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Thursday, November 05, 2009

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          Not all good sounds are found Downtown
        The folks from Launchpad are opening their second bar this week, called Low Spirits Bar and Stage, with a bang. Though shows kick off tonight with local rockers Bellemah and bluegrass crew The Saltime Ramblers at 9 p.m., the band The Koffin Kats will play the official opening night show at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9. Koffin Kats is a three-piece psychobilly band from Detroit known for big hair and an even bigger stand-up bass. Tickets are $10. The new bar is programming rock and blues shows for bands that don't fit in at other bars in town. Low Spirits is in the old Bear Assets location, 2823 Second NW, north of Menaul. Music lovers should bookmark the lowspiritslive.com Web site. Call 764-0249 for more information.
        Don't forget to take your lawn gnome
        The Scavenger Dash is like a local version of "The Amazing Race." Teams on Saturday, Nov. 7, will jog, run or mosey their way through several checkpoints around town. Two-person teams on foot or on public transportation chase down local landmarks, via 12 cryptic clues, and are to take pictures of themselves at the locations. Sometimes, there are obstacles or puzzles to solve at checkpoints. The race starts at noon at Marble Brewery, 111 Marble NW, and teams are given four hours to finish. Registration fees are $130 (cash only) until race day, but there will be prizes. Visit scavengerdash.com for more. Just remember to bring comfy shoes and a digital camera.
        A poncho might be a good fashion choice
        If you've never been to a Gwar show, don't wear your favorite shirt. The band puts on a show that's a mix of giant demons, dancing girls and heavy metal, and throughout it all, the audience gets sprayed with Gwar goo that, no matter what the band says, will stain. A Gwar show is more than a show, it's an experience that's like being trapped in a game show where you're tortured for the chance to hear the music. And, of course, everybody wins. Gwar will perform at the Sunshine Theater at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Tickets are $25.50 through www.sunshinetheaterlive.com. Call 764-0249 for more information.
        Nothing honors dead like a good parade
        Dia de Los Muertos celebrations continue on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Old Town with a parade and party. Santisima Gallery in Old Town, the Old Town Merchants Association and Lo Maduro de La Cultura are hosting the free event. The parade starts at the east entrance to Old Town at 6 p.m., and ends at the Poco a Poco Patio. From 7-10 p.m. there will be music, dancing, a community altar to honor the dead, a costume contest and more. The New Mexico Marimba Band, Mariachi Nuevo Mexico, Wagogo and others will perform. Call Santisima at 410-6447 or 311 for more information.
        Woman who's lived, loved and sung it all
        When she was just 13, Tanya Tucker hit the top of the country charts with the song "Delta Dawn," and she's been on every country music lover's list since then. With songs like "What's Your Mama's Name," "I'm Not Lisa" and rockers like "When Will I Be Loved," she's enshrined in the country music pantheon. Tucker's new album, "My Way," is full of the kinds of songs that made her a star in the first place. When she sings "There's nothing cold as ashes after the fire is gone" on "After the Fire," you know she's not a faded rose. If anyone else recorded the record, they'd be called traditional, but Tucker's the real deal. She will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Isleta Casino & Resort. Tickets are $20 to $30 through www.isletaeagle.com. Call 244-8191.