One Mexican town. One rockin’ cantina. And the greatest birthday bash ever.
That’s how rock singer Sammy Hagar is billing his “Go There Once Be There Twice” documentary.
“The movie captures quite a few decades of my life,” he says during a recent phone interview. “It’s been a labor of love, and it’s ready to be released to the world.”
| If you go WHAT: “Go There Once Be There Twice” by Sammy Hagar WHEN: 4 p.m. Saturday WHERE: KiMo Theatre, 423 W. Central HOW MUCH: $10, tickets available at www.kimotickets.com |
The documentary marks the first time Hagar has worked on a film.
But it’s not the only feather in his cap.
Aside from making the film, Hagar is still working on music with his band Chickenfoot, he owns Cabo Wabo Cantina, which has a handful of locations, and is a partner of Cabo Wabo Tequila.
“It all keeps me busy, and I enjoy every minute of it,” he says. “Right now, my focus is on the movie and Chickenfoot’s new music.”
Hagar’s film will make its New Mexico premiere at 4 p.m. Saturday at the KiMo Theatre. The screening is part of the third annual Albuquerque Film Festival.
Hagar says the most difficult part in making the film was editing it.
“We had 300 hours of film and edited it down to 52 minutes,” he says. “Every time I cut something out of the film, it stung. Each part told a story, but that’s why I hired a good editor. He made the film shine.”
The documentary tells the story of Hagar’s love for Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was more than 30 years ago when Hagar visited the destination and fell in love with it.
“I decided to open Cabo Wabo, and it’s been a party since,” he says.
Every Oct. 13, which is Hagar’s birthday, he plays a string of shows in the city to celebrate.
“I’ve enjoyed the community, and it’s my way of giving back to them,” he says. “It’s also one place where the fans can come to me and we all have fun.”
Now that he’s finished with his film and it’s making the rounds, Hagar says he wants to do some acting.
“I’d love to be in more films, but I’d have to find time to fit it in,” he says. “I’ve been blessed in my life, and it’s a result of a lot of hard work.”
‘Enter’ online: Local filmmaker Matt Page and crew have created a Web series “Enter The Dojo,” which is starting to take off.
The premise of the show is based on Page’s experience in martial arts, and he plays Master Ken who runs the “Ameri-Do-Te” center.
“I’ve met a lot of bizarre characters along the way through my learning,” he says. “It’s a way to not take it all too seriously.”
Page says he’s shot four episodes already, and episode No. 2 will go live on Wednesday at www.youtube.com/enterthedojoshow.
He says the episodes will be at least five minutes long, and he plans to release a new episode about every two weeks.
“We’ve already had more than 4,000 people view the first episode in a short time,” he says. “It’s finding its place, and people are wanting to see it.”
Page says he has always wanted to write a Web series but didn’t have the time until now.
“It’s a quick and easy way to get people to view your work,” he says. “There’s a lot of comedy in the series for people to enjoy.”
‘Night’ of fun: The DreamWorks Pictures’ remake of “Fright Night” will hit the theaters on Friday. The film stars Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Anton Yelchin, Toni Collette and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
The movie was filmed in 2010 around Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. (A lot of filming was done at Rio Rancho High School.)
Yelchin is a rising star in the movie business and no stranger to New Mexico. Along with “Fright Night,” he has been in “Terminator Salvation” and is filming “Odd Thomas” in Santa Fe and the Duke City.
SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com.
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at agomez@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3921
