket.com ampconcerts.org ericbibb.com habibkoite.com
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f you’re having trouble finding the perfect feel-good concert, look no further than this show at the Simms Center for Performing Arts. Grammy-nominated musician Eric Bibb, a New Yorknative bluesman, and the multitalented Habib Koite, of Mali, join forces as “Brothers in Bamako” to create a uniquely diverse, engaging one-night performance. The acoustic duo combines their respective styles of contemporary African music with traditional folk, blues, and gospel to create an original sound and a fresh spin on well-worn music forms. Both Bibb and Koite have had tremendous success as individual artists, and watching the two of them perform a night of Transatlantic blues on the same stage is something you don’t want to miss. —TR
NEWS ROUNDHOUSE 2013
Public vs. Private
Rape remains political, secret recordings are scrutinized and FOG wants fair warning
BY MARISA DEMARCO
T NEWS | INSIGHT | ANALYSIS
hings are starting to crackle and pop at the Roundhouse. More bills have been introduced, lawmakers are wheeling and dealing, and the issues of the day are making their slow, painstaking trek through the democratic process.
COMPASS ROUNDUP
Fetus as Evidence
BY MARGARET WRIGHT
Word spread like wildfire around the country of a potential law in New Mexico that would treat abortion as “tampering with evidence” in rape cases. That bill was sponsored by Rep. Cathrynn Brown, a Republican newcomer from Eddy County who took office in 2011. Abortion rights advocates took up arms as the story hit various news outlets. ProgressNow New Mexico said Brown’s measure would turn victims into “incubators of evidence for the state.” The measure, House Bill 206, was introduced Wednesday, Jan. 23. By Thursday, Rep. Brown’s contact information was wiped from the Legislature’s website — no legislative office phone number, no personal number, no email address and no home address. The legislation initially read: “Tampering with evidence shall include procuring or facilitating an abortion, or compelling or coercing another to obtain an abortion, of a fetus that is the result of criminal sexual penetration or incest with the intent to destroy evidence of a crime.” Brown, an attorney, issued a clarifying statement. The bill was not meant to punish rape victims, she said. Rather, the intent was to make it a felony offense to force a victim to have an abortion to cover up a crime. “The rapist — not the victim — would be charged with tampering of evidence. I am submitting a substitute draft to make the intent of the legislation abundantly clear,” she said. The second version of the
Water in the Desert Clean water is easy to take for granted, even here in the desert. It’s also easy to forget where our water comes from and that its security isn’t a sure thing. A product of legal negotiations and engineering feats, the San Juan-Chama Project funnels about 110,00 acre-feet of water from the Colorado River into the Rio Grande every year. (Note: An acre-foot equals almost 326,000 gallons.) From there, the water is piped into homes, offices and industries around New Mexico. This project is key to the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority’s future planning because the metro area’s underground resource — an aquifer once thought to be as vast as Lake Superior — is depleted after years of pumping and too little precipitation. The aquifer is also under threat from the Kirtland Air Force Base jet fuel leak — contamination so severe that the state’s Environment Department estimated it as twice the size of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Tests are underway to determine how fast the chemical plume is moving toward drinking water wells. Learn about these issues and more in reporter Elizabeth W. Hughes’ rundown of the water utility’s last board meeting: bit.ly/ Jan16Water. A Defector’s Departure The Legislature lost its only Independent in the last round of elections. Rep. Andy Nuñez, a farmer from Doña Ana County, was a Democratic lawmaker for 10 years. That changed in 2010 when he crossed party lines on some heated issues. Democratic leaders weren’t pleased, and after he was ousted from a committee leadership position, Nuñez struck out as an Independent. Despite his cross-aisle efforts, he found himself in the same boat as many Democrats during the 2012 election: He was targeted by Reform New Mexico Now, a political action committee run by Gov. Susana Martinez’ advisor Jay McCleskey. Nuñez lost his re-election bid. Find his reflections on going against the grain in reporter Robin Brown’s profile: bit.ly/PartyOfOne. Local Lowdown The New Mexico Compass covers governmental bodies whose decisions affect you, including the Public Regulation Commission, Bernalillo County Commission and Albuquerque City Council. Among the issues: incoming competitors on the telecom scene, strip club regulations, jail overcrowding, South Valley flooding and appointments to the Albuquerque Police Oversight Commission. Check out NMCompass.com for a full story roster.
measure specifies the mother would not be subject to the felony charges outlined in the bill. The lawmaker was otherwise unavailable for comment. She has served as a board member for Right to Life of Carlsbad, according to Ballotpedia. Pocket Dial
Can you record a conversation without the participants knowing about it? Sen. Bill O’Neill (D-Albuquerque) wants
the Society of Professional Journalists issued a statement saying the measure would be a blow to journalism in New Mexico. The ability to record conversations is a tool in accurate reporting, SPJ says, and prevents misquoting. O’Neill’s measure, if passed, would diminish the autonomy of reporters and take away a key defense, according to the statement. Here’s the funny part: I called the cell phone number listed on O’Neill’s legislative page and left a message requesting an interview about this issue.
seat in November.) Gardner also mentioned that he used his private email for work because anything sent through his state address could be considered public record and available to the public if someone filed an IPRA request. Which brings us to email-gate, a story that ranged over much of last year and culminated in the Santa Fe Reporter making a public records request to the state attorney general for those private emails. From this exciting give and take between government business, public information and the press, we learned that the governor purchased a book called Loving Sex by Laura Berman. (We also learned other valuable things. Read about it at: bit.ly/SFRemail.) And hopefully the state gleaned an important lesson about the public-private divide: If it concerns public business, it should be public record. So says Gwyneth Doland, executive director of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, in an editorial we published at nmcompass.com. Read it at bit.ly/FOGemail. Hire That Babysitter
to answer that question once and for all by ensuring confidential conversations stay that way. O’Neill’s measure would make ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC J GARCIA it so that all parties must consent to be recorded. It exempts law enforcement, An hour later, he pocket-dialed emergency personnel or when me back. He was talking about the communication “occurs this very measure with someone anonymously, repeatedly or else in a crowded room. That’s at an extremely inconvenient either a hilarious coincidence or hour.” As things stand, federal a genius PR move. (Don’t worry, law allows phone calls and senator. I didn’t record it. And I in-person conversations to be politely hung up. After a while.) recorded when one of the parties Back to confidentiality. Gov. consents. Thirteen states have Susana Martinez’ chief of staff, laws in place similar to what Keith Gardner, was recorded in O’Neill’s proposing. 2011 talking smack about other The Rio Grande chapter of legislators, tongue-thrashing
MORE NEWS Local-iQ.com/news nmcompass.com
with a particular vengeance longtime Democratic state Sen. Tim Jennings. (Jennings lost his
Speaking of Doland, she and the Foundation for Open Government are pushing for a bill that would require public bodies to post their agendas 72 hours before a meeting. State law today only requires 24-hour notice. “For the average person, taking the time to go to a public meeting in their community is a big deal, and it requires some shuffling of the schedule,” Doland said. One day of notice that your issue is on deck is not enough time to hire a babysitter, ask for time off work or organize the rest of your neighborhood association, she added. This is the third year an attempt has been made to move such a bill through the Legislature and onto the governor’s desk. It largely maintains bipartisan support and sailed through the House last year just days before the session ended. But the measure lost its race against the clock.
Check in at nmcompass.com for further updates. Plus, we’ll catch you up on Page 5 of the next issue of Local iQ.
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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RELATIONSHIPS
Valentine’s Day: the New Year’s Eve of relationships
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f you want to survive Valentine’s Day with your relationship intact, consider my V-Day Survival Handbook that follows. These simple ideas have the power to deliver big benefits to your relationship. Be Your Very Own Cupid Too often people in relationships sit around and wait for the romance to happen all on its own. Many of us are particularly guilty of this when Valentine’s Day comes around. Romance is a two-way street, so you’ll need to put a little effort into a romantic Valentine’s Day. This year, plan ahead. You’ll save yourself time, stress and money. Plus, rest assured, the more romance you create, the more romance you get back in return.
Push the Valentine’s Envelope Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be predictable. If you aren’t a candy-and-roses kind of person, then you don’t have to have a candy-androses kind of day. Instead, think about fun and enjoyable activities that both you and your partner would like, even if it’s an indoor picnic with pizza.
Personalize It Go the extra mile and let your sweetie know exactly why they mean so much to you. To really touch their heart, personalize your gift. A great (and cheesy but, come on, oh so cute!) V-Day
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Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a serious and dramatic affair. If dressing up for a candlelight dinner sounds like more pain than pleasure, then skip that and get creative.
gift is Lovopoly (lovopoly.com). Lovopoly is monopoly customized with your own memories and photos.
Take Them Down Memory Lane Valentine’s Day is about celebrating your relationship, so there’s no better day to reflect on what makes you so happy with your honey in the first place. A great way to celebrate your relationship is to make a scrapbook — look through old pictures, find cool stickers and paper and then channel your inner Warhol. If making a large scrapbook is too timeconsuming, make a collage card or mini scrapbook. Coupon book I know, coupon books are hardly a new concept, but who doesn’t want their Valentine’s gift to last all year? Make your honey a coupon book for things like a homemade meal, a movie night or a massage — and feel free to spice it up!
Have Fun Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a serious and dramatic affair. If dressing up for a candlelight dinner sounds like more pain than pleasure,
then skip that and get creative. Maybe you can get hands-on in the kitchen and cook your own V-day dinner (it’s okay if you aren’t great cooks, cooking with your partner can still be fun and sensual), or maybe you can do something exciting and silly such as hitting up a local arcade. You could also try giving each other full-body, sensual massages with scented (and even edible) lotions, or give yourself a little extra pampering and book a couple’s massage at a spa. A relaxing massage is just the thing to get both of you in the V-Day mood.
backyard. Later, you can warm up together with a romantic fire and a bottle of wine.
Don’t Break the Bank
Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers. Although it is nice to be in love on this day, it is not mandatory. If you do not have a special someone to share V-Day with, make it a single girls night, invite your BFF over for dinner, take your dog for a jog at sunset, or just spend quality time with the ones who matter the most to you. Ana Loiselle (nmrelationshipcenter.com, 505.872.8743) is a licensed relationship coach, speaker and author.
It’s okay if you are short on cash on V-day because romance can easily lend itself to fun and inexpensive activities. Check this local paper for free events such as a jazz night or wine tasting at one of our local restaurants. Or, grab a soft blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and lie down with your partner and check out the stars (the prettiest and cheapest show in town). If the weather is chilly, you can hit the local iceskating rink or you can make snow angels in the
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Be Home Bodies Sometimes the best Valentine’s Day gift you can give is the gift of uninterrupted time together. You don’t need to leave the house to make Valentine’s Day extraordinary. Think of how great it could be to spend the entire day in bed together. Turn off your phones, don’t answer the door and enjoy each other.
Not Just for Lovers
MARQUEE
New Mexico gumbo Music industry veteran Bob Andrews moves to Duke City from New Orleans, rejoins Graham Parker, releases book/CDs 1992, Andrews said he found it hard to leave. “I intended to go to NYC to produce lbuquerque transplant Bob records. But NOLA has a magnet in it that Andrews recently ended a very keeps you there,” he said. “I played with successful reunion concert tour all my heroes, including the great Allen with his bandmates in Graham Toussaint, Dr. John and many others. I Parker and the Rumour, which included always perform at Jazz Fest, especially with a big-time movie appearance in the Judd John Mooney’s Bluesiana. I played on many Apatow comedy This Is 40. Now Anderson of their records and made my own albums of has teamed with his partner RKR-CB (aka NOLA music”, Andrews told Local iQ. Robin Hunn) to bring a much-appreciated How did Andrews come to work with the strong dose of New Orleans flavor to lovely songwriter/vocalist who New Mexico, through live goes by the intriguing stage performances around name of RKR-CB? “We met the state and via their MARQUEE about 2003 in Delmonico’s unique CD/book pairings, Restaurant in New Orleans, Shotgun and Invisible Love, Bob Andrews where Bob was playing,” which combine a quirky and RKR-CB RKR-CB said, adding, “I had and fascinating romantic CD/BOOK RELEASE AND lived in New Orleans for narrative approach with MARDI GRAS PARTY about 10 years before that, solid, catchy songs. 8p, Tue., Feb. 5 and more recently I settled Andrews’ own special Scalo in New Mexico and Bob musical gift to our music 3500 Central SE, joined me here last August. 505.255.8781 scene goes beyond even Gulf We have homes in Taos FREE Coast gumbo to include an and Albuquerque, though international taste. “I like shotgun2012.com we’ve kept our place and of to think there’s a British course our many friends in flavor to it. British pub rock the Bywater neighborhood of and New Orleans music, a bit New Orleans, and we go back there often.” of the best of both worlds,” Andrews told Here in New Mexico, Andrews and RKRLocal iQ just prior to taking the piano stage CB have teamed with Albuquerque soulat Marcello’s Chophouse in Albuquerque’s singer Hillary Smith on their Invisible Uptown. Love album and in live performances, and Andrews’ varied musical career befits his started jamming with Smith’s long time role as affable ambassador of diverse new musical collaborator Chris Dracup and music to New Mexico. Famed as keyboard other stalwarts of the Land of Enchantment player extraordinaire for British bands musical scene. Brinsley Schwarz and Graham Parker and “We love it here, so much musical energy, the Rumour in the late 1970s, the U.K.and such friendly people,” said Andrews, born Andrews continued to play with Nick adding, “My plans are to play here and up in Lowe, Elvis Costello and many others while Santa Fe and in Taos. I’m just introducing pursuing his own interests in performing, myself to most of the musicians here. I’m composing, recording and producing in a really looking forward to it.” variety of musical styles. Invisible Love, which was funded in part It was a professional journey which by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage eventually led to a long-term residency Festival foundation, features a who’s who in New Orleans. “I’ve always liked NOLA of New Orleans musicians, including music. I listened to Lee Dorsey when I was Alex McMurray, John Mooney, Jermal in my teens and then I had the honor to Watson, Matt Perrine, Carlo Nuccio and meet him and to discover through him that Derek Huston, along with Smith on vocals. Allen Toussaint is the man behind all those Andrews plays guitar and sings on many great records,” Andrews said. “When I came of the songs, whose gently raunchy lyrics to live in New Orleans, I rediscovered the are penned by RKR-CB. The plot involves blues, a magic part of my life.” a pair of dogs owned by Andrews and Once in New Orleans, where he moved in BY BILL NEVINS
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PHOTO BY WES NAMAN
Veteran musician Bob Andrews (Graham Parker and the Rumour) recently relocated to Albuquerque with his partner RKR-CB (aka Robin Hunn) and their dogs Guzzard and Mr. Poo. The duo will perform on Feb. 5 at Scalo’s Il Bar.
RKR-CB, whose relationship troubles and intertwinings are set humorously against the backdrop of many hidden-away restaurants, dives and musical venues in the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods of the Crescent City. A third New Mexico-focused book/CD in the series is planned, Platitudes in Paradise, to
include many New Mexico musicians and possibly some surprise guests. There is even talk of a movie version. “It was great being a movie star for a week,” Andrews said of This is 40. “And we got to hang out with Judd Apatow and Paul Rudd. You don’t know where that may lead to.”
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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FOOD
PHOTOS BY WES NAMAN
Pizzeria Luca boasts the ambience of an authentic East Coast pizzeria, and serves up tasty salads and memorable pizza, like the Modena, right, which is topped with hand-sliced pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, crimini mushrooms and roasted garlic.
Lika Luca Imported Italian flour and fresh ingredients make for memorable pies at Heights pizzeria BY JUSTIN DE LA ROSA
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hile New Mexican cuisine rightfully dominates the culinary scene in Albuquerque, pizza is a close runner-up. We even make pizza New Mexican by chopping up green chile and adding it to our other favorite pizza toppings. There are enough options out there that it’s easy to miss some of the newer pizzerias that pop REVIEW up. Pizzeria Luca & Wine Bar is one you don’t want to skip.
My dining companion and I stopped in for lunch on a recent Thursday afternoon. The menu offers Piccole Piastre (small plates) and salads for starters. We opted for the Insalate al Greco ($8), a traditional Greek salad of crisp romaine, feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onions, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. The salad was dressed with a perfect amount of Greek vinaigrette that served as a nice complement to the sharpness of the feta cheese.
There were a number of paninis offered that made for a difficult decision. All paninis can Luca has been turning out pizza, paninis be ordered as a full sandwich ($8.50) or half and pasta since October 2011. Located in sandwich ($5.50) with your choice of a side the far Northeast Heights, Pizzeria Luca is HOURS: item. We opted for a half roast beef, which quite unsuspecting from the outside, but one 11a-10p, Sun.-Thu.; was served on a toasted rosemary focaccia 11a-10p, Fri.-Sat. step inside the door and you find yourself bread and topped with caramelized onions, 8850 Holly NE, in a surprisingly charming pizzeria. High roasted peppers and pepper jack cheese, with 505.797.8086 ceilings, brick walls, red-and-white checkered a horseradish sauce or au jus for dipping on pizzerialuca.com tiles and an impressive wine bar all work to the side. The roast beef is prepared in-house create the ambiance of an East Coast pizzeria and is perfectly seasoned and melt-in-yourthat allows for a casual yet upscale dining mouth tender. The au jus adds a burst of experience. flavor without overwhelming your palate, and could be most likened to an Italian beef sandwich. My side pasta salad Luca’s bar has a selection of local brews from Marble and served as a cool and soothing palate cleanser. La Cumbre breweries, as well as a wide selection of bottled beers. The real standout of the libations, however, is the Though the salad and sandwich were sumptuous, the real wine list, which features over 50 wines spanning from red to reason we were there was for the pizza. The menu offers white, sparkling to dessert. Wine can be bought by the glass house specials as well as a traditional Margherita. Pizzas can or the bottle depending on your selection. be ordered as 14-inch, 16-inch, personal-sized, and there is
Pizzeria Luca & Wine Bar
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LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
even a 10-inch gluten-free alternative. My companion and I ordered the 14-inch Modena ($15). The Modena is topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, crimini mushrooms and roasted garlic. I was expecting the usual perfect-circle coins of pepperoni and crumbles of sausage, but was in for a pleasant surprise. The pepperoni is hand-sliced, so each piece is of a different shape, size, and thickness, which makes each bite of the pizza unique. Small pieces of roasted garlic are scattered about the pizza, giving small bursts of flavor every few bites. What truly made the pizza special was the crust. The dough is made with imported Caputo flour from Napoli, Italy, then is cooked at over 700 degrees, creating an incredibly soft, yet slightly charred crust. With the East Coast ambiance and authentic Italian eats, I felt it would only be appropriate to end the meal with a slice of New York cheesecake ($5). Though our appetites had been satiated, the cheesecake assured I would be leaving with a smile on my face. It was perfectly creamy and light with a sugary, crumbling crust. Drizzled chocolate syrup added an enjoyable sweetness to the cake. Pizzeria Luca may be out of the usual neighborhood you dine in, but I can assure you, it is well worth it to get out of your norm and get up to the Heights for what is some of the best pizza the Duke City has to offer. I look forward to my return so I can try some of the pasta, calzones and other pizzas.
FOOD
Always leave a paper trail when sipping wine
W
hile I really enjoy introducing you to new grapes and styles of wine making every month, there comes a time to get back to basics. In the past, I have presented a variety of opinions regarding glassware, basic pairing theory and a variety of other simple principles to guide you smoothly into the sometimes turbulent world of wine. This month I want to present you with a simple tool that benefits professionals and amateurs alike when they want to get serious about improving their wine knowledge: good tasting notes.
Affair to remember While I have always had a keen memory for useless information and music trivia, I have had to accept that I will never be able to remember everything I discover in the wines I encounter. For this reason, I must take good tasting notes. In a recent conversation with longtime wine educator and expert Lee Keller from Scalo, I asked his opinion regarding the essence of tasking good tasting notes. “The most fundamental thing is simply writing the basic information down, “ Keller said. “After you give it a score of one to five stars (which facilitates good comparisons later), write down the producer, the wine, the vintage, and the part of the world it comes from. “The other important aspect which is often overlooked is the setting or context of your experience,” he added. Where and when you have a wine can dramatically influence your perception and memory. I have often enjoyed mediocre wine in a beautiful setting and enjoyed it more than high-end wine when I am not comfortable with the meal, setting, company or any other number of variables. Make sure you include who you were with and what you were doing. Lastly, write down the price. This is the most variable factor in the enjoyment of wine: a cheap bottle in good company can taste better than a really expensive bottle in bad company. A proverb by Antonio Machado sums it up nicely: “Todo necio, confunde valor y precio” — every simpleton mixes up value and price.
Beauty in the nose of beholder While the first thing you should write down (after the basic information mentioned above) is the appearance of the wine, this is least important to the novice wine drinker. I might receive hate mail for dumbing it down to this level, but I really just want you to get the essence of what is important to “wine documentation.” The color of a white may be nearly clear (Vino Verde) or golden-amber (some Chardonnays or Sauternes). A red wine might be brick colored if it’s old Bordeaux, or it may be bright purple with almost fuchsia hues at the edges if it’s Malbec. Don’t get too caught up in this, though it will become more interesting and informative as you taste more wines. Before putting the wine glass to your mouth, put it to your nose and take one complete inhale. Notice the layers of aromas. Whatever it reminds you of, write it down. Orchids? Wet wool? Mushrooms? Tootsie Rolls? Your perception is your perception, there is no right answer. What does it trigger in your memory of other things you have smelled in your entire
life? Write that down in simple straightforward terms, preferably just a cluster of nouns or an adjective. Now take a sip and write down some simple descriptors of how the wine feels, its “mouthfeel” or “body”. Half and half? Apple juice? Water? Then write down the basic flavor that hits you first: fresh fruit, dried fruit, wet stones, a pear, or whatever it triggers for you. Then write down how it lingers on your palate and the flavors that pass through your perceptive mind. Does it taste the same at the beginning, middle and finish? Some of the most intriguing and engaging wines in the world show all their beauty on the finish, such as Pinot Noir
PHOTO BY WES NAMAN
or Riesling. Write down whatever you taste and how it finishes, but keep it simple so you don’t get bogged down and overly obsessed.
The journal of a thousand sips The reward for this somewhat daunting task will come in time. You will end up with a small catalog of things you like, things you hate, and a living list of characteristics of grapes in all their varieties and how they strike you. Not only will you be able to learn what you like, you will be able to identify some grapes without even seeing the label, just with a whiff and a sip. Trust me, it doesn’t take long. The journey has to begin with simple steps and by starting this habit, you will have a catalog of knowledge and experience that can’t be replaced. As always I welcome your comments, questions and hate mail at sam@local-iq.com. 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. LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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DRINK
Get to know the ‘Green Fairy’
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rnest Hemmingway, Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Allen Poe, Johnny Depp, Eminem, Marilyn Manson and many more have shared a passion for a dance with the Green Fairy, la fee verte … absinthe. The potent anise-flavored spirit has a legendary reputation for being a dangerously addictive hallucinogenic drug responsible for violent illnesses, social disorder and even brutal murders. The chemical compound thujone, which is only present in small trace amounts, is to blame for the vilification of the liquor, which has proven to be no more dangerous than ordinary spirits. Banned in many countries by 1915, it nearly disappeared for a century, but in 2007 the ban in the U.S. was lifted and my love affair with absinthe began. Absinthe is a high-proof, traditionally green (although sometimes colorless) herbal spirit with botanical flavors of anise, fennel, angelica, licorice, lemon balm and wormwood. Due to it’s high alcoholic content, absinthe is not intended to be consumed at bottle strength. Instead the elaborate ritual of the absinthe drip is the typical and classic method of drinking the Green Fairy. An absinthe fountain, containing ice-cold water, is placed above the glass, which holds a spoon topped with a sugar cube. The water is then dripped slowly into the glass, dissolving the sugar and diluting the absinthe to around three to five parts water, one part absinthe. The oils in the botanicals, which are non-water-soluble, separate, causing the absinthe to cloud up with a milky appearance called the louche. The louche (pronounced “loosh”) releases the fragrances and flavors of the herbs and the result is a complex aromatic encounter unlike any other. In the late 1990s the “Czech Method” of lighting absinthe-soaked sugar on fire was popularized
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— a modern trend and a pointless abuse of good absinthe. Aside from spectacle, it has no effect whatsoever except that of introducing a burnt taste to the absinthe and burning off the alcohol, thus obscuring the delicate herbal nuances and ruining its flavor. Absinthe is also a fabulous addition to cocktails. However, use caution; a little goes a long way. The intense flavor can overpower the other ingredients if used with a heavy hand. There are over 200 absinthe producers across the world from Spain, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and beyond, with the some of most famous hailing from France. Some of my favorites include La Fee, Grande Absinthe, Obsello and St. George Spirits. I recently discovered a new addition to the list, and I am not just saying that because it is produced right here in New Mexico. KGB Spirit’s Brimstone Absinthe is a potato-based spirit flavored with the “Holy Trinity” of absinthe … anise, wormwood and fennel. I was blown away by the complexity and depth of the spirit and highly recommend giving it a whirl. Kate Gerwin is the bar manager at Imbibe, vice president of the United States Bartender’s Guild New Mexico and the president of the New Mexico chapter of Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails.
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
PHOTO BY WES NAMAN
DRINK
Roast golden bird of love for V-Day
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t this time last year, I offered up an eggheaded treatise on cocoa powder, complete with a rather involved recipe for an awesome cocoa layer cake, in honor of Valentine’s Day. This year, I’m drawn to the wise words of Julia Child: “Careful cooking is love. …The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who’s close to you is about as nice a Valentine as you can give.” Which would fit a cocoa layer cake perfectly, except that part where you will spend a significant amount of time in a kitchen, potentially alone. That’s not the point of Valentine’s Day. So this year, the key ingredient to your meal o’ passion is simple, affordable, approachable chicken. Yes, whole, raw chicken turned into a gorgeous, crispy golden bird of love. It’s economically smart. It’s convenient to procure. And a roasting chicken makes the whole house smell like that rotisserie rack in the grocery store with the pre-roasted birds in plastic packages. Delicious. It’s simple enough to prepare for any night, but can be dressed up into an elegant dinner for two, with enough for leftovers. (What better declaration of love than sending someone off to work or school with a homemade chicken salad sandwich on squishy bread!?) Problematically, poultry is the major cause of most food-borne illness in this country. For some people, working with chicken is the layperson’s version of working with pufferfish. We have been raised on stories of salmonella and campylobacter outbreaks, and most of us stick to buying the family-size bags of IQF (Individually Quick Frozen for easy grab-n-nuke) boneless skinless breasts to avoid “working with raw chicken.” Freezing doesn’t kill those bacteria, folks; it just makes the chicken cook up dry and bland. So do yourself a favor. Buy the chicken fresh and whole. Skin. Bones. Flavor. Like most of my food choices, I prefer organic to conventional. I also prefer “free range” chicken, though this marketing term is widely unregulated (the USDA only requires chickens to have access to the outside) and its meaning doesn’t quite match the bucolic vision I have. In recent years, the term “pastured poultry” has come into use, designating chickens that have been raised on grass pastures. Other labelings I look for include “no antibiotics or hormones” and “certified humanely raised and handled.” Lastly, I prefer air-chilled chicken. In order to control pathogens, like salmonella, processors usually submerge the slaughtered chickens in an ice bath to quickly cool the meat. This can result in the chicken absorbing water, hence the labeling “percent of water retained.” Air-chilling uses cold air to cool the meat and results in no water retention. Aside from all the labels, I look for taut, dry skin on a plump bird. A good rule of thumb is a pound per person; I like leftovers, so I usually buy a three-pound bird for two people. Once you have your chicken home, keep it wrapped, but leave it at room temperature while you gather the rest of your supplies. I like to cook chicken in a two-handled pot with sides that come halfway up the chicken; if the pot is too tall or too small, the chicken will end up steaming itself. I also like to keep it simple: salt and pepper, butter, chicken stock, fresh thyme, lemon, garlic, onion. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and slice the onion. Sprinkle the onion over the bottom of the roasting pan and add just enough water or chicken broth to moisten the entire bottom of the pan — it will act like a flavorful roasting rack and keep the chicken from browning too quickly.
PHOTO BY WES NAMAN
ready. I usually serve the salad in the very bowl in which I made it and forget utensils altogether. Even for the chicken. It makes for a most memorable meal. Nelle Bauer is co-chef/co-owner of Jennifer James 101. She loves chicken jokes. Why does a chicken coop only have two doors? Because if it had four, then it would be a chicken sedan. Now, unwrap your chicken and gently rinse it (without splashing raw chicken all over your kitchen) inside and out, under cold water. Use paper towels to dry it thoroughly inside and out. Shmear a tablespoon or two of whole unsalted butter around the inside of the bird, and then do the same thing all over the outside of the bird. Depending on what flavor you are going for, stuff a thyme sprig, a couple cloves of peeled and smashed garlic, and a few slices of lemon inside the cavity. Give it a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. Then give the whole outside of the chicken a gentle sprinkling of salt and put the buttery raw mess breast-side up in the roasting dish and set it on a rack in the middle of your preheated oven. From this point, you are roughly an hour-and-a-half away from dinner being ready. In a half hour, rotate the bird to breast-side down. If any juices have accumulated in the pan, spoon them over the chicken. Let it cook for another half hour, spoon some juices over, then rotate it back to breast-side up, turn the oven up to 450 degrees, and let that skin crisp and turn dark golden brown. After about 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and, if you are worried about the chicken not being cooked through, use an instant-read digital thermometer stuck into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read at least 165 degrees. I use the clear-juice method: poke the thickest part of the chicken and look for clear juices to run out. If it is not cooked through, spoon some juices over and cook for another 10 minutes. Once you are confident that it is thoroughly cooked, take it out of the roasting and pan and set it on a platter for 10 minutes to reabsorb its juices and make for a moist, tasty bird. While it is resting, throw together one of Julia Child’s classic Caesar salads with whole spears of romaine lettuce to have alongside. Dinner is LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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PETS
Puppyhood is perfect time to learn proper dog manners
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bsolutely the best part of my job, and an activity that always puts a smile on everyone’s face, is conducting Puppy Pre School classes. What could be more fun than a room full of puppies aged 10 weeks to four months running, playing and socializing together, all while learning many of the skills that will guide them through adulthood? It may come as a surprise that you can enroll your puppy in training classes at this young age, but, in fact, this age is the ideal time for learning. Before the early 1980s, dog training classes were based on methods that were developed for the military during WWI. The primary tool that was used for training was a choke collar. Because dogs could not physically handle the collar corrections before six months of age, puppy classes didn’t start until then. This had nothing to do with a dog’s readiness to learn or need for appropriate socialization. Unfortunately, by six months of age, a good portion of the training
As much as the pups learn, the owners too are taught how to prevent the more common dog behavior problems must involve the unlearning of bad habits the dog has already acquired. This all changed when Dr. Ian Dunbar, an animal behaviorist at the University of California, concluded that the most important stages of emotional and social development for puppies is between eight and 14 weeks of age. He knew that at eight weeks of age, pups were sponges for experiences and that it was the ideal time to give them the “paw up” they would need to be happy and healthy adult dogs. Thus was born Sirius Puppy Training, the first puppy
socialization training program. I was fortunate enough to be working with Dr. Dunbar at that time and I learned first-hand how puppies are ready and willing to learn. Simple exercises like come, sit and down quickly became part of their repertoire. Rather than focusing on correcting bad behavior, the classes focused on reinforcing good behavior. So how do we apply this in puppy training classes at Animal Humane New Mexico? Simple — we let dogs be dogs and consider these basic understandings:
Dogs are social A portion of every class is spent with the pups playing off leash. This gives them the opportunity to interact naturally with other pups without being restricted by the leash, and allows them to learn the all-important give and take of proper dog interactions. One of the greatest pleasures of the class is watching a shy puppy blossom into a confident dog exploring the room and playing with people and other dogs. Pups that were a bit overbearing quickly learn that other pups will not play with them
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LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
unless they tone down their play style. Getting to say hello and meet all of the family members at class gives them an additional chance to meet and become comfortable with a variety of people.
Puppies are smarter than we think. During the very first class, pups are taught the skills “come” and “sit.” In following weeks, the puppies are taught skills like “leave it” and how to politely walk on leash. Owners are amazed at how quickly their pups learn and retain these new skills. As much as the pups learn, the owners too are taught how to prevent the more common dog behavior problems along with key steps to housetraining and how to avoid undesirable problems like chewing up the remote controls and shoes.
A well-behaved dog is a happy dog. As a part of any good pet/parent program, owners practice skills to prepare their pups for life. Your veterinarian will be thankful that they are tending to more relaxed, comfortable dogs. So, don’t delay and enroll your puppy into an early puppy socialization program. The long term social and behavioral benefit to your dog is wonderful and the smile it will put on your face will be priceless. Susan Reaber, CPDT-KA, is an Animal Humane New Mexico animal behavior specialist. She teaches puppy and adult training classes and assists pet parents through Animal Humane’s free pet behavior helpline: 505.938.7900.
SPORTS
Gravity’s pull New Albuquerque trampoline park draws enthusiastic crowds seeking extreme-sport fun BY TODD ROHDE
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rampolines, dodgeball, foam pits and fitness. Sounds like the ultimate playground for extreme athletes or anyone looking for a thrill. To say Gravity Park has a lot to offer might be an understatement. This unique trampoline sports arena is the first of its kind in the Duke City. From extreme dodgeball tournaments to ultimate birthday parties, Gravity Park has a plethora of activities for people of all ages. The man behind the whole operation is California native and real estate agent turned entrepreneur, Zane Hansen. The idea came PROFILE to him from his kids when they Gravity Park were still living 9a-9p, Mon.-Thu., in the Golden 9a-midnight, Fri.State. Sat. 5300 Eagle Rock “They came NE, 505.407.0954 home one day gravitypark.us and couldn’t stop talking about how much fun they had at a local trampoline arena, so I had to check it out for myself,” Hansen said. After noticing a lack of family-oriented fitness centers in Albuquerque while visiting family, Hansen thought it was the perfect opportunity to introduce something new to what he sees as a growing community. Being familiar with real estate, Hansen found the perfect location to open up his new business. Located just off of I-25, the 18,000-square-foot Gravity Park features trampolines stretching wall to wall and areas where adrenaline junkies can defy gravity by performing daring twists and turns mid-air before falling straight into the Olympic-size foam pit. For basketball lovers, there is a hoop to practice dunks or get a game going. And the dodgeball cage is one of the largest in the United States, holding up to 30 people at a time. Along with the in-your-face activities at Gravity Park, there are of course, many more exciting things to do. Club Gravity happens every Friday and Saturday at 9p and ends at midnight. The lights go out and the club-like atmosphere begins. The only restriction at this club is that you have to be 15 years old to enter. And there are kid-friendly features too, with free admission for kids under 2 and a special area for young kiddos. You can also have your own slumber party at Gravity Park, where you can jump around with up to 40 friends, listening to your own custom playlist of music and staying the night in your sleeping bag. “It’s a great place, not only for families, but for anyone looking to have some good, clean fun to hang out,” Hansen said. Gravity Park also holds corporate team events as well. “What’s better than hitting your boss in the face with a dodgeball?” Hansen asked.
PHOTOS BY WES NAMAN
Zane Hansen, right, is the owner and operator of Gravity Park, a new trampoline fun center for kids and adults alike, where features range from foam pits to basketball hoops to a dodgeball cage.
Coming soon to Gravity Park is Gravity Fit. This fitness class will be taught by certified personal trainers and is supposed to be a great workout, allowing you to burn more than 1,000 calories. For those questioning Gravity Park’s safety, Hansen said don’t worry. “Believe it or not, jumping on a trampoline is safer than many activities, including bowling. The injury rate is less than .02 percent,” he said. If you have gone to the website, you may have noticed Gravity Park’s daunting waiver form, but don’t be intimidated. Everyone is required to sign a waiver in order to jump, and anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver for them. Employees like Jaret Salas help keep things safe. Salas, 24, is no stranger to extreme sports environments. Born in Santa Fe, he grew up training to do flips, gymnastics and strength training exercises specifically related to parkour. As a recent participant in the famous American Ninja Warrior competition, he knows what it takes to become an extreme athlete and has found a home at Gravity Park. He plans on going all the way next time on American Ninja Warrior, so keep an eye out for Salas as he represents New Mexico. Gravity Park is a little over a month old and already has a tremendous following around the city. “Since opening we’ve had over 14,000 people come through our doors. We’ve been received really well by the city and we really appreciate it,” Hansen said.
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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The
king of
Valentine’s Every year, Albuquerque creative director Lonnie Anderson pours his heart and creativity into Valentine’s Day in a very big way
’VE ALREADY HAD TWO IDEAS FALL THROUGH,” said Lonnie Anderson of this year’s Valentine’s Day plans he has for his wife, Anne Bolger-Witherspoon. To top the gifts he has given her in the past — a 4-foot box of Sweethearts candy, turning their house into a restaurant and even hanging a giant neon heart in New York City’s Central Park — Anderson needs to work harder than ever to be creative. Luckily, as a professional creative director, that’s what he does best. Women who read this story will think BolgerWitherspoon is the luckiest woman in the world. Men will likely curse Anderson’s name since it’s nearly impossible to top the gifts he has given his wife over the years. Or is it? “It’s more about effort than it is about money,” Anderson said in a recent conversation with Local iQ about coming up with gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. What’s more, he said (rather ironically, since advertising is his profession), “People have fallen for the commercialization surrounding Valentine’s. They believe the advertising, that the ‘diamond is forever’ and
STORY BY KEVIN HOPPER PHOTO BY WES NAMAN
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CATEGORY
“People have fallen for the commercialization surrounding Valentine’s. They believe the advertising, that the ‘diamond is forever’ and that this is what women want.” — LO N N IE AN DERSO N
that this is what women want. And I think men are lazy as well, so they just follow suit.” Sure, it’s easy to grab a box of chocolates, a dozen roses and make reservations at a nice restaurant on Feb. 14, but Anderson wonders if the significant others of people who do that will remember it, not necessarily for a day or a month, but for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, is Valentine’s Day about how much money is spent on someone, or how much love one has in their heart? Will they remember dinner and champagne and chocolate truffles over the day that, for example, a lifesized carousel was placed in their front yard (this cost Anderson nothing, he said). Or, what about the time they were made queen for a day — given a crown, a throne, a scepter and a living room swathed in red velvet? Anderson said his views on the holiday came from his youth, when he was with his mother on Valentine’s Day at a diner where his grandmother worked. Every one of the young women who worked there had received gifts that day except for his grandmother. When young Lonnie asked his mother “Why?,” he was told that his grandfather had never given gifts to his grandmother for as long as they had been together. “My mom told me, much later in life, that I actually said, ‘When I get married, I will never do that to my wife,’” Anderson recalled. The first time Anderson went all-out for a girlfriend, all he had to work with was a green garden hose, yellow trash bags and duct tape, which he fashioned into giant daisies he hung on telephone poles. “I didn’t even have enough money to drive myself to work, so I called in sick,” Anderson said. Since then, he has maintained the same philosophy: “Be as creative in your family life as you are in your professional life.” It makes for a pretty sweetheart story, one that has Anderson upping the ante on himself each year and working on a book that will soon be published, titled simply, “I Love Anne”. Obviously, he does. Shouldn’t Valentine’s Day always be that simple?
PHOTOS BY LONNIE ANDERSON
Since the first year Lonnie Anderson met his wife, 17 years ago, he has gone above and beyond to try to make her feel special on Valentine’s Day and earn the title “King of Valentine’s Day.” Among the many uniquely creative ideas that have come to fruition include installing an actual carousel in their front yard, creating a prom night in a local gymnasium and painting graffiti and for sale-style signs with the tagline, “I Love Anne.” In fact, that tagline is the name of an upcoming book that will detail all 17 years of Anderson’s love affair with his wife, Anne BolgerWitherspoon.
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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P E R F E C T D AT E # 1 : B E C R E AT I V E
Step up creativity for the perfect Valentine’s date BY LONNIE ANDERSON ince Valentine’s Day has become a pretty big deal around our house (see “King of Valentine’s” story on page 14), I have to start on my Valentine’s Day ideas months in advance. Creativity is my job — I’m a creative director who comes up with marketing and advertising ideas. So if I am creative with my work, why not be the same with my family life? Past Valentine’s Day “gifts” I have given my wife include everything from installing a lifesized carousel in our front yard to building a 30-foot recycled paper flower and placing it in the driveway. I’ve turned my house into a real restaurant, shot a movie about my wife and played it for her at the Guild Cinema and built her a 16th century throne in our living room. I have even hung a single neon heart in a tree in Central Park at night one year, and I also took her to her own private Valentine’s Day prom at a local school gym. Given those ideas, it is tough to describe the “perfect” date for Valentine’s Day. But I say, no matter what it is you do on Feb. 14, it should be something creative, something that you have to put more effort and thought into than money. I’m always surprised when people tell me they take their significant other to an expensive dinner on easily the busiest night of the year for restaurants. How intimate is that? Or people who buy flowers that are double or even triple the price they sell for the rest of the year. For me, the perfect Valentine’s Day date is something my wife will remember for the rest of her life. I know, I know … people say I just don’t have the time to work on something as grand as a functioning carousel. My response to that is, “How can you not have time to work on something? If you look around and you are not in complete wonder of the world, it might be time to take a closer look.” Whatever you do, know that it doesn’t have to be over the top (though it doesn’t hurt either). A good friend of mine used to always say, “It is a fine line between clever and stupid.” So you have to be very careful. I certainly wouldn’t suggest a carousel if you have been dating a few months — that might freak them out a bit. Rather, try one of these D.I.Y. ideas: • Make a homemade card. Find some paper, scissors, glitter and glue and write something sweet. • Make hearts out of red Christmas lights and hang them in trees around your house. • Put together a small inexpensive Valentine. Small box of chocolate. Small 4-inch balloons (water balloons work great filled with helium). Baby roses. Small card. • Send one postcard or love letter every day, starting now. • Make a cassette tape (a mixed-tape on
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LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
I’m always surprised when people tell me they take their significant other to an expensive dinner on easily the busiest night of the year for restaurants. How intimate is that?
PHOTO BY LONNIE ANDERSON
Ideas for creating a memorable Valentine’s Day experience are often very simple. For instance, Lonnie Anderson created these seemingly everyday flyers a few year’s back proclaiming his love for his wife Anne, and posted them around the city. Simple, but something she will likely never forget.
an actual cassette, not a CD — real old school). Maybe include a boom box since they are rare these days. BOTTOM LINE: The perfect Valentine’s Day date is something that comes from your heart. Look around and see all those hearts they hang up this time of year. It’s a clue. If it was about money, they would hang up dollar signs! So the perfect Valentine’s date for me, I think, is something that makes her smile to herself. Something silly and fun. Something that will get my two daughters to brag to their friends how much their dad loves their mom. What is my perfect Valentine’s Day date this year? Lets just say it’s top secret.
P E R F E C T D A T E # 2 : G I R L S W A N N A H AV E F U N
Fun can be had by the female flying solo BY SHARI TAYLOR
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s a 20-something who seems to find herself single on Valentine’s Day year after year as though it’s some sort of rule, I’d say I’m the right person to ask for advice on what to do on Valentine’s Day if you happen to find yourself single. My usual advice (which I tend to follow, mind you) is to lay low and treat Valentine’s Day like any other day. Looking at Valentine’s Day as something that you simply yearn to be involved in, regardless of your relationship situation, is a recipe for disaster when the world can deliver quite less than what you expect. However, if you find that all of the pinks and purples, the candied hearts and the roses being tossed about in your line of sight at work are nagging at you, here are a few options for you to make Valentine’s Day sweet, regardless of relationship situation: 1. Find somebody special You desperately want that special somebody and you didn’t even realize it until all of this ooey-gooey romantic business started stomping all over your life. Flower shop commercials are making their way into your nightmares, and you’re afraid that if you don’t start looking for someone soon, you’ll be alone on Valentine’s Day. Don’t worry! Albuquerque has lots of options for those who are “single and looking” like you. Get started early. Visit speeddatealbuquerque. com to find upcoming speed dating events. Or if you’re more into activities, join a dance class at studios like Albuquerque Rhythm (3808 Central SE, 505.301.6199, abqrhythm.com) or Double Time Dance Studio (112 Morningside SE, 505.268.1123, doubletimedance.com). Make sure to plan ahead and sign up soon, so you can be even closer to snagging that someone special for Valentine’s Day. 2. Make Valentine’s Day special by spending it with friends Round up a group of your most special friends and take advantage of group activities like pool at The Anodyne (409
Central NW, 505.244.1820, theanodyne. com), bowling at Holiday Bowl (7515 Lomas NE, 505.268.3308, holidaybowlabq.com) or the Valentine’s Day Adult Night at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (1801 Mountain NW, 505.841.2800, nmnaturalhistory.org). Steer clear of events with low lighting and violins: wall climbing at Stone Age (4201 Yale NE, 505.341.2016, stoneageclimbinggym.com), not dinner at a cheesy restaurant. Keep in mind that it’s not really the activity that counts, though. As long as you’re with the right people, you can do pretty much anything and make Valentine’s Day amazing, even as a single person.
PHOTO BY WES NAMAN
When single, group activities like shooting pool or even rock climbing at Stone Age Climbing Gym, make for a fun day.
3. Treat yourself Forget about everything else but the most important person in your life: you. Treat yourself to a massage, get yourself some flowers and finally buy yourself that pair of red patent leather heels that you’ve had your eye on for the last month. This day is about love, and what other kind of love is more important than self love? Spend the day at home watching your favorite movie, even if it’s a love movie (Ahem, When Harry Met Sally), or get out and get the manicure you’ve been promising yourself. Whatever you do, make it special. You’re the most important person in your life, and you deserve to have a day all for you. Valentine’s Day is only special if you make it so.
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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P E R F E C T D AT E # 3 : W I N E + D I N E
Cocktail (or brew) and dining for cat-free romance BY HANNAH REITER
F
eb. 14 is fast approaching, which means that if you’re part of a couple you better plan for the most romantic day of the year or your girlfriend will leave you for someone with a bigger … heart-shaped box of chocolates. And if you’re single? Welp, you’d better like cats because chances are they’re going to be keeping you company for the remainder of your sad, single, dateless existence. There are no other options, according to Hallmark. Historically I have always been alone on Valentine’s Day. Whether because of a recent breakup, long-distance relationship or just plain single-dom I have always spent Valentine’s Day with a bottle of red wine, a cat that I borrowed from my friend and a stack of romantic comedies. So this year, when asked to write about my plans for
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V-Day, my first instinct was to get defensive, turn the question back on the asker and begin to dial my cat friend’s number. Originally my whole story went something like this: “My plans for Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry about it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a phone call to make.” Then I snapped out of it and remembered that I have been in a relationship with my wonderful girlfriend for over a year now and we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day together this February. But, because she commutes to and from Santa Fe for work, and I am a student with a part-time job, we will likely be celebrating, like many others, the weekend before. While there are many fabulous prepackaged Valentine’s dates to choose from in our beautiful city on the days surrounding Feb. 14, I wanted to try my hand at planning the perfect Valentine’s Day tailored for my girl and me. So, after consulting with a few close friends, I ultimately decided on a food-anddrink-centric date that spans a day and a half and 60-plus miles. We will begin our date Fri., Feb. 8 at Jan’s on 4th (1004 4th NW, 505.350.0600, jancancook4you.com) with a “Sweetheart Cooking Class” taught by owner and chef Jan Laird. For $70 per person, we will be learning how to prepare a complete meal, from appetizer to dessert, using fresh seasonal ingredients in a small, hands-on,
PHOTOS BY WES NAMAN
Valentine’s Day could be simple, or highly varied and interactive. In this case, it spans two cities and includes a “Sweetheart Cooking Class” taught by Jan Laird at Jan’s on 4th (1004 4th NW, 505.350.0600, jancancook4you.com), as well as a sunset cocktail overlooking the city at Hotel Parq Central’s Apothecary Lounge (806 Central SE, 505.242.0040).
group environment. Plus, because Jan’s is a private establishment, students are allowed to bring a beverage of their choice to enjoy with the lesson. Jan recommended we bring a red wine to this particular class. After the class, we will stop at the Apothecary Lounge on top of Hotel Parq Central to cozy up with a cocktail and enjoy the spectacular downtown views before we head home to rest up for part two of our date. Saturday morning, Feb. 9, we will take the short scenic drive down Rio Grande to the Los Ranchos Winter Farmer’s Market (farmersmarketsnm.org) to shop for local, seasonal ingredients to be used later in our day. Then it’s off to Santa Fe for a relaxing walk around the Plaza and lunch at our favorite City Different eatery, The Tune Up Cafe (1115 Hickox, 505.983.7060, tuneupsantafe.com). This casual, cozy restaurant serves Salvadorian and Southwestern comfort food. No trip to Santa Fe would be complete without a Happy Camper IPA straight from the source at the Santa Fe Brewing Company (35 Fire Place, 505.424.3333, santafebrewing. com). When I met my girlfriend, she was a beer novice and rarely ventured outside
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
her Blue Moon comfort zone. But thanks to a little coaxing and some truly exceptional beers crafted right here in New Mexico, she has become a fellow hop-head and the Santa Fe Brewing Co. is high on our list of favorite local breweries. After a frosty beer, (and if we’re lucky, a tour of the facility), we will venture back to Albuquerque for the remainder of our date. While there is something to be said for the undeniable romance of low lighting, swanky food presentation and a doting waiter, I can’t help but think that nothing is more romantic than making a meal from scratch with your significant other. There’s just something about working side by side in the kitchen, engaging all the senses and, of course, the reward of a delicious meal, that even the finest of dining options can’t compete with. So for our Valentine’s dinner, we will stay close to home, light a fire in the fireplace, and, armed with our newly acquired recipes and skills, try our best to create our own “Sweetheart Dinner” together. And now that all the planning is complete, there’s just one more detail I need to take care of to make this date perfect. Kate, will you be my Valentine?
P E R F E C T D AT E # 4 : D U D E O U T
Deep down, Breaking Bad’s Jesse and Walt love each other. Celebrate that fact, and your own dude relationships, during a single-guy Valentine’s Day by visiting the Albuquerque locations of the Emmy-winning show.
Feel the bro-mance, the single-guy agenda BY TODD ROHDE
T
he old saying “money can’t buy love” is true for the most part, with the main exception being Valentine’s Day, the one holiday where spending tons of money can reassure your girlfriend of your love. According to a survey taken last year by the National Retail Federation, the average guy reportedly spends roughly $126 on his girlfriend or wife on Valentine’s Day, about twice as much as she spends on him. A little unfair. But I digress. If you’re like me, you don’t have that kind of money to spend on oddly scented flowers and expensive dinners at the fanciest restaurants. And if you’re like me, you are also single and don’t have to worry about spending money on those things, because you’ll be busy celebrating Singles Awareness Day. If you haven’t heard, Singles Awareness Day is the single person’s — in this case, single man’s — alternative to Valentine’s Day. It’s not a day of self-loathing. Rather, it’s a day to take pride in being single and weigh the pros and cons of it. You’ll notice that the pros far outweigh the cons. Treat yourself to an awesome day and enjoy the guy’s single life. There’s lots of things to do that won’t cost you near as much as $126. In fact, here is a list of some fun things under $126 to do on this special day. 1. Get plowed! Bubbly for dudes No, don’t really get plowed to drown your V-Day sorrows. It’s just Tractor Brewing Co.’s (118 Tulane SE, 505.433.5654, getplowed. com) motto, a play on the brewery’s Los Lunas agricultural roots. With a handful of classic beers on tap and a few seasonal brews, there is definitely something for every beer drinker here, Valentine’s Day and otherwise. It’s a fun place to have some beers with the buds and make some new friends.
2. Volunteer for Valentine’s duty The Storehouse (106 Broadway SE, 505.842.6491, thestorehouseabq.org) is an awesome place to give some of your time. Here you can stock shelves with food and clothes, help customers shop for food and load their cars as they leave. Volunteering might not seem like the thing to be doing to on a day like this, but its a great way to help give to those who might not have anything to give their families on Valentine’s Day. Plus you never know if a single woman had the same idea. 3. Strength in numbers: pizza par-tay Go counter-romance, or “bro-mance”: have all your single buddies over for pizza and beer on Valentine’s Day. Amadeo’s Pizza (three locations, amadeospizza.com) delivers, and has some great pizza. Their 26-inch pie will definitely be enough to feed you and all of your friends. I’m sure some type of sport will be on ESPN on Valentine’s Day, too, providing the perfect distraction from the lack of girlfriends. 4. Break bad What says “love” more than the Albuquerque-filmed TV series Breaking Bad? Walt loves his wife, right? Jesse loved his girlfriend before she OD’d on heroin. Albuquerqueans might be the envy of every Breaking Bad fan across the world. Why not take advantage of that on Valentine’s Day? Grab a couple of your single friends and drive around the city looking for the locations where the show was filmed. Take pictures. Just have everyone pitch in for gas and take turns driving. You’ll save money and have a great time. You get the idea. Life doesn’t end if you’re a dude without a girlfriend on Valentine’s Day. There are a lot of things for a single guy to do in the Duke City. And remember, you get to enjoy one of the greatest pros of being single: You can do whatever you want. LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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The Pueblo Harvest Café
Nexus Brewery
The Pueblo Harvest Café, located within the captivating Pueblo Cultural Center in the North Valley is known for its warm hospitality, native fusion cuisine and rustic, elegant setting with unobstructed breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains. Join us on Valentine’s Day and enjoy the the filthy, mangy, jazz of renowned band Le Chat Lunatique. We are offering several fantastic options for noshing, dining and libations especially designed for the lover in you! Reservations recommended.
The only place you can find New Mexican Soul Food with hand crafted beer made on site. From fried chicken and waffles, to collard greens combined with some of the best red chile in town. All in a down home, relaxed setting, we call it an “Exbeerience!”
— SAMPLE MENU — APPETIZERS Assorted Cheese & Paté Plate Danish blue, Gruyère and Manchego cheeses; house made fruit chutney, hummus, fresh fruit, country duck paté, served with crostini.
$9
Duck Molé Tostadas Confit of duck simmered with house made molé and served on a red corn tostada with cotija cheese, cilantro and diced red onions.
$7
ENTRÉES Veggie Nambé
Dining Out on
Valentine’s Day
Stuffed with corn, peppers and cheese. Served with green chile sauce and our house made savory green chile bread pudding.
$20
Asian Style Seared Chilean Sea Bass Served with two sauces and wasabi sticky rice.
$29
DESSERTS Raspberry & orange tiramisu $5 Flourless chocolate torte $4 Chocolate covered strawberries $5 Chai tea crème brûlée $4
— SAMP L E ME NU — Fried Pickles Our own unique southern-style served with ranch or Chipotle dressing
$6
Wings 10 wings southern-fried or baked, Cajun or buffalo
$15
Fried Zucchini Our own unique southern-style with Ranch or Chipotle dressing
$7
Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles Crispy fried chicken with waffles cooked to perfection
$12
Southern Fried Pork Sirloin Served with mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens
$14
Fried or Blackened Chicken Club Crispy chicken breast with bacon, onions and pepper jack cheese
$9.50
Southern Fried Fish & Chips Two large fish filets served with beer-battered fries
$13
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 2401 12TH NW INSIDE THE INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER 505.724.3510
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LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
4730 PAN AMERICAN FREEWAY, 505.242.4100
nexusbrewery.com
s p e c i a l a dv e r t i s i n g s e c t i o n
Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm Join us for an elegant three-course dinner inspired by the flavors of Spain. The evening begins at 6pm with a guided sherry tasting, followed by a flamenco performance led by the talented Jose Chuscales.
Thai Vegan Voted Best Thai Vegan! Visit our second location for a full menu of sophisticated and healthy Thai dishes.
StreetFood Asia ABQ’s largest selection of Asian small plates from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan & China.
2012 Local iQ Smart List winner “Best Chinese” and “Best Vegetarian”
VA L E N T I NE’S M E N U $95/person includes sherry tasting, performance, and dinner (tax, gratuity and beverages are additional). Reservations required.
— SAMPLE MENU —
First Course Options
Freshy Rolls
Fresh Shelling Bean Soup
Four rolls of noodles, soy chicken, romaine lettuce, bean sprouts and fresh herbs wrapped with rice paper served with hoisin sauce.
Spanish Chorizo
Los Poblanos Field Greens Toasted wild rice, blood orange sherry vinaigrette, Tucumcari feta
Valedon Blue Cheese and Fresh Bay Flan Local spinach, dates, pinons, toast points
Second Course Options Roasted Los Poblanos Pork Tenderloin Fava beans, baked yogurt, preserved lemon, micro greens
Seared Beef Ribeye Roasted beets, green chile, fresh oregano, tempranillo reduction
Manchego Risotto
It is the Year of the Snake
$6.95
LobsterFest Celebration
Papaya Salad
Friday, February 8th through Sunday, February 17th, 2013.
Shredded green papaya, carrot, sliced tomatoes and lime juice topped with ground peanuts.
$8.95
Green Curry Medium spicy green chili paste with coconut milk, basil, bell pepper, bamboo shoots, onion, spices and herbs.
$8.95
Jungle Noodle
Braised house bacon, radicchio, green chile
Stir-fried wheat noodles with garlic sauce, chili, mushroom, sweet basil, tomato and bell pepper.
Seasonal Fish Selection
$8.95
Roasted shallots, spaghetti squash, smoked paprika, lime
Cashew Nuts
Intermezzo
Stir-fried Thai sauce with roasted cashews, bell pepper, celery, carrots and mushroom.
Artisanal Cheese Tasting for Two
$9.95
Caprichio de cabra / Los Poblanos honey marcona almonds Aged manchego / house made membrillo Valdeon / date-walnut cake
Pumpkin, eggplant, tofu stir-fried in garlic sauce with bell pepper, basil and chili.
Third Course Options
Lobsters for Lovers In conjunction with the celebration of Lunar New Year (February 10th.)
P.E.T. $9.95
Chocolate Croquettes
— SAMP L E ME NU — Lobster Steamed, served with butter or Wok in 6 different Asian flavors: Saigon Street Basil, Salt & Pepper Bangkok Street Chili Seoul Street Kouchujang KL Street Malay Tamarind Sambal Beijing Street Ginger & Scallion Beijing Street Sa Cha 3 Different Curries: Bangkok Street Red Curry Bangkok Street Green Curry KL Street Malay Curry or 6 Different Asian Soups
$14.99 *$12.99 (Tuesday & Wednesday only. Not valid with any other discounts Must purchase beverages. Limited availabilities.)
Banana crème, rosemary caramel, sea salt
+ Rice/Noodles $2.50
Rice Pudding
Special Seafood Menu Available
Cinnamon short crust, arrope, sherry caramel
4803 RIO GRANDE BLVD. NW LOS RANCHOS DE ALBUQUERQUE 505.344.9297
5505 OSUNA NE, 505.884.4610 NOB HILL: 3804 CENTRAL SE, 505.200.2290
lospoblanos.com
thaivegannm.com
3422 CENTRAL AVE NE, 505.260.0088
streetfoodasia.com
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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MUSIC
‘I need to grow more arms’ Dual-neck guitar/bass, drums, loops used to create huge sound for L.A. instrumental duo El Ten Eleven BY CHARLIE CRAGO
L
os Angeles-based futuristic rockers El Ten Eleven have gone to great lengths to separate themselves from the common fare dream pop/synth-rock that one might expect from electronic duos. That’s the catch, though: Between Kristian Dunn’s wizard-like mastery of a dual-necked guitar/bass, and Tim Fogarty’s percussive precision on both electronic and acoustic drum sets, El Ten Eleven is something of a different animal all together. Part ’80s pop, part ’90s grunge, with a tinge of ’70s arena-rock thrown in, the end product winds up being something that is a little bit dark, a little hopeful, a little bad and totally danceable. With a fifth album, Transitions, hot off the press, El Ten Eleven continues to gain momentum since its founding in 2004. Local iQ was able to catch Dunn for a few minutes during one of the band’s few days off from touring. Speaking from Idaho, Dunn reflected on the growth he and Fogarty have accomplished both musically and personally over the previous couple years, as well as the pros and cons of being simply instrumental as opposed to incorporating vocals. Local iQ: How is the new album different? Kristian Dunn: We always try to have each record be different from the last. We don’t want to repeat ourselves. It’s pretty obvious if it’s an El Ten Eleven record; the new one’s not drastically different from the others. This time we decided to branch out and have longer song lengths. The original idea for the record was to just have one long song, like a 45-minute-long
Seven years down the road, the notoriety of Los Angeles instrumental duo El Ten Eleven continues to grow, with five records and much critical acclaim to the band’s credit.
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song. Obviously that didn’t happen. We’ve grown a lot in a technical way, so now compositionally we can be more focused. On this record on two or three of the songs we didn’t worry about how we were gonna play it live. On all the records up to this one, what you hear on the record is what you get live. On this one we didn’t worry about how we’d do it live. I need to grow more arms. iQ: Do you ever consider bringing in other musicians to fill in some of the looped parts during live performances? Dunn: We really like being a duo. I can’t say for sure no, but we love that it’s just us. We don’t use any pre-recorded tracks, and PREVIEW bringing in another musician could also ruin that. El Ten Eleven iQ: How do you separate yourselves from other two-piece rock acts? Dunn: Sometimes people say “experimental” or “math rock” with WITH SLOW MAGIC AND THE RIP TORN us, but I don’t really think we are those things. We maybe have 9:30p, Sat., Feb. 2 elements of those styles, and that’s where people are coming up Launchpad with those tags; maybe there’s an element in there. The problem 618 Central SW, is we’re a little bit hard to define because we don’t fit neatly into 505.764.8887 one category. Because we’re instrumental, people want to jump $10 on to whatever the other closest thing they can think of that’s elteneleven.com instrumental. So I don’t feel the need to separate ourselves from launchpadrocks.com those other kinds of bands because I don’t think we sound like those kinds of bands. I give credit for trying to do something new, that’s really important to me. If I’m gonna be a fan of an artist they need to be doing something new, that I haven’t heard before. That being said, just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s good. That’s why we love music, because it stirs our emotions, it should inspire us. iQ: How does the compositional process work between you and drummer Tim Fogarty? Dunn: The songs usually come about one of two ways. Either we’re at the practice room just improvising and stuff pops out and we record it and try to turn it into a song. Or I’ll work on something at home for a while, then I’ll send it to Tim and he’ll work on it for a while, then when we get to the practice room we’re both sort of prepared for what we want to do with it. Either the song we’re working on is something I have in my mind like the crap that goes on in life or a particular person, or sometimes there’s nothing like that in our heads and we’re just trying to come up with a cool song. iQ: Do you ever consider trying to incorporate one or both of your vocals? Dunn: No, because neither of us can sing. If either one of us could sing, there would be singing in this band. For the entire interview with El Ten Eleven, visit the music section at Local-iQ.com
SOUNDBOARD BY HAKIM BELLAMY
Jenny Wren makes band camp cool
U
ndoubtedly, you’ve heard the one about Michael Jordan getting cut from his high school basketball team, right? Even though the 15-yearold Jordan wasn’t exactly cut from the varsity squad (he was an undeniable star as a junior varsity starter after the coach guaranteed all the varsity spots to returning upperclassmen), this anecdote of consolation has been uttered to many a would-be “loser.” So imagine getting cut from a band. Jenny Wren did, and it motivated her to higher musical accomplishments. “At the end of my sophomore year of high school, the time came to choose classes for the following year,” said Albuquerque singersongwriter Jenny Wren. “All I wanted was to be in the band, so I borrowed a guitar from a friend and practiced one song in hopes that I’d ace the tryout. I practiced that one song until I knew it better than the back of my hand, and luckily, I wasn’t asked to play anything else. I was accepted into the school band, and needless to say I spent the entire summer before I went back to school trying to get on the same level as the rest of the class.” That was just four years ago. Months after making the band, Wren dived into her first solo performance at the Petting Zoo, a now-defunct talent incubator by and for young performance artists. She has been a staple and a standout in the Burque music scene ever since. Though she often receives comparisons to Adele, Wren credits Nora Jones, Regina Spektor and Carla Morrison as her inspirations. Self-described as “swamp rock,” Wren’s music style emphasizes the writing (swamp) as much as the sound (rock). “I think of the songs I write as a window to my experiences,” said Wren. “Which parallel the imagery of the unknowingness tied to murky water.” Like fellow “band geek” Questlove (The Roots), Wren is an avid hip hop addict. She says folks who know her music are surprised to hear that. I say, “Oh Jenny! I know you practiced your #$% off to get in that band, but oh if they could see you now! They ought to thank you and Quest for making band camp cool as @#$%!” You can catch Wren at Paris A Gogo (Evolution Nightclub) Feb. 2 and at Moonlight Lounge on Feb. 9. Keep track of Jenny Wren at facebook.com/jennywrensounds.
MUSIC
LIV E M USIC
SUBMIT TO LO CA L iQ The next deadline is Feb. 8 for the Feb. 14 issue. SEND CALENDAR ENTRIES TO:
calendar@local-iQ.com f: 888.520.9711 a: PO Box 7490, ABQ., N.M. 87194 PLEASE USE THIS FORMAT:
Venue Band GENRE Time, Cost 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.
THU 31
Local favorite Le Chat Lunatique will perform its trademark “filthy, mangy jazz” at Scalo’s Il Bar (3500 Central SE, 505.255.8781, scalonobhill.com) on Sat., Feb. 2. Show at 8:30p. No cover.
Burt’s Tiki Lounge
Dance Party Thursdays DANCE/ INDIE/ELECTRO 8:30p, FREE
Cowgirl
Kyle Martin HONKY-TONK/AMERICANA 8p, FREE
Launchpad
Kris Allen, Jillette Johnson 8p, $15 Low Spirits
The Breaktone, Jupiter Spiral, Cali Shaw, Del Puckett 9p, $5 Malarky’s
The Rudy Boy Experiment 9p-1a, FREE
Marcello’s Chophouse
Karl Richardson 6:30-9:30p, FREE Qbar
DJ Quico TOP 40 LATIN 9p, FREE Scalo Il Bar
Boris McCutcheon ROOTS/ AMERICANA 8p, FREE
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Alpha Cats 6-9p, FREE Zinc Cellar Bar
Todd Tijerina Trio 9:30p, FREE
FRI 1 Blackbird Buvette
Next Three Miles 7p, FREE Blood Honey w/ SimoneZ 10p, FREE
Casa Esencia
DJ Justin Credible, DJ Devin TOP 40/ DANCE 9p, $20
CoolWater Fusion
Shane Wallin 6-8p, FREE
Cosmo Tapas Restaurant
Jazz Brasileiro 7-10p, FREE Cowgirl
The Sean Healen Band WESTERN ROCK 8:30p, FREE
Imbibe
Dj Malick 10p, FREE
Los Cuates-Sandia Park
Los Radiators JAZZ/ROCK 6-9p, FREE
Low Spirits
Zoology, Dre Z 9p, TBD Marcello’s Chophouse
Karl Richardson Duo 6:30-9:30p, FREE
Mine Shaft Tavern
Open Mic Night 7-11p, FREE Molly’s
Odd Dog 5:30p-Close, FREE Monte Vista Fire Station
Alex Maryol 9:30p, FREE Qbar
DJ Huggie ‘80S-PRESENT 9p, FREE
Scalo Il Bar
Alpha Cats JAZZ/SWING 8:30p, FREE St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Trio Soul 6:30-9:30p, FREE
The Kosmos
Sun. Chatter: Performance of Louis Andriessen’s “Workers Union” 10:30a, $5-$15 Malarky’s
SAT 2
The Rudy Boy Experiment 3-7p,
Blackbird Buvette
Gene Corbin AMERICANA 3-7p, FREE
Four Winds Belly Dance 6p, FREE Coed Pageant, Floozy, Carlos the Tall & the Not So Tall Band 10p,
O’Niell’s-Central
Adobe Brothers BLUEGRASS 4-7p,
Cooperage
Low Radiators 4-7p, FREE
FREE
Mine Shaft Tavern
FREE
FREE
O’Niell’s-Juan Tabo
Cafe Mocha SALSA 9:30p, $7
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
The Jose Ponce Trio SINGER/ SONGWRITER 2-5p, FREE Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers
6-9p, FREE
Cowgirl
Chava w/ Paid My Dues Blues
BLUES/ROCK 8:30p, FREE
MON 4
Catfish Hodge 7:30p, $15
Blackbird Buvette
DJ Akata 10p, FREE
Cowgirl
GiG
Imbibe
Launchpad
El Ten Eleven, Slow Magic, The Rip Torn 9:30p, $8 Marcello’s Chophouse
Tony Rodriquez Duo 6:30-9:30p, FREE
Mine Shaft Tavern
Jim & Tim SOULFUL BLUES 3-7p, FREE Connie Long & Fast Patsy
Karaoke 9p, FREE Karaoke 9p, FREE Launchpad
Video Games, Mic Deli, Music is Enemy, Travis Joel, OMEN20012 9:30p, $5
Sol Santa Fe
Intronaut 7p, $10
Sunshine Theater
7-11p, FREE
Overkill, Torture Victim, Suspended, The Conjuring 8p, $15
Stingrays 1:30-5p, FREE Dangerous Curvz 5:30p-Close, FREE
TUE 5
Felix y los Gatos 9:30p, FREE
Blackbird Buvette
Molly’s
Monte Vista Fire Station Qbar
DJ Aquattro TOP 40/DANCE 9p, $10 Scalo Il Bar
Le Chat Lunatique DIRTY JAZZ 8:30p, FREE
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
No Exit 6:30-9:30p, FREE Zinc Cellar Bar
Natural Vibe 9:30p, FREE
SUN 3 Blackbird Buvette
Up the Holler Noon, FREE Cowgirl
Boris McCutcheon AMERICANA Noon-3p, FREE The Tom Rheam Trio JAZZ/POP/ROCK 8p, FREE
Groove the Dig w/ Old School John GARAGE/PUNK 10p, FREE
Cowgirl
Bill Hearne CLASSIC COUNTRY 8p, FREE
Il Vicino Canteen Brewery
Lee Coulter SONGWRITER 6-9p, FREE
Imbibe
College Night w/ DJ Twisted Audio 9p, FREE Molly’s
Steve Kinabrew 5:30p-Close, FREE Outpost Performance Space
Portland Cello Project, Alialujah Choir 7:30p, $22-$25 CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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MUSIC
LI V E M USIC Molly’s
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
Rock Bottom 1:30-5p, FREE Weldon Good Band 5:30p-Close,
Qbar
MON 11
Franc Chewiwie LATIN JAZZ 9p,
FREE
Blackbird Buvette
Scalo Il Bar
The Lost Tribes of Mardi Gras
Cowgirl
Karaoke 9p, FREE
FREE
Monte Vista Fire Station
Bob Andrews BLUES/JAZZ 8:30p,
9:30p, FREE
Karaoke 9p, FREE
Tony Hillerman Library
Sense & Change 7p, $5
TUE 12
FREE
Moonlight Lounge
Portland Cello Project Noon, FREE
Qbar
Sean Farley 8-11p, FREE
9p, $10
Blackbird Buvette
WED 6
The Breaktone INDIE/ROCK 8:30p,
9:30p, FREE
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Broomdust Caravan HONKY-TONK/
DJ Justin Credible TOP 40/DANCE
Zinc Cellar Bar
Scalo Il Bar
Tommy Plural SOLO/ACOUSTIC
FREE
Cowgirl
The Swag Band 6:30-9:30p, FREE
ROCK 8p, $5
Memphis P-tails 9:30p, FREE
Alex Maryol ACOUSTIC BLUES 6-9p,
SUN 10
Launchpad
FREE
Nation Beat & Grupo Fantasma
Blackbird Buvette
Blackbird Buvette
Zinc Cellar Bar
Filthy Still AMERICANA/PUNK 10:30p, FREE
Cowgirl
Izzy Cox VOODOOBILLY JAZZ 8p, The Dirty Bourbon
The Weeksend w/ DJ’s Nicolatron & Wae Fonkey 7p, FREE
7:30p, $17-$20 Launchpad
Murs, Prof, Fashawn 7:30p, $14 Low Spirits
Octopus Nebula 9p, TBD Molly’s
Indie hip hop artist Murs (Living Legends, Felt) will perform at Launchpad (618 Central SW, 505.764.8887, launchpadrocks.com) on Wed., Feb. 6. Also performing is Prof and Fashawn. Show at 7:30p. $14 cover.
Cowgirl
Boris McCutcheon AMERICANA NOON-3p, FREE Chantuese Lizette de la Paz & Tom Rheam
Donnie ‘Hoe & Grimes
LATIN/BOSSANOVA 8p, FREE
N4th Theater
Chatter Cabaret: Ravel 5p, $20
Hotel Andaluz
5:30p-Close, FREE
Nation Beat 12:30p, FREE Scalo Il Bar
Cali Shaw Acoustic Showcase 8:30p, FREE
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Matt Jones 6-9p, FREE
THU 7 Blackbird Buvette
The Fabulous Martini Tones SURF ROCK 6p, FREE KGB Club GOTH/ INDUSTRIAL 10p, FREE
Burt’s Tiki Lounge
Dance Party Thursdays DANCE/ INDIE/ELECTRO 8:30p, FREE
Cowgirl
Byron Dowd SOULFUL AMERICANA 8p, FREE
Hotel Andaluz
Jazz Brasileiro 5-8p, FREE Keller Hall-UNM
SuperSax New Mexico 7:30p, TBD KiMo Theatre Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns 7p, $15-$30
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Launchpad
Antique Scream, The Limbs, The Shivas 9p, TBD Molly’s
Jimmy Jones 5:30-Close, FREE Qbar
DJ Quico TOP 40 LATIN 9p, FREE Scalo Il Bar
Chris Dracup ACOUSTIC BLUES 8p,
The Cathedral of St. John
David Dash, Mary Bowden & Maxine Thevenot 7p, $10-$25 CoolWater Fusion
Matt Jones 6-8p, FREE Cowgirl
Becky Alter BLUES/ROCK/FOLK 5-7:30p, FREE Jono Manson ROOTS ROCK & BLUES 8:30p, FREE
SAT 9 ABQ Journal Theater-The National Hispanic Cultural Center
Carnaval 8p, $10-$25 Blackbird Buvette
The Local Spin 7p, FREE Live, Local Music Showcase 10p, FREE Burt’s Tiki Lounge
FREE
Low Spirits
The Casuals 6-9p, FREE
9p, $10
Chris Dracup 9:30p, FREE
Open Mic Night 7-11p, FREE
FRI 8
The Jam Band 5:30p-Close, FREE
ABQ Journal Theater-The National Hispanic Cultural Center
FREE
The Santa Fe Chiles traditional Jazz Band 2-5p, FREE Boris & the Saltlicks AMERICANA 8:30p, FREE
Carnaval 8p, $10-$25
DJ Huggie ’80s-PRESENT 9p, FREE
Saudade 7-11p, $10
Blackbird Buvette
Scalo Il Bar
Carlos the Tall 6p, FREE Planet Rock DANCE 10p, FREE
Reviva ROCK/REGGAE 8:30p, FREE
Ryan McGarvey 8p, $8
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Souvl Sanctuary 6:30-9:30p, FREE
DJ Aquattro, DJ Chil TOP 40/DANCE
Sunshine Theater
Paw & Erik Sawyer BLUEGRASS 3-7p, FREE The Jakes CLASSIC ROCK
St. Clair Winery & Bistro Zinc Cellar Bar
Casa Esencia
9p, $20
The Whammy, Cowboys & Indian Mine Shaft Tavern Molly’s
Monte Vista Fire Station
The Rudy Boy Experiment 9:30p, Qbar
Silverstein, Like Moths to Flames, Secrets, GlassCloud, Issues 7p, $15
Valentine’s Party: All Broken Hearts, Night, Texylvania, Shoulder Voices, DJ Dotty 8:30p, FREE Cooperage
Nosotros SALSA 9:30p, $7 Cowgirl
Great Face & Body Low Spirits
Mine Shaft Tavern
8p-Midnight, FREE
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Il Vicino Canteen Brewery
Squash Blossom Boys BLUEGRASS/ FOLK 3-6p, FREE
The Kosmos
Sunday Chatter: Mark Votapek SOLO CELLO 10:30a, $5-$15
Launchpad
That 1 Guy, Wolff 9p, $12 Low Spirits
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, The Imperial Rooster 8p, $8 Mine Shaft Tavern
The Barbwires SOULFUL BLUES 3-7p, FREE
O’Niell’s-Central
Rye Creek FOLK/IRISH 4-7p, FREE O’Niell’s-Juan Tabo
Mar Ata 4-7p, FREE
Simms Center for the Performing Arts-ABQ Academy Campus
Eric Bibb & Habib Koite 7:30p, $15-$25
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Chris Page Trio 6-9p, FREE
Il Vicino Canteen Brewery
FREE
Savoy, J-Flash 8p, $15
Loma Colorado Main Library
Route 66 Revelers 6:30-7:45p, FREE
Mine Shaft Tavern
Pollo Frito 7p, FREE Molly’s
H-2-8 Band 5:30p-Close, FREE Monte Vista Fire Station
Felix y los Gatos 9:30p, FREE Qbar
Franc Chewiwie 9p, FREE Scalo Il Bar
Next Three Miles FOLK/AMERICANA 8:30p, FREE
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Felix-n-the-Cats 6-9p, FREE Zinc Cellar Bar
Phillip Gibbs 8-11p, FREE
WED 13 Cowgirl
Pray For Brain INDIE/FUNK/JAZZ 8p, FREE
Launchpad
Masta of Ceremoniez, Dolla Bill, Lumpz One, Skata Jay, Jordan Miles, AK & Trew, D.I.E. Set, Exclucive, Wolfman Jack, Kang Nova & Mat-Dre, Dayeen, Harsh One, Wrex, Joe Gonz 9:30p, $10 Molly’s
Philip Gibbs 5:30p-Close, FREE Scalo Il Bar
Cali Shaw Acoustic Showcase 8:30p, FREE
St. Clair Winery & Bistro
The Gruve 6-9p, FREE
smart MUSIC
T
he career of Jackson Browne began in Southern California folk clubs in the mid-1960s, includes dozens of hits like “Doctor My Eyes” and “Jamaica Say You Will,” has taken him to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and features 16 albums, including his latest, 2010’s Love Is Strange. Besides his ongoing musical work, Browne has continued his longtime advocacy of the anti-nuclear movement as well. In a recent interview he said, “There is a story going around that nuclear Jackson Browne energy is clean. But it’s not clean if you count in the costs of mining the uranium and transporting 7:30p.,Tue., Feb. 12 the waste, and the fact that these plants raise the Popejoy Hall temperature in every one of the rivers that they On the UNM campus, operate in. It’s not actually what they say it is. 505.277.8010 Flat out. In 50 years, the nuclear industry has not $38.50-$78.50 been able to pay for itself in the marketplace. Nor Tickets: unmtickets.com has it figured out a way to dispose of the waste.” jacksonbrowne.com Also known for his activism on behalf of the environment, human rights and arts education, Browne co-founded the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), nukefree.org and the Success Through the Arts Foundation, which provides education opportunities for students in South Los Angeles. In 2002, he was recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, given to artists whose works exemplify the environmental and social values of the great author. Browne will play guitar and piano in this acoustic show, and will be joined by supporting musicians. —Bill Nevins
K
icking off a tour is a both a privilege and Matisyahu a genuine joy. The artist Matisyahu is WITH LEVY BROWN doing just such a thing to celebrate his 8p, Thu., Jan. 31 new acoustic EP, Spark Seeker. So how do you Lensic combine traditional Jewish music with reggae? I 211 W. San Francisco, once asked a friend how to spell his name. He Santa Fe, 505.988.7050 said, “Very carefully. And very well.” That is $29-$47 what this recording and this performance, which will be backed by a four-piece band, Tickets: ticketssantafe.org represent. It is bare bones and incredibly matisyahuworld.com raw. It’s front porch. Matisyahu draws you in lensic.org with beautifully crafted lyrics and wonderfully simple arrangements that speak to the gentle part of you. The work is careful and done very well. Releasing an acoustic record with this sort of beautiful simplicity can be a risk. It can be a giant risk. Matisyahu is willing to take that risk. As a matter of fact, he’s willing to do it bravely and with style. His work is like a song that was sung to you as a child. Line by line, every perfect line, sticking to your memory, getting buried and then taken over by the next perfect line. —Jim Phillips
Video Games
V
ideo Games is proof that a little musical innovation can go far. The group has breathed new life into our city where the music scene has been in bit of a coma for the past few years. The hip hop band’s unique vocal stylings 9p, Mon., Feb. 4 and sound bring a fresh vibe to the table. Formed Launchpad in late 2011 by high school buddies Jason Sparks 618 Central SW, and David Castello, Video Games was originally a 505.764.8887 fun side project to the guys’ other serious musical $5 endeavors. After coaxing vocalist Christopher Tickets: holdmyticket. Erickson to be a part of the project, the three of com them began making beats and recording songs. lauchpadrocks.com After a few shows, Video Games managed to befriend the likes of Rob Ortega, aka “DJ Ohm” behind the turntables, bassist Justin De La Rosa, guitarist Nathan Candelaria, as well as drummer Sam Blankenship. Eventually the band would recruit Nicolas Sucre of “Mic Deli” to fill the void of Castello, who left the band to pursue his education. The group has quickly gained popularity around town, playing alongside acts such as Flowbots and Awol One. This show is designed to raise money for their first album. You can find their music on soundcloud.com, reverbnation.com and on Facebook. —Todd Rohde WITH MIC DELI, MUSIC IS THE ENEMY, TRAVIS JOEL AND OMEN 20012
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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ARTS
ART S E V E NT S
SUBMIT TO LOC A L iQ The next deadline is Feb. 8 for the Feb. 14 issue. SEND ENTRIES TO: calendar@local-iQ.com f: 888.520.9711 a: PO Box 7490 ABQ., N.M. 87194 Name of Exhibit/Event Description of exhibit/event VENUE/GALLERY ADDRESS website List events any time @ local-iQ.com
Events are always 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.
THU 31 Japanese artists during the period of 1920 to 1945 were heavily influenced by the Art Deco stylings of Western and American culture. Everything from pottery to painting reflected this cultural fusion, which is made evident in the new exhibit at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.
Japanese idol
THROUGH MAR. 14: EXHIBITION
Good in the Kitchen This exhibit includes prints created at Tamarind over the past 30 years that explore the impact of the women’s movement on both male and female artists. Mulvany has selected imagery of domestic scenes with strong autobiographical content. Mon.-Fri., 9a-
New Albuquerque Museum exhibit captures period of Japanese fascination, fusion with Western culture
5p, FREE
The 1920s and 1930s witnessed Japan opening up its cultural doors to the forward-bound ithin circles of American and motion exemplified in American and Western Western culture, Japanese art is European societies, and the art of the time typically considered a stereotype period was strongly affected. The Deco Japan of its own. That stereotype collection includes a varied range of intriguing begins and ends with the sort of wispy items: paintings and woodblock prints, calligraphy that graces the yellowed pages of furniture, jewelry, sculpture and ceramics, ukiyo-e, or Japanese art prints. However, from glass creations, graphic designs, and even Feb. 9 to Apr. 23, a different kind of Japanese textiles are displayed as samples of the deco art will grace the walls of the style. The items showcased also Albuquerque Museum of Art range in intent, from high art and History, expressing the E X H I B I T forms made to be displayed to entirely modern style that mass-produced items created gained mass popularity in Deco Japan: for use in the average home. Japan during the 1920s and The exhibit does nothing if not 1930s: Deco Japan. Shaping Art envelope the Japanese spirit of This particular exhibition was and Culture, the time, as it reveals a distinct selected from the Levenson 1920 - 1945 Japanese modernism that Collection, one of the world’s Feb. 9-Apr. 21 encompasses both the spirit of most expansive collections of Albuquerque Museum the nation’s unique history and deco and modern style Japanese of Art and History its cosmopolitanism. art. It marks the first time 2000 Mountain NW, Conveyed in the exhibition, that an exhibition showcasing 505.243.7255 as well, is a sense of the very art of this combined era and $1-$4 cabq.gov/museum complex social and cultural style have ever been shown tensions that existed in Japan outside of Tokyo: an interesting during the Taisho and early fact considering the way that Showa epochs (1912-1945), Japanese deco art idolizes the as artists appear to have struggled with the other-ness of Western cultures, capitalism period of extreme change that existed in Japan and lifestyles. Deco Japan curator Kendall before and during World War II. Much of the Brown has designed a collection of nearly 200 imagery displayed in these works of art appears individual pieces that examines a period of drastic change in the Japanese viewpoint. to wash over Japanese history and traditional
FRI 1
BY SHARI TAYLOR
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culture as national and historical landmarks are blurred or left out entirely. Western ideas of modernism are sharpened and idolized in the artists’ work. Yet the Japanese spirit remains strong throughout, as even sleek, simply-designed sculptures still carry a sense of nature and traditional Japanese themes. Overall, the Japanese modernist and deco art style is a fusion of the traditional with the new: the handsome solidity of tradition meets the novelty of the “other.” Albuquerque will welcome the unveiling of Deco Japan with taiko drumming performances by New Mexico taiko and dance by the New Mexico Japanese Citizen League’s Okinawa dancers group. “Deco Japan is going to be one of the biggest events of the year,” said Cathy Wright, director of the Albuquerque Museum. “This exhibition will really immerse visitors in a unique cultural experience that they can’t get anywhere else.” With its arousing imagery and novel style, Deco Japan will engage viewers in the changeable culture that was World-War-II-era Japan. The superb craftsmanship and sophisticated design that Japanese deco art exemplifies can be found in many other countries’ version of the style, but the exhibit itself is not merely one meant to showcase pieces of art. It is a look into the transient life and society of early-20th-century Japan. The exhibit illustrates a historical period’s cultural shift as well as Western idolization from an outside perspective.
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
THE TAMARIND INSTITUTE 2500 CENTRAL SE, 505.277.3901
tamarind.unm.edu
THROUGH FEB. 24: PERFORMANCE
The Seagull Anton Chekhov’s classic play portrays a group of famous and aspiring artists gathered for a visit at a Russian country estate in the late 1900s. Beneath the surface of animated chatter and unrequited love triangles run deeper currents of artistic ambition and tormented self-doubt. Fri., Sat. 7:30p; Sun. 2p, $10-$18
THE VORTEX THEATRE 2004-1/2 CENTRAL SE, 505.247.8600
vortexabq.org OPENING RECEPTION
Cupid’s HEART Shaped Arrow This show features contemporary wall sculptures by Kent Townsend and unique jewelry by Aki Takemoto, Yukako Kojima, Mel Stiles, Kimberly Morris and Melanie Ungvarsky. Reception: 5-8p, FREE PALETTE CONTEMPORARY ART & CRAFT 7400 MONTGOMERY SUITE 22, 505.855.7777
palettecontemporary.com THOUGH FEB. 28: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
Made in Japan & More Than One Santa Fe artist Cate Goedert exhibits photographs printed on Hahnemuhle photo rag paper with archival inks, mounted on 2-inch deep panels and sealed with acrylic pours and varnishes. Also, revered ABQ artist Maria Moya displays her mixed media creations out of various ephemera. Reception: 5-8p, FREE MARIPOSA GALLERY 3500 CENTRAL SE, 505.268.6828
mariposa-gallery.com
ARTS
OPE NI N G S/ PER F O R M A NC E S OPEN HOUSE
OPENING RECEPTION
The Art is in the Details, Pottery by Wallace Nez Wallace Nez is unique for his intricate carved, incised and painted designs that decorate his hand built pots. His delicate, detailed painting is done with paints he makes himself from natural clay and native plants.
Calvin Toddy Exhibition Southwest cowhands ride the range in summer dust and winter chill. Come to the reception, meet Calvin Toddy, and sip refreshments. Reception: 5:30-8p, FREE
Johns’ Western Gallery
Reception: 5-8:30p, FREE
4009 CENTRAL NE, 505.246.2414 JOHNSWESTERNGALLERY.COM
wrightsgallery.com
THROUGH MAR. 8: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
WRIGHT’S INDIAN ART 2677 LOUISIANA NE, 505.266.0120
RECEPTION
Art In Any Form This exhibit will be featuring photography by James Janis, clay art by Marilu Tejero and dichroic glass jewelry by the gallery’s newest artist, Rita Pongetti. The gallery offers oils, water media, acrylics, photography, pastels, fiber art and more by established NM artists. Reception: 5-8:30p, FREE THE GALLERY ABQ 8210 MENAUL NE, 505.292.9333
Loved to Death The exhibition features new oil paintings by emerging local artist Maureen McCaffrey Hendrick. Hendrick’s colorful conceptual still life narrative’s painted in classical detail, invoke a sense of poignant reflection. This body conveys apparent contradictions on truth and beauty. Reception: 5-8p, FREE PARK FINE ART 20 FIRST PLAZA NW, 505.764.1900
parkfineart.com
New Featured Artists Be sure to stop by Hotel Andaluz to check out the featured artists’ work on the Mezzanine. Featured artists include Marta Light, Patricia Forbes and Ricardo ChavezMendez. All Evening, FREE HOTEL ANDALUZ (MEZZANINE LEVEL) 125 2ND NW, 505.346.0011
hotelandaluz.com
Well Red An exhibit displaying the power and passion of the color red. Works are in any medium and explore the myth, meaning, or feeling surrounding the color red. The subject matter is open but pieces are dominated by red hues. Reception: 5-8p, FREE
THROUGH FEB. 24: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
Valentines: Romance, Hearts & Flowers Bruk Dunbar, known for her ceramic hearts, has been invited to be the Valentine guest artist. Other gallery artists participating in the 2013 Valentine Show include Ann Dunbar, Angus Macpherson, Frank McCulloch, Jeannie Sellmer, Suzanne Visor, Marjie Bassler, Caroline Koons, David Snow, Dawn Estrin, Dan Garrett, Mae Crauder Davis and Patti Fox. Reception: 5-9p, FREE
THROUGH FEB. 22: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
OFFCENTER COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT 808 PARK SW, 505.247.1172
offcenterarts.org OPENING
On a Thread of Memory Leich Lathrop presents Carol Sanchez’ On a Thread of a Memory, a series of “Organic Abstractions” inspired by nature. Sanchez works in an intuitive nonlinear fashion, almost in a state of chaos. Her works are the order that comes out of this chaos. 5-7:30p, FREE
SUMNER & DENE 517 CENTRAL NW, 505.842.1400
LEICH LATHROP GALLERY 323 ROMERO NW, SUITE 1, 505.243.3059
sumnerdene.com
leichlathropgallery.blogspot.com
OPENING RECEPTION
ArtStreet’s Annual Recycled Heart Show and Judith Gregoire presented by Leigh Scariano: Comfort in Impermanence: The Works of Judith Gregoire. 6-8p, FREE HARWOOD ART CENTER 1114 7TH NW, 505.242.6367
harwoodartcenter.org RECEPTION
New Pieces at Blackbird Gallery The gallery will feature new work from Native American contemporary modernist Farrell Cockrum of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana. Also featured will be new landscape work from Hispanic artist Robert Perea; new heishi jewelry from Gallup’s Kathy Sherman (Navajo); new cottonwood hand-carved ‘Roadrunners’ from Matthew Yellowman (Navajo); baltic amber jewelry; and new handcrafted pottery from Kathryn Blackmun (Santa Fe) will be highlighted. 5-8p, FREE
BLACKBIRD GALLERY 323 ROMERO NW, STE.16, 505.243.9525
blackbirdgallery.biz
THROUGH FEB. 23: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
Perspective Lesson – A Retrospective by Philip Peterson Almost 80 years of age, Phil Peterson will show selected paintings and prints from the 1950s to the present. Reception: 5-8p, FREE
MATRIX FINE ART 3812 CENTRAL SE, SUITE 100 A, 505.268.8952
matrixfineart.com THROUGH FEB. 23: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
Japanese Masters in Printmaking A unique exhibition featuring four different Japanese printmakers who are rising stars in Japan, including Ando Shinji’s botanical etchings, Takahiko Hayashi’s etchings, Arie Furumoto’s abstracts and Ikuta Koji’s black and white mezzotints. Reception: 5-8p, FREE
NEW GROUNDS GALLERY 3812 CENTRAL SE, STE. 100 B, 505.268.8952
newgroundsgallery.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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OP E N I N G S/ P E R F O R M A NC E S CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 THROUGH FEB. 28: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
Plein Air Friends Seven local artists painted during a workshop at Ghost Ranch. These talented individuals have created a portfolio of new pastel and oil paintings. The title is born out of the desire and necessity to render the geographic uniqueness of the Abiquiu area. Reception: 5-8p, FREE
FRAMING CONCEPTS GALLERY 5809 JUAN TABO NE, 505.294.3246
framingconceptsgallery.com THROUGH FEB. 28: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
Neil Smith (1933-2012) Retrospective Neil Smith painted what he felt in abstract forms. His later work took on a minimalist perspective. Reception: 5p, FREE
PRINTMAKERS STUDIO & GALLERY 425 SAN MATEO NE, 505.922.8983
nbsmithart.com THROUGH FEB. 28: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
Feng Shui Plus, the Fine Art Tapestries of Donna Loraine Contractor “Feng Shui Plus” features works from Contractor’s beloved series, as well as pieces from her Universal Language cycle focusing on visual representation of mathematical proofs. Ever inspired by geometric and scientific constructs, the tapestries in this exhibition contrast Eastern and Western views on common concepts. Reception: 5p, FREE WEYRICH GALLERY 2935-D LOUISIANA NE, 505.883.7410
SAT 2 THROUGH MAR. 31: RECEPTION/ EXHIBITION
First Sat. Reception Work includes recent paintings from Mel Johnson and group shows. Reception 2-5p, FREE
JOHNSONS OF MADRID GALLERIES 2843 HWY 14 N, MADRID, 505.471.1054
visitmadridnm.com
MON 4 Director Lecture The Director of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, Blandine Chavanne, will talk about the longdistance collaboration between French experimental writer Michel Butor and École de Paris abstract painter and poet, Camille Bryen that took place in the early 70’s when Butor was living in NM and teaching at the (then named) University of Albuquerque. 6p, $5-$10
THE SANTA FE ART INSTITUTE 1600 ST. MICHAEL’S, SANTA FE, 505.434.5050
sfai.org
THU 7 FILM
She Had Some Horses A screening of the film with the director, Donna Wells, and Corrales horse photographer Lynne Pomeranz in attendance. The Film is about the heart-felt connection between women and horses. 6:30p, FREE
ESTHER BONE MEMORIAL LIBRARY 950 PINETREE SE, RIO RANCHO, 505.891.5012
THROUGH FEB. 17: PERFORMANCE
Duke City Repertory Theatre’s Poe by Dr. John Hardy Take a journey into the mind of the father of American horror and seek to answer the question: Who is Edgar Allan Poe? Poe masterfully weaves the life of the writer and two of his works, “William Wilson” and “The Telltale Heart” into an electrifying look at the legendary master of macabre and mystery. Part thriller, part history lesson, this fierce and energetic production is sure to mesmerize audiences of all ages. Thur-Sat. 8p, Sun. 2p, $5-$20
THE FILLING STATION 1024 4TH SW, 505.797.7081
dukecity.wix.com/poefestival
FRI 8
B O O K S / REA DI NGS
THROUGH MAR. 29: EXHIBITION
FRI 1
MON 4
ONGOING
BOOK CLUB
Levitation A selection of photographs by Japanese artist Natsumi Hayashi. In this series, Hayashi captivates her audience and suspends belief in the understanding of the Earth’s gravitational pull. Each levitating self portrait uses familiar places in her daily life as the setting for her floating narrative. FREE RICHARD LEVY GALLERY 514 CENTRAL SW, 505.766.9888
levygallery.com
SAT 9 THROUGH FEB. 10: WORKSHOP
Guitar Literacy for Songwriters with Bruce Dunlap Guitar Literacy for Songwriters is an in-depth guitar weekend for advancing songwriters of all levels, all styles from advanced beginner to pro. Noon-4p, $100 for 2-day workshop
GIG PERFORMANCE SPACE 1808 2ND, SANTA FE
brucedunlap.com THROUGH MAY 5: EXHIBITION
Red Willow: Portraits of a Town/Social Realism and the Harwood Suite The exhibitions tell the stories of some of Northern NM’s most interesting people. $8-$10 THE HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART 238 LEDOUX, TAOS, 575.758.9826
harwoodmuseum.org “Bawdy and Soul” A PreValentine’s Day Cabaret A naughty cabaret performance with Dianna Hughes and Patty Stephens. 7:30p, $18 SANDIA PREP THEATER 532 OSUNA NE, 505.920.2817
bawdyandsoul.com
MON 11 NM on the Eve of American Occupation Don Bullis to Lecture on “NM on the Eve of American Occupation.” 2p, FREE-$10
MUSEUM OF SPANISH COLONIAL ART 750 CAMINO LEJO, SANTA FE, 505.982.2226
spanishcolonial.org
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First Sat. of every month Self-Published Book Fair Authors are invited to bring their books to promote independently and sell. This excellent networking opportunity occurs the first Sat. of every month. 3-5p, FREE PAGE ONE BOOKSTORE 11018 MONTGOMERY NE, 505.294.2026
page1book.com
SAT 2 BOOK TALK
C.S. Merrill talks about her new UNM Press book Weekends with O’Keeffe. In 1973, Georgia O’Keeffe employed young poet C.S. Merrill to catalog her library for her estate. Merrill was a 26 year-old graduate student at UNM, and O’Keeffe was 85, almost blind, and still painting. For more than seven years, Merrill provided secretarial assistance, cooking, and personal care for O’Keeffe, and her journals reveal details of the daily life of the artist. The book features sketches of O’Keeffe’s studio and accounts of the artist’s visitors, among them Eliot Porter, Allen Ginsberg, and Peter Orlovsky. 3p, FREE BOOKWORKS 4022 RIO GRANDE NW, 505.344.8139
bkwrks.com
SUN 3 BOOK SIGNING
Nadia Seluga, Far From My Home, Never to Return: A Polish Child’s WWII Memoir Nadia Seluga talks about her experiences under Sovietdominated Eastern Poland. Seluga chronicles the dire peril and adversity endured and suffered by a Polish family through the eyes of a young Nadia Bogdaniec, an eight-year-old girl who witnesses the Soviets deporting Polish Jews to deadly labor camps. 3p, FREE BOOKWORKS 4022 RIO GRANDE NW, 505.344.8139
bkwrks.com
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Vamos a Leer is a Spanishlanguage educators’ book club that is open to the public. For the month of February the book club selection is Estrella’s Quinceñera by Malín Alegria. 6:30p, FREE BOOKWORKS 4022 RIO GRANDE NW, 505.344.8139
bkwrks.com
THU 7 Poet Book Launch ABQ poet John Tritica launches his new book of poetry Standing in Astonishment (La Alameda Press). ABQ Slams Master and National Poetry Slam champion Damien Flores will introduce his former teacher. Standing in Astonishment is grounded in the bedrock solidity of life lived in the high desert, the angle of the light, reflections on mortality, and the desire to “sign bloom compose.” 7p, FREE BOOKWORKS 4022 RIO GRANDE NW, 505.344.8139
bkwrks.com
SAT 9 BOOK SIGNING & LUNCHEON
BJ Jones, author of Food, Fun, Family and Friends - Proven menus, recipes, shopping lists and preparation timelines for entertaining at home will join the Green House Bistro and Bakery for a book signing and luncheon. Tickets include a signed copy of the cookbook, a three-course lunch prepared from her recipes, and a lively discussion on Jones’ passion for cooking, entertaining and the development of the cookbook. 10:30a-1p, $35
THE GREEN HOUSE BISTRO 5 THOMAS ROAD, LOS LUNAS, 505.866.1936
greenhousebistro.com
BOOK READING AND SIGNING
Joanne Bodin, “Walking Fish and Piggybacked” Joanne Bodin will speak about and sign copies of her titles. Noon, FREE
UNM BOOKSTORE 2301 CENTRAL NE, 505.277.7473
unm.edu BOOK DISCUSSION
Kathy Flynn, Public Art and Architecture in New Mexico Kathy Flynn explores NM’s unique landscapes with a talk about her new book. This book will give directions to NM’s amazing New Deal treasures and to buildings and bridges, murals and sculptures, paintings and people who made them. 3p, FREE BOOKWORKS 4022 RIO GRANDE NW, 505.344.8139
bkwrks.com
SUN 10 BOOK TALK
“Sun, Sticks, and Mud” authors Bart Kaltenbach and Barbara Anschel explore 1,000 years of earth building in the Desert Southwest in more than 400 color photos, travel journals, and essays. Documenting the fascinating regional architecture of earth building, this book presents the history as well as the future use of mud as a sustainable material for energy efficient building design. 3p, FREE
BOOKWORKS 4022 RIO GRANDE NW, 505.344.8139
bkwrks.com
TUE 12 BOOK SIGNING
Norman Crowe, John McHugh Travel Sketches Norma Crowe will speak about and sign copies of his book. 3:30p, FREE
UNM BOOKSTORE 2301 CENTRAL NE, 505.277.7473
unm.edu
smart ARTS
Natsumi Hayashi: Levitations Feb. 8- Mar. 29 Reception: 6p, Sat., Mar. 9
N
atsumi Hayashi is not your typical photographer. She makes her own rules, and defies those already in place. I’m talking about gravity. Alright, maybe she doesn’t defy gravity, but her Richard Levy Gallery photographs sure make it look like she 514 Central SW, 505.766.9888 does. Usually when photographers take levygallery.com “jump shots,” they end up looking forced and awkward. Hayashi’s take on the technique is much different; more elegant, graceful and natural looking poses. The Japanese photographer uses cameras with shutter speeds faster than 1/500 of a second, in order to capture her unique Levitations photos. Her creative style has gained her great popularity throughout Japan and now the Richard Levy Gallery is proud to spread her popularity to the Duke City. The exhibition presents stunning visuals of Hayashi as she goes about her daily routine, floating and gliding about the city. Be sure to catch this inspiring event, as it is Hayashi’s first exhibit in the United States. —Todd Rohde
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hough acting and theater work are very much a part of Joanne Camp Sobel’s life — her New York acting career is peppered with prestigious awards and nominations for her The Vortex Theatre catalogue of over 50 classical theater productions, 2004-1/2 Central SE, film and TV — the Albuquerque transplant has 505.247.8600 yet to try her hand at directing the stage. Camp Sobel’s directing debut takes a theme close to $18 home: that of the soulful artist in Anton Chekhov’s vortexabq.org 1895 play The Seagull. The play is one of Chekhov’s four major plays, and it paints a vivid image of the human condition via Russia’s landowning class prior to the social revolutions of the 20th century. The Seagull is particular in its attention to the self-doubt and artistic despair that exist simultaneously within any artist. It is this aspect of the play that Sobel seeks to bring out in the play. Sobel sees the artist as a fragile being, one that (like the seagull of the title) can soar high ... and be shot down. Her production of the play will focus on the underlying theatricality of the seemingly one-dimensional character dynamic, bringing out the internal emotional currents that exist just under the surface of artists, and in humanity. —Shari Taylor
The Seagull 7:30p, Fri.-Sat.; 2p, Sun., Feb. 1-24
New Mexico Film Festival 9a, Fri., Feb. 8
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hatever the politics of the day or the latest permutation of state film industry incentives, New Mexico’s status as a destination for movie productions has endured UNM Valencia, Los for decades. The New Mexico Film Festival, now Lunas, 505.925.8600 in its second year, aims to celebrate that fact, and FREE this year’s event also seeks to put a spotlight on all the New Mexico-centric talent working in the local movie industry today. Screenings will include the documentary Milagro Man, about Taos author John Nichols, and Nichols himself will attend to take part in a panel discussion about film and New Mexico (other panelists include Ann Lerner of the Albuquerque Film Office, Breaking Bad camera operator Brandy Mantano and New Mexico stuntman Jay Torrez, to name just a few participants). The Robert Redford made-in-New-Mexico Milagro Beanfield War, based on the Nichols book, will be shown, as will Dennis Hopper’s Easy Rider and its 21st century tribute version Road Kings. Various shorts, excepts and Q-and-A sessions are also on tap. This fledgling film festival promises an illuminating and enriching full day of New Mexico-focused film and discussion. —Mike English
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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FILM
FILM SHORTS BY JEFF BERG
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his rather The Rabbi’s Cat disappointing DIRECTED BY JOANN SFAR but well-animated 4:30, 6:30, 8:30p, Feb. picture that takes 11-16 place in 1930s Guild Cinema Algeria, features 3405 Central NE, a talking (and 505.255.1848 rather political) guildcinema.com cat. The film gkids.tv/rabbiscat gently embraces several stories and cultures, and follows the travels of a bar mitzvahdemanding feline and an odd assortment of humans. All of them are searching for a fabled African Jerusalem, supposedly the homeland of all blacks and Jews. Confusing but well-meaning.
Emmanuelle Riva plays Anne and Jean-Louis Tristignant her longtime husband Georges in the Oscar-nominated film Amour, which explores themes of enduring love and entrapment.
All things must pass A loving elderly couple ensnared by death, the focus of Michael Haneke’s highly acclaimed Amour BY JEFF BERG
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ichael Haneke, the often-lauded Austrian born director of Amour, has been a favorite of cinephiles and critics for some time now. With the exception of a remake of his own movie, Funny Games, his recent films, The Piano Teacher, Time of the Wolf, Cache and The White Ribbon, has brought his name to the forefront of those who don’t mind “reading” their movies (i.e. can appreciate subtitles). This, his newest effort, continues a theme that I have noticed in all of the above-mentioned pictures, that of entrapment. Piano Teacher was the story of as student who was hopelessly in love REVIEW with his masochistic piano teacher. Time of the Wolf is a slightly futuristic Amour piece about a family who finds their DIRECTED BY MICHAEL home taken over by strangers during HANEKE an unspoken global crisis. White Opens Feb. 8 Ribbon was about a young man Call for show times ensnared in a cruel family. You get my CCA point. 1050 Old Pecos Trail, Amour, filmed mostly in the apartment Santa Fe, 505.982.1338 ccasantafe.org of the elderly couple who are the focus sonyclassics.com/amour of the film, gives an extra dose of claustrophobia to something that few of us care to face: death. We more or less know that will be the subject of the film from the first scene, which shows rescue personnel breaking into a tidy but older Paris apartment, after being informed of the suspicion of death. And that is what they find, surrounded by drooping flowers. It is the body of Anne, the octogenarian wife of Georges, her longtime loving husband and fellow music teacher. Haneke uses flashback, but not too far back, to show what has happened. We follow the slightly privileged Anne and Georges as they enjoy their day-to-day routine and their retirement and their continued
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love of music. It is a treat to watch this loving couple as they tend to the things at hand, rather than having to be concerned about the future. But again, in true Haneke form, something very small happens, so small that not even Georges notices it at first when it happens one day at the breakfast table. Anne has a minor stroke. She is frozen in time, but so briefly that she barely notices it herself upon her “return.” However, it is the beginning of the end of an honest, strong love. Often part of an audience himself, Georges becomes one again as he watches Anne’s health and well-being slowly diminish. In spite of his loving help and patience, there is nothing he can really do but watch as she becomes less and less able to fend for herself, dissolving into a sad muttering morass after 80 some years of intelligence, honesty and beauty. She is trapped in a body that won’t function. Georges is trapped in his world of loss. Amour is aptly titled, but is not for those who like or expect that they will be witnessing a ‘movie of the week’ sort of presentation. This film is anything but, with the performances by Emmanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintignant, both of whom are well known in France but rarely seen in the U.S., as riveting as they could be. Longtime Haneke collaborator Isabelle Huppert, always smart, adds a strong supporting performance as the couple’s daughter. Amour has pulled off a number of amazing awards fetes, including being nominated for “Best Picture” and “Best Foreign Language Film” for this year’s Oscars, with Haneke receiving a nod for “Best Director” and “Best Screenplay,” and Riva for “Best Actress” as well. It won the Palme d’ Or at Cannes this year, along with a Golden Globe for “Best Foreign Film.” Impressive. But what was missing in the film? For me, I found the story to be too often told. Although refreshed and revived by Haneke, Riva and Trintignant, I still found the tale to be one I’ve seen a bit too often, and sometimes better told, especially in the amazing 1937 U.S. film Make Way for Tomorrow. Although slightly different in story, that film in particular felt stronger and more realistic. Be that as it may, Amour is an outstanding picture in its own right, one that should bring home a ring of reality to most of us.
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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The Sun Never Sets ewspapers are not DIRECTED BY BEN DAITZ dead, contrary to 12.30p, Feb. 9 popular belief, Guild Cinema as you’ll see in 3405 Central NE, this detailed 505.255.1848 documentary guildcinema.com about one of the newdealfilms.com/ most inimitable documentaries/the-sunweekly papers in never-sets the country, the Espanola-based Rio Grande Sun. Director Ben Daitz does a great job of covering what this enterprising and forceful paper does, which is to uncover the ongoing crime, graft and nonsense that takes place in Rio Arriba County. Interesting and smart.
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NM’s Student Sin Fronteras Organization Film Festival for Latin American Feb. 2 Studies has Guild Cinema teamed up with 3405 Central NE, Guild Cinema to 505.255.1848 present a full day of guildcinema.com Spanish language unmsinfronteras. films from Chile, wordpress.com Mexico, Peru and Bolivia. There will be two documentaries (note: the first film will be shown at the Southwest Film Center at UNM on Feb. 1) and three features, including the outstanding and little seen Even the Rain, which stars Gael Garcia Bernal. Organizer Jeremy Falson noted, “We are interested in sharing Latin American cinema with the academic community of UNM and greater population of Albuquerque. We want to show informative films that provide a window into the artistic perspective of Latin American reality and creativity.”
PLANET WAVES ARIES (MAR. 20-APR. 19) You may find yourself drawn into social environments, though I suggest you spend only as much time there as it takes to meet your objective. That might include meeting the one person you were “supposed” to meet, having one conversation, making a cameo, or hanging out in the back room during your own party. Besides that the social realm can be a waste of time, energy and aspiration, you need to be careful of group dynamics, and conscious when you’re in their midst. Don’t surrender your power to a group. Also small shifts in trajectory will take you in different directions than you’re currently moving, and it’s necessary to be aware of that change. Anyway, you have deeper pleasures waiting for you than those you can have in public. Part of creating that will involve setting up the proper environment; a kind of world apart. Make sure your home is prepared, with various libations and the implements of pleasure (soft lighting, clean sheets, phones disconnected, suitable music) and then go with the flow. TAURUS (APR. 19-MAY 20) Your charts indicate unusual progress in your career, though if you’re part of an organization, remember you’re not in this alone. Actually, your real success is about being a positive, professional influence on people and the creative flow. You understand the nature of how actions become consequences, and the ways that process can be intervened in to create better outcomes. However, the theme of this moment is that it’s not all about you; in connecting with that, you may discover a realm of personal satisfaction you’ve never felt before. Many people fear they will have to “give themselves up” to be part of something larger than they are. Your current astrology is about discovering and engaging who you are, within a context. If you use your sense of perspective and maturity to see that context, you may notice you have the sensation of being a visitor, not just to this situation but to the world itself. The nice thing about being a visitor is you can exchange ownership for stewardship. I think you will like it. GEMINI (MAY 20-JUN. 21) Your chart indicates the possibility of a breakthrough, particularly in matters where your creative and work life intersect. However, if you are not impeccable on matters of communication, that will come back to you. Therefore, make sure your intentions are aligned with your words. I suggest you be careful about any tendency you have to change your mind. I know that change is in the nature of the universe and you in particular have a mental state that’s constantly on the move. However, you and the people around you will benefit from your consistency through any brief phase of doubt, challenge or adversity. Being a pro means sticking with things through moments of uncertainty, and being true to your vision. Therefore, trust your original intentions and honor your original commitment, at least through the Mercury retrograde from Feb. 21 through March 17. Although you may have the sensation of swimming upstream during this retrograde, the real rewards are on the other side of it, if you give yourself the gift of consistency. CANCER (JUN. 21-JUL. 22) Some of the most appealing people you meet in the coming weeks will resemble you the least. As a Cancerian, familiarity is something you treasure. However, I suggest you place an enhanced value on what is different, interesting and which challenges your emotional perspective, sidestepping any urge to make a “permanent” bond with someone at this point. The wheel of your life is spinning pretty quickly, and there’s no telling where it will stop. This is a good time to place a high value on your freedom of movement and freedom to choose. Leave your options open; don’t allow social pressure to force you into a commitment you don’t feel right about. It’s not always obvious when these kinds of influences are applied, or when we’re falling for them; pay careful attention. The idea here, as I’ve suggested, is to leave some options open for the near future, when many other options are likely
by Eric Francis • planetwaves. net to manifest. You’re likely to discover that you can have worthwhile experiences in the moment, without clinging to them. LEO (JUL. 22-AUG. 23) Don’t be too hard on yourself and make sure you depend on others to take care of you as much as you take care of them. However, don’t expect anyone to read your mind; be clear about what you want and need. This may bring up various questions of whether your environment really is friendly, whether you can trust people to support you — most of which are relics from ancient history. It can be challenging to see these relics for what they are, as they show up in consciousness as something real and immediate. It’s not always obvious that they are a memory fragment bubbling to the surface, pretending to be real. The thing to watch out for is projection: for example, ascribing your own fears to someone else. If anything gets in the way of an authentic exchange, check for projection. If you can keep this boundary clear, an unusual alignment around the 10th may represent a meaningful turning point not just in one relationship but in how you experience all relationships. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP. 22) The planets seem aligned to reveal just how much someone in your life means to you, despite challenges in the relationship. It will be helpful if you use your intuition and anticipate someone’s needs in advance — or remember where they are coming from. It’s not up to you to fix anyone, but it will serve both your purposes and theirs if you hold open the space for their emotional process. This may feel like you’re going against the grain of your personality, though that’s exactly what you need to do for the benefit of making space for your own emotional process. By offering empathy to someone you care about, you’re learning to offer empathy to yourself; you cannot give what you do not have. In this situation, trust will be one of the most meaningful forms of empathy, including allowing someone to change their mind without deciding they are trying to deceive you. I don’t think that’s true; there are deep, potentially ambiguous feelings involved. This does’nt dampen your love in any way. LIBRA (SEP. 22-OCT. 23) Your creativity may, at the moment, be in service of something else besides your personal creative aspirations. From the look of your chart, that could work well, as a way of deepening your talent, establishing yourself professionally and as a satisfying way to express yourself. Creativity is often confused with something personal. You are currently playing a pivotal role within an organization or group structure; your devotion provides stability to guide others through various challenges. This is a situation where the more you put in, the more you will get back. If you maintain awareness of certain challenges inherent in human nature, you will see the way those challenges can be subverted or resolved through creative thinking. You seem to have ideas that are ahead of the crowd, and I suggest you not hold back. Say what you’re thinking. Be clear when you notice a problem, even if you don’t have a solution; mere acknowledgment of the issue will set the creative process into motion. But that’s not enough; make sure you follow through.
UNIVERSAL CROSSWORD
all may be true, and you can still offer your life to the improvement of the human condition, starting with the people you care about the most. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 22) What you think and how you feel are related, though they are two different things. Listen to your thoughts and feelings and you’ll get a dialog going, and get closer to your personal truth. If you can reach that level of awareness, you will discover that it’s a lot easier to get along with others. Once you have that inner dialog going, it becomes easier to set priorities that apply in both your inner and outer worlds. You are currently in contact with what is a significant professional goal. You may doubt your ability to fulfill this one, and it tends to appear and then disappear from your radar. This particular goal may seem to fade away, though that’s an illusion; it will be back, and I would urge you to focus on it even when it’s not a priority knocking on your head. Part of the sense of relief of not having it annoy you is the feeling of not being up to the task; I assure you that is not true. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 20) You have a rare opportunity to take a step toward increased revenue from your profession; this is a matter of intention, discipline and structure. I recommend anyone serious about earning money from professional activities get a professional accountant on their team. Money flows toward purpose, and this is a time to focus your purpose; it is time to get real. That’s part of honoring the fact that things take time to develop and generally do not develop “on their own.” What you are doing seems to require planning, as well as cooperation and the cultivation of a niche market. It also seems to depend on the involvement of others with more experience than you. To benefit from that knowledge, you will need to open the side of your mind not inquisitive for its own sake, but rather focused on learning toward a specific goal. This is a new method of gaining understanding, one that may make you feel submissive to your subject matter. I would rate that as a positive development. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 19) Remember what is meaningful to you. You might forget, or take it for granted. Who and what you value and what ideas you hold dear are worth not only contemplating, but acting on. Love is an active process, though what you crave is love in action. This is not a magical process, but a human experience of making your way through an uncertain world. In this spirit, failure is a means to success. Willingness to make mistakes is an element of what is called “correct action” that can lead to a wholesome destination. You are a person who loves ideas, though engaging in being a creature of blood, flesh and feelings, is essential to your participation in the human family. Spirit is our home, though you are an incarnation, and that has a purpose — to embrace the complexities of existence rather than avoid them, including what you care deeply about but which challenges you. You may have thought of this before; now is a poignant moment to get it from theory to reality.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MAR. 20) An unusual alignment is gathering in your sign, which indicates a special time in SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 22) your life. Find a balance between moving You’re headed for passion, though you’ve with the flow and guiding yourself toward likely already noticed this. Pisces, one of the the destinations you choose. You may be most dependable sources of pleasure in tempted when pushing the river seems like your life, is gradually filling up with planets, the thing to do, or when drifting seems like which will soon reach a peak. You may the thing to do; consider this consciously find yourself taking emotional and erotic so you do the right thing at the right time. risks you’ve only dreamed of. This is a Mars, Mercury and Chiron in your sign healthy, creative place to hang out. A word are saying focus on what you want to of caution though: a potentially slippery create. You’re in one of the most workable aspect of emotional communication may environments ever, with lavish resources appear late in the month. You will be available. Rather than getting caught in able to help matters considerably with the opinions of others, take what they say your willingness to listen, and to really under advisement without any obligation. understand where someone is coming The complications of others are not from. Remember you have more flexibility yours, and you provide plenty of guidance than you credit yourself for, and more than merely by being yourself. By the time the you generally like to offer. The pleasure Sun ingresses your sign on the 19th, you you may share in this time of your life is a will feel the strength of your presence on luxury and a privilege, though some would the planet, and recognize that you’re an say it’s a basic human need. These things attractive, creative force.
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LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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Get the errant debt collector off your back Date: Re: Acct # Your name Address
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lot of consumers are receiving collection letters for debts they have never heard of. Many times this comes from “skip tracing,” when a collector cannot find the consumer who owes them money. There are many avenues to try and locate the consumer — and in some cases get the wrong person. If you receive such a letter for collection in error, I’ve provided a letter that can be sent to the collector to get them off your back. Simply send it by certified mail, so there is proof of receipt. The collection company cannot call, write or put a remark on your consumer report until the dispute is revoked. To the right is an example of a “cease and desist” letter to debt collectors. Remember, we have free credit workshops along with free manuals on the second Saturday of each month. Until next time, good credit to you. Michael Ramos is owner and credit counselor at Credit Rescue Now, 505.899.1448, creditrescuenow.com.
The company name Address To Whom It May Concern: This will serve as your legal notice under the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to cease all communication with me in regard to the debt referenced above. Do not contact me, or any third parties, via the telephone regarding this debt. Furthermore, I formally dispute the validity of this debt. Please provide me with documentation that supports why you believe this debt belongs to me, and why you believe I owe this amount. Please send me copies of the original application for this account, any signatures associated with this, etc. The documentation you provided does not prove this debt to be mine. Again, I have never had an account with this company. You are also notified that should any adverse information be placed against my credit reports, appropriate actions will be taken under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Thank you for attention to this matter. Sincerely, Your Name
C OM M U N I T Y E VE N T S FRI 1 COMMUNITY MEDITATION
Learn an ancient sound to access the higher power within, and to experience more love in daily life. 6-6:30p, FREE ECKANKAR CENTER 2501 SAN PEDRO NE, SUITE 113, 505.265.7388
miraclesinyourlife.org
Earth From Space
This exhibit features 20 posters that feature colorful images from the swirling arms of a massive hurricane and the grid-like pattern of Kansas farmland to the triangular shadows cast by the Great Pyramids and the sinuous channels entering the Arctic Ocean. 9a-5p, $7-$8 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE & HISTORY 601 EUBANK SE, 505.245.2137
SAT 2
nuclearmuseum.org
Bookbinding for Beginners
NDI NM hosts its second Dance-AThon fundraiser; the ABQ community is invited to move to the beat and enjoy an evening of games, music, food and prizes. 5:30-8p, FREE-$10
Outreach volunteers will be teaching two simple and fun bookbinding techniques. Whether your are an avid bookbinder, or have never made a book yourself, this is a unique opportunity to learn something new and easy. 10-Noon, FREE ESTHER BONE MEMORIAL LIBRARY 950 PINETREE SE, RIO RANCHO, 505.891.5012
ci.rio-rancho.nm.us PANEL DISCUSSION
Theatre Lovers Community, an arm of the ABQ Theatre Guild, presents a panel discussion by talented and notable local theater costumers. Learn how these sorcerers of the sewing needle get their inspiration and experience. 1:30-3:30p, $13 MUSICAL THEATRE SOUTHWEST’S CENTER FOR THEATRE 6320-B DOMINGO NE, 505.265.9119
abqtheatre.org
THROUGH FEB. 3
Festival
NM’s only skibike festival, the 2013 SkiBikeFun SkiBike Rally takes place exclusively at Sipapu, located 20 miles southeast of Taos. The weekend event includes free demos from a variety of skibike manufacturers, free clinics and mountain tours, meetand-greet events, races and a special skibike light parade for skibikers only. Everyone who demos a skibike is automatically entered to win one. 9a-4p, FREE SIPAPU 5224 NEW MEXICO 518, VADITO, 800587-2240
sipapunm.com
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THROUGH APR. 29: EXHIBITION
National Dance Institutes second annual Dance-A-Thon
THE HILAND 4800 CENTRAL SE,505.340.0206
give2danceathon.com
Micro Brew-Ski Saturday
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is proud to host Ska Brewing Company and Wasatch Beers. Brewery reps will be pouring samples and giving out swag. 4-6p, FREE SIPAPU 5224 NEW MEXICO 518, VADITO, 800.587.2240
sipapunm.com
SAT 9
SUN 10
WORKSHOP
Local Love Bazar Shopping
Food For Thought: Eating Well On A Budget w/ Sesame Street
This workshop is designed by Sesame Street, to help communicate with families facing limited food choices, and to offer positive steps to help you and the families you serve stay healthy. 10a-Noon, FREE. RSVP Required. PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL 1100 CENTRAL SE, 505.277.4087
newmexicopbs.org
Make Your Own Valentine’s Cards
Hosted by the Community Outreach Volunteers of the Rio Rancho Art Association, this event will give an opportunity to craft cards. 10aNoon, FREE CAFE BELLA COFFEE 2115 GOLF COURSE SE #102, RIO RANCHO
rraausa.org
Jeweled Bookmark Workshop Emily S. Watson will teach a class for adults showing how to make a beaded shepherd hook bookmark that participants may keep.
The workshop is free and supplies will be provided, but space is limited and registration is required. 10:30aNoon, FREE LOMA COLORADO MAIN LIBRARY LOMA COLORADO NE, 505.891.5012
SUN 3
ci.rio-rancho.nm.us
Fifth Annual Soup-R-Bowl Party
Jan Zimmerman, owner of local businesses Sandia Consulting Group and Watermelon Mountain Web Marketing, will talk on “niche social media marketing” and to promote her newest non-fiction book, Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition. 3p, FREE
This event is to benefit the UNM-VC Scholarship Fund. Handmade bowls are for sale at the Tome Gallery. A $10 purchase of a bowl includes all the homemade soups, breads and dessert you can eat. 11a-2p, FREE/$10 THOME DOMINGUEZ COMMUNITY CENTER 2900 HWY 47, 505.565.0556
FRI 8 COMMUNITY MEDITATION
Learn an ancient sound to access the higher power within, and to experience more love in daily life. 10:0010:30a, FREE HIGHLAND SENIOR CENTER 131 MONROE NE, 505.265.7388
miraclesinyourlife.org
LOCAL iQ | ALBUQUERQUE’S INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE | JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Local Marketing Consultant Talks
PAGE ONE BOOKSTORE 11018 MONTGOMERY NE, 505.294.2026
page1book.com
Basket Weaving for Kids
This workshop is designed for children aged 8-12 who would like to weave or learn to weave baskets using materials like raffia, telephone wires, reeds, ribbon and yard. 9:30aNoon, FREE
LOMA COLORADO LIBRARY 755 LOMA COLORADO NE, RIO RANCHO, 505.891.5013
ci.rio-rancho.nm.us
Join local artisans as they show Valentine’s wares for him and her. Kei & Molly Textiles will host this event. Food and wine. Items for sale will be for an adult audience. 3-5p, FREE KEI & MOLLY TEXTILES 5321 ACOMA SE, 505.554.7062
keiandmolly.com
TUE 12 Poetry Open Mic Night Hosted by Kenneth P. Gurney and local poets of NM. Sign up for the open mic session begins at 6:45PM. 6:45p, FREE PAGE ONE BOOKSTORE 11018 MONTGOMERY NE, 505.294.2026
page1book.com LECTURE
Elections Have Consequences, but Who Could Have Guessed This? Gene Grant, host and commentator from NM in Focus, will appear for a lecture. 6:30p, FREE ESTHER BONE MEMORIAL LIBRARY 950 PINETREE SE, RIO RANCHO, 505.891.5012
ci.rio-rancho.nm.us
WED 13 Free Acupuncture
In celebration of their anniversary Community Acupuncture ABQ will be offering free acupuncture. 1-5:30p, FREE. Reservation required. COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE ALBUQUERQUE 2509 VERMONT NE A2, 505.266.2606
CommAcupAbq.org
Poe Fest: Po(e)p Quiz
Part of Blackout and Duke City Rep’s Poe festival; a night of Edgar Allan Poe themed trivia, prizes and brewskies! 7p, FREE NEXUS BREWERY 4720 PAN AMERICAN
dukecity.wix.com/poefestival ONGOING
ABQ Newcomers’ Club Welcome Coffee
An opportunity to learn of the Clubs’ many varied activities. 10a, FREE SANDIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10704 PASEO DEL NORTE, 505.321.6970
albuquerquenewcomersclub.org