New Mexico Entertainment Magazine December 2014

V2 / Is12 • DECEMBER 2014

ALSO IN THIS

ISSUE

Shrek the Musical

The Creator Series

Revamp in Old Town

ROD MAN

Winner of Last Comedy Standing Season 8, Rod Man, brings his comedy tour, That Good Funny, to the Land of Enchantment and has a sit down with New Mexico Entertainment magazine.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PG 16

COVER STORY

ROD MAN

Winner of Last Comedy Standing Season 8, Rod Man, brings his comedy tour, That Good Funny, to the Land of Enchantment and has a sit down with New Mexico Entertainment magazine.

PAGE 6

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU Shrek the Musical

PAGE 11

The green olger takes center stage this winter at the African American Performing Arts Center.

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH Mary Byrd New Mexico native take a moment to make us laugh and share her influences.

PAGE 8

PAGE 14

TURN IT UP The Creator Series The Stage at Santa Ana Star takes a look at two of the early DJ’s that started on the scene.

BEHIND THE SCENES

PAGE 10

PAGE 21

THE SPORTS CONNECTION Gildan New Mexico Bowl Check out the latest sports event in the state.

Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits

EXTRAS Revamp of Old Town New merchants are looking to modernize Old Town.

December 2014

3

19 THE ART WORLD: RIVER OF LIGHTS The annual festival of lights at the Rio Grande Zoo. 24 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NME STAFF Teresa Robinson-Ewers Publisher / Editor-in-Chief info@NMEntertains.com ----------------------------------------------Eduardo Robinson Managing Editor ----------------------------------------------Ariel Bisbee Photography & Multimedia Director CONTRIBUTORS Darlene Esquibel, Winter Flack, Adrian Luna, Nadeige Severinghaus, Stephen Smith, Dave Staggs, Michel West, Mike West 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.

New Mexico Entertainment 231 Sierra Dr. SE, Suite #7 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 505.450.4706 • www.NMEntertains.com

5

December 2014

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: SHREK THE MUSICAL

I

'm a believer! When I heard that Broadway would be looking to Shrek to make a musical, I didn't bark at the idea. Shrek the Musical, based on the Oscar速 winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre - not a handsome prince shows up to rescue a feisty princess.

Throw a chatty donkey, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've

6

December 2014

got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand...his name is Shrek. Musical Theater Southwest is bringing this lively musical to Albuquerque this December to the African American Performing Arts Center at the Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds. During a season filled of Christmas plays, musicals and dance performances, Co-

Director Warren Wilgus likes the challenge of bringing Shrek the Musical to the Albuquerque stage.

"There are a lot of Christmas opportunities this time of year.

There's White Christmas, different Christmas Carol takes, The Nutcracker and so forth. This is across the board anyone that likes to have a good time, it's family friendly. If you have little ones, bring them on down. If Christmas isn't your thing, most people are into family at least." Co-Director and wife, Courtney Wilgus continued "You're going to laugh and surprisingly, you're going to cry. This show has got a beautiful message of being comfortable with yourself and realizing how much potential and what a wonderful person you can yourself and that you be that way all along whether you realize it or not.

When it came to the lead roles, the stars, Bryan Durden, Janine O'Neill and Hasani Olujimi were excited and humbled to take on the famous characters. "It wasn't until I got it that I realized that this was kind of a big thing," says Durden.

"Shrek is such a known character.

You really have to have an understanding of who this character is.

It's kind of nerve-wracking, but it's been a lot of fun.

"It's a dream come true," says O'Neill.

"I have to remind

myself, 'I actually get to play a princess. I'm a princess!' Never dreamed that I would get the role of the princess and it's a love interest role, I usually get to play silly blonde, so it's a step up!"

Olujimi was convinced that Musical Theater Southwest knew his voice by heart from the multitude of times he called the theater asking about the auditions. But was excited when he was given the role. "When I was offered the role, it was the day after my birthday and I thought to myself 'What a wonderful gift this is!' After being in the Wiz and finding my courage in that play, becoming a principle is a very huge step and I am very honored by it."

With a cast of 38, Shrek the Musical will be an musical extravaganza with songs like Who I Be, What's a Duloc?, Mornin' Person which includes a tap dance.

"Throughout the show there's just so much layering, on top of everything, from start to finish," says Wilgus. So, in other words - this show is like an onion!

When it came to sum up the show in one word, it came right back to family. "We had our own challenges and working through them we have become our own family." Shrek the Musical will run from December 12th until December 28th.

TURN IT UP: THE CREATOR SERIES

S

anta Ana Star Casino, New Mexico’s Best Bet, welcomes EDM (electronic dance music) legends John “00” Fleming and Christopher Lawrence to The Stage on Friday, December 12th. Kicking off The Stage’s “Creators Series,” the duo will perform as “Fleming and Lawrence.” The show begins at 9:00am.

“The Stage’s ‘Creator Series’ spotlights the DJs who started it all,” says Santa Ana Star Casino Director of Marketing Tammy Neil. “These musical innovators laid the foundation for today’s global EDM phenomenon before it was fashionable, so in their honor, we are creating a club experience where they can share their pioneering approach to music and continue to celebrate their genuine passion for the dance floor.”

Before they began collaborating and adopted the moniker “Fleming and Lawrence,” John “00” Fleming and Christopher Lawrence were internationally renowned solo DJs, each with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Dubbed “a national 8

December 2014

treasure of trance music” by BBC Radio 1, Fleming established a reputation in the underground electronic music scene in the ‘90s, producing deep, textured tracks that broke the mold of trance in the U.K. Around the same time stateside, Lawrence also became a major trendsetter in underground trance, introducing a tougher, “take-no-prisoners” approach to the subgenre. With significant individual commercial successes, storied careers in the industry and accolades that include headlining some of the most prestigious music festivals in the world, Fleming and Lawrence joined forces to revive true underground trance. Stripping away the fluff and cliché of the genre, their progressively edged trance brings back the spirit of ‘90s underground trance while continuing to push the boundaries and pave the way for the next generation of music producers and music lovers, alike. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.thestageatthestar.com. This is a 21 and older event.

THE SPORTS CONNECTION: GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL

N

ew Mexico has a new holiday tradition. Since it's inception in 2006, the New Mexico Bowl has been played on the Saturday afternoon before Christmas at University Stadium on the University of New Mexico campus. The contest has pitted the Mountain West Conference against the Western Athletic Conference in the state's only annually nationally televised sporting event.

While the 2006 New Mexico Bowl was the first Division I Bowl game in the state of New Mexico, there was postseason action in the Land of Enchantment before. In 1980, the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs played Eastern Illinois at University Stadium in the Division II championship game, called the Zia Bowl. It snowed in Albuquerque just two days before the game and the weather was unusually

10

December 2014

cold. Helicopters were brought in to dry the fields and the grass was painted green. A very small crowd showed up to the Cal Poly win the D-II national title, 21-13.

When it's not bowl season, the New Mexico Bowl stays busy making sure it's name is not forgotten among the nation and the local community.

The bowl happily co-sponsors the Presbyterian Ear Institutes' Run To Break The Silence, a 5K, 10K and 20K fun run at Sandia Resort and Casino.

They also team with NCAA Football to put on a free clinic for area youth that was coached by both New Mexico and New Mexico State coaches. As the state and the game continue to grow, the New Mexico Bowl eagerly anticipates its chance to become the premier annual sporting event in the Land of Enchantment.

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH: MARY BYRD

“We don’t do stand-up because it’s easy. We do it because there’s ‘something wrong’ with us.”

M

ary Byrd, a Colorado Springs native, has called Albuquerque home since 1993. Her comedic style - eclectic.

Current events, politics, family, neighborhood and personal observations are all targets. A mild-mannered software consultant by day, she stepped up to the stage as a stand-up comedian in 2004. Mary was a finalist in the New Mexico’s CW/ My50-TV Great Southwest Laugh-Off in 2008. She has opened for national headliners Matt Knudsen, Claude Stuart, Tommy Taylor, Jr., Janine Gardner, Bruce Baum and Patrick Candelaria. She has performed throughout New Mexico and in Arizona, California and Colorado. She sat down with New Mexico Entertainment to talk about her career and the comic scene in Albuquerque.

What do you love about comedy?

I am addicted to laughter. I love to laugh and I love to make other people laugh. I think laughter is a special kind of magic and if you can make people laugh, on a consistent basis, you are

making magic. There are very few arts that allow total control over the creative process. I get to decide what I want to talk about and how I want to present my ideas. As long as, it’s funny, you can get away with saying all kinds of outrageous things.

What was your driving force to become a stand-up comedian?

Stand-up is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I’m a computer instructor also and I’ve always incorporated jokes, puns and funny stories into my teaching. I have an old family friend who came to play Laff's Comedy Club many years ago and I thought, “I want to do that!” I finally got the gumption to try an open mic in the Fall of 2004 and I’ve been at it ever since. It was like I found my “calling”. I’m a comedian. I can’t go back and pretend I’m not.

How do you feel about the comic scene here in New Mexico?

The scene has changed much in the last 10 years. Many thought that the closing of our comedy club in 2008

December 2014

11

meant the end of live comedy in Albuquerque. Far from it. There are too many funny people in this town for that to happen. So we decided to just DO IT. Comedians became Producers because we had very little choice. We refused to let the art languish just because we had no “Club”.

We also, for the most part, try and support each other. Our community wants comedy and supports it. Locally owned restaurants and brew pubs such as Nexus, Broken Bottle Brewery, Back Alley and Adieux host weekly open mics. Shows are produced all over town at nightclubs and restaurants such as Low Spirits, Launchpad, Coolwater Fusion, Damn Bar, The Main Event and more. The Box Improve and Performance Space has shows EVERY Friday and Saturday.

Check out the Show Schedule at AlbuquerqueComedy.com to see what’s happening on any given night.

We are also becoming known to comedians outside of the state. In the past few months, national headliners such as Doug Stanhope, Dave Ross (twice) and Matt Knudsen came to Albuquerque on purpose, because of the vibe of our scene. The Stage at Santa Ana Star Casino has embraced our local talent pool to open for touring comedians, providing valuable networking opportunities. Several podcasts are broadcast as well.

There are so many good comedians in our state. Do I like them all?

Nope. I do respect them, though. We don’t do stand-up because it’s easy. We do it because there’s “something wrong” with us. We’re compelled to do it. They are my people.

12

December 2014

Where do you pull your materials from? What is your inspiration behind your sets?

I have a big, crazy family and lots of nutty friends. Much of my comedy is just talking about my life. I also like to draw on current events, politics and observation.

What is your advice for aspiring comics?

Respect you elders! Go to open mics.

Practice, practice, practice. If you love it, DON’T GIVE UP. Where can we see you perform in the future?

I am, happily, performing for several holiday parties in December. My next public show will be on January 1st at Imbibe at 7 PM, and I’ll be producing a comedy showcase at The Box Improv and Performance Space January 10th at 10:30pm. To learn more about my upcoming performances visit www.marybcomedy.com

BEHIND THE SCENES: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’S GREATEST HITS

What happens when Broadway’s greatest musical legends meet Broadway’s greatest satirist? Absolute hilarity!

Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits, created and written by Gerard Alessandrini, is a funny, loving, tongue in cheek, and tremendously entertaining tribute to some of the theater's greatest stars and songwriters.

Director Art Tedesco (“9 to 5”, “The Producers”, “It’s A Wonderful Life”) guides this two- act show of high energy song and dance, poking gentle fun at Annie, Chicago, Les Miserables, Wicked, Mama Mia, Rent, A Chorus Line, Hairspray, Fiddler On The Roof, Spamalot,and more. No Broadway show - or Broadway performer - is offlimits!

The Adobe Theater’s presentation of Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits combines the considerable talents of Albuquerque theater favorites Kevin Fannin (“Les Miserables”), 14

December 2014

Carolyn Hogan (“My Favorite Year”), Tyler Alan Strand (“Juno & The Paycock”), and Ceptembre Tedesco (“Foul Play Cafe”). These talented performers promise a good show and a good time for all who attend.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season and treat yourself to Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits, which opens on December 5th and runs through December 28th. Performances are at Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm [note the new starting time] and Sundays at2pm. Proceeds from a special ‘Pay What You Will’ performance on Thursday, December 18th (7:30pm curtain) benefits the actors and crew.

Tickets are only $15, seniors and students $13. Reservations 505-8989222 or online at www.adobetheater.org

COVER STORY: ROD MAN

W

ho would think that a comedian could create a set discussing the length of a receipt from a grocery store? Ladies and gentleman, meet Rod Man. Winner of Season 8's Last Comedian Standing, Rod Man proved to be a strong competitor and a hilarious individual. New Mexico will get to witness his gift when he come out to perform at The Stage at Santa Ana Star Casino on December 11th. Teresa Ewers of New Mexico Entertainment had the opportunity to interview him and learn more about this talented comic.

Let's step back to your childhood.

What was your FIRST influence that turned on your interest to comedy?

I guess my first influence was when Def Comedy Jam came out in the early 90's. I’d seen Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby - to see people that looked, dressed, & sounded like me, making people laugh, that was mind-blowing!! I immediately knew that’s what I’m going to do.

I had a feeling that your namesake may have came from Dennis Rodman. Do you still have the jerseys that lead to your stage name?

How does it feel to know that you may surpass D. Rodman on the internet? People are talking.

I was a fan, but I wouldn’t say the name totally came from him. There were a lot of "Mans" signing up for Open Mike (Zoo Man, G-Man, Face Man, T-Man), and, at the time, I was a fan of Dennis Rodman “The Worm”, not the North Korea Dennis, and I had a Bulls & a Spurs Jersey that had Rodman on the back; that was the beginning of Rod Man, not which, by the way, people messed up the spelling 16

December 2014

of it all the time (it’s Rod Man with a space). No, I don’t not have the jerseys anymore. I was a jersey hoarder for a long time.

Influences are always big in an artist's life. What other influences drove the start of your career?

I knew I was not a 9-5 guy when I got fired from all my jobs, I always wanted to do something outside the norm.

They say that when it comes to writing a book, giving a speech or doing stand-up, talk about what you know.

What do you dive into to create your sets?

Everyday life - my family, I talk about myself, I love to observe people. I love to ask questions about people, places, and things.

Your first gig. Tell us about it.

First gig - Uptown Comedy Club in Atlanta Open Mic on a Tuesday. I remember being extremely nervous, so I tried to calm my nerves by taking a drink on stage, because I saw all the other comedians doing it, but I ended up knocking my drink off the stool and breaking the glass, so I learned pretty early that I was not a prop comic.

So I know it's been said that you felt awesome when you were crowned the winner of Season Eight's Last Comedy Standing. What I would like to know is what was your drive to appear on the show?

I always thought it was a good vehicle to get your career started and, in my household, we believe in vision boards.

That was actually one of the things on my vision board before I had ever got the call about the show, so, in my

COVER STORY: ROD MAN

“...To “... see people that looked, dressed, & sounded like me, making people laugh, that was mind-blowing! I immediately knew that’s what I’m going to do.”

mind, I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Reality shows always seem to have a shock factor - the "drama" moments to get people to watch.

LCS didn't seem to have that.

Why do you think the show is so successful?

I never looked at Last Comic Standing as a reality show. It was more of a competition show, so drama was not going to win, you needed funny, and a lot of it. I think the show did a great job of changing the format from previous seasons where anybody could audition to having working comedians with some experience doing stand-up. We had a little drama

on voting days when we had to go in the booth and say “I think I’m funnier than ”_____". Those days were always a little stressful.

What did you learn from each of the judges of Last Comedy Standing?

I learned from Keenen to not be so wordy in my stories - “trim the fat” - and black men need to wear color sometimes! I learned from Roseanne about humility and being humble - remaining true to my comedy self and Russell - my take away was treat comedy like a boxing match - jab jab jab, then go for the knockout.

December 2014

17

COVER STORY: ROD MAN

Who would you say you learned the most from when it came to the special guests who appeared on the show?

They all had something of value to offer. Wanda Sykes was always there on set, so she was great in offering little nuggets. Jay Leno talking about when a joke is old, when they’re not laughing anymore. Howie Mandel told me to just use my Improv skills on the tram challenge. I lost that challenge, but I thought that was sound advice.

When you won, what was the first thing you did?

There was really no time to celebrate, I had to fly to New York and tape The Tonight Show and The Today Show, so I was alone in a hotel room in New York City with no one to really celebrate with. So the first thing I did was make sure my door was locked - lots of crime in New York.

You were quoted saying "Stand- up is the tree, and whatever grows from this tree, I’m open to pursue. I would like to (share) my funny in a lot of

18

December 2014

different places." So, what avenues are you looking to expand into?

Television avenue is the main goal right now - developing a successful show. I think I would make an excellent late night talk show host, so if something like that came about, I would listen.

I know you would like to see yourself in ten years with a successful TV sitcom. What would your sitcom be called and what would the premise be?

We’re still in the develop stages, but I can say it will have a lot of "That Good Funny" in it.

What ahead for Team Rod Man? Work, work, and more work. I’ll be touring most of 2015, so check out my website for schedule - rodmancomedy.com. I’m filming a DVD special next year in Atlanta and hopefully we develop that sitcom just right and serve up some funny in America's living rooms every week.

THE ART WORLD: RIVER OF LIGHTS

R

iver of Lights sculpture at the BotanicGarden. Photo Courtesy ABQ BioPark.

More than just a lighting display, it's a work of art. The annual event, River of Lights, is back for the holiday season. Enjoy millions of twinkling lights, live music, food, drinks and holiday gifts until January 3, 2015.

Festive sculptures will blanket the Botanic Garden with wondrous scenery, animated figures and towering displays. This year's main attraction will be a giant sunken ship. Visitors can find the ocean scene in the Festival Green, and enjoy returning favorites spread across the Garden. River of Lights also features holiday music from

local performers through December 23rd.

"River of Lights has become a holiday tradition for so many families in New Mexico,"said Maryann Torrez, BioPark Operations and Events Manager. "It's exciting to see families search for their favorite displays, discover new sculptures, listen to the music groups play and take in all the activities we have to offer. They love it."

On select nights in December, guests can also purchase a ticket to board the Polar Bear Express, a train ride with Santa and his elves.

Passengers can also enjoy sweet treats, hot cocoa, music and a present from Santa before de-boarding to explore the River of Lights exhibit. Advance tickets are December 2014

19

THE ART WORLD: RIVER OF LIGHTS

required and will be available-online onlybeginning November 7th.

Watch for the special Holiday G-Scale Model Train at the Garden Railroad, Wednesdays-Sundays.

Get creative during Holiday Nature Crafts on December 3rd, 10th and 17th.

Complete the holiday festivities with a dinner at the Shark Reef Cafe. From December 15th through December 23rd, have Supper with Santa, and adults can enjoy a late-night celebration December 26th-30th during Rockin' Nights at River of Lights.

River of Lights will be open November 29th - January 3rd, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.Tickets are $12 for

20

December 2014

adults and $6 for children. Children under 3 are free. Senior and member discounts are not available for this special fundraiser. Groups of 50 or more may qualify for a group discount; please contact us for details. Free park & ride from the Zoo will be available on select nights. Come check out a New Mexico tradition.

December 2014

20

EXTRAS: OLD TOWN IN A NEW LIGHT

“O ld To wn is a unique shopping exper ience. Ther e is more to explore than shopping at a mall.�

T

radition is a big thing here in the Land of Enchantment. For almost three centuries, Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest. It is the Historical Zone of the City of Albuquerque and home for many families whose ancestors founded the town. It has become a tourist attraction for entertainment for those passing through, but there are some new businesses in the area that are looking to expand that to a certain type of people that hasn't been taking part in the

21

beautiful of Old Town and that is the locals. Three businesses want to show local citizens that Old Town is not about the past, but what you think about when you want something unique during the holiday season and all the other days in between. New Mexico Entertainment asked them What do you feel you offer that is unique about your business, what do you want locals to know about Old Town, and what do locals have to look forward to visiting your business?

CHRIS JAMES:

OLD TOWN CELTIC SHOP What do you feel you offer that is unique about your business?

We are the only Celtic store in the whole state. We offer unique jewelry/gifts that no other store in Old Town has. We support local artists.

What do you want locals to know about Old Town?

Old Town is a unique shopping experience. There is more to explore than shopping at a mall. There are many historical buildings and places to visit. There are many restaurants.

There are ghost tours, gunfight reenDecember 2014

21

EXTRAS: OLD TOWN IN A NEW LIGHT

actments and two museums as well as music on the plaza.

What do locals have to look forward to visiting your business?

Most of our jewelry is authentic and is imported from Ireland and Scotland.We have affordable jewelry and gifts that fit all price ranges. We feature many local artists that work in various mediums of glass, pottery, photography, wood, paintings and jewelry. We support local Celtic music and often have live performers at the store.

CATHERINE WEBSTER: CATHERINE'S CACHE

for the homeless of Albuquerque.

What do you want locals to know about Old Town?

What the locals should know about Old Town is that it is a beautiful blend of unique shops and restaurants that extends way beyond tourism. While a more traditional Southwest flair is the heart of Old Town, as it well should be, there is a vast array of shops offering an eclectic assortment of merchandise that can only be found in Old Town. If you are looking for items for yourself or as gifts for others you are going to find that something special here that the big box shops cannot offer.

What do you feel you offer that is unique about your business? What do locals have to look forward to visiting your business?

I think what we offer at our shop that makes it unique, and what locals can look forward to when visiting our store would be the following: At Catherine's Cache we offer a more traditional approach to doing business combined with contemporary and innovative product lines.

We offer high fashion and accessory lines but also that small town charm and personal touch that our locals should expect from our businesses. We offer gift certificates and layaway, as well as complimentary gift wrapping and refreshments.

We want our customers to feel as if they are being welcomed into our home.

We are also part of the community with a portion of each sale of our most popular line donated to Special Olympics New Mexico and Saint Martin's Hospitality Center 22

December 2014

December 2014

22

AMANDA DUFFY: SCENTCHIPS

What do you feel you offer that is unique about your business?

Scentchips are the original fragrance melt. They can be melted for a more vibrant fragrance in place of candles or incense, or can be used as potpourri in dressers drawers and linen closets. We offer a uniquely customizable way to experience fragrance in your home or office. Customers can custom blend their own unique fragrance or can choose from many of our popular blends. In addition to Scentchips we offer quality handmade soaps, bath bombs, and lotions. These are all made in the United States and are made of all Eco-friendly ingredients.

We also carry Nambe items, one of a kind art pieces, and handmade crafts.

What do you want locals to know about Old Town?

I would love locals to know that locals have businesses in Old Town. There are several new businesses, and we all offer unique and beautiful items. In addition to the great new stores, there is always something fun happening in Old Town. During the summer 23

December 2014

months there is live music in the plaza every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

There are many festivals and concerts that happen throughout the year. You can have a blast watching the Elvis impersonators on Elvis day, try some salsa at the annual Salsa Fest, and then come back and find the perfect Mother's day gift or birthday present.

There is more than just shopping and eating in Old Town. Come down and experience some history and make some new friends.

What do locals have to look forward to visiting your business?

When locals come to visit our store they are in for a truly delightful fragrance adventure. We pride ourselves in excellent customer service, and offer a genuinely memorable experience.

We enjoy what we do and we like to share this with our customers. We will tell you all about Scentchips, our handmade soaps, and Nambe; and will even help you customize your own fragrance. We have several different specials available all year and will combine your purchase in the best way to save you money. We also offer shipping and a local’s club card.

December 2014

23

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER 5-7, 2014 RED ROCK BALLOON RALLY Frequently described as a balloonist's paradise, a highly prized invitation to this event - the second largest balloon event in the world offers pilots the opportunity to compete for fine Native American Arts and crafts.

(505) 566-3403

DECEMBER 2014 1-31 I NOB HILL SHOP & STROLL Filled with mostly locally-run businesses, Nob Hill is a great destination for shoppers who know that buying local helps our local businesses thrive.

With the goal of providing culturally enriching events that also create positive impacts on the local community. For the event, Central Ave. will be closed from San Mateo Blvd. to Girard Blvd. to traffic from noon until midnight. The Nob Hill Shop & Stroll will begin at noon. The event will include shopping and food specials, family entertainment, and photos with Santa.

Nob Hill Central Ave between San Mateo Blvd and Girard Blvd http://www.rt66central.com

24

December 2014

5 I OLD TOWN HOLIDAY STROLL 4:00pm The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in Don Luis Plaza kicks off a delightful evening of entertainment, dining and shopping. The luminarias and twinkle lights fill the air with Holiday spirit during this classic and time-honored Albuquerque event. Shop 'til you drop that evening and save while helping to raise money for local charities.

Historic Old Town Rio Grande Blvd. N.W. & Central Ave. N.W. Albuquerque, NM 87104 http://albuquerqueoldtown.co m/index.php?page=holidaystroll

December 2014

24

5-7 I RED ROCK BALLOON RALLY 7:30am, 6:00pm Frequently described as a balloonist's paradise, a highly prized invitation to this event the second largest balloon event in the world - offers pilots the opportunity to compete for fine Native American Arts and crafts. You'll want to have your camera ready as these rainbow colored giants come to life.

Mass Ascensions at Fox Run Golf Course and Red Rock Park Glow in the Rocks and Indian Dances at Red Rock Park http://www.redrockballoonrally.com/ 5-24 I IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen classic Irving Berlin songs. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act

after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander.

Albuquerque Little Theatre 224 San Pasquale SW Albuquerque, NM 87104 (505) 242-4750 ext. 2 http://www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org 5-28 I FORBIDDEN BROADWAY In this long-running OffBroadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of the theatre's greatest stars and songwriters.

The Adobe Theater 9813 4th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-9222 www.adobetheater.org

DECEMBER 24, 2014 LUMINARIA TOUR Enjoy an annual New Mexica tradition! Let ABQ Ride take you through a twinkling wonderland in Old Town, a festively-adorned Albuquerque Country Club and other hot spots decked out for the holiday like the Los Altos neighborhood. http://www.cabq.gov/transit/spe cial-events/luminaria-tour

25

December 2014

December 2014

25

12-28 I SHREK THE MUSICAL Friday & Saturday: 7:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 PM SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the Oscar® winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage.

In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre—not a handsome prince—shows up to rescue a feisty princess.

Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek.

African American Performing Arts Center 310 San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 http://www.musicaltheatresw.c om 20 I GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL 12:20PM The 9th Annual Gildan New Mexico Bowl will once again be the first game played in college football’s bowl season. The game will feature a team from the Mountain West Conference against a team from the Pac-

12 Conference. Visit the New Mexico Bowl page for hotel rates and coupons as well as information on things to do, holiday events and shopping during your visit.

1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 http://www.gildannewmexicobowl.com 24 I CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND LUMINARIAS ON THE PLAZA The historic village of Old Mesilla is aglow with thousands of luminarias and caroling.

(575) 524-3262 http://www.mesillanm.gov/touri sm/events/category/events/ 24 I LUMINARIA TOUR 5:20pm-7:40pm Enjoy an annual New Mexican tradition! Let ABQ Ride take you through a twinkling wonderland in Old Town, a festively-adorned Albuquerque Country Club and other hot spots decked out for the holiday like the Los Altos neighborhood.

Albuquerque Convention Center 401 Second St. N.W. Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 768-4575 http://www.cabq.gov/transit/sp ecial-events/luminaria-tour

VISIT WWW.NMENTERTAINS.COM FOR THE LATEST EVENTS 365 DAYS A YEAR!