FR EE
Vol. 18 / No.38/ JUNE 14-21, 2017
Page 8 El Paso joins Make Music Day Page 5 .......................................
My Jerusalem heads to Lowbrow Palace Page 12 .......................................
Celebrate Summer Solstice at Keystone Heritage Park Page 14
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WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE FICTIONAL FATHER? KATIE TAYLOR: Bob from “Bob’s Burgers” because he’s funny, he’s caring, he lets his kids be who they are and enjoys them.
SAM NOVAK: Joe West from “The Flash.” First of all, he raised his daughter so well. He took in this little boy, who lost both of his parents, and he was willing to raise him as his own son. And when he realized that he had another son, he was also willing to take him in and treat him as his own and make sure that they all become good people.
VANESSA KEYSER: Homer Simpson because he has the best intentions. Everything that he does is so real and he has such real situations that he tries to do the very best thing and he fails, but even when he fails, he learns something from it. So I admire that about him, and I just think that he’s so sweet and so pure.
BRIAN CEELY: Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mocking Bird,” because he believed in a strong, moral, progressive code that he fought for despite popular opinion. And he loved and did his best to instill these morals in children through his profession, not only for the benefit of his children, but for the benefit of all people regardless of color. That dedication to raising good and kind people reminds me of my own dad, and I love them both for it.
CRISTINA ZERMENO: James Potter [from the “Harry Potter” series] because not only was he only 20 when he had his child, he died at the age of 21 in order to sacrifice himself. He could have run in the opposite direction when his enemy was facing him, but instead, he faced him head-on when he was completely unarmed. He died for his wife and for his child simply because he loved him and it was the right thing to do.
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GUEST COLUMN BY ROBBY GRAY Editor’s note: In honor of Father’s Day, which is June 18, I asked El Paso Inc. editor Robby Gray to write about his journey as a young dad of three adopted children. As if balancing parenthood and profession wasn’t challenging enough, the logistical and emotional process that comes with adoption results in lessons worth sharing. Four years ago, coincidentally on Father’s Day, I met my son in person for the first time in a hotel room in Thailand. The social worker who walked Robert into the room was holding an album my wife and I had sent him months before with photos of us. She pointed at it, and then she pointed at us. When Robert, who was 2, made the connection, his face contorted and he started crying – deep tragic sobs. It was the culmination of a two-year adoption process. We had flown 22 hours from El Paso to Bangkok to get the last approvals and bring Robert home. I knew the grief would come and tried to prepare myself the best I could, yet I was still unprepared. No toddler should have to experience that kind of grief. It was a reminder of how the formation of our family began with the severing of another. There is so much pain and loss and beauty and love in adoption. It’s tinged with guilt. We would be taking Robert from his foster family – the only family he knew – and from his country. That’s why I feel pangs of sadness every Father’s Day, but also joy. Robert would gain a forever family and a new country, and in that moment, sitting on the worn hotel-room carpet with a few toys, I wished he could know, truly, just how much love we had to give him. We were young 20-somethings with no children when we adopted Robert, but it al-
From left: Katie, Lindsey, Robert, Robby and Jadon Gray flash smiles during a stroll in Bangkok’s Chinatown. The family adopted their third child, Lindsey, in Thailand in February.
Photo provided by Robby Gray
ways surprised me when someone would assume we struggled with infertility – as if the only reason someone would adopt is because they had to. Since adopting Robert, we have adopted two more children, and it’s hard to say exactly why my wife and I chose to adopt. We both have siblings who were adopted, so it wasn’t foreign to us. People say every pregnancy is different, and that’s certainly true of adoption. There’s no “typical” adoption. But once you decide to adopt, you are thrust into a world that makes the wedding industry seem sane. You quickly learn a new language. Domestic adoption or international adoption? Closed adoption? Open adoption? Then you go online and start researching adoption agencies and read the horror stories. And then there is the home study, adoption training, dossier, authentications, certifications, fingerprinting and fingerprinting again – as if they might change. At one point, we were faced with a piece of paper covered with words like spina bifida and HIV positive. By each word was a checkbox where we had to mark what special needs we were open to. Should we say no to a child just because they were born without a foot or their mother took drugs during pregnancy?
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By the time we got to the final months of our third adoption, I was a bit of a wreck. The waiting is the toughest part. Some sleepless nights I felt like I was falling into darkness. Katie found comfort in the world of adoption “mommy blogs” and Facebook groups. But adoption blogs written by dads are as rare as romper-wearing men at a death-metal concert. Although, unlike male rompers, the world could use more of them – or at least some form of support and community for dads. The adoption process is the easier part. Once home, the transition can be tough as parents and child go through the attachment process. When you have three kids ages 6 and under, you stand out. When they are of a different race, you really stand out. Yet, in El Paso, I’ve never felt stares. One time at Costco, a stranger came over to tell us we have a beautiful family. That’s so El Paso. We co-lead a small, informal adoption/foster group for those considering it, in-process, or are trying to navigate the perils of parenting. You’re welcome to join us. ___ Email El Paso Inc. reporter Robert Gray at rsgray@elpasoinc. com or call (915) 534-4422 ext. 105. Twitter: @ReporterRobby.
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EL PASO JOINS MAKE MUSIC DAY By Isabel A. Rodriguez comment: @whatsupweekly
As the co-founders of Carambola Community Music, Maria McCullough and Yahvi Pichardo recognize music’s impact on people. “It’s inherent to try to find ways to express ourselves,” McCullough says. “Music is something that brings people together; it’s good for your mind, body and spirit. Music makes us all happy.” The couple, who first celebrated Make Music Day while living and working in Chicago, wants others in the community to experience that same musical euphoria. That’s why they are organizing Make Music Day in El Paso for the second consecutive year on Wednesday, June 21. The daylong celebration is a worldwide
event that originated in Paris in 1981. The event invites everyone of all ages to participate – sometimes even from the confines of their own home or workplace. “Anyone can participate,” McCullough said. “Last year, we had 14 events and about 300 participants throughout the city. I think it went really well. We hope it continues to happen over the next few years. Our goal is to have music popping up in unexpected places, outside of these larger events.” For those who’d like to celebrate in the company of others, Carambola and a slew of other additional businesses, such as Surya Yoga, are hosting several events throughout the day. Jason McInnes, McCullough and Pichardo’s friend from Chicago, will lead a harmonica workshop at Armijo Park at 5 p.m., for example. (Be one of the first 100 people and you’ll receive a free harmoni-
‘CHAMIZAL ASKS’ ABOUT ITS OWN STORY By Eden Enterprises/Victoria G. Molinar comment: @whatsupweekly
Eden Enterprises will present “El Chamizal: Wild River, Disputed Land,” as part of the monthly “Chamizal Asks: What do you think?” series on Wednesday, June 21, at the Chamizal National Memorial Theater. The performance explores
the dispute between Mexico and the United States over the Chamizal, a small piece of land that was at times part of both countries, depending on the changing
Last year’s local Make Music Day festivities included jam sessions at parks and other outdoor spots.
Photo courtesy of Maria McCullough
ca.) Organizers are looking for volunteers to assist at the various events that day, whether it’s greeting participants or helping promote the event beforehand. You don’t have to be a master instrument player to get involved, McCullough stressed. “For most events, the purpose is to provide a venue and an opportunity for people who have never played and are curious to
try,” she said. “Some events will be workshops – you’ll learn how to do something – and some will be jams. There’s opportunity for new music makers and also for more experienced or veteran music makers.”
course of the Rio Grande. It came to symbolize the larger disputes between the two nations and its peaceful resolution is a tribute to the efforts of political leaders on both sides of the border. The show, which includes theater, dance, and projected images, will be followed by a question and answer session, guided by a member of the Chamizal interpretation staff. “Often times, people view history as very dry and boring, and by putting it on stage, you can understand it in a different way,” said David Mills, the show’s producer. “It brings it to life.” The “Chamizal Asks: What do you
think?” series is held on the third Wednesday of every month. It aims to engage the community in discussions about themes and issues related to the mission of the Memorial. “We have worked closely with the Chamizal for the past few years on their educational outreach initiatives,” Mills said. “The plays always have to do with the history and culture of the southwest and the border in particular. What I like about the Chamizal is their mission to recognize the importance of resolving international disputes in a peaceful way. With all of the problems of the world today, that’s an important thing to stress.”
WHAT’S UP To learn more about Make Music Day and find an event near you, visit MakeMusicDay.org/el-paso or email elpaso@makemusicday.org.
WHAT’S UP
‘El Chamizal: Wild River, Disputed Land’
Wednesday, June 21, 7 p.m. Chamizal National Memorial in the Theater, 800 S. San Marcial St. Free, all ages More info at 915-474-4275, facebook. com/ChamizalNationalMemorial U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson (left) and Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos (right) unveil the boundary marker signaling the peaceful end of the Chamizal dispute on September 25, 1964. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
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JUNE 14-21, 2017
EXPERTS SHARE CONCERNS AMIDST BORDER SECURITY TALK By Denise Nelson-Prieto comment: @whatsupweekly
With the recent El Paso visits of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, many national leaders’ emphasis on border security continues. Last week, Cruz showed support for the wall and emphasized the importance of U.S. Border Patrol agents while Sessions called the border “ground zero” against cartels during his April visit. Back in February, President Donald Trump penned an executive order that included hiring an additional 15,000 Border Patrol and ICE Agents to tighten border security. The idea of taking such measures worry UTEP’s Center for Inter-American and Border Studies director Josiah Heyman and Christian Ramirez, director of the San Diego-based Southern Border Communities Coalition. The two authored a report released in April called “Why Caution is Needed Before Hiring Additional Border Patrol Agents and ICE Officers.” Concerns they highlighted included problems that arose from a similar hiring spree in the late 2000s and the impact these increases have had on border communities. Heyman is widely considered a top expert on the border and lauded for his research on the organizational culture within immigration enforcement agencies.
President Donald Trump’s proposed increase of 5,000 more U.S. Border Patrol agents could cause both financial and accountability dilemmas, says Josiah Heyman, director of UTEP’s Center for Inter-American and Border Studies. Photo by Jorge Salgado
Ramirez has worked with immigration policy issues and their effects on border communities since 1994. He has led a national effort to increase accountability components to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “We need to look at the Department of Homeland Security agency expansion with a critical eye because of the power of those agencies and because of their immense costs,” Heyman said during an April teleconference that included Ramirez. “We also need to look at the conduct of the officers in those agencies.” Heyman cited the aftermath of the last hiring surge, which occurred in 2006 with the rapid hiring of 8,000 new agents. In the report, he states “While the Border Patrol
experienced some improvements in the aftermath of its last expansion, most recommendations for reform remain unimplemented.” Such reforms, some 53 of them, were laid out in reports published in 2015 and 2016 by an advisory council for the Department of Homeland Security. The document outlined recommendations in a number of categories, including preventing unauthorized use of force, investigating corruption and improving agency transparency. “These [recommendations] give guidance in the direction we can go before a hiring surge,” Heyman said. “We need to have a full accounting of the response to those recommendations before hiring all these new agents.”
He also pointed out the cost of a hiring surge. The Trump administration wants to allocate more than $314 million to fund this effort, according to the report. Ramirez outlined the importance of holding border enforcement agencies accountable. “Without proper oversight for Customs and Border Protection, this will create much more tension between border communities and the largest law enforcement agency in the United States,” he said. “We will further erode the trust that’s needed between the people in these communities and agents.” Ramirez also had issues with the idea of militarizing the border. “Under this administration, we have heard the rhetoric of war as part of policy making; top level officials have continuously described border areas as ground zero for an imaginary war,” he said. “This is not only an affront to our dignity, but goes against the most basic principles of a democratic society.” Both Ramirez and Heyman said the funds and focus of the current administration could be put to better use by increasing staff numbers at our ports of entry, improving existing infrastructure and creating a more positive climate of cooperation between communities and immigration enforcement agencies.
JUNE 14-21, 2017
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WHAT’S UP CELEBRATES LOCAL LEGENDS Last Wednesday, June 7, Local Legends winners joined What’s Up to celebrate and receive their awards. Our energetic MC for the night was Bianca Carrasco, who won Best Comedian this year. A special thanks to Cattleman’s Steakhouse and Pizza Joint for handing out savory eats and to Blackbird Cantina Deluxe for providing the perfect backdrop to celebrate our Local Legends. Blackbird bartenders Matt and Joe Poe won the Best Bartender title for their second year in a row, making their cantina a fitting place to host the event. Cattleman’s Ben Sanchez won Best Chef while Best Entrepreneur Under 40 went out to Pizza Joint owner Melissa Maese. Ah, victory never tasted so good! What’s Up decided to do Best of the Best 2017 differently by spreading it throughout the year to better highlight each section: Local Legends, Party & Play, Around Town and Border Eats. Stay tuned for our next awards celebration and visit WhatsUpPub.com starting July 14 to nominate your favorites for Around Town. That round includes cultural, retail and service categories like Best Museum and Best Pet Care. Photos by Jorge Salgado
‘Best Fashionista’ winner Robert Chavez takes a selfie with his crew.
Chico the Chihuahua won the ‘Best Mascot’ title. Above: Brothers Matt (left) and Joe Poe of Blackbird Cantina Deluxe Right: Dr. Cameron Larson of EP Dentistry for Kids
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JUNE 14-21, 2017
CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF STORYTELLING Left: ‘Viva El Paso’ creator Hector Serrano stands in front of a packed McKelligon Canyon amphitheater during a 1986 production of the show. ‘I think that’s around the time we were ranked one of the top 10 in the nation by the Institute of Outdoor Theatre,’ Serrano recalled.
By Isabel A. Rodriguez / Photos coutesy of EP Live / EP Community Foundation comment: @whatsupweekly
Celebrating 40 years of a beloved summer tradition, “Viva! El Paso” returns to McKelligon Canyon for 14 performances June 16 through July 29. Packed with song and dance, the production is a collaboration between El Paso Community Foundation, El Paso Live and El Paso Community College. The outdoor drama, which looks back at 400 years of El Paso’s history and culture, was created by theater professor Hector Serrano and premiered at McKelligon Canyon in 1978. “My goal was to have a very generic story with a lot of spectacle that
Photo courtesy of Hector Serrano
focused on the four major cultures: Native American, Spaniards, Mexicans and Western American cowboys,” Serrano explained. “It took a while to develop, as every show does. By about our fifth year, we really had it; it was working.” Serrano directed the production for 25
years. In his first several years, he worked with young actors, most of whom were no older than 18. “I tried to instill in them pride in where we lived,” he said. “A lot of people don’t consider us even part of Texas – we’re not even in the same time zone. A lot of us have Mexican ancestry, but we don’t understand it because we didn’t study it. So, I made sure that they understood it, that they appreciated where they came from and that they showed it on the
stage. That resonated with the audience. It was a very heartwarming, touching experience for me.” Serrano recalled opening night in 1978 and emotions he was going through as performers made their way to the stage and the audience set their eyes on what would become an El Paso staple. “It was very special to me,” Serrano said. “I used to have a cast of 80 people. It was like they were graduating. I thought, ‘Look at them and how good they are.’ The show wasn’t very good; it took several years to catch on. But the performers were, and they loved what they were doing. As a teacher, when your students do well, you feel really good.” Since Serrano’s departure, “Viva!” has been in the hands of several area directors – most recently, Keith Townsend, artistic director of EPCC’s Theatre Ensemble and Performers Studio. This year marks his second time directing the production. This year’s show will incorporate more song and dance as it depicts 400 years of the Sun City’s culture. “El Paso is the ultimate multi-cultural community in the world,” Townsend said. “All cities want to claim that they’re a multi-cultural city, and they may very well be, but El Paso has always been a place that moves effortlessly between different cultures. It’s like there are no boundaries. That’s what’s unique about it, and something I noticed immediately when I came here in 1983. It’s one of the reasons I chose to stay here.” Townsend credits Serrano – whom he describes as a friend and mentor – for his Continued on 9
JUNE 14-21, 2017
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WHAT’S UP
40th annual ‘Viva! El Paso’
Fridays and Saturdays, June 16-July 29, 8 p.m. Spanish performances July 21-22 McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Dr. Tickets at TicketMaster.com, Plaza Theatre box office or by phone at 800-745-3000 Adults: $20 Children ages 2-12, seniors, military with valid ID : $12 More info at 915-534-0600, ElPasoLive.com and facebook.com/VIVAEP
VIVA EL PASO
Continued from 8
vision of “Viva!” as a unique storyteller that has endured the test of time. “I’ve always had such great respect for his work,” Townsend said. “I want to build upon that legacy. That’s why it was easy to sign on as director. We knew that the show had to evolve, but at the same time, we
don’t want to lose what makes it so unique and special.” This year the production will feature two performances in Spanish. Producers are also introducing Viva Kids, a new group of young performers. In December, they produced a “Viva! Holiday Spectacle,” which showcased local holiday traditions that define the region. “After the first performance, we knew we had to add them [to “Viva! El
Paso”] and that they would fit in nicely,” Townsend said. Mariachis were added to last year’s “Viva” production, and this year will also include a live saloon band. “Eventually, we want to have all the music done live,” Townsend said. Jordyn Catanach, one of the principal performers, is in her second year at ‘Viva!’ “It’s been a wonderful experience,” she said. “I grew up watching it, and my
own mother was in it once or twice. I’m super excited for the Spanish-language performances, and up for the challenge.” A key element that has not changed in the production’s history is the location: for 40 years, McKelligon Canyon has served as the perfect backdrop. Serrano said he created “Viva!” with that venue in mind. “I’m proud of what I created and I’m overjoyed that it’s still going on,” Serrano said.
DID YOU KNOW?
The City of El Paso’s Curbside Recycling Program accepts clean aluminum and tin. • These include soda cans, aluminum foil, and cans that hold stuff like vegetables and soup. If the aluminum foil has any type of grease or food residue on it, please throw that in the gray trash bin. Also, please make sure to rinse the cans so that they are free of food or liquids. • Empty and rinsed containers help prevent other recyclables from getting contaminated with food and liquids, and it prevents your blue recycling container from getting dirty and producing foul odors. Citizens may call 311 (915-212-6000) or visit www.recyclerightEP.com for more information
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KAPPY’S CORNER By Steve Kaplowitz / Comment: @whatsupweekly
History was made in Eugene, Oregon this past weekend for a pair of UTEP track stars. Sophomore Tobi Amusan and freshman Emmanuel Korir each won a national title at the NCAA Track and Field Championship. Amusan was able to lead for much of the 100-meter hurdle final and edge out fellow sophomore and defending champ Jasmine Camacho Quinn from the University of Kentucky to earn her first ever NCAA title with a time of 12.57. “Amusan is another special talent. She executed her race very well and all the hard work she put in this season paid off,” head coach Mika Laaksonen said. “This was her closest race yet and she stepped up to the challenge.” Meanwhile, Korir collided with fellow Miner teammate and freshman Michael Saruni, but he was still able to win the 800-meter finals on Friday. In addition to winning the outdoor championship, Korir also captured the 800-meter indoor title in March. “It was very unfortunate that Michael went down in the 800 m,” Laaksonen said
after the race. “It would’ve been a very exciting finish to see who would be the national champion had he not fallen. Emmanuel should feel very fortunate; Michael would have really challenged him at the end. [Korir] is such a talented runner, this may have been his last race for us.” ___ It was just too easy for the Golden State Warriors. For most of the NBA Finals, the Western Conference Champs looked like they were toying with the league’s best player. The Warriors won the first three games of the series with Cleveland before LeBron James and the Cavs finally broke through to avoid a sweep. Then, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry put Believeland out of its misery to finish off the series in five games. Durant was named the Bill Russell Finals MVP by averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Most important for the former Texas Longhorn, he finally won his first NBA ring with the super talented Warriors. The Cavs did come back from a 3-1 deficit a year ago to shock the Warriors in 7 games. However, Golden State was a much different team with Durant, and James lacked the supporting cast to keep up with the fast-paced Warriors offense. A great team became elite the instant KD signed with Golden State as a free agent. Although some people enjoyed the series
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JUNE 14-21, 2017
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, left, dunks in front of Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of Game 5 of basketball’s NBA Finals in Oakland, Calif., Monday, June 12. The Warriors won 129-120 to win the NBA championship. Photo by Ezra Shaw (via AP)
and the Warriors’ flirtation with a perfect postseason record, others have wondered if the game will lose some of its popularity because of how easy Steph and KD made it look. There is already talk that free agent to be Chris Paul could be interested in joining the Spurs this offseason. That would definitely make the San Antonio-Golden State rivalry even more interesting over the next few years. In the meantime, LeBron and
company will spend the offseason trying to figure out a way to slow down the Bay Area machine and keep hoop fans from worrying that the game is just not competitive anymore. ___
Since 1997, Steve Kaplowitz has hosted “Sportstalk” weekday afternoons 4-7 p.m. on 600 ESPN El Paso. Over the last 17 years, he has also worked for UTEP and NMSU as a play-by-play broadcaster, for UTEP telecasts on Time Warner Cable and for KDBC-TV and KTSM-TV as a sports anchor/reporter. You can contact Steve by emailing him at skaplowitz@krod.com.
CALENDAR JUNE 14-21, 2017
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State Line Music Series: Sorry About Your Sister Rock music covers. Must make food or monetary donation to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger. For ages 21+ The State Line, 1222 Sunland Park Dr., 8 p.m., free, 915-581-3371, countyline.com/StateLineMusic. html. King Octopus Local cephalopods cover classic rock. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 8-10 p.m., free, 915-860-7777, speakingrock.com/ events. El Paso Ghost Tours Real paranormal investigators tour people through real haunted buildings in downtown El Paso. Equipment provided. Not a point and talk tour, no fanciful ghost stories, experiences in the basements of haunted buildings. Runs June 14-16 and happens again June 21. Age 14+ Nolita Corner Bistro, 420 E San Antonio Ave, 8-10:30 p.m., $20, discount on Facebook, 915-4906769, elpasoghosttours.com. Swing at the Movies Screening of “Alive & Kicking,” a movie about swing dancing. Surprise performance, giveaways and an El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy dance after party. Alamo Drafthouse, 250 E. Montecillo Blvd., 7:30-9:30 p.m., $12, 915-5850090, danceelpaso.com. Alamo Drafthouse Film Club: ‘Mr Chibbs’ Ten years after retirement, NBA All-Star turned coach Kenny Anderson loses his job and gets himself a midlife crisis. Alamo Drafthouse, 250 E. Montecillo Blvd., 7:30 p.m., $5, drafthouse.com/el-paso. El Paso Triple-A Baseball Chihuahuas vs. Tacoma Rainiers. Event runs June 13-16, 7:05 p.m. Southwest University Ballpark, 1 Ballpark Plaza, 7:05 p.m., $5-$25, 915-533-BASE, facebook.com/ epchihuahuas. Wacky Wednesday: Comedy Open Mic Open to all jesters. Age 21+ 5 Points Bistro, 3019 Montana Ave, 9 p.m., free, facebook.com/ epucomedy. Laughterhours Local comedy. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Age 17+ El Paso Comic Strip, 1201 Airway Blvd., 7:30 p.m., $10, laff2nite.com. Yoga Humans pretzel to nirvana. Happens every Wed. 150 Sunset, 150 E. Sunset Rd., 6:30 p.m., 915-5851150, 150sunset.com. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Norman: The Moderate Rise and Fall of a New York Mixer’ A man known for getting people things makes friends with a young politician who becomes the Prime Minister to Israel, which changes Norman’s life completely. Event runs June 9-15, 7:30 p.m. Additional screenings: 1:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 7:30 p.m., $7, $6 matinee/senior/military/student, $5 Wed., mesillavalleyfilm.org.
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GIA GUNN TALKS SELENA, CHILE AND GOALS By Lisa Amaya comment: @whatsupweekly
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ormer RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Gia Gunn will perform at Touch Bar & Nightclub this Friday, June 16. The Chicago native recently toured the United Kingdom and took time to answer What’s Up’s questions via email. Q: What are you doing in the U.K.? Currently on the “Fishy Queens Tour” with Naomi Smalls and Kimora Blac appearing in seven cities with KlubKids U.K. We started in London, then Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle tonight, Glasgow and ending in Canterbury. This has been an amazing trip. Being able to see all these different places and meeting new people across the world always fascinates me! The fact that I have my 2 sisters with me have only made this experience even more unforgettable. Q: What made you want to do drag shows? RPDR (RuPaul’s Drag Race) opened the doors for me and my love for drag. Being able to inspire thousands of people internationally by performing and sharing my story is priceless. I feel there are very few jobs that allow you to express yourself however you want to, in whatever form you want to and when you want to & drag allows me to do that! Q: I understand you’ve played Kim Kardashian on RuPaul’s Drag Race. You initially wanted to play the late Tejana singer Selena. Why didn’t it happen? Honestly, I was influenced by some of the other participants on the show
1 Million Cups Community program for entrepreneurs and innovators offers business owners the opportunity to present their startups to a diverse group of mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurs. Happens every Wed. The Hub of Human Innovation, 500 West Overland, Suite 230, 9-10 a.m., free, 915-321-3123, 1millioncups. com/elpaso. Every 2nd Wednesday: Danny Ruley Country, rock and jazz music performance. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Main St., 6:30-7:30 p.m., free, 575-523-6403, riograndetheatre. com.
who were doubting the ability of Selena to be comical or come across as “funny.” I guess I let it get to my head and decided to do something more “safe,” rather than sticking to my gut instinct. I learned from this experience to never listen to others, especially when you are the artist. Q: Tell us about your role as Kim Kardashian. What was that like? Horrible, as you saw on the show! Impersonation is a talent in itself, whether it be in drag or not. I am more of a showgirl/personality and have a hard time impersonating other people. Q: Will this be your first time in El Paso? What are you expecting here? I have been one time before! Like any other experience, I don’t expect much of anything other than a crowd who appreciates drag and a loving environment!
universe what the world has given to me, which are blessings. I plan to have my own business/brand (not sure what opportunities will come along) and be a full trans activist who fights for my community, as we are in a time of need. The sky is the limit and I will never stop dreaming! Thank you all for your continuous support and love! See you soon, El Paso. WHAT’S UP
Gia Gunn
Friday, June 16 Touch Bar & Nightclub, 11395 James Watt Doors open at 9 p.m., show starts at 11 p.m. $20 ages 18-20, $10 21+ Meet and greet is $10, tables available for $40 Tickets available at eventbrite.com
Q: Tell us more about The Switch Drag Race show in Chile. Is it different from working in the U.S.? The Switch is more than just a drag show. It’s more of a talent competition with a reality show format. Therefore, in comparison to RPDR, it is a bit more challenging. There are 34 episodes of full productions and you have to sing live in order to save yourself from being eliminated! South America is a different country as a whole with Spanish being the prominent language & the customs/culture differ in many ways. Q: What can your fans expect from you in the future? All my fans can expect to see the real Gia come alive and give back to the
THURS. JUNE 15 Social Justice Film Series: ‘Lost Souls’ Two U.S. military veterans are deported to Mexico in 1999. Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, 2000 S. Solano Dr., 7-9 p.m., free, 575-522-7281. Selena tribute Band performs tejano pop hits. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 9-11 p.m., free, 915-8607777, speakingrock.com/events.
Cool Canyon Nights Weekly, free outdoor music performance by local bands. McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Dr., 6-9 p.m., free, $10 VIP, elpasolive.com/coolcanyonnights.
So Loud Thursday: MadeinTYO, Four Color Zack Hip hop music performance. Age 21+ Born and Raised, 2106 N. Zaragoza Rd., 9 p.m., $15, 915-996-1066, bornandraisedeptx.com.
Rotating Sets: Speak No Evil Jazz music performance. The Tap, 408 E. San Antonio Ave., 9 p.m.
El Paso Ghost Tours For details see Wed., June 14.
Shawn James & The Shapeshifters Blues music with openers Gleewood and Gila Monster. All ages. The Lowbrow Palace, 111 E. Robinson Ave., 9:30 p.m., $10 adv., $12 door, lowbrowpalace.com.
Q Connected: Mountain Vibes, The Boxheadz, Fallex Local bands perform. Rockhouse Bar & Grill, 9828 Montana Ave., 9 p.m., 915-591-7625.
Tatianna’s Got Talent Talent contest for cash prize. All entertainers welcomed. Sign-up starts at 10:30 p.m. Also happens June 22. Touch Bar & Nightclub, 11395 James Watt Dr., 10 p.m., free, facebook.com/ touchbarelpaso.
Open Mic feat. Delilah Blue Locals showcase creativity. Cafe de Tolteca, 602 Magoffin Ave., 6 p.m., free, 915303-7444.
El Paso Triple-A Baseball For details see Wed., June 14.
Carlos Mencia Standup comedy. Event runs June 15-17, 7:30 p.m., additional shows 10:30 p.m. Fri.Sat., 17+ El Paso Comic Strip, 1201 Airway Blvd., 7:30 p.m., $27.50$47.50, 915-779-5233, laff2nite.com.
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Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Norman: The Moderate Rise and Fall of a New York Mixer’. For details see Wed., June 14. Music on the Plaza: The Double Clutchers Weekly, Thursday night music performance. This week’s music is rockabilly. Plaza de las Cruces, Main St., 6:30-9 p.m., free, 575-541-2000, lascruces.org. Craft Corner: Beach Ball Pillows How to sew beach ball pillows. Materials provided. The M Factor, 701 Montana Ave., 7-9 p.m., free, RSVP req., 915-212-6615, facebook.com/MFactor915.
FRI. JUNE 16 Gia Gunn Contestant of Rupaul’s Drag Race season six performs and interacts. Touch Bar & Nightclub, 11395 James Watt Dr., 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $5-$20, eventbrite.com. Decent Criminal Punk rock performance with Sluthammer and Adventures of Fox and Barkus. 21+ Boomtown, 2430 Wyoming Ave., 10 p.m., free, facebook.com/epaps915. El Paso Ghost Tours For details see Wed., June 14. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘A Quiet Passion’ A film on Emily Dickinson. 7:30 p.m. Additional screenings: 1:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 7:30 p.m., $7, $6 matinee/senior/military/ student, $5 Wed., mesillavalleyfilm.org. ‘Funny F*ckin Fridays” Comedy Open Mic Music spun by DJ Kasual. Doors open at 9 p.m. Age 21+ Dr. Bombay’s Nice Dreams Hookah Lounge, 9828 Montana Ave., Ste. F, 10 p.m., free, facebook.com/epucomed. JRZ Music Fest Two days of music feat. Los Tigres Del Norte, Kinky, Cafe Tacuba, La Gusana Gegan Inspector and more. Event runs June 16-17, 3 p.m. Plaza de la Mexicanidad, 3 p.m. jrzmusicfest.com. El Paso Triple-A Baseball Wed., June 14.
For details see
Carlos Mencia For details see Thurs., June 15. Alfresco Fridays: PT & The Cruisers Weekly outdoor concert series. This week is classic rock covers. Judson F. Williams Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, 6 p.m., free, alfrescofridays. com. SO:ON feat. DJ Zimmer Tropical house disco set. Opener is resident DJ Delano. Age 21+ Club Here I Love You, 115 S. Durango Ave., 9 p.m., free w/ RSVP before 11 p.m., $10 presale, eventbrite.com.
Great Shapes Album Release Party Local dance rock pop band releases their album and performs with Nico & the Silent Films and Diseñado. Age 18+ The Lowbrow Palace, 111 E. Robinson Ave., 9 p.m., $5 age 21+, $8 age 18+, facebook. com/greatshapesmusic. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Kedi’ Documentary. There’s oodles of stray cats in Istanbul and this movie focuses on seven strays. Event runs June 16-22, 7:30 p.m. Additional screenings: 1:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 7:30 p.m., $7, $6 matinee/senior/military/student, $5 Wed., mesillavalleyfilm.org.
JUNE 14-21, 2017
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MY JERUSALEM STANDS OUT IN AGE OF MEDIA OVERLOAD
Matarraya, Sonora Blu Locals play Top ‘40s and latin music. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., free, 915-860-7777, speakingrock.com/events. Dusk & Dawn Rummage Sale El Paso Playhouse fundraiser from 6-8 p.m Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday. El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana Ave., free, 915-532-1317, elpasoplayhouse. com. Matt Pless New York City folk musician performance. Openers: Pantomine, Rock Paper Sisters, Kat Suicide, Smoove Groove. Also featuring art from El Paso artists. Cafe de Tolteca, 602 Magoffin Ave., 7-10 p.m., $3, 915-303-7444, facebook.com/CafeDeTolteca.
SAT. JUNE 17 La Fe 5K The 24th annual Father’s Day Community Health 5K run and 5K walk. Free t-shirts. La Fe Cultural and Technology Center, 721 S. Ochoa St., 7:30 a.m., $20, $15 military, 915-545-7234. House of Love vol. II: Tropical Pleasure A psychedelic circus of art, music and dance – including pole dance. LGBTQ-friendly. Includes Sleep, Never fashion show and performances by Mind Your Dream, Benny Q. Barker and Late Nite Social Club DJs. Age 21+ Club Here I Love You, 115 S. Durango Ave., 9 p.m.-2 a.m., free, 915307-7736, facebook.com/clubhereiloveyou. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rodney Atkins Country fried rock with opener Parma Lee. Inn of the Mountain Gods, 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd., 7 p.m., $76, innofthemountaingods.com. Scarlet Canary, The Anchor Female fronted metal from Denver, CO. Local support from: Epitaph Romance, Fall 2 Rise, Triarchy. Doors at 8 pm Paulina’s Bar & Grill, 7792 Franklin Dr, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., $3 21+, $5 18-20.
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La Fe Father’s Day 5K
Photo by Steve Gullick
By Miguel De Santiago comment: @whatsupweekly
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t’s possible you’ve heard Austin band My Jerusalem without even knowing it. Their music has been featured in many TV shows including “Suits,” “Lucifer,” “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” and “666 Park Avenue.” “I feel like our music is really cinematic, so a lot of music supervisors like using it,” lead singer-guitarist Jeff Klein said. My Jerusalem will perform their emotionally intense rock at the Lowbrow Palace on Sunday, June 18 with local openers Fallex and Trost House. The group is touring in support of their critically praised album, “A Little Death,” a moody LP held together with strong songwriting and atmospheric instrumentation. “I wrote the whole record in two weeks,” Klein said. “I just wanted to make something that felt timeless and honest. I think I got pretty close to it.” Klein says having songs on programs helped the group gain people’s attention in an age over saturated with all types of media. “If you’re just watching a TV show that you like, and you’re not even prepared to hear this song and you hear it, your mind’s kinda just open to know it and you’re like, ‘Oh that’s pret-
Archery and Atl-atl Demonstration Demos held every Saturday. Equipment provided. Marshals present. Archers welcome to bring own recurve or longbow. El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Rd., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free, 915-755-4332., archaeology.elpasotexas.gov. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘A Quiet Passion’ For details see Fri., June 16.
WHAT’S UP
My Jerusalem
With Fallex and Trost House Sunday, June 18, 9 p.m. The Lowbrow Palace, 111 E. Robinson Ave. All ages $10-$12 Tickets at TicketFly.com
Startup Now Business workshop provides an overview of the customer development process, business model canvas and minimal viable product. The Hub of Human Innovation, 500 West Overland, Ste. 230, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., $40, $30 student rate, 915-321-3123, hubep.org. JRZ Music Fest For details see Fri., June 16. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Kedi’ For details see Fri., June 16.
Movie Screening: ‘Cars’ Music, food trucks, dance groups and the film about vehicles that talk and do human things. Gallegos Park, 7531 Bosque Rd., 6:30-10 p.m., free, 915-764-3580, facebook.com/ parksaftersunset.
Denning Dash 5K The 3rd annual run Charlie Denning Memorial Scholarship Fund part of the More Than a Marathon Series. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Album Park, 3110 Parkwood St., 7:30 a.m., $20, $15 military, raceadventuresunlimited.com.
The Uglys, Harbor Hardcore/ dreamy-post-something music performance with local openers Pilots of Venus, Sailing Apollo and Ambivalence. Rockhouse Cafe & Gallery, 800 W. Overland Ave., 7 p.m., 915-633-4754.
Carlos Mencia For details see Thurs., June 15.
The Film Salon: ‘Summer of Seijun’ Series Tonight’s flick is “Youth of the Beast,” directed by Seijun Suzuki. Jo, the assassin has a debt of honor to avenge and he won’t stop until he breaks the back of two gangs and beats down the “Boss’ Sixth Mistress.” Alamo Drafthouse, 250 E. Montecillo Blvd., 7 p.m., $3, filmsalon.org. Runners and walkers will follow a set 3.1-mile racecourse throughout the historic Segundo Barrio neighborhood. Participants should meet at the La Fe Culture and Technology Center, located at 721 S. Ochoa.
ty cool, I gotta find out what that is,” Klein said. “Anything that helps you break through the noise and get people’s attention is great.” A quick search for “My Jerusalem band” on YouTube reveals a group that has been hard at work for a good while. Be sure to check out any of the live performances and the songs “No One Gonna Give You Love,” “Done and Dusted” and “Death Valley,” all featured on their latest record. Klein admits being in a band is not as easy as it used to be, but says there are still people who love music and love coming out to see music. “I think it’s just harder to weed through all the junk out there,” Klein said. “For me, it’s a life and a lifestyle. I jokingly always call myself the Apollo Creed of rock ‘n’ roll; I’m just gonna keep getting in the ring and getting back up and keep swinging. It’s what I love, and it’s all that I know.”
Cinema Chica: ‘Their Best’ Doc. on latino representation in the media. Power at the Pass, 1931 Myrtle Ave., 5-8 p.m., free, eventbrite.com.
Feathericci House and techno DJ performs with openers Rob Bass and Daniel Becker. All ages. The Lowbrow Palace, 111 E. Robinson Ave., 9 p.m., free, lowbrowpalace.com. Rum Festival Live music and lots of booze. Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, 1200 Futurity Dr., 5-11 p.m., free, sunland-park.com/ event. Here After the Wave Metal with Kno Suffer, Mandoshawan and Cloud 49. Age 18+ Rockhouse Bar & Grill, 9828 Montana Ave., 9 p.m., $5. Sissy Brown Country music performance. Age 21+ Texas Stagecoach Saloon, 10416 Dyer St., 9:30 p.m., free, 915-822-8770.
CALENDAR JUNE 14-21, 2017 Julian Jewell Dress code enforced, age 18+ 301, 301 S. Ochoa St., 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free w/RSVP before 11 p.m. for 21+, $10 gen. admish, eventbrite.com. Dusk & Dawn Rummage Sale For details see Fri., June 16. Sunset Film Society: ‘How the West Was Won’ A family’s saga spanning America’s decade expansion into the West. International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave., 2 p.m., free, 915543-6747, sunsetfilmsociety.org.
13 Midnight Bizarre Music performances and comedy. Vendors: Pillove, Kumeyaay, Dorle Jewelry, The MonstraSillys, Lisa Marie Crafts. Age 21+ Love Buzz, 3011 Pershing Dr., 8 p.m., free, 915-257-3118. Puerto Rican Festival Music performances, food, parade, dancing, the whole Puerto Rican shebangalamadingdong Downtown El Paso, 4 p.m.-3 a.m., $15, eventbrite. com.
By Gustavo Arellano comment: @whatsupweekly
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. Dear Mexican: My fiancé is trying to learn Spanish so he can speak to my grandmother when we get married next month. Lately, he’s been listening to CNN en Español to get an ear for the language. A couple of days ago, he told me that, after several weeks of seeing the channel, he noticed that there are ALWAYS chickens clucking in the background of the commercials. He wants to know, “What’s up with the chickens?” and “Is worshipping chickens a Mexican thing?” - Madre Hen Dear Gabacho: Dear Wabette: Does your gabachonot speak English, either? Can’t he ask the Mexican a question on his own? Not only that, but your gabacho is either a liar or mistakenly tuned into the Rural Farm Network for his Spanish lessons. I see CNN en Español and have never once heard chicken clucks during a commercial. In fact, the only time I can recall hearing chickens in the background of any program is when gabacho talk show hosts rant about Mexicans. That sound clip cliché isn’t used exclusively for Mexicans, though: entertainers have associated chickens with the poor since the days of vaudeville, and even famed reporter Borat Sagdiyev unleashed a chicken on unsuspecting New Yorkers in his recent documentary to hilarious results. As for the chicken-worship question, your gabacho is wrong again: the Mexican reverence toward gallus domesticus is reserved for the gallo giro, the fighting cock. Rural Mexicans treat their hens as they treat their women: as purveyors of breasts, eggs and little else.
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. Not long ago, I attended a Los Tigres del Norte concert at a small hall with no dance floor. The people attending were supposed to sit down and enjoy the mu-
SUN. JUNE 18 My Jerusalem Austin indie rock music performance. Doors open at 8 p.m. All ages. The Lowbrow Palace, 111 E. Robinson Ave., 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 door, lowbrowpalace.com. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘A Quiet Passion’ For details see Fri., June 16. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Kedi’ For details see Fri., June 16.
sic. Five minutes into the music, these jumping beans started dancing in the aisle. Within minutes, half of the attendees were going up and down the aisles dancing to the music. It’s not the first time I’ve seen Mexicans create improvised dance floors. Why do Mexicans love dancing so much? - Lambada Louie Dear Gabacho: Anyone who needs to ask why people dance to Los Tigres del Norte—the norteño supergroup that combines traditional polka beats with socially conscious lyrics to create something that’s part Clash, part Lawrence Welk and puro mexicano—has no soul or is a gabacho. How can you not sway to their metronomic bass, their lush accordion trills, their canned sound effects, member Hernán Hernández’s mexcelente Mexi-mullet? Mexican music is among the most danceable outside Brazil because its practitioners understand that nalga-shaking stirs humanity into the realm of ecstasy. Almost all the genres that constitute Mexican popular music—the aforementioned norteño, the brass-band strut of banda sinaloense, son jarocho’s twinkling harps and guitars, even the dark riffs of Mexican heavy metal—put the focus on rhythms rather than lyrics (the exception is ranchera, the domain of drunkards and macho p*ss* men). But dancing for Mexicans is more than a mere physical act. Every hallmark moment in Mexican society centers on dances—weddings, baptisms, informal gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries. More noteworthy are the dances held by hometown benefit associations that raise billions of dollars for the rebuilding of villages in Mexico. Tellingly, Mexican society does not consider girls and boys to be women or men until they begin to dance. Once they’re eligible to dance, Mexicans are eligible to take care of their community, too. Mexicans know that dancing solidifies trust, creates community, repairs the injured civic and personal soul. Besides, it’s a great way for Mexican adolescents to grope each other in a parent-approved environment. ___ Ask the Mexican at themexican@ askamexican.net, be his fan on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @gustavoarellano or follow him on Instagram @gustavo_arellano!
George Lopez Standup comedy. Inn of the Mountain Gods, 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd., 8 p.m., $75, innofthemountaingods.com. Mariachi Sunday A big ‘ol dose of that classical Mexican folk. Happens every Sunday. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 12-5 p.m., free, 915-8607777, speakingrockentertainment. com. Music Under the Stars – Ozomatli Outdoor music performance. Cohen Stadium, 9700 Gateway North Blvd., 7:30 p.m., free, elpasoartsandculture.org. Retro Game Night & Dart Tournament Dart tournament, Jenga, beer pong, and “Connect 4.” Atari, NES and Sega gaming as well. Darts at 8:30 p.m., gaming at 7 p.m. The District Pub & Kitchen, 601 N. Piedras St., 7 p.m., free, 915-564-0707. AC/DC tribute Band thunders classic rock hits. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 9-11 p.m., free, 915-8607777, speakingrock.com/events. Sunset Film Society: ‘Raiders of the Last Ark’ Hunky archaeologist searches for the Ark of the Covenant, and luck be to you, viewer, because there’s plenty of Nazi bodies between his hunk face and those great, glowing Ten Commandments. Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, 1 Ardovino Dr., 5 p.m., free, 915-543-6747, sunsetfilmsociety.org.
MON. JUNE 19 Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘A Quiet Passion’ For details see Fri., June 16. Aces and Eights Locals rock. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 8-10 p.m., free, 915-860-7777, speakingrock.com/events. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Kedi’ For details see Fri., June 16. Mystic Braves Psychedelic surf rock with openers The Creation Factory and Nico & the Silent Films. Doors open at 8 p.m. All ages. The Lowbrow Palace, 111 E. Robinson Ave., 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 door, lowbrow palace.com.
TUES. JUNE 20 Summer Solstice Fun(d)raiser Rock music covers by Mainstreet, belly and flamenco dancing, local vendors, taichi and yoga demos, food and drink served by Joe, Vinny & Bronsons, and Prét-á-porter Fashions cat walk show., 6-11 p.m., $10, free age 13 and younger, 915-249-1528. Board Game Night Board and tabletop games. Bring your own. There are board games onsite, too. Game Vault, 9828 Montana Ave., 6-10 p.m., free, gamevaultelpaso.com. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘A Quiet Passion’ For details see Fri., June 16.
Ikillya, Product of Hate Metal with local support Terror Incorporated and Beyond the Ash. Age 18+ Rockhouse Bar & Grill, 9828 Montana Ave., 8 p.m., $5, 915-591-7625. Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Kedi’ For details see Fri., June 16. Fixed Idea Locals perform the ska. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 8-10 p.m., free, 915-860-7777, speakingrock.com/events. Comedy Open Mic Doors open at 9 p.m. Age 21+ Coconuts Bar & Grill, 816 N. Piedras St., 10 p.m., free, facebook.com/epucomedy.
WED. JUNE 21 Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘A Quiet Passion’ For details see Fri., June 16. Make Music El Paso EP joins the international celebration that is Make Music Day. A decentralized festival with concerts on streets, sidewalks and parks across the city. 7 a.m.-9 p.m., free, 773-613-9303, makemusicday. org/el-paso. Marina City, Run 2 Cover, At My Mercy Pop rock music performance with openers Above It All, SteelLake, Protokol and The Fallen. All ages. Rockhouse Bar & Grill, 9828 Montana Ave., 6 p.m., $12 adv., $15 door, facebook.com/m2musicpromo.
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State Line Music Series: Cameran Nelson Country music performance. Must make food or monetary donation to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger. For ages 21+ The State Line, 1222 Sunland Park Dr., 8 p.m., free, 915-581-3371, countyline.com/ StateLineMusic.html.
‘Chamizal Asks: What do you think?’ A dramatic presentation of the Chamizal National Memorial’s story by Eden Enterprises. The performance is called, “El Chamizal: Wild River, Disputed Land.” Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial St., 7-9 p.m., free, 915-532-7273.
Yoga For details see Wed., June 14.
1 Million Cups For details see Wed., June 14.
Mesilla Valley Film Society: ‘Kedi’ For details see Fri., June 16. Alamo Drafthouse Film Club: ‘I, Olga’ Based on the true story of Olga Hepnarova, the last woman to be executed in Czechoslovakia Alamo Drafthouse, 250 E. Montecillo Blvd., 7:30 p.m., $5, drafthouse.com/elpaso. Wacky Wednesday: Comedy Open Mic Open to all jesters. Age 21+ 5 Points Bistro, 3019 Montana Ave, 9 p.m., free, facebook.com/ epucomedy. Fall2Rise Local alt. rock performance. Age 18+ Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd., 8-10 p.m., free, 915-8607777, speakingrock.com/events. Mixology Professional bartender supervised cocktail making class, includes brief history. Gear and glasses provided. One, 500 N. Oregon St., 2nd Floor, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $20, RSVP recommended, 915-308-4695, eventbrite.com.
Elliott Threatt Standup comedy. Event runs June 21-25, 7:30 p.m., additional late shows Fri.-Sat. at 9:30 p.m. Ages 17+ El Paso Comic Strip, 1201 Airway Blvd., 7:30 p.m., $6-$12, 915779-5233, laff2nite.com. PDA Wednesday feat. Nico & the Silent Films Weekly indie dance party with live band performance and resident DJs. Club Here I Love You, 115 S. Durango St., 9 p.m.-2 a.m., free, 915-307-7736.
AUDITIONS, CASTING CALLS AND MORE Calling All Musicians and Vendors Need peeps for a two day craft beer and wine fest at Ft. Bliss. facebook. com/BlissTapandCork. Ends 8/1/17.
FOR MORE, SEE WHATSUP PUB.COM
CALENDAR JUNE 14-21, 2017
T U E S D AY , J U N E 2 0 , 6 P. M .
CELEBRATE SUMMER SOLSTICE AT KEYSTONE HERITAGE PARK By Denise Nelson-Prieto comment: @whatsupweekly
L
ocal eco enthusiast Rubyann Gaglio is throwing her third annual Summer Solstice fundraiser to benefit Keystone Heritage Park on Tuesday, June 20. The event will also benefit non-profit dog adoption group Mutt Love. Gaglio said this event is seminal to continuing the tireless efforts of the late ecologist and biologist Kevin Von Finger, without whose contributions the 52-acre park and wetlands may not exist. “Kevin was instrumental in maintaining the park,” she said. “He put his heart and soul into it and did a lot to save it from being developed.” She emphasized the importance of preserving the more than 4,000-year-old archeological site as not only maintaining part of our area’s heritage, but also as a reprieve within our bustling concrete jungle. The Solstice party is one of a number of ways Gaglio works to benefit the park. In the past, she’s thrown equinox celebrations and she and husband Mike own High Desert Native Plants, which shares a parking lot with Keystone. “A way the community can help support the park and gardens is to buy plants from us, and we turn around and plant them in the gardens,” she said. To honor and recognize the longest day of the year, yoga instructors will be on hand at the party to lead partic-
ipants in traditional yogic sun salutations. Danzas Aztecas will perform an opening prayer ceremony while the group that holds West African drum and dance classes at Onawa will also be at the event. There will also be a tai chi demonstration by Sito Negron. Joe, Vinny & Bronson’s Bohemian Café will be onhand serving some of their culinary delights, along with other food and craft vendors. Other entertainment includes local ’90s rock cover band Main Street and a belly dance performance led by instructor Darlina Marie. There will be a fashion show organized by boutique Pret A Porter. “This event relies heavily on audience participation,” Gaglio said. “We want people to just let go. No one’s judging them.”
WHAT’S UP
Summer Solstice Fundraiser Party
Tuesday, June 20, 6-11 p.m. Keystone Heritage Park, 4200 Doniphan Dr. All ages; pet friendly $7-$10 donation (includes complimentary glasses of sangria or two Savage Goods cookies) Free for children under 14 $7 pre-event tickets available at Lifestyle Day Spa, 2524 Montana Ave; High Desert Native Plants, 4200 Doniphan Dr.; and Pret A Porter Fashions, 2623 N. Stanton
Gery
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