August 2007 Folk Enews

Howdy, Folkies,

August is especially filled with music events, including two fantastic house concerts and two weekend festivals. Read on for details. But, first, congratulations are in order to the organizers and attendees of FOLKMADS’ first Enchanted Assembly English Country Ball.

Enchanted Assembly Ball, June 30, 2007
Photo by Meg Adams

Gemma and Della finally got the audience they deserved with about 70 dancers in attendance from around the southwest. Read the full report at: http://merridancing.com/wp/2007/07/enchanted-assembly-english-ball-report/. When you’re done reading, close that window to return to this blog entry.

Corrales Sing, Friday, August 3
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. Newcomers welcome. They’re meeting in August to sing of Weddings, Engagements, and Marriage. Show up to learn why!!!
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. Just past the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the second house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, August 4
Richard Wilson calling and the Adobe Brothers (Bruce Thomson on fiddle, Elliott Rogers on guitar, Janice Ryals-Rogers on bass, Tim DeYoung on mandolin, Wayne Shrubsall on banjo) playing sizzling dance tunes. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., acoustic jam at 6:30 p.m. and newcomers class at 7 p.m. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE (1 block east of University, south of Lead/Coal). Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. $6 members, $7 others.

Wildlife West Music Festival, August 3–5, Edgewood, NM
Friday begins with a Country Barn Dance with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders. Saturday, August 4 features 2 covered stages with music by:
The Claire Lynch Band with Missy Raines & Jim Hurst
Cedar Hill, 2004 IBMA “Emerging Artist of theYear”
Sweet Sunny South, old time bluegrass
Mystic Lizard, New Mexico’s new hot bluegrass band.
The Nob Hillbillies
The Duke City Swampcoolers
Daybreak Express
Coyote Crossing
The Squash Blossom Boys
Fiddle and Guitar Contests start at 4pm with an instrument awarded the winner. Sunday begins at 11am with Gospel featuring:
Chris Jones & the Night Drivers
Cedar Hill and more.
Held at an Enhanced Zoo and Wildlife Refuge just 25 minutes east of Albuquerque on I-40. An event for all ages!! There are two covered stages, you don’t need to bring a chair, and it’s cooler temperatures out at Wildlife West. Camping and children under 12 are free. Call 281-7655 or go to www.wildlifewest.org/bluegrass.html

Special Durango Contra Dance, Fri. & Sat., Aug. 3 & 4
This month the Durango Contra Dancers will host three events with the Albuquerque band “One Good Turn” (Gary Papenhagen & Graham Daily on fiddle, Lou Blackwell on bass, Cleve Sharp on flute, Peter Wegner on guitar, Lou Blackwell on double bass). Friday August 3rd is a concert and open jam at the Rocky Mountain Retreat, 848 E. 3rd Ave, Durango, starting at 7:30 pm. Saturday afternoon August 4th is a special English Country Dance workshop with live music and three instructors at the Senior Center, 2424 Main Avenue, Durango, starting at 3:00 pm. Saturday evening August 4th, the Contra Dance will also be at the Senior Center, 2424 Main Avenue, with the band “One Good Turn”. Beginner instruction is at 7:00 p.m. Dancing is from 7:30 to 10:30. Wendy Graham is the caller. Admission is $10 for 1 event, $15 for 2 events, or $20 for all 3. All dances are taught and called. No partner is necessary, and dancers of all abilities are welcome. First-timers get a free pass to the next Contra Dance. For further information, call 970-259-6820 or 970-903-9402.

NO Old Time Music Circle, Albuquerque
The Sunday Old Time Circle will not meet in August. But there will be a circle in September, time, date and location to be announced in September enews. If you wish to receive an email reminder about this and other Old Time jams, please email Judy Muldawer at inquiry@siliconheights.com.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, August 11
Kris Jensen calling, Hands Five playing (Bruce Thomson on fiddle, Peter Esherick on hammer dulcimer, Erika Gerety on bass and mandolin, John Brinduse on guitar, Gary Blank on percussion). 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. Instruction at 7:30 p.m. $6 members, $7 others.

NO Second Sunday Dance in Albuquerque in August!!! But instead….

Albuq. Concert, The Band of Heathens, August 12
Final (100th) Bosque House Concert
Band of Heathens, Sunday, August 12
6:30 pm, $15 suggested donation
Reservations required. Contact Jeff at abqmusic@att.net or use the on-line reservation system at www.abqmusic.com/houseconcerts.html.
You probably haven’t heard of The Band of Heathens, which in some ways makes them a perfect way to conclude the series, much of which has featured amazing and unknown bands. The Band of Heathens were just named best new band in the Austin Music Awards, and took 2nd place for Band, Album and Song of the Year. Their debut album is a live recording, but they have been working on their first studio album with Ray Wylie Hubbard, which will feature Patty Griffin on backup vocals on a few tracks. The group is fronted by 3 stellar Austin singer-songwriters. That’s a 3 guitar frontal assault (plus bass and drums), leading to 3 unique voices and fantastic harmonies. The best comparison for this blend of Americana, blues, gospel and R&B is The Band (you know, the one with Robbie Robertson and friends). You can stream several songs at www.bandofheathens.com.

Albuquerque Megaband Practice, August 14--New Location!
Change of Venue! In a major loss for the coffeehouse and music scene, the Blue Dragon closed its doors in July 2007. The Albuquerque Megaband will “practice” on Tuesday evening, 8/14, in the community room of the Wild Oats store at 11015 Menaul NE. This is near the intersection of Menaul and Juan Tabo. They’ll play from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Megaband will also play for the FolkMADS dance on Saturday, 8/18, at the Heights Community Center. More info: Bruce Thomson, 277-4729 or email him at LibTNov1@aol.com.

Albuq. House Concert, August 16
If you loved the Boulder Acoustic Society as much as the rest of the crowd at the Albuquerque Folk Festival, plan to attend their house concert:
PARKLAND CIRCLE HOUSE CONCERT, August 16, Thursday 7:30
1000 Parkland Circle SE, Albuquerque
Contact: 266-6928 or 858-3463 or email gcnewma@sandia.gov.
Boulder Acoustic Society
Photo by MRudd

They’re young, energetic, immensely talented and gonna make it “Brave Combo” or “Bills” big one day, I predict. With their fun, lively tunes, lyrics, old-time harmonies, and ensemble of instruments including guitars, marimba, violin, double bass and ukuleles, you’ll be thoroughly entertained. Bring your own small chair, alcohol, and a snack to share and $10 donation for the artists. Hosts will provide some snacks, tea, water and a cooler of ice for beers/wine etc. For live recordings: http://www.boulderacousticsociety.net/ or watch them in action at the Albuq. Folk Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCvG6uXXHnU.

And speaking of Albuquerque Folk Festival...
Here are a couple more youtube videos from June 16, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksb-8Ho5yVo (Hands Five on stage in concert)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtiF-olIFac (potpourri of workshops and demos, such as belly dancing, Irish step dancing, square dancing, and singing)

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, August 17
Lewis Land and Lonnie Ludeman calling this dance with SNMMDS House Band playing. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5 all. Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, Las Cruces. It’s actually the adjacent town of Mesilla, and hall is 2 blocks west of the plaza. For info, contact 505-522-1691.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, August 18
Katherine Bueler from Santa Fe calling and the Albuquerque Megaband playing. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., acoustic jam at 6:30 p.m. and newcomers class at 7 p.m. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE (1 block east of University, south of Lead/Coal). Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. $6 members, $7 others.

No Taos Contra Dance in August!!!

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, August 25
Katherine Bueler calling, SF Megaband playing. Dance 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. Instruction at 7:30 p.m. $6 members, $7 others.

Santa Fe Bluegrass & Old Time Festival, August 24-26
The 33rd Annual Santa Fe Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival is about to happen. This year’s festival includes another outstanding lineup of bands, workshops, contests and parking lot picking — fun for anyone involved. Some of our favorite local bands, including Adobe Brothers, Elliott’s Ramblers, Bayou Seco, and Fast Pesos, will play as well as out-of-state bands such as David Peterson & 1946, Badly Bent, Higher Ground, and Uncle Henry’s Favorites. As always, the festival will be held at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds. Visit http://www.southwestpickers.org/festivals.html for details on artists, price, etc. WARNING: Driving up to Santa Fe on Saturday or Sunday, I-25 will be down to one lane each way due to construction. NM 14 on the east side of the mountain is a possibility.

THIRSTY EAR MUSIC FESTIVAL, Santa Fe
August 31 – September 2, 2007, Eaves Movie Ranch, Santa Fe
Saturday Only or Sunday Only advance $39. Two-day advance $60.
Friday night food drive. Admission is $1 and 2 cans of food Friday only.
Kids under 12 get in free.
Tickets at the Lensic Box Office 505-988-1234 or online at ThirstyEarFestival.com
Folk, blues, Cajun, zydeco, roots rock, bluegrass & alt-country artists on multiple stages. Camping, kids’ activities, arts & crafts, educational demonstrations, zydeco & Cajun dance lessons, solar & sustainable energy exhibits. Local food, microbrews & wine.

THE FLATLANDERS featuring Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely & Butch Hancock * BEAUSOLEIL avec Michael Doucet * ROBERT EARL KEEN * THE BE GOOD TANYAS * ROSIE LEDET & THE ZYDECO PLAYBOYS * ELIZA GILKYSON * COREY HARRIS & THE 5X5 * TODD SNIDER * GUY DAVIS * JOE LOUIS WALKER & THE BOSSTALKERS * RICHARD JOHNSTON * SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST * TRIO JALAPENO * RYAN McGARVEY * JERRY FAIRES * HIGHER GROUND * BOUZOUKI EXPLOSION * LAST TO KNOW * JENNY GAMBLE & more

¡Globalquerque! September 21-22, 2007
National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque
1701 4th St SW
New Mexico’s Annual Celebration of World Music and Culture will return to the NHCC in September! The third annual show will feature Planet Drumz, Koko Taylor, Baka Beyond, Yungchen Lhamo and many more great artists from all over the world! Details at www.abqmusic.com.

Harvest Moon Dance Camp, Santa Barbara, CA, Sept. 28-30
This weekend is filling fast! The entire dance weekend will be at the legendary sprung floor located at the Carrillo Ballroom. $120.00 registration fee does NOT include accommodations. There is a gender-balance waiting list for single women at this point. There is still room for single men and couples.
Presenting: Notorious with Larry Unger, guitar and banjo player extraordinaire; Eden MacAdam-Somer, an exciting and versatile fiddler; Sam Bartlett, a mandolin master; Mark Hellenburg, an incredible percussionist; and Ralph Gordon, driving on cello and bass. Special Guest, Bill Tomczak on clarinet and saxophone! Virginia caller: Shawn Brenneman calling clear, concise, smooth dances. Plus an afternoon of Swing Dancing with Rockin’ Rob Rio! A bonus: Sunday evening dance with Notorious and Shawn, 7-10pm, $10 for HM participants, $15 for all others. Applications can be obtained on line by going to www.sbcds.org/hm Questions? Email Kelli Butler at harvestmoon@sbcds.org or call Kelli (805) 649-5189.

Hope that’s enough music and dance news for you. Enjoy this last summer month.

Merri Rudd
Albuquerque, NM
www.merridancing.com

Enchanted Assembly English Ball Report

English Ball
Photo by Meg Adams

“After the Ball Was Over…” (Waltz)
composed by Jim Buechler, Taos, NM

As soon as the lovely programme designed by Mary Beath for The Enchanted Assembly: An English Country Dance Ball arrived, we knew this would be no ordinary dance event. Each dance listed was given its own page, with complete directions and historical notes supplied by William DeRagon. The pages were soft to the touch and soft white in color with shaded images of summer vegetables overlaid, the type fonts clear and elegant, the little booklet itself bound by hand with black yarn as a suitable keepsake for a memorable occasion.

For hundreds of years English dancers traveled great distances to events like this; and on the morning of June 30, here in Taos, Hope, Rebecca and I loaded our overnight bags and our finery and some traveling food into our Conveyance and set off in this same tradition. Dancers from Durango were already on the road, and those nearer Albuquerque would have to set out before long to make the practice session at the Heights at 1 p.m.

The practice session, or rehearsal, had been carefully organized and was a dance in itself. But first there was a a good deal of reconnecting with friends, with dancers not seen perhaps for two or three years, dancers, in some cases, whose names we did not even know (until we read them on their name tags) but whom we knew quite well, as dancers — by their looks and their moves on the dance floor. The mood was all friendliness and anticipation, as before a big game that our side was certain to win. Our coaches were William DeRagon and Richard Wilson, taking us through the playbook two dances at a time, by turns, and of course they made the dancing fun. Both these longtime leaders on English Country Dance in New Mexico appeared exuberant that at last a real Ball was about to take place.

On entering a ball-room, a 19th century handbook tells us, all thought of self should be dismissed. The petty ambition of endeavoring to create a sensation by dress, loud talking, or unusual behavior, is to be condemned; also the effort to monopolize a certain part of the room, or to form exclusive circles. Unanimity and good feeling should prevail.

After a quick supper the three of us, with our Abuquerque hostess Barbara, stepped into 106 degrees of heat on the sidewalk outside. The assembly rooms at the Heights, however, were a most civilized 68 degrees I would guess. We were a bit late — the opening dance, “I Care Not For These Ladies”, a three-couple circle danced as mixer, was already in progress. Yet as Rebecca said next day driving home, the effect, with the entire room all in motion, was of really coming into a Ball of an earlier period: everybody was in formal dress and their expressions, though all beaming and happy, were at the same time serious and dignified, their graceful movements, led by the music, expressed the utmost consideration for all the other dancers, their pleasure at being there with each and every one. We changed shoes and joined in and were immediately caught up in this unanimity and good feeling. It was very powerful.

I am not a Gentleman, but I play one on the dance floor. Alldancing involves playing a part, more or less, but in English Country the parts are defined as “Lady” and “Gentleman”. Essays used to be written on the qualities necessary to both, qualities that are built into the English Country Dance tradition. The elaborate and delightful courtesies, for example. The emphasis on eye contact — a wandering eye indicating at the very least a certain disrespect. In the sequence Set Forward and Turn Single, then Two-hand Turn, theLady and the Gentleman approach one another, give a little bow to acknowledge their pleasure in the encounter, then return to take hands and turn just once — their bright faces, their locked eyes, their very movements expressing their great satisfaction to be doing so. When to this courteous behavior is added the formal dress of a Gentleman — in my case a tuxedo — the illusion that one really is, for the moment, a Gentleman and a far better person than in actual life, is very strong. I wonder if it is the same the for the woman playing the Lady, in her ball gown (and what a wonderful lovely variety of gowns there were, on June 30!). In any case, many a Lady by her look and gesture made me feel a true Gentleman that night. “Corelli’s Maggot”, which begins with the Setting-Turn Single-Two Hand Turn sequence above, was the second dance, as I remember, and next came “Mad Robin”, with its demonstration of all those exciting possibilities inherent in eye contact.

I like contra dance well enough, but the feeling in contra is not at all like this. At FolkMADS camps theThrift Shop Ball is always fun, but it is after all only a parody of a Ball. The Enchanted Assemby was a serious effort to replicate the real thing.

It has been nearly a month, yet a residual feeling of deep satisfaction remains in all of us who were there — including, I believe, the four musicians. I like to think they found it easier to act their own roles as the Music, as the 17th century dancer and diarist Samuel Pepys calls such players, with the Gentry all so splendidly attired dancing finely in front of them. (And if the musician’s real-life status was a modest one, let them remember W.A. Mozart, like me not a real Gentleman himself, who nevertheless delighted in dancing the part; and wrote many a contradanse besides.) There has been a good deal of talk among us, not to mention the whizzing of emails, concerning this “glow” that has not yet been reduced to ashes. I think it was no single encounter, nor even the great collection of encounters between Lady and Gentleman, that produced so extraordinary an effect, but rather an intense general happiness that we all moved and indeed lived within, for the time.

Traveling back to Taos as to a small country town after a grand ball in some old novel, we tried to imagine what this same intense pleasure must have been like 200 years ago — pleasure so intense that the dancing was prolonged through the night, and often continued over days and even weeks, through a “season”. It was easy to understand how marriages, or love, or perhaps something else might be the result.

Noralyn Parsons adds, “Thanks especially for all the hard work: William DeRagon and Richard Wilson, Gemma DeRagon, Gary Blank, Karina Wilson, Della O’Keefe, musicians; Kit French, M.C.; Meg Adams, decorator and refreshments; Bob and Nancy Ford for registering and sound; Jim Buechler for publicity; Chris Conway for being there and seeing us through, and for all the helpers. It was just lovely.” And thanks to Noralyn for helping to organize the whole event!

July 2007 Folk Enews

Happy Summer, Folkies,

Call me crazy, but I think 07/07/07 would be a great wedding anniversary! I happen to be at the Heights Community Center that night calling a dance, so if you bring a marriage license there, I can hitch you right up. Just a thought. Visit http://www.bernco.gov/live/departments.asp?dept=2315&submenuid=2432#marriage for info.

FOLKMADS Treasurer Joli Sharp wrote, “THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR CAMP DONATIONS! I would like to say Thank You to everyone who added donations to their camp fees this year (there were a lot of you), and to one particularly generous anonymous donor. The camp raffle had an especially good showing. Your enthusiastic support of camp decreases the anxiety among those of us who are noticing whether the ends meet, and makes it possible for us to entertain the thought of spending more in areas that would improve the camp.”

Albuquerque Concert, Sunday, July 1
THE IGUANAS at 8:00 pm
Puccini’s Golden West Saloon, 620 Central Ave SW
21 and over.
$15 advance, $20 door
Tickets at abqmusic.com, Bookworks and Natural Sound

New Orleans is known for its unique fusions in food, music and culture. In that respect, The Iguanas are typically New Orleans. But like gumbo, everyone combines their influences in different ways. For the Iguanas, it’s a melding of the blues, classic R&B, zydeco, cajun, Tex-Mex and roots rock & roll – and the result is a rollicking good time. On their last release, “Plastic Silver 9-Volt Heart”, The Iguanas pump up the Latin and Mexican influences, which garnered them positive comparisons to Los Lobos. Look for a standard rock band fleshed out with two saxophones and accordion to create that swampy New Orleans groove — the perfect way to start a 4th of July holiday week!

Corrales Sing, Friday, July 6
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. Newcomers welcome! They’re meeting in July to sing of Babies, Children and Grandparents AND the 4th of July, a double feature.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. Just past the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the second house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, July 7
Merri Rudd calling and the Friends (Gary Papenhagen on fiddle, Bo Olcott on guitar, Lou Blackwell on bass) playing smokin’ hot dance tunes this post-July 4th weekend. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., acoustic jam at 6:30 p.m. and newcomers class at 7 p.m. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE (1 block east of University, south of Lead/Coal). Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. $6 members, $7 others.

Durango Contra Dance, Saturday, July 7
Caller is ??? with live music by Durango’s Kitchen Jam Band. VFW Hall, 1550 Main Avenue, Durango. Beginner instruction is at 7:00 p.m. Dancing is from 7:30 to 10:30. For further information, call 970-259-6820 or 970-903-9402.

Old Time Music Circle, Albuquerque, Sunday, July 8
The Old Time Music Circle Jam is not meeting at Covenant Presbyterian Church in July. However, if anyone wants to get together to play on July 8, Judy Muldawer is happy to host the circle at her house. Email her at inquiry@siliconheights.com.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, July 14
Richard Wilson calling, Sandia Hots playing (Liz Stevens on fiddle, Mike Gallagher on banjo, Linda Askew on guitar, Scott Mathis on mandolin and guitarron). 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. Instruction at 7:30 p.m. $6 members, $7 others.

NO Second Sunday Dance in Albuquerque in July!!!

Albuquerque Megaband Practice, July 17
Join the Megaband in a jam at the Blue Dragon, 1517 Girard NE, Albuquerque, 7:30-10:30 p.m. More info: Bruce Thomson, 277-4729.

No Las Cruces Contra Dance in July!!!

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, July 21
Wendy Graham from Durango calling and the Albuquerque Megaband playing. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., acoustic jam at 6:30 p.m. and newcomers class at 7 p.m. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE (1 block east of University, south of Lead/Coal). Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. $6 members, $7 others.

No Taos Contra Dance in July!!!
Alas, due to a venue scheduling glitch, no dance will occur in Taos in July. Also, none in August. Dances resume at San Geronimo Lodge in September.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, July 28
Open Mic dance, Karina and Della playing (Karina’s fiddling grows more beautiful with each gig). Potluck at 6 p.m., Dance 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. Instruction at 7:30 p.m. $6 members, $7 others.

Adobe Brothers in Concert, Saturday, July 28
Flying Star Restaurant on 4501 Juan Tabo (www.flyingstarcafe.com/). Eat some yummy treats while listening to the well-honed tunes of one of Albuquerque’s oldest and finest bands.

Pickin' in the Pines, Santa Fe, Sunday, July 29
Pickin’ in the Pines will be held again this year on Sunday, July 29th, at 1 pm at Shelter #3 at Hyde Memorial State Park , just north of Santa Fe. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and cold water will be provided, and you are encouraged to bring side dishes and deserts. This has been an extremely popular event for many years with great picking, singing, and socializing among all Southwest Pickers members. Don’t forget sweaters, since late afternoon thunderstorms will frequently drop the temperature into the 60’s. For directions to the park see:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=Hyde+Memorial+State+Park&address=740+Hyde+Park+road&city=Santa+Fe&state=nm&zipcode=

Albuquerque House Concert, Tuesday, July 31
AMY SPEACE & THE TEARJERKS, 7:30 pm
$12 suggested donation
Reservations required. Contact Jeff at abqmusic@att.net or use the on-line reservation system at www.abqmusic.com/houseconcerts.html
Prepare for an intimate night of unplugged folk-rock with Amy and band take over Jeff’s living room. Amy covers a wide range of topics, from the heartrending (“I feel like I’m dying, and I’m always crying. If this is what love is, make me lonely again”) to the defiant (“Do I make you blush, do I talk too loud. Do I drink too much, do I act too proud? Well take me as I am
or take another now ’cause I am not going to change for nobody no how”). She’s got full on rockers and country weepers, an Americana Blondie cover and an uproarious tale of white trash love.

Looking Ahead, Albuq. House Concert, August 16
If you loved the Boulder Acoustic Society as much as the rest of the crowd at the Albuquerque Folk Festival, plan to attend their house concert:
PARKLAND CIRCLE HOUSE CONCERT, August 16, Thursday 7:30
1000 Parkland Circle SE, Albuquerque
Contact: 266-6928 or 858-3463 or email gcnewma@sandia.gov.
They’re young, energetic, immensely talented and gonna make it “Brave Combo” or “Bills” big one day, I predict. With their fun, lively tunes, lyrics, old-time harmonies, and ensemble of instruments including guitars, marimba, violin, double bass and ukuleles, you’ll be thoroughly entertained. Bring your own small chair, alcohol, and a snack to share and $10 donation for the artists. Hosts will provide some snacks, tea, water and a cooler of ice for beers/wine etc. For live recordings: http://www.boulderacousticsociety.net/

¡Globalquerque! September 21-22, 2007
National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque
1701 4th St SW
New Mexico’s Annual Celebration of World Music and Culture will return to the NHCC in September! The third annual show will feature Planet Drumz, Koko Taylor, Baka Beyond, Yungchen Lhamo and many more great artists from all over the world! Details at www.abqmusic.com.

Stay cool.

Merri Rudd
Albuquerque, NM
www.merridancing.com

Kitty the Cat 1988-2007

Kitty

Today, July 3, 2007, Ms. Kitty the Cat was euthanized at 10:47 a.m. She was approximately 19 years old, or about 93 in people years. She mostly died of old age and failing kidneys, perhaps “failure to thrive” if a death certificate had been issued (one was not).

We adopted Kitty from the Albuquerque Humane Society shelter on April 13, 1990. She came into the shelter pregnant, but the powers-that-be felt she was ‘adoptable.’ The shelter vet aborted her kittens and fixed her at the same time. Her bobcat-belly fur spots took a long time to grow in. I wanted to adopt a black and white cat similar to our one that had died of feline leukemia. It was down to the black and white and Kitty. We were in the visiting room with Kitty, and at the last second she put her paw up to Mark’s face and gently patted his beard. That was that. They both sneezed all the way home.

Kitty had been failing the past few months, down to 4 pounds and very frail. Yesterday she lay on our chests for hours, too weak to pat Mark’s face. This morning as we observed her head hanging in her water bowl, unable to drink, we both knew it was time. The euthanization took less than 3 seconds. She died peacefully, with both of us stroking her head and gently holding her tiny front paws. In her eyes, I saw her life light fade to death’s dullness. There was little discernible difference between her living and dying presence.

Those of you who knew Kitty over the past 17 years have your own stories to tell–both good and funny ones of her galloping through the house like a wild-west pony, man-handling the 60-pound dog, curling around one’s neck like a living stole. One summer she captured the fancy of a small male box turtle who lived in the backyard. They would play hide and seek in the tall grass. Others will tell of her uncanny ability to adhere to those who most disliked cats, including climbing onto the back of one such person and refusing to vacate. Most will remember that she loved to snuggle on one’s lap, especially if one held a brush in one’s hand. She purred and purred with satisfaction, and when one lap was used, she’d move to another.

We know that we gave Kitty 17 years of care and love and life. We know that life evolves into death. Yet we will miss Kitty’s antics, presence and energy much more than we realize. May we all live as long and loved a life as Kitty did. May we continue to adopt adult animals from shelters and rescue groups and give them many years of hope and life. MR