It Takes “You” to Tango

Albuquerque wouldn’t be what it is without an infusion of Latin American flavor, would it?

Celebrate it this weekend at the fourth annual Albuquerque Tango Festival! Last year’s event drew over 600 participants as they enjoyed world-class tango instructors, DJs, a 3,000 square-foot dance floor, and more. This year’s event is sure to be a crowd pleaser - and, it’s only $30 for an individual milonga.

Head over to the festival’s website for more information about the event, which includes over 30 hours of milongas across two auxiliary floors in a 14,000 square-foot ballroom. And new to this year’s event is a 3-hour workshop for more personalized instruction, including a “Beginner’s Package” for those who are unfamiliar with the art of tango. Here’s the course description for it:

The Beginner's PackageSunday, November 3, 2013 

 A three hour "beginners boot camp" in Argentine Tango followed by the beginner's milonga (dance party) 

 We are please to offer our third beginner's package at the Albuquerque Tango Festival  which will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at the Las Puertas Venue (1512 1st St. NW).  Classes will run from 1:30 p.m.–2:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m. Both classes are included. After the classes please put your new skills to work at the Beginner's Milonga which runs from  4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and which will take place in the Alvarado Ballroom of the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. 

 You may register for the Beginner's Intensive online or pay at the door at 1512 1st NW just prior to the start of the first class. 

 This year the beginner's track is being instructed by master instructors and dancers Mike Malixi Carrie Field, of Taos. Mike and Carrie have presented numberous workshops and performed and taught at festivals throughtout the US. 

 You can read more about Mike and Carrie here: Instructor Bio 

 The beginner's intensive is appropriate for absolute beginner's (those with no Argentine tango experience) and for people dancing less than two years. Many more advanced dancers take this workshop every year to revisit and improve their fundamental technique. 

 The beginner's milonga is a great place to practice your new skills, to experience the milonga setting, and to dance with both your classmates and with more experienced dancers who show up to assist and encourage beginning dancers. Like all Albuquerque Tango Festival milongas, we celebrate the event with cake! 

 The cost for this three hour class is $65. Registration can be done online: Online Registration or at the door. Space is limited. 

Click here for more information on the Albuquerque Tango Festival!

Space-Saving “Hacks” for your Apartment

Even if you’re settled in to your apartment at The Resort at Sandia Village, it’s natural to always look for ways to improve it and make the best use of your space. Whether it’s throwing away old, useless furniture or combining items for multifunctionality, every apartment has tons of potential for space-saving and livability.

Over at Redbook Magazine, Julianne Adams wrote about some great ways to “hack” your apartment and make the best use of the space that you have. Among her tips:

Get your mess in orderIt’s nearly impossible to live a clutter-free life, so stop judging yourself and embrace your “bad” habit—within reason. “Avoid creating chaos by containing your procrastination to a landing strip,” says Mahoney. This could be a basket in your bedroom or an entryway table. Just remember to clean it off weekly. Otherwise, things can easily get out of control.  

Clear spacesGiven the limited size of your apartment, you may be tempted to have your living spaces overlap with each other. Mahoney suggests just the opposite, because, after all, the kitchen is the kitchen, not your office. Keep areas separated with furniture, rugs, or curtains. Doing so will make it feel like you have more room, as well as help keep you organized.  

Find multitaskersDouble duty should be the name of the game in your apartment. Storage ottomans, shelved headboards, and expandable tables are classic examples. Pull a bookcase away from the wall to use it as a room divider, display sentimental items, or turn a shelf horizontal and toss on pillows for a storage bench. Seemingly dead space can also be transformed by adding a small curtain to a nightstand to stash more items and hide clutter. Mahoney recommends Danny Seo or Zara Home for stylish storage options.  

Let there be light“The key to creating a bigger feel is creating optical illusions,” writes Mahoney, who believes this is best achieved through adding light. Open your space up to natural sunlight, then use mirrors and reflective surfaces to make the light flow throughout the room and add depth. Overhead lighting and soft-lit floor lamps can help you do it, as can pink bulbs, which create a natural, soft glow.

To read Redbook’s full article, click here.

“Where is Your Mind?” ABQ is Where!

One of the most influential bands of the 1990s, the Pixies have gathered a cult following since they unofficially retired in 1994. Although they reunited in 2004, the band known for its music’s appearance in “Fight Club” has still been flying under the radar for the past decade.

But the band is embarking on an ambitious revival tour, and like many of today’s biggest acts, they’re making a stop in Albuquerque along the way. On February 25, 2014, at the KivaAuditiorium, the Pixies will play their signature alternative rock that paved the way for Nirvana, Radiohead, and Pearl Jam.

The Pixies have announced a new 33-city North American tour, which includes a visit to Albuquerque. AMP, Heath Concerts & Joe Anderson Werks present The Pixies with Best Coast on Tuesday, February 25 at the Kiva Auditorium (Albuquerque Convention Center) at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $39, $46 and $58 (including all service charges). 

 The Pixies have been acclaimed as the most influential pioneering band of the late 80s alt/rock movement. Their five studio releases and initial six years together effectively blazed the path for groups like Nirvana, Radiohead and Pearl Jam to rise to superstardom. The Pixies disbanded in 1993 and launched their reunion tour in April 2004. Virtually every single date sold out within minutes and fans traveled hundreds of miles to attend a show. 

 Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 am at http://www.ampconcerts.org and Hold My Ticket (112 2nd St SW), 505-886-1251, Monday to Friday 9 AM - 6 PM, Sat & Sun 11 AM - 6 PM.

Work Off that Halloween Candy in Advance

Halloween is quickly approaching, but you don’t have to wait until the big day to celebrate and get to know your neighbors a little bit.

On Sunday, October 27, at 6:30 am, participate in the 7th Annual Day of the Tread, a Halloween-themed race that you can complete by bike or on foot. Whichever you choose, you can join the post-ride celebration, enjoy a course lined with musicians, entertainment, and Halloween themed contests. Although costumes aren’t mandatory, they’re certainly encouraged. We wonder how many Walter White costumes there will be in Albuquerque this Halloween!

This year’s event benefits Casa Esperanza, a local organization that provides affordable homes and support to cancer victims and their families in the Albuquerque area. You can learn more about them at their website.

You can register for the event by October 25 three different ways:

1. Click here to register on Active.com or New Mexico Sports Online

2. Download the 2013 Registration Form and drop it off by October 24th at:

REI Albuquerque

1550 Mercantile Ave NE

Albuquerque, NM 87107

505-247-1191

3. Start Treadin' for Casa and join the Fundraising Challenge at active.com. Raise $150 by October 1, 2013 and we will register you and pay for your registration.

And here’s the official event description, from the Day of the Tread’s website:

Join us for a family-oriented, Halloween-themed charitable 12-100 mile bike ride, full or half marathon, and 5k/10k walk/run. Whether you ride, run or walk, the 2013 Day of the Tread has a treat for everyone! 

 Reward yourself for all those long hot summer days in the sun, with crisp air, picturesque landscape, and lots of fun! Join us for a family-oriented, Halloween-themed charitable 12-100 mile bike ride, full or half marathon, and 5k/10k walk/run. Whether you ride, run or walk, the 2013 Day of the Tread has a treat for everyone!

Celebrate 30+ Years of Great #ABQ Culture

Albuquerque's art scene has been experiencing a renaissance in recent years. Albuquerque is a multicultural city, and our city government recognizes this through its programs that support culture and the arts throughout the region.

The Urban Enhancement Trust Fund and Albuquerque Public Art are two city-funded programs that support art and culture in our community, and on Thursday, October 10, you can join other fans of these programs and their representatives at a dual anniversary event.

This year, the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund and Albuquerque Public Arts are holding their 30th and 35th Anniversary parties, respectively, at the KiMo Theater. The event is free and open to the public.

Some background info on both organizations:

The Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (UETF) is a public endowment created by the Albuquerque City Council in 1983 to fund both capital and cultural projects.  In 2004, the City Council amended the ordinance to provide that all funds available from the endowment should be directed to cultural projects.
 The ordinance also provides for an eleven-member citizens' committee called the UETF Committee that is responsible for establishing guidelines, criteria for project selection for each two-year granting cycle and oversight for each funded project throughout the two years
 ...
 The bold initiative, Art in Municipal Places Ordinance, set aside 1% of City construction funds derived from the general obligation bond program and certain revenue bonds for the purchase or commission of works of art.
 The Public Art Program is administered by a professional staff under the direction of the Mayor of the City of Albuquerque. A basic factor in art selection depends on the site for the artwork. Once the site is confirmed, a process begins to identify a work that is in harmony with its surroundings and also supports the community interest. The final decisions rest with a diverse committee charged with deciding how artworks can relate to the physical, social, cultural, and historical qualities of the community while maintaining a unique and powerful expression of artistic vision.