Gems, gardens and jazz: 7 events this week

Did you know that the mineral corundum is known by two other names, depending on its color — ruby and sapphire? You can learn more about gems and minerals this weekend in TorC. Or check out these other events that rock.

Got an event we should know about? Reach out to features@abqjournal.com.

Keyed up

Chatter is bringing pianist Matei Varga to New Mexico for three concert events this weekend. First, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, Varga will perform at Chatter North at the Center for Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail in Santa Fe. He will perform at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 8, at 912 Third St. NW, as part of Chatter Sunday. Then, at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, Vargas will perform with violinist Ruxandra Marquardt for Chatter Cabaret at the Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW. Tickets for Chatter North and Chatter Sunday are $5-$17, and $32 for Chatter Cabaret at chatterabq.org.

Pull up a chair

“Have a Seat,” a solo show featuring the works of Colleen Z. Gregoire, is open at the Wild Hearts Gallery through March 29. The show invites viewers to “take a seat” and take in views of New Mexico. Wild Hearts Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The gallery is located at 221-B State Highway 165 in Placitas.

The good word

The Placitas Community Library is showing “Art of the Word,” an exhibit that merges text with visual imagery — envoking emotions and messages. The show opens Saturday, March 7, and runs through April 8. The library is located at 453 New Mexico Highway 165 in Placitas, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Visit placitaslibrary.com for more information.

They rock!

The Sierra County Rock and Gem Society is hosting the Fourth Annual Truth or Consequences Rock and Gem Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8. Along with gem and mineral vendors, there will be a kids area featuring a fossil dig and dino eggs, a cabochon making demonstration, sapphire and garnet panning and more. Admission and parking are free. Sierra County Fairgrounds are located at 2953 S. Broadway St. in Truth or Consequences. Visit scrags.org for more information.

Growing knowledge

The Xeric Garden Club of New Mexico presents “Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7. Sylvan Kaufman will discuss common ornamental invasive plants in New Mexico and their environmental tradeoffs. The event is free. The Albuquerque Garden Center is located at 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE.

Going to Louisiana

Preservation Hall Jazz Band is bringing the sounds of The Big Easy to The Lensic Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Tickets are $48-$90, plus fees, at lensic.org/events. The Lensic is located at 211 W. San Francisco St. in Santa Fe.

An open Case

Singer-songwriter Neko Case will perform at The Lensic Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12. The artist released her album “Neon Grey Midnight Green” in September. Tickets are $62-$78, plus fees, at lensic.org/events. The Lensic is located at 211 W. San Francisco St. in Santa Fe.