Rio Grande Theatre Calendar of Events – August 2012
| Friday, August 3 Howling Coyote Coffeehouse & Open Mic A staple of the downtown ArtRamble since February of 2006, the Howling Coyote started out as a jam session for local musicians and quickly grew into a showcase featuring some of finest talent Las Cruces has to offer. The monthly event now makes the Rio Grande Theatre its home and continues to feature primarily acoustic musicians, singers and songwriters with family-appropriate material. Showtime is 7pm. Admission is Free. For more information visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.
Saturday, August 18
Tuesday, July 24
Also included that evening will be the Howling Coyote Coffeehouse/Open Mic, beginning at 7pm. On permanent display in the Clute/Muggenburg Gallery are memorabilia and photos from the Rio Grande Theatre’s long and illustrious reign in downtown Las Cruces.
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main, in Las Cruces, NM. For clarification, photos or additional information, please visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403. |
Dripping Springs: A Mountain Escape
Ruins of Van Patten's Mountain Camp seen from the trail. Photo by Stephanie J. Montoya.
by Stephanie J. Montoya
Ten miles east of Las Cruces lies a nature escape like no other – Dripping Springs. This majestic nature area offers more than four miles of easy hiking trails giving visitors an opportunity to get up-close and personal with the majestic and spiring Organ Mountains.
The Organs, named for their extraordinary needle-like peaks said to resemble large church organ pipes, tower 9,000 feet above sea level. They are home to three life-zones including 80 species of mammals, 185 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 800 plant species.
After enjoying the insect collection and natural exhibits at the A.B. Cox Visitor’s Center and chatting with one of the friendly rangers, fill your water bottles, put on your sunscreen, and head South on the scenic Dripping Springs Trail. Be prepared to see lizards sunning themselves on the rocks, tarantula’s crawling about, and even families of mule deer scampering across your path. The desert brush is the perfect habitat for these creatures. Be sure to bring your camera!
Further along the scenic winding trail is a Carriage Stop and Livery, where guests of Van Patten’s Mountain Camp Resort were dropped off more than a hundred years ago. Continue on this path and you’ll find what remains of the resort itself, which once stood two stories and had 16 rooms. Try to imagine the scene with famous guests Pat Garret and Pancho Villa having a drink in the dining hall.
Past the ruins, you’ll come to the much awaited dripping spring. The spring is an overflow of a cistern built to supply water for the resort, but is now a natural watershed. Depending on recent moisture, the spring ranges anywhere from a slow drip to a constant trickle. A further trail provides views of the cistern above the spring.
A lizard suns itself on a rock near the springs. Photo by Stephanie J. Montoya.
Looping past the spring is the ruins of the Boyd Sanitorium, where Dr. Nathan Boyd and later Dr. Sexton housed patients of Tuberculosis back in the early 1900s. The main sanitorium and doctor’s home still sand.
For more experienced hikers, trails branch off from various points along the main road, allowing for access to higher peaks and rockier areas. Most of these trails are well trodden, but are more difficult. They do, however, offer spectacular views.
Before you head out, there are a few things to remember. Firstly, enjoy yourself, but don’t push yourself past your limit or try hikes that are too difficult for your level or experience or equipment. Never hike alone, and leave word of where you are going and when you plan to be back. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, and take frequent breaks. Be safe, be smart, and most of all, have fun!
Dripping Springs is open year-round from 8 am to 7 pm April through September and 8 am to 5 pm October through March. The visitor’s center is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Parking passes are $5 per vehicle. For more information, call the A.B. Cox Visitor Center at 575-522-1219 or visit www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/las_cruces/dripping_springs.html
New summer exhibitions at the Las Cruces Museum of Art
| LAS CRUCES, NM — Join us as the Las Cruces Museum of Art opens three new exhibitions. An artists’ reception will be held on Friday, August 3 during the monthly Ramble from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with musical entertainment provided by the Dan Lambert Trio. The exhibitions close on Saturday, September 8, 2012.
“What I See, What I Saw” is an installation piece by artist Marianne McGrath of Austin, Texas. This large installation is comprised of 3,000 hand-formed ceramic roses made from raw clay and preserved in wax. The delicate flowers “rise on steel rods out of the roofs of plywood house forms.” |
LCFD and LCPD to fight for charity
| The Las Cruces Fire Department will go up against the Las Cruces Police Department during the “Battle of the Badges” charity boxing event this Saturday, July 7th at 6 pm at Beverly Hills Hall. Proceeds will benefit Las Cruces PAL Boxing, the Child Crisis Center and Gospel Rescue Mission.
There will be up to 12 exhibition bouts between LCFD and LCPD including Lucha libre bouts. Food, drinks, and entertainment for the entire family will be available during the event. There will also be photo and autograph opportunities with the Las Cruces Derby Girls and WBA World Junior Middleweight boxing champion Austin “No-Doubt” Trout. Matches will be followed by an after party to include a DJ and musical guests. Tickets will be available at the door starting at 6 pm and bouts will begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 each or $10 with a canned good donation. Kids 5 and under admitted free. The Beverly Hills Hall is located at 150 N. Hermosa St. in Las Cruces. The Battle of the Badges event and after party are presented by No Doubt Entertainment. |
Day of the Dead to be celebrated with marathon series
LAS CRUCES, NM — In celebration of the Day of the Dead this year Mainly Marathons, LLC will be hosting a Day of the Dead Marathon Series on October 29- November 1, 2012 In Las Cruces. The marathon will take place at the Rio Grande Trail starting at La Llorona Park.
All four days of the event will include one marathon and one half-marathon, both beginning at 7 am. Runners and walkers alike are invited to do one, all, or any combination of races.
The scenic trail runs alongside the Rio Grande and is both paved and flat. It runs three miles and back repeated and will be USATF sanctioned.
The Marathon series is expected to bring in some big names in quantity marathon running, including runners who have run 300 marathons or more. An ongoing national competition for the first American to run 1000 marathons is likely to bring challengers to the event.
Nationally known artist Heather Calderon’s artwork including prints and t-shirts will be given to race participants, along with a custom medal and other ‘goodies’. There is no time limit, walkers are welcome, and prizes will be given to those who finish last.
Entry forms can be submitted online at www.mainlymarathons.com by October 24 or can be printed and mailed by October 20. Registration will also be allowed the morning of the event. Prices for full and half marathons are available on the website as well. Discounts are available for Maniacs, 50 Staters, 50 Staters+DC, and Half-Fanatics.
Free Music in the Park series continues at Young Park
| The remainder of the City of Las Cruces’ annual Music in the Park Series of free outdoor concerts will be held at Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada Ave. at 7 p.m.
July 8 Chris Vadala – (Jazz) – Baltimore, MD Logan Nix Trio – (Jazz) – Albuquerque, NM July 15 Rhythm City Dogs – (Variety) – Las Cruces, NM Windy City – (Chicago Tribute Band) – El Paso, TX July 22 Sonny & All Star Band – (Variety) – Las Cruces, NM July 29 Crystal Ship – (Classic rock) – Las Cruces, NM Aug. 5 LCSO Chamber Ensemble – (Chamber Music) – Las Cruces, NM TBA Aug. 12 Steve Smith & Hard Road – (Bluegrass) – Las Cruces, NM Aug. 19 Nosotros – (Latin, Salsa, Rock) – Las Cruces, NM & Albuquerque, NM Aug. 26 James Douglas Show – (Soul & Funk) – Albuquerque, NM The schedule may be subject to change without notice. City of Las Cruces policy does not allow pets on city property during special events. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 575-541-2200 |
Museum celebrates 9th Ice Cream Sunday
| LAS CRUCES – America’s favorite summer treat — ice cream — is the star of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum’s most popular event of the summer. The ninth-annual Ice Cream Sunday is set for 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 15. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children 17 and under. The event’s first 500 paid visitors will receive a coupon for a free 5-ounce cup of Caliche’s Frozen Custard, which will be served at the museum throughout the afternoon. The popular annual ice cream sandwich eating contest and race is scheduled to start at 2 p.m., with registration beginning at 12 p.m. The age categories for the contest are: 4-6, 7-10, 11-13, 14-17, and 18-and-over. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. There will be an ongoing living history performance with a 1950s soda fountain theme. Museum visitors may also make their own ice cream by rolling tin cans. Aside from Caliche’s Frozen Custard, the Southwest Dairy Farmers and Price’s Creameries also are sponsoring events and providing treats. For more information, please call (575) 522-4100. |
White Sands International Film Festival workshops announced- Emmy nominated actor Jeffery Tambor among the presenters
| LAS CRUCES, NM – The 2012 White Sands International Film Festival will feature four unique workshops presented by film industry professional along with Emmy nominated actor Jeffery Tambor. This year’s festival will be held August 22-26, 2012 at Cineport 10 at the Mesilla Valley Mall. Workshops will cover independent filmmaking, the history of film in New Mexico, screenwriting, and the art of performance. ‘Independent Filmmaking,’ a panel discussion featuring Stephen Griffin, David Spence, Mark Medoff, Cesar Alejandro, and Rod McCall, will take place August 23 from 2 PM- 4PM at the Black Box Theater. Film professionals will discuss tips for making independent films. ’100 Years of Movie Making in New Mexico,” presented by Jeff Berg and Rod McCall will take place August 25 from 4:30 PM- 6 PM at Cineport 10. The workshop will provide a history of film in the state to include movie clips, audience participation, and a pop-quiz. Mark Medoff will present ‘Screenwriting: the Hero’s Journey’ August 24 from 1 PM- 4 PM at the Black Box theater. This workshop provides information on character development and screenwriting. The final workshop will be presented by Emmy Award-winning actor Jeffrey Tambor on August 25 at 10:30 AM in the Rio Grande Theater. ‘Performing Your Life’ will explore the art and process of performance with insight into human nature and Tambor’s professional experience. It is expected to be both entertaining and informative. Those with VIP Passes have complimentary admission to all workshops but are still required to reserve a space. For non VIP Pass holders, tickets for ‘Performing Your Life’ are $35 per person until July 31 and $45 after. Students are $25. All other workshops are $25 and $15 for students. Those wishing to attend any of the above workshops must register by August 10 due to limited space by emailing Dawn@HelpingHandsEvents.com. VIP Passes and tickets are available online at www.WSIFF.com. |
Spirit Winds Cafe and Gift Source: a hidden treasure in Las Cruces
- The fun and eclectic scene at Spirit Winds. Photo by Stephanie J. Montoya.
by Stephanie J. Montoya
Located just a few blocks from New Mexico State University is the inconspicuous yet exceptional Spirit Winds Coffee Bar and Gift Source. At first glance, visitors will notice Spirit Winds’ bright neon sign and striking exterior paint. Upon entering, mod-style lime green chairs, miscellaneous wall art, and an eclectic yet extensive gift shop give a feeling of fun, youth, and vibrancy to the café.
Despite being locally owned, Spirit Winds has an impressive offering of coffees including Café Americanos, Mochas, Breves, lattés, espressos, cappuccinos and more. There are also more than 30 different varieties of tea, both hot and iced, including flavored blacks, reds, whites, and greens. Be sure to try the Republic of Tea collection, which offers cleverly named specialty teas such as “get smart” and “get some zzz.” Enjoy your own pot right at your table in a customized Spirit Winds mug or buy a package to take home. If caffeine isn’t your thing, take your pick of more than 20 different flavor syrups for a custom Italian soda. Enjoy with a freshly made scone or croissant.
And then there’s the fare. Spirit Wind’s menu offers a healthy yet gourmet variety of wraps, burgers, salads, and paninis, each served with your choice of salad, chips and salsa, or pasta salad. The chicken panini and black bean burger come highly recommended. For those dining in, assorted novelty rubber ducks serve as table markers.
An example of the cafe's unique wall art. Photo by Stephanie J. Montoya
While awaiting your order or sipping your latté, stroll through the Café’s one of a kind gift shop, spanning an entire half of the building. The shop includes an impressive selection of novelty stationary, trendy clothing, sculptures and jewelry by local artists, and charms, toys, and knickknacks of all sorts. A taco-shaped wallet, wind-up toys, and Mexican skull-themed art are among the treasures you’ll encounter.
Spirit Winds is one of Las Cruces’ hidden treasures. With bright and artistic style, friendly service, and a wide range of gifts and novelties, it’s a great place for a quick lunch break or to pass a few leisurely hours. The food is both healthy and delicious, and for around $7 per sandwich combo and $3 per coffee, it’s easy on the wallet.
Spirit Winds is open Monday- Friday from 7 AM – 7PM, Saturday from 7:30 AM- 7 PM, and Sunday 8 AM- 6 PM. Free Wi-Fi, outdoor dining, and takeout are available. Located at 2260 South Locust St., 575-521-1222. Look for the hanging coffee cup.
St Clair Winery & Bistro: “Grape American Music Celebration”
| ST CLAIR WINERY & BISTRO HOSTS
“GRAPE AMERICAN MUSIC CELEBRATION” JULY 3 & 4 IN LAS CRUCES |
| LAS CRUCES – St. Clair Winery & Bistro, a long-time favorite restaurant and intimate music venue, will be hosting the “Grape American Music Celebration” in Las Cruces on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4. The event will feature live music both days, including country music favorites Josh Grider and Bri Bagwell. “We’re excited to open our front lawn up for this celebration,” said John Furbush of St. Clair. “The view of the city is spectacular, and you won’t believe the panorama of fireworks you can see on Wednesday night!” St. Clair will have a large event tent set up, with special menu items both days.
Tuesday, July 3, gates will open at 4 pm and the Grape American Music Celebration will kick off with live music from The Iveys at 5 pm, followed by Brandon Perrault at 7 pm. Gates will open at 2 pm on Wednesday, July 4, and music will start with Chris Baker at 3 pm. Nashville recording artist Josh Grider will take the stage at 5 pm, followed by CMT’s Next Superstar contestant Bri Bagwell at 7 pm. Then, guests can watch the city’s fireworks show from the front lawn of St. Clair.
$15 admission fee includes a free sample of three “red, white & blue” wines: Mimbres Red, Mimbres White and Blue Teal White Zinfandel. Attendees must be 21 or older or accompanied by a legal guardian. Photo ID required for entry. St. Clair Winery & Bistro is located at 1720 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces. For more information about St. Clair, visit www.stclairwinery.com |
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