Press Release: El Paso Opera’s “Madama Butterfly” adds third show

Thursday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.
3rd SHOW: Sunday, March 13, 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Abraham Chavez Theatre



Due to popular demand, El Paso Opera has added a third performance to its “Madama Butterfly” schedule. There will be a matinee on Sunday, March 13, at 2:30 p.m. This is in addition to performances Thursday, March 10, and Saturday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. All performances are at the Abraham Chavez Theatre.

“Madama Butterfly” marks El Paso Opera’s return to grand opera, with full sets and costumes. “Butterfly” is also one of the most popular operas of all time. It’s been two years since El Paso Opera has staged a grand opera (“Magic Flute” was the last, in 2009), and audiences are in for a treat with an Emmy®-winning production and all-star cast.

But “grand” doesn’t mean elitist — at least, not in El Paso.

El Paso Opera artistic and general director David Grabarkewitz has made it his mission to bring opera to the entire El Paso-Juárez community, as well as to traditional opera patrons.

So he’s made sure that promotions for the “Madama Butterfly” reach a Spanish-speaking audience and most neighborhoods of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
And for the first time, El Paso Opera advertised on a billboard in Ciudad Juárez and established a toll-free phone number for ticket-buyers in Mexico.

The opera also stretched its Spanish promotion in El Paso to bench ads in the Mission Valley and the bustling East side. A Spanish-language billboard is visible on I-10 West at Lomaland.
“Opera for All!” has been the motto of Grabarkewitz’s mission, and El Paso Opera will continue its Opera for All series in advance of “Madama Butterfly.” Opera for All events run from 60-75 minutes and will feature performances by members of the “Butterfly” cast.

Opera for All performances will be presented in English and Spanish and are open to the public free of charge.

Opera for All performances:

• El Paso Community College Transmountain Campus, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2:00 p.m.
• Fort Bliss’ Freedom Crossing- Grand Hall, Sunday, Feb. 27, 5:00 p.m.
• La Fe Community Technology Center, 721 South Ochoa St., Tuesday, March 2, 2:00 p.m.

“Butterfly is a celebration of big, classical opera,” said Grabarkewitz. “It’s a great story for first-time opera goers. If you haven’t been to the opera recently, this is the perfect show to get re-acquainted.”
Grabarkewitz used his influence as the resident stage director for the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center to ensure the highest quality Butterfly production in El Paso.

“I requested favors from the amazing cast and designer, and we've put together a phenomenal show.” Grabarkewitz said. “We’ve assembled an internationally renowned cast that is second-to-none.”

Indeed, Grabarkewitz directed several of the principal actors in an Emmy®-winning telecast for PBS performed at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

“Its story holds themes very familiar to El Pasoans: a military serviceman falls in love with a young woman.”

Information: El Paso Opera 581-5534

El Paso Opera: 1/2 off tickets to Madama Butterfly

Today only, you can buy tickets to March 10th opening night of El Paso Opera's Madama Butterfly.

Click here to visit Busca El Paso to buy your tickets.

Visit www.epopera.org to find out more about the performance!

Neon Desert Music Festival Band Lineup

Neon Desert Music Festival annual music festival organized by Splendid Sun Productions held in Downtown El Paso, TEXAS. This event features local, regional, national, and international entertainers mostly in Indie rock, Latin Rock, and Electronic music as well as local Arts. The event has several stages, each playing live music continuously. The festival will take place Saturday April 30, 2011, at San Jacinto Plaza.

First 1,000 tickets are $25 each, cost goes up to $35 after that.

Check out the band lineup here, http://www.neondesertmusicfestival.com/#bands

CD Premier: World Premiere of the CD "Brahms"

El Paso Pro Musica 100 presents the World Premiere of the CD "Brahms," works for Cello and Piano featuring Zuill Bailey and Awadagin Pratt, Tuesday, March 1, El Adobe Recording Studios, 5301 El Paso Drive, El Paso, Texas. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and features a special concert, cocktails and culinary delights from fine Chefs. For tickets call 915-833-9400

Open Auditions for a Child Role in 'Madama Butterfly'

WHAT: Auditions for the role of Cio-Cio San’s son
WHEN: Sat., Feb. 19, at 2 p.m.
WHERE: El Paso Public Library Auditorium, 501 N. Oregon St.

El Paso Opera is looking for a child to play the role of “Trouble,” the young son of Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly). This is a non-speaking, non-singing role suitable for any child interested in theater; however it does require the ability to take direction.

We're looking for a child age 6-9 who is shorter than 52 inches tall. The child will appear on stage with Emmy-winning soprano Shu-Ying Li. Rehearsals begin in early March and will extend through the Madama Butterfly performance dates of Thursday, March 10, and Saturday, March 12. The Opera will contribute $500.00 to the Texas Tomorrow Fund (http://www.texastomorrowfunds.org/), a pre-paid college tuition plan, for the child selected to play the role. This will be a great adventure for one local child.

Auditions will be held Saturday, Feb. 19, at 2:00 p.m. downtown at the El Paso Public Library Auditorium. The library is located at 501 N. Oregon St.

Information: El Paso Opera 581-5534

Got the right shoes for your next marathon?

It's gotta be the shoes! Here are some foot wear tips for the 2011 El Paso Marathon from Chris Rowley at Up and Running. Learn words like pronate, stride and so much more.

Click here for more information on the 2011 El Paso Marathon.

2.17.11: Jewel Kade Jewelery Party at Pike Street

You're Invited to a JK Party

When: 2/17/2011 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Pike Street Market207 E Mills Street El Paso, TX 79901

Company Profile

Vintage, contemporary, urban and romantic – Jewel Kade is a fresh take on timeless fashion. It’s worn by those who celebrate life, and those who treasure unforgettable accessories. Handcrafted quality. Intriguing embellishments. Eye-catching artwork. Exclusively from designer Janet Kinkade.

Founded by Janet Kinkade in 2008, Jewel Kade has quickly grown to become one of the nation’s premiere jewelry brands, already appearing on The Today Show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, and American Idol.*

Whether at fun, relaxing Home Parties, casual office gatherings, spontaneous get-togethers, or conveniently online, customers have the advantage of shopping for Jewel Kade through personal Stylists who know Jewel Kade and are committed to excellent service. And with JK’s flexibility, income and leadership opportunities, and sought-after products, Jewel Kade is an ideal career for Stylists across the country.

For orders, product questions, returns and customer service, please contact your JK Stylist. For other questions, contact the JK Corporate Office at info@jewelkade.com or 877-JWL-KADE.

*Citing media references does not imply endorsement of Jewel Kade products in any way by media, related production companies or related spokespersons/personalities.

Click here for more information.

1,000 Free Tacos!

Help Shamaley Ford celebrate reaching 1,000 Facebook Friends! This Tuesday, the Taco Guy will be at Shamaley Ford giving away 1,000 tacos from 2-6 p.m.

Coveted Osaple Chuco-Chula Tee on sale at Klothes Lime

This crazy cute tee landed in my mail box recently from the tee shirt fairy! Created by the designers over at www.osaple.com, this tee is on sale for $15 at Klothes Lime located at 1805 Montana (Cotton), open Tues-Sat 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., 915-256-5942.

About Osaple!
OSAPLE (O-sah-pleh) is a cultural collective with the purpose of projecting El Paso pride. It's a new perspective which always keeps in mind that inherent form of cariño, where no matter how harsh it seems, you know it came from deep in the heart. Our culture is identified by this, adopting everything El Paso encompasses. Osaple simply projects it to the surface.

It's the good, the bad and the “¡ay guéy!” of who WE are and that which defines US. It’s the funny, serious, crazy, controversial and everything in between.

Osaple is a concept formed by a diehard group of El Pasoans who revel in what we are, love where we come from and proudly wear that pin of honor.

Walgreens Volunteers Clean up Scenic Drive

Today was the first clean up to kick off Walgreens, once a month, yearlong commitment to a cleaner and more beautiful El Paso. Walgreens Community Leader, Robert Alvarez, joined more than twenty volunteers from Walgreens to collect trash along Scenic Drive.

I grabbed this photo while making my way up the hill with a trash bag of my own. As a member of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association (which borders Scenic) I try to periodically do my part and collect trash around the neighborhood. What is so rewarding about Walgreens commitment to cleaning up El Paso is their interest in Scenic, one of the city's most trafficked routes for tourism, but a street that not all of the volunteers necessarily live by. Thank you to all the volunteers who showed up from all corners of El Paso.

Visit newmanpark.blogspot.com for news and information on upcoming clean ups along Scenic Drive.

Click here to read the press release announcing the partnership between Keep El Paso Beautiful and Walgreens.

Review: The New City Grille is Open for Private Dinner Parties

Just last week I was invited to the New City Grille for a dinner party and the invitation confused me, as they aren't open for dinner. Come to find out, our dinner party was a private event that included a hand-printed menu, a delectable cake made for the event and drinks by an outdoor fire pit following dessert. Lucky for our party and diners seeking a different and unique experience, Thierry Oppenheimer caters private dinner parties in her restaurant, at a very affordable price.

Our dinner party began with appetizers and wine in what normally serves as the smallest of three dining rooms in the restaurant. The party started with a chic spread of wine, Pellegrino, cheese, crackers, olives and prosciutto with melon, served by a very professional wait staff.

Following the appetizers we were seated at a dining table that ran the entire length of the restaurant and sat more than 20 people. At each place setting was a 35 card with the evening's meal written out, a classy touch that is the norm for wedding receptions. The table setting was simple yet elegant done in all white and silver, with small votive candles functioning as the main source of light.

Much like dinners served in Europe, the main course was served first, a light and delicious seafood lasagna, one of Theirry's specialties. The second course was a Greek salad served with very light vinaigrette, a perfect cleanser for the palate following fish. After clearing the salad plates, small glasses filled with caramel popcorn were placed every two people and orders for tea or coffee were taken, I opted to stick with my wine.

Before opening her "down town" restaurant, Thierry enjoyed a successful career as a professional baker, a job that led her across the United States and Europe. I first met Thierry at a cover shoot for El Paso Magazine where we featured one of her four tiered wedding cakes, certainly one of our most beautiful covers. Upon returning to El Paso after a long stint away, Thierry continued to make cakes and opened up the New City Grille south of Paisano. The New City Grille is home to delicious lunches and a very packed house.

Luckily for our party, Thierry baked one of her gorgeous cakes for dessert, which she showed to each guest, earning her a round of applause before the slicing and plating. The cake was a light and tart lemon cake with a lavender icing, an ideal compliment to the evening's fare.

After dessert the party was escorted outside to the patio where chairs were set up around a fire, already burning bright, where guests finished their wine and coffee before heading home.

The New City Grille is a perfect location for a private party (no more than 40) for you and your closest friends or colleagues. The dining area is intimate and the staff is friendly and very much a part of the evening's festivities. Pricing varies based on the meal and dessert and you can call Thierry (pronounced Terry) for a quote at 915.474.7777.

Living up to it's down town description, it's hard to fathom such a unique and intimate dining experience only blocks from the Santa Fe Bridge, in such a remote section of Downtown El Paso. Give it a try for your next private party, as the atmosphere cannot be matched and the food is divine.

Info:
New City Grille
504 S. Main Street @ Third Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901
915.474.7777
www.sweetartfestivecakes.com

Tembloroso Creative Labs Gives a Little Love to El Paso's Talent

Tembloroso Creative Labs wants to raise the profiles of visual artists living in El Paso, and they're going to do just that starting this Monday with the launch of www.tembloroso.com.

Tembloroso Creative Labs members Jim Ward, Kristine Ward, Armando Alvarez and Brandon Silverstein (all El Paso natives) are the team behind www.tembloroso.com, a website dedicated to creating a virtual community for El Paso visual artists and musicians, bringing awareness to a growing community of visual artists living and working in El Paso.

“With the talent and networks that our local artists have developed we felt like it was a good time to use our abilities to create a place where they can both sell their goods and increase their profiles,” said Jim Ward.

Tembloroso.com will feature an online store, artist profiles, daily blog updates, a calendar of events and more.

For visual artists and musicians interested in selling their work on www.tembloroso.com, use the contact us form available on the website. Says programmer Brandon Silverstein, "we will curate what is sold on the site and welcome artists and musicians to submit their work for review."

This Friday, you can meet the Tembloroso Creative Labs team at the official launch party taking place at Hope and Anchor.

You're Invited!
Tembloroso Creative Lab Launch Party
Date: Friday, February 18, 2011
Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
Location: Hope and Anchor, 4012 N. Mesa, must be 21 and over to attend

Meet the Tembloroso Creative Lab Team!
Armando Alvarez: Creative director and owner, Viva Creative Group
Brandon Silverstein: Web developer and owner, Impulse Development
Jim Ward: Musician, co-owner Hope and Anchor and Clap of Thunder Recording Studio
Kristine Ward: Creative Consultant and co-owner Hope and Anchor

The Vagina Monologues Needs Volunteers!

From The Vagina Monologues Staff

Volunteers get in for free, and this is what is needed: 2 ushers, 4 people to hold up posters, 3 people to handle V.I.P., and some crew men on Friday. On Saturday, we need 2 people to pass out programs, 3 ushers, 4 people to handle V.I.P., and some crew men. We also would like people to handle donations, but we need to fill up the other positions first. Here I've attached a description of the Vagina Monologues form the FMLA-UTEP facebook page. This year, we expect to have fire dancers and contortionist perform along with other entertainment. The play will be at UTEP's Magoffin Auditorium this Friday and Saturday. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the show will start at 7:30 p.m. I highly recommend this show. It's a show that consists of a whole variety of different monologues. Some are hilarious, some are touching, but all are educational in some way. My first time going was last year and I was blown a way by all that the show offered.

About the Vagina Monologues:

A SHOW YOU DON'T WANNA MISS! The Vagina Monologues is a play which is part of a larger movement to stop violence against women. The play deals with a wide range of the female experience and is an eye-opener for most males. Last year we raised over $14,000 with most going to the El Paso Child Crisis Center and 10% going to the City of Joy in the Congo. The Spotlight this year is Haiti due to the high levels of violence against women and girls, specifically the increased rates of sexual violence since the devastating earthquake that took place in January 2010. All funds raised through the Spotlight Campaign will be used to support a revolutionary national campaign in Haiti lead by a coalition of women activists - including longtime V-Day activist Elvire Eugene - that will address sexual violence through art, advocacy, safe shelter and legal services. 90% of the procedes will locally benefit the Reynolds Home ( a homeless women's shelter)! A silent auction will be held featuring local artists and vendors. Local non profits will be tabling and disseminating information. Help us reach our goal of $20,000 this year! Tickets on sale at ticketmaster.com and days of the show $10 general admission and $20 VIP seating.

Free: Free Tour of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology this Sunday

Museums & Cultural Affairs Department

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2011

Contact: Juli Lozano, Public Affairs @ 541-4010 or 472-1949

Free Tour of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology

Tour for Families with Elementary-School-Age Children

At 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 13, 2011

This free one-hour, docent-led tour of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology will introduce participants to the people of El Paso’s ancient past from the Paleoindians who lived here 14,000 years ago to the Mescalero Apache people of today. Visitors will also see prehistoric artifacts from several regions of México. To enjoy the gardens, wear suitable clothing, shoes, and sun protection.

Reservations are not necessary but contact the museum if you plan to attend, 915-755-4332; guidamr@elpasotexas.gov. www.elpasotexas.gov/arch_museum/

Please use the following caption with the attached photograph:

Manso and Suma Men Diorama, 2011

###

All the best,
Marilyn

Marilyn Guida
Curator of Education
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
4301 Transmountain Road
El Paso Texas 79924
915-755-4332
www.elpasotexas.gov/arch_museum

Book News: This Thing Called the Future by J.L. Powers

Press Release:

Back to the Future

A drumbeat wakes me. Ba-Boom. Ba-Boom. It is beating a funeral dirge.

This is not your mama's coming-of-age story. In a South African shantytown, 14-year-old Khosi struggles with poverty, disease and oh, there's a boy at school she has a huge crush on. This Thing Called the Future, the latest from Fulbright scholar J.L. Powers, pulls you right into Khosi's confusing, magical world, where ancient tradition collides with modern problems. Where the teenage anticipation of a first kiss or going away to college is marred by the deadly threat of AIDS. The threat hangs in the air, thick like an approaching storm, like thunder just in the distance. Ba-Boom. Ba-Boom. Ba-Boom.

Reading Ahead...

"A great achievement by J.L. Powers."—Deborah Ellis, The Breadwinner

This Thing Called the Future isn't due out until this spring, but we've got the first five chapters for you to read now! Learn more about Khosi, magical sangomas, mothers who must stay away in order to nurture their children and yes, that cute boy at school we mentioned. The sample chapters are available now on our website here, or you can click on the link below to access the sneak peak.

For more on This Thing Called the Future click here.

An alum of the Cinco Puntos offices, J.L. Powers is an historian on Africa and now owns her own independent publishing house. Click here to visit her author page and learn more.

Want more from Cinco Puntos Press? Friend us on facebook and follow us on twitter for the latest news, picture and snappy status updates.

Click here to read the beginning of This Thing Called the Future

Press Release: Walgreen's Adopts Scenic Drive, help clean scenic drive this Sunday

WHO:Keep El Paso Beautiful in partnership with the local Walgreens, the City of El Paso, and the Hunt Family Foundation are working together to keep one of El Paso’s greatest assets, Scenic Drive, free of litter and debris.

WHAT:Walgreens is leading by example and giving back to the community by partnering with KEPB and the City to clean up Scenic Drive. This Sunday is the first clean up to kick off Walgreens, once a month, yearlong commitment to a cleaner and more beautiful El Paso. Walgreens Community Leader, Robert Alvarez, said it is important to give back to your community and participate in efforts to keep El Paso beautiful.

WHEN: Sunday, February 13, 2011 beginning at 10 a.m. until noon

WHERE: Walgreens volunteers will be meeting at 10 a.m. at the entrance of Scenic Drive at the top of Rim Road. The clean up will be taking place during Scenic Sunday when Scenic Drive is closed to vehicular traffic.

WHY: During the day, Scenic Drive offers an exquisite view of El Paso and Juarez. At night, it is lovely view of the unending lights from the stars, two sister cities and two different countries. Unfortunately, Scenic Drive is daily trashed with fast food bags, beer cans, plastic and glass bottles, cigarettes, cups, and plastic bags. As one of El Paso’s premier places to visit and take out of town guests it is extremely important to keep Scenic Drive pristine. “I am thrilled that Walgreens has come on board with KEPB. Their commitment to cleaning up one of El Paso’s greatest assets will have a positive impact on the quality of life for all El Pasoans. Hopefully this will start a trend that other businesses will follow.” said Katherine Gunter-Palafox, Executive Director of KEPB.

If you’d like more information about this event, or to schedule an interview, please contact Katherine Gunter-Palafox at (915) 472-2985 or at kpalafox@elp.rr.com

Design El Paso's Future at tonight's Comprehensive Plan Westside Charrette

Following the unanimous adoption of the Connecting El Paso Plan, the Dover, Kohl & Partners planning team is back in El Paso to focus on the City’s Westside! The upcoming two-week charrette will address the planning areas of Northwest, Central, Northeast and Fort Bliss. The first event is a Hands-on Design Session for the Central Planning Area on Thursday, February 10 (5:30pm – 8:00pm) at the Bowie High School Cafeteria. Additional Hands-on Sessions, an Open Design Studio and Public Presentations will be held throughout the next two weeks.

To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan Charrette and view a detailed schedule of upcoming Charrette events, please visit www.PlanElPaso.org. We have also set up a virtual town hall at http://townhall.planelpaso.org/ where you can share your ideas with your fellow El Pasoans and the planning team.

We hope to see you at some or all of the charrette events!

Voice Over Work: Cats and Dogs, the movie

One of the biggest benefits of working at a communications company is the exposure to people who have been in the industry for years - like Doug Bowe. Doug taught me how to do voice over work and periodically will throw me a bone and let me do a commercial. The above clip is a promotion I did for Blockbuster Video for the upcoming Blue Ray release of the epic movie, Cats and Dogs. Although I did like the movie, I had to work pretty hard to feign this much excitement! All in a hard day's work.

Daily Deals on I'm Doing El Paso

If you're looking for a daily deal in El Paso, look no further than the website for I'm Doing El Paso (IDEP). IDEP recently launched a new section on their website called Deals, where every daily deal offered in the region is listed. Be sure to bookmark the page as it's a great resource, http://imdoingelpaso.com/deals/.

You'll notice the page features a lovely widget for the daily deal (which is near and dear to my heart) Busca Oferta. Busca Oferta is the first Spanish-language deal to enter the El Paso market thanks to Entravision Communications. You can visit Busca Oferta directly at http://buscaelpaso.com/.

Lunch: Madama Butterfly Preview Luncheon with The El Paso Opera

Guild hosts luncheon; arias on the menu

The El Paso Opera Guild will host its Madama Butterfly Preview Luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 11:30 a.m. Join us in the 17th floor Ballroom at the the Doubletree Hotel, 600 N. El Paso St. Reservations are $20. Free parking in the Doubletree garage.

On the program: David Grabarkewitz will give us the inside scoop on the March 10 and 12 production, and introduce us to many cast members. Entertainment will be “Amazing Arias“ by the stars of Madama Butterfly.

RSVP required by Feb. 23 to 915-581-5534.

Bring friends who love FABULOUS singing!

The good seats are going fast!

We've already sold hundreds of tickets to both performances. Don't wait till the last minute for this show. To get your tickets for March 10 or 12, call El Paso Opera at 915-581-5534 (toll-free from Mexico 01-1800-681-9250) or visit http://www.epopera.org/tickets/madama-butterfly.

Party: Tembloroso Creative Lab Launch

El Pasoans Take Charge of Music and Arts with Launch of Tembloroso Creative Lab

Proud El Paso creatives Jim Ward, Kristine Ward, Armando Alvarez and Brandon Silverstein have joined forces to create an online home base for El Paso visual artists and musicians with the February 14th launch of tembloroso.com. The new site will feature an online store, artist profiles, daily blog updates, a calendar of events, and more. Tembloroso Creative Lab will provide a worldwide voice for El Paso's talent.

“With the talent and networks that our local artists have developed we felt like it was a good time to use our abilities to create a place where they can both sell their goods and increase their profiles,” said Jim Ward.

To celebrate, Tembloroso Creative Lab will be shaking things up at their launch party on Friday, February 18, 2011 at Hope and Anchor, 4012 N. Mesa from 7p to 9p.

Entravision Communications launches Spanish language couponing

Entravision Communications launched the Spanish language daily coupon campaign today in El Paso, Busca Oferta. Buy your 50% off coupons starting today! Today's deal is 50% off at K-9 Dog Grooming in El Paso. Click here to buy the deal.

Click here to sign up to receive daily email alerts or text alerts.

Hey Ladies, sign up for the The Odyssey Program

Join other interested Odyssey Program students at a meet and greet this Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. at RCIC, 500 W. Overland, Suite 220.

Info
The Odyssey Program, an eight month-long entrepreneurship program designed to teach women how to develop their own high-growth, scalable companies, is being recognized by the El Paso business community as a sign of awesome progress for the future of El Paso. The Odyssey Program will follow a rigorous and proven methodology in a supportive environment with 25 other aspiring women entrepreneurs. The program features speakers from the local business community as well as a network of program graduates. The Odyssey Program will provide the women entrepreneurs with three entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs). Throughout the program, these three women will serve as one-on-one mentors to help participants’ access capital, license technology, assemble an advisory board, and much more.

Program Overview
February 8 – September 2011
Tuesday nights from 6-9 p.m.

El Paso Community College
Administrative Services Building B
Conference Room 445
9050 Viscount Blvd.

If you, or someone you know would like to apply, please submit resumé and letter of intent describing why you want to be an entrepreneur to: ideas@innovateelpaso.org