D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
December 2009
DECEMBER
Tuesday 1
Silver City/Grant CountyHeld on the Homefront Traveling Exhibit — German POWs in the US traveling "bus-eum" exhibit. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free. Silver City Visitor CenterLas Cruces / Mesilla
Every Other Tuesday — Mick Harris. 5:30 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.las-cruces-arts.org
Christmas Jams — An evening of Christmas music in the style of Trans- Siberian Orchestra or Mannheim Steamroller. 7 p.m. $5-$7. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com
Harvest Cooking Class — Chef Carol Koenig features recipes that include pecans, sweet potatoes and eggplant. Pre-registration required. 2-4 p.m. $35. New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522.4100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
New Play Readings — Seven students from NMSU's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Creative Writing program plus the renowned novelist and short story writer Robert Boswell will present readings of one-act plays written in the graduate playwriting class taught by Tony and OBIE award-winning playwright Mark Medoff. Medoff will moderate discussion of the plays following each session of readings. 7 p.m. $5. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www.no-strings.org
NMSU Aggies Men's Basketball vs. University of Texas El Paso — 7 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Wednesday 2
Silver City/Grant County
Joy! 2009 — Third annual holiday show. Music, dance, children's chorus, sing-a-long, Santa. Theatre Group New Mexico. 6:30 p.m. Free, non-perishable food donation. WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Kelly Clarkson in Concert — Pan Am Center, 646-1420. www.ticketmaster.com
NMSU Women's Aggies Basketball vs. UNM — 7 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center. 646-1420. www.ticketmaster.com
Seussical — Through Dec. 6. The beloved characters of Dr. Seuss come to life in this magical musical. Weds. and Thurs. 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $10. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, Jordan Street, 646-1420, (800) 525-ASTC(2782), theatre.nmsu.edu
Teada: Irish Christmas in America — Family-friendly performance features Irish ballads and holiday carols, lively fiddle tunes and Irish dancing. Atkinson Recital Hall. 8 p.m. $10-$15. Pan Am Ticket Office, 646-1420, www.ticketmaster.com
A Christmas Pudding Celebration — The play is a Christmas celebration told in songs, stories, poems and tales from some of the world's greatest classical writers, evoking the real spirit of Christmas. Reservations strongly recommended. 8 p.m. $10 regular admission, $9 students and seniors. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www.no-strings.org
Thursday 3
Silver City/Grant County
Light Up a Life — Memorial tree-lighting ceremony. Call to reserve your light in memory of a loved one. 5:30-6 p.m. $5 donation. Gila Regional Medical Center, 574-4934.
4th Annual Javalina Community Potluck and Canned Food Drive — Bring cans or donations to benefit the new Food Pantry, bring hot food for the dinner, or just bring yourself. For more information contact Shelby Cox, 388-2988, shelby_cox@wnmu.edu 4-8 p.m. Javalina Coffee Shop, Broadway and Bullard
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Life x 3 — Through Dec. 6. Have you ever wondered how it would come out if you had the chance to replay a scene from your life? This witty and thought-provoking play contrasts man's ability to analyze with his total inability to respond to the most trivial domestic mishaps and shows three tries at getting the same scene right. Thursday 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. $10. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223. www.no-strings.org
Our People, Our FaithOur Lady — Special screening of documentary that explores the three-day Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Tickets available at City Hall, 200 N. Church St. 7 p.m. Free. Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St., 541-2154, www.las-cruces.org/museums
Seussical — Through Dec. 6. See Dec. 2. $10. 7 p.m. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 646-1420, 800-525-ASTC(2782), theatre.nmsu.edu
A Christmas Evening of Song — New Desert Harmony Singers. $25. Ballrooms of Corbett Center, NMSU campus. 646-2008.
Big Band Dance Club — Ballroom, swing and Latin style dancing to live music. High Society Orchestra. Singles and couples 21 and over welcome. Free Nightclub Two-step lesson on Thursdays at 7 p.m. with paid admission. You do not have to be a member of the Country Club to attend. Dress code. 8-10 p.m. $6 members, $7 guests. Las Cruces Country Club, 2700 N. Main St. 524 -0500, 523-4322, www.bigbanddanceclub.org
Colcha: Embroidered Connections Exhibit — Opening of a tradition-rich exhibit that features an embroidery method dating to the 1700s in New Mexico. Refreshments. 6-8 p.m. Free . New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522.4100, www. nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
Everett Howl and the Wolves — High Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752.
New Desert Harmony Singers — Concert gala. Proceeds will benefit the NMSU Center for the Arts. Ticketsare available at NMSU Foundation offices in Dove Hall; Hubbard's Music-n-More, 1108 Wyatt Drive; Cutter Gallery, 2640 El Paseo Road; and White's Music Box, 200 S. Downtown Mall. Or call 575-646-3587 or purchase tickets from any member of The New Desert Harmony Singers. 7 p.m. $25. NMSU Corbett Center
Deming
Desert Stitchers' Sit and Sew — All quilters are invited to attend. No admission. DesertStitchers@hotmail.com
Friday 4
Silver City/Grant County
Antonio Otero Artist Reception — 6 p.m. Anima Gallery, 215 W. Yankie, 574-7808
Brent Flenniken — Opening of new watercolor show. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Gila House Hotel and Gallery, 400 N. Arizona, 313-7015, www.gilahouse.com
Odd & Ends — Opening reception for "small works show" of affordable art for the holidays, 4-7 p.m. Leyba & Ingalls Arts, 315 N. Bullard, 388-5725.
Seedboat Gallery Reception — In conjunction with month-long jewelry sale. 4-7 pm . Seedboat Gallery, 214 West Yankie St, www.seedboatgallery.com
Spiritual Cinema: The Collector of Bedford Street — A discussion will follow the movie. 6:30 p.m. Free. New Church of the Southwest Desert, 1300 Bennett St. 519-2579
Olde Fashioned Gila Valley Christmas Arts & Craft Faire — Also Dec. 5. Dutch oven desserts, Fri. 5-7 p.m., weather permitting. Dinner dance with Dave & Daniel Morgan Band, Fri. 6-10 p.m., dinner available 4-8 p.m. Santa, Sat. 2 p.m. Local artists, crafts, music, baking. Christmas tree raffle for 4H. Fri. 3-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Farm Bureau Exhibit Building, Grant County Fairgrounds, Cliff. 535-2151, 535-4395.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
14th Annual Merry Christmas, Las Cruces — Through Dec 6. United Methodist churches in Las Cruces present "Two from Galilee," interspersed with music by chorus, soloists and orchestra. Tickets are free, but donations will be received to underwrite some of the production expenses; proceeds will benefit Community of Hope. Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m. St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs 526-6689.
5th Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Display — Santa arrives at 5 p.m. on a holiday-decorated Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad diesel engine, and will be available outside on the observation deck for visits and photos until 8 p.m. Decorations, crafts and choral music. 5 p.m. Free. Railroad Museum, 351 N. Mesilla St., 647-4480, museums.las-cruces.org
Captain Abu Raed — Through Dec. 10. Abu Raed, an elderly widower, works as a janitor at the international airport in Amman, Jordan. He's well-read, philosophical and given to moments of spontaneous whimsy, as when he finds the discarded hat of a jet pilot and wears it on the way home. The impoverished kids in Abu Raed's neighborhood assume he's actually a pilot and treat him with such exaggerated respect that he decides to play along, Arabian Nights-style, with tales of his imagined travels. But one boy, Murad, resists the storyteller's charms and grows hell-bent on exposing Captain Abu Raed as a fraud. Raed is sympathetic to his young detractor. 7:30 p.m. nightly, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $7 regular, $6 matinee, $5 Wednesdays, seniors, students with ID and Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, www.fountaintheatre.org
Celebrate Our Past, Present and Future — Tours of refurbished spaces at Zuhl and Branson libraries, followed by holiday refreshments. Library's Archives, Special Collections and redesign will be highlighted. Kickoff for Two Million by 2012 Campaign. 2-4 p.m. Free. NMSU Zuhl Library 646-1508, krismart@ad.nmsu.edu
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. Five golden tickets are hidden beneath the wrappers of Willy Wonka's delicious chocolate bars — five tickets that will change the lives of those who find them. The winning children are invited through the gates of the Chocolate Factory to see all the secrets and magic inside. Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall. 523-1200. www.lcctnm.org
City Christmas Tree Lighting and 6th Annual Trails of Lights — Hot chocolate with Santa. Downtown Mall and Las Cruces Railroad Museum. 541-2288, 541-2000, ohennessey@las-cruces.org
Downtown Ramble — Galleries, shops, businesses and restaurants, art openings, exhibits, music, entertainment, open mic opportunities, shopping, refreshments. 5-7 p.m. 523-2950, www.downtownlascrucespartnership.org
Foundation for Las Cruces Museum Sale — Through Dec. 5 Fundraiser for the Foundation. Mata Ortiz pottery, carved Oaxacan wooden animals, Zapotec rugs. Special inventory will be available. Fri. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. El Mercado de los Museos, located in the Museum of Art, 490 N. Water St. 571-5894, www.flcm.blogspot.com
Images of Tortugas — Opening reception for photographic essay by Robert Kaiser. 5-7 p.m. Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St., 541-2154, www.las-cruces.org/museums
KRWG-FM and Border Artists — Opening reception for annual fundraiser. 5-8 p.m. John Curry Construction and Real Estate Showcase Home at 4447 Organ Mesa Loop 646-5794, www.theborderartists.org, www.krwg.org
La Casa Holiday Bazaar — Through Dec. 6. Handmade holiday and gift items, home-baked goodies, silent auction, hand-decorated note cards and various La Casa merchandise. Proceeds benefit La Casa. Special preview party, Friday 5-8 p.m.; $12 admission, refreshments. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3 admission. Dickerson's Event Center, 3900 W. Picacho. 526-2819.
Life x 3 — Through Dec. 6. See Dec. 3. 8 p.m. $10. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www.no-strings.org
Seussical — Through Dec. 6. See Dec. 2. 8 p.m. $10. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 646-1420, 800-525-ASTC(2782), theatre.nmsu.edu
Studio Program Open House — See the studio spaces, meet the instructors, view demonstrations, and pick up a copy of the winter class schedule. The Museum offers classes in ceramics, weaving, drawing, painting, and digital photography with courses for children and adults. Registration for winter classes begins Dec. 15 at 8 a.m. 5-6 p.m. Las Cruces Museum of Art, 491 N. Main Street, 541-2137, museums.las-cruces.org
Deming
Winter Festival of the Arts — Through Dec 23 Winter-related art and ornaments. 12-6 p.m. Deming Arts Council, 100 S Gold, 546-3663
White Sand
2nd Annual Holiday Open House — Enjoy live music, children's story time, luminarias around the historic adobe visitor center, and moonlit dunes. 5-8 p.m. $3. White Sands National Monument, 679-2599 ext. 230, 479-6124 ext. 236, www.nps.gov/whsa.
Saturday 5
Silver City/Grant County
Art and Rummage Sale — 3-5 p.m. Free. New Church of the Southwest Desert, 1300 Bennett St. 519-2579
Copper Country Cruizers' Toys for Kids Drive — Copper Country Cruizers annual Toys for Kids drive. All vehicles, motorcycles and bikes welcome. Entry fee is a new toy in its original box for a needy child. Spectators are also invited to donate a toy. Santa Claus will be on hand. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Adjacent to Gough Park, 388-3519.
Mimbres Hotsprings Ranch Studio Sale — Through Dec. 6. More than 20 artists featured, selling handcrafted gifts of all sorts, along with live music by Bayou Seco, refreshments and door prizes. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Take Hwy. 152 to the Mimbres, Hwy. 61 to Royal John Mine Road, follow signs two and a half miles.
Tyrone Mercantile — Every Saturday and Sunday. Arts and crafts, antiques, wooden artwork, photography, knives and sharpening, coffee and pastries, lunch specials. Town & Country Garden Club will have evening gowns and bridal gowns on display and for sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tyrone Town Plaza, Hwy. 90, 534-3911.
Rex Johnson Jr. — Author of Quiet Mountains, a 10-year search for the last wild trout of Mexico?s Sierra Madre Occidental. 10 a.m.-noon. a.i.r. Coffee, 208 Central Ave., Bayard, 537-3967.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
14th Annual Merry Christmas, Las Cruces — Through Dec 6. See Dec. 4. 2 p.m. St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs 526-6689.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. See Dec. 4. 8 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
Dan Lambert — High Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752.
Historical Poetry Reading — To honor Abraham Lincoln, poet Wayne Crawford, will host a reading of poetry by Lincoln, about Lincoln and favorite poems of Lincoln's. Local and area poets will also take part. 2 p.m. Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St., 541-2154, www.las- cruces.org/museums 541-8073, wayne1@zianet.com
La Casa Holiday Bazaar — Through Dec. 6. See Dec. 4. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $3. Dickerson's Event Center, 3900 W. Picacho. 526-2819.
Lecture on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — A method of healing from trauma that is quick and easy, proven effective. With Adrienne Wilson, MEd, LPCC. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mountain View Market, 1300 El Paseo, 523-0436.
Life x 3 — Through Dec. 6. See Dec. 3. 8 p.m. $10. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www.no-strings.org
Lincoln Presentations — Lecture by Dr. Dwight Picaithley, former Chief Historian for the National Park Service, on Lincoln's lasting influence on New Mexico. 1 p.m. Live chamber music 3-5 p.m. Branigan Cultural Center, Shannon Gallery.
Ludwig van B's Birthday Bash — Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music and No Strings Theatre Company. Part of the ongoing "Amazing Magical Musical Adventures" series. The program is targeted at children ages 4-10, but is appropriate for the entire family. 2 p.m. $5. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www.no-strings.org
Our Lady of Guadalupe Art Show — Through Jan. 10. Local artists will display special guadalupes, religious symbols, churches, saints and crosses. Glenn Cutter Gallery, 2640 El Paseo, 541-0658.
Saturday Family Workshop — Making punched-tin luminarias. 2-3:30 p. m. Free. NMSU Kent Hall, 646-5161, www.nmsu.edu/museum
Seussical — Through Dec. 6. See Dec. 3. 8 p.m. $10. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 646-1420, (800) 525-ASTC(2782), theatre.nmsu.edu
Shorts and Sweets — Mesilla Valley Film Society's final 20th anniversary celebration, a special selection of short films, followed by a dessert from Stephanie of Let Them Eat Cake. Tentatively, the following short films will be shown: "Red Mesa by Ilana Lapid" (made in NM) — Unable to share her beloved grandfather's dreams for her future, Lynn charts her own path by seeking love beyond familiar borders. "The Delian Mode" — Short experimental documentary revolving around the life and work of electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire, best known for her groundbreaking sound treatment of the "Doctor Who" theme music. Gandhi at the Bat — Comical newsreel-style account of the little-known (and totally fictional) incident when Mohandas K. Gandhi pinch-hit for the New York Yankees in 1933. "Gone" (made in NM) by Aimee Schaefer. "Raven Tales" (episode to be announced). CineMatinee. 1:30 p.m. $4, $1 Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
Three Exhibits Opening — "Three Decades of Inquiry," "Swarm" and "Mirage." Retrospective of abstract to figural works by Albuquerque artist Margi Weir, dyed and cut X-ray film art by Julia Barello, and jewelry art made from steel, silver and automobile paint by Rachelle Thiewes. 5-7 p.m. Museum of Art, 491 N. Main St., 541-2137, www.museums.las-cruces.org
Deming
Christmas on Copper Street — Handmade items, massage, jewelry, baked goods, gift baskets, drawings, cocoa and candies. Santa Claus. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Copper Street, 200 block south.
Christmas Light Parade — Downtown.
Holiday Open House — Many items will be discounted and complementary refreshments will be served. All the proceeds of the art Christmas trees and a portion of all other profits will be donated to a local charity. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Art Space, 601 S. Silver, corner of Silver and Birch, 546-0673
Elephant Butte
Kris Kringle Sail Regatta — 11 a.m. $10 per boat, free for spectators and volunteers (park entry applies). Rio Grande Sailing Club, www.rgsc.org
Hillsboro
Hillsboro's Christmas in the Foothills — Pre-Christmas celebration with open houses at studios, galleries and historic homes. Events at the Community Center include raffles, the famous $49.99 sale, and vendors selling their holiday wares. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 895-5797, www.hillsboronm.com
Truth or Consequence
Holiday Faire — One-of-a-kind gifts, homemade goodies, crafts, artwork, pottery, more. New this year is a bistro with home-baked foods, gourmet coffees and teas, and soup with fresh breads. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Senior Recreation Center, 301 S. Foch. 894-6641, kellykelsey29@hotmail.com, www.torcseniorcenter.org
Sunday 6
ilver City/Grant County
Christmas Concert — Community Chamber Singers. "In Nativitatem Dominum-A Christmas Cantata" by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, "Nowell Sing We" by Richard Dirksen. Two works presented will be contemporary settings of old English text. In celebration of Felix Mendelssohn's 200th birthday, the program will finish with "Angels in Seven," a new arrangement of "Hark! the herald angels sing." 3 p.m. Free, childcare provided. First Presbyterian Church.
Aramaic Lord's Prayer Dance Cycle — Celebrate the season by chanting and dancing the Aramaic words spoken by Jesus as translated in Prayers of the Cosmos. Potluck follows. 2 p.m. Donation requested. Agave Ridge Retreat, 918 Hgwy 15, Pinos Altos 534-1441
How to Survive Spirituality in Our Times — 3:30-4:30 p.m. WNMU Miller Library, Conference Room A. www.eckankar.org
Impact Craters: The Arrow of Time for the Inner Solar System? — Alex Woronow leads discussion of craters Throughout our solar system. Silver City Astronomical Society. 1 p.m. Isaac's, 200 N. Bullard St.
Mimbres Hotsprings Ranch Studio Sale — See Dec. 5. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Take Hwy. 152 to the Mimbres, Hwy. 61 to Royal John Mine Road, follow signs two and a half miles.
Tyrone Mercantile — Arts and crafts, antiques, wooden artwork, photography, knives and sharpening, coffee and pastries, lunch specials. John O'Brien will be demonstrating scroll sawing woodworking Throughout the day, with designs on display suitable for Christmas giving. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tyrone Town Plaza, Hwy. 90, 534-3911.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
14th Annual Merry Christmas, Las Cruces — See Dec. 4. 2 p.m. St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs 526-6689.
Church Member Show — Opening reception for exhibit Through Dec. 30. 12-2 p.m. Tombaugh Gallery, 2000 S. Solano Dr. 523-0442, www.uuchurchlc.org/STATIC/p-gallery.htm
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. See Dec. 4. 2 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
La Casa Holiday Bazaar — See Dec. 4. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $3. Dickerson's Event Center, 3900 W. Picacho. 526-2819.
Life x 3 — See Dec. 3. 2:30 p.m. $10. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1223, www.no-strings.org
Luminarias at Night — Night lights throughout NMSU campus. 646-3200.
Senses of the Season — "A Journey of Food, Music and Art." $30-$60. Meson de Mesilla, Lundeen's Inn of the Arts, Alameda House. 526-3327.
Seussical — See Dec. 2. $10. $10. NMSU Hershel Zohn Theatre, 646-1420, 800-525-ASTC(2782), theatre.nmsu.edu
Deming
Winter Festival of the Arts — Reception for festival, Through Dec. 23. 1-3 p.m. Deming Arts Council, 100 S Gold, 546-3663
Monday 7
No events listed for this date.
Tuesday 8
Silver City/Grant County
Recipes for Holiday Treats — Bring your favorite gluten-free, vegan and traditonal recipes for holiday cookies, cakes and other treats to share with others. Samples will not be discouraged! Light refreshments, coffee and tea provided. Space is limited. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Silver City Co-op Community Room on 6th St 388-2343.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
A Child's Christmas in Wales — Annual No Strings Attach Theater Company reading of the Dylan Thomas classic. 7 p.m. $7. Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall, 523 -1223, www.no-strings.org
Create a Kissing Ball — Joan Keif of New Mexican Lavender will conduct a workshop using rosemary, sage and santolina from her herb gardens and mistletoe for participants to create their own kissing ball. Reservations required. 2-5p.m. $15. Enchanted Gardens, 270 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-1886, gardens@zianet.com, nmenchantedgardens.com
Friends of Library Book Review — Lynette Schurdevin will review The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. For information call 521-4845. 1:30 p.m. Free. Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., 528-4000, library.las-cruces.org
Wednesday 9
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Reading Art Book Club — Jewels: A Secret History by Victoria Finlay. 2:30 p.m. Las Cruces Museum of Art, 491 N. Main Street, 541-2137, museums.las-cruces.org
Trans-Siberian Orchestra — This rock opera of the famous orchestra showcases founder Paul O'Neill and crew, giving the fans 26 songs that run the gamut from hard rock to classical. 4 and 8 p.m. $44-$64. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Thursday 10
Silver City/Grant County
Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society Meeting — Annual holiday dinner potluck. Bring your own plate, utensils, napkins, glass, beverage and a side dish. Each member should bring a gift: women bring a woman's gift and men bring a man's gift. Please label your gift. Gifts should be under $10 and rock-related. 6 p.m. Silver City Senior Center on Victoria St. 534-9202, tim@tamu.edu
Recipes for Holiday Treats — See Dec. 8. 12 -1 p.m. Free. Silver City Co-op Community Room on 6th St 388-2343
WNMU Mustangs Men's Basketball vs. Colorado School of Mines — 8 p.m. WNMU Brancheau Complex, www.wnmumustangs.com
WNMU Mustangs Women's Basketball vs. Colorado School of Mines — 6 p.m. WNMU Brancheau Complex, www.wnmumustangs.com
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Big Band Dance Club — See Dec. 3 Bob Burns-Mike Caranda Combo. 8 -10 p.m. $6 members, $7 guests. Las Cruces Country Club, 2700 N. Main St. 524-0500, 523-4322, www. bigbanddanceclub.org
Bob Einweck — High Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752.
Stories of Christmas Past: A Living History Evening — The past will come alive in the museum's theater with a series of living history performances that focus on New Mexico's Christmas traditions. 7 p.m. Suggested donation $2. New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522.4100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
Virgin de Guadalupe Fiesta — Through Dec. 12 Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe of Guadalupe Pueblo of Las Cruces perform in front of the church. Free. St. Genevieve's Parish Hall, 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave. 524-9649
Tortugas
Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta — Through Dec. 12. This religious and cultural event has been celebrated in the Mesilla Valley and at Tortugas Mountain for over 100 years. Tortugas, south on Main Street. 526-8171.
Friday 11 HANNUKKAH BEGINS AT SUNDOWN
Silver City/Grant County
John and Nancy Wachholz — Opening for exhibit of watercolors and photography. 5-6:30 p.m. Mimbres Region Arts Council, 1201 Pope St., 538-2505, info@mimbresarts.org, www.mimbresarts.org
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. See Dec. 4. 8 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
Lighting of Christmas Tree — Lighting of the town Christmas tree in the plaza. 6-6:30 p.m. Free. Old Mesilla Plaza. 524-3262 ext. 116 or 117, www.oldmesilla.org
NMSU Concert Choirs and Gospel Choir Concert — Get into the holiday spirit with NMSU's Concert Choir, Gospel Choir and Campus Choir. 7:30 p.m. Donation. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com
The September Issue — Through Dec. 17. R.J. Cutler's lusciously revealing fly-on-the-wall documentary portrait of Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of Vogue, begins with the electromagnetic pull of power. We observe the process by which Wintour and her army of editors, designers, photographers, models and gofers labor to assemble the massive September issue. It's through the magazine that Wintour reigns over the decisions that shape the $300 billion-a-year fashion industry. Part of the movie's dishy fun is that there's room for more than one ego in the room. The film's true heroine is Grace Coddington, the passionate and addled creative director. A former model who rose up in the 1960s glory days of swinging London, Coddington now looks like a Pre-Raphaelite ghost. It's she who orchestrates the magazine's photo shoots, which are like eroticized couture dioramas that fuse the past and the future. The two square off like jungle predators, but they need each other. 7:30 p.m. nightly, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. $7 regular, $6 matinee, $5 Weds., seniors, students with ID and Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
Virgin de Guadalupe Fiesta — Through Dec. 12 See Dec. 10 Free. St. Genevieve's Parish Hall, 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave. 524-9649
Tortugas
Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta — Through Dec. 12. See Dec. 10. Tortugas, south on Main Street. 526-8171.
Truth or Consequence
Old-Fashioned Christmas — The evening begins with the annual Christmas Tree lighting in Evelyn Renfro park, after which all can enjoy bonfires, drawings, carolers and other performers, and holiday refreshments in downtown T or C. Businesses are open for holiday shopping, and Santa Claus will be taking orders. 6-9 p.m. Free. sierracountytourism@gmail.com, www.torcnm.org
Saturday 12
Silver City/Grant County
Free Flow: New Mexico's Gila River — Opening reception for exhibit of photographs by Jan Haley, who will sign copies of her book. 1-4 p.m . Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum.org
Mystical Dance Evening — Circle dances that celebrate the unity of all spiritual traditions. Chanting, live music. 7 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. First Church of Harmony, 609 Arizona St. 534-1441
San Vicente Artists' Christmas Show — San Vicente Artists' will have a raffle and the Grant County Art Guild will have a bake sale, in conjunction with art show. 10 a.m.-5 p. m. Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard St., 534-9005, www.silcotheater.com 534-4269
Silver City Aglow Old-Fashioned Christmas Party — Fellowship, refreshment, Christmas music by Stephanie Terrazas, and Testimonies. 9:30 a.m. Silver City Woman's Club, 411 Silver Heights Blvd 534-0171, 388-1478
Tyrone Mercantile — Arts and crafts, antiques, wooden artwork, photography, knives and sharpening, coffee and pastries, lunch specials. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tyrone Town Plaza, Hwy. 90, 534-3911.
WNMU Mustangs Men's Basketball vs. Colorado Christian University — 8 p.m. WNMU Brancheau Complex, www.wnmumustangs.com
WNMU Mustangs Women's Basketball vs. Colorado Christian University — 6 p.m. WNMU Brancheau Complex, www.wnmumustangs.com
Las Cruces / Mesilla
A Handcrafted Holiday — Spend a fun-filled day at the museum with your child creating imaginative decorations and ornaments from natural materials. This workshop is for children 4 and older accompanied by a parent. Craft materials will be provided. Participants need to bring a lunch and pre-registration is required. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $25 for two family members, plus $5 each for additional family members . New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522.4100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
Artist Reception — Hosted by featured artists, Caryl Porter and Yvonne Postelle. 2-4 p.m. Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery, 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe 522-2933
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. See Dec. 4. 8 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
Christmas in the Clouds — Back for its annual holiday season screening. Choctaw actor Tim Vahle is "Ray Clouds on Fire," a well-educated but overly conscientious divorced yuppie who is general manager to his tribe's struggling Utah ski resort. When a letter arrives from the exclusive Worthington Travel Guide to announce that an anonymous critic has booked a suite there for the holiday, Ray is determined to get his staff in shape and garner a four-star review. Ray's father has been corresponding with a woman everyone assumes is a senior citizen; when the actually much younger woman arrives and checks in using her maiden name, she is immediately mistaken for the undercover critic. In a matching comedy of errors, she erroneously believes that the handsome Ray is her pen pal. CineMatinee. 1:30 p.m. $4, $1 Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
Crafting from Nature — Create winter holiday crafts from natural objects. 10 a.m.-2p.m. $25 for two, $5 each additional, $5 for museum tour. Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, 522-4100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
Last Minute Saturday — Short informal sale and exhibition benefiting KRWG-FM. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. John Curry Construction and Real Estate Showcase Home at 4447 Organ Mesa Loop
Mesilla Valley Teen Singers and Doa Ana Youth Choir Christmas Concert — 1 p.m. Free. St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs teekayg1@juno.com, 522-8128, www.mvteensingers.blogspot.com
New Horizons Symphony Orchestra — Classics under the direction of Oscar Butler. 3 p.m. Free. NMSU Atkinson Hall, 1075 North Horseshoe, 646-2421. 522-5571, 523-9101. www.NHsocruces.com
New Mexico State University Commencement — Call for time. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
NMSU Aggies Women's Basketball Team vs. North Dakota State — 8 p. m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Soulshine — High Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752.
SumArt&Crafts — Also Dec. 13. Affordable art from more than 20 NMSU and community artists. Workshops, open mic, art battle, massages. Saturday night jam session. 11 a.m.-7 p. m. Mikey's Place, 3100 Harrelson St., Mesilla Park, 640-3869, www.sumartfest.org, www. mikeysplacenm.com
Virgin de Guadalupe Fiesta — See Dec. 10 Free. St. Genevieve's Parish Hall, 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave. 524-9649
Deming
For Pet's Sake III — Deming Animal Guardians will hold their annual fundraiser to support their discount spay/neuter program. The event's centerpiece is a silent auction and raffle. For more information, call Pat at 544-2209. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free, donations of dog and cat food encouraged. B&D Outback Framing, 2111 Columbus Rd.
Hi Lo Silvers Holiday Concert — 2 p.m. Morgan Hall on Pine Street
Holiday Lights — Over 1,000 luminarias light the Visitors Center and native gardens. Coffee, cocoa, hot cider, Mexican cookies, caroling. 6-8 p.m. Rockhound State Park, 546-6182, www. FriendsofRockhound.org
Elephant Butte
Arts and Crafts Show — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Elephant Butte Community Center, 313 Rio Grande Circle. 894-8941, srfoxie@gmail.com
Floating Lights Parade — 15th Annual Christmas Boat Parade includes fireworks, bonfires and decorated RVs. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5. Marina Del Sur, Elephant Butte State Park, Hwy. 195. 744-5567, nadine@lagorico.com, www.marinadelsur.info/events.php.
Luminaria Beachwalk — Event includes residential, commercial, RV and boat holiday lighting contests, and an on-the-water parade with fireworks backdrop. Paths on the beach lead to community-sponsored campsites with posole, cocoa, s'mores. awards ceremony and Christmas party follows at 9:30 p.m. at the Elephant Butte Inn. Benefits Make-A-Wish. Dusk. Elephant Butte State Park. 744-4708, info@elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com
Radium Spring
Candle Tour — Friends of Fort Selden will create living history Throughout the day. Fort Selden State Monument, www.nmculture.org
Tortugas
Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta — See Dec. 10. Tortugas, south on Main Street. 526 -8171.
Truth or Consequence
December Art Hop — Galleries, studios, shops and restaurants are open late downtown. See the DGDA website for info on opening exhibits and other special events. 6-9 p. m. torcgalleries@gmail.com, www.torcart.com
Sunday 13
Silver City/Grant County
Hi Lo Silvers Holiday concert — 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church on Swan Street
Holiday Sing-Along — Informal, family-friendly sing along with Brandon Perrault. 2 p.m. Free. Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum. org.
Taking Woodstock — Don't be misled by the title of Ang Lee's film. This likable, humane movie is not an attempt to recreate the epochal Woodstock Music and Art Fair. It is a small, intimate film into which is fitted a peripheral view of the landmark event that took place on Aug. 15 Through 18, 1969, on a dairy farm in Bethel, NY. Most of the concert takes place out of sight of the camera. The movie's primary focus is El Monaco, a shabby Catskills motel in White Lake, NY, not far from the site. The little bit of the concert that is shown is a glowing, golden circle glimpsed in the far distance amid a throbbing acid haze outside the tent of a gentle hippie couple. The movie operates on the principle that contemplation of historic events from the margins can be more revealing than from the hot center. 4 p.m. $8, WNMU students and faculty with ID free. WNMU-Silver City International Film Society, Real West Cinema II, 11585 Hwy. 180 E, 538-5659, www.silverfilm.org
Tyrone Mercantile — Arts and crafts, antiques, wooden artwork, photography, knives and sharpening, coffee and pastries, lunch specials. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tyrone Town Plaza, Hwy. 90, 534-3911.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Canciones Navideas — Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music's annual Christmas gift to the community 7:30 p.m. Free. San Albino Basilica, Old Mesilla Plaza. 523-7714. www. lascrucesfriendsofchambermusic.org
Champagne! Chocolate! Art! — Featuring art by more than 20 Jewish artists. Selection of chocolate treats, created by members of the congregation, and champagne. During the evening the second candle in the Hanukah Menorah will be lit. 4-8 p.m. $20. Temple Beth El, 3940 Sonoma Springs Ave. 524-3380
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. See Dec. 4. 2 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
New Mexico Watercolor Society Meeting — Brief meeting, annual painting exchange and holiday celebration. Guests are invited to join the members; bring a favorite hors d'oeuvre or other dish to share. 2 p.m. $1 to cover drink cost. Good Sam's, 3011 Buena Vida Circle, Arts and Crafts Room 541-7442
SumArt&Crafts — See Dec. 12. Affordable art. Saturday night jam session. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mikey's Place, 3100 Harrelson St., Mesilla Park, 640-3869, www.sumartfest.org, www.mikeysplacenm.com
Glenwood
Glenwood Community Center Book and Bake Sale — Homemade baked goods, DVDs and books for sale. Raffle tickets for sale a $1 each, 7 winners will receive over $100 in gift certificates from local businesses and one winner will receive a cord of juniper wood delivered to their doorway. To pre-order baked goods or buy raffle tickets call Lynn Neidermayer at 539-2488. 11 a.m.-3 p. m. Glenwood Community Center
Monday 14
Silver City/Grant County
Widowed Persons Service — Entertainment by The Perry's. 11 a.m. $10 for lunch and program. WNMU Cafeteria 538-9344.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
The Wisdom of Loving — Developing permanent freedom with Kadampa Buddhist Nun Kelsang Gomlan. 7-8:30 p.m. $10. Alegre Health Haven 312-9391, www. meditationinnewmexico.org
Every Other Tuesday — Trails West & New Horizons Symphony. 5:30 p. m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com
Tuesday 15
Las Cruces / Mesilla
NMSU Aggies Women's Basketball vs. University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) — 7:05 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Wednesday 16
Las Cruces / Mesilla
El Paso Brass — One of the longest continually performing brass quintets in America, presenting "From Bach to the Beatles." 7 p.m. $15 adults in advance, $20 at the door, $7.50 ages 6-18, under 6 free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com
Mesilla Valley Audubon's 32nd Christmas Bird Count — Join citizen scientists from all over the western hemisphere and participate in Audubon's 110th Christmas Bird Count (CBC). David Griffin, MVAS President and Las Cruces Christmas Bird Count compiler, will explain the history and methods of the CBC which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19. Contact David Griffin, GriffinBio@gmail.com or 382-2080. 7 p.m. Village at Northrise, Hallmark Bldg., 2882 N. Roadrunner Pkwy.
Thursday 17
Silver City/Grant County
25th Annual Victorian Christmas Evening — An old-fashioned community celebration featuring traditional holiday music, treats, costumed characters and other delights of the season. 4-9 p.m. Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921, www.silvercitymuseum.org
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Big Band Dance Club — High Society Orchestra. 8-10 p.m. $6 members, $7 guests. Las Cruces Country Club, 2700 N. Main St. 524-0500, 523-4322, www. bigbanddanceclub.org
The Deming Fusiliers — High Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525 -6752.
Deming
Desert Stitchers' Club Meeting — All quilters are invited to attend. Christmas gathering after meeting. Please bring gift that costs no more than $10 to participate. DesertStitchers@hotmail.com
Friday 18
Silver City/Grant County
Spiritual Cinema: Simon Birch — A discussion will follow the movie. 6:30 p.m. Free. New Church of the Southwest Desert, 1300 Bennett St. 519-2579
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. See Dec. 4. 8 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
Shall We Kiss? — Through Dec. 23. A woman asks a stranger for directions. They have dinner together, wine is consumed, and the gentleman later leans in to give her a goodnight kiss. The lady demurs: Such innocent displays of affection often lead to problems, and she has a lengthy anecdote to back up her assertion. Once upon a time, two close friends have sex with each other; the duo realizes they have incomparable physical chemistry. Complications, naturally, ensue. A bedroom farce so feather light that you're afraid the film might dissolve into pure froth, Emmanuel Mouret's chatty comedy plays like a Rohmeresque moral tale. Intellectual pretensions are trotted out — one conversation takes place in front of a large portrait of Schubert. All of which makes the climax that much more shocking; when the film's flirtatious framing device finally delivers, the switch from throwaway coyness to slow-burn eroticism is damned near dizzying. 7:30 p.m. nightly, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. $7 regular, $6 matinee, $5 Weds., seniors, students with ID and Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
Deming
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol — Also Dec. 19 Deming Performing Arts Theater presents Tom Mula's delightful Christmas play. Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7 p.m. $6 at door. Morgan Hall, 109 E Pine, 546-3072
Saturday 19
Silver City/Grant County
28th Annual Black Tie at the Buffalo — "A Gilded Gala." All proceeds to benefit Mimbres Region Arts Council With masks, fabulous and formal attire, guests will celebrate the MRAC's 30th anniversary and the holiday season to the music of the rock/blues band the Jump Back Brothers. Attendees are asked to create their favorite gourmet hors d'oeuvre or dessert to share and a cash bar will be available. 7 p.m. $30 . Buffalo Dance Hall www.mimbresarts.org
Annual Copper Country Christmas Hay Ride and Lighting Contest — Meet at the American Legion in Hurley. Hay Ride starts at 5 p.m. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served to participants, prior to the ride, compliments of the HPC. Furnish your own vehicle or hay wagon and dress warmly. 5 p.m. American Legion, Hurley.
Art Market — 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard St., 534 -9005, www.silcotheater.com
Christmas Party with Hell 2 Pay — Isaac's, 200 N. Bullard St.
Romaine Begay Studio Sale — Works by noted potter. 11 a.m.-4 p. m. 3235 Little Walnut Rd 590-0698, biginjun@yahoo.com
Stars N Parks — Mercury at elongation on the 18th, Orion well up by the program's end. Presenter: Matt Wilson. Celestron First Scope demonstration and $1 raffle. 4:55-7:35 p. m. Program starts at 6:05 p.m. $5. City of Rocks State Park. 635-0982.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — Also Dec. 20 Tickets available from The Curious Kumquat, Alotta Gelato, Food Basket, Silver City Beverage Company and at the door. 2 p.m. Adults $5, children under 12 $3. WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre. www.theatregroupnm.org
Tyrone Mercantile — Arts and crafts, antiques, wooden artwork, photography, knives and sharpening, coffee and pastries, lunch specials. Multimedia presentation, "Four Seasons of the US." 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tyrone Town Plaza, Hwy. 90, 534-3911.
Christmas Music Program — Juanita and Pattie, keyboard and violin. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. a.i.r. Coffee, 208 Central Ave., Bayard, 537-3967.
Desert West Auction — Also Dec. 20. Southwestern art, kachinas, jewelry, pottery, antiques. 10 a.m. Desert West Auction, Mimbres, 536-9353, www.desertwestauction.com
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Through Dec. 20. See Dec. 4. 8 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
Dusty Low — From El Paso. High Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752.
How About You? — Based on a story by the esteemed Irish writer Maeve Binchy, with a remarkable cast for a small, non-mainstream effort: Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Fricker, Imelda Staunton and Joss Ackland as the cantankerous oldsters, playing against Hayley Atwell as a young caregiver. Over a Christmas holiday, Ellie Harris (Atwell), who works at a home for the aged run by her sister, is left alone to care for four residents who have nowhere to go. They are nicknamed "the hard-core" because of their insufferable behavior. Ellis is a free spirit, unlike her by-the-book sibling, Kate who lives in fear of the home's losing accreditation. As you might guess, though the oldsters are nasty and demanding, Ellie learns from them, and vice versa. CineMatinee. 1:30 p.m. $4, $1 Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
Johnny Rawls — Hailed throughout North America and Europe as one of the premiere soul and blues artists active today, Johnny Rawls has earned rave reviews from critics and tremendous amounts of radio airplay for his albums. 8 p.m. $10. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com
Make a Photo Frame Ornament — Ornament making class for your children. Drop off your child aged 7-12 while you finish your last-minute shopping. Children will make a picture frame ornament, complete with a photo of themselves, while they watch a movie and enjoy a light snack. Class size is limited; registration is required. RSVP by calling Joanne at 647-4480. $5 per child. Railroad Museum, 351 N. Mesilla St.
Sky Safari — View the night sky at a closer range. High-powered telescopes and expert guidance by NMSU Astronomy Department. 7 p.m. Free. La Llorona Park, W. Picacho Avenue & Rio Grande River. 522-3120. www.las-cruces.org/museums
Deming
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol — See Dec. 18. Deming Performing Arts Theater. 2 & 7 p.m. $6 at door. Morgan Hall, 109 E Pine, 546-3072
Sunday 20
Silver City/Grant County
Tyrone Mercantile — Arts and crafts, antiques, wooden artwork, photography, knives and sharpening, coffee and pastries, lunch specials. Multimedia presentation, "Four Seasons of the US." No Mercantile Dec. 26-27 or Jan.2-3. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tyrone Town Plaza, Hwy. 90, 534-3911.
Desert West Auction — See Dec 19 10 a.m. Desert West Auction, Mimbres, 536-9353, www.desertwestauction.com
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — See Dec. 4. 2 p.m. $5-$8. Las Cruces Community Theater, 313 N. Downtown Mall, 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org
Monday 21
Las Cruces / Mesilla
NMSU Aggies Men's Basketball vs. Alcorn State — 7 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Tuesday 22
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Make a Photo Frame Ornament — Drop off your child aged 7-12 while you finish your last-minute shopping. Children will make a picture frame ornament, complete with a photo of themselves, while they watch a movie and enjoy a light snack. Class size is limited; registration is required. 10 a.m.-12 noon. $5 per child. Las Cruces Railroad Museum, 351 N. Mesilla St. 647-4480. www. las-cruces.org/museums
NMSU Aggies Women's Basketball vs. Alcorn State — 7:05 p.m. $5- $20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Wednesday 23
Las Cruces / Mesilla
NMSU Aggies Men's Basketball vs. Texas Southern — 7 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Thursday 24 CHRISTMAS EVE
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Candlelight Service for Military Personnel — Friends of the Mesilla Fire Department will hold a candlelight service for public safety and military personnel. The service is for on- and off-duty personnel, their families and friends, as well as for those serving in the armed forces. 6 p.m. Mesilla Plaza. 524-3262 ext 116
Christmas Carols and Luminarias — The Town of Mesilla, Los Leones de Mesilla and the Las Cruces High School band, will light luminarias in the plaza and around town beginning at dusk. Approximately 6,000 luminarias will be displayed around the town. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mesilla Plaza 524-3262 ext 116
Friday 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
No events listed.
Saturday 26
Silver City/Grant County
Mystical Dance Evening — Circle dances that celebrate the unity of all spiritual traditions. Chanting, live music. 7 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. First Church of Harmony, 609 Arizona St. 534-1441
Las Cruces / Mesilla
About a Boy — Will Freeman (Hugh Grant) is the quintessential bachelor; he knows that he's shallow (Rachel Weisz's character refers to him as "a bit blank"), an awareness that contributes to the low self-esteem that created it in the first place. He's built himself the perfect commitment-free life, aided by a steady income of music royalties from a Christmas song written by his father long ago, which has allowed him to avoid employment as successfully as he has avoided other forms of commitment. Will's story is delivered in tandem with that of Marcus (Nicholas Hoult), a 12-year- old boy whose life will become entangled with Will's by pure fluke. The film simultaneously follows Will's cynical attempt to nab single mothers for dates — which is transformed by his chance encounter with Marcus into a surprising friendship — and Marcus' struggles with growing up nerdy and living with a single mom (Toni Collette) with significant mental health issues. Largely due to Marcus' persistence, combined with Will's lack of other substance in his life, the relationship becomes substantial, and the two end up helping each other grow. CineMatinee. 1:30 p.m. $4, $1 Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
Alister M. — High Desert Brewing, 1201 W. Hadley, 525-6752.
Big Band Dance Club — Dec 3 Holiday party. Semi-formal attire. There is no dance lesson for this event. 8-10 p.m. $6 members, $7 guests. Las Cruces Country Club, 2700 N. Main St. 524-0500, 523-4322, www.bigbanddanceclub.org
Rashomon — Through Dec. 30. The film's very title has entered the English language because it expresses something for which there is no better substitute. It was the first use of flashbacks that disagreed about the action they were flashing back to. The film opens to two men sitting in the shelter of Kyoto's Rashomon Gate. They are a priest and a woodcutter, and when a commoner runs in out of the rain and engages them in conversation, he learns that a samurai has been murdered and his wife raped and a local bandit is suspected. In telling the commoner what they know, the woodcutter and the priest will introduce flashbacks in which the bandit, the wife and the woodcutter say what they saw, or think they saw — and then a medium turns up to channel the ghost of the dead samurai. Although the stories are in radical disagreement, it is unlikely any of the original participants are lying for their own advantage, since each claims to be the murderer. 7:30 p.m. nightly, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. $7 regular, $6 matinee, $5 Weds., seniors, students with ID. Free to Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
Deming
Lindley Creek Bluegrass — Deming Performing Arts Theater presents Missouri-based bluegrass band. 2 p.m. $6 at door. Morgan Hall, 109 E Pine, 546-3072
White Sand
Lake Lucero Tour — Three-hour trip to the source of the white sands. Reservations required. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. $3. White Sands National Monument, 679-2599 ext. 230, 479 -6124 ext. 236, www.nps.gov/whsa.
Sunday 27
No events listed for this date.
Monday 28
Las Cruces / Mesilla
NMSU Aggies Men's Basketball vs. Prairie View A&M — 7 p.m. $5- $20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Tuesday 29
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Every Other Tuesday — CW Ayon, a one-man band. 5:30 p.m. Free. Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall, 523-6403, www.riograndetheatre.com
Wednesday 30
Las Cruces / Mesilla
NMSU Aggies Women's Basketball vs. New Mexico Highlands — 7:05 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Thursday 31 NEW YEAR'S EVE
Silver City/Grant County
Annual New Year's Eve Party — Krysis will perform. The Drifter, 711 Silver Heights Blvd., 538-2916.
New Year's Eve Party — With Brandon Perrault and Friends. Isaac's, 200 N. Bullard St.
Deming
New Year's Eve Party — Deming Performing Arts Theater annual party. Finger foods, dancing and bubbly. Music by Alegra Cinco!. 7 p.m. $6 at door. Morgan Hall, 109 E Pine, 546-3072
JANUARY 2010
Friday 1 NEW YEAR'S DAY
No events Listed
Saturday 2
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore — Partially shot in New Mexico by Martin Scorsese. Star Ellyn Burstyn plays Alice Wyatt, a newly widowed 35-year-old lounge singer with a bratty 12-year-old son (Alfred Lutter) and a very uncertain future. Her pursuit of broken dreams lands her a waitressing job in an Arizona diner, where she befriends foul-mouthed Flo (Diane Ladd) and meets and falls in love with a divorced farmer (Kris Kristofferson). The film earned Burstyn an Oscar. CineMatinee. 1:30 p.m. $4, $1 Mesilla Valley Film Society Members. Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 524-8287, mesillavalleyfilm.org
NMSU Aggies Men's Basketball vs. Utah State — 7 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Sunday 3
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Alma d'arte Student Show — Through Feb. 5 Opening reception for an exhibit of art by the students of Alma d'arte Charter High School of the Arts. Work will be included by all grades. 12 noon -2 p.m. Free. Tombaugh Gallery, Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 S. Solano Dr. 522 -7281, www.uuchurchlc.org
NMSU Aggies Women's Basketball vs. Kansas — 2:05 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Monday 4
Las Cruces / Mesilla
NMSU Aggies Men's Basketball vs. Nevada — 7 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Tuesday 5
Silver City/Grant County
WNMU Mustangs Women's Basketball vs. Northern New Mexico — 6 p.m. WNMU Brancheau Complex, www.wnmumustangs.com
Wednesday 6
No events listed for this date.
Thursday 7
Informational Health Talk?Jill Eastep, RN from GRMC HealthReach, on signs and symptoms of diabetes, risk factors, myths vs. facts. 1 p.m. Free. Gila Regional Medical Center Conference Room, 1313 E. 32d St.
Friday 8
Las Cruces / Mesilla
Downtown Ramble — Ramble through galleries, shops, businesses and restaurants. Enjoy art openings, exhibits, music, entertainment, open mic opportunities, shopping, refreshments and more. 5-7 p.m. Free. Downtown Mall 523-2950
Saturday 9
Silver City/Grant County
Tyrone Mercantile — Every Saturday and Sunday. Arts and crafts, antiques, wooden artwork, photography, knives and sharpening, coffee and pastries, lunch specials. 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Tyrone Town Plaza, Hwy. 90, 534-3911.
Las Cruces / Mesilla
NMSU Aggies Women's Basketball vs. Hawaii — 7:05 p.m. $5-$20. Pan Am Center, 646-1420, panam.nmsu.edu
Nostalgia Club Antique & Collectible Show & Sale — Through Jan. 10. Antique and collectible show. Free appraisals. Food served. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $1.50. St. Genevieve's Parish Hall, 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave., 526-8624.
Truth or Consequence
Art Hop — Galleries, studios, shops and restaurants are open late downtown. 6-9 p.m. torcgalleries@gmail.com, www.torcart.com