V5 / Is3
MARCH 2017
THE MAN WITH SLEIGHT OF HAND
JUSTIN WILLMAN Red Light Cameras
A FREE Publication
The Doo Wop Project
Mauricio Ramirez
www.NMEntertains.com New Mexico Entertainment • March 2017 I 1
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NME STAFF Teresa Robinson-Ewers Publisher/Editor-in-Chief NMEntertains@gmail.com Ariel Bisbee Photography & Mulitmedia Director Jan Baca Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS Winter Elise Michael Radcon Sonja Dewing NME Board Teresa Ewers Ariel Bisbee Darlene Esquibel Winter Elise Eddie Robinson Cover Photography
Jillian Sipkins SUBSCRIPTIONS New Mexico Entertainment magazine is $24 a year within the Continental United States. Please place your order online at www.NMEntertains.com. Please note the first issue will take 4-6 weeks. All events submissions can be placed at NMEntEvents@gmail.com
4200 Silver Avenue SE, Suite C Albuquerque, NM 87108 505.450.4706
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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: THE DOO WOP PROJECT
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ith their tight vocal harmonies, simple beats, and flawless performance, The Doo Wop Project takes audiences on a musical journey through the ‘50s and ‘60s. Not only does this New Yorkbased a cappella group perform classic doo-wop songs by artists like The Temptations and The Four Seasons, but they reinterpret modern pop songs in doo-wop style making for an evening of non-stop fun. Enjoy the songs and styles made famous by artists of the ‘50s and ‘60s with The Doo Wop Project at Popejoy Hall Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 3pm. The Doo Wop Project performs classic songs like “Since I Don’t Have You” by The Skyliners, and “Denise” by Randy & The Rainbows in addition to doo-wop interpretations of modern songs like Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” and Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” The show’s unique combination of old and new makes it a hit for audiences of all ages. Former stars of the Broadway musicals Jersey Boys and Motown The Musical perform this immersive doo-wop experience. Between songs, this five-man troupe shares backstage stories about their time on tour and their experiences
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on Broadway. Doo-wop gained popularity in barbershops and on street corners during the early 1950s eventually becoming a mainstream musical genre later that decade. Its swinglike rhythm, impeccable harmonies, and simple tunes inspired genres like rock ‘n’ roll and R&B. Traces of doowop can even be found in today’s popular music. The Doo Wop Project pays homage to the great American music that continues to influence artists today. Tickets for The Doo Wop Project are currently on sale for $51, $43, $33, and $20. Tickets can be purchased at UNM Ticket Offices at the UNM Bookstore and WisePies Arena (formerly The Pit), and select area Albertsons locations. Online purchasing is available at popejoypresents.com or unmtickets. com. To charge by phone, call (877) 664-8661 or (505) 925-5858. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling (505) 344-1779. NME *Provided by Popejoy Hall
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TURN IT UP: RED LIGHT CAMERAS
Photo © Ben Bunner Photography
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lbuquerque is a surplus of talent. One band that is overflowing in that area is Red Light Cameras. Truly making a name for themselves, Red Light’s mix of alternative party rock has left audiences wanting more. They took a moment to sit down with New Mexico Entertainment and talk about how they formed and where they see their journey leading.
the name when they met Spoon in Burt’s Tiki Lounge and were told they had a horrible band name. They became Red Light Cameras in the Winter of 2010 and never looked back. Mike left the band early on and when Kirsten left, they added Joey Gonzalez, who was a fan of the band and was referred by Kirsten to be her replacement. The band has had it’s current line-up for 4 years now.
HOW DID THE BAND COME TOGETHER? Barney Lopez and Chris Walsh grew up in Los Lunas playing music in adjacent bands with another friend named Mike Meyer. When Chris returned from college the three of them decided to start a band together called Evol Lived with with Kirsten Allard on drums. The band went on for about a year, until they decided that a female vocalist would match the music they were trying to make better. At the time, barney was in a play with Amanda Machon who was also playing in a cover band with her dad’s friends, called Little Sister. Amanda was the only one that they auditioned and it was a perfect match. They played as Evol Lived for several months, but decided to change
WHAT IS IT ABOUT MUSIC THAT DRIVES YOU? The opportunity to work creatively as a member of a collaborative team keeps it fun and energizing. We write all of our music together as opposed to a single songwriter dictating parts to the whole band. We get to express different sides of ourselves and our experiences through music - and when we are able to make a solid connection with a live audience it is one of the best community experiences we could be part of. We find music therapeutic and makes us happy. Everyday we get to play together is a good day for us.
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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND? Our music makes people dance, jump around and gets the audience excited. Amanda is a power house of vocal emotions. She can go from being really cute and light in her lyrics, to a soulful and heart-wrenching lyric from one song to the next. We like to explore different moods with our music and are not afraid of experimentation. We make a good catchy tunes though with melodies that stick in people’s minds. We work hard to make the audience have a great experience every night we play. We want our shows to be a cathartic experience. Our sounds has been described as a mix The Pixies, No Doubt, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and KC & the Sunshine Band. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE NEW MEXICO MUSIC SCENE? It has been a supportive scene for us. Fans, venues, bands, and musicians have all been extremely supportive and great to work with. Our NM fanbase has been amazing. They inspire us in our songwriting and how we think about working toward establishing a fanbase beyond the state. There is a diversity of talent here that expresses itself through so many lenses. There are a lot of musicians creating important music in every genre and we are happy we get to work with so many of them. It has been both inspiring and motivating to experience what our fellow musicians create. Albuquerque has a do-it-yourself attitude. A lot of artists are doing all this work by themselves,
which is hard, but also makes it that much better. It’s so inspiring to look at what our fellow bands are doing and we can’t wait to see more. DO YOU SEE CHALLENGES WHEN BOOKING GIGS? We are fortunate to work with really good people - booking agents, venues, promoters, and others who support us and provide new opportunities and knowledge about how the industry works and what we should be aiming for as next steps. We set goals for ourselves and then try to navigate ways in which we can achieve those goals locally, regionally, nationally, and more. Maintaining good relationships and helping other bands, agents and promoters out when we can, whether it’s by booking shows for independent acts coming through town, or making sure we spend enough money on advertising for shows demonstrates we are serious about what we are doing and respect the businesses and people who provide opportunities for us to play. WHEN ARE YOUR NEXT UPCOMING PERFORMANCES? We are going to be everywhere! We head out on tour to SXSW on March 10th-19th playing several unofficial showcases during the iconic music festival. Locally, we have a show at Low Spirits on March 31st and a show at Sister on April 23rd. We’re going to be on the road a lot this year, but we’ll always try to play Albuquerque at least once a month! NME -Teresa Ewers
“There is a diversity of talent here that expresses itself through so many lenses.” Photo © JW Photography
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COVER STORY: JUSTIN WILLMAN
“A half and half comedy/ magic mix is my sweet spot.”
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New Mexico Entertainment • March 2017
Photo by Elizabeth Caren
The man with sleight of hand
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here has always been a sense of wonder when it comes to the world of magic. No one knows that better than Justin Willman. Willman’s combination of magic and comedy has been infectious for his fans and first-time newcomers. His love of magic came from an unlikely accident. “When I was 12 I broke both of my arms in a rollerblading mishap. My doctor randomly recommended card tricks as physical therapy and I was hooked. As a kid magician starting out there was always something special about possessing this talent that could amaze adults. I think that’s where my love of magic really solidified. Since then it’s all I’ve ever known. I think we’re at a time now where our country is in the middle of a “wonder renaissance”….we need magic more than ever… technology has made us numb to wonder, we forgot how it feels to really be amazed by something. I feel like it’s my duty to help people remember what mystery feels like.” That duty became a dream and Willman had a list of talent that he strive to be like.
“Always been obsessed with Johnny Carson... he started as a magician. Steve Martin is an idol…Penn and Teller are the best in my field…all icons to me.” As Willman advanced further in his career he discovered that magic alone wasn’t workign for him. With his quick wit humor, Willman found that the combination was a winning match that blended well together. “I started as a serious magician as a teen but quickly found out that comedy was my calling. Since then a half and half comedy/magic mix is my sweet spot. Laughter is the best misdirection.” As Justin was making a name for himself, a random audition changed everything and further advanced his name in the entertainment industry. Cupcake Wars came during a time when food shows were really making the scene. Willman thought it would be a great experience, but didn’t expect what was to come. “Being a magician is a
Willman went viral when he and his wife share their first dance video and his “How they met” video in the style of Drunk History (insert).
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“I think...our country is in the middle of a “wonder renaissance”we need magic more than ever.” similar skill set to hosting. You the show speaks for itself. “It’s gotta think on your feet, build a magic show for people who suspense…Cupcake Wars was wouldn’t normally go to a a random audition that came magic show. I’m a skeptic, a along several years ago…I’m cynic, I’m tough to impress… sure we all thought it would just and I do the show I’d want be a flash in the pan, but who to see if I was in your seat. knew we were on the brink of a It’s equal parts comedy and Cupcake craze?…120 episodes magic…I feel it’s a fresh take later, I’m still recovering from on the art form that audiences the sugar high.” have never seen before.” Since then, Justin has also Justin continues to feel the become an internet sensation thrill of walking on a stage displaying his amazing sleight and bringing excitement to of hand. He has also shared the an audience that is in need spotlight with his beautiful, of mystery. He also still feel a talented wife, Jillian, with bit of nervousness when he’s their “How They Met” video about to perform. “Performing in the style of Drunk History live has never lost it’s thrill. I and sharing their “first dance” still get the butterflies, I still from their wedding where get a rush when trying out a Willman performs a levatition new bit for the first time. I act you have to see to believe. love hearing an audience laugh Willman is currently on tour their ass off one moment and with his new show, Fake Believe, then gasp in disbelief the next. and simply put, the name of It’s my happy place.” 12 I New Mexico Entertainment • March 2017
Willman found a home as host on the delicious reality show Cupcake Wars (insert).
Willman shows no signs of stopping and shared what plans are down the pipeline. “I’ve got a few magic/ comedy TV projects in the works, and always putting out new videos online that either tackle a pressing social issue, or use magic to look at the news in a new way.” With a family and thriving career, Willman looks forward for what the future has to hold. when looking at the future and what he would like his legacy to be, he looked to the future and the present. “I’d want to go down as a great magician who took the art form to uncharted territory. And who performed his greatest shows on March 17, 2017 in beautiful New Mexico.” At the age of 12, Willman found his calling and has brought the joy of magic and comedy to millions of audiences. In the harsh world we are subjected to on a daily business, Willman has the prescription we need to make it through another day. NME - Teresa Ewers
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tHE ART WORLD: MAURICIO RAMIREZ
Ramirez’s mural featured at Nob Hill Bar & Grill
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riginally from Chicago, Mauricio Ramirez is a visual artist now living in Albuquerque. HIs pieces include contemporary murals, fine art, and commercial art. His work has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC, Chicago, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Miami. Back in November, Ramirez installed his latest mural in the historic neighborhood of Nob Hill that will be featured at the Nob Hill Bar and Grill. The mural was curated by Max Baptiste of We Are This City, a local platform dedicated for artist to exhibit their work in unique venues. This mural is his 2nd large scale work featured in Albuquerque. Ramirez uses 2d design skills combine with bursts of color to create his works. “This mural features an Aztec Eagle warrior which is probably the most popular iconic images in Mexican art and I’m combining it with an updated painting style that leans towards a contemporary approach.” The project couldn’t have come at a better time with the construction underway on Route 66 for the ART Project. With the loss of trees and flowers to construction, Ramirez uses street art to ease the anxiety many locals feel about the modernization of this historic neighborhood commercial strip. Ramirez has also had the opportunity to work with actor Shia Labeouf on an Anti-Trump performance art project, where a 24-hour live-streaming camera was mounted to a wall with the message:
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“He will not divide us,” referring to President Trump. Mauricio was recently selected nationally by Vitaminwater to receive a $45,000 grant to help fuel his creative hustle. He has also created commissioned murals for the following companies, vitaminwater, Budlight, Superbowl 49, Redbull, Microsoft, and Stella Artois. Ramirez’s high-end clients include Anheuser Busch, Stella Artois, Warner Music, and Microsoft. NME -Teresa Ewers
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A shot of Ramirez and a shot of Ramirez with Shia Labeouf at a recent art project.
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