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SEPTEMBER 2016
The incomparably talented
CYNDI LAUPER
The pop legend sat down with New Mexico Entertainment Magazine to talk about her musical legacy, upcoming projects, and how age is just a number.
ABQ Roller Derby
A FREE Publication
Galisteo Studio Tour
Sadie Robertson
www.NMEntertains.com New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016 I 1
New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016 I 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS PG 10
COVER STORY
The incomparably talented CYNDI LAUPER
The pop legend sat down with New Mexico Entertainment Magazine to talk about her musical legacy, upcoming projects, and how age is just a number. PG 6
PG 8
The Gavones of Philadelphia Learn more about The Adobe Theater’s latest production.
Albuquerque Roller Derby
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU
THE SPORTS CONNECTION Check out one of the greatest sports taking over New Mexico.
PG 7
PG 16
Riders in the Sky The Lensic presents America’s favorite crooners in a special tribute to western icon, Roy Rogers.
The 29th Annual Galisteo Studio Tour
THE ART WORLD
TURN IT UP
Over 20 artists and craftsmen share their talents.
PG 17
EXTRAS
Sadie Robertson The “Dancing with the Stars” alumni is currently touring with her new show, Live Original. PG 18 UPCOMING EVENTS 4I
www.NMEntertains.com
New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016
NME STAFF Teresa Robinson-Ewers Publisher/Editor-in-Chief NMEntertains@gmail.com Ariel Bisbee Photography & Mulitmedia Director Jan Baca Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS Sonja Dewing Winter Elise Susan McAfee-White Michael Radcon 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
231 Sierra Dr. SE, Ste. 11 Albuquerque, NM 87108 505.450.4706
www.NMEntertains.com
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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: THE GAVONES OF PHILADELPHIA
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ocal playwright, investigative journalist, and photographer, Joseph Sorrentino says,, “The Gavones of Philadelphia started out as a drama about a family gathering for the funeral of the patriarch. I was living in Philadelphia at the time I was writing the first drafts, and the play contains several references to Philly. Although the original versions of the play had some comedic elements, they were very dark. As I rewrote it, I kept taking out the dark elements and adding comedic ones. Following a workshop production in 1996, it became clear to me that the darker elements were no longer working, so I reworked it as a comedy.” Sorrentino has lived in New Mexico for three-and-a-half years. Two of his previous plays, as well as a collection of 18 short plays called The Frankenharry Plays (named after the two main characters), have been published and produced. James Cady is well known for directing some of America’s bestloved, classic plays (Eugene O’Neill’s A Moon For The Misbegotten and All My Sons, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, Carson McCullers’ The Member of the Wedding, as well as The 6I
Front Page, The Philadelphia Story, and The Diary of Anne Frank; and his own unique version of Hamlet). Now, he is enjoying working with a living playwright! Set in Philadelphia—a comedy— an Italian American family— combining funerals, bookmakers, a bank robbery, family loyalty and disloyalty, embezzlement, family secrets, and food, lots of food! The six roles will be played by Art Tedesco as Tony; Meredith Gray (his wife); Riley Carson Lewis (their son); Ed Chavez and Owen Reed (Mary’s two brothers); and Marc Lynch (Danny, an enforcer for a local bookie). The Gavones of Philadelphia opens Friday, August 26 and plays 4 weekends through Sunday, September 18, 2016. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm, with a “Pay What You Will” performance (proceeds are shared between the cast and crew) on Thursday, September 8, at 7.30pm. Tickets are $17 general, seniors and students $15. Reservations 505898-9222 x 1 or online at www. adobetheater.org. NME -Provided by The Adobe Theater
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TURN IT UP: RIDERS IN THE SKY
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he Lensic proudly presents America’s favorite cowboy crooners, Riders in the Sky, on September 14, 2016, in a special tribute to iconic Western movie, music, and TV star Roy Rogers, the undisputed “King of the Cowboys.” Keepers of the flame passed on by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, Riders in the Sky have been reviving and revitalizing Western music for more than 36 years. While remaining true to the integrity of the genre, they’ve become modern-day icons by branding it with their own wacky humor and way-out Western wit. The group (with members Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody Paul, and Joey) has been featured at the Grand Ole
Opry, on National Public Radio, and on stages across America, always encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way!” Younger audiences recognize them from the hits they penned and recorded for Pixar Animation’s Toy Story 2 and Monsters Inc. The show features family-friendly favorites from Roy’s long career, including, “Don’t Fence Me In,” “Pecos Bill,” “Happy Trails,” and more, all wrapped up in the Riders’ two-time-Grammy-winning, high yodeling style. This multimedia performance begins at 7:30pm, and tickets start at $20 (TicketsSantaFe.org). NME -Provided by The Lensic
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occer. Football. Baseball. Basketball. What is your favorite sport? It seems that Albuquerque may be making room for an exciting, alternative choice if the attendance and interest at the first local Albuquerque Roller Derby (ABQRD) bout was any indication. The crowd of close to 500 spectators packed the seats and bleachers at Expo NM’s Manuel Lujan building on July 2. The sounds culminating from the large crowd, the game announcer (Piggy Phatness), volunteer officials, and players’ skates rushing on the polished cement all provided an integral part of an energizing atmosphere. Some of the crowd were there to support the Las Santas team from Las Cruces, but most were 8I
Photos by ® Brian Spencer
THE SPORTS CONNECTION: ALBUQUERQUE ROLLER DERBY
there to cheer on ABQRD. Many attendees were like newcomer Clarissa Silva— just beginning to understand the ins and outs of the game, but coming out to learn, support a local team, and to have fun. “It was really cool hanging out and having so many people there and the mix of lifestyles that were attracted to the game. And I had some great conversations with my neighbors. Plus, I loved the positive attitude and energy from the players,” Silva said. Another newbie to roller derby, Matt
New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016
Barth, explained that he Googled roller derby rules on his phone and helped his circle of friends and neighboring seatmates understand what penalties were being called. So interested in the game, Barth has since volunteered with the team to become an announcer and possibly an official. From my own perspective as a skater for ABQRD (and yes, I write, too), I only had a few chances to go out into the crowd and talk to everyone. I can tell you that playing on the track and hearing people cheering for your team is a powerful force to make you work harder. Maybe that’s why we won 195 to 94. But I also know we’ve been building a team for the last couple of years, got ourselves a great coach, and are serious about being better players. Our ten players (Author of Pain, Big Wheels, Bitch Mode, Blazian Boom, Carson, Cynder Block, Heisenberg, Laken Loaded, Max the Arctic Blast,
Pin-U-Up ) vs. their full roster— not bad! But I do want to clear up a few things. Today’s Roller Derby is very different than the one from the 70s. Elbows to the face are rare, and are considered a penalty; fights are neither encouraged nor expected; and most players play in the spirit of sportsmanship and with the expectation of athletic strategy. Roller Derby has seen a resurgence of membership and interest in the last couple of years, with over 40 involved countries and 1,400 active leagues. Curious? We promise to have more seating, plenty of vendors, and the same kidfriendly time at our next bout, October 15 at 6:00pm. Or if you are interested in joining or volunteering, find us on the web: rollerderbyalbuquerque. com or follow us on Facebook @ ABQrollerderby. NME - Sonja Dewing
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COVER STORY: CYNDI LAUPER
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New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016
The incomparably talented
CYNDI LAUPER I
had the pleasure of meeting the amazing Cyndi Lauper in Las Vegas in 1996, when she was the opening act for Cher. That adventure involved a fake backstage pass, HBO, and Studio 54, but that’s another story. Standing in the presence of an icon—a true artist— is one I can’t forget. Since that meeting in Las Vegas, I got to witness Lauper’s rise from being the girl from her 1983 debut album, She’s So Unusual, to a Tony® Award winner in 2013. At 63, Lauper shows no signs of stopping. As she prepares for her performance in Albuquerque at Sandia Casino on September 17, she took a moment to sit down with me and take a look at her stunning career and the dream she still intends to fulfill.
Over 30 years in the music business. What led you to pursue a career in music? Honestly, even as a kid, singing is what made me feel alive. When I was 5 years old, my neighbors would give me a quarter when I would belt out. I started writing songs and poetry with my sister when I was like, 11. I really didn’t think I could make a career out of it until much later in life. I went to art college, I had odd jobs, but the first time I got into a band as a background singer—when I was around 20—I finally figured out where I wanted to be. I didn’t last long as a background singer—just a few gigs—when the manager of the band said, “One, you are not a good enough dancer to be a background singer, and two, your voice belongs in front of the stage.” You have witnessed music changing throughout the years. How do you feel about the music scene now? I am sometimes nostalgic for the days when artists grew out of the live scene, where labels were all- important and highly
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selective and things like that. That you had to work for a long time and sharpen your skills as a performer and songwriter before you were actually heard by a wide audience. When music had a monetary value. I worry sometimes with unfair streaming rates and the recent decision from the Justice Department and worry—how can the next Bob Dylan, the next Joni Mitchell, the next Metallica develop now, when artists are asked to give away their music for free? How do you put food on the table or a roof 12 I
over your head without getting a day job? And how hard is it to come home at night after working all day and find the time and energy to write. And labels don’t have the money any more to do what they were good at— investing in bands by giving tour-support and doing great visuals and hiring great producers to record and work with young artists. But then you see artists like Chance the Rapper who, through the internet, found his fans and actually still makes money, despite giving his music
New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016
away for free. But he’s more of an exception than a rule. October 14 of this year will be the 33rd anniversary of when She’s So Unusual was released. What was the process like when you created one of the most beloved albums in history? That is very nice to hear. It was a magical recording process. Just remember it being so fun and exciting. There weren’t any expectations from the label on us because I was a new artist and we were allowed to create and record in this bubble. And it was pretty effortless, to tell you the truth. It just felt right, all the time. And we were thrilled with the way it came out. Kinky Boots made you a Tony® winner. What was it about this story that moved you to put it on a Broadway stage. I have been a fan of Broadway musicals since I was a kid. My mom only bought and listened to cast recordings of Broadway shows, so, as a little kid, I would put on a show for her and act out all the parts. I tortured my brother and sister with these performances, too—and sometimes made them join in. So I’ve always had my eyes and ears set on one day doing something on
Broadway. I was asked to be Pirate Jenny in Three Penny Opera, and that was a thrill. I never imagined, in a million years, I would be asked to SCORE a Broadway musical. So the day I got a call from Harvey Fierstein, who is a friend, but also a Broadway legend, and he asked me to write the songs for Kinky Boots, I was beyond excited. I hadn’t seen the film yet. So I watched it that night and called Harvey back in the morning and said that I would be honored to be part of telling the story of love and forgiveness and redemption — and the shoes! Come on.
Insert: Cover of Lauper’s album, She’s So Unusual; This page Promo shot from Kinky Boots.
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Will we be seeing a touring company show soon for Kinky Boots? There is a touring company now. The tour opened on Sept 4, 2014, in Las Vegas. And it’s been on the road ever since. To date, we’ve been through many cities and we should be coming to New Mexico very soon! The show is in Chicago right now, 92 weeks and going strong. I was surprised when I saw you doing an interview with AARP. You are proving that age is just a number. How do you keep up with the demands of everything that needs to be done? I have a lot of energy, always have. I have a lot of interests and goals, always have. I take care of myself. I do yoga, go for long, brisk walks with my husband every day, try and hit the gym three or four times a week. I eat healthy (most of the time), and I’ve never been much of a drinker, so I just think when you stay active and take care of yourself, age is just a number. Do you still dream? If so, what do you dream of now? I still have a bucket list. I plan to get to everything on it. My big dream is to win an Oscar so I can have an EGOT. (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.) I have an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy, and now I just need Oscar. My goal is to write a great song for a
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great movie so I can be nominated and be closer to my EGOT dreams. Tell us about Detour. What inspired you to do a country album? When I first started to think about what kind of record I was going to make next, I really liked the idea of doing a companion record to Memphis Blues. When I first met with Seymour Stein (President of Sire), we just were hanging out listening to songs. I wasn’t sure what kind of record I was going to do. I have been doing a lot of writing— but it’s for a new musical, not songs for me to record for my own CD— and when I started listening I found that the songs I was most moved towards were songs from the same era as the blues record. Seymour explained that the golden era of country, which all of the songs off Detour are, was happening at the same time as the era of Memphis Blues. It was when segregation was still very deep, especially at radio. But the cool thing was—and this is before Elvis and Jerry Lee and Wanda Jackson and acts like that kicked the door down and merged the two sounds—the blues guys and the country guys were listening to each other...so there is a community, and when you listen closely to them you hear it. So I picked songs from the golden age of country, and I had some amazing
New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016
friends and artists join me, too — Willie Nelson, Vince Gil, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Jewel— and I’m really happy how it came out. Looking at your career, if you could go back and tell Cynthia Ann Stephanie one thing, what would it be? Have fun. Stop and smell the roses. Follow your gut, it will all be ok! We’re excited to have you back in Albuquerque. What can we expect with this tour? I actually have some good production, this time. Usually, it’s just me and the stage, but now I have some cool little set pieces I think people will like. I’m doing all my hits, of course, some selections from Detour, and a few songs that have always been fan favorites. I have a killer band. It’s fun. So don’t be silly, go get tickets and come join us!
What other upcoming projects can we expect? I’m working on a new Broadway project; I’m writing songs for myself for the project sometime down the road; still touring Detour; and Kinky Boots is opening in Japan and Australia this year, so I have to be in those territories to work with the cast before the shows open. I also have a TV project I’m shopping — I always have a lot going on! What would you like your legacy to be? She always did her best! When it comes to doing her best, Cyndi Lauper has it in spades. The Emmy®, Grammy®, and Tony® has no intention of stopping and that tenacity will no doubt bring more music and amazing projects in the future. NME
- Teresa Ewers
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THE ART WORLD: THE 29TH ANNUAL GALISTEO STUDIO TOUR
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elcome, art, nature, and food lovers to the jewel of New Mexico’s studio
tours! Galisteo is celebrating its 29TH STUDIO TOUR on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, from 10am to 5pm. A short drive from Santa Fe, the historic village of Galisteo lies in the magnificent Galisteo Basin. Over 20 artists and craftsmen will open their studios to share photography, painting, ceramic art, jewelry, handmade knives, traditional straw inlay, sculpture, and weaving. Some of these artists show nationally and internationally: we also have a recent Governor’s Art Award winner on the tour. Inspired by the art and artists of Galisteo, visitors can enjoy the beauty and peace of our high desert landscape and the golden cottonwood foliage of our bosque 16 I
in the Fall. Culinary delights are part of our tour. For the second year, we shall partner with The Street Food Institute whose mission is to encourage culinary students to develop delicious and healthy food using sustainable business practices: their Mobile Gourmet food truck will serve New Mexican food with a contemporary twist. At Cocina de Mela, a long time tour favorite housed at our community center, Anna Cardenas and her sisters will offer their mother’s traditional New Mexican food. Their family recipes, such as Mela’s Red and Green Chile, have been handed down for generations. For more detailed information, directions, and artists’ pages, go to galisteostudiotour.org or call 505466-3541. NME - Provided via press release
New Mexico Entertainment • September 2016
EXTRAS: RUNNING OF THE CHIHUAHUAS 2016
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rom the producers who brought you the Bible Tour and K-LOVE Christmas Tour, 25 Entertainment presents Sadie Robertson’s Live Original Tour 2016, set for Santa Ana Star Center on September 28. Sadie continues to serve as a positive role model to young people across the country, catering consistent, positive messages of encouragement to over 3,000,000 followers across her social platforms. With her unassuming charm, authenticity, bright smile, and high values, Sadie is unafraid to speak candidly about her love of God and family, and her message to “Live Original.” Joining Sadie for the 17date, 2016 tour will be a few of her family members, including her brother, John Luke, and his wife, Mary Kate Robertson, along with their cousins, Reed and Cole Robertson. Completing Sadie’s squad will be Reed’s fiancée (Brighton Thompson), filmmaker Max Zoghbi, and Zoghbi’s wife, Bonnie Kate, who holds a
unique and inspirational tale of faith through suffering, as Bonnie Kate was a victim of “The Dark Knight” shooting in Colorado in 2012. The close-knit group will share their hearts, taking attendees on a journey of inspirational messages, dramatic onstage performances, Q&As, and one surprise after another. The night also includes the award-winning rock group, Family Force 5, and worship led by husband and wife duo Love & The Outcome. Tickets can be purchased by calling 888.694.4849, online at www. SantaAnaStarCenter.com, in person at the Don Chalmers Ford Box Office at Santa Ana Star Center, or Santa Ana Star Casino Players Club. NME - Santa Ana Star Center
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 8-24, 2016 HAND TO GOD The Cell Theater
http://www.fusionnm.org/box-officefusion-season-subscriptions.html
UNTIL December 30, 2016 NOB HILL’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Nob Hill Main Street 4310 Central Ave. S.E. Albuquerque, NM 87108 Celebrate 100 years of this historic Albuquerque neighborhood with various events throughout 2016 http://www. NobHillis100.com Until September 11, 2016 AUNTIE MAME Albuquerque Little Theater 224 San Pasquale Ave SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 https://www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org September 8-18, 2016 78TH ANNUAL NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR Expo New Mexico 300 San Pedro Dr NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 http://www.exponm.com September 8-24, 2016 HAND TO GOD The Cell Theater 700 - 708 1st St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 Ever need a little friend, a really honest little friend? Robert Askins understands your desire as he takes you on a journey down truth and intimacy lane with, as he puts it, “some blood, some puppets and some laughs.” http://www.fusionnm.org/hand-to-god.html September 14, 2016 DEMI LOVATO & NICK JONAS Isleta Amphitheater 5601 University Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 http://www.albuquerqueamphitheater.com
September 17, 2016 CYNDI LAUPER Sandia Casino Amphitheater 30 Rainbow Rd NE Albuquerque, NM 87122 http://www.ticketmaster.com September 18, 2016 BLOODY MARY BRUNCH WITH QUIETLY KEPT Broken Trail Brewery & Distillery 2921 Stanford Dr NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 https://www.facebook.com/ events/1244444415588478/ September 19, 2016 DEF LEPPARD, REO SPEEDWAGON & TESLA Isleta Amphitheater 5601 University Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 http://www.albuquerqueamphitheater.com September 23-24, 2016 ¡GLOBALQUERQUE! WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 Fourth St. S.W. Albuquerque, NM 87102 http://www.globalquerque.org September 25, 2016 PAGAN PRIDE DAY FESTIVAL Bataan Park 3401 Lomas Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 September 30-October 9, 2016 RIO GRANDE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: BALLOON FIESTA SHOW Sandia Resort & Casino 30 Rainbow Road NE Albuquerque, NM 87113 http://www.riograndefestivals.com/ festivals/balloon-fiesta-show/
Submit events to NMEntEvents@gmail.com • View full calendar at NMEntertains.com 18 I
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