March 3, 5 – 7 p.m. Downtown Ramble with Jim Rodgers, Photographer
During the Downtown Ramble, photographer Jim Rodger’s show in the El Paso Electric Gallery will open with an artist reception. His show, “The Beauty of the Southwest,” includes color and black and white photographs.
March 4, 7 p.m.
We are One Dance and Drum
For the eleventh year, My Place Jewell presents “We are One, Dance and Drum,” a celebration of Middle Eastern dance and music. The event will recognize the work and talent of dance troupes and celebrate a variety of philosophies and styles in belly dance. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with a pre-show taking place starting at 6:40, and the performance beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling (575) 526-5940 or (575) 523-0664 or e-mailing mail4jewell@yahoo.com.
March 8, 6:30 p.m.
Every Second Wednesday – Free programming by comedian Mario Sauceda
This is a “clean comedy, family-friendly” event from local comedian, Mario Sauceda.
Every 2nd Wednesday is a free event which features local performing artists. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the performance begins at 6:30.
March 10, 7 p.m. and March 11, 10 a.m.
ACT presents Dr. Dolittle
A Children’s Theatre of Mesilla Valley presents the beloved story of Dr. Dolittle, the veterinarian who learns to talk to the animals. This play features 42 young actors, ages five to 17. For more information, call (575) 644-9561. Tickets are $6 in advance from ACT, $7 at the door from ACT, and $8 when purchased online at www.riograndetheatre.com.
March 11
Las Cruces International Film Festival Comedy Workshop 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Awards Presentation 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets, schedule and more information available at www.LCIFFest.com or by calling (575) 650-7247.
March 17 – 19
Las Cruces Arts Fair, Las Cruces Convention Center
The Las Cruces Arts Fair opens Friday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the Las Cruces Convention Center. In its seventh year, the arts fair features original work by fine artists from throughout the United States and Mexico. This year, the arts fair fills the entire convention center, utilizing both ballrooms. It is a showcase of incredible work from 94 artists who were selected by a jury of local arts professionals. There are many returning artists, even more new artists, and emerging student artists. Patrons who purchase opening night tickets are free to return on Saturday or Sunday.
Opening night festivities begin at 6 p.m. Patrons may visit the cantina, browse the silent auction tables, visit with the artists, and listen to live entertainment. New this year will be a “Quick Draw” contest with cash prizes. Participating Quick Draw artists will draw, paint and compose between 6 – 7:30 p.m. while patrons view the working artists. At 7:45 p.m., the art work will be sold in a live auction. Proceeds of each sale will be split between the artist and the Doña Ana Arts Council. Cash prizes will be awarded for best of show ($150), second place ($50), and popular vote ($100). All artists are welcome. Artists participating in the Las Cruces Arts Fair may register for free; all others may register in advance by contacting the Doña Ana Arts Council at admin@daarts.org or (575) 523-6403.
Featuring artwork in a variety of media, the Las Cruces Arts Fair has something for everyone, including paintings, drawings, multi-media art, furniture, sculptures, photography, fine art prints, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and much more.
The Las Cruces Arts Fair continues Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be continuous art demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. A silent auction features works of art donated by participating artists and other supporters. Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction benefit the Doña Ana Arts Council and provide funding for its numerous art education programs.
Presented by the Doña Ana Arts Council at the Las Cruces Convention Center, admission to the Las Cruces Arts Fair is $8 per person. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Hours are Friday, March 17, 6 – 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Las Cruces Convention Center is located at 680 E. University Avenue in Las Cruces. For more information about the Las Cruces Arts Fair, including a complete list of participating artists, and other Doña Ana Arts Council programs call (575) 523-6403 or visit www.DAArts.org.
March 18, 8 p.m.
National Institute of Flamenco presents !Yjastros en Vivo!
Yjastros en Vivo features the stunning work of Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, directed by Joaquin Encinias and accompanied by renowned singer Vicente Griego and distinguished guitarist Calvin Hazen. The evening program presents a variety of works in repertory that include castanets, batas de cola, stunning group choreographies, and solo works.
Yjastros en Vivo beguiles audiences with an electric atmosphere in which singer, dancer, and guitarist unite to explore intricate rhythms and haunting melodies. Witness up-close the power, stamina, grace, and artistry required to manifest flamenco and the deep communication between the artists which creates it.
Tickets are $15 and $25. For more information or to purchase tickets online, go to www.riograndetheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.
March 19, 3 p.m.
LCCCA presents Kubecca
As the final performance in their series, Las Cruces Civic Concert Association presents Kubecca. Kubecca combines the classical and jazz education of Kuba with Rebecca Love’s musical theater experience to create a diverse program featuring country, jazz, and show tunes arranged for unique instrumentation including the marimba, kalimba, flute and theremin. Experience an amalgam of musical expression. Tickets are $25 and are included for those who purchased the LCCA series. For more information or to purchase tickets online, go to www.riograndetheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.
On exhibit in the El Paso Electric Gallery: Photographer Jim Rodgers, “The Beauty of the Southwest”
Jim Rodgers’ interest in photography began at an early age using a simple Kodak camera. At age 15, he moved up to a Rolleicord twin lens reflex camera and processed his own film, which helped develop his artistic craft. He enjoyed spending time in the museums and art galleries of his hometown of Chicago. Later, living in New York, he found inspiration at the Museum of Modern Art. He has received many awards and his photographs are part of the permanent collection of Pace University in New York City. Most of Rodgers’ images are created a short distance from where he lives.
He says, “My work is capturing the world around me. Sometimes it is a landscape or experimenting with the seldom seen, playing with light, color, time and space to create images.” He adds, “Photography is a passion and a way of expressing and communicating with others the world as I see it.”
His work will be on exhibit throughout the month of March. Every month the Doña Ana Arts Council welcomes local artists to exhibit in the El Paso Electric Gallery in the lobby of the Rio Grande Theatre. Regular exhibit hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, or to book an exhibit, call the Arts Council offices during regular working hours.
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is managed by the Doña Ana Arts Council. The theatre box office and Doña Ana Arts Council office are on the second floor of the theatre. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to show time. For more information or to purchase tickets online, go to www.riograndetheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.