New Mexico Entertainment June 2017

V5 / Is6

JUNE 2017

THE UNSTOPPABLE

AMBER MIDTHUNDER Proving that ambition can start at a young age, Legion star and New Mexico native Amber Midthunder is making a name for herself and making us proud.

Dirty Dancing

A FREE Publication

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The Despots

New Mexico Entertainment • June 2017

Jon & Jeremy

www.NMEntertains.com

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New Mexico Entertainment • June 2017

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New Mexico Entertainment • June 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS PG 12

COVER STORY

Amber Midthunder

Proving that ambition can start at a young age, Legion star and New Mexico native Amber Midthunder is making a name for herself and making us proud.

(Cover Photo by M. West Photography ®)

PG 7

PG 8

Dirty Dancing

The Despots

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU The hit movie comes to life on stage with a Broadway tour at Popejoy.

The local band shares what drives the band and their music.

PG 9

PG 10

Nicolina Nicthe

Jon Sanchez & Jeremy Montoya

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH

The female comedian is taking this town by storm.

THE ART WORLD

Meet the dynamic duo of art.

PG 18

PG 22

Med Students Learn Life Lessons on NM Movie Set

Best Plants of NM Gardens...

EXTRAS

of Horse Soldiers

www.NMEntertains.com 5I

TURN IT UP

New Mexico Entertainment • June 2017

BETWEEN THE PAGES

Learn about the best plants for your garden.

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 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

“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

“She’s Like the Wind.” “Stay.” When these songs play on the radio, only one movie comes to mind: Dirty Dancing, arguably one of the most romantic dance movies of all time.

Now fans of the original movie and newcomers, alike, can enjoy the story as a powerfully entertaining, live, musical experience that takes the stage at Popejoy Hall on June 15-18.

This classic “boy meets girl” show has touched millions across the globe.

Frances “Baby” Houseman (played by Jillian Mueller) is coming into her own, looking for a life-changing experience during her family’s annual vacation.

In walks Johnny Castle (played by Christopher Tierney), who turns the young Baby’s world upside down with the power of dance and music.

If the storyline doesn’t get you, the music will. Set in the summer of 1963, the energetic score truly sets the background for the story, featuring such hits as “Hey! Baby,” by Bruce Channel, and other 60’s classics by artists such as The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, and Mickey & Sylvia. But

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along with the vintage, Dirty Dancing highlights more modern hits, like “She’s Like the Wind,” from the late Patrick Swayze, “Hungry Eyes,” from Eric Carmen, and the quintessential Dirty Dancing tune, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage became a reality at the Theatre Royal in Sydney, Australia, in November of 2004. The production then toured nationally in Australia and New Zealand, including stops in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth, with sold-out shows for 18 months. The production, featuring a different cast, opened at the Theater Neue Flora in Hamburg, Germany, in 2006 and broke records for achieving the highest advance in European history. The U.S. Tour began in 2014 and has received praise at every stop.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will lift you up and get you moving. Come experience it live, and have the time of your life! NME - Teresa Ewers

TURN IT UP: THE DESPOTS

“The only thing that shuts off success is closing the door of opportunity...”

How did the band come together?

Me (Eddie, lead singer, piano, backup guitar) and Danny (lead guitar player) had a vision about a band and started playing at local parties and get togethers to meet people who shared the same vision.

Doing this, we met Zach (rhythm), who shared the same passion for surf guitar and rock-n-roll. We started working together, and we brought on Mark (drummer), who was in a metal band with Danny. Recently, we brought on Steve (stand up bass and electric), who shared the same passion for music as us.

What is it about music that drives you?

Music is a collaborative art form, where we can create together, as a opposed to most other art forms, where it is an individual. Music has been an important part to all of our lives.

How would you describe your sound?

We are trying to create new rockn-roll from all of our influences.

We are trying to take our different perspectives on music and create something new and original.

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How do you feel about the New Mexico music scene?

We are doing our best to get involved with the New Mexico music scene, appreciate the venues and promoters that keep us in mind, and appreciate the support of our fans.

Do you see challenges when booking gigs?

We sometimes get pigeon-holed into certain genres, so we open for a lot of the same kinds of bands. The only thing that shuts off success is closing the door of opportunity, and the more opportunities there are to play with bands, the more successful you become.

When are your next upcoming performances?

We have one May 17 at the Launchpad with Whiskey Diablo and Moonshine Blind. We have a show May 18 at Burt’s Tiki Lounge with Reno Divorce and the Henchmen.

Also, we have three performances at Rockabilly on the Route in Tucumcari, June 1st through the 4th.

NME - Teresa Ewers

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH: NICOLINA NICTHE

“...I find that taking something I could let hold me back [and] making it funny...for me, at least, I can move forward and heal with it..”

Where did your love of comedy come from?

My love of comedy came to me as a coping skill. I’ve learned to take painful things that have happened in my life and make [them] into something I, myself, can laugh at. You know the Rupaul saying, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going love anybody else?” For me, the same would apply at laughing at painful situations...that have happened in the past….[It] makes it easier to deal with.

I find that taking something I could let hold me back [and] making it funny... for me, at least, I can move forward and heal with it.

Do you remember your first gig?

What was it like?

My first gig was an all-female comedy show. Mary Byrd gave me the opportunity to join. I did fifteen minutes and had spent a lot of time planning it out. I was honored that a third of the crowd were my friends who came out to support me. I used props and...it went really well. It was an amazing experience.

What do you feel is missing when it comes to the comedy scene in Albuquerque?

I think there are a couple of things missing. One would be a set comedy club. I know we have places here in Albuquerque [for comedy] but not really a designated club, like Laffs. It was a shame that it closed down. The

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other thing I feel is missing is that we don’t utilize all the amazing talent we have in Albuquerque. Most of the shows I see tend to have the same comedians. I think we, as a comedic community, should mix it up.

What is your inspiration when it comes to planning your sets?

I will have a core for my sets, but I am always writing. I’ll see a billboard and a thought will just pop in my head… .I’ll think to myself,“Hey, now that would make a funny joke.” So then I will add it to my list. Also I try to cater to the audience. Recently, I did a show for a school golf benefit, so I wrote a few jokes that were golf-themed. It went really well. It makes me feel good to make people laugh.

What gigs do you have coming down the pipeline?

I’ve done two this year, so far. Right now, my focus has been on a live podcast I created in October. It’s called Women, Wit and Wine. I broadcast live every Sunday from 5:00 to 6:00, and the show basically looks at life, dating, and women’s issues with a twist humor. In fact, I am getting ready to launch another one with Winter Flack called Five Shots, Five Questions, details to come. I do plan on getting back out to some of the open mics and being more active again, and of course I am always willing to do a show when asked. I am grateful for any stage time I am allowed. NME - Teresa Ewers

THE ART WORLD

JON SANCHEZ & JEREMY MONTOYA

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e have had the opportunity to get to know the dramatic duo, Jeremy Montoya and Jon Sanchez, after working with them on our Movie Nights, where they created some of the most exciting poster designs that captured our love of film. Just coming off a successful gallery show of their work, Jon and Jeremy sat down with New Mexico Entertainment Magazine to talk about their love of art and where they hope their talent will lead them.

Where did you love of art come from?

Jeremy: A lot of my time as a child and teen was spent sitting behind my father and studying him as he worked. My father (Jerry Montoya) is a master in many disciplines of art.

I sat behind him as he would hand letter a glass door or business sign, as he would airbrush a t-shirt or mural on a low rider, as he would illustrate a portrait in pastel or a New Mexico landscape. I could make a list a mile long. So, I guess my love of art came from my father’s love of art, and wanting to be just like him.

Jon: Art has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can 10 I

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remember. I’ve been drawing since I was four years old, my family says. When I was a child, I drew a lot of dinosaurs, monsters, and was heavily influenced by science fiction.

I can’t say much has changed as an adult. As an artist, I am constantly inspired by different influences, so my love of art is constantly changing.

What medium do you prefer?

Jeremy: I really prefer to create my artwork digitally on the computer. I love the flexibility. In the early stages of a drawing, I can squish or scrunch, enlarge or move all together. I can do this very easily without dealing with erasing lines that never really

“As an artist, I am constantly inspired by different influences, so my love of art is constantly changing.”

- Jon Sanchez

go away, or getting frustrated and having to start fresh on a new sheet of paper. I find that it’s difficult for people to appreciate digital

“I really don’t know where my artwork will take me—I can only hope it’s a fun experience I can enjoy with my family and friends.”

- Jeremy Montoya

art. They’ll often ask where’s the original? That’s why I prefer to hand pull serigraph prints. Converting my digital artwork into something tangible that is made by hand.

Jon: I would consider myself an illustrator first and foremost. I draw using pencil and ink, but recently, I’ve embraced some digital mediums.

For the past decade, screen printing has been a huge part of my artistic process. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a great way to recreate my illustrations, while keeping each piece unique.

What upcoming shows to you have coming up?

Jeremy: Well, I have quite a few shows coming up with my partner in crime Jon Sanchez. We have a show featuring all of our movie posters for The Guild Cinema at Tractor Brewing in Nob Hill. We have a video-gamethemed show coming up at Sister Bar. And, of course, the annual Dia de los Muertos show at The South Broadway Cultural Center. As far as Cons, we’ll be headed out to Denver Comic Con in June and Phoenix Comic Con in May and more than likely Santa Fe Comic Con at the end of the year. Oh, we also have a screen printing demo coming up at the Albuquerque Museum. I’m positive that I’m forgetting a few.

Jon: I will join a small group of local 11 I

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artists to put on an arcade-inspired art show and pinball tournament at Sister Bar. My buddy Jeremy Montoya and I will have booths again at the Phoenix and Denver comic cons. I’ll participate in Contemporary Hispanic Market in Santa Fe, as well as the Dia de los Muertos show at the South Broadway Cultural Center.

What goals do you have for your art?

Jeremy: I’m really just trying to have fun and express myself creatively. I get bored easily—my artwork really is a release for me. It’s a way for me to let my mind relax and forget about this crazy world we live in. If I said I didn’t want to become famous for my art, I would be lying. I would be crazy not to want that! I just don’t want it to become a burden or for it to feel like a job with overwhelming responsibility. I really don’t know where my artwork will take me—I can only hope it’s a fun experience I can enjoy with my family and friends.

Jon: My goals are to create artwork that will inspire, excite, and bring happiness to people. I truly love what I do. I want to continue to grow and learn as an artist, and to build more of a following. I am extremely lucky to have the support system that I do...my loving family, my teachers and mentors, and the people that have supported my artwork over the years. NME - Teresa Ewers

COVER STORY

A relaxed Midthunder during our photo shoot. Photo by Michel West of M. West Photography ®

“...I have a unique history as far as my career path [has gone] so far...”

THE UNSTOPPABLE

Amber Midthunder 12 I

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etermination defines actor Amber Midthunder. On a visit home, the day after a snowstorm, Midthunder sat down with me to discuss career, projects, and lessons learned. Born into an acting family, Midthunder knew that film would be in her future, and New Mexico, her native home, the backdrop. Even so, Midthunder says she experienced a regular childhood. “I was born on the Navajo reservation, and then we moved away for a little bit and came back when I was 8 or 9,” she shared. “We grew up in the country—a mile and half down a dirt road. We had ducks and horses and dirtbikes and sticks, big brothers, and stuff like that. So, I got to grow up being a real person.”

Rather than simply following in the family profession, Midthunder’s decision to become an actor blossomed from her true passion for performance. “I grew up in my mom’s casting office—my mom’s a casting director and my dad is an actor. I grew up watching him act and not as a business or anything. The film industry was never anything suggested to me by my parents or my family. ‘Amber’ plus ‘film industry’ was never an equation that entered my life until I thought of it. I loved acting for a long time before I ever knew being in the film industry was a real thing. So, it’s just that I loved acting in so many different ways, and when I found out you could do it as a job, I thought, ‘Ha, I’m done! I found it!’”

Her decision to follow her dream landed her roles at a very young age. Midthunder was 9 when she played her first part as Candy Store Girl in the Albuquerque-set movie Sunshine Cleaning. She shared a funny memory of when she got the role. “I thought I was super cool for being part of a big movie, and they 13 I

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had to pull me out of school early for a table read, so I paid my best friend to be my publicist. We were at lunch one day, and I was like, ‘Look, they’re gonna pull me out of math class, and Ms. Hathaway is going to ask where I’m at...you’re gonna tell her that I got a part in a big movie,’ and she was like, ‘Okay.’ So, we did that, and the teacher didn’t even ask where I went.”

Sunshine Cleaning is one of many productions in which Midthunder has been involved that has been filmed in the state of New Mexico. She says that staying close to home while fulfilling a dream is both important and a bonus. “I have a unique history as far as my career path [has gone] so far….I started auditioning locally and doing my parts, here, instead of going to L.A. right away and trying to do it that way, which to me was very helpful…..I got to ease myself into the industry and what it is— what acting can be both an art and a business—and grow as I felt ready for it.”

Longmire, currently in its final season, is one of Midthunder’s projects that holds a dedicated place in her heart. She spoke with admiration about the show. “The Longmire family truly is a family.

I’ve never seen a production be as close or [its members be] as loving to each other. I was part of the first and third seasons, and still, I can walk on the set, sixth season, and be welcomed by hugs and open arms….[E]veryone is just truly kind of a family, and I feel really fortunate to have been a part of that. They just really care about the art they’re making. I think Longmire’s a show that’s based, in my eyes, on earnesty and strength. So, it was great to be a part of that, too.”

In 2016, Midthunder embraced a difficult yet rewarding project.

Midthunder with David Koechner (middle), Jim Parrack, Joel Smallbone, and Bianca A. Santos in Priceless (2016)

Priceless addresses the topic of sex trafficking, and Midthunder, as Maria, played a pivotal role in the film.

“There were a lot of challenges to [the project],” expressed Midthunder. “It was a challenging movie, I think, as a group, because we carried the weight of knowing that we were dealing with a very important subject and want[ed] to deal with it respectfully and represent it in a certain light....

[T]he point was awareness. It’s not to just say, ‘Oh, look how terrible this is,’ and to shock people, which could be a goal for other people, but for us, it was to say, ‘Look at how terrible this is—we can change it.’ That was the important thing, and, of course, [to] work hard and do that character justice. That was a movie with a mission. We were all on board and behind it. Even still, today, when I make decisions, I think I’m representing the Priceless movement well as somebody who is a part of that. I think that is the thruline for the Priceless crew.”

Amber recently had the joy of working on the Oscar-nominated 14 I

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film, Hell or High Water. The experience stayed with her and made her appreciate her time on the production. “It was the most impactful and amazing experience that I ever had in my life as an actor, and I will carry it with me forever.

Just to see him [Jeff Bridges] and Ben Foster... just to see those two actors who are so just divinely talented do what they do and do it so differently is just something I will carry with me forever. To watch it now, I feel really privileged to be a part of it.”

Midthunder has worked with the likes of such greats as Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, and Lou Diamond Phillips.

Her list of those she would like to perform with on-screen continues to grow. “It’s really long—I’ve sent it to my team. [Laughs.] Walking away from Hell or High Water, I would love to do a full movie with Ben Foster or Jeff Bridges. But even directors—I love Scott Cooper. He’s amazing. I would love to work with the obvious ones—Meryl Streep...anybody that I can get my hands on and say, ‘Just share your wisdom with me!’’”

The two Loudermilks; Midthunder with Bill Irwin in Legion (2016)

Midthunder’s current project, an FX television series called Legion, is a mind-trip of a show. To many viewers (certainly to this one) it is unclear, especially at first, whether what you’re witnessing in each episode is a dream, a drug-induced occurrence, or an actual event. Midthunder agreed that was how she felt nearly every time she stepped on set. “We would get a script and get into a little group, cast-wise, and ask, ‘Okay, does anybody know what’s going on? No?’ I think we were provided with the information that Noah Holly felt it was necessary that we have... it’s not carelessly done that way, it’s intense. He intentionally gave us as much or as little information as we needed and left it up to us to ask or to explore. I think that was something that was really encouraged—he wanted us to kind of play the moment and make that as rich as we could without having the larger scope because maybe you explore less if you know where it’s going or you feel a certain kind of safety that doesn’t give you the same quality of work, otherwise, but we certainly had long conversations.” Midthunder’s 15 I

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character on the show, Kerry Loudermilk, added an extra challenge, being both intense and physically demanding. Midthunder shared what the character meant to her and what drew her to Kerry’s storyline.

“Kerry is the greatest challenge to face as an actor. Everything that we do is really grounded in honesty and the humanity of the situation. And it’s like, how do you find that? How do you honestly tap into somebody who...has a really close relationship with somebody who is the core of who she is. She actually can’t conceive living without him. She’s never had to think like that. Then, she has this side of her that’s got the emotional maturity of an 8-yearold, but the boundless confidence of a UFC champion. How do you balance those things? That was the greatest question for me—balancing the strength and the tenderness and immaturity [of the character]...[T] here was a lot, but every second of it I loved.”

Midthunder took something valuable away from each project on which she has worked. She discussed some of those lessons with us. “I

think I would be doing something wrong if I didn’t learn from every job I did. Every day I leave from work, I feel a little more knowledgeable than the last. They [the lesson] are all kind of hard to articulate because acting is based on experience. It’s a weird job that way because your jobs are your feelings, and your job is interaction, as an actor. If anything, I’m an expanded person each time, and I can feel more comfortable in knowing how to explore that because it is a strange environment to have to be vulnerable in. Hell or High Water, for example, was a completely different environment than it is on Legion, which is a completely different environment than it was on Priceless. So, to have to do relatively the same thing in all those different environments...I learn a little bit better how to do that.”

Amber’s passions go beyond acting.

She has truly found a love helping her community, both locally and globally.

“I’m a youth ambassador for a nonprofit called Return to Freedom. They save horses from round-up slaughters to clear land for grazing cattle, so they save those horses and give them a place to live. Also, in my personal 16 I

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Photography by Bobby Quillard®

“I would love to work with the obvious ones... anybody that I can get my hands on and say, 'Just share your wisdom with me!’’”

and public life, I am an endorser of Conscious Consuming. My two big causes are boycotting crude palm oil and buying cruelty-free products.”

Midthunder takes her projects one day at a time, allowing her focus to be crystal clear. She is currently working on the second season of Legion and joked, “as things go with the schedules and contracts, you tend to commit to one [project]...[R]ight now, that’s all the time and attention I can handle.”

Midthunder chuckled when I asked what piece of advice she would give to someone just starting in the business.

“I don’t know if I’m the person to be giving advice. [Laughs.]. You have to do it because you love it. That’s what I’m proud of, because I came from an industry family, but I never looked at the industry. I only looked at the acting because I loved it, and it’s very much a real possibility.”

Amber Midthunder has accomplished more than most actors do before they turn 30, proving that with moxy and determination, age is just a number. She continues to grow with each new role, promising fans intriguing characters on the horizon.

NME - Teresa Ewers

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EXTRAS

Haris, Humza, and Harris Ahmed between takes on the set of Horse Soldiers.

Medical Students Learn

Life Lessons

On a New Mexico Movie Set

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hen a classmate at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) in Las Cruces sent Humza Ahmed, Haris Ahmed, and Harris Ahmed a casting call for movie extras, they took it as more of a joke than anything. Thinking nothing would come of it, they sent an email to the casting director and were almost immediately offered roles that would require them to be on set for four months.

That offer didn’t fit into the demanding schedule of first-year medical students, but they managed to negotiate their participation down to two weekends filming in Socorro and Laguna Pueblo.

The movie, Horse Soldiers, scheduled for release in January of 2018, stars Chris Hemsworth and is based on the 2010 book of the same name. It recounts the true story of U.S. Special Forces operatives fighting the Taliban in post9/11 Afghanistan. The Ahmeds were originally asked to portray Taliban soldiers, roles they refused based on their religious beliefs. Brothers Haris and Humza, and Harris (who met the other two at BCOM and is no relation) are of Pakistani heritage and were all born into the revivalist Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “Because of our religious beliefs, members of our community have been persecuted by the Taliban in the Middle East. We did not feel comfortable portraying people who have killed members of our community,”

Humza said.

Instead, the Ahmeds took on roles as Afghani villagers and members of the Northern Alliance who worked with American soldiers to combat the Taliban. The three agreed to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see what really goes on behind the scenes of a major Hollywood production. Ultimately, however, they said they gained insight into their futures as physicians and got a firsthand introduction to the healthcare issues New Mexico is facing. “When the director, producers, and actors realized we were medical students, they started saying ‘The doctors are here,’ and people would start asking us questions about their own medical conditions. Right away, they were sharing very personal information with us.” Harris said. “It was eye-opening to realize that, even in a setting completely divorced from healthcare, we are still held to a certain standard.”

On set, the students said they conversed about the core values of a physician, the current issues surrounding the over prescription of medications, and trust issues between patients and physicians. Harris adds that profound themes of faith and cultural awareness in medicine arose. “We’re not qualified to give medical advice at this point, but we were surprised that we could answer some of their questions based on the Humza Ahmed and Harris Ahmed portraying members of the Afghan Northern Alliance on the set of Horse Soldiers.

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material we’ve already covered this year, like the difference between an expectorant and a decongestant. It was a good reminder about focusing on our studies and mastering the material, because you never know when you’ll be asked about it,” Humza added.

The Ahmeds were introduced on set to several Native American tribal members who were also cast as Afghani villagers. One of BCOM’s primary missions is to address the health needs of Native Americans in the Southwest. “We just recently moved to New Mexico, so we haven’t had much opportunity to actually interact with the Native American populations yet,” Haris said. “In speaking with them, we found that Native Americans do feel underserved in terms of healthcare and that they’ve had issues connecting with physicians and building that necessary bond. It was very interesting to hear their concerns firsthand and literally talk with them about how we can help. It certainly reinforced why we decided to come to BCOM.” Humza said, “Just being in medical school has already given us so many memories and stories to tell, but adding on opportunities like these really enhances our experience of living in New Mexico.” While the trio won’t be giving up medical school for a career in Hollywood, they have agreed to participate in a documentary series titled The Long Road Home, which will be filming this summer. NME - Jessica Salopek Insert: Harris Ahmed on set with film actor Chris Hemsworth. Horse Soldiers

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BETWEEN THE PAGES: NEW MEXICO BOOK CO-OP

BEST PLANTS OF NEW MEXICO GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES

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id you spend the weekend out in the garden because spring is here and visions of vegetables and flowers are motivating you? I did! You can always use help about what works in New Mexico and what is a waste of time and money. When you go to the nursery, you’ll want to buy anything and everything, but you need some knowledge, first.

Best Plants for New Mexico Gardens and Landscapes was first published in 1995 but has since been revised and expanded. It is conveniently organized by major cities, because we all know that Raton and Las Cruces do not have the same weather and plants as, for example, Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The book has all kinds of subjects, like recycling, topography, pruning, shadeloving flowers, watering, evergreens, native plants, grasses, and much more.

The many pictures are enticing, and Best Plants will appeal to beginners and advanced gardeners, as well as everyone in-between. What I liked

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about this book is that it is for New Mexicans and does not send you out looking for a rain forest plant that will just die a horrible death. The tips alone are worth the price of this book and will save you money and time in the long run. The author, Baker H. Morrow, knows his stuff and has been a practicing landscape architect in Albuquerque for more than forty years.

He is also a professor at the UNM School of Architecture and Planning.

Best Plants contains new plants and new information that beginners need to know in the hunt for plants to put in their own gardens. As desert-dwellers, we should all be aware of low-water and low-maintenance plants and need to know what to look for at the nursery.

This is the kind of book that will live on your shelf and that you will consistently reach for. It is also the kind of book that every New Mexico library should have for gardeners. Since spring is here, this book should be displayed with a trowel and packs of seeds. Enough said— spring has sprung so get out and plant, smartly. NME - Barbe Awalt Best Plants for New Mexico Gardens and Landscapes Baker H. Morrow UNM Press 2016 Paperback $34.95 304 pages & color

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